bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of health apps on lifestyle behaviours and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or established cardiovascular disease: a systematic review
Authors: Buys R , Claes J , Cornelis N , Alen L , Bogaert T , De Buck E , Decorte E , Herbots J , Steyaert R , Theunis L , Verhaegen T , Cornelissen VA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme

Background
Adequate levels of physical activity (PA) and a healthy diet can contribute to weight loss, improved blood pressure, improved lipid levels and higher insulin sensitivity and thus decrease the risk for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recently, mobile technologies, such as mobile applications (apps) have been developed for supporting adherence to a healthy lifestyle in an individualized and interactive manner.

Purpose
The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the effectiveness of such mobile apps targeting PA and/or dietary behavior and cardiovascular risk factors in primary and secondary prevention.

Methods
Four databases (Pubmed, Sportdiscus, Cinahl, Embase) were searched to identify prospective studies evaluating mobile apps targeting healthy diet and/or PA. Rayyan software was used for screening articles. Only interventional trials that assessed the effectiveness of health apps on diet, PA and/or cardiovascular risk factors were included. Quality assessment was performed using the MINORS tool. Qualitative synthesis was performed providing data summaries according to different subgroups: healthy adults, adults who are overweight, have obesity, hypertension, CVD or diabetes.

Results
Out of 7073 records identified, 52 articles, reporting on 44 studies with variable study designs, could be included in qualitative synthesis. Interventions targeted diet, PA and/or adherence to therapy/healthy lifestyle and reported on at least one cardiovascular risk factor. In 20 studies, weight loss was a target of the mobile intervention, the vast majority (17/20 studies) reported weight loss following app usage of at least similar extent as usual care. Twenty-six mobile interventions targeted PA and/or exercise training and 23 of them resulted in an increase in PA in the short term. Four studies performed in patients with CVD showed that health app usage could be related to increased PA and improved diet, resulting in similar health benefits as usual care. The most commonly employed behavioural change methods were goal setting and self-monitoring, the use of financial incentives for inducing beneficial lifestyle changes yielded inconclusive results. Main limitations of the studies were small sample sizes, short follow-up duration and lack of controlled trial design.

Conclusion
Mobile apps targeting healthy lifestyle for the management of cardiovascular risk factors seem to be valuable tools to add to current practice in preventive medicine. However, larger, controlled studies with longer follow-up duration are needed to confirm these early findings.
Risk stratification score for acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lee S , Zhou J , Guo CL , Wu WKK , Wong WT , Liu T , Wong ICK , Jeevaratnam K , Zhang Q , Tse G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) are major cardiovascular adverse outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetic mellitus. Although there are many risk scores on composite outcomes of major cardiovascular adverse outcomes or cardiovascular mortality for diabetic patients, these existing scores did not account for the difference in pathogenesis and prognosis between acute coronary syndrome and lethal ventricular arrhythmias. Furthermore, recent studies reported that HbA1c and lipid levels, which were often accounted for in these risk scores, have J/U-shaped relationships with adverse outcomes.

Purpose
The present study aims to evaluate the application of incorporating non-linear J/U-shaped relationships between mean HbA1c and cholesterol levels into risk scores for predicting for AMI and non-AMI related SCD respectively, amongst type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Methods
This was a territory-wide cohort study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus above the age 40 and free from prior AMI and SCD, with or without prescriptions of anti-diabetic agents between January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2009 at government-funded hospitals and clinics in Hong Kong. Risk scores were developed for predicting incident AMI and non-AMI related SCD. The performance of conditional inference survival forest (CISF) model compared to that of random survival forests (RSF) model and multivariate Cox model.

Results
This study included 261308 patients (age = 66.0 ± 11.8 years old, male = 47.6%, follow-up duration = 3552 ± 1201 days, diabetes duration = 4.77 ± 2.29 years). Mean HbA1c and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were significant predictors of AMI under multivariate Cox regression and were linearly associated with AMI. Mean HbA1c and total cholesterol were significant multivariate predictors with a J-shaped relationship with non-AMI related SCD. The AMI and SCD risk scores had an area-under-the-curve (AUC) of 0.666 (95% confidence interval (CI)= [0.662, 0.669]) and 0.677 (95% CI= [0.673, 0.682]), respectively. CISF significantly improves prediction performance of both outcomes compared to RSF and multivariate Cox models.

Conclusions
A holistic combination of demographic, clinical, and laboratory indices can be used for the risk stratification of type 2 diabetic patients against AMI and SCD.
Evaluating capacity strengthening for social and behavior change communication: a systematic review
Authors: Awantang Grace N , Helland Anna , Velu Sanjanthi , Gurman Tilly 
Published: May 2021

Summary
International social and behavior change communication (SBCC) programs often include capacity strengthening (CS). Quality evaluations of CS can help justify investing in these activities and guide the design of future CS activities. To inform and improve future CS efforts, a comprehensive examination of ways in which activities aimed at strengthening capacity for improved SBCC are assessed is needed. Unfortunately, systematic literature reviews about the assessment of CS activities in SBCC programs are rare. This systematic review helped fill this gap and explored ways in which CS interventions for improved SBCC in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) evaluated their success. A search of electronic research databases yielded a total of 1033 potentially eligible publications. Reviewers identified 19 eligible publications that assessed the effects of activities for improved SBCC capacity. Reviewers identified seven findings, including the fact that evaluating CS for improved SBCC is rare, with only three publications having focused exclusively on evaluating SBCC capacity. This current review also identified several shortcomings around the quality of writing as well as sufficient detail to support certain claims and conclusions, especially around issues of sustainability. Until quality evaluations of CS activities are better documented, future CS activities for SBCC will find it difficult to identify effective CS approaches and demonstrate their contribution to improved SBCC in LMICs. The review discusses several implications and offers practical recommendations regarding ways to improve the evaluation of CS activities in SBCC.
Systemic antisense therapeutics inhibiting DUX4 expression ameliorates FSHD-like pathology in an FSHD mouse model
Authors: Lu-Nguyen Ngoc , Malerba Alberto , Herath Shan , Dickson George , Popplewell Linda 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAberrant expression of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene in skeletal muscle causes muscle deterioration and weakness in Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Since the presence of a permissive pLAM1 polyadenylation signal is essential for stabilization of DUX4 mRNA and translation of DUX4 protein, disrupting the function of this structure can prevent expression of DUX4. We and others have shown promising results using antisense approaches to reduce DUX4 expression in vitro and in vivo following local intramuscular administration. Here we demonstrate that further development of the antisense chemistries enhances in vitro antisense efficacy. The optimal chemistry was conjugated to a cell-penetrating moiety and was systemically administered into the tamoxifen-inducible Cre-driver FLExDUX4 double-transgenic mouse model of FSHD. After four weekly treatments, mRNA quantities of DUX4 and target genes were reduced by 50% that led to 12% amelioration in muscle atrophy, 52% improvement in in situ muscle strength, 17% reduction in muscle fibrosis and prevention of shift in the myofiber type profile. Systemic DUX4 inhibition also significantly improved the locomotor activity and reduced the fatigue level by 22%. Our data demonstrate that the optimized antisense approach has potential of being further developed as a therapeutic strategy for FSHD.
Immune Activation: A Link Between Food Insecurity and Chronic Disease in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Tamargo Javier A , Hernandez-Boyer Jacqueline , Teeman Colby , Martin Haley R , Huang Yongjun , Johnson Angelique , Campa Adriana , Martinez Sabrina S , Li Tan , Rouster Susan D , Meeds Heidi L , Sherman Kenneth E , Baum Marianna K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Persistent immune activation is a hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and thought to play a role on chronic diseases in people with HIV (PWH). Food insecurity is disproportionately prevalent in PWH and is associated with adverse health outcomes. We determined whether food insecurity was associated with increased plasma levels of soluble CD14, CD27, and CD163 in 323 antiretroviral-treated PWH from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV cohort. Nearly half (42.7%) of participants were food insecure, and 85.5% were virally suppressed (&lt;200 copies/mL). Food insecurity was independently associated with higher levels of soluble CD14 and soluble CD27. Very low food security was associated with increased soluble CD163 levels among those with lower CD4+ cell counts. Food insecurity may promote immune activation in PWH, suggesting a biological link between food insecurity and chronic disease among PWH. Improving financial security and access to high-quality diets could reduce the burden of disease in this highly vulnerable population.
Comparable Environmental Stability and Disinfection Profiles of the Currently Circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern B.1.1.7 and B.1.351
Authors: Meister Toni Luise , Fortmann Jill , Todt Daniel , Heinen Natalie , Ludwig Alfred , Brüggemann Yannick , Elsner Carina , Dittmer Ulf , Steinmann Joerg , Pfaender Stephanie , Steinmann Eike 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern with increased transmission dynamics has raised questions regarding stability and disinfection of these viruses. We analyzed surface stability and disinfection of the currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 compared to wild type. Treatment with heat, soap, and ethanol revealed similar inactivation profiles indicative of a comparable susceptibility towards disinfection. Furthermore, we observed comparable surface stability on steel, silver, copper, and face masks. Overall, our data support the application of currently recommended hygiene measures to minimize the risk of B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 transmission.
Coproduction in the management of individuals with cleft lip and palate in South Africa: the Ekhaya Lethu model
Authors: Hlongwa Phumzile , Rispel Laetitia C 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objective
Cleft lip and palate (CLP), one of the most common congenital anomalies of the craniofacial complex, has a worldwide prevalence rate of 1 in 700 live births. In South Africa, a middle-income country, the CLP prevalence rate is 0.3 per 1000 live births in the public health sector. The complexity of the condition requires that individuals with CLP be treated by a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals, with the integral involvement of caregivers and families.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2018, we conducted a cross-sectional study entitled: The epidemiology and care of individuals with cleft lip and palate in South Africa, in fulfilment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree. The study setting consisted of 11 specialized academic centres (nine central hospitals and two specialized dental hospitals) that are situated in six of South Africa’s nine provinces. The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods and consisted of four distinct but inter-linked components. The first component consisted of a record review of CLP data over a 2-year period to determine the prevalence of CLP in the public sector of South Africa. The second component consisted of a survey of the leaders or heads of the health care teams in the 11 specialized centres to determine the current approach to CLP care provision. The third component consisted of a survey among CLP team members to measure inter-professional collaboration. The fourth component consisted of interviews with parents or caregivers on their perceptions of health service provision and support for children with CLP.
We draw on the findings of this large empirical study on CLP in South Africa’s public health sector and the theory and principles of health care service coproduction to present the Ekhaya Lethu model for the management of CLP.

Results
The conceptual design of Ekhaya Lethu derives from the findings of each of the study components. We describe the possible application of the model in the coproduction of health care to examine the roles, relationships and aims of the multidisciplinary team in CLP management. We highlight both the implications and challenges of coproduction in the care and management of CLP for multidisciplinary health teams, the caregivers and families of individuals with CLP, and for health managers and policy makers.

Conclusion
The proposed Ekhaya Lethu model introduces a discourse on coproduction in the design and implementation of quality health care to individuals with CLP in South Africa and other low-and middle-income countries.
Forum: Thinking Theoretically in Unsettled Times: COVID-19 and Beyond
Authors: Sterling-Folker Jennifer , Freyberg-Inan Annette , Wilcox Lauren , Ozguc Umut , Shinko Rosemary E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This collection of essays seeks to theorize the politics of the COVID-19 pandemic in international relations (IR). The contributions are driven by questions such as: How can theorizing help us understand these unsettled times? What kind of crisis is this? What shapes its politics? What remains the same and what has been unsettled or unsettling? In addressing such questions, each of the participants considers what we may already know about the pandemic as well as what might be ignored or missed. Collectively, the forum pushes at the interdisciplinary boundaries of IR theorizing itself and, in so doing, the participants hope to engender meaningful understandings of a world in crisis and encourage expansive ways of thinking about the times that lie beyond.
Whitewashing Evangelical Scripture: The Case of Slavery and Antisemitism in the English Standard Version
Authors: Perry Samuel L 
Published: May 2021

AbstractReligious communities in pluralistic societies often hold in tension the task of reinforcing core identities and ideals within the community while negotiating public relations among those outside the community. Christian communities have sought to accomplish both projects materially through Bible modification, with most historically working to establish transitivity (congruence between the text and their own interpretive tradition), whereas others more recently have emphasized establishing what I call intransitivity (incongruence between the text and negative social interpretations from outsiders). This study examines the ways evangelical translation teams seek to accomplish both agendas simultaneously, creating a materialized instantiation of engaged orthodoxy. Drawing on the case of the English Standard Version (ESV)—a contemporary evangelical revision of the Revised Standard Version (RSV)—I show how the ESV editors, while modifying certain RSV renderings to establish transitivity for their text among complementarian/biblicist Christians, sought to establish intransitivity between the text and more pejorative social interpretations by progressively re-translating lexically ambiguous terms and introducing footnotes to obviate the Bible’s ostensible promotion of slavery and antisemitism. Findings elucidate how a conservative religious subculture, confronted with increasing pluralism, negotiates gaining legitimacy for their text within their sectarian subculture while also whitewashing “the Text” for public relations outside that subculture.
Challenges in Changing Social Norms: Evidence from Interventions Targeting Child Marriage in Ethiopia
Authors: Chow Vinci , Vivalt Eva 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We study a set of interventions in Ethiopia geared towards eliminating child marriage. The interventions facilitate community discussion about child marriage and provide economic incentives for girls to stay in school and remain unmarried. Changing social norms is often thought of as very difficult, and if there is a marriage penalty to being among the first to deviate to an older age of marriage, raising the typical age at first marriage could be especially challenging. Regardless, using weighting and a difference-in-differences approach, we find that both interventions reduce the probability a girl from 8 to 17 years old has been married by about 4 to 7 percentage points. We observe some positive spillover effects: the program appears to have increased the intra-household decision-making power of women. However, we also find suggestive evidence of increased polarisation in beliefs about child marriage, including some possible backlash especially among men. No robust effects were seen on education outcomes, suggesting that, in contrast to other studies, this was not the mechanism through which the intervention had an effect.
Teacher Versus Parent Informant Measurement Invariance of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Authors: Murray Aja Louise , Speyer Lydia Gabriela , Hall Hildigunnur Anna , Valdebenito Sara , Hughes Claire 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Obtaining a multi-informant perspective is important when assessing mental health issues in childhood and adolescence. Obtaining ratings from both parents and teachers also facilitates the evaluation of similarities and contrasts in the nature and severity of symptoms across home and school contexts. However, these informants may differ in their interpretations of observed behaviors, raising questions about the validity of comparing parents’ and teachers’ ratings.

Methods
We evaluated the cross-informant measurement invariance of one of the most widely used measures of child and adolescent mental health: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Using data from the UK-population representative Millennium Cohort Study, we evaluated configural, metric, and scalar measurement invariance across parents and teachers when children were aged 7 (N = 10,221) and 11 (N = 10,543).

Results
Scalar measurement invariance held at both ages. Parents reported higher levels of symptoms in all domains measured at both ages as well as higher prosociality.

Conclusions
For a UK sample, valid comparisons of parent and teacher SDQ ratings at ages 7 and 11 appear to be possible, facilitating the evaluation of contextual differences in child mental health problems. Further, parents report more problem and prosocial behavior in their children than teachers attribute to them.
The snapshot distance method: estimating the distance to a Type Ia supernova from minimal observations
Authors: Stahl Benjamin E , de Jaeger Thomas , Zheng WeiKang , Filippenko Alexei V 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
We present the snapshot distance method (SDM), a modern incarnation of a proposed technique for estimating the distance to a Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) from minimal observations. Our method, which has become possible owing to recent work in the application of deep learning to SN Ia spectra (we use the deepSIP package), allows us to estimate the distance to an SN Ia from a single optical spectrum and epoch of 2 + passband photometry – one night’s worth of observations (though contemporaneity is not a requirement). Using a compilation of well-observed SNe Ia, we generate snapshot distances across a wide range of spectral and photometric phases, light-curve shapes, photometric passband combinations, and spectrum signal-to-noise ratios. By comparing these estimates to the corresponding distances derived from fitting all available photometry for each object, we demonstrate that our method is robust to the relative temporal sampling of the provided spectroscopic and photometric information, and to a broad range of light-curve shapes that lie within the domain of standard width–luminosity relations. Indeed, the median residual (and asymmetric scatter) between SDM distances derived from two-passband photometry and conventional light-curve-derived distances that utilize all available photometry is $0.013_{-0.143}^{+0.154}$ mag. Moreover, we find that the time of maximum brightness and light-curve shape (both of which are spectroscopically derived in our method) are only minimally responsible for the observed scatter. In a companion paper, we apply the SDM to a large number of sparsely observed SNe Ia as part of a cosmological study.
Circulating endotoxin and inflammation: associations with fitness, physical activity and the effect of a 6-month programme of cycling exercise during haemodialysis
Authors: March Daniel S , Lai Ka-Bik , Neal Tracy , Graham-Brown Matthew P M , Highton Patrick J , Churchward Darren R , Young Hannah M L , Dungey Maurice , Stensel David J , Smith Alice C , Bishop Nicolette C , Szeto Cheuk Chun , Burton James O 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntradialytic cycling (IDC) may provide cardiovascular benefits to individuals receiving haemodialysis, but the exact mechanism behind these improvements remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 6-month programme of IDC on circulating endotoxin (secondary analysis from the CYCLE-HD trial). Secondary aims were to investigate changes in circulating cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, tumour necrosis factor-α, C-reactive protein (CRP) and the IL-6:IL-10 ratio] and their associations with physical activity, fitness and cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsParticipants were randomized to either a 6-month programme of IDC (thrice weekly, moderate intensity cycling at a rating of perceived exertion of 12–14) in addition to usual care (n = 46) or usual care only (control group; n = 46). Outcome measures were obtained at baseline and then again at 6 months.ResultsThere was no significant (P = 0.137) difference in circulating endotoxin between groups at 6 months (IDC group: 0.34 ± 0.08 EU/mL; control group: 0.37 ± 0.07 EU/mL). There were no significant between-group differences in any circulating cytokine following the 6-month programme of IDC. Higher levels of physical activity and fitness were associated with lower levels of endotoxin, IL-6, CRP and IL-6:IL-10 ratio.ConclusionsOur data show no change in circulating endotoxin or cytokines following a 6-month programme of IDC. However, higher levels of physical activity outside of haemodialysis were associated with lower levels of inflammation.