bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lay counsellors’ experiences of administering the AUDIT-C as a brief screening tool in a South African township
Authors: Goldschmidt Lynne , Mncina Buyisile , Langa Malose , Rebello Steven , Budaza Thokozile , Tshabalala Josephine , Achoki Tom 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
South Africa presents one of the riskiest patterns of alcohol consumption, with per capita consumption above the African regional average. Globally, there has been an increased focus on the potential of appointing lay counsellors to administer alcohol intervention strategies in resource-limited contexts. Given the increasing need for relevant and efficient intervention strategies in response to high-risk alcohol consumption, screening instruments such as the AUDIT-C have gained increased attention.

Methods
This paper explores the experiences of 15 lay counsellors in response to the training received on how to administer the AUDIT-C instrument, as well as provide interventions such as brief advice or an appropriate referral, in the resource-limited South African township of Alexandra, Johannesburg. A focus group was facilitated for this purpose and, thereafter, a thematic content analysis was applied to identify the themes most central to the lay counsellors’ experiences.

Results
The research findings suggest that the lay counsellors perceived the training to be adequate in preparing them for administrating the AUDIT-C and for providing any relevant interventions, and that their confidence in administering the instrument developed as the project progressed. However, recruitment and administration challenges were experienced in primary healthcare and community settings, and lay counsellors perceived home visits to be more appropriate with respect to issues related to confidentiality and stigmatisation.

Conclusion
Overall, while lay counsellors feel that the training they received on the tool and the tool itself is useful for effectively implementing the AUDIT-C in low-resource communities, the availability and efficiency of alcohol treatment services in Alexandra Township need to be improved.
From policy to practice: a qualitive study exploring the role of community health workers during the COVID-19 response in Sierra Leone
Authors: Kallon Lansana Hassim , Raven Joanna , Wurie Haja Ramatulai , Mansour Wesam 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, community health workers (CHWs) were required to help their communities respond to the outbreak in Sierra Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone released a policy that provided an interim guidance on the specific role of CHWs during the pandemic including support required to maintain continuity of routine and essential services during the COVID-19 response. This study explores how CHWs adapted their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sierra Leone and the support they received from families, communities, and the health system.

Methods
A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in two districts in Sierra Leone. We conducted eight key informant interviews with district and community level managers and leaders and four focus group discussions with CHWs. Thematic data analysis and synthesis were guided by the interim guidance released by the Government of Sierra Leone at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and supported by NVivo 11.

Results
CHWs quickly took on COVID-19 frontline roles which included surveillance, contact tracing, social mobilization, and provision of psychosocial support. CHWs were trusted with these responsibilities as they were recognized as being knowledgeable about the community, were able to communicate effectively with community members and had experience of dealing with other outbreaks. Despite the release of the interim guidance aimed to optimize CHW contribution, motivate CHWs, ensure continuity of core and essential community-based services alongside COVID-19 services, CHWs faced many challenges in their work during the pandemic including heavy workload, low financial remuneration, lack of mental health support, and shortages of protective equipment, communication and transportation allowances. However, they were generally satisfied with the quality of the training and supervision they received. Support from families and communities was mixed, with some CHWs experiencing stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion
During the COVID-19 pandemic, CHWs played a critical role in Sierra Leone. Although, a policy was released by the government to guide their role during the crisis, it was not fully implemented. This resulted in CHWs being overworked and under supported. It is important that CHWs are provided with the necessary training, tools and support to take on their vital roles in managing health crises at the community level. Strengthening the capacity of CHWs will not only enhance pandemic response, but also lay the foundation for improved primary health care delivery and community resilience in the face of future health emergencies.
Temperature sensitive nanogel-stabilized pickering emulsion of fluoroalkane for ultrasound guiding vascular embolization therapy
Authors: Li Ling , Cao Yanyan , Zhang Haining , Zheng Min , Xing Jun , Zheng Chuansheng , Zhao Yanbing , Yang Xiangliang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractVarious X-ray imaging technologies like computed tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) are widely used in transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) therapy for treating hepatocellular cancer (HCC) patients. Although they display high-contrast imaging, they have a few disadvantages, such as complex operation and exposure to ionizing radiation. Thus, ultrasound (US) imaging plays an important role in medical diagnosis because of its advantages, like simple and fast operation, no ionizing radiation exposure, and accurate real-time imaging. Subsequently, Poly N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2,2,3,4,4,4-Hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (PNF) nanogels were synthesized for stabilizing TGFPE, the Pickering emulsions of 2H, 3H-decafluoropentane (HDFP). These emulsions displayed dual abilities of thermosensitive sol–gel transition and long-term US imaging in vitro. Thus, it was concluded that these emulsions could achieve vascular embolization and long-term US imaging in vivo as per the TAE animal model results. The emulsion droplets’ flow and accumulation were visualized under the US imaging guidance. In summary, the Pickering emulsions have the potential to be used as US-guided embolization material for mediating TAE surgeries.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of isolation strategies for asymptomatic and mild symptom COVID-19 patients
Authors: Suthutvoravut Unyaporn , Kunakorntham Patratorn , Semayai Anchisatha , Tansawet Amarit , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Piebpien Pongsathorn , Numthavaj Pawin , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Atiksawedparit Pongsakorn 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Management of COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate symptoms could be isolated at home isolation (HI), community isolation (CI) or hospitel. However, it was still unclear which strategy was more cost-effective. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate this.

Methods
This study used data from patients who initially stayed at HI, CI, and hospitel under supervision of Ramathibodi Hospital between April and October 2021. Outcomes of interest were hospitalisation and mortality. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) was calculated based on hospital perspective using home isolation as the reference.

Results
From 7,077 patients, 4,349 2,356, and 372 were admitted at hospitel, HI, and CI, respectively. Most patients were females (57.04%) and the mean age was 40.42 (SD = 16.15). Average durations of stay were 4.47, 3.35, and 3.91 days for HI, CI, and hospitel, respectively. The average cost per day for staying in these corresponding places were 24.22, 63.69, and 65.23 US$. For hospitalisation, the ICER for hospitel was at 41.93 US$ to avoid one hospitalisation in 1,000 patients when compared to HI, while CI had more cost, but less cases avoided. The ICER for hospitel and CI were at 46.21 and 866.17 US$ to avoid one death in 1,000 patients.

Conclusions
HI may be cost-effective isolated strategy for preventing hospitalisation and death in developing countries with limited resources.
Effect of IL-10-producing B cells in peripheral blood and tumor tissue on gastric cancer
Authors: Jung Yoon Ju , Woo Jin Seok , Hwang Sun-Hee , Yang SeungCheon , Kim So Jung , Jhun JooYeon , Lee Seung Yoon , Lee Kun Hee , Cho Mi-La , Song Kyo Young 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Interleukin (IL)-10-producing B (B10) cells are generated in response to signals from the tumor microenvironment and promote tumor growth by interacting with B10 cells. We investigated the distributions of immune cells in peripheral blood and tumor tissue samples from patients with gastric cancer (GC).

Methods
Patients with GC who underwent radical gastrectomy in Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital between August 2020 and May 2021 were enrolled in this study. Forty-two samples of peripheral blood were collected, and a pair of gastric mucosal samples (normal and cancerous mucosa; did not influence tumor diagnosis or staging) was collected from each patient after surgery. B10 cells in peripheral blood and cancer mucosa samples were investigated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. AGS cells, gastric cancer cell line, were cultured with IL-10 and measured cell death and cytokine secretion. Also, AGS cells were co-cultured with CD19 + B cells and measured cytokine secretion.

Results
The population of B10 cells was significantly larger in the blood of patients with GC compared with controls. In confocal images of gastric mucosal tissues, cancerous mucosa contained more B10 cells than normal mucosa. The population of B10 cells in cancerous mucosa increased with cancer stage. When AGS cells were cultured under cell-death conditions, cellular necrosis was significantly decreased, and proliferation was increased, for 1 day after IL-10 stimulation. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-8, IL-1β, and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion by cancer cells was significantly increased by coculture of AGS cells with GC-derived CD19+ B cells.

Conclusions
B cells may be one of the populations that promote carcinogenesis by inducing the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-10, in GC. Targeting B10 cells activity could improve the outcomes of antitumor immunotherapy.
Efferocytosis is restricted by axon guidance molecule EphA4 via ERK/Stat6/MERTK signaling following brain injury
Authors: Soliman Eman , Leonard John , Basso Erwin Kristobal Gudenschwager , Gershenson Ilana , Ju Jing , Mills Jatia , de Jager Caroline , Kaloss Alexandra M. , Elhassanny Mohamed , Pereira Daniela , Chen Michael , Wang Xia , Theus Michelle H. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Efferocytosis is a process that removes apoptotic cells and cellular debris. Clearance of these cells alleviates neuroinflammation, prevents the release of inflammatory molecules, and promotes the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines to help maintain tissue homeostasis. The underlying mechanisms by which this occurs in the brain after injury remain ill-defined.

Methods
We used GFP bone marrow chimeric knockout (KO) mice to demonstrate that the axon guidance molecule EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in suppressing MERTK in the brain to restrict efferocytosis of resident microglia and peripheral-derived monocyte/macrophages.

Results
Single-cell RNAseq identified MERTK expression, the primary receptor involved in efferocytosis, on monocytes, microglia, and a subset of astrocytes in the damaged cortex following brain injury. Loss of EphA4 on infiltrating GFP-expressing immune cells improved functional outcome concomitant with enhanced efferocytosis and overall protein expression of p-MERTK, p-ERK, and p-Stat6. The percentage of GFP+ monocyte/macrophages and resident microglia engulfing NeuN+ or TUNEL+ cells was significantly higher in KO chimeric mice. Importantly, mRNA expression of Mertk and its cognate ligand Gas6 was significantly elevated in these mice compared to the wild-type. Analysis of cell-specific expression showed that p-ERK and p-Stat6 co-localized with MERTK-expressing GFP + cells in the peri-lesional area of the cortex following brain injury. Using an in vitro efferocytosis assay, co-culturing pHrodo-labeled apoptotic Jurkat cells and bone marrow (BM)-derived macrophages, we demonstrate that efferocytosis efficiency and mRNA expression of Mertk and Gas6 was enhanced in the absence of EphA4. Selective inhibitors of ERK and Stat6 attenuated this effect, confirming that EphA4 suppresses monocyte/macrophage efferocytosis via inhibition of the ERK/Stat6 pathway.

Conclusions
Our findings implicate the ERK/Stat6/MERTK axis as a novel regulator of apoptotic debris clearance in brain injury that is restricted by peripheral myeloid-derived EphA4 to prevent the resolution of inflammation.
The risk factors of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: He Jinhua , Duan Ran , Qiu Peng , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhang Meng , Liu Meinv , Wu Xiaoqian , Li Jianli 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective
The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to determine the incidence and risk factors to provide a scientific basis for prevention and treatment of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods
Relevant articles published before October 2022 were searched from Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and Embase databases. The outcomes were the incidence and risk factors for POCD. A random-effects model was applied to estimate the overall odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences (MDs) for all risk factors through STATA 14.0 and RevMan 5.4. The quality of eligible studies was evaluated by Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) as previously described.

Results
A total of 22 articles involving 3459 CEA patients were finally identified. The weighted mean incidence of POCD was 19% (95% confidence intervals (95% CI) 0.16–0.24, P < 0.001). Of the 16 identified risk factors, hyperperfusion (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71) and degree of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis (OR: 5.06, 95% CI 0.86–9.27) were the potential risk factors of POCD, whereas patients taking statins preoperative had a lower risk of POCD (OR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.41–0.71). Subgroup analysis revealed that the risk of POCD at 1 month after CEA was higher in patients with diabetes (OR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.07–2.71).

Conclusion
The risk factors of POCD were hyperperfusion and degree of ICA stenosis, while diabetes could significantly increase the incidence of POCD at 1 month after surgery. Additionally, preoperative statin use could be a protective factor for POCD following CEA.
A modified chain-based sponge dressing controls junctional hemorrhage in the tactical combat casualty care simulation of pigs
Authors: Wu Weihang , Liu Wangwu , Lin Nan , Zhao Hu , Yang Jin , Ye Zhi , Yang Weijin , Wang Yu , Fang Yongchao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Hemorrhage has always been the focus of battlefield and pre-hospitalization treatment. With the increasing fatality rates associated with junctional bleeding, treatment of bleeding at junctional sites has gradually gained attention in battlefield trauma emergency care. We designed a modified chain-based sponge dressing with a medical polyvinyl alcohol sponge that can be used to treat junctional hemorrhage and tested its hemostatic efficacy and biocompatibility.

Methods
Twenty adult Bama miniature pigs were randomly divided into the modified chain-based sponge dressing (MCSD) and standard gauze (SG) groups. The right femoral artery of the pigs was shot at after anesthesia. The Bama miniature pigs were moved to the safety zone immediately to assess the condition according to the MARCH strategy, which evaluates massive hemorrhaging, airway obstruction, respiratory status, circulatory status, head injury & hypothermia. Hemoglobin and coagulation status were checked during the experiment.Among the pigs in which the inguinal hemorrhagic model based on bullet penetrating wounds was successfully established, those in the MCSD group received a disinfected MCSD for hemostasis, while those in the SG group received standard gauze in an imbricate manner to pack the bullet exit and entrance wounds to stop bleeding until the wound was filled, followed by compression for 3 min at sufficient pressure. CT scanning, transmission electron microscopy, and HE staining were conducted after experiment.

Results
The MCSD group showed lower hemostasis time and blood loss than the gauze group. The MCSD group also showed a higher success rate of treatment,more stable vital signs and hemoglobin level. The CT scanning results showed tighter packing without large gaps in the MCSD group. The histopathological assessments and the transmission electron microscopy and HE staining findings indicated good biocompatibility of the polyvinyl alcohol sponge.

Conclusion
The MCSD met the battlefield’s requirements of speedy hemostasis and biosafety for junctional hemorrhage in Bama miniature pigs. Moreover, in comparison with the conventional approach for hemostasis, it showed more stable performance for deep wound hemostasis. These findings provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the application of MCSD in the treatment of hemorrhage in the battlefield in the future.
Maintenance in relationships, satisfaction, jealousy, and violence in young couples: a network analysis
Authors: Ventura-León José , Lino-Cruz Cristopher , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomas , Córdova-Robles Christian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe study explores the associations among Relationship Maintenance, Satisfaction, Jealousy, and Violence in young Peruvian couples, particularly in a post-pandemic context, using a network analysis.MethodsEight hundred thirty-two participants aged 18–30 (M = 20.94, SD = 2.29), with 645 females (77.50%) and 187 males (22.50%), were involved. The study aimed to discern relationships among network nodes, emphasizing the link between Relationship Maintenance dimensions and Jealousy and Violence. The research also sought the central node in the network and examined gender-specific node connections, using the SMOTE algorithm for gender data balance.ResultsFindings revealed a direct connection between Complementarity and Jealousy, implying intense shared interests can lead to unhealthy dependence. An inverse relationship was seen between Companionship and Violence. Satisfaction was pivotal, showcasing its importance in romantic relationship success. Additionally, the study shows men prioritize Companionship and Sharing, possibly due to cultural norms, while women focus on the Companionship-Complementarity bond, indicating mutual support.ConclusionsThe research emphasizes the critical role of maintenance variables in determining Satisfaction, Jealousy, and Violence in relationships. The pandemic's influence on romantic dynamics is evident, emphasizing the importance of Satisfaction. Future studies should focus on gender equity and further explore these relationships.
Heat-responsive microRNAs participate in regulating the pollen fertility stability of CMS-D2 restorer line under high-temperature stress
Authors: Zhang Meng , Zhang Xuexian , Wang Ruijie , Zang Rong , Guo Liping , Qi Tingxiang , Tang Huini , Chen Liangliang , Wang Hailin , Qiao Xiuqin , Wu Jianyong , Xing Chaozhu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAnther development and pollen fertility of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) restorer lines are susceptible to continuous high-temperature (HT) stress in summer, which seriously hinders the large-scale application of "three-line" hybrids in production. Here, integrated small RNA, transcriptome, degradome, and hormone profiling was performed to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating fertility stability in mature pollens of isonuclear alloplasmic near-isogenic restorer lines NH and SH under HT stress at two environments. A total of 211 known and 248 novel miRNAs were identified, of which 159 were differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Additionally, 45 DEMs in 39 miRNA clusters (PmCs) were also identified, and most highly expressed miRNAs were significantly induced in SH under extreme HT, especially four MIR482 and six MIR6300 family miRNAs. PmC28 was located in the fine-mapped interval of the Rf1 gene and contained two DEMs, gra-miR482_L-2R + 2 and gma-miR2118a-3p_R + 1_1ss18TG. Transcriptome sequencing identified 6281 differentially expressed genes, of which heat shock protein (HSP)-related genes, such as HSP70, HSP22, HSP18.5-C, HSP18.2 and HSP17.3-B, presented significantly reduced expression levels in SH under HT stress. Through integrating multi-omics data, we constructed a comprehensive molecular network of miRNA–mRNA–gene-KEGG containing 35 pairs of miRNA/target genes involved in regulating the pollen development in response to HT, among which the mtr-miR167a_R + 1, tcc-miR167c and ghr-miR390a, tcc-miR396c_L-1 and ghr-MIR169b-p3_1ss6AG regulated the pollen fertility by influencing ARF8 responsible for the auxin signal transduction, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and the sugar and lipid metabolism and transport pathways, respectively. Further combination with hormone analysis revealed that HT-induced jasmonic acid signaling could activate the expression of downstream auxin synthesis-related genes and cause excessive auxin accumulation, followed by a cascade of auxin signal transduction, ultimately resulting in pollen abortion. The results provide a new understanding of how heat-responsive miRNAs regulate the stability of fertility restoration for CMS-D2 cotton under heat stress.
Digital sociology: origin, development, and prospects from a global perspective
Authors: Zhao Yizhang , Wang Mingyu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTo explore the rapid development of digital technology and its profound impact on human behavior and social functioning and to study the mechanisms by which digital technology and the social environment interact, a new branch of sociology—digital sociology—has emerged and rapidly entered a stage of vigorous development. This article briefly introduces digital sociology and outlines the research progress of digital sociology in six areas: labor economy and production, digital politics and power, social relations and interaction, body and self, social inequality, and methodological innovation. Based on this, the article compares digital sociology research in China and the West. The rapid development of digital technology in China provides a superb opportunity for sociology, and digital sociology has great potential for development in China.