bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engaging stakeholders in Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Implementation Research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a scoping review protocol
Authors: Pedro Mariano Joaquim Creyghton , Covane Arlindo , Emmanuel Paul 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) present a significant health challenge globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Effective Implementation Research (IR) is vital in addressing this challenge, with stakeholder engagement playing a crucial role. However, the landscape of stakeholder engagement in NCD IR within LMICs faces unique challenges, including resource constraints and power imbalances. Despite these challenges, stakeholder engagement offers substantial benefits, including improved research relevance and sustainability of interventions.Methods and analysisThis scoping review aims to comprehensively describe the current practices of stakeholder engagement in NCD IR within LMICs. Employing a two-stage screening process and a thematic synthesis approach based on the International Association for Public Participation Spectrum of Public Participation, the review will analyse studies meeting predefined eligibility criteria. A rigorous search strategy will be implemented across identified electronic databases and grey literature sources, including published studies from 2011 to present. Data will be charted using a standardised form, and information regarding study characteristics, NCD focus, LMIC context, stakeholder engagement method and reported outcomes/findings will be collected. This scoping review will follow a standard protocol adhering to the methodological framework outlined by Arksey and O'Malley to comprehensively map existing evidence on stakeholder engagement in NCD IR within LMICs.Ethics and disseminationEthical considerations involve respecting original authors, maintaining integrity and transparency, managing data ethically and disclosing conflicts of interest. Dissemination will occur through publication in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, open-access repositories, policy briefs, stakeholder engagement activities and social media platforms.RegistrationThis scoping review protocol is registered on Open Science Framework, with the Digital Object Identifier 10.17605/OSF.IO/ACQ52, ensuring transparency and accountability in the research process.
Risk factors of large for gestational age among pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Yingni , Dong Weilei , Shangguan Fuliang , Li Hanbing , Yu Huixi , Shen Jiayu , Su Yinhua , Li Zhongyu 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionWomen with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are more likely to give birth to large for gestational age (LGA) infants, due to abnormalities in glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Although previous studies have explored the risk factors for LGA delivery in GDM women, the results are quite different and still lack of unified understanding.ObjectiveTo explore the elements linked to LGA delivery in GDM women, and thus provide a reference for medical staff to formulate relevant clinical interventions.Methods and analysisSystematic search of seven electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, OVID and CINAHL) will be undertaken between the inception of the database to 1 August 2024. Quantitative studies published in English and focused on the risk factors for LGA delivery in GDM women will be included. Two researchers will independently screen the literature and any disagreements will be resolved by a third-party researcher. Joanna Briggs’s Institutional Critical Appraisal Tools will be used for the quality assessment of included studies. RevMan V.5.4 software will be used for data processing and summarising. To ensure the reliability and stability of the results, Q test and I2test will be used to identify the heterogeneity between studies, while subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis will be performed based on study quality.Ethics and disseminationThis systematic review and meta-analysis will be based on published literature, and the findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at major conferences focused on clinical nursing.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024559013.
Intersecting social relations of care: a protocol for an ethnographic and interview study with South Asian people ageing in place with dementia
Authors: Gibson Kate , Robinson Louise , Bains Manpreet , Samsi Kritika , Cîrstea Ana-Maria , Brittain Katie 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPeople living at home with dementia are often cared for by family members, especially those from minority ethnic groups. Many people living with dementia from minority ethnic communities face barriers to accessing formal care. However, there is a paucity of dementia research, which foregrounds diversity within minority ethnic populations. This study, conducted between July 2024 and August 2026, will explore the diverse care experiences of South Asian people living with dementia. Conducted across four sites (Newcastle, Nottingham, Birmingham and London), it aims to understand how inequalities related to ethnicity intersect with other factors (eg, gender, age and class) to shape the dementia care experiences of people living in South Asian communities and apply this learning to explore how public policy and care systems could be improved to reduce health and social inequalities.Methods and analysisIn Newcastle, ethnographic research will be undertaken with up to 20 people living with dementia (or with memory concerns) in South Asian communities for a period of 12 months. The lengthy research period will enable a deep understanding about how experiences change as dementia progresses over time. In Nottingham and Birmingham, semi-structured interviews and/or focus groups will be conducted with up to 30 people living with dementia (or with memory concerns) in South Asian communities. This will enhance the data generated via the ethnographic research. Analysis will follow the principles of reflexive thematic analysis and will involve identifying themes and synthesising and theorising the data. Following this, findings will be reflected upon in 4–6 task groups convened in London, Nottingham and Newcastle with practitioners from health and social care, voluntary organisations or faith groups involved in dementia care. Task groups will focus on developing practical goals based on the research findings.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for this study has been granted by Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee (Reference: 2773/43721). Findings will be disseminated to academics, practitioners, policymakers and members of the public via a range of channels including conferences, peer-reviewed publications, lay reports, leaflets and non-written formats such as animated videos.
Impact of exposure to extreme heat events during pregnancy on the incidence of congenital heart disease in offspring: a meta-analysis
Authors: Krishnakumar Malavika , Hari Aparna , Gutjahr Georg , Bendapudi Perraju , Ahamed Hisham , Prabhakaran Poornima , Kumar Raman Krishna , Raj Manu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe aetiology of congenital heart disease (CHD) is multifactorial. Environmental risk factors have emerged as an important modifiable determinant of several congenital cardiac conditions. Previous studies have shown a strong relationship between CHD and air pollution. Much less is known about the influence of ambient temperature on CHD. The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the association between exposure to extreme heat events (EHE) during pregnancy and CHD in the offspring.Methodscomprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases such as Scopus and PubMed, along with a review of secondary references. This process yielded eight studies that met the inclusion criteria: four from the USA, two from China, one from Israel and one from Canada. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Mixed-effect regression was used to pool the estimates of individual studies. Heterogeneity was measured by I2. Results were visualised by a forest plot, a Baujat plot and an albatross plot. Subgroup analyses were performed for climate zones, exposure definitions and the study region. As a sensitivity analysis, a leave-one-out meta-analysis was performed to assess the robustness of the estimates.ResultsExposure to EHE during pregnancy increased the risk for CHD in the offspring (OR=1.12, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.34). Studies from the USA observed the smallest effect (OR=1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.13), studies in the continental climate zone observed a slightly larger effect (OR=1.07, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.19), and studies from the temperate climate zone observed the largest effect (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.48). Subgroup analysis was conducted with respect to exposure, effect definition and region. The residual heterogeneity measures were 88% (exposure), 61% (effect definition) and 38% (Region).ConclusionThe association between prenatal EHE exposure and future risk of CHD has important implications for pregnant mothers, infant health and health policy. Future studies should explore the additional burden of CHD contributed by current trends in global ambient temperature in other parts of the world.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023455934
Alcohol-related injuries from e-scooter and e-bike use in the US (2019–2022): a retrospective study
Authors: Akomaning Edwin , Osei Samuel Prince , Bhagavathula Akshaya Srikanth 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe use of electric-powered scooters and bikes (e-scooters/bikes) is rising, but little is known about associated injuries and substance use. This study analysed the trends and factors associated with e-scooter/bike-related injuries and alcohol/substance use emergency department (ED) visits from 2019 to 2022.MethodsA retrospective analysis of US ED visit data from the 2019–2022 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) identified visits for e-scooter/bike-related injuries. NEISS data were collected using stratified, multistage sampling, and the analysis accounted for this complex sampling design. Outcomes included yearly visits, patient demographics, injury details and alcohol/substance use associations. Multivariable logistic regression analysed factors associated with e-bike/scooter-related injury ED visits and alcohol/substance use.ResultsOf 4020 e-scooter/bike injury ED visits, 3700 (weighted estimate 279 990) were e-scooters and 320 (weighted estimate 16 600) were e-bikes. Visits increased three-fold from 2019 (n=22 835) to 2022 (n=65 892). Most of the injuries involved males, with 79.6% of e-scooter injuries and 79.7% of e-bike injuries), aged 18–39 years (51.5% e-scooter, 48.5% e-bike) and non-Hispanic White (34.9% e-scooter, 38.8% e-bike). Alcohol use was reported in 8.6% of e-scooters and 2.5% of e-bike injury-related ED visits. Males had 2.6 times higher odds of alcohol use (OR: 2.61, 95% CI: 1.84 to 3.69) and 2.2 times higher odds of substance use (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.19 to 4.16) associated ED visits, compared with females. Compared with the 18–39-year age group, those aged 10–17 years had 7.5 and 4.1 times higher odds of alcohol and substance use leading to e-scooter and e-bike injury-related ED visits, respectively.ConclusionsE-scooter injuries are increasing rapidly, especially among younger males, with a three-fold increase from 2019 to 2022. Alcohol and substance use both contribute significantly to morbidity. Strengthening policy and prevention approaches like the use of helmets are warranted to improve e-scooter/bike safety.
Lower Ticagrelor Dosing in the Dual Antiplatelet Regimen for Neurointerventional Procedures
Authors: Mehta Amol , Reddi Preethi , Bose S Javin , Finesilver Joshua , Goldman Daryl , Sembhi Paramjit , De Leacy Reade Andrew , Fifi Johanna T , Mocco J , Yim Benjamin , Majidi Shahram 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundTicagrelor, a P2Y12 inhibitor, offers a rapid onset and consistent platelet inhibition, making it a viable alternative for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). The optimal ticagrelor dose for neurointerventional procedures, however, remains unclear. We report our experience with ticagrelor 60 mg twice daily plus aspirin 81 mg daily compared with the standard aspirin and clopidogrel regimen for intracranial stenting.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database, identifying consecutive patients who underwent intracranial stenting for aneurysm treatment or intracranial atherosclerosis. Patients received either ticagrelor 60 mg with aspirin or aspirin with clopidogrel 75 mg daily. Primary outcomes included peri-procedural ischemic and/or hemorrhagic events within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were the median P2Y12 reaction unit and in-stent stenosis rates at 6-month follow-up.ResultsAmong 119 patients, 59 received ticagrelor and 60 (50.4%) received clopidogrel. Baseline characteristics including age and gender were comparable between the two groups, although the ticagrelor group had a higher proportion of African-American patients. The majority of patients underwent aneurysm treatment (n=105; 88.23%), while the remainder received stenting for intracranial atherosclerosis (n=14; 11.77%). No ischemic events occurred in either group and intracranial hemorrhage rates were comparable (1.7% in both groups). The median P2Y12 reaction unit was significantly lower in the ticagrelor group (69 vs 126, P<0.001). In-stent stenosis rates were lower with ticagrelor (5% vs 21%).ConclusionTicagrelor 60 mg for DAPT in intracranial stenting is safe and effective. Larger prospective studies may be required to validate these findings.
Treatment trends of systemic lupus erythematosus from 2007 to 2023 in the USA
Authors: Figueroa-Parra Gabriel , Heien Herbert C , Warrington Kenneth J , Shah Nilay D , Crowson Cynthia S , McCoy Rozalina G , Duarte-García Alí 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo characterise the changing trends in the pharmacological management of SLE in the USA between 2007 and 2023 as new treatment options emerged.MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study using data from OptumLabs Data Warehouse, we characterised the annual prevalent (ie, all) and incident (ie, new) use of antimalarials, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive medications among patients with SLE from 2007 to 2023 and assessed for changing trends over time.ResultsWe identified 19 122 adults with SLE; they were 51.2 (SD 16.1) years of age, 89% were female, 61.3% were White, 18.5% were Black and 13.1% were Hispanic. The proportion of prevalent users of antimalarials has decreased from 79.4% in 2007 to 77.2% in 2023 (p=0.0055), while the proportion of incident users fluctuated between a lowest 5.8% in 2021 and a highest 8.1% in 2008 (p=0.008). The proportion of prevalent users of glucocorticoids increased from 64.6% in 2007 to 66.7% in 2023 (p=0.0132), as did the proportion of incident users (12.4% in 2007 to 21.7% in 2023; p<0.0001). The use of cyclophosphamide (2.0% in 2007 to 0.4% in 2023, p<0.0001) has decreased; the use of mycophenolate mofetil (7.7% in 2007 to 10.3% in 2023, p<0.0001), rituximab (1.4% in 2007 to 2.1% in 2023, p<0.0001) and belimumab (0.8% in 2011 to 6.1% in 2023, p=0.0001) has increased.ConclusionsDespite increasing availability of alternative treatment options, patients with SLE in the USA increasingly rely on glucocorticoid-based therapy. Efforts to improve the use of antimalarials and steroid-sparing immunosuppressants are needed.
Comparative study of hypertension, diabetes, dementia and smoking in military veterans and non-veterans: a quantitative study using primary healthcare data
Authors: Finnegan Alan , Salem K 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPrimary healthcare (PHC) patient medical records contain Systematised Nomenclature of Medicine-Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) that include information regarding diagnosis, demographics and veterans’ status. This study intended to identify, analyse and compare the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dementia and smoking tobacco in veterans and non-veterans, including stratification by age and gender.MethodsThe authors partnered with 13 PHC practices with a population of 137 410 patients. Staff extracted matched veteran and non-veteran SNOMED-CT data from patient medical records; then sent the authors anonymised data in an amalgamated format between October 2023 and January 2024. Patients were from a local community and therefore social and environmental factors would be similar. Submitted information was inputted into an SPSS database 28 for analysis which included descriptive and inferential statistics to indicate statistical significance.ResultsIn total, 5458 PHC electronic records were examined comprising 2729 veterans and 2729 demographically matched for age and gender non-veterans. Each group contained 86.4% (N=2359) men and 13.6% (N=370) women. The mean age was 63.8 years (SD 17.7). Rates of hypertension were 20.9% in veterans compared with 17.6% in non-veterans (p=0.002). Type 2 diabetes mellitus was 8.3% in veterans compared with 6.4% in non-veterans (p=0.007). Dementia was 2.1% of veterans compared with 2.5% of non-veterans (p=0.32). Smoking was 11.8% of veterans compared with 10.6% of non-veterans (p=0.16).ConclusionThese results reveal that veterans were statistically more likely to be diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes. This study should assist in a better understanding of the healthcare needs of the veteran population to potentially inform better patient-centred care. However, the effectiveness of using PHC patient medical records requires increased efforts to improve data quality which needs improved PHC staff knowledge, consistency in SNOMED-CT coding, better veteran medical e-record registration and coding and better data transmission between the Defence Medical Services and PHC.
Advancing quantum technology workforce: industry insights into qualification and training needs
Authors: Greinert Franziska , Ubben Malte S. , Dogan Ismet N. , Hilfert-Rüppell Dagmar , Müller Rainer 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe transition of second-generation quantum technologies from a research topic to a topic of industrial relevance has led to a growing number of quantum companies and businesses that are exploring quantum technologies. Examples would include a start-up building a quantum key distribution device, a large company working on integrating a quantum sensing core into a product, or a company providing quantum computing consultancy. They all face different challenges and needs in terms of building their quantum workforce and training in quantum concepts, technologies and how to derive value from them. With the study documented in this paper, we aim to identify these needs and provide a picture of the industry’s requirements in terms of workforce development and (external) training and materials. We discuss, for example, the shortage of engineers and jobs relevant to the quantum industry, the challenge of getting people interested in quantum, and the need for training at different levels and in different formats – from awareness raising and self-learning materials to university courses in quantum systems engineering. The findings are based on 34 semi-structured interviews with industry representatives and a follow-up questionnaire to validate some of the issues raised in the interviews. These results have influenced activities in EU projects, including an update of the European Competence Framework for Quantum Technologies.
Biological Age Acceleration and Colonic Polyps in Persons under Age 50
Authors: Brown Chloe M. , Yow Maria V. , Kumar Shria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Epigenetic clocks can quantify DNA methylation by measuring the methylation levels at specific sites in the genome, which correlate with biological age (BA). Accelerated aging, where BA exceeds chronologic age, has been studied in relation to cancer development, but its utility in cancer prevention remains unclear. Accelerated aging holds promise as a tool to explain the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC). We investigate the association of accelerated aging and the presence of preneoplastic polyps (PNP) in the colon, defined as tubular adenomas and sessile serrated adenomas. In this study of persons under age 50 undergoing colonoscopy, we used peripheral blood samples to determine BA and age acceleration metrics. Age acceleration was determined by interrogating DNA methylation at specific CpG sites across the genome, which has been shown to correlate with age. We then conducted logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between age acceleration and PNPs. In total, 51 patient samples were evaluated. We found that that the odds of harboring a PNP are 16% higher with 1 year of accelerated aging, as measured by GrimAge. However, the strongest risk factor for PNPs remained male sex. This represents one of the first studies to explore accelerated aging and PNP in patients under the age of 50. A risk-stratified approach to EOCRC screening would minimize unnecessary colonoscopies and minimize healthcare burden while addressing the increase in EOCRC. Our findings suggest that BA calculations with peripheral blood collections could be an important component of such a risk model.
Prevention Relevance: Understanding the association of accelerated aging and colorectal PNPs presents an opportunity to develop a risk-stratified approach to colorectal cancer screening in young persons.
Indirect Verification and Historical Inquiry as a Parasitic Epistemic Practice
Authors: Yoon Jong–pil 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper explores indirect verification in pragmatism and its impact on historical inquiry. Indirect verification, as articulated by William James and John Dewey, addresses the challenge of historical knowledge within pragmatism by confirming ideas about past events based on the consistency among their present effects, the ideas themselves, and anticipated future consequences. The paper identifies and discusses key challenges related to indirect verification, such as the ‘coherence verification fallacy,’ the ‘dilemma of interpreting historical consequences,’ and the issue of ‘methodological indirect verification.’ It argues that indirect verification does not substantiate historical interpretations but instead illuminates the nature of historical inquiry. Historical inquiry, it contends, operates as a parasitic epistemic practice, relying on the relationship between the present effects of the past, anticipated future developments, and everyday problem-solving practices.
Vaucheria macounii comb. et stat. nov. (Vaucheriaceae, Xanthophyceae): first occurrence in Europe and notes on the species
Authors: VISHNYAKOV VASILY S. , MOSEEV DMITRY S. 
Published: December 2024

The article provides data on the first occurrence of Vaucheria longicaulis var. macounii Blum (Vaucheriaceae, Xanthophyceae) from the White Sea, an internal sea in northern European Russia. Originally described from the Pacific coast of the USA (Washington), the variety was subsequently found only in British Columbia, Canada. In 2021, the alga was first found in three localities on the northern coast of the Onega Peninsula. In 2022, it was found throughout collections from the eastern coast of the Onega Bay, indicating its much wider distribution. These records are considered the first in Russia, Europe, and the Arctic Ocean. The observations allowed the expansion of the morphological range of the variety in terms of shape and dimensions of gametangia. Due to significant differences in the shape and length of antheridia from the nominate variety of V. longicaulis, the raising of the variety to species level, as V. macounii, is proposed here.