bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring HIV status as a mediator in the relationship of psychological distress with socio-demographic and health related factors in South Africa: findings from the 2012 nationally representative population-based household survey
Authors: Ncitakalo Nolusindiso , Sigwadhi Lovemore Nyasha , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Joska John , Simbayi Leickness 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Psychological distress as measured by mental disorders like depression and anxiety is more prevalent in people living with HIV (PLHIV) than in the general population. However, the relationship between mental disorders and HIV is complex and bidirectional. Improved understanding of the relationship between mental disorders and HIV is important for designing interventions for this group. This paper explores the interrelationships of psychological distress with HIV and associated socio-demographic and health-related factors.

Methods
This secondary data analysis used the 2012 South African population-based household survey on HIV collected using a cross-sectional multi-stage stratified cluster sampling design. Generalized structural equation modelling (G-SEM) path analysis was used to explore the direct and indirect relationships of socio-demographic, health and HIV-related factors with psychological distress as measured by Kessler 10 scale using HIV status as a moderator variable.

Results
A total of 20,083 participants were included in the study, 21.7% reported psychological distress, of whom (32.6%) were HIV positive. In the final path model with HIV status as a moderator, psychological distress was significantly more likely among age group 25–49 years (AOR: 1.4 [95% CI 1.3–1.6]), age 50 years and older, (AOR: 1.4 [95% CI 1.2–1.6]), females (AOR: 1.6 [95% CI 1.4–1.8]), high risk drinkers (AOR: 1.9 [1.6–2.2]) hazardous drinkers (AOR: 4.4 [95% CI 3.1–6.3]), ever tested for HIV (AOR: 1.2 [95% CI 1.1–1.3]). Psychological distress was significantly less likely among the married [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)], other race groups [AOR: 0.5 (0.5–0.6)], those with secondary level education (AOR: 0.9 [95% CI 0.8–0.9]), and tertiary level education (AOR: 0.7 [95% CI 0.6–0.9]), those from rural informal [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)], and rural formal [AOR: 0.8 (0.7–0.9)] areas and those who rated their health as excellent/good [AOR: 0.4 (0.4–0.5)].

Conclusion
The findings highlight the importance of designing tailored interventions targeted at psychological distress among PLHIV especially the elderly, females, those with no education and / or low education attainment and those residing in informal urban areas.
Manual therapies in cystic fibrosis care: a scoping review
Authors: Sposato Sinderholm Niklas , Bjerså Kristofer 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To review the use of manual therapies (MT) for pain, respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in cystic fibrosis (CF) care.

Methods
A search with a systematic approach was conducted by two independent reviewers, using the databases Medline, PubMed, Scopus and Cinahl from their respective inception dates to March 2021.

Results
A total of 199 publications were initially screened by title and abstract, after which 190 were excluded. Following a full-text review of the remaining articles, six studies with a total of 234 participants were included. Decreased pain levels following MT were observed in two studies and, in three studies, patient reports on improvement in ease of breathing and peak airflow were presented. No significant effects on spirometry measures were observed and none of the included studies investigated respiratory muscle strength.

Conclusion
Current research on MT in CF care indicates positive trends based on subjective measures. However, research in this context is sparse and disparate in terms of both interventions and methodology. Further investigations including MT as part of multimodal interventions are therefore suggested before any specific recommendations for clinical implementation of MT in CF can be provided.
Facilitating change processes in group-based behaviour change interventions in rural African contexts: practical lessons from Ghana
Authors: Appiah Richard 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEvidence from implementation research suggests that group-based behaviour change interventions (GBCIs) can encourage the development of peer support, promote psychosocial skills, and facilitate collaborative therapeutic relationships. However, although the mechanisms of action that mediate the behaviour change process have been extensively described in other settings, less is known about the implementation strategies and contextual factors that actuate the reported behaviour changes among programme participants in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, more generally. We draw on insights from the literature and field experiences from designing, implementing, and evaluating GBCIs across several rural and peri-urban communities in Ghana to discuss a range of theoretical, methodological, and contextual factors that facilitate the behaviour change process in programme participants. We offer suggestions to guide researchers to envision and manage potential challenges with the programme development and implementation processes. We propose that intervention programmes designed to facilitate health behaviour change in the defined context should (i) have a context-relevant focus, (ii) be coherent and well-structured, (iii) have explicit techniques to facilitate inter-personal and intra-personal change processes, (iv) include appropriate mechanisms to monitor and assess the progress of the interventional sessions; and (v) be implemented by trained facilitators with a deep knowledge of the sociocultural values and norms of the target group and of the principles and theories underlying the intervention programme. We envisage that these insights could serve to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of contextually-tailored and potentially effective GBCIs that align with the needs, capacities, and circumstances of the local population.
Retrospective analysis of 131 feline uroliths from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland (2010-2020)
Authors: Ortega Cristina J. , Stavroulaki Evangelia M. , Lawlor Amanda , Lulich Jody , Cuq Benoit 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The proportions of different urolith types have not been investigated in cats from the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and Northern Ireland (NI) previously. The objective of this study was to investigate the proportions of different feline urolith types submitted to Minnesota Urolith Center from the ROI and NI from 2010 to 2020. An additional aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors associated with each urolith type in cats in this geographic area.

Results
One hundred and thirty-one uroliths were submitted for the studied period with 44.3% being struvite, 43.5% calcium oxalate and 7.6% compound. Only 11 uroliths were submitted in the first 4 years. The number of submissions increased after 2015, peaking in 2019 with 25 submissions. Due to low numbers no conclusions could be made about changes in incidence of urolith types over time. Cats ≤7 years of age were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with struvite uroliths (OR, 2.87 [1.37-6.06]; p = 0.007) while cats ≥7 years of age with calcium oxalate uroliths (OR, 2.67, [1.29-5.37], p = 0.004).

Conclusions
This is the first epidemiologic study of urolithiasis from cats in the ROI and NI. The most prevalent types of uroliths in our study population were struvite and calcium oxalate. Due to the low number of urolith submissions, changes in the incidence of different uroliths could not be accurately determined. Increasing age was associated with calcium oxalate formation while younger cats were more commonly diagnosed with struvite urolithiasis which can be medically dissolved. Therefore, urolith dissolution is more likely to be successful in young cats than older cats.
Health trajectories across the work exit transition in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s: the role of working conditions and policy
Authors: van der Noordt Maaike , van Tilburg Theo G. , van der Pas Suzan , Wouterse Bram , Deeg Dorly J. H. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We examined health trajectories of Dutch older workers across their exit from the workforce in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s, testing the hypothesis that pre-post-exit health trajectories of workers with favourable and unfavourable working conditions increasingly diverged over time due to policy measures to extend working life.

Methods
The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam includes baseline samples in 1992/1993, 2002/2003 and 2012/2013 with two 3-year follow-up waves each. Selected respondents were aged 55 years and over who exited from a paid job within the first or second 3-year interval, up to and including the statutory retirement age (N = 522). Pre-post-exit trajectories were modelled using Generalized Estimating Equations with outcomes self-rated health and physical limitations and determinants physical demands, psychosocial demands, and psychosocial resources.

Results
Average work exit age rose from 60.7 in the 1990s to 62.9 in the 2010s. On average, self-rated health decreased somewhat over successive periods and did not show pre-post-exit change; average physical limitations increased substantially both over successive periods and from pre- to post-exit. No support is found for our hypothesis. However, regardless of work exposures, we found sharp pre-post-exit increases in physical limitations in the 2010s.

Conclusion
Although these findings provide no support for our hypothesis of diverging health trajectories over time based on work exposure, they show that exiting at a higher age is linked to poorer pre- and post-exit health and to pre-post-exit increases in physical limitations, suggesting greater health care costs in the near future.
Hypoxia-associated circPRDM4 promotes immune escape via HIF-1α regulation of PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Zuo Xue-Liang , Cai Juan , Zhang Yao , Han Guo-Yong , Zhang Long , Ding Wen-Zhou , Wu Jin-Dao , Wang Xue-Hao 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Hypoxia is a hallmark of cancer, and is closely intertwined with tumor immune evasion. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in tumor response to immune checkpoint blockades. However, hypoxia-associated circRNAs that orchestrate the association between hypoxia and response to immunotherapy remain poorly understood. Here, we aimed to determine the roles of hypoxia-associated circRNAs in immune escape of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods
Differentially expressed hypoxia-associated circRNAs were determined using high-throughput sequencing technology. HCC patients treated with PD-1 blockade were enrolled to assess the clinical significance of circPRDM4. RT-qPCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, T cell-mediated tumor cell killing assay, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were used to investigate the roles of circPRDM4 in immune escape of HCC cells in vitro. Patient-derived xenograft mouse models and adoptive human tumor infiltrating lymphocyte-CD8+ T cell transfer were adopted to evaluate the effects of circPRDM4 in vivo. RNA pull-down, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, chromatin isolation by RNA purification, dual-luciferase reporter assays, dot blotting, DNA in situ hybridization, and immunoprecipitation were utilized to examine the interaction between circPRDM4, HIF-1α, and CD274 promoter.

Results
We identified circPRDM4 as a hypoxia-associated circRNA in HCC. circPRDM4 was upregulated in responders to PD-1 blockade and associated with therapeutic efficacy. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that circPRDM4 induced PD-L1 expression and promoted CD8+ T cell-mediated immune escape under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, circPRDM4 acted as a scaffold to recruit HIF-1α onto CD274 promoter, and cemented their interaction, ultimately promoting the HIF-1α-mediated transactivation of PD-L1.

Conclusions
These findings illustrated that circPRDM4 promoted immune escape of HCC cells by facilitating the recruitment of HIF-1α onto the promoter of CD274 under hypoxia, thereby inhibiting CD8+ T cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment. This work may provide a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic candidate for HCC immunotherapy.
Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes between patients with grade 3a and grades 1–2 follicular lymphoma: a real-world multicenter study
Authors: Zha Jie , Chen Qinwei , Ye Jingjing , Yu Haifeng , Yi Shuhua , Zheng Zhong , Xu Wei , Li Zhifeng , Ping Lingyan , He Xiaohua , Zhang Liling , Li Caixia , Xie Ying , Chen Feili , Sun Xiuhua , Su Liping , Zhang Huilai , Fan Liyuan , Lin Zhijuan , Yang Haiyan , Zhao Weili , Qiu Lugui , Li Zhiming , Song Yuqin , Xu Bing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The difference between clinical characteristics and outcomes between follicular lymphoma grade 1–2 (FL1-2) and FL3a defined pathologically remains unclear, resulting in uncertainty how to treat FL3a. However, it may be crucial for clinicians to discriminate grade 3a and grade 1–2 for predicting prognosis and thus making treatment decisions.

Methods
We compared 1403 patients with FL1-2 and 765 patients with FL3a diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2020 from fifteen centers nationwide in China to describe differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Results
Compared with FL1-2 patients, FL3a subgroup had a higher percentage of elderly patients (P = 0.003), and relatively more FL3a patients presented with increased levels of LDH (P < 0.0001) and higher Ki-67 indexs greater than 30% (P < 0.001). More FL3a patients were treated with CHOP ± R (P < 0.0001), and fewer were treated with the watchful-waiting approach (P < 0.0001). The results showed a higher incidence of relapse among FL3a patients, in which more patients underwent histological transformation (HT) when compared to FL1-2 (P = 0.003). 1470 (76.2%) patients of the entire cohort received R-CHOP therapy; survival analysis revealed that FL3a patients had a worse progression-free survival (PFS) rate than FL1-2 patients. Survival of FL3a patients with respect to FLIPI showed an inferior PFS in the intermediate and high-risk groups than FL1-2 patients. FL3a patients had a much worse prognosis than FL1-2 with or without progression of disease within 24 months (POD24). FL3a patients had higher likelihood of lymphoma-related death (LRD, P < 0.05), whereas the rates for non-LRD were comparable.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this study demonstrates a marked difference in clinical features and outcomes in FL3a patients compared with FL1-2 patients. The results highlight the need for applying therapeutic approaches distinct from FL1-2 when treating FL3a patients.
The role of digital technologies in supporting quality improvement in Australian early childhood education and care settings
Authors: Hatzigianni Maria , Stephenson Tanya , Harrison Linda J. , Waniganayake Manjula , Li Philip , Barblett Lennie , Hadley Fay , Andrews Rebecca , Davis Belinda , Irvine Susan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis national study explored the role of digital technologies in early childhood education and care settings and whether they could contribute to quality improvement as reported by educators and assessors of quality in Australia. In this paper, data from Stage 2 of the Quality Improvement Research Project were used, which comprised 60 Quality Improvement Plans from educators linked with 60 Assessment and Rating reports from the assessors who visited early childhood centres as part of the administration of the National Quality Standards by each of Australia’s State and Territory jurisdictions. Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory ( Bronfenbrenner, U. (1995).
Developmental ecology through space and time: A future perspective. In P. Moen, G.
H. Elder, Jr., & K. Lüscher (Eds.), Examining lives in context: Perspectives on the ecology
of human development (pp. 619–647). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10176-018; Bronfenbrenner & Ceci, Bronfenbrenner and Ceci, Psychological Review 101:568–586, 1994) was adopted to facilitate a systemic and dynamic view on the use of digital technologies in these 60 ECEC settings. References (e.g. comments/ suggestions/ examples) made by the educators about the implementation of digital technologies were counted and thematically analysed. Results revealed the strong role new technologies (e.g. documentation and management platforms, tablets, apps, etc.) play in the majority of ECEC settings and especially in relation to three of the seven Quality Areas: Educational programme and practice (Quality Area 1); Collaborative partnerships with families and communities (Quality Area 6) and Governance and leadership (Quality Area 7). Future directions for research are suggested and implications for embracing a more holistic, integrated and broad view on the use of digital technologies are discussed.
Exploratory analysis of the effect of a controlled lifestyle intervention on inflammatory markers – the Healthy Lifestyle Community Programme (cohort 2)
Authors: Koeder Christian , Anand Corinna , Husain Sarah , Kranz Ragna-Marie , Schoch Nora , Alzughayyar Dima , Bitterlich Norman , Hahn Andreas , Englert Heike 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic low-grade inflammation is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality. The objective of the study was to test the effect of a healthy lifestyle intervention on biomarkers of inflammation (among other risk markers).

Methods
We conducted a non-randomized controlled trial with mostly middle-aged and elderly participants from the general population in rural northwest Germany (intervention: n = 114; control: n = 87). The intervention consisted of a 1-year lifestyle programme focusing on diet (largely plant-based; strongest emphasis), physical activity, stress management, and social support. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. Homocysteine (Hcy) was assessed at baseline, 10 weeks, and 1 year. Adiponectin (Apn) was assessed at baseline and 10 weeks. An exploratory analysis of these inflammatory markers assessing the between-group differences with ANCOVA was conducted.

Results
The 1-year trajectory of hs-CRP was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -0.8 (95% CI -1.2, -0.3) mg/l; p = 0.001; adjusted for baseline). The 1-year trajectory of Hcy was non-significantly higher in the intervention compared to control (between-group difference: 0.2 (95% CI -0.3, 0.7) µmol/l; p = 0.439; adjusted for baseline). From baseline to 10 weeks, Apn decreased significantly more in the intervention group compared to control (between-group difference: -1.6 (95% CI -2.7, -0.5) µg/ml; p = 0.004; adjusted for baseline).

Conclusions
Our study shows that healthy lifestyle changes can lower hs-CRP and Apn levels and are unlikely to significantly affect Hcy levels within 1 year.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; reference: DRKS00018775, registered 12 Sept 2019; retrospectively registered; www.drks.de).
Mechanisms and applications of probiotics in prevention and treatment of swine diseases
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhang Yuyu , Liu Fei , Mao Yanwei , Zhang Yimin , Zeng Hao , Ren Sufang , Guo Lihui , Chen Zhi , Hrabchenko Nataliia , Wu Jiaqiang , Yu Jiang 
Published: February 2023

AbstractProbiotics can improve animal health by regulating intestinal flora balance, improving the structure of the intestinal mucosa, and enhancing intestinal barrier function. At present, the use of probiotics has been a research hotspot in prevention and treatment of different diseases at home and abroad. This review has summarized the researchers and applications of probiotics in prevention and treatment of swine diseases, and elaborated the relevant mechanisms of probiotics, which aims to provide a reference for probiotics better applications to the prevention and treatment of swine diseases.
Protocol for a feasibility randomized trial of a social support intervention plus usual care versus usual care, targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness
Authors: Blakø Mitti , Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Højskov Ida Elisabeth , Palm Pernille , Berg Selina Kikkenborg 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Introduction
In patients treated for cardiac disease, loneliness is known to contribute negatively to health behavior, health outcome, and increase risk of cardiac and all-cause mortality. Even so, in health care research, social support interventional studies targeting patients who experience loneliness are lacking.

Aim
To determine the feasibility of an individually structured social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness.

Design
A feasibility study based on randomized clinical trial design with 1:1 randomization to a 6-month social support program, plus usual care (intervention) versus usual care, (i.e., regular guidelines-based follow-up). Intervention: Patients classified as high risk lonely according to the High Risk Loneliness tool will be provided with an informal caregiver in the 6 months rehabilitation phase following cardiac disease treatment. The informal caregiver will be designated by the patient from the existing social network or a peer, depending on patients’ preferences. The core content of the intervention is through nurse consultations at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months, to enhance and reinforce the informal caregiver’s competences to be a social support resource. The theoretical framework of the nurse consultations will be based on middle-range theory of self-care.

Outcome
Feasibility will be evaluated in terms of acceptability and adherence according to predefined feasibility criteria. The preliminary effect of the intervention on patient-reported outcomes, health behaviors, and health outcomes will be evaluated in the intervention and the control group at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Discussion
The present study will contribute with knowledge on how to implement a feasible social support intervention targeting patients treated for cardiac disease who experience loneliness and, furthermore, investigate the preliminary effect on health behavior and health outcome in the early rehabilitation period.

Trial registration
The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05503810) 18.08.2022.
Serum protein S-100B as a novel biomarker of diagnosis and prognosis of childhood epilepsy
Authors: Khamis Mohamed , Din Nahed Salah El , Nada Maha Ali , Afifi Hossam El Din Mahmoud 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Elevated levels of S-100B in serum are increasingly considered a potential biochemical marker of nervous system damage. To our knowledge, limited number of research studies have tested the serum S-100B protein levels in children with epilepsy. The objective of our study is to measure the serum levels of S-100B protein in pediatric cases with epilepsy.

Results
The mean serum concentration of S-100B protein was 0.135 ± 0.014 mg/L in the patient group and 0.082 ± 0.018 mg/L in the control group. The patients showed significantly high S-100B protein levels compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion
Our data suggest that increased S-100B protein levels in the serum potentially indicate neuronal damage in the brains of children with epilepsy.