bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Cytokeratin-18 levels as a prognostic biomarker in advanced liver disease: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Jiangguo , Jiang Li , Deng Yuexia , Wei Licheng , Li Xing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCytokeratin-18 (CK-18) is a marker of hepatic cell death. Serum CK-18 could serve as a prognostic marker for patients with advanced liver disease (ALD). This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between total CK-18 (M65) and caspase-cleaved CK-18 (M30) levels with the prognosis of ALD patients. Relevant longitudinal observational studies were identified through comprehensive searches of the Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases. A random-effects model was utilized to synthesize the findings, accommodating heterogeneity among studies. The analysis included 14 datasets from 11 studies. Elevated serum CK-18 levels at admission were linked to a higher risk of death or liver transplantation during follow-up. This association was consistent for both M65 (risk ratio [RR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65 to 2.40, p < 0.001; I2 = 43%) and M30 (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.40, p < 0.001; I2 = 46%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between serum M65 levels and adverse outcomes was attenuated in studies using multivariate analysis compared to those using univariate analysis (RR 1.78 vs. 2.80, p for subgroup difference = 0.03). Further subgroup analyses indicated that the prognostic significance of CK-18 for ALD patients was not significantly influenced by study design, methods of determining CK-18 cutoff values, or follow-up durations. Elevated serum CK-18 levels at admission indicate a poor prognosis in patients with ALD. This finding holds for both M65 and M30.
Impact of social prescribing intervention on people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a primary healthcare context: a systematic literature review of effectiveness
Authors: Oliveira Dulce , Henriques Adriana , Nogueira Paulo , Costa Andreia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Aim
To identify social prescribing intervention for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the context of primary healthcare and evaluate their impact on improving health, behavior, and economic outcomes.

Subject and Methods
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted in SCOPUS database (MEDLINE) and via EBSCO Host (CINHAL, MEDLINE, and Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences Collection). Review studies were included and excluded on the basis of defined criteria. A comprehensive quality appraisal was conducted by analyzing the risk of bias according to each study design. Narrative synthesis was performed by analyzing the social prescribing intervention, with the outcomes sorted into categories.

Results
Eleven papers were selected with 19,202 participants describing nine social prescribing intervention domains with a positive contribution to health-related outcomes (improvement in quality of life, psychological and mental well-being, physical activity, and modestly reduced HbA1c), less evidence for health-related behavior outcomes (self-care management slow growth) and less evidence for health-related economic evaluation (small decline in care costs and primary care visits). Social prescribing intervention delivery in a face-to-face mode, performed for longer periods and involving fewer professionals in the referral and accompaniment of the person, demonstrated greater effectiveness. Quality methodology evaluation revealed concerns about the low quality of some studies and a high risk of bias.

Conclusion
The analyzed studies suggest that social prescribing interventions can play an important role in producing related health, behavioral, and economic outcomes for people with T2DM. However, interventions targeted specifically at people with T2DM are needed to increase their robustness.
Integration of ecological indicators to assess a multitemporal impact of cement industries
Authors: Cocozza Claudia , Parisi Francesco , Chiari Massimo , Loppi Stefano , Munzi Silvana , Ravera Sonia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present study evaluated an integrated biomonitoring approach based on three different bioindicators: tree rings, lichens, and beetles in a complex environment (urban-industrial-forest). In Central Italy, four sampling sites were selected to assess the anthropogenic impact of cement plants taking into account (1) long-term exposure (1988–2020) through the analysis of trace elements in tree rings of Quercus pubescens; (2) medium-term exposure (2020–2021) through the analysis of trace elements in thalli (outermost portions) of the lichen Xanthoria parietina; (3) short-term exposure in spring 2021 through the bioaccumulation and evaluation of sample vitality in transplants of the lichen Evernia prunastri and a periodic survey of entomological biodiversity carried out during spring and summer 2021. Trace elements of industrial origin were found in tree rings, with different levels of accumulation between 1988 and 2020 and a maximum in 2012. Native thalli of the lichen X. parietina showed an overall low bioaccumulation of trace elements except for Cr, probably reflecting the influence of national lockdown measures. The transplants of E. prunastri showed a weak stress response in the industrial and urban sites, but not in the forest, and identified Tl and V as the main elements contributing to atmospheric contamination, with peaks at the industrial sites. Concerning the beetles, a significantly lower number of species was found at the Semonte industrial site.
A Primary Health Care Program and COVID-19. Impact in Hospital Admissions and Mortality
Authors: García-Marichal Cristina , Aguilar-Jerez Manuel Francisco , Delgado-Plasencia Luciano Jonathan , Pérez-Hernández Onán , Armas-González José Fernando , Pelazas-González Ricardo , Martín-González Candelaria 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Most patients with mild or moderate COVID infection did not require hospital admission, but depending on their personal history, they needed medical supervision. In monitoring these patients in primary care, the design of specific surveillance programs was of great help. Between February 2021 and March 2022, EDCO program was designed in Tenerife, Spain, to telemonitor patients with COVID infection who had at least one vulnerability factor to reduce hospital admissions and mortality.

Objective
The aim of this study is to describe the clinical course of patients included in the EDCO program and to analyze which factors were associated with a higher probability of hospital admission and mortality.

Design
Retrospective cohort study.

Patients
We included 3848 patients with a COVID-19 infection age over 60 years old or age over 18 years and at least one vulnerability factor previously reported in medical history.

Main Measures
Primary outcome was to assess risk of admission or mortality.

Key Results
278 (7.2%) patients required hospital admission. Relative risks (RR) of hospital admission were oxygen saturation ≤ 92% (RR: 90.91 (58.82–142.86)), respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths per minute (RR: 20.41 (1.19–34.48), obesity (RR: 1.53 (1.12–2.10), chronic kidney disease (RR:2.31 (1.23–4.35), ≥ 60 years of age (RR: 1.44 (1.04–1.99). Mortality rate was 0.7% (27 patients). Relative risks of mortality were respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths per minute (RR: 24.85 (11.15–55.38), patients with three or more vulnerability factors (RR: 4.10 (1.62–10.38), oxygen saturation ≤ 92% (RR: 4.69 (1.70–15.15), chronic respiratory disease (RR: 3.32 (1.43–7.69) and active malignancy (RR: 4.00 (1.42–11.23).

Conclusions
Vulnerable patients followed by a primary care programme had admission rates of 7.2% and mortality rates of 0.7%. Supervision of vulnerable patients by a Primary Care team was effective in the follow-up of these patients with complete resolution of symptoms in 91.7% of the cases.
Thermal Conductivity of AlSi12/Al2O3-Graded Composites Consolidated by Hot Pressing and Spark Plasma Sintering: Experimental Evaluation and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Sequeira Anil , Węglewski Witold , Bochenek Kamil , Hutsch Thomas , Jain Amrita , Weissgaerber Thomas , Basista Michał 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFunctionally graded metal matrix composites have attracted the attention of various industries as materials with tailorable properties due to spatially varying composition of constituents. This research work was inspired by an application, such as automotive brake disks, which requires advanced materials with improved wear resistance on the outer surface as combined with effective heat flux dissipation of the graded system. To this end, graded AlSi12/Al2O3 composites (FGMs) with a stepwise gradient in the volume fraction of alumina reinforcement were produced by hot pressing and spark plasma sintering techniques. The thermal conductivities of the individual composite layers and the FGMs were evaluated experimentally and simulated numerically using 3D finite element (FE) models based on micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-XCT) images of actual AlSi12/Al2O3 microstructures. The numerical models incorporated the effects of porosity of the fabricated AlSi12/Al2O3 composites, thermal resistance, and imperfect interfaces between the AlSi12 matrix and the alumina particles. The obtained experimental data and the results of the numerical models are in good agreement, the relative error being in the range of 4 to 6 pct for different compositions and FGM structure. The predictive capability of the proposed micro-XCT-based FE model suggests that this model can be applied to similar types of composites and different composition gradients.
Linking Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis to APOE-Mediated Amyloidosis: Observations and Hypothesis
Authors: Kioko Mwikali , Mwangi Shaban , Njunge James M. , Berkley James A. , Bejon Philip , Abdi Abdirahman I. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Although most children with cerebral malaria fully recover, more than a fifth of the survivors develop post-discharge neurodevelopmental sequelae suggestive of advanced neuronal injury. However, the cerebral molecular processes initiating neurological dysfunction in cerebral malaria are still debatable. In this article, we explore available data and hypothesise that cerebral malaria might be linked to APOE-mediated amyloidosis, one of the pathological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. If our hypothesis is tested and found to be true, it could have far-reaching implications for what we know about cerebral malaria pathogenesis.
The Velocity of Money and Lessons for Monetary Policy in Nigeria: An Application of the Quantile ARDL Approach
Authors: Oyadeyi Olajide O. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper investigates the determinants and stability of the income velocity of money while accounting for structural breaks in its approach from the period Q1 1981 to Q4 2023 in Nigeria. The paper extends previous works by accounting for four velocities of money functions having accounted for structural breaks in its approach. The study adopted the Bai and Perron breakpoint test, the Zivot and Andrews, and Perron and Vogelsang structural break unit root tests to determine the break dates and the variables’ stationary properties. In analyzing the main results, the study used the quantile ARDL method to establish the determinants of income velocity of money in Nigeria, while it used the CUSUM tests to establish the stability of money velocity in Nigeria. The study found that the determinants of the velocity of money are per capita income, the exchange rate, financial development, inflation, and the interest rate across the four models. Furthermore, the four velocities of money functions were unstable for Nigeria using the cumulative sum and cumulative sum of squares tests. Consequently, the study recommends effective monitoring and the provision of sound monetary policies to ensure a stable and predictable velocity of money. This can be achieved by understanding and focusing on these key determinants and crafting informed strategies to manage economic growth and stability. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of economic policies are felt broadly across the economy, ultimately bolstering overall financial health and enhancing the velocity of money, which is crucial for sustained economic progress.
Potential Precursory Signals of Localized Torrential Rainfall From Geostationary Satellite and Radar Observations: A Case Study of the 2022 Seoul Flood
Authors: Kim Gyuyeon , Choi Yong-Sang , Ho Junho 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Korean Peninsula frequently experiences localized torrential rainfall (LTR) in the summer. However, on August 8, 2022, a peculiar LTR occurred by the continuous generation of convective clouds within a few hours, numerical weather prediction model was hard to forecast such a high intensity of LTR. This study explores the possibility of uncovering potential precursory signals using remote sensing techniques in both Geostationary Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite 2A (GK2A) and the operational RKSG (Camp Humphreys) Weather Surveillance Radar 88 Doppler (WSR-88D). Using cloud properties from GK2A, cloud top temperature showed a decrease and maintained low values below 220 K 1–1.5 h before the LTR events. However, discerning the exact onset of LTR in already mature stage clouds using only GK2A variables proved challenging. Instead, liquid water content from RKSG sharply increased before the LTR started. Our calculation of the LTR potential from a combination of GK2A and RKSG cloud properties shows a more accurate precursory signal of LTR than from GK2A cloud properties solely or RKSG either. This study highlights the synergistic benefits of combining geostationary satellite and radar observations to understand and predict early precursors of LTR events.
Teachers’ use and perceptions of Let’s Talk about Children
Authors: Raitila Pilvi , Heiskanen Noora , Karhu Anne 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Schools play significant roles in promoting pupils’ well-being. This study explores teachers’ experiences using the research-based, psychoeducational method Let’s Talk about Children (LTC) to support pupils’ well-being and identify possible risk factors in cooperation with home and school. The study’s data comprise 83 LTC training participants’ writing about their experiences with the method as first-time users. The results indicate that the teachers noticed several benefits and potential uses of LTC, but they reported that the method requires adaptation. The experienced LTC benefits were early intervention, increased knowledge about pupils, encouragement and improved relationships with families. Challenges included a poor fit with teachers’ work, rigid materials and challenging interactions. Teachers noticed benefits from LTC use, but adjusting the method to their work was challenging. These results will enable the method’s further development.
A Bayesian Model Based on Local Phenotypic Resistance Data to Inform Empiric Antibiotic Escalation Decisions
Authors: Bamber Ranjeet , Sullivan Brian , Gorman Léo , Lee Winnie W. Y. , Avison Matthew B. , Dowsey Andrew W. , Williams Philip B. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Clinicians commonly escalate empiric antibiotic therapy due to poor clinical progress without microbiology guidance. When escalating, they should take account of how resistance to an initial antibiotic affects the probability of resistance to subsequent options. The term "escalation antibiogram" (EA) has been coined to describe this concept. One difficulty when applying the EA concept to clinical practice is understanding the uncertainty in results and how this changes for specific patient subgroups.

Methods
A Bayesian model was developed to estimate antibiotic resistance rates in Gram-negative bloodstream infections based on phenotypic resistance data. The model generates a series of “credible” curves to fit the resistance data, each with the same probability of representing the true rate given the inherent uncertainty. To avoid overfitting, an integrated penalisation term adaptively smooths the curves given the level of evidence.

Results
Rates of resistance to empiric first-choice and potential escalation antibiotics were calculated for the whole hospitalised population based on 10,486 individual bloodstream infections, and for a range of specific patient groups, including ICU (intensive care unit), haematolo-oncology, and paediatric patients. The model generated an expected value (posterior mean) with 95% credible interval to illustrate uncertainty, based on the size of the patient subgroup. For example, the posterior means of piperacillin/tazobactam resistance rates in Gram-negative bloodstream infection are different between patients on ICU and the general hospital population: 27.3% (95% CI 18.1–37.2 vs. 13.4% 95% CI 11.0–16.1) respectively. The model can also estimate the probability of inferiority between two antibiotics for a specific patient population. Differences in optimal escalation antibiotic options between specific patient groups were noted.

Conclusions
EA analysis informed by our Bayesian model is a useful tool to support empiric antibiotic switches, providing an estimate of local resistance rates, and a comparison of antibiotic options with a measure of the uncertainty in the data. We demonstrate that EAs calculated for the whole hospital population cannot be assumed to apply to specific patient group.
Assessment of Strength and Power Capacities in Elite Male Soccer: A Systematic Review of Test Protocols Used in Practice and Research
Authors: Asimakidis Nikolaos D. , Mukandi Irvin N. , Beato Marco , Bishop Chris , Turner Anthony N. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Strength and power represent two crucial physical qualities for the attainment of a high level of performance considering the frequency and the importance of explosive actions occurring during elite soccer match-play. Evaluation of strength and power is a multifaceted concept involving a vast array of tests and outcome variables. Nevertheless, a comprehensive and systematic search of strength and power assessment procedures in elite soccer has yet to be undertaken.

Objectives
The aims of this systematic review were to: (1) identify the tests and outcome variables used to assess strength and power of elite male soccer players; (2) provide normative values for the most common tests of strength and power across different playing levels; and (3) report the reliability values of these strength and power tests.

Methods
A systematic review of the academic databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science and OVID for studies published until August 2023 was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they: (1) were original research studies, published in a peer-reviewed journal, and written in English language; (2) had the primary aim to assess strength and/or power; (3) players were male and older than 17 years of age (i.e., mean age of the group); and (4) their playing level was defined as “professional”, “international” or “elite”.

Results
Regarding strength testing, 115 studies and 29 different tests were identified. The three most frequent strength tests were the knee extensor isokinetic strength test (58 studies), the knee flexor isokinetic strength test (55 studies) and the Nordic hamstring strength test (13 studies). In terms of power testing, 127 studies with 31 different tests were included. The three most frequent power tests were the countermovement jump with hands fixed on hips (99 studies), the squat jump (48 studies) and the vertical jump with arm swing (29 studies).

Conclusions
The wide range of different tests and outcome variables identified in this systematic review highlights the large diversity in the employed testing procedures. The establishment of a hybrid testing approach, combining standardised and widely accepted tests for establishing normative standards and enabling comparisons across different contexts, with flexible context-specific testing batteries, has the potential to maximise the impact of testing information for practitioners. In addition, the limited reporting of reliability data across studies highlights the need for practitioners to establish their own reliability measure within their specific contexts, informing the selection of certain tests and outcome variables.
Health literacy and falls among community-dwelling older people in China: is there a sex difference?
Authors: Li Shaojie , Wang Jingjing , Ren Longbing , Ye Pengpeng , Niu Wenyi , Yu Mingzhi , Hu Yang , Jiang Yuling , Wu Yifei , Tian Maoyi , Zhao Yali , Yao Yao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Health literacy is one of the important determinants of healthy aging, yet few studies have focused on the association between health literacy and falls.

Aims
This study aims to explore the relationship between health literacy and falls, with a focus on sex differences among older people in China.

Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 2,144 older people aged ≥ 60 years from Shandong Province, China in 2021. We used general health literacy screening scale to assess health literacy, and collected the incidence of falls in the past year. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the relationship between health literacy and falls. We investigated the sex differences by subgroup analyses.

Results
The prevalence of adequate health literacy and falls was 21.7% (95% CI: 20.0–23.5%) and 25.4% (95% CI: 23.6–27.3%), respectively. In a fully-adjusted model, adequate health literacy was associated with a lower prevalence of falls in older adults (OR = 0.71, 95%CI: 0.52–0.96). Subgroup analysis revealed sex differences in this relationship (Pfor interaction <0.05). Specifically, the female group showed no significant relationship between health literacy and falls (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.59–1.44); however, the male group demonstrated a robust and significant relationship (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37–0.90).

Conclusions
Older people with adequate health literacy have lower prevalence of falls, which appears to differ by sex. This relationship was significant among men but not among women. These findings emphasize the need for policymakers and healthcare providers to consider sex differences when designing and implementing programs aimed at improving health literacy and preventing falls in the older population. Improving health literacy among older women could be a strategic component in bridging sex inequality in falls.