bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An update of a systematic review and meta‐analyses exploring flavours in intervention studies of e‐cigarettes for smoking cessation
Authors: Lindson Nicola , Livingstone‐Banks Jonathan , Butler Ailsa R. , Levy David T. , Barnett Phoebe , Theodoulou Annika , Notley Caitlin , Rigotti Nancy A. , Chen Yixian , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsTo determine patterns of e‐cigarette flavour use (sweet, tobacco, menthol/mint) in interventional studies of e‐cigarettes for stopping smoking, and to estimate associations between flavours and smoking/vaping outcomes.MethodsUpdate of secondary data analyses, including meta‐analyses subgrouped by flavour provision and narrative syntheses, incorporating data from January 2004 to February 2024. Eligible studies were identified from a Cochrane review. Studies provided adults who smoked cigarettes with nicotine‐containing e‐cigarettes for smoking cessation and provided data on e‐cigarette e‐liquid flavour use. Outcomes included participants' flavour use measured at any time, plus smoking abstinence, abstinence from all tobacco or commercial nicotine products and allocated product use at 6 months or longer, reported as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 tool.ResultsWe included 25 studies (n = 16 748); 21 contributed to subgroup meta‐analyses and 18 provided flavour choices. We judged 15 studies at high, seven at low and three at unclear risk of bias. In studies where participants had a choice of flavours, some switching between flavours occurred (five studies). A preference for sweet (including fruit) flavours over tobacco and menthol was indicated (in 6 of 11 studies); however, there were differences across studies. Subgroup meta‐analyses showed no clear associations between e‐liquid flavours provided and smoking cessation or study product use. One included study randomised participants to two different flavour conditions and found similar cessation rates and long‐term e‐cigarette use between arms at 12 months.ConclusionsSome people using e‐cigarettes to quit smoking switch between e‐cigarette flavours during a quit attempt. Sweet flavours may be preferred overall, but this may differ depending on context. Based on intervention studies, there is no clear association between the use of e‐cigarette flavours and smoking cessation or longer‐term e‐cigarette use, possibly due to a paucity of data.
Evaluating the impacts of infrastructure improvements based on link criticality and network performance: A case study of the trucking industry in the province of Ontario, Canada
Authors: Vani Georgiana , Maoh Hanna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractA reliable transportation network is essential to maintaining and growing a region's economic productivity through the movement of goods, a significant proportion of which is moved by truck. Criticalities in the network should be identified and mitigation measures implemented to ensure that minimal negative impacts arise from link disruptions. Using criticality measures that account for network, freight flow, and economic characteristics, a comparison is made among locations of highly critical segments in the province of Ontario, Canada, and infrastructure improvement projects planned by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario. Four highway capacity expansion segments are explored through a scenario analysis, comparing the effects resulting from their implementation to a status quo base case. Freight and passenger flows are forecasted to the year 2036 for the analysis. A comparison is made among the scenarios to assess the network‐wide impacts of each segment's improvements with respect to vehicle and shipment value flows, travel time, greenhouse gas emissions, and each segment's average operating conditions. Of the four segments compared, the improvements of Highway 404 appear to provide the most significant benefits with respect to network performance. Such analysis can inform policy measures for the prioritization of infrastructure improvements to address network criticalities.
Rudderless in the Storm? The Crisis of Adaptability in Canadian Governance
Authors: Roberts Alasdair 
Published: December 2024

AbstractConditions facing Canadian governments will be challenging for the remainder of this century. If dangers are managed poorly, Canada will not thrive, and in the worst case the Canadian state will not survive. Adaptability, the capacity to anticipate and manage threats, is a critical quality for state survival in turbulent conditions. Achieving adaptability is always difficult in decentralized polities because of tendencies toward short‐sightedness, confusion, and miscoordination. Moreover, adaptability has declined in Canada in recent decades. This is partly attributable to socio‐economic transformations, and partly due to choices that Canadian leaders have made about dismantling or redesigning government institutions. Four reforms are suggested to restore adaptability in Canada: more investment in long‐term thinking, revival of national leadership summits, closer attention to the health of the Canadian public sphere, and independent review of Canada's public and political services.
From Machinery to Executive Density: Time for Structural Reforms?
Authors: Wernick Michael 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe Canadian public service has adapted to many forces of change in recent years. What has not changed is the core structural software of how it is constructed and organized. Two dimensions of structural change are available to the next government, and they could choose to pursue both. One is the domain of "machinery of government" and the other is in the layered hierarchical pyramid of occupations and management. These are areas where change would involve rewiring of core legislation and would face considerable internal resistance. They are also areas where change can bring unintended consequences and generate new issues and tradeoffs. Nevertheless, it won't be possible to get to a public service fit for purpose on its current foundations and scaffolding.
Bone Substitute Material in the Surgical Therapy of Peri‐Implantitis—3‐Year Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alibegovic Lamija , Trullenque‐Eriksson Anna , Ortiz‐Vigón Alberto , Guerrero Adrián , Donati Mauro , Bressan Eriberto , Karlsson Karolina , Dionigi Carlotta , Regidor Erik , Ichioka Yuki , Tomasi Cristiano , Ghensi Paolo , Schaller Dennis , Abrahamsson Ingemar , Berglundh Tord , Derks Jan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the potential mid‐term benefit of the use of a bone substitute material in the reconstructive surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis.MethodsA total of 120 subjects (127 implants) affected by peri‐implantitis were followed over 3 years in a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Participants had been randomized to either control (access flap surgery) or test group (access flap surgery and bone substitute material). Clinical, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes were assessed. The primary outcome was a composite measure including probing pocket depth ≤ 5 mm, absence of bleeding and suppuration on probing, soft tissue recession ≤ 1 mm, and implant neither reoperated nor lost. In an additional outcome (disease resolution), we allowed for one bleeding site and did not consider recession.ResultsWhile 14 implants (11%) were lost and a second surgical intervention had been performed at 3 implants (2.4%), pronounced improvements of clinical parameters were noted at remaining implants in both treatment groups at the 3‐year follow‐up. This was illustrated by a 3.2–3.5 mm reduction in probing pocket depth and a marginal bone level gain of 1.1–1.3 mm. The primary composite outcome, however, was only achieved at 14% of implants. The second composite outcome defining disease resolution was accomplished at 39% of implants. Patient‐reported outcomes were generally favorable.ConclusionAt 3 years, the use of a bone substitute material in the surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis did not result in a clear benefit over access flap surgery alone.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0307706
Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Age‐Related Diseases
Authors: Wei Bohua , Wei Mengting , Huang Haonan , Fan Ting , Zhang Zhichang , Song Xiaoyu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe global increase in the aging population has led to a concurrent rise in the incidence of age‐related diseases, posing substantial challenges to healthcare systems and affecting the well‐being of the elderly. Identifying and securing effective treatments has become an urgent priority. In this context, mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (MSC‐Exos) have emerged as a promising and innovative modality in the field of anti‐aging medicine, offering a multifaceted therapeutic approach. MSC‐Exos demonstrate significant potential due to their immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties, their ability to inhibit oxidative stress, and their reparative effects on senescent tissues. These attributes make them valuable in combating a range of conditions associated with aging, such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, skin aging, and osteoarthritis. The integration of exosomes with membrane‐penetrating peptides introduces a novel strategy for the delivery of biomolecules, surmounting traditional cellular barriers and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the current understanding of MSC‐Exos, underscoring their role as a novel and potent therapeutic strategy against the intricate challenges of age‐related diseases.
Happy Normativists: Do Children Express Happiness When Following Conventional Norms?
Authors: Riggs Anne E. , Fast Anne A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTYoung children rapidly acquire and rigidly adhere to conventional norms. Prior accounts of this early‐emerging norm behavior propose that children perceive conventional norms as obligations to their cultural groups and, in conforming to the norms, sacrifice their individual desires for the welfare of the group. In the current research, we investigate the hypothesis that children may actually derive happiness from adhering to conventional norms, thus aligning rather than diverging from their individual desires. To test this hypothesis, we presented 4–5‐year‐old children (N = 120) with a novel apparatus in which they were either be taught a set of actions that constituted the norm for operating the apparatus (Norm condition) or a set of actions that they chose from to use the apparatus (Control condition). While performing these actions, we videorecorded and coded children's facial expressions to measure the happiness they derived from performing the actions in the norm versus control conditions and asked them to retrospectively report on their happiness while using the apparatus. Facial expressions and self‐reports of happiness did not differ across conditions; however, they were significantly higher than neutral.
Improved glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes initiating or switching to IDegAsp in a real‐world setting in China
Authors: Guo Lixin , Chen Liming , Zhao Fan , Liu Xiaoyun , Ding Hongcheng , Wang Kun , Zhong Xing , Shankarappa Vinay Babu , Chaudhary Gaurav 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsTo investigate glycaemic control in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating, or switching to insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp), a co‐formulation of basal, and bolus insulin, in a real‐world setting.Materials and MethodsA 20‐week, prospective, single‐arm, open‐label, non‐interventional study was conducted in Chinese adults with T2D initiating, or switching to IDegAsp after anti‐hyperglycaemic treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), other insulins, or glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists. The primary endpoint was a change in HbA1c from baseline to end of the study; the secondary endpoints included a change in fasting plasma glucose and Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) score.ResultsSignificant reductions were observed in mean HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose, among both the overall population (N = 878; −1.27%‐points [95% CI: −1.36; −1.19]; p < 0.0001, and −1.61 mmol/L [95% CI: −1.81; −1.41]; p < 0.0001, respectively), and in subgroups switching from OADs only, or basal, or premix insulins ± OADs. The mean total DTSQ score increased from 26.4 (baseline) to 31.6 (end‐of‐study). No significant, or unexpected tolerability, or safety issues were observed. Significant reductions were observed in incidence rates of non‐severe (rate ratio 0.37 [95% CI: 0.24; 0.59]; p < 0.0001) and nocturnal non‐severe (rate ratio 0.45 [95% CI: 0.21; 0.94]; p = 0.0326) hypoglycaemic episodes.ConclusionsIn a broad, real‐world Chinese population of adults with T2D, initiating or switching to IDegAsp was associated with improved glycaemic control and lower rates of hypoglycaemia. The use of IDegAsp could be an effective treatment option for those with suboptimal glycaemic control or therapeutic inertia.
Diagnostic accuracy of Agile‐4 score for liver cirrhosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of diagnostic test accuracy studies
Authors: Malandris Konstantinos , Katsoula Anastasia , Liakos Aris , Karagiannis Thomas , Sinakos Emmanouil , Giouleme Olga , Klonizakis Philippos , Theocharidou Eleni , Gigi Eleni , Bekiari Eleni , Tsapas Apostolos 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsA novel noninvasive score, Agile‐4 score, combining liver stiffness measurements, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase, platelet count, diabetes status and sex has been developed for the identification of cirrhosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We assessed the performance of Agile‐4 for ruling‐in/out liver cirrhosis in MASLD patients.Materials and MethodsWe searched Medline, Cochrane library, Web of science, Scopus and Echosens website up to May 2024. Eligible studies assessed the accuracy of Agile‐4 for ruling‐in (≥0.565) and ruling‐out (<0.251) liver cirrhosis, using biopsy as the reference standard, at predefined thresholds. We calculated pooled sensitivity and specificity estimates for both Agile‐4 thresholds alongside 95% confidence intervals following bivariate random‐effect models. We assessed the risk of bias using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 tool.ResultsWe included seven studies with 6037 participants. An Agile‐4 score ≥0.565 yielded a pooled specificity of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.86–0.97). Similarly, an Agile‐4 score <0.251 excluded cirrhosis with a summary sensitivity of 0.90 (0.80–0.95). Assuming a cirrhosis prevalence of 30%, the positive predictive value (PPV) for ruling‐in cirrhosis was 80%, while the negative predictive value for ruling‐out cirrhosis was 95%. Most studies were at high or unclear risk for bias due to concerns regarding patient selection and the blinding status of Agile‐4 score interpretation in relation to biopsy results.ConclusionsAgile‐4 score performs well for ruling‐in/out liver cirrhosis in MASLD patients. Owing to the relatively low PPV, sequential application of the Agile‐4 after fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) testing might further enhance its performance.
Instruction‐Tuned Large‐Language Models for Quality Control in Automatic Item Generation: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Gorgun Guher , Bulut Okan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAutomatic item generation may supply many items instantly and efficiently to assessment and learning environments. Yet, the evaluation of item quality persists to be a bottleneck for deploying generated items in learning and assessment settings. In this study, we investigated the utility of using large‐language models, specifically Llama 3‐8B, for evaluating automatically generated cloze items. The trained large‐language model was able to filter out majority of good and bad items accurately. Evaluating items automatically with instruction‐tuned LLMs may aid educators and test developers in understanding the quality of items created in an efficient and scalable manner. The item evaluation process with LLMs may also act as an intermediate step between item creation and field testing to reduce the cost and time associated with multiple rounds of revision.
Hereditary spastic paraplegias: When to expect bladder dysfunction a genetic and urodynamic study
Authors: Lallemant‐Dudek Pauline , Guillaud‐Bataille Marine , Hentzen Claire , Joussain Charles , Pichon Bertrand , Robain Gilberte , Haddad Rebecca , Coarelli Giulia , Heinzmann Anna , Denys Pierre , Amarenco Gérard , Durr Alexandra 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to characterize hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSP) patients' urodynamic profiles and development of bladder symptoms.MethodsThis is a multicentric retrospective study which included patients presenting with bladder disorders. We reviewed medical and urodynamic records in individuals with HSP and recorded age at onset of gait and bladder disorders, disability stage at the time of urodynamic assessment.ResultsWe included 122 participants. They were mostly men (n = 74) with a median age at interview of 54.6 ± 13.0 [25–76] years. The underlying genetic cause was identified in 70% of participants, with 54 heterozygous mutations in SPAST, followed by 7 SPG11 and 6 SPG7. The age at onset of motor disorder was significantly younger than for the beginning of bladder dysfunction (49.3 vs. 29.7 years‐old, p < 0.001). Detrusor overactivity was present in most participants (72.1%), followed by detrusor‐sphincter‐dyssynergia (65.3%). Similar proportions were present in the SPAST group as well as the non‐SPAST group. The SPAST group developed urinary symptoms later than the non‐SPAST group as compared to the age at onset of spasticity (53.8 ± 11.3 and 44.1 ± 13.2 for the SPAST group vs. 44.1 ± 13.2 and 25.5 ± 17.3 for the non‐SPAST group).ConclusionWe have shown that the most common urodynamic pattern in HSP is detrusor overactivity associated with detrusor‐sphincter dyssynergia, as would be expected for upper motor neuron lesions. We assessed the temporal window of onset, showing that urinary disorders are secondary to spastic gait in HSP and particularly frequent when walking capability deteriorates.
Dual antiplatelet therapy after minor strokes or high‐risk TIA: Evidence from the Austrian stroke registry
Authors: Krebs Stefan , Miksova Dominika , Knoflach Michael , Gattringer Thomas , Fandler‐Höfler Simon , Marlen Fahrner , Marko Martha , Greisenegger Stefan , Lang Wilfried , Ferrari Julia , Sykora Marek ,   the Austrian Stroke Unit Registry Collaborators
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThree large, randomized trials demonstrated the benefit of short‐term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) versus monotherapy after non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk transient ischemic attack (TIA). The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of DAPT versus monotherapy on functional outcomes and safety in a real‐life setting.MethodsPatients with minor stroke (NIHSS <4) or high‐risk TIA (ABCD2 score ≥4) of non‐cardioembolic origin without major vessel occlusion or revascularization therapy (thrombolysis or thrombectomy) treated between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed based on a prospective nationwide stroke unit registry. Data on risk factors, stroke etiology, admission stroke severity (NIHSS), functional status at 3 months (mRS), and mortality were extracted. Excellent functional outcome (mRS 0–1) at 3 months, early neurological deterioration (END), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) and major extracranial bleeds were defined as study endpoints and adjusted for covariates using inverse probability of treatment weighted regression models.ResultsTwo Thousand Two Hundred Fifty‐four of 8546 patients with non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk TIA received DAPT. Patients treated with DAPT had significantly more risk factors and comorbidities compared to those treated with monotherapy. After robust statistical adjustment, DAPT was significantly associated with lower occurrence of END (OR 0.50 95% CI 0.35–0.72), increased odds of excellent outcome at 3 months (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.20–2.09) and equivalent frequencies of SICH (aOR 1.19, 95% CI 0.30–4.73) or major extracranial bleeding (aOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.16–4.56).ConclusionsDAPT in non‐cardioembolic minor stroke or high‐risk TIA in a real‐life setting appears to be safe and associated with improved functional outcome.
A single‐center learning curve for stereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy and a surgical framework to manage failures
Authors: Raghu Ashley L. B. , Lau Jonathan , Stern Matthew A. , Faraj Razan R. , Isbaine Faical , Grogan Dayton , Bullinger Katie , Roth Rebecca W. , Dickey Adam S. , Willie Jon T. , Drane Daniel L. , Gross Robert E. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveStereotactic laser amygdalohippocampotomy (SLAH) is a minimally invasive procedure for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy that preserves more tissue than open procedures. As a result, although patients have better functional outcomes, more patients do not achieve seizure freedom. The rate at which this occurs is evolving with improved surgical practices. However, the risks and benefits of further surgical management for these patients remains a question with limited data to guide decision‐making.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a continuous series (2011–2019) of SLAH operations at our institution to determine trends in surgical management, identifying cases where further surgery was performed. Pre‐operative and follow‐up seizure, cognitive, and functional data, and surgical complications were collated.ResultsOf 108 patients undergoing primary SLAH, 21 (19%) underwent further surgery (23 procedures). Stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) informed seven procedures (30%). There was a trend for quicker SLAH failure in the earlier patients. Similarly, surgical chronology was associated with progression to repeat surgery (p = .007). At 1‐year follow‐up, 6 of 13 patients (46%) achieved seizure freedom after repeat SLAH and 5 of 8 patients (63%) achieved seizure freedom after anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL), one of whom had failed two SLAHs. Two of three patients undergoing an ablation outside the mesial temporal lobe achieved seizure freedom at 1 year. Neuropsychological sequelae were more prevalent with ATL than SLAH, including decline in visual naming (p = .01) and functional status (p = .007).SignificanceRepeat SLAH and ATL post‐SLAH are both practicable and can be effective. Surgical experience, risk to cognition, and marginal benefit relative to existing improvement are principal considerations for further surgery.