bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between electronic cigarette use and quitting behaviours among South African adult smokers
Authors: Agaku Israel , Egbe Catherine O , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe South African Medicines Control Council classifies e-cigarettes as Schedule 3 substances and requires them to be dispensed only within pharmacies. e-Cigarettes are however ubiquitous and are marketed as cessation aids. We investigated the relationship between e-cigarette use and smoking cessation among South African adult smokers.MethodsData came from a 2018 web survey of South African adults aged ≥18 years (n=18 208). Cessation-related attitudes and behaviours were assessed. Using multivariable logistic regression, we measured the association between e-cigarette use and cessation behaviours among ever-established combustible tobacco smokers who tried to quit.FindingsAmong current combustible smokers, more e-cigarette ever versus never users believed e-cigarettes could assist smokers to completely quit (35.5% vs 20.4%) or cut down (51.7% vs 26.5%) (all p<0.05). Among ever-established smokers, the odds of sustained quitting at the 12-month mark were lower among those who used e-cigarettes once off/rarely (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.20, 95% CI=0.16–0.24), former e-cigarette users (AOR=0.30, 95% CI=0.24–0.38) and current e-cigarette users (AOR=0.23, 95% CI=0.18–0.29), compared with never e-cigarette users. Among ever-established smokers who had ever tried to quit, 53.6% relapsed into smoking after quitting for any length of time. The odds of relapsing among ever-established smokers who had made a quit attempt and had a quit intention were higher among those who used e-cigarettes once off/rarely (AOR=2.66; 95% CI=2.31–3.08), former e-cigarette users (AOR=1.41; 95% CI=1.18–1.69) and current e-cigarette users (AOR=1.85; 95% CI=1.55–2.22) than never e-cigarette users.Conclusione-Cigarette use depressed long-term cessation. These findings can inform restrictions on unsubstantiated claims of e-cigarettes as cessation aids within South Africa.
Cortisol levels in narwhal (Monodon monoceros) blubber from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Watt Cortney A. , Simonee James , L’Herault Vincent , Zhou Ruokun , Ferguson Steven H. , Marcoux Marianne , Black Sandra 
Published: January 2021

Narwhals (Monodon monoceros Linnaeus, 1758) summering on northern Baffin Island are experiencing increases in vessel traffic related to an iron-ore mine operated by Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation; how this increase in vessel traffic may impact narwhal is currently unknown. Cortisol is a stress response hormone and a stress indicator in marine mammals. This study evaluated cortisol levels in narwhal blubber sampled during subsistence harvests prior to project-related vessel traffic (2000–2006), during project-related vessel traffic (2013–2019), and during a high-stress entrapment event that occurred in 2015. There was a significant increase in cortisol levels from pre- (0.81 ± 0.45 ng/g (±SE)) to during (1.81 ± 0.48 ng/g (±SE)) project-related vessel traffic (over 100% higher), and both were significantly lower than cortisol levels from animals sampled during an entrapment event (10.52 ± 0.59 ng/g (±SE)). Increased vessel traffic, changing ice conditions, altered Arctic food webs, increased predation pressure from killer whales, and cumulative impacts from these sources likely all contribute to increased stress levels for narwhals. Thus, there is a need for continued monitoring of stress responses (i.e., cortisol levels) and other health indicators in narwhals to understand how individual fitness and the population will be impacted over time.
A Map Inference Approach Using Signal Processing from Crowd-sourced GPS Data
Authors: He Eric , Bai Fan , Hay Curtis , Chen Jinzhu , Bhagavatula Vijayakumar 
Published: January 2021

The amount of GPS data that can be collected is increasing tremendously, thanks to the increased popularity of Global Position System (GPS) devices (e.g., smartphones). This article aims to develop novel methods of converting crowd-sourced GPS traces into road topology maps. We explore map inference using a three-stage approach, which incorporates a novel Multi-source Variable Rate (MSVR) signal reconstruction mechanism. Unlike conventional map inference methods based on map graph theory, our approach, to the best of our knowledge, is the first use of estimation theory for map inference. In particular, our approach addresses the unique challenges of vehicular GPS data. This data is plentiful but suffers from noise in location and variable coverage of regions. This makes it difficult to differentiate between noise and sparsely covered regions when increasing coverage and reducing noise. Due to the asynchronous, variable sampling rate, and often under-sampled nature of the data, our MSVR approach can better handle inherent GPS errors, reconstruct road shapes more accurately, and better deal with variable GPS data density in empirical environments.
We evaluated our method for map inference by comparing to Open Street Map maps as ground truth. We use the F-Measure, Precision, and Recall metrics to evaluate our method on Tsinghua University’s Beijing Taxi Dataset and Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s SUVnet Dataset. On these datasets, we obtained a mean<?brk?> F-Measure, Precision, and Recall of 0.7212, 0.9165, and 0.6021, respectively, outperforming a well-known method based on Kernel Density Estimation in terms of these evaluation metrics.
Combined SHPments: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy for MPNST
Authors: Aplin Andrew E. , Capparelli Claudia 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Targeted therapies have provided the foundation for many advances in the treatment options for patients with late-stage cancer, however, adaptive and compensatory responses frequently limit their efficacy. Rational combinations of targeted inhibitors are being actively tested in preclinical models to form the basis for more durable responses in patients. In a previous issue, Wang and colleagues provide evidence that phosphorylated SHP2 is adaptively upregulated in response to MEK inhibitors in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) that have lost NF1 expression. The authors provide evidence that the combination of SHP2 inhibitors with MEK inhibitors has strong efficacy in preclinical MPNST models and propose that this targeted therapy combination should be rapidly translated.
See related article by Wang et al.; Cancer Res 80(23):5367–79.
Impact of Oral and Swallowing Function on the Feeding Status of Older Adults in Nursing Homes
Authors: Kulvanich Sirima , Ito Kayoko , Takei Eri , Sakai Haruka , Suzumi Risa , Magara Jin , Tsujimura Takanori , Inoue Makoto 
Published: January 2021

<b><i>Background:</i></b> To date, there have been few guidelines proposed for adjustment of the food consistency, particularly to match the oral function of older adults, which will guide clinicians and caregivers in appropriately modifying food. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We investigated how oral, swallowing, and cognitive conditions of older adults who required daily nursing care in a nursing home were associated with different dietary food consistencies. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Clinical examinations to record dentition status, swallowing, and cognitive functions were performed, and the feeding status, including the food consistencies and need for assistance at lunchtime, was evaluated in 37 older residents in nursing homes. The swallowing function was assessed by performing a modified water-swallowing test, and food swallowing was tested using pudding and rice crackers. The χ<sup>2</sup> test was used to determine the relationships among the parameters. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No participants were able to take cooked rice, nor regular and soft side dishes. There was no significant relationship between dentition status and feeding status. Of the participants, 95% ate pudding without any problems and 49% ate rice crackers without any signs of swallowing difficulty such as coughing or stopping chewing. There was a significant relationship between the food test score using a rice cracker and the level of food consistencies, and between the same test score and the level of mealtime assistance, whereby the better the score of the food test using a rice cracker, the better was the level of food consistencies including use of a thickening agent and the better was the level of mealtime assistance. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The results strongly suggest that the food test using a rice cracker was associated with the level of food consistency and mealtime assistance for older adults in nursing homes.
Feeding history affects the crabseed quality and subsequent culture performance of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853 (Brachyura, Varunidae)
Authors: Jiang Xiaodong , Yang Yuhong , Cheng Yongxu , Wu Xugan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A 6-month feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the hepatopancreas colour, proximate composition, antioxidant capacity, pathogen resistance and growth performance of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis H. Milne Edwards, 1853 fed either formulated diets (FD), traditional diets (TD) or a mixture feeding of traditional diets and frozen trash fish (TF). The results showed that: (1) The hepatopancreas redness (a*) in the FD treatment was significantly higher than that in the other two treatments (). (2) The significantly higher activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed in the hepatopancreas in the FD treatment, while a significantly higher content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in the haemolymph in the TF treatment (). (3) FD and TD treatment, respectively, had the lowest and the highest mortality after challenging with Aeromonas hydrophila. (4) Females in the FD treatment had a significantly shorter intermoult period in the indoor culture experiment (), no significant difference was observed in weight gain rate, specific growth rate, or survival. In conclusion, formulated diets could enhance the crabseed quality of E. sinensis compared to traditional diets or trash fish.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj Apps: Managing the Operations and Piety of the Hajj
Authors: Stanton Andrea L. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Since the early 2010s, apps have helped Muslim pilgrims manage nearly every aspect of the hajj. This article uses the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s hajj apps as a case study of influential hajj apps, offering a descriptive and analytic review of their functioning, impact, and reception. This case study helps point to the importance of hajj management as a state-level political and religious enterprise, helping widen the focus on religious app research from user-oriented, ritual or scriptural apps to include those that serve the management of religion and believers. This widened focus in turn highlights the need to recognize the internal variety within the category of religious apps: these apps have different target users, do different kinds of work, have diverse impacts, and enjoy differing receptions. While the Ministry’s operations-focused hajj apps garner less attention, they may be more critical to its successful management of the hajj. As research interest in Islam-focused apps continues to grow, it will be important to pay careful attention to apps that address the business of religion, and not just the ritual practices.
Understanding Bias in Surgery: Perceived Cultural Similarity Between Surgeons and Patient Families
Authors: Leu Grace R. , Links Anne R. , Tunkel David E. , Walsh Jonathan M. , Ryan Marisa A. , DiCarlo Heather , Jelin Eric B. , Beach Mary Catherine , Boss Emily F. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveWe describe surgeon and parent perceptions of similarity toward each other and evaluate differences in the perceptions of similarity by race.Study DesignObservational cohort analysis.SettingThree outpatient sites.MethodsFollowing consultations for children undergoing evaluation for 1 of 3 surgical procedures (tonsillectomy, hernia repair, circumcision), surgeons and parents rated their perception of cultural similarity toward each other on a 6‐point Likert scale. Surgeon evaluation of 9 parent characteristics was measured with 7‐point Likert scales. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of greater surgeon‐perceived similarity and to assess associations of perceived similarity with evaluation of parent characteristics.ResultsMost parents were women (n = 38, 84%), whereas surgeons were primarily men (n = 7, 54%). Of 45 parents, 23 (51%) were non‐White, whereas only 4 of 13 clinicians (31%) were non‐White. Mean perceived similarity score was 21.7 for parents (range, 10‐24) and 18.2 for surgeons (range, 10‐24). There was no difference in parent‐perceived similarity based on race (White vs non‐White parents, mean [SD] = 22.3 [3.4] vs 21.1 [3.0]; P =. 26). Surgeons perceived greater similarity with White parents (odds ratio = 4.78; 95% CI, 1.02‐22.54; P =. 04) and parents with higher income (odds ratio = 11.84; 95% CI, 1.32‐106.04; P =. 03). Greater perceived similarity by the surgeons was associated with more positive assessments of parent personality characteristics.ConclusionSurgeons perceived similarity more commonly with White parents, while parents’ perception of similarity to surgeons was uniform regardless of parent race. Elucidating biases of surgeons may help to tailor interventions promoting culturally competent, equitable communication and decision making for elective surgery.
Cost of Headless vs Headed Screw Fixation for Calcaneal Osteotomy and Subtalar Arthrodesis
Authors: Boren Morgan , Steginsky Brian , Suhling Mallory , Vora Anand 
Published: January 2021

Background: Screw head prominence in the heel following fixation for calcaneal osteotomy or subtalar arthrodesis has resulted in high rates of symptomatic hardware and screw removal. A cost analysis was performed to determine the financial implications of screw removal. Furthermore, we compared the rate of nonunion following fixation. Methods: Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify all patients who had a subtalar arthrodesis or calcaneal osteotomy (with screw fixation) performed between 2010 and 2016. The cohort was divided into 2 groups: 7.0-mm headless screw or 6.7-mm headed screw. The primary outcome measure was the rate of symptomatic screw removal. Secondary outcomes included the rate of nonunion. The expense associated with symptomatic hardware removal was determined by cost analysis. Results: Seventy-six patients underwent headless screw fixation, and 2 patients (2.6%) required screw removal. Fifty-four patients underwent headed screw fixation and 12 patients (22.2%) required screw removal. Symptomatic hardware removal was performed more frequently in the headed screw group ( P < .001). There was no difference in the rate of nonunion after subtalar arthrodesis between the 2 groups ( P = .363). The calcaneal osteotomy united in 100% of patients. There was a $51 755 cost savings per 100 cases using headless screw fixation. Conclusion: The rate of symptomatic screw removal was lower with headless screw fixation. The calcaneal osteotomy healed in 100% of patients, and there was no difference in the rate of subtalar nonunion between the 2 groups. Cost analysis demonstrated a significant benefit when the expense of hardware removal was considered. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Validity and reliability of the South African Triage Scale in prehospital providers
Authors: Mould-Millman Nee-Kofi , Dixon Julia M. , Burkholder Taylor , Pigoga Jennifer L. , Lee Michael , de Vries Shaheem , Moodley Kubendhren , Meier Maxene , Colborn Kathryn , Patel Chandni , Wallis Lee A. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
The South African Triage Scale (SATS) is a validated in-hospital triage tool that has been innovatively adopted for use in the prehospital setting by Western Cape Government (WCG) Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Africa. The performance of SATS by EMS providers has not been formally assessed. The study sought to assess the validity and reliability of SATS when used by WCG EMS prehospital providers for single-patient triage.

Methods
This is a prospective, assessment-based validation study among WCG EMS providers from March to September 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants completed an assessment containing 50 clinical vignettes by calculating the three components — triage early warning score (TEWS), discriminators (pre-defined clinical conditions), and a final SATS triage color. Responses were scored against gold standard answers. Validity was assessed by calculating over- and under-triage rates compared to gold standard. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by calculating agreement among EMS providers’ responses.

Results
A total of 102 EMS providers completed the assessment. The final SATS triage color was accurately determined in 56.5%, under-triaged in 29.5%, and over-triaged in 13.1% of vignette responses. TEWS was calculated correctly in 42.6% of vignettes, under-calculated in 45.0% and over-calculated in 10.9%. Discriminators were correctly identified in only 58.8% of vignettes. There was substantial inter-rater and gold standard agreement for both the TEWS component and final SATS color, but there was lower inter-rater agreement for clinical discriminators.

Conclusion
This is the first assessment of SATS as used by EMS providers for prehospital triage. We found that SATS generally under-performed as a triage tool, mainly due to the clinical discriminators. We found good inter-rater reliability, but poor validity. The under-triage rate of 30% was higher than previous reports from the in-hospital setting. The over-triage rate of 13% was acceptable. Further clinically-based and qualitative studies are needed.

Trial registration
Not applicable.
SPOAN syndrome: a novel mutation and new ocular findings; a case report
Authors: Bazvand Fatemeh , Keramatipour Mohammad , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid , Mahmoudi Alireza 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To report a novel mutation and new clinical findings in a case with SPOAN syndrome (spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy, neuropathy).

Case presentation
Clinical examination, genetic testing and electroretinography were used to study a 2-year-old child who was referred to our clinic with no visual attention and documented SPOAN syndrome. Fundoscopy revealed optic atrophy, diffuse retinal pigment mottling, severe vascular attenuation, and completely non-vascularized peripheral retina in both eyes. Full-field electroretinogram (ERG) revealed flat responses.

Conclusions
Severe retinopathy and flat full-field ERG responses can occur in SPOAN syndrome.
Title: efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant on hard exudate in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Yoon Chang Ki , Sagong Min , Shin Jae Pil , Lee Sang Joon , Lee Joo Eun , Lee Ji Eun , Chung Inyoung , Jeong Woo Jin , Pak Kang Yeun , Kim Hyun Woong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
To investigate the effect of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (DEX implant) on hard exudate (HE) accompanying diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods
This study was a non-comparative non-randomized 1-year prospective interventional study. Patients with DME and HE were treated using DEX implant two or three times. Color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at every visit. HE area was measured semi-automatically from the fundus photographs.

Results
Thirty-five patients completed the study. Eleven patients (31.4%) received two injections, while the remaining received three times. HE area (primary outcome) significantly decreased from 1.404±2.094 mm2 (baseline) to 0.212±0.592 mm2 (last visit), which was 24% of the baseline HE area (P<0.001). HE1500 (HE within 1500 μm from the fovea) area also decreased significantly from 0.382±0.467 mm2 to 0.066±0.126 mm2 (P<0.001). Furthermore, anaverage best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement of 4.4 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters was observed (from 49.9±18.3 to 54.3±20.4 letters) (P= 0.008). Central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 455.8±23.6 μm to 366.8±31.1 μm (P=0.009). Repetitive measurements for entire study duration was analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE), where BCVA was related to age, CMT, and HE1500 area in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion
DEX implant could reduce and suppress HE in DME for one year with two or three injections. And centrally located HE area (HE1500 area) is related to vision.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02399657, Registered 26 March 2015.
ACTION trial: a prospective study on diagnostic Accuracy of 4D CT for diagnosing Instable ScaphOlunate DissociatioN
Authors: Goelz Leonie , Kim Simon , Güthoff Claas , Eichenauer Frank , Eisenschenk Andreas , Mutze Sven , Asmus Ariane 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Early detection of scapholunate ligament (SLL) tears is essential after minor and major trauma to the wrist. The differentiation between stable and instable injuries determines therapeutic measures which aim to prevent osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy has since been the diagnostic gold standard in suspected SLL tears because non-invasive methods have failed to exclude instable injuries reliably. This prospective study aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic, 4D computed tomography (CT) of the wrist for diagnosing instable SLL tears.

Methods
Single center, prospective trial including 40 patients with suspected SLL tears scheduled for arthroscopy. Diagnostic accuracy of 4D CT will be tested against the reference standard arthroscopy. Radiologists will be blinded to the results of arthroscopy and hand surgeons to radiological reports. A historical cohort of 80 patients which was diagnosed using cineradiography before implementation of 4D CT at the study site will serve as a comparative group.

Discussion
Static imaging lacks the ability to detect instable SLL tears after wrist trauma. Dynamic methods such as cineradiography and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are complex and require specific technical infrastructure in specialized centers. Modern super-fast dual source CT scanners are gaining popularity and are being installed gradually in hospitals and ambulances. These scanners enable dynamic imaging in a quick and simple manner. Establishment of dynamic 4D CT of the wrist in patients with suspected SLL tears in in- and outpatient settings could improve early detection rates. Reliable identification of instable injuries through 4D CT scans might reduce the number of unnecessary diagnostic arthroscopies in the future.

Trial registration
This study was registered prospectively at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) DRKS00021110. Universal Trial Number (WHO-UTN): U1111–1249-7884.