bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A non-structural protein 1 substitution of dengue virus enhances viral replication by interfering with the antiviral signaling pathway
Authors: Hee Jing-Ru , Cheng Dayna , Chen Yu-Hong , Wang Sheng-Hsuan , Chao Chiao-Hsuan , Huang Sheng-Wen , Ling Pin , Wan Shu-Wen , Chang Chih-Peng , Chu Justin Jang Hann , Yeh Trai-Ming , Wang Jen-Ren 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The largest dengue virus 2 (DENV2) outbreak occurred in Taiwan in 2015, resulting in many fatalities. We therefore aim to identify crucial genetic variations which determine the virulence of the 2015 Taiwan outbreak strains.

Methods
We compared the 2015 Taiwan DENV2 sequences to the pre-2015 sequences. Reverse genetics (rg) viruses with substitutions were produced and the viral growth kinetics were investigated. We treated A549 cells with interferon (IFN) to determine the interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) expression and STAT1 phosphorylation in the rg viral infection and plasmid transfection systems. IFN and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were measured upon DENV infection using ELISA.

Results
The rgNS1-K272R mutant showed faster replication in IFN-I producing cells compared to wildtype (WT) virus. Results revealed that NS1-K272R substitution contributed to higher soluble NS1 secretion and evade the antiviral response by suppressing the expression of ISGs and STAT1 phosphorylation compared to NS1-WT. Infection with rgNS1-K272R induced higher secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines through the activation of canonical nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that the DENV NS1 amino acid substitution affects the NS1 ability in immune evasion, which may contribute to the largest dengue outbreak in Taiwan since the 1990s.
The zinc finger protein ZFP36L2 inhibits flavivirus infection via the 5′-3′ XRN1-mediated RNA decay pathway in the replication complexes
Authors: Lin Ren-Jye , Lin Li-Hsiung , Chen Zih-Ping , Liu Bing-Cheng , Ko Pin-Chen , Liao Ching-Len 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The zinc finger protein 36-like (ZFP36L) family is a CCCH-type group consisting of RNA-binding proteins, i.e., ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2, which regulate cellular mRNA through the RNA decay pathway. ZFP36L1 combats flavivirus infections through the 5′-3′ XRN1 and 3′-5′ RNA exosome decay pathways. The present study clarified the role of human ZFP36L2 in the defense response of the host against flavivirus infection.

Methods
Cell lines with overexpression or knockdown of ZFP36L2 were established using lentiviral vectors carrying genes for overexpression and short-hairpin RNA targeting specific genes, respectively. A plaque assay was employed to determine the viral titer. Immunofluorescence and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to measure the viral RNA levels. The in vitro-transcribed RNA transcript derived from a replication-dead Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replicon containing the renilla luciferase reporter gene (J-R2A-NS5mt) was used to assess the stability of the flavivirus RNA. An RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to detect the protein–RNA binding ability. Confocal microscopic images were captured to analyze protein colocalization.

Results
ZFP36L2 served as an innate host defender against JEV and dengue virus. ZFP36L2 inhibited flavivirus infection solely through the 5′-3′ XRN1 RNA decay pathway, whereas ZFP36L1 inhibited JEV infection via the 5′-3′ XRN1 and 3′-5′ RNA exosome RNA decay pathways. The direct binding between viral RNA and ZFP36L2 via its CCCH-type zinc finger motifs facilitated the degradation of flavivirus RNA mediated by 5′-3′ XRN1. Furthermore, ZFP36L2 was localized in processing bodies (PBs), which participate in the 5′-3′ XRN1-mediated RNA decay pathway. Nonetheless, the disruption of PBs did not affect the antiviral activity of ZFP36L2, suggesting that its localization is not essential for the function of the protein. Interestingly, the colocalization of ZFP36L2 and XRN1 with viral RNA and NS3 revealed that the antiviral activity of ZFP36L2 occurred within the replication complexes (RCs).

Conclusions
In summary, ZFP36L2 bound to and degraded viral RNA through the XRN1-mediated RNA decay pathway in the RCs, thereby inhibiting flavivirus replication. These findings provide valuable insights into the diverse antiviral mechanisms of the ZFP36-like family of proteins in the innate immune response against flavivirus infection.
A novel recombinant PHB production platform in filamentous cyanobacteria avoiding nitrogen starvation while preserving cell viability
Authors: Fink Phillipp , Menzel Claudia , Kwon Jong-Hee , Forchhammer Karl 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
During the past decades, the importance of developing sustainable, carbon dioxide (CO2)-neutral and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastic has become evident in the context of global pollution issues. Therefore, heterotrophic bacteria such as Cupriavidus sp. have been intensively explored for the synthesis of the biodegradable polymer polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). PHB is also naturally produced by a variety of phototrophic cyanobacteria, which only need sunlight and CO2, thereby allowing a CO2 negative, eco-friendly synthesis of this polymer. However, a major drawback of the use of cyanobacteria is the need of a two-stage production process, since relevant amount of PHB synthesis only occurs after transferring the cultures to conditions of nitrogen starvation, which hinders continuous, large-scale production.
This study aimed at generating, by means of genetic engineering, a cyanobacterium that continuously produces PHB in large amounts. We choose a genetically amenable filamentous cyanobacterium of the genus Nostoc sp., which is a diazotrophic cyanobacterium, capable of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) fixation but naturally does not produce PHB. We transformed this Nostoc strain with various constructs containing the constitutive promotor P
psbA
and the PHB synthesis operon phaC1AB from Cupriavidus necator H16. In fact, while the transformants initially produced PHB, the PHB-producing strains rapidly lost cell viability. Therefore, we next attempted further optimization of the biosynthetic gene cluster. The PHB operon was expanded with phasin gene phaP1 from Cupriavidus necator H16 in combination with the native intergenic region of apcBA from Nostoc sp. 7120. Finally, we succeeded in stabilized PHB production, whilst simultaneously avoiding decreasing cell viability. In conclusion, the recombinant Nostoc strain constructed in the present work constitutes the first example of a continuous and stable PHB production platform in cyanobacteria, which has been decoupled from nitrogen starvation and, hence, harbours great potential for sustainable, industrial PHB production.
Use of TikTok by nutrition healthcare professionals: a pilot analysis of the Italian context
Authors: Scaioli Giacomo , Bert Fabrizio , Durbano Alessandro , Pivi Alex , Lo Moro Giuseppina , Siliquini Roberta 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aim
Social Media (SM) has become a leading source for health information dissemination. TikTok, one of the newest SMs, became very popular in the last three years. Many healthcare professionals became content creators and science communicators on this SM, and one of the most popular topics is food and nutrition. The present study aims to analyze how nutrition professionals communicate through TikTok and assess the characteristics of their accounts and videos.

Methods
The study includes 53 Italian health professionals active on TikTok, selected through a search on this SM using nutrition-related keywords. Each tiktoker's characteristics of their last ten videos were described through an ad-hoc checklist. Multilevel multivariable linear regression models were performed to identify factors that could be associated with higher video popularity.

Results
A total of 67.7% of the tiktokers were female; 54% were under 30 years old. The median number of likes for each video was 300 (IQR 75–1070). The linguistic register was 'informal' in 70.7% of the videos. In 67.3%, the topic was 'diet-related' (videos relating to nutrition and nutritional choices). Multivariable multilevel linear regression models showed that 'diet-related' topics were associated with more likes (adj Coeff. 1111.62, p = 0.048) and comments (adj Coeff. 12.09, p = 0.036).

Conclusions
TikTok might be an impactful source for health promotion on food and nutrition topics. The popularity of diet-related videos underlines the potential of this SM for increasing knowledge and skills about healthy diets and good nutritional habits, especially for an audience of adolescents.
Opportunities and challenges to delivering a trial for depressive symptoms in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the Alpha-Stim-D randomised controlled trial
Authors: Patel Shireen , Patel Priya , Boutry Clement , Guo Boliang , Butler Deborah , Higton Fred , McNaughton Rebecca , Briley Paul M. , Griffiths Christopher , Nixon Neil , Prasad Vibhore , Sayal Kapil , Smart David , Zafar Azhar , Kai Joe , Morriss Richard 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are widely regarded as the most powerful research design for evidence-based practice. However, recruiting to RCTs can be challenging resulting in heightened costs and delays in research completion and implementation. Enabling successful recruitment is crucial in mental health research. Despite the increase in the use of remote recruitment strategies and digital health interventions, there is limited evidence on methods to improve recruitment to remotely delivered mental health trials. The paper outlines practical examples and recommendations on how to successfully recruit participants to remotely delivered mental health trials.

Methods
The Alpha Stim-D Trial was a multi-centre double-blind randomised controlled trial, for people aged 16 years upwards, addressing depressive symptoms in primary care. Despite a 6-month delay in beginning recruitment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the trial met the recruitment target within the timeframe and achieved high retention rates. Several strategies were implemented to improve recruitment; some of these were adapted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included adapting the original in-person recruitment strategies. Subsequently, systematic recruitment using postal invitations from criteria-specific search of the sites’ electronic health records was added to opportunistic recruitment to increase referrals in response to sub-target recruitment whilst also reducing the burden on referring sites. Throughout the recruitment process, the research team collaborated with key stakeholders, such as primary care clinicians and the project’s Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPI/E) representatives, who gave advice on recruitment strategies. Furthermore, the study researchers played a key role in communicating with participants and building rapport from study introduction to data collection.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that trial processes can influence recruitment; therefore, consideration and a regular review of the recruitment figures and strategies is important. Recruitment of participants can be maximised by utilising remote approaches, which reduce the burden and amount of time required by referring sites and allow the research team to reach more participants whilst providing participants and researchers with more flexibility. Effectively communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders throughout the trial process, as well as building rapport with participants, may also improve recruitment rates.
Distinctive autophagy/mitophagy biomarker profiles in frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Veverová Kateřina , Katonová Alžběta , Horáková Hana , Laczó Jan , Angelucci Francesco , Hort Jakub , Lautrup Sofie , Fang Evandro Fei , Vyhnálek Martin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Maintaining cellular homeostasis by removing damaged and senescent mitochondria, a process termed mitophagy, is crucial in preventing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and represents a promising therapeutic target. Our previous research revealed altered mitophagy biomarkers, such as increased CSF and serum PINK1 and serum BNIP3L and decreased serum TFEB levels, indicating impaired autophagy-lysosomal degradation in the AD continuum. However, the role of autophagy/mitophagy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) remains unclear. This study investigated the biomarkers of autophagy/mitophagy and lysosomal biogenesis (PINK1, ULK1, BNIP3L, and TFEB) in biofluids (CSF and serum) from 308 biomarker-defined individuals across the FTLD continuum (FTLD-dementia, n = 29; FTLD-MCI, n = 33) and compared them with those across the AD continuum (MCI-AD, n = 100; AD-dementia, n = 100) and cognitively unimpaired (CU) controls (n = 46) recruited from Czech Brain Aging Study. Additionally, we compared the mitophagy biomarkers across different FTLD clinical subtypes (frontal, semantic and nonfluent variant) with CU, and explored the association between mitophagy biomarkers and clinical phenotypes of FTLD (biomarkers of tau, biomarkers of neurodegeneration, cognition and ATN profile).
Our findings indicated a significantly lower CSF PINK1 and ULK1 levels in FTLD compared to AD, with FTLD dementia showing particularly low CSF PINK1 levels compared to AD-dementia. Conversely, CSF ULK1 levels were higher in FTLD-MCI compared to AD-dementia. Serum analyses revealed lower PINK1 and higher TFEB levels in FTLD dementia compared to AD dementia. This study provides compelling evidence of distinct alterations in autophagy/mitophagy biomarkers between FTLD and AD, indicating that these neurodegenerative diseases may affect the cellular waste disposal system through different pathways. This is the first study to explore mitophagy biomarkers in human CSF and serum in FTLD, opening avenues for further research and potential clinical applications.
Diastolic Versus Systolic or Mean Intraoperative Hypotension as Predictive of Perioperative Myocardial Injury in a White-Box Machine-Learning Model
Authors: Valadkhani Arman , Gupta Anil , Cauli Giordano , Nordström Johan L. , Rohi Ayda , Tufexis Panos , Hällsjö Sander Caroline , Jacobsson Martin , Bell Max 
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:
Intraoperative hypotension (IOH) and tachycardia are associated with perioperative myocardial injury (PMI), and thereby increased postoperative mortality. Patients undergoing vascular surgery are specifically at risk of developing cardiac complications. This study aimed to explore the association between different thresholds for IOH and tachycardia, and PMI. It also aimed to explore which threshold for IOH and tachycardia best predicts PMI.

METHODS:
In this single-center prospective observational study, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T was measured preoperatively and at 4, 24, and 48 hours after vascular surgery. Absolute and relative thresholds were used to define intraoperative systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial hypotension, measured every 15 seconds by invasive arterial pressure monitoring and heart rate using the Philips IntelliVue X3 monitor. Decision tree machine-learning (ML) models were used to explore which thresholds for IOH and tachycardia best predict PMI. Clinical utility and transparency were prioritized over maximizing the performance of the ML model and therefore a white-box model was used.

RESULTS:
In all, 498 patients were included in the study. Ninety-nine patients (20%) had PMI. Significant associations were found between IOH and PMI using both absolute and relative thresholds for systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial pressure. Absolute thresholds based on diastolic arterial pressure had the strongest correlation with PMI and yielded greater statistical significance. The threshold that was most predictive of PMI was an absolute diastolic arterial pressure <44 mm Hg. The prediction model with the absolute threshold of diastolic arterial pressure <44 mm Hg had a macro average F1 score of 0.67 and a weighted average F1 score of 0.76. No association was found between tachycardia and PMI.

CONCLUSIONS:
We found that an absolute, not relative, IOH threshold based on diastolic arterial pressure, and not systolic or mean arterial pressure, or tachycardia, was most predictive of PMI.
Expulsion as Decolonization
Authors: Serunkuma Yusuf K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Despite more than a hundred years in Uganda, ethnic Indian Ugandans have struggled to integrate into a space historically renowned for naturalizing visitors. As the Mabira Forest Protests of 2007 demonstrated, Indian-Ugandans have sustained the image of a ‘loathed exploitative settler’ among their native compatriots. Despite this image having a specific colonial history, this article contends that the persistence of anti-Indian sentiments—and the ire and violence—is not simply a “legacy of colonialism” or evidence of natives’ xenophobia. It is rather a product of closed Indian cultural practices, and state sanctioned economic privileging of Indian-Asian businessmen, which combine to effectively alienate the entire community from other Ugandans. If the 1972 Indian expulsion was understood through the lens of decolonization, the abundance of the conditions that led to 1972, renders another expulsion possible. To make these contentions, this article provides context on the nature and scale of anti-Asian public sentiments in Uganda by drawing on sources from the mainstream and popular media that narrate and analyze the often-suspicious economic dealings of prominent Indian-Ugandans. Prominent among others is the subject of “repossession” of expropriated Indian properties. The article revisits the 2007 Mabira Forest protests to demonstrate controversies, connections, and possibilities of re-expulsion as the ingredients of 1972 abound.
The Gap Which Separates: Simultaneity, Disparity, and Audiovisual-Linking Technologies in “Southeast Asian Contemporary Art”
Authors: Nelson Roger 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
How have artists and curators working in “Southeast Asia” imagined the contemporaneity between this region and the rest of the world, and how has this imagining been affected by twenty-first-century advances in technology and globalization? This essay approaches these questions through a discussion of recent artistic and curatorial practices that engage with simultaneity. The essay proposes that simultaneity is an important and recurrent concern for artists and curators that has been underexplored within art historical and related discourses. The essay centers on a close reading of two projects, conceived fifteen years apart, that reflect the radical transformations of technologies that took place within that period. One project, Calling Cambodia (1998–99) by the Faculty of Plastic Arts at the Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh, proposed—yet, due to technological constraints, failed—to place Phnom Penh in live video contact with Fukuoka during a major art exhibition in the Japanese city, which was also the first instance of Cambodia's entrance into new Asian and global circuits of contemporary art. A second project, Leak Light Time Heat (2014) by collaborating artists Enzo Camacho and Ami Lien, addresses Manila's real-time service provision for United States customers through call centers.
Beyond the SAFE strategy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma among children in Ethiopia
Authors: Asmare Zufan Alamrie , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Belete Melaku Ashagrie , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Zemene Melkamu Aderajew , Alemayehu Ermiyas , Moges Natnael , Kebede Natnael , Tsega Sintayehu Simie , Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Anteneh Rahel Mulatie , Chanie Ermias Sisay 
Published: February 2025

Background
Although the Surgery, Antibiotic, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvement (SAFE) strategy was adopted in Ethiopia over the last five years, there is still a high incidence of trachoma in areas with poor hygiene. In Ethiopia, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted before the implementation of SAFE implying, a need for the update. Therefore, this review gives the updated pooled prevalence and associated factors of active trachoma in Ethiopia after the implementation of SAFE.

Method
The literature search was performed from PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, HINARI, Scopus, and Web of Sciences from January 1–30, 2024. Data were extracted by using a pre-tested and standardized data extraction format and analyzed using STATA 17 statistical software. I2 tests to appraise the heterogeneity across the included studies, a random-effect model to estimate the pooled prevalence, and a sub-group analysis to discern the viable source of heterogeneity were executed. Potential publication bias was also assessed by funnel plot, Egger’s weighted correlation, and Begg’s regression. The odds ratio with its 95% confidence was used to reckon the association between the prevalence and factors.

Result
From 504 identified studies, 20 articles were included. After the SAFE intervention, the national pooled prevalence of active trachoma among children was 21.16% (95% CI 17.28, 25.04). Fly-eye contact(Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.83, 95% CI: 2.25, 6.52), facial uncleanliness(AOR = 5.48, 95% CI: 3.02, 9.96), non-utilization of latrine (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 2.10, 5.18), and retrieving water from river(AOR = 2.94; 95%CI: 1.42, 6.05) were significantly associated with active trachoma.

Conclusion
In Ethiopia, the pooled prevalence of active trachoma after SAFE intervention was much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold prevalence. It continues to pose a significant public health concern and is far from the elimination of trachoma as a public health problem. Fly-eye contact, facial cleanliness, latrine utilization, and source of water increase the odds of active trachoma. Therefore, it is imperative to fine-tune the intervention focus on personal hygiene-related activities in removing dirt, fly-eye contact, and a well-structured approach for both constructing and ensuring the functionality of household taps and latrines. Additionally, It is crucial to initiate a reliable SAFE intervention in Ethiopia.
Guideline-based bismuth quadruple therapy for helicobacter pylori infection in China: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Wei Jiali , Zheng Zehao , Wang Xin , Jia Boyi , Sun Mingyao , Wang Jiayi , Wan Qin , Han Mei , Qiu Yue 
Published: February 2025

Background
Currently, quadruple therapy is unanimously recommended as the current first-line treatment option for Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) eradication. However, the drug composition of quadruple therapy is very complex, and the efficacy and safety between them is not clear.

Aims
To compare the efficacy and safety of H. Pylori eradication regimens, which were recommended by the Fifth Consensus of China, by network meta-analysis.

Methods
Literature databases were used to retrieve clinical randomized controlled trials of H. Pylori eradication. Network meta-analysis was performed using BUGSnet and meta package of R software, using OR values as effect size, and SUCRA was used to rank the efficacy of interventions under each outcome.

Results
A total of 55 studies and 130 arms were included. The NMA analysis found that the top regimen in term of eradication rate outcome was: Rabeprazole +  Bismuth +  Furazolidone +  Tetracycline (SUCRA, 97.5). In terms of safety outcomes: Lansoprazole +  Bismuth +  Amoxycillin +  Clarithromycin (SUCRA, 91.97).

Conclusions
The bismuth quadruple therapies recommended by the guidelines for the treatment of H. Pylori have good performance in terms of four-week eradication rate and safety outcome indicators, and due to the different resistance of antibiotics in different regional populations, rational use of drugs should be combined with local conditions.