bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytoplankton Community and Physico-chemical Parameters Influence on the Seasonal Visits of Lesser Flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor) in Chelekleka Wetland, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrekidan Mebrat Teklemariam , Bekele Afework , Tsegaye Diress , Tilahun Hailu , Beyene Getacher , Bogale Bezawork Afework 
Published: January 2025

Background and Research Aims Lesser flamingo ( Phoeniconaias minor) is an intra-African migratory bird species recorded mainly in alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley. Temporal patterns of Lesser flamingo visits may be related to the abundance and availability of their primary phytoplankton food items, and phytoplankton growth and composition may also be influenced by water quality parameters. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Lesser flamingo abundance and the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland and its phytoplankton community dynamics. Methods We measured the abundance of Lesser flamingos using the ground vantage point counting method. We assessed water physico-chemical characteristics using field measurements of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, electrical conductivity and turbidity, and laboratory sample analyses for phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, silica, alkalinity and chlorophyll a. We also measured phytoplankton diversity and abundance in the laboratory. Results The physico-chemical characteristics of the Chelekleka wetland showed a favorable environment for biological productivity and physiological activities of aquatic organisms. High phytoplankton richness (83 taxa) and abundance were recorded in the wetland. Lesser flamingo abundance varied significantly in response to the abundance of preferred phytoplankton prey items, which could be attributed to the effect of aquatic grazers and changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the wetland. Conclusion Water physico-chemical characteristics influence the abundance and availability of phytoplankton in the seasonally flooded wetland, which in turn influences the seasonal visitation and abundance of Lesser flamingos foraging on phytoplankton prey. Implications for Conservation We recommend that the local government and other relevant stakeholders implement integrated wetland conservation practices to alleviate wetland degradation and conserve the ecosystem and its associated wildlife.
Clinical characteristics of Plasmodium vivax malaria infection in children and adolescents in the Republic of Korea during the period 2000 to 2016: a retrospective study
Authors: Lee Jung Ah , Song Je Eun , Park Seong Yeon , Park Yoon Soo , Park Yoonseon , Kwak Yee Gyung , Lee Sang-Eun , Shin Hyun-Il , Yeom Joon-Sup 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Although Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) malaria is in the pre-elimination phase in the Republic of Korea (ROK), it continues to affect children and adolescents, who account for approximately 4–6% of the 300 to 500 annual cases. Despite this, research focusing on P. vivax malaria in this particular population remains limited. This study investigates the clinical characteristics of pediatric P. vivax malaria in the ROK from 2000 to 2016.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients aged 0–18 years, diagnosed with P. vivax malaria in five hospitals in Goyang City and Seoul. Data on demographics, clinical presentations, treatment regimens, and outcomes were collected. Statistical analyses were performed for comparisons between severe and non-severe cases, across age groups, and assessing trends over time.

Results
A total of 156 pediatric cases of indigenous P. vivax malaria were diagnosed. The median patient age was 13 years (men: 64.7%). Severe malaria occurred in 13.5% patients, predominantly in adolescents aged 15–18 years. The most common severe manifestations were jaundice (57.1%) and anemia (33.3%). In the ROK, the treatment regimen for pediatric P. vivax malaria involves oral administration of chloroquine at a dose of 25 mg base/kg divided over 3 days, followed by primaquine at a dose of 0.3 mg/kg for 14 days. Although all patients received chloroquine, a higher proportion of younger patients received a dose less than 25 mg/kg (87.5%, 85.5%, and 58.6% of those aged 0–4, 5–14, and 15–18 years, respectively; p < 0.001). Parasite clearance time (PCT) increased over the years, suggesting a potential decline in the chloroquine sensitivity of P. vivax. No deaths or significant long-term complications were reported.

Conclusions
Pediatric P. vivax malaria showed a low incidence of severe cases and no mortality in the ROK. Underdosing of antimalarial drugs was observed, underscoring the need for educating healthcare providers to ensure appropriate dosing. Increasing PCT highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of drug efficacy in this population. Further research on the evolving sensitivity of P. vivax and improved treatment protocols is thus essential.
3D synergistic tumor-liver analysis further improves the efficacy prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-center study
Authors: Jiang Yurong , Zhang Jiawei , Liu Zhaochen , Zhang Jinxiong , Yu Xiangrong , Lin Danyan , Dong Dandan , Cai Mingyue , Duan Chongyang , Liu Shuyi , Wang Wenhui , Chen Yuan , Li Qiyang , Xu Weiguo , Huang Meiyan , Fu Sirui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Besides tumorous information, synergistic liver parenchyma assessments may provide additional insights into the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate whether 3D synergistic tumor-liver analysis could improve the prediction accuracy for HCC prognosis.

Methods
A total of 422 HCC patients from six centers were included. Datasets were divided into training and external validation datasets. Besides tumor, we also performed automatic 3D assessment of liver parenchyma by extracting morphological and high-dimensional data, respectively. Subsequently, we constructed a tumor model, a tumor-liver model, a clinical model and an integrated model combining information from clinical factors, tumor and liver parenchyma. Their discrimination and calibration were compared to determine the optimal model. Subgroup analysis was conducted to test the robustness, and survival analysis was conducted to identify high- and low-risk populations.

Results
The tumor-liver model was superior to the tumor model in terms of both discrimination (training dataset: 0.747 vs. 0.722; validation dataset: 0.719 vs. 0.683) and calibration. Moreover, the integrated model was superior to the clinical model and tumor-liver model, particularly in discrimination (training dataset: 0.765 vs. 0.695 vs. 0.747; validation dataset: 0.739 vs. 0.628 vs. 0.719). The AUC of the integrated model was not influenced by AFP level, BCLC stage, Child–Pugh grade, and treatment style in training (6 months p value: 0.245–0.452; 12 months p value: 0.357–0.845) and validation (6 months p value: 0.294–0.638; 12 months p value: 0.365–0.937) datasets. With a risk score of 1.06, high- and low-risk populations demonstrated significant difference for progression-free survival (p < 0.001 in both datasets).

Conclusions
Combined with clinical factors, 3D synergistic tumor-liver assessment improved the efficacy prediction of HCC.
Regular versus as-needed treatments for mild asthma in children, adolescents, and adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Pornsuriyasak Prapaporn , Sa-nguansai Sunatee , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Numthavaj Pawin , McKay Gareth J. , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are recommended treatment for mild asthma. We aimed to update the evidence on the efficacy and safety of ICS-containing regimens, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), and tiotropium relative to as-needed (AN) short-acting β2-agonists (SABA) in children (aged 6–11 years) and adolescents/adults.

Methods
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of regular and AN treatment for mild asthma was conducted (CRD42022352384). PubMed, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched up to 31st March 2024. RCTs in children or adolescents/adults with mild asthma were eligible if they compared any of the following treatments: ICS alone or in combination with fast-acting bronchodilators (FABA, i.e., formoterol or SABA) or long-acting β2-agonists (LABA), LTRA, tiotropium, and SABA alone, for the following outcomes: exacerbations, asthma symptoms, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), asthma-specific quality-of-life (QoL), or severe adverse events (SAEs). The two-stage network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to pool risk ratios (RR) or mean differences for treatment outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB2). This review followed the PRISMA reporting guideline and the PRISMA checklist is presented in Additional file 2.

Results
Thirteen RCTs in children and 29 in adolescents/adults were included. Regular ICS ranked best for preventing exacerbations and improving FEV1 in children. NMA of RCTs suggested regular ICS were better in preventing exacerbations than LTRA (RR [95% confidence intervals], (0.81 [0.69,0.96]) and AN-SABA (0.61 [0.48,0.78]), and not different from AN-ICS (0.83 [0.62,1.12]). In adolescents/adults, for preventing severe exacerbations, regular ICS outperformed AN-SABA (0.58 [0.46,0.73]), but AN-ICS/FABA (0.73 [0.54,0.97]), and regular ICS/LABA (0.68 [0.48,0.97]) surpassed regular ICS. Symptom relief and improved FEV1 were not different among the ICS-containing regimens. Regular ICS ranked best for improved QoL and least likely for SAEs.

Conclusions
Regular ICS use may be the most effective treatment for preventing exacerbation and increasing FEV1 in children with mild asthma. In adolescents/adults, ICS-containing regimens outperformed AN-SABA for exacerbation prevention. With varying degrees of heterogeneity, severe exacerbation risk in adolescents/adults might be lower with regular ICS/LABA or AN-ICS/FABA than regular ICS, where AN-ICS/FABA may not be suitable for patients with low FEV1. Additionally, regular ICS use may enhance FEV1 and QoL more than AN-SABA and LTRA.
Evaluating agreement between individual nutrition randomised controlled trials and cohort studies - a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Stadelmaier Julia , Bantle Gina , Gorenflo Lea , Kiesswetter Eva , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Schwingshackl Lukas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In nutrition research, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies provide complementary evidence. This meta-epidemiological study aims to evaluate the agreement of effect estimates from individual nutrition RCTs and cohort studies investigating a highly similar research question and to investigate determinants of disagreement.

Methods
MEDLINE, Epistemonikos, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from January 2010 to September 2021. We matched individual RCTs to cohort studies based on population, intervention/exposure, comparator, and outcome (PI/ECO) characteristics. Two reviewers independently extracted study characteristics and effect estimates and rated the risk of bias using RoB2 and ROBINS-E. Agreement of matched RCTs/cohort studies was analysed by pooling ratio of risk ratios (RRR) and difference of (standardised) mean differences (DSMD).

Results
We included 64 RCT/cohort study pairs with 4,136,837 participants. Regarding PI/ECO similarity, 20.3% pairs were “more or less identical”, 71.9% “similar but not identical” and 7.8% “broadly similar”. Most RCTs were classified as “low risk of bias” (26.6%) or with “some concerns” (65.6%); cohort studies were mostly rated with “some concerns” (46.6%) or “high risk of bias” (47.9%), driven by inadequate control of important confounding factors. Effect estimates across RCTs and cohort studies were in high agreement (RRR 1.00 (95% CI 0.91–1.10, n = 54); and DSMD − 0.26 (95% CI − 0.87–0.35, n = 7)). In meta-regression analyses exploring determinants of disagreements, risk-of-bias judgements tend to have had more influence on the effect estimate than “PI/ECO similarity” degree.

Conclusions
Effect estimates of nutrition RCTs and cohort studies were generally similar. Careful consideration and evaluation of PI/ECO characteristics and risk of bias is crucial for a trustworthy utilisation of evidence from RCTs and cohort studies.
Green sanctuaries: residential green and garden space and the natural environment mitigate mental disorders risk of diabetic patients
Authors: Xue Erxu , Zhao Jianhui , Ye Jingyu , Wu Jingjie , Chen Dandan , Shao Jing , Li Xue , Ye Zhihong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The co-occurrence of diabetes and mental disorders is an exceedingly common comorbidity with poor prognosis. We aim to investigate the impact of green space, garden space, and the natural environment on the risk of mental disorders among the population living with diabetes.

Methods
We performed a longitudinal analysis based on 39,397 participants with diabetes from the UK Biobank. Residential green and garden space modeled from land use data and the natural environment from Land Cover Map were assigned to the residential address for each participant. Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the associations between nature exposures and mental disorders of diabetes. Casual mediation analysis was used to quantify indirect effect of air pollution.

Results
During a mean follow-up of 7.55 years, 4513 incident mental disorders cases were identified, including 2952 depressive disorders and 1209 anxiety disorders. Participants with natural environment at 300 m buffer in the second and third tertiles had 7% (HR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.86–0.99) and 12% (HR = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.82–0.94) lower risks of incident mental disorders compared with those in the first tertile, respectively. The risk of mental disorders incidence among diabetes patients will decrease by 13% when exposed to the third tertile of garden space at 300 m buffer. The natural environment and garden space individually prevented 6.65% and 10.18% of mental disorders incidents among diabetes patients. The risk of incident mental disorders was statistically decreased when exposed to the third tertile of green space at 1000 m buffer (HR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.78–0.90). Protective effects of three nature exposures against depressive and anxiety disorders in diabetes patients were also observed. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and fine particulate matter, significantly contributed to the associations between nature exposures and mental disorders, mediating 48.3%, 29.2%, and 62.4% of the associations, respectively.

Conclusions
Residential green and garden space and the natural environment could mitigate mental disorders risk in diabetes patients, with air pollution playing a vital mediator. This highlights the potential for local governments to enhance the sustainability of such interventions, grounded in public health and urban planning, through strategic planning initiatives.

Graphical Abstract
Association between adolescent obesity and early adulthood healthcare utilization—a two-cohort prospective study
Authors: Hagman Emilia , Halsteinli Vidar , Putri Resthie R. , Hansen Edwards Christina , Waaler Bjørnelv Gudrun , Marcus Claude , Ødegård Rønnaug A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Pediatric obesity is a growing global health challenge, with long-term implications for individuals and healthcare systems. Existing studies on the association between pediatric obesity and healthcare use in adulthood are limited and often rely on mathematical simulation models. This study aims to provide real-world data on the impact of adolescent obesity on specialized healthcare utilization and costs in early adulthood.

Methods
This study analyzed data from two longitudinal cohorts: a population-based cohort from Norway (Young-HUNT) and a clinical cohort from Sweden (BORIS), the latter with matched general population comparators. Individuals included were born between 1987 and 1994, with BMI measurements at ages 13–19, and follow-up data from ages 20 to 30 years. Healthcare utilization and costs were assessed using national patient registries.

Results
A total of 7592 individuals from Norway (5.7% with adolescent obesity) and 1543 individuals from Sweden with adolescent obesity, accompanied with 7330 matched general population comparators, were included. Among females, adolescent obesity was associated with significantly higher specialized healthcare utilization and costs in young adulthood, e.g., in Sweden, females with adolescent obesity had a 57% probability of annual specialized healthcare visits at ages 25–29, compared to 49% among the general population, p < 0.0001. In Norway, a similar pattern was observed. Among males, the association between obesity and healthcare utilization/annual specialized visits was less prominent. Annual excess costs for females with a history of adolescent obesity ranged from €578 to €835, while males showed minimal or no annual excess costs.

Conclusions
Analyses of real-world data cohorts from Norway and Sweden reveal that adolescent obesity is associated with increased healthcare utilization and costs in young adulthood, exceeding previous estimates. A distinct sex difference was evident, with females incurring higher costs compared to males.
Predictors of insecticide-treated nets utilization among children under five years in refugee settlements in Uganda: analysis of the 2018–2019 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Semakula Henry Musoke , Mugagga Frank 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Despite significant distribution of insecticide-treated net (ITNs) by the Government of Uganda to refugees, malaria is major cause of mortality and morbidity among children under five years in refugee settlements. This highlights the persistent challenges and complexities surrounding malaria control and prevention efforts in these settings. Studies that focus on the determinants of ITN utilization among children under five years in refugee settlements in Uganda are not available. Using the 2018–2019 Uganda’s Malaria Indicator Survey (UMIS) data, analysis of the individual and household factors associated with utilization of ITN among children under five in refugee settlements of Uganda was conducted.

Methods
This study focused on 589 children under five staying in refugee settlements located in Uganda. The extracted variables from the UMIS included social-economic factors associated with ITN utilization. Descriptive analysis was performed to generate summarized statistics, while inferential statistics by way of bivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between the outcome and the independent variables using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression modelling to assess the magnitude of the associations after controlling for other covariates. All analyses considered the survey sampling design and sampling weights, and are conducted in Stata version 18.

Results
The odds of children sleeping under ITN were higher if their mothers had secondary and higher education (8.1 times) as well as primary education (1.5 times). The odds of children sleeping under ITN reduced by 50% if their mothers were pregnant. Interestingly, the odds of children sleeping under ITN were 70% lower if their mothers knew that ‘not sleeping in nets’ caused malaria. Mothers who were exposed to malaria messages had lower odds of their children sleeping under ITNs.

Conclusions
The results highlight areas of intervention that can increase ITN use in refugee settlements of Uganda. Improving access to education for mothers, providing targeted health education on the importance of ITN, dispelling misconceptions about malaria transmission, facilitating the proper installation of ITNs among others, can all contribute to increased ITN utilization among children under five.
Super-enhancers in tumors: unraveling recent advances in their role in Oncogenesis and the emergence of targeted therapies
Authors: Ji Yumeng , Li Baixue , Lin Rongjin , Yuan Jing , Han Yang , Du Yuping , Zhao Yang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Super enhancers are a unique class of enhancers that possess a distinct structure and mechanism, which enable them to exhibit stronger gene transcription regulatory function than classical enhancers, thereby regulating cellular activities. In tumor samples, super enhancers have been identified as crucial players in the development and progression of tumor cells, opening up new avenues for cancer research and treatment. This review provides a concise overview of various models regarding super enhancer assembly and activation, examining the mechanisms through which tumor cells acquire or activate these enhancers and regulate carcinogenic transcription programs. Furthermore, we discuss the current landscape and challenges in developing cancer therapeutic drugs that target super enhancers.
Exercise training partly ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in mice during doxorubicin treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Uurasmaa Tytti-Maria , Bourdin Pauline , Nammas Wail , Latifi Shiva , Liljenbäck Heidi , Saraste Antti , Eskola Olli , Rajander Johan , Roivainen Anne , Rundqvist Helene , Autio Anu , Heinonen Ilkka , Anttila Katja 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various cancers. Exercise training (ET) can attenuate some cardiotoxic effects of doxorubicin (DOX) in tumor-free animals. However, the ET effects on cardiac function and glucose metabolism in DOX-treated breast cancer models remain unclear.

Objectives
This study investigated ET-induced structural, functional, vascular, oxidative stress, and plausible glucose uptake alterations of the left ventricle (LV) in a murine breast cancer model during DOX treatment.

Methods
Female FVB/N-mice were divided to tumor-free groups with or without voluntary wheel-running ET and those inoculated subcutaneously with mammary tumor-derived I3TC-cells with or without exercise or DOX treatment (5 mg/kg/week). Mice underwent 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and echocardiography after two and four DOX-doses. The cardiac histology, oxidative stress, maximal metabolic enzyme activities, and mitochondrial respiration were analyzed.

Results
DOX increased LV glucose uptake (LVGU) and mitochondrial uncoupling and decreased running activity, LV-weight, and ejection fraction (EF). In DOX-treated group ET blunted the increase in LVGU, increased LV-weight and EF, and lowered LV lactate dehydrogenase activity. DOX-treated exercised mice did not differ from tumor-bearing group without DOX in LVGU or from the tumor-free ET-group in LV-weight or EF whereas unexercised DOX-treated group did. ET also increased LV citrate synthase activity in tumor-bearing animals. There was an inverse association between LVGU and EF and LV-weight.

Conclusion
In a murine breast cancer model, voluntary ET moderated DOX-induced cardiotoxicities such as increased LVGU, LV-atrophy and decreased EF. This suggests that ET might benefit patients with cancer undergoing doxorubicin treatment by mitigating cardiotoxicity.