bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An agent-based model of binge drinking, inequitable gender norms and their contribution to HIV transmission, with application to South Africa
Authors: Johnson Leigh F. , Kubjane Mmamapudi , de Voux Alex , Ohrnberger Julius , Tlali Mpho 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundBinge drinking, inequitable gender norms and sexual risk behaviour are closely interlinked. This study aims to model the potential effect of alcohol counselling interventions (in men and women) and gender-transformative interventions (in men) as strategies to reduce HIV transmission.MethodsWe developed an agent-based model of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, allowing for effects of binge drinking on sexual risk behaviour, and effects of inequitable gender norms (in men) on sexual risk behaviour and binge drinking. The model was applied to South Africa and was calibrated using data from randomized controlled trials of alcohol counselling interventions (n = 9) and gender-transformative interventions (n = 4) in sub-Saharan Africa. The model was also calibrated to South African data on alcohol consumption and acceptance of inequitable gender norms. Binge drinking was defined as five or more drinks on a single day, in the last month.ResultsBinge drinking is estimated to be highly prevalent in South Africa (54% in men and 35% in women, in 2021), and over the 2000–2021 period 54% (95% CI: 34–74%) of new HIV infections occurred in binge drinkers. Binge drinking accounted for 6.8% of new HIV infections (0.0–32.1%) over the same period, which was mediated mainly by an effect of binge drinking in women on engaging in casual sex. Inequitable gender norms accounted for 17.5% of incident HIV infections (0.0–68.3%), which was mediated mainly by an effect of inequitable gender norms on male partner concurrency. A multi-session alcohol counselling intervention that reaches all binge drinkers would reduce HIV incidence by 1.2% (0.0–2.5%) over a 5-year period, while a community-based gender-transformative intervention would reduce incidence by 3.2% (0.8–7.2%) or by 7.3% (0.6–21.2%) if there was no waning of intervention impact.ConclusionsAlthough binge drinking and inequitable gender norms contribute substantially to HIV transmission in South Africa, recently-trialled alcohol counselling and gender-transformative interventions are likely to have only modest effects on HIV incidence. Further innovation in developing locally-relevant interventions to address binge drinking and inequitable gender norms is needed.
Scale-aware dense residual retinal vessel segmentation network with multi-output weighted loss
Authors: Wu Jiwei , Xuan Shibin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Retinal vessel segmentation provides an important basis for determining the geometric characteristics of retinal vessels and the diagnosis of related diseases. The retinal vessels are mainly composed of coarse vessels and fine vessels, and the vessels have the problem of uneven distribution of coarse and fine vessels. At present, the common retinal blood vessel segmentation network based on deep learning can easily extract coarse vessels, but it ignores the more difficult to extract fine vessels.

Methods
Scale-aware dense residual model, multi-output weighted loss and attention mechanism are proposed and incorporated into the U-shape network. The model is proposed to extract image features through residual module, and using a multi-scale feature aggregation method to extract the deep information of the network after the last encoder layer, and upsampling output at each decoder layer, compare the output results of each decoder layer with the ground truth separately to obtain multiple output losses, and the last layer of the decoder layers is used as the final prediction output.

Result
The proposed network is tested on DRIVE and STARE. The evaluation indicators used in this paper are dice, accuracy, mIoU and recall rate. On the DRIVE dataset, the four indicators are respectively 80.40%, 96.67%, 82.14% and 88.10%; on the STARE dataset, the four indicators are respectively 83.41%, 97.39%, 84.38% and 88.84%.

Conclusion
The experiment result proves that the network in this paper has better performance, can extract more continuous fine vessels, and reduces the problem of missing segmentation and false segmentation to a certain extent.
A rare mutation causing autosomal dominant STAT1 deficiency in a South African multiplex kindred with disseminated BCG infection
Authors: Greybe Leonore , Leung Daniel , Wieselthaler Nicole , le Roux David M , Chan Koon Wing , Lau Yu Lung , Eley Brian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Autosomal dominant signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) deficiency, part of the Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) group, frequently causes disseminated Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) infections, but has not been reported from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where routine birth BCG vaccination is practiced.

Case presentation
Two half-siblings presented five years apart, with multifocal osteomyelitis as the dominant feature of disseminated BCG, which was successfully treated with antimycobacterial therapy. Whole exome sequencing demonstrated a novel heterozygous substitution in the splice site between intron 13 and exon 14 of the STAT1 gene, NM_007315: c.1128-1G>A, in the proband and his mother and was later confirmed in his half-brother.

Conclusions
Children with BCG vaccine complications in SSA should be referred for further investigation and particular consideration of MSMD.
The changes in metabolomics profile induced by intermittent theta burst stimulation in major depressive disorder: an exploratory study
Authors: Luo Xin , Zhou Yuwen , Yuan Shiqi , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhang Bin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Recently, there has been an ongoing interest in the mechanism of intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) in major depressive disorder. Studying the metabolite changes induced by iTBS may help to understand the mechanism.

Methods
Eleven participants with major depressive disorder received 10 days iTBS treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to target the region of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in each participant. We analyzed the effects of iTBS on metabolites using high-throughput profiling and assessed its impact on depressive symptoms. These analyses were considered exploratory, and no correction for multiple comparisons was applied.

Results
Among the 318 measured metabolites, a significant increase in cystine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), 1-methylhistidine, indoleacetic acid (IAA), diethanolamine (DEA), dopa, riboflavin-5′-monophosphate (FMN), and a significant decrease in alphalinolenic acid (ALA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), serotonin, linoleic acid (LA) (p < 0.05) were detected in the patients after iTBS treatment. In Pearson correlation analysis, the plasma levels of LA, FMN and ADMA at baseline were significantly related to the reduction rate of the 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 scores (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Our study highlights that LA, FMN, ADMA and their relationship with oxidative stress, may be key factors in the antidepressant efficacy of iTBS.
The impact of neck pain on gait health: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Burton Wren , Ma Yan , Manor Brad , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Kowalski Matthew H. , Bain Paul A. , Wayne Peter M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Evidence exists demonstrating the negative impacts of chronic musculoskeletal pain on key measures of gait. Despite neck pain being the second most common musculoskeletal pain condition, there is a paucity of evidence exploring the impacts of neck pain specifically on these outcomes. The aims of this work were to systematically review the current evidence of the associations between chronic neck pain and measures of gait health and to conduct meta-analysis for quantitative assessment of the effect sizes under different walking conditions.

Methods
Systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PEDro. Eligible study designs included observational studies consisting of an exposure group with chronic neck pain and control group without chronic neck pain and primary outcomes relating to gait health. For outcomes amenable to meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used to derive summary estimates of Hedge’s g depicted graphically with forest plots. Other gait outcomes were narratively summarized. Risk of bias was also assessed.

Results
The original search yielded 1918 articles; 12 met final eligibility criteria including 10 cross-sectional studies. Outcomes were grouped first by the five domains of gait: pace, rhythm, asymmetry, variability, and postural control; and second by the tested walking conditions. Meta-analyses for gait speed revealed large effect-sizes indicating that individuals with chronic neck pain had slower measures of gait and lower measures of cadence. Gait outcomes that were narratively summarized supported these findings.

Conclusion
The quantitative and qualitative findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest a negative impact of CNNP on measures of gait health, particularly gait speed, under various walking conditions. However, broad interpretation of these results should be cautious. Testing gait under dual task conditions may be particularly sensitive to the impact of CNNP, and future work is needed to better understand how pain disrupts this important functionality of the locomotor system. Additionally, consideration should be made to assess measures of variability and investigate these relationships in the older adult population.
Therapy-based expert system on function and postural stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a pilot study
Authors: Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Asosheh Abbas , Moezy Azar , Abasi Arezoo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Wii Fit exergames have been less commonly used for the rehabilitation of athletes after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction (ACLR). This study aims to investigate the effects of an expert system using Wii Fit exergames compared to conventional rehabilitation following ACLR. A forward-chaining rule-based expert system was developed which proposed a rehabilitation program that included the number and type of exercise in terms of difficulty and ease and the duration of each exercise in a progressive manner according to the patient's physical condition.

Materials and methods
Twenty eligible athletes aged 20–30 who underwent ACLR were enrolled in this study and randomly assigned to two groups; and received 12 sessions of either Wii Fit exergames as Wii group (n = 10) or conventional rehabilitation as CL group (n = 10).

Results
The main outcomes consisted of pain (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)), knee effusion, knee flexion range (KFR), thigh girth (TG), single-leg hop for distance (SLHD), and for time (SLHT), static and dynamic balance tests. Both groups had considerable improvement in all outcomes, also there were significantly differences between Wii and CL groups as follows; VAS (P < 0.001), knee effusion (P < 0.001), TG (P = 0.001), KFR (P = 0.012), static balance in stable position (P < 0.001) and in unstable position (P = 0.001), dynamic balance in the anterior (P < 0.001), posteromedial (P < 0.001), posterolateral (P = 0.004) directions, symmetry index of SLHD (P < 0.001) and symmetry index of SLHT (P = 0.013).

Conclusions
The findings showed that using Wii Fit exergames in post-ACLR patients reduced pain and effusion while also improving function and balance significantly. Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials registration number is IRCT20191013045090N1, and the registration date is 03-03-2020.
Relationship between impulse and kinetic variables during jumping and landing in volleyball players
Authors: Molla Razieh Yousefian , Fatahi Ali , Khezri Davood , Ceylan Halil Ibrahim , Nobari Hadi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
This study examined the relationships between impulse and kinetic variables during jumping and landing in elite young male volleyball players.

Methodology
Eighteen players were recruited and asked to jump on a force plate, which allowed for the direct extraction of jump and landing kinetic data. The data was then analysed using stepwise regression to explore the relationship between landing impulse and various kinetic variables.

Results
Our findings revealed a significant positive relationship between the peak rate of force development concentric (PRFD CON) and impulse at landing (β = 0.537, p = 0.02). In a secondary analysis, we found that PRFD CON (β = 0.497, p = 0.01) and time to peak power concentric (TPPC) (β = 0.424, p = 0.04) were also positively correlated with landing impulse. Importantly, PRFD CON and TPPC were the variables that had the most muscular predictive power for impulse at landing.

Conclusion
These findings offer crucial insights into the biomechanics of jumping and landing in elite young male volleyball players, informing the development of more effective training programs. Our study identifies PRFD CON and TPPC as critical factors for improving landing impulse, emphasizing the need to consider multiple kinetic variables when designing training programs for explosive skills. These insights can help optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury in elite young male volleyball players.
Blood metabolomics reveals the therapeutic effect of Pueraria polysaccharide on calf diarrhea
Authors: Shen Liuhong , Shen Yu , You Liuchao , Zhang Yue , Su Zhetong , Peng Guangneng , Deng Jun-liang , Zhong Zhijun , Yu Shumin , Zong Xiaolan , Wu Xiaofeng , Zhu Yingkun , Cao Suizhong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) is typically treated with antibiotics, while long-term application of antibiotics induces drug resistance and antibiotic residues, ultimately decreasing feed efficiency. Pueraria polysaccharide (PPL) is a versatile antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and antioxidative compound. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic efficacy of different doses of PPL (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 g/kg body weight (BW)) and explore the effect of plasma metabolites in diarrheal calves by the best dose of PPL.

Results
PPL could effectively improve the daily weight gain, fecal score, and dehydration score, and the dosage of 0.4 g/kg BW could reach curative efficacy against calf diarrhea (with effective rates 100.00%). Metabolomic analysis suggested that diarrhea mainly affect the levels of taurocholate, DL-lactate, LysoPCs, and intestinal flora-related metabolites, trimethylamine N-oxide; however, PPL improved liver function and intestinal barrier integrity by modulating the levels of DL-lactate, LysoPC (18:0/0:0) and bilirubin, which eventually attenuated neonatal calf diarrhea. It also suggested that the therapeutic effect of PPL is related to those differential metabolites in diarrheal calves.

Conclusions
The results showed that 0.4 g/kg BW PPL could restore the clinical score of diarrhea calves by improving the blood indexes, biochemical indexes, and blood metabolites. And it is a potential medicine for the treatment of calf diarrhea.
Metformin attenuates chronic lung allograft dysfunction: evidence in rat models
Authors: Tian Dong , Zheng Xiangyun , Tang Hongtao , Huang Heng , Wang Junjie , Xu Lin , Li Caihan , Yan Haoji , Yu Ruixuan , Nan Jinzhu , Liu Menggen , Guo Xiaoguang , Jian Shunhai , Wang Tao , Deng Senyi , Pu Qiang , Liu Lunxu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) directly causes an abysmal long-term prognosis after lung transplantation (LTx), but effective and safe drugs are not available. Metformin exhibits high therapeutic potential due to its antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects; however, it is unclear whether metformin exerts a therapeutic effect in CLAD. We sought to investigate the effect of metformin on CLAD based on rat models.

Methods
Allogeneic LTx rats were treated with Cyclosporin A (CsA) in the first week, followed by metformin, CsA, or vehicle treatment. Syngeneic LTx rats received only vehicles. All rats were sacrificed on post-transplant week 4. Pathology of lung graft, spleen, and thymus, extent of lung fibrosis, activity of profibrotic cytokines and signaling pathway, adaptive immunity, and AMPK activity were then studied.

Results
Allogeneic recipients without maintenance CsA treatment manifested CLAD pathological characteristics, but these changes were not observed in rats treated with metformin. For the antifibrotic effect, metformin suppressed the fibrosis extent and profibrotic cytokine expression in lung grafts. Regarding immunomodulatory effect, metformin reduced T- and B-cell infiltration in lung grafts, spleen and thymus weights, the T- and B-cell zone areas in the spleen, and the thymic medullary area. In addition, metformin activated AMPK in lung allografts and in α-SMA+ cells and T cells in the lung grafts.

Conclusions
Metformin attenuates CLAD in rat models, which could be attributed to the antifibrotic and immunomodulatory effects. AMPK activation suggests the potential molecular mechanism. Our study provides an experimental rationale for further clinical trials.
Obesity and atrial fibrillation: a narrative review from arrhythmogenic mechanisms to clinical significance
Authors: Shu Hongyang , Cheng Jia , Li Na , Zhang Zixuan , Nie Jiali , Peng Yizhong , Wang Yan , Wang Dao Wen , Zhou Ning 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe prevalence of obesity and atrial fibrillation (AF), which are inextricably linked, is rapidly increasing worldwide. Obesity rates are higher among patients with AF than healthy individuals. Some epidemiological data indicated that obese patients were more likely to develop AF, but others reported no significant correlation. Obesity-related hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea are all associated with AF. Additionally, increased epicardial fat, systemic inflammation, and oxidative stress caused by obesity can induce atrial enlargement, inflammatory activation, local myocardial fibrosis, and electrical conduction abnormalities, all of which led to AF and promoted its persistence. Weight loss reduced the risk and reversed natural progression of AF, which may be due to its anti-fibrosis and inflammation effect. However, fluctuations in weight offset the benefits of weight loss. Therefore, the importance of steady weight loss urges clinicians to incorporate weight management interventions in the treatment of patients with AF. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology of obesity and AF, summarize the mechanisms by which obesity triggers AF, and explain how weight loss improves the prognosis of AF.
Expenditure projections for community home-based care services for older adults with functional decline in China
Authors: Han Ying , Xu Chuanhai , Zhang Liangwen , Wu Yafei , Fang Ya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Difficulty in identifying the functional status of older adults creates an imbalance between the supply and demand for community home-based care. Using a multi-level functional classification system to guide care cost measurement may optimize care resources and meet diverse eldercare demands.

Methods
The Markov model was used to project the older population size in different functional decline (FD) statuses. The project cost and the man-hour costing method were combined to forecast the cost of community home-based care for older adults with FD.

Results
The projected cost of eldercare increased from 1668.623 billion yuan in 2020 to 2836.754 billion yuan in 2035. By 2035, the total cost for community-based home care for those in pathological development of FD statuses such as “viability disorder,” “acute disease,” “somatic functional disorder,” and “sub-disorder” was projected to be 1094.591 billion, 433.855 billion, 1256.236 billion, and 52.072 billion yuan, respectively, which is 1.24, 1.58, 1.78, and 0.49 times higher than the results by the man-hour costing method. Family caregiving costs are about three times those of professional caregivers.

Conclusion
The escalating cost of providing graded care for older adults, particularly by family caregivers, presenting a significant evidence for the need to optimize resource allocation and develop a robust human resources plan for community home-based care.
Implementing and monitoring the right to health in breast cancer: selection of indicators using a Delphi process
Authors: Montel Lisa , Coleman Michel P. , Murphy Therese , Balabanova Dina , Ciula Raffaele , Evans Dabney P. , Lougarre Claire , Verhoeven Didier , Allemani Claudia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Women with breast cancer have different chances of surviving their disease, depending on where they live. Variations in survival may stem from unequal access to prompt diagnosis, treatment and care. Implementation of the right to health may help remedy such inequalities. The right to health is enshrined in international human rights law, notably Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. A human rights-based approach to health requires a robust, just and efficient health system, with access to adequate health services and medicines on a non-discriminatory basis. However, it may prove challenging for health policymakers and cancer management specialists to implement and monitor this right in national health systems.

Method
This article presents the results of a Delphi study designed to select indicators of implementation of the right to health to inform breast cancer care and management. In a systematic process, 13 experts examined an initial list of 151 indicators.

Results
After two rounds, 54 indicators were selected by consensus, three were rejected, three were added, and 97 remained open for debate. For breast cancer, right-to-health features selected as worth implementing and monitoring included the formal recognition of the right to health in breast cancer strategies; a population-based screening programme, prompt diagnosis, strong referral systems and limited waiting times; the provision of palliative, survivorship and end-of-life care; the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality (AAAQ) of breast cancer services and medicines; the provision of a system of accountability; and the collection of anonymised individual data to target patterns of discrimination.

Conclusion
We propose a set of indicators as a guide for health policy experts seeking to design national cancer plans that are based on a human rights-based approach to health, and for cancer specialists aiming to implement principles of the right to health in their practice. The 54 indicators selected may be used in High-Income Countries, or member states of the OECD who also have signed the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to monitor progress towards implementation of the right to health for women with breast cancer.