bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change-induced shifts in the food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review and a conceptual framework
Authors: Tapkigen Janet , Harding Seeromanie , Pulkki Jutta , Atkins Salla , Koivusalo Meri 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo determine the relationship between climate change, food systems and diet-related non-communicable diseases (DR-NCDs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and propose a conceptual framework for food systems in SSA.DesignA scoping review.Eligibility criteriaStudies included investigated the relationship between climate change and related systemic risks, food systems, DR-NCDs and its risk factors in SSA. Studies focusing on the association between climate change and DR-NCDs unrelated to food systems, such as social inequalities, were excluded.Sources of evidenceA comprehensive search was conducted in ProQuest (nine databases), Google Scholar and PubMed in December 2022.Charting methodsData extracted from studies included author, study type, country of study, climate change component, DR-NCD outcomes and risk factors, and impacts of climate change on DR-NCDs. A narrative approach was used to analyse the data. Based on the evidence gathered from SSA, we modified an existing food system conceptual framework.ResultsThe search retrieved 19 125 studies, 10 of which were included in the review. Most studies used a cross-sectional design (n=8). Four explored the influence of temperature on liver cancer through food storage while four explored the influence of temperature and rainfall on diabetes and obesity through food production. Cross-sectional evidence suggested that temperature is associated with liver cancer and rainfall with diabetes.ConclusionThe review highlights the vulnerability of SSA’s food systems to climate change-induced fluctuations, which in turn affect dietary patterns and DR-NCD outcomes. The evidence is scarce and concentrates mostly on the health effects of temperature through food storage. It proposes a conceptual framework to guide future research addressing climate change and DR-NCDs in SSA.
Integrated patient-centred care for type 2 diabetes in Singapore Primary Care Networks: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Goh Lay Hoon , Siah Chiew Jiat Rosalind , Szücs Anna , Tai E Shyong , Valderas Jose M , Young Doris 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivePatients with type 2 diabetes require patient-centred care as guided by the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Many diabetes patients in Singapore are managed by the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) which organised healthcare professionals (HCPs) comprising general practitioners, nurses and care coordinators into teams to provide diabetes care. Little is known about how the PCNs deliver care to people with type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the consistency of diabetes care delivery in the PCNs with the CCM.DesignThis was a mixed-method study. The Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC version 3.5) survey was self-administered by the HCPs in the quantitative study (ACIC scores range 0–11, the latter indicating care delivery most consistent with CCM). Descriptive statistics were obtained, and linear mixed-effects regression model was used to test for association between independent variables and ACIC total scores. The qualitative study comprised semi-structured focus group discussions and used thematic analysis.SettingThe study was conducted on virtual platforms involving the PCNs.Participants179 HCPs for quantitative study and 65 HCPs for qualitative study.ResultsIntegrated analysis of quantitative and qualitative results found that there was support for diabetes care consistent with the CCM in the PCNs. The mean ACIC total score was 5.62 (SD 1.93). The mean element scores ranged from 6.69 (SD 2.18) (Health System Organisation) to 4.91 (SD 2.37) (Community Linkages). The qualitative themes described how the PCNs provided much needed diabetes services, their characteristics such as continuity of care, patient-centred care; collaborating with community partners, financial aspects of care, enablers for and challenges in performing care, and areas for enhancement.ConclusionThis mixed-methods study informs that diabetes care delivery in the Singapore PCNs is consistent with the CCM. Future research should consider using independent observers in the quantitative study and collecting objective data such as patient outcomes.
The 2014 West Africa Ebola crisis: lessons from UK Defence Healthcare Engagement in Sierra Leone
Authors: Jalloh Mohammed Boie , Round J A 
Published: June 2024

The 2014 West Africa Ebola virus disease outbreak prompted the deployment to Sierra Leone of non-governmental organisations and the UK Joint Inter-Agency Taskforce including personnel from the UK Defence Medical Services (DMS). Some of these military personnel partnered with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) as an example of Defence Healthcare Engagement (DHE).UK DMS mentors assisted RSLAF to plan and upscale Ebola treatment units. Use of military analysis and planning tools facilitated robust and flexible plans to be produced while under significant time and resource constraints. Macrosimulation exercises enabled large numbers to be trained and standard operating procedures to be developed.Fundamental to success was a mutual respect between the DHE partners while maintaining host nation primacy throughout. DHE in this example offered advantages over non-governmental organisations. Transferable lessons for future DHE from the RSLAF-UK DMS partnership are described in this paper.
Identifying psychological risk and resilience in high-risk military personnel
Authors: Bennett Neanne , Lawrence-Wood E , McFarlane A 
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Combat exposure has been associated with the emergence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in military personnel; however, not all veterans are negatively impacted by their operational experience. In many instances, the absence of symptoms following operational service is attributed to resilience. This study explored the construct of resilience by examining the relationship between levels of deployment-related exposures and psychological symptoms, as well as identifying factors that may contribute to resilience and emerging risk.

Method
Participants were special forces personnel who completed self-report questionnaires 1 month before deployment and 4 months post deployment. Subgroups were created based on psychological reactivity to deployment exposures, representing risk, vulnerability and resilience. Regression analysis assessed the contribution of factors that were predictive of risk or resilience groups specifically.

Results
Results showed the overall levels of psychological reactivity in this population post deployment were low; however, differences between risk and resilience subgroups were found. Subthreshold indicators of psychological reactivity, as well as deployment factors such as increased deployment frequency and time spent away from home, were found to contribute to differences between risk and resilient trajectories.

Conclusion
Findings reflect a military population with low psychological symptoms despite high trauma exposure. However, subtle underlying differences between subgroups suggest that the early identification of risk and emerging trajectories is possible. Risk and resilience in military populations needs to consider subthreshold indicators and individual differences over time.
Missed opportunities for guidance on sexually transmitted infection services: a global review of national HIV PrEP guidance
Authors: Spielman Erica , Mello Maeve B , Schaefer Robin , Ong Jason , Schmidt Heather-Marie A , Henderson Mary , Vinti Pietro , Prochazka Mateo , Luhmann Niklas , Baggaley Rachel 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesPeople who use or would benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Integrating STI services when offering PrEP fosters synergies and efficiencies in response to HIV/STI and promotes people-centred care. Including guidance on STI interventions for people on PrEP may facilitate implementation and uptake. We conducted a global review of national PrEP guidance documents and analysed the inclusion of recommendations for the provision of STI services by country level of income.MethodsWe searched national PrEP guidance documents published by WHO Member States through the WHO, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) databases, thePrEPWatchrepository and Google. Information on a range of STI-related interventions was extracted from documents available by October 2023.ResultsOf the 113 national PrEP guidance documents retrieved, STIs were mentioned in 77% (90/117). Viral hepatitis B testing and vaccination were recommended by most high-income countries (HICs) and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recommendation for syphilis testing was prominent in HICs (91%) and moderately noted in LMICs (68%). Gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing was recommended frequently in HICs (88%) and 42% in LMICs. However, the review noted that, to a much lesser extent, specific type of testing for these pathogens was mentioned. Recommendation for quarterly STI testing for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia was ubiquitous, while the need to offer STI partner services was rarely mentioned.ConclusionsPrEP services offer an opportunity for improved and expanded STI services, increasing person-centred care and addressing STI epidemics alongside HIV. Our review highlights the strengths and gaps in incorporating critical STI interventions into national PrEP normative guidance. Addressing these gaps through a stepwise approach and increasing targeted testing and partner services can help improve quality of care and support an effective response to HIV and other STIs.
Online palliative care curriculum: contextual adaptation for Nigerian healthcare workers
Authors: Ogbenna Ann , Caputo Matthew , Akodu Babatunde , Drane Denise , Ohanete Debora , Doobay-Persaud Ashti , Ogunseitan Adeboye , Johnson Lyra , Hou Lifang , Akanmu Alani , Hauser Joshua M 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesThis study reports on a yearlong sequence of three periodic, virtual trainings in primary palliative care for healthcare professionals across Nigeria. Our overall objective was to determine the impact of the full course on participants’ attitudes, knowledge, skills and plans to implement and deliver palliative care in their local contexts.MethodsThe curriculum for this programme was codeveloped by a team of USA and Nigerian palliative care professionals and delivered via three 3-day virtual sessions. Daily surveys, knowledge tests and end-of-training surveys were administered to participants electronically. Demographics, knowledge scores, confidence levels and self-reported achievement were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsPretraining and post-training knowledge scores showed significant improvement with average gains of 10.3 percentage points in training 1 (p<0.001) to 11.7 percentage points in training 2 (p=0.01). More than three-quarters of participants improved their test scores. Most participants (89.4%–100%) agreed that they had achieved the daily learning objectives across all trainings. Nearly 100% of participants reported that they felt more empowered as healthcare workers, more confident in their decision-making and more comfortable communicating with patients and other healthcare workers about palliative care.ConclusionsHealthcare workers in Nigeria demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence in providing palliative care as a result of an adapted virtual training programme. Further research is needed to (1) demonstrate feasibility for online trainings in similar resource-limited settings and (2) evaluate impact on patient-centred outcomes.
Dopant concentration effects on Si$$_{1-x}$$Ge$$_{x}$$ crystals for emerging light-source technologies: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Dickers Matthew D. , Sushko Gennady B. , Korol Andrei V. , Mason Nigel J. , Fantuzzi Felipe , Solov’yov Andrey V. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this study, we conduct atomistic-level molecular dynamics simulations on fixed-sized silicon-germanium (Si$$_{1-x}$$

1
-
x

Ge$$_{x}$$

x

) crystals to elucidate the effects of dopant concentration on the crystalline inter-planar distances. Our calculations consider a range of Ge dopant concentrations between pure Si (0%) and 15%, and for both the optimised system state and a temperature of 300K. We observe a linear relationship between Ge concentration and inter-planar distance and lattice constant, in line with the approximation of Vegard’s Law, and other experimental and computational results. These findings will be employed in conjunction with future studies to establish precise tolerances for use in crystal growth, crucial for the manufacture of crystals intended for emerging gamma-ray crystal-based light source technologies.

Graphical abstract
Abstract PO-001: GPR65-low tumor clones reprogram macrophage via VEGF signaling and confer antigen-independent CAR-T resistance
Authors: Mavuluri Jayadev 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies can be curative for CD19+ hematological malignancies, though are limited by frequent patient relapse and response failures. Here, we identify GPR65 as a tumor-specific determinant of responsiveness to CAR-T cell therapy. In patients and an immune competent mouse model of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) response to CAR-T cell therapy, high GPR65 is associated with a complete tumor response. In mice, GPR65 knockout (GPR65 KO) tumors are resistant to CAR-T cell therapy in vivo, without antigen loss. Single-cell network analyses reveal that GPR65 deficiency remodels tumor interactions with host macrophages, partially through increasing tumor VEGFA. This leads to increased macrophage numbers and preferential M2 macrophage polarization. Either depletion of host macrophages or deletion of VEGFA from GPR65 KO tumors restores responsiveness to CAR-T cell treatment. Anti-VEGFA therapy in combination with CAR-T cell administration also prolongs the survival of GPR65 KO tumor-bearing mice. Our results indicate that tumor GPR65 expression is important for B-ALL responses to CAR-T cell therapy through its impact on the tumor microenvironment and supports new approaches to identify and overcome CAR-T cell resistance.
Citation Format: Jayadev Mavuluri. GPR65-low tumor clones reprogram macrophage via VEGF signaling and confer antigen-independent CAR-T resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Meeting on Advances in Malignant Lymphoma: Maximizing the Basic-Translational Interface for Clinical Application; 2024 Jun 19-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2024;5(3_Suppl):Abstract nr PO-001.
Antihypertensive Drugs for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: A Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Geurts Sven , Tilly Martijn J. , Lu Zuolin , Stricker Bruno H.C. , Deckers Jaap W. , de Groot Natasja M.S. , Miller Clint L. , Ikram M. Arfan , Kavousi Maryam 
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:
We investigated the potential impact of antihypertensive drugs for atrial fibrillation (AF) prevention through a drug target Mendelian randomization study to avoid the potential limitations of clinical studies.

METHODS:
Validated published single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that mimic the action of 12 antihypertensive drug classes, including alpha-adrenoceptor blockers, adrenergic neuron blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor blockers, beta-adrenoceptor blockers, centrally acting antihypertensive drugs, calcium channel blockers, loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, renin inhibitors, thiazides and related diuretic agents, and vasodilators were used. We estimated, via their corresponding gene and protein targets, the downstream effect of these drug classes to prevent AF via systolic blood pressure using 2-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. The SNPs were extracted from 2 European genome-wide association studies for the drug classes (n=317 754; n=757 601) and 1 European genome-wide association study for AF (n=1 030 836).

RESULTS:

Drug target Mendelian randomization analyses supported the significant preventive causal effects of lowering systolic blood pressure per 10 mm Hg via alpha-adrenoceptor blockers (n=11 SNPs; odds ratio [OR], 0.34 [95% CI, 0.21–0.56];
P
=2.74×10
−05
), beta-adrenoceptor blockers (n=17 SNPs; OR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.35–0.78];
P
=1.62×10
−03
), calcium channel blockers (n=49 SNPs; OR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.36–0.70];
P
=4.51×10
−05
), vasodilators (n=19 SNPs; OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.34–0.84];
P
=7.03×10
−03
), and all 12 antihypertensive drug classes combined (n=158 SNPs; OR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.54–0.77];
P
=8.50×10
−07
) on AF risk.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our results indicated that lowering systolic blood pressure via protein targets of various antihypertensive drugs seems promising for AF prevention. Our findings inform future clinical trials and have implications for repurposing antihypertensive drugs for AF prevention.
Interventions to promote mental health in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Palestinian refugees: A scoping review
Authors: Abu-Ras Wahiba , Almoayad Fatmah , Bakry Huny M , Alammari Duaa , Kelly Patricia J , Aboul-Enein Basil H 
Published: June 2024

Background: The long history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has resulted in a public and mental health crisis. Despite the significant mental health burdens facing the Palestinian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and refugee camps, this issue remains comprehensively unexplored. Aims: This scoping review identified mental health interventions and assessed their effectiveness among populations in the OPT and Palestinian refugee camps, while addressing delivery challenges. Method: A scoping review was conducted using 14 databases to include relevant studies published through March 2024 using PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews. Results: Analyzing 31 intervention studies meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria, revealed varied outcomes in interventions targeting post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and overall mental well-being. Conclusions: While some interventions showed potential, others had limited effectiveness, underscoring the complexity of mental health needs in conflict zones. Gender- and risk-specific effectiveness was observed, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches. Challenges like low attendance rates and systemic barriers hindered intervention success. The profound impact of war on children stresses the urgency for targeted interventions. Empowerment and community connectedness are vital for resilience, along with the importance of family and community involvement and research that balances the need for strong evaluation designs with the need for ongoing mental health services. Advocacy for systemic changes is crucial to implement the complex sustainable interventions necessary to assure mental health in any population. This review highlights the importance of holistic, contextually relevant approaches for mental health intervention in OPT and refugee camps, emphasizing rigorous evaluations and community-driven approaches.
Torsion modulus to hollow glass microsphere additives in unsaturated polyester resin: Dynamic and deformation energy methods
Authors: Pintão Carlos Alberto Fonzar , Baggio Airton , Alarcon Rafael Turra , Piedade Lucas Pereira 
Published: June 2024

This paper presents two methods for deformation energy or dynamic for measuring and calculating the torsion modulus, G, for composites with hollow glass microsphere (HGM) additives in unsaturated polyester resin. First, we constructed a measurement system with a torsion pendulum, a force sensor (FS), and a rotational movement sensor (RMS). Then, we deduced a relationship between force (F) and torsion angle (θ) to obtain G by deformation energy. Second, using the relaxation curve, θ in function time (t), we deduce an equation that could return the value of G for dynamic. Both techniques are non-destructive and independent of knowing the value of Poisson’s ratio. We used samples of approximately 5.00 mm diameters, and the influence percentage of HGM additives differed from that of 100%Wt resin. They obtained G values by opting for these composite materials’ different methods, showing a maximum deviation of 5.44%.
A Scoping Review and Assessment of the Area-Level Composite Measures That Estimate Social Determinants of Health Across the United States
Authors: Hassett Thomas C. , Stuhlsatz Greta , Snyder John E. 
Published: June 2024

Objectives: Evidence-informed population health initiatives often leverage data from various sources, such as epidemiologic surveillance data and administrative datasets. Recent interest has arisen in using area-level composite measures describing a community’s social risks to inform the development and implementation of health policies, including payment reform initiatives. Our objective was to capture the breadth of available area-level composite measures that describe social determinants of health (SDH) and have potential for application in population health and policy work. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the scientific literature from 2010 to 2022 to identify multifactorial indices and rankings reflected in peer-reviewed literature that estimate SDH and that have publicly accessible data sources. We discovered several additional composite measures incidental to the scoping review process. Literature searches for each composite measure aimed to contextualize common applications in public health investigations. Results: From 491 studies, we identified 31 composite measures and categorized them into 8 domains: environmental conditions and pollution, opportunity and infrastructure, deprivation and well-being, COVID-19, rurality, food insecurity, emergency response and community resilience, and health. Composite measures are applied most often as an independent variable associated with disparities, risk factors, and/or outcomes affecting individuals, populations, communities, and health systems. Conclusions: Area-level composite measures describing SDH have been applied to wide-ranging population health work. Social risk indicators may enable policy makers, evaluators, and researchers to better assess community risks and needs, thereby facilitating the evidence-informed development, implementation, and study of initiatives that aim to improve population health.