bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring fidelity to manualised peer support for people with severe mental health conditions: development and psychometric evaluation of the UPSIDES fidelity scale
Authors: Hiltensperger Ramona , Kotera Yasuhiro , Wolf Philip , Nixdorf Rebecca , Charles Ashleigh , Farkas Marianne , Grayzman Alina , Kalha Jasmine , Korde Palak , Mahlke Candelaria , Moran Galia , Mpango Richard , Mtei Rachel , Ryan Grace , Shamba Donat , Wenzel Lisa , Slade Mike , Puschner Bernd 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Peer support workers provide support for people experiencing mental health conditions based on their own lived experience of mental health problems. Assessing fidelity to core ingredients of peer support is vital for successful implementation and intervention delivery. Modifications to its implementation are needed when scaling up to different socio-economic settings, raising further uncertainty about fidelity. As part of a large multi-centre study on peer support called Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES), we developed and evaluated the psychometric properties of the UPSIDES Fidelity Scale.

Methods
We constructed the fidelity scale based on an initial item pool developed through international expert consultation and iterative feedback. Scale refinement involved site-level expert consultation and translation, resulting in a service user-rated 28-item version and a peer support worker-rated 21-item version assessing receipt, engagement, enactment, competence, communication and peer support-specific components. Both versions are available in six languages: English, German, Luganda, Kiswahili, Hebrew and Gujarati. The scale was then evaluated at six study sites across five countries, with peer support workers and their clients completing their respective ratings four and eight months after initial peer support worker contact. Psychometric evaluation included analysis of internal consistency, construct validity and criterion validity.

Results
For the 315 participants, item statistics showed a skewed distribution of fidelity values but no restriction of range. Internal consistency was adequate (range α = 0.675 to 0.969) for total scores and all subscales in both versions. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable fit of the proposed factor structure for the service user version (χ2/df = 2.746; RMSEA = 0.084) and moderate fit for the peer support worker version (χ2/df = 3.087; RMSEA = 0.093). Both versions showed significant correlations with external criteria: number of peer support sessions; perceived recovery orientation of the intervention; and severity of illness.

Conclusions
The scale demonstrates good reliability, construct and criterion validity, making it a pragmatic and psychometrically acceptable measure for assessing fidelity to a manualised peer support worker intervention. Recommendations for use, along with research and practical implications, are addressed. As validated, multi-lingual tool that adapts to diverse settings this scale is uniquely positioned for global application.

Trial registration
ISRCTN, ISRCTN26008944. Registered on 30 October 2019.
Daily challenge-hindrance stress and work engagement in preschool teacher: the role of affect and mindfulness
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Zhang Qing , Wang Yingjie , Xiao Bowen , Wang Shuming , Xu Yige , Li Yan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The engagement of preschool teachers in their work is pivotal for maintaining teaching quality, ensuring teacher well-being, and fostering children’s development. Despite its significance, there is limited knowledge regarding the daily fluctuations in work engagement and the underlying factors influencing it. This study, guided by the Job Demands-Resources model and Affect Event Theory, utilized an experience sampling methodology to investigate the impact of challenge and hindrance stressors on daily work engagement, as well as the mediating role of affect and the moderating effect of mindfulness.

Methods
Utilizing an experience sampling method, this study collected data from 220 preschool teachers in Shanghai over five consecutive workdays, conducting surveys once daily. Data analysis was performed using multilevel linear models.

Results
The results from multilevel regression indicated that: (1) daily challenge stressors were positively related to work engagement, (2) daily hindrance stressors were negatively related to work engagement, (3) daily positive affect mediated the relationship between challenge stressors and work engagement, (4) daily negative affect mediated the relationship between hindrance stressors and work engagement, and (5) daily mindfulness played a crucial moderating role by alleviating the adverse effects of hindrance stressors on daily negative affect.

Conclusions
This study provides valuable insights into the daily experiences of preschool teachers and the factors that influence their work engagement. Understanding the impact of stressors, affect, and mindfulness on work engagement can inform the development of interventions and strategies to improve teacher well-being and work engagement.
Insights into psychosocial problems and associated factors among higher education students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebremariam Hailay Tesfay , Tassew Million Desalegn , Woldemaryam Frehiwot Sahle 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhile there has been extensive research on well-known psychosocial problems like depression, anxiety, and stress among higher education students, emerging issues such as emotional problems, antisocial behavior, trauma experiences, and academic difficulties are not as thoroughly studied, particularly in the context of Ethiopian higher education students. These updated psychosocial problems are crucial to explore due to their potentially significant impact on students’ academic performance, personal development, and future prospects. Therefore, this study aims to explore the current psychosocial issues faced by adolescent students at Arba Minch University and identify the factors associated with them. To accomplish this objective, a survey questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 300 university students through a cross-sectional study. The survey questionnaire was designed to provide a thorough understanding of the various types of psychosocial problems experienced by the students. The findings revealed that the most prevalent psychosocial problems among higher education adolescent students were emotional problems (6.7% high/severe, 46.3% moderate), antisocial behavior (5% high/severe, 54.7% moderate), trauma experiences (7% high/severe, 23% moderate), and academic problems (8.3% high/severe, 23% moderate). The prevalence of no/low psychosocial problems was 47%, 40.3%, 69.3%, and 68.7%, respectively. Additionally, statistically significant (p < 0.05) associated factors to these psychosocial problems were identified: gender for academic problems, religion affiliation for antisocial behavior, trauma experiences, marital status for trauma experiences, living situation during holidays for emotional problems, age for emotional problems and antisocial behavior, and educational sponsorship for antisocial behavior. The study found that students who lacked a support system, such as family or friends, were more likely to experience psychosocial problems. In conclusion, psychosocial problems among adolescent students in higher education are a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. By understanding the challenges faced by these students, universities can implement effective interventions to support their mental well-being.
Blood eosinophil count is associated with early atherosclerotic artery changes in asthma
Authors: Biener Leonie , Frisch Ben Christoph , Skowasch Dirk , Pizarro Carmen , Budimovska Andrea , Nickenig Georg , Stumpf Max Jonathan , Schahab Nadjib , Schaefer Christian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
Asthma is linked to atherosclerosis, yet the underlying mediators remain elusive. Eosinophils may contribute to both asthmatic and atherosclerotic inflammation. Hence, this study aimed to explore the potential associations of eosinophils with artery changes among patients with asthma.

Methods
We assessed strain values of the common carotid arteries (CCAs) via vascular speckle tracking and compared asthma patients with low (< 300/µl) and high (≥ 300/µl) blood eosinophil counts (BEC).

Results
We enrolled 100 patients, 42 with a BEC of < 300 and 58 with a BEC of ≥ 300 n/µl. Patients with high BEC exhibited more severe disease, characterized, e.g., by a higher frequency of acute exacerbations (1.3 ± 2.1 vs. 2.6 ± 2.4 n/year, p = 0.005). Both groups presented similar profiles in terms of conventional cardiovascular risk. The high BEC group demonstrated elevated arterial stiffness, reflected by reduced radial strain (mean radial strain of the right CCA: 2.7 ± 1.4% for BEC ≥ 300 n/µl vs. 3.5 ± 1.7% for BEC < 300 n/µl, p = 0.008; left CCA: 2.6 ± 1.4% vs. 4.1 ± 2.2%, p < 0.001). A weak yet statistically significant negative correlation was observed between BEC and radial strain for the right CCA (R2 = 0.131, b=-0.001, p = 0.001) and left CCA (R2 = 0.086, b=-0.001, p = 0.015). However, the prevalence of cerebrovascular disease was similar in both groups (31,0% vs. 50,0%, p = 0.057).

Conclusion
We identified a correlation between BEC and vascular stiffness, which supports the hypothesis that eosinophils may promote atherosclerosis.

Clinical trial number
Due to the exploratory and predominantly retrospective nature of the study, trial registration was not conducted. The only prospective procedure conducted was the angiological sonography to evaluate the current state. No ensuing health-related interventions were performed specifically for this study.
Pilot implementation study of a web-based men’s health screening app in primary care during COVID-19: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Ooi Chor Yau , Ng Chirk Jenn , Sales Anne , Teo Chin Hai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
The traditional delivery of healthcare services, including crucial preventive measures such as health screenings, faced significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, eHealth technology emerged as a practical alternative for conducting screening services. This pilot study introduces ScreenMen, a web-based app for men’s health screening, implemented in a primary care setting. The study aims to assess patient uptake and healthcare provider’s acceptability and feasibility of implementing ScreenMen, emphasizing the importance of implementation science research in healthcare innovation.

Methods
This study employed a mixed-method explanatory sequential design, using a tailored implementation intervention to implement ScreenMen in an urban health clinic. Quantitative phase focused on patient uptake of ScreenMen and healthcare provider involvement, utilizing Google Analytics and provider questionnaires. Qualitative phase, using in-depth interviews with providers, explored factors influencing uptake and implementation. Data analysis employed means and percentages for quantitative data and framework analysis for qualitative data.

Results
We invited 47 healthcare providers to attend the ScreenMen implementation workshop, with 26 participating, resulting in a 55.3% participation rate. Throughout the five-month study, there were 75 recorded accesses, with a completion rate of 20%. The primary way users accessed the app was through QR codes on buntings (38.7%), followed by postcards (12%). In qualitative interviews with three healthcare providers, it was found that the Identify and prepare champions strategy was helpful, as these champions led the implementation and encouraged other providers to promote ScreenMen. The use of QR codes on buntings, part of the Provide education and training strategy, was effective due to their visibility in patient waiting areas. However, the Mandate change strategy was considered ineffective, as providers felt obligated rather than motivated to implement ScreenMen.

Conclusion
This study highlighted the uptake of ScreenMen and found barriers and facilitators during the pilot implementation. Two useful strategies were Identify and prepare champions and QR codes while Mandate change was not helpful. Further studies are needed to study the effectiveness of these implementation strategies to implement web-based apps.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial Number: NCT06388473 (Retrospectively registered 05/04/2024).
TARS2 c.470 C > G is a chinese-specific founder mutation in three unrelated families with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Shujie , Qin Haisong , Wang Qingming , Wang Yingfei , Liu Yanhui , Yang Qi , Luo Jingsi , Qin Zailong , Ji Xiang , Kan Lijuan , Geng Guoxing , Huang Jing , Wei Shengkai , Chen Qiuli , Shen Yiping , Yuan Haiming , Lai Baoling 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBiallelic pathogenic variants in TARS2 lead to combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency, subtype 21 (COXPD21, MIM #615918), which is a rare mitochondrial encephalomyopathy (ME) characterized by early-onset severe axial hypotonia, limb hypertonia, psychomotor developmental delay, epilepsy and brain anomalies. To date, approximately 28 individuals with COXPD21 and 28 TARS2 variants have been identified. In this study, we reported additional four individuals from three unrelated Chinese families with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy caused by pathogenic variants in TARS2, and described the novel clinical phenotypes and genotypic information. In addition to two novel variants (c.512G > A, p.Arg171Lys; c.988dup, p.Arg330Lysfs*4), one previously reported variant (c.470 C > G, p.Thr157Arg) recurred in six Chinese individuals with COXPD21 but was not present in populations of other races. Our findings expanded the mutation spectrum of TARS2 and confirmed that c.470 C > G is a Chinese-specific founder mutation. The novel phenotypes, including reduced fetal movement, eye anomalies and sleep irregularities, observed in our patients enriched the clinical characteristics of COXPD21.
Rare Disease Focused Antenatal Education and Diagnosis Support: Two Case Studies of Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex
Authors: Saad Rebecca , Pysar Ryan , Blackwell Alaxandra 
Published: October 2024

AbstractMany people living with a rare disease (RD) face challenges accessing timely diagnosis and disease-specific specialist care. Early health-care challenges for people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic disease affecting 1:20,000 individuals, can begin in the antenatal period.People living with EB in Australia have access to a government funded disease specific antenatal education and support program through the National Epidermolysis Bullosa Dressing scheme (NEBDS). This article discusses two births involving families living with EB Simplex (EBS) in regional Australia. The education and support structures implemented by the NEBDS and clinical teams are discussed in line with the Australian National Strategic Action Plan for rare diseases, and includes access to genetic diagnosis, EB education, and complex care coordination.
Withaferin A ameliorates ovarian cancer-induced renal damage through the regulation of expression of inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Kumar Kusum , Bosch Katherine , Vemuri Vasa , Kratholm Nicholas , Rane Madhavi , Kakar Sham S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Cachexia a multifactorial syndrome is a common sequala in patients with cancer. It varies from 42 to 80% depending upon the oncological stage and is directly responsible for 30% of deaths in these patients. Previous research from our laboratory demonstrated that peritoneal ovarian cancer generated in NSG mice resulted in skeletal and cardiac muscle atrophy - leading to loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, and cardiac dysfunction (cachexia). Treatment of mice bearing i.p. tumors with withaferin A (WFA) showed reversal of skeletal muscle and cardiac cachexia. The present study is focused on determining effects of peritoneal ovarian tumors on kidney damage and effects of WFA treatment on ameliorating kidney damage.

Methods
We generated intraperitoneal ovarian cancer by injecting female NSG mice with ovarian cancer cell line (A2780). After one week of injecting cancer cells, mice were treated with WFA (4 mg/kg) every third day, for three weeks. After 4 weeks of injection of cancer cells, the mice were sacrificed and various tissues including kidney and blood were collected, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -800C. The presence of kidney biomarker creatinine, was measured in the plasma by an ELISA. The mRNA was isolated from mouse kidneys and was used to examine the expression levels of signaling proteins, inflammatory cytokines, and genes responsible for inducing cachexia (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, GDF-15, and MYD88).

Results
Our results showed a significant increase in levels of expression of inflammatory cytokine IL-1 β (p < 0.01), IL-6 (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p < 0.001), and other related genes including TRAF6 (p < 0.01), MYD88 (p < 0.01), and GDF-15 (p = 0.005) in tumor-bearing mice compared to controls. Treatment of mice bearing tumors with WFA attenuated the increase in expression of each gene. In addition, our results showed a significant increase in creatinine levels in circulation in tumor-bearing mice compared to control mice. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice with WFA resulted in a significant decrease in plasma creatinine levels compared to tumor-bearing mice.

Conclusions
Our results conclude that ovarian tumors in NSG mice caused kidney damage and renal dysfunction, which was effectively ameliorated by WFA treatment, suggesting a protective effect of WFA on kidney injury induced by ovarian cancer.
Methotrexate promotes the release of granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor from rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes via autocrine interleukin-1 signaling
Authors: Bergström Beatrice , Selldén Tilia , Bollmann Miriam , Svensson Mattias N. D. , Ekwall Anna-Karin Hultgård 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Activated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) are drivers of synovitis and structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite the use of disease-modifying drugs, only about 50% of RA patients reach remission in real-world settings. We used an unbiased approach to investigate the effects of standard-of-care methotrexate (MTX) and a Janus kinase inhibitor, tofacitinib (TOFA), on gene expression in RA-FLS, in order to identify untargeted disease mediators.

Methods
Primary RA-FLS were activated by stimulation with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or platelet-derived growth factor + IL-1β in the presence or absence of MTX or TOFA, with or without additional inhibitors. Co-cultures of synovial cells were performed in direct and indirect systems. Cells were collected for RNA sequencing or qPCR, and supernatants were analyzed for protein concentrations.

Results
Six thousand three hundred fifty genes were differentially expressed, the majority being upregulated, in MTX-treated activated RA-FLS and 970 genes, the majority being downregulated, in TOFA-treated samples. Pathway analysis showed that MTX had largest effects on ‘Molecular mechanisms of cancer’ and TOFA on ‘Interferon signaling’. Targeted analysis of disease-associated genes revealed that MTX increased the expression of cell cycle-regulating genes but also of pro-inflammatory mediators like IL-1α (IL1A) and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF (CSF2). The MTX-promoted expression of CSF2 in activated RA-FLS peaked at 48 h, could be mediated via either NF-κB or AP-1 transcription factors, and was abrogated by IL-1 inhibitors (IRAK4 inhibitor and anakinra). In a co-culture setting, MTX-treatment of activated RA-FLS induced IL1B expression in macrophages.

Conclusions
MTX treatment induces secretion of IL-1 from activated RA-FLS which by autocrine signaling augments their release of GM-CSF. This unexpected effect of MTX might contribute to the persistence of synovitis.
Effects of dietary Lactobacillus postbiotics and bacitracin on the modulation of mucosa-associated microbiota and pattern recognition receptors affecting immunocompetence of jejunal mucosa in pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic F18+ Escherichia coli
Authors: Duarte Marcos Elias , Deng Zixiao , Kim Sung Woo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a threat to humans and animals that causes intestinal disorders. Antimicrobial resistance has urged alternatives, including Lactobacillus postbiotics, to mitigate the effects of enterotoxigenic E. coli.

Methods
Forty-eight newly weaned pigs were allotted to NC: no challenge/no supplement; PC: F18+ E. coli challenge/no supplement; ATB: F18+ E. coli challenge/bacitracin; and LPB: F18+ E. coli challenge/postbiotics and fed diets for 28 d. On d 7, pigs were orally inoculated with F18+ E. coli. At d 28, the mucosa-associated microbiota, immune and oxidative stress status, intestinal morphology, the gene expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRR), and intestinal barrier function were measured. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4.

Results
PC increased (P < 0.05) Helicobacter mastomyrinus whereas reduced (P < 0.05) Prevotella copri and P. stercorea compared to NC. The LPB increased (P < 0.05) P. stercorea and Dialister succinatiphilus compared with PC. The ATB increased (P < 0.05) Propionibacterium acnes, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Sphingomonas pseudosanguinis compared to PC. The PC tended to reduce (P = 0.054) PGLYRP4 and increased (P < 0.05) TLR4, CD14, MDA, and crypt cell proliferation compared with NC. The ATB reduced (P < 0.05) NOD1 compared with PC. The LPB increased (P < 0.05) PGLYRP4, and interferon-γ and reduced (P < 0.05) NOD1 compared with PC. The ATB and LPB reduced (P < 0.05) TNF-α and MDA compared with PC.

Conclusions
The F18+ E. coli challenge compromised intestinal health. Bacitracin increased beneficial bacteria showing a trend towards increasing the intestinal barrier function, possibly by reducing the expression of PRR genes. Lactobacillus postbiotics enhanced the immunocompetence of nursery pigs by increasing the expression of interferon-γ and PGLYRP4, and by reducing TLR4, NOD1, and CD14.