bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The microRNA landscape and regulatory network in Clonorchis sinensis-infected hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for tumor progression
Authors: Wei Caibiao , Chen Junxian , Huang Taijun , Zhou Lingling , Xu Yulong , Lin Qiumei , Qin Yuling , Tang Zeli , Yang Weilong , Fang Min 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, and its progression is associated with various factors, including parasitic infections such as Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis). Although C. sinensis infection has been implicated in HCC, the molecular mechanisms, particularly the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), remain poorly understood. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the miRNA expression profiles in C. sinensis
+ and C. sinensis
− HCC tissues.

Method
We performed miRNA sequencing on HCC tissues from C. sinensis
+ and C. sinensis
− patients, followed by bioinformatics analyses to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and their target genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to explore relevant biological processes, while a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed to investigate the interactions among miRNAs, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Additionally, we performed survival analysis using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) based on the The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (TCGA-LIHC) cohort and assessed the clinical relevance of DEMs. Key miRNAs identified from this analysis were further validated through quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays to confirm their expression in MHCC97H.

Results
Our research identified significant miRNA dysregulation in C. sinensis
+ HCC tumors compared with C. sinensis
− HCC tumors. Notably, miR-143-3p, miR-10a-5p, and miR-100-5p were upregulated in C. sinensis
+ HCC, contributing to immune responses and tumor progression, while let-7 family members and miR-221-3p were downregulated, affecting metabolic pathways. GO enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of developmental processes, immune system regulation, and metabolic reprogramming in C. sinensis
+ HCC. The construction of a ceRNA network revealed key interactions between miRNAs, lncRNAs, and mRNAs in C. sinensis
+ HCC, suggesting regulatory mechanisms that could be potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, validation through qRT-PCR confirmed these findings, highlighting miRNA dysregulation as a critical factor in C. sinensis
+ HCC progression.

Conclusions
This study provides novel insights into the role of miRNAs in C. sinensis-infected HCC progression. The findings highlight the critical role of miRNA dysregulation in the progression of C. sinensis-associated HCC, emphasizing the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting these molecular alterations in affected patients.

Graphical Abstract
Dynamics of Tunga penetrans infections and severity of associated morbidity among pigs during the dry season in rural Uganda
Authors: Mutebi Francis , von Samson-Himmelstjerna Georg , Feldmeier Hermann , Mencke Norbert , Waiswa Charles , Krücken Jürgen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Tungiasis is a neglected tropical disease which is common in impoverished communities. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is caused by female sand fleas, Tunga penetrans, and pigs are amongst the major domestic animal reservoirs. Depending on the environment, tungiasis occurs throughout the year or preferentially in the dry seasons. This study investigated changes in sand flea abundance and associated morbidity in pigs during a dry season.

Methods

Tunga penetrans lesions were counted and staged in 35 pigs amongst 22 households with at least one affected pig. Five weekly examinations were performed per animal during a dry season. Enrolment of pigs into the study lasted 17 days and examination was performed for 43 days. The severity score for acute pig tungiasis (SSAPT) was determined for each visit. Generalised linear mixed models (GLMM) were fitted on an absolute time scale to understand factors influencing the changes in abundance of sand flea lesions and SSAPT.

Results
The prevalence/abundance of tungiasis-associated lesions increased from 57.1%/median 1 lesion at baseline to 71.4%/median 11 lesions after 4 weeks. In parallel, the median SSAPT increased from zero to six. The GLMM analyses fitting negative binomial models to the lesion numbers revealed that time had a linear and a quadratic effect for the viable stages 2 and 3a, and all viable sand flea stages in general with maximal abundance of sand fleas on days 17–18, 33 and 35 from the beginning of the study, respectively. The model for the total number of sand flea lesions, which included dead and excoriated sand fleas, showed the same trend but the peak was not reached within the study period. The number of stage 3b lesions was unexpectedly low. The SSAPT increased linearly over time and was highly dependent on the initial number of sand fleas at enrolment.

Conclusions
There were increasing intensities of sand fleas and SSAPT in domestic pigs during the dry season. The ensuing environmental contamination by off-host stages of T. penetrans increases the risk of transmission to other susceptible hosts, including humans.

Graphical Abstract
On the Role of Core Exercises in Alleviating Muscular Fatigue Induced by Prolonged Sitting: A Scoping Review
Authors: Amiri Banafsheh , Behm David G. , Zemková Erika 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Prolonged sitting induces fatigue in deep trunk muscles, thereby decreasing spinal support and increasing stress on the spine. Core exercises effectively facilitate recovery from trunk muscle fatigue based on evidence from subjective outcomes; however, there is a lack of systematic investigation into localized muscle activity specifically related to prolonged sitting. Therefore, this scoping review summarizes the evidence on the effects of core exercises in alleviating trunk muscular fatigue induced by prolonged sitting, focusing on objective outcomes such as electromyography (EMG) and tensiomyography.

Methods
Articles published between January 2010 and February 2024 were sought in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library, as well as Elsevier, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The findings were reported following the guidelines provided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist.

Results
Out of 106 papers initially identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. During core exercises, fatigued trunk muscles exhibit an increase in EMG root mean square (RMS) values. In the post-intervention (from 9 days to 8 weeks), tensiomyography outcomes of the erector spinae muscles significantly improved, whilst EMG results were insignificant. The contraction times of both the left and right erector spinae balanced out, indicating a harmonizing effect of the exercise. Regarding the recovery of other trunk muscles, only the transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles exhibited a significant increase in the EMG median frequency that decreased over prolonged sitting.

Conclusions
Core exercises are effective in alleviating muscular fatigue caused by prolonged sitting. This can be observed from significant changes in EMG and tensiomyography parameters during exercise and after the training protocol. Intervention studies have primarily targeted the recovery of the erector spinae muscles, with less attention on other trunk muscles. Although significant improvements in tensiomyography results for the erector spinae can be observed after core exercise intervention, the impact on EMG remains uncertain.

Key Points

Core exercises have an acute effect on reducing muscle fatigue caused by prolonged sitting.

Core exercise intervention studies, primarily targeting the erector spinae muscles, significantly improve tensiomyography outcomes, but evidence for electromyography outcomes is lacking. In addition, few studies have analyzed the electromyography mean frequency and root mean square values, which are crucial in assessing muscle fatigue and recovery.

Only a few studies have investigated the effectiveness of core exercises in restoring other trunk muscles, such as the transversus abdominis and multifidus, following prolonged sitting fatigue.
Urinary Catecholamines Predict Relapse During Complete Remission in High-Risk Neuroblastoma
Authors: Matser Yvette A.H. , Samim Atia , Fiocco Marta , van de Mheen Marieke , van der Ham Maria , de Sain-van der Velden Monique G.M. , Verhoeven-Duif Nanda M. , van Grotel Martine , Kraal Kathelijne C.J.M. , Dierselhuis Miranda P. , van Eijkelenburg Natasha K.A. , Langenberg Karin P.S. , van Noesel Max M. , van Kuilenburg André B.P. , Tytgat Godelieve A.M. 
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE
Urinary catecholamine metabolites are well-known biomarkers for the diagnosis (Dx) of neuroblastoma, but their clinical significance in determining therapy response during treatment is not well established. Therefore, catecholamines are not included in criteria for assessing response and complete remission (CR). This study investigated the use of urinary catecholamines in response monitoring and predicting survival outcomes.

METHODS
From 2005 to 2021, a panel of eight urinary catecholamines were measured in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma at Dx and at standard evaluation moments during treatment. At the same time points, response and CR were assessed according to the revised International Neuroblastoma Response Criteria.

RESULTS

The total cohort consists of 153 high-risk patients, and at least one of the eight metabolites was elevated (ie, catecholamine status positive) in 141 of 146 (97%), 104 of 128 (81%), and 39 of 69 (57%) patients at Dx, postinduction, and at CR, respectively. Primary tumor resection significantly reduced catecholamine levels (
P
< .01). A positive catecholamine status at Dx, during treatment, and at the end of treatment was not significantly associated with event-free survival (EFS) or overall survival (OS). However, in patients who achieved CR, those with a positive catecholamine status had poor EFS (38%
v
80%, respectively;
P
< .01) and OS (52%
v
86%, respectively;
P
= .01) compared with those with a negative catecholamine status. Notably, 3-methoxytyramine levels at CR seem to be a prognostic marker for poor OS (hazard ratio, 7.5 [95% CI, 2.0 to 28.6]).

CONCLUSION
Catecholamine measurements contribute to the assessment of CR and identifies patients with high-risk neuroblastoma with an increased risk of relapse and death.
Augmentation of Ipsilateral Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization After Unilateral Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation Using a Contralateral Approach: A Case Series of 26 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Campos Jessica K. , Meyer Benjamen M. , Laghari Fahad J. , Zarrin David A. , Khan M. Waqas , Collard de Beaufort Jonathan , Amin Gizal , Ramesh Ashish , Beaty Narlin B. , Suzuki Shuichi , Bender Matthew T. , Colby Geoffrey P. , Coon Alexander L. 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
After surgical drainage of a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization aids in preventing the revascularization of the cSDH membranes at the capillary level and, in turn, reaccumulation. With the MMA circulation ipsilateral to the surgical side often being disrupted, there is recruitment of collaterals from the contralateral MMA tree to the ipsilateral cSDH membranes. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ability of additive contralateral liquid embolic (LE) injection after ipsilateral surgery to augment MMA embolization. We hypothesized that contralateral LE injection may provide additional MMA embolization to the affected ipsilateral side and increase response to treatment.

METHODS:
Consecutive cases of unilateral cSDH surgery with ipsilateral MMA embolization and additive contralateral LE injection were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database of the senior authors.

RESULTS:
Over the study period, 26 consecutive cases of recurrent cSDH after unilateral surgery were identified. There was an average age of 73 ± 2.7 years (range 27-90 years), and 14 patients (54%) were female. All 26 patients (100%) had previous burr holes or a craniotomy. The average cSDH thickness after surgery and before embolization was 10 ± 0.3 mm, and the average midline shift was 3.5 ± 0.7 mm. Of the 26 patients who underwent bilateral MMA embolization, 96% had over-the-top contralateral-to-ipsilateral LE injection and penetration, providing additional embolization to membranes of the index ipsilateral cSDH. The average cSDH thickness on follow-up was 4 ± 5 mm and midline shift of 0.2 ± 0.7 mm. Complete cSDH resolution was achieved in 7 patients (39%). Two patients had cSDH recurrence, one of which required reoperation. There were no LE or catheter-related complications.

CONCLUSION:
Contralateral MMA embolization in patients who have undergone ipsilateral cSDH evacuation and traditional ipsilateral MMA embolization allows for over-the-top LE penetration of cSDH membranes, thereby further augmenting the desired ipsilateral MMA embolization.
Off-line Estimation of Controlled Markov Chains: Minimaxity and Sample Complexity
Authors: Banerjee Imon , Honnappa Harsha , Rao Vinayak 
Published: February 2025

New Insights into Off-line Estimation for Controlled Markov Chains Unveiled A team of researchers from Purdue and Northwestern Universities have unveiled new findings in off-line estimation for controlled Markov chains, addressing challenges in analyzing complex data generated under arbitrary dynamics. The study introduces a nonparametric estimator for transition probabilities, showcasing its robustness even in nonstationary, non-Markovian environments. The team developed precise sample complexity bounds, revealing a delicate interplay between mixing properties of the logging policy and data set size. Their analysis highlights how achieving optimal statistical risk depends on this trade-off, broadening the scope of off-line estimation under diverse conditions. Examples include ergodic and weakly ergodic chains as well as controlled chains with episodic or greedy controls. Significantly, this research confirms that the widely used estimator, which calculates state–action transition ratios, is minimax optimal, ensuring its reliability in general scenarios. This advancement paves the way for improved evaluation of stationary Markov control policies, marking a breakthrough in understanding complex off-line systems.
Perceptions and predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers across five countries in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Madzorera Isabel , Abokyi Livesy Naafoe , Apraku Edward , Azemraw Temesgen , Boudo Valentin , James Christabel , Wang Dongqing , Mapendo Frank , Millogo Ourohiré , Assefa Nega , Chukwu Angela , Workneh Firehiwot , Lankoande Bruno , Hemler Elena C. , Ismail Abbas , Abubakari Sulemana , Asante Kwaku Poku , Berhane Yemane , Killewo Japhet , Oduola Ayoade , Sie Ali , Soura Abdramane , Mwanyika-Sando Mary , Vuai Said , Smith Emily , Baernighausen Till , Tajudeen Raji , Fawzi Wafaie W. 
Published: February 2025

The African continent has some of the world’s lowest COVID-19 vaccination rates. While the limited availability of vaccines is a contributing factor, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare providers (HCP) is another factor that could adversely affect efforts to control infections on the continent. We sought to understand the extent of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCP, and its contributing factors in Africa. We evaluated COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among 1,499 HCP enrolled in a cross-sectional study conducted as a telephone survey in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Ghana between July to December of 2021. We defined COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCP as self-reported responses of definitely not, maybe, unsure, or undecided on whether to get the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to definitely getting the vaccine. We used log-binomial or modified Poisson regression models to evaluate factors influencing vaccine hesitancy among HCP. Approximately 65.6% of the HCP interviewed were nurses and the mean age (±SD) of participants was 35.8 (±9.7) years. At least 67% of the HCP reported being vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy affected 45.7% of the HCP in Burkina Faso, 25.7% in Tanzania, 9.8% in Ethiopia, 9% in Ghana and 8.1% in Nigeria. Among unvaccinated HCP reasons for low vaccine uptake included concern about vaccine effectiveness, side effects, and fear of receiving experimental and unsafe vaccines. HCP reporting that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective (RR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.55), and older HCP (45 or older vs.20–29 years, RR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.95) were less likely to be vaccine-hesitant. Nurses were more likely to be vaccine-hesitant (RR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.89) than doctors. Information asymmetry among HCP, beliefs about vaccine effectiveness, and the endorsement of vaccines by public health institutions may be important. Efforts to address hesitancy should consider information and knowledge gaps among different cadres of HCP alongside efforts to increase vaccine supply.
Unveiling triple vulnerability among Mozambican female sex workers—Stigma, physical violence and sexual violence
Authors: Luiz Naira , Muleia Rachid , Abecasis Ana , Banze Auria , Langa Denise , Semá Baltazar Cynthia 
Published: February 2025

Background
In the shadows of Mozambique’s urban landscape, an invisible struggle unfolds among its most vulnerable: Female Sex Workers (FSWSs). FSWs bear a disproportionate burden of violence as a consequence of the stigma surrounding their profession, as both stigma and violence create significant barriers to the progress of HIV elimination within this group by limiting their access to prevention and treatment services, discourages them from seeking help, while violence itself increases vulnerability to HIV. This study examines the patterns of stigma, physical and sexual violence, and HIV among FSWs.

Methodology
A secondary analysis was performed using data from a cross-sectional Bio-Behavioral Survey (BBS) conducted among FSW ≥15 and old, implemented between 2019–2020 in five urban areas. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was utilized to recruit participants. Aggregate weighted estimates were calculated for self-reported stigma, physical, and sexual violence. Associations between variables were assessed using chi-squared tests, and multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with stigma, physical violence, and sexual violence.

Results
Among 2,567 FSWs surveyed, 24.7% reported experiencing stigma, while 52.3% and 37.9% reported physical and sexual violence, respectively, in the six months preceding the survey. The likelihood of experiencing stigma was over six times higher for FSWs who engaged with more than 7 clients (AOR = 6.1; p <0.001). Drug use was associated with a twofold increase in the odds of physical violence (AOR = 2.3; p <0.001) and a nearly threefold increase in the odds of sexual violence (AOR = 2.7; p <0.001). HIV-positive FSWs were at increased risk for both physical violence (AOR = 1.2; p = 0.006) and sexual violence (AOR = 1.2; p = 0.031).

Conclusion
This study highlights the substantial burden of stigma and violence among FSWs in Mozambique’s urban areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to reduce stigma, prevent violence, and protect the rights of FSWs. Addressing these issues is essential for achieving the goals of HIV prevention and treatment in this vulnerable population.
Perceptions and experiences of young adults and their healthcare team of the D1 Now type 1 diabetes intervention
Authors: McCarthy Elizabeth M. , Dinneen Sean F. , Byrne Molly , Morrissey Eimear C. , Casey Dympna 
Published: February 2025

Background
Young adults (18–25 years) with type 1 diabetes can have high blood glucose levels, increasing their risk of complications. The D1 Now intervention aimed to improve outcomes, using a young adult-centred approach, comprising three components: an interactive messaging system, agenda setting tool, and support worker. A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted to assess acceptability and feasibility of this novel intervention.

Aim
To explore perceptions and experiences of young adults and healthcare staff participating in the intervention arms of the D1 Now pilot randomised controlled trial.

Methods
A descriptive qualitative approach using semi structured interviews was used to collect data between May 2020, and January 2021 from sixteen young adults and ten healthcare staff Interviews were conducted online using MS Teams. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. A patient and public involvement approach was used with the D1 Now Young Adult Panel deployed from the outset to design and contribute to the study. Both written consent in advance and verbal consent was given by all participants for the online interviews that were video and audio recorded according to individual participant preference.

Results
Themes were developed separately for young adult and healthcare staff participants. Two themes were developed from the young adult data, 1) ‘empowerment’ and 2) ‘perceptions and experiences of the intervention’. One theme was developed from the healthcare staff data, ‘perceptions and experiences of delivering the intervention’. All participants highlighted that the agenda setting tool and the support worker empowered the young adults as they could focus the consultation process on what mattered most to them. However, the interactive messaging system was perceived as unsuitable by many mainly because the technology was outdated. Overall, the perceived impact of participating in the study was positive.

Conclusions
Understanding participants perceptions and experiences of taking part in the D1 Now intervention is crucial. The lessons learnt can be used to further refine and develop the intervention with a view to measuring its effectiveness, in a future definitive trial.
Thermal Investigation of Heat Transfer Enhancement in a Rectangular Duct Provided with Different Configurations of Semi-Circular Ribs
Authors: Thikane Swapnil , Mashyal Suresh 
Published: February 2025

Past research studies have explored the use of continuous ribs (with square or rectangular cross-sections) to improve the thermal efficiency of ducts or channels. Some researchers have also investigated the impact of different rib shapes, such as triangular, semi-circular, trapezoidal, and pentagonal, on thermal performance. However, there has been limited research focusing on how various semi-circular rib patterns influence the thermal behavior of rectangular ducts. This study investigates the effects of different semi-circular rib designs on the thermal efficiency and friction factor of a rectangular duct. Six distinct rib configurations, ranging from continuous to hybrid patterns, were applied to the bottom wall of the test section. The thermo-hydraulic performance (η) of the ribbed ducts was measured and compared to that of plain ducts. Experimental results revealed that the ratio of Nusselt numbers ranged from 1.44 to 2.57. The ratio of the friction factor ranged from 2.20 to 4.51. The thermal enhancement ratios for semi-circular rib designs ranged from 1.08 to 1.69, relative to a plain duct. The hybrid rib configuration surpassed all other rib designs, delivering the most significant improvement in thermal performance. This was primarily due to enhanced flow distribution and reduced thermal resistance. The superior performance of the hybrid ribs resulted from their innovative design, which combines ribs truncated at both ends with ribs truncated at the center, creating a unique hybrid rib arrangement. from the combined rib design. Across the specified range of Reynolds numbers, the hybrid rib duct demonstrated a thermal performance increase of 1.47 to 1.69 times compared to the plain duct.