bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“I just wish vaping wasn’t a thing”: a qualitative study of parental concerns and attitudes towards adolescent vaping.
Authors: Rose Shiho , McGill Bronwyn , Watts Christina , Brooks Alecia , Dessaix Anita , Freeman Becky 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: With the rapid increase of e-cigarette or vaping in adolescents, parents can provide unique perspectives to assist in addressing this issue. As research regarding parent experiences of adolescent vaping is generally limited, this study therefore explored parent: i) attitudes regarding adolescent vaping; and ii) experiences of addressing vaping with their adolescent children in the home environment.
Methods: Online focus groups (n=18, with 92 participants) were conducted in April 2023 as part of the Generation Vape research study in Australia. Parents were eligible if they had at least one child aged 14-17 years who attended high school and who lived with them most of the time.
Results: Using reflexive thematic analysis, three main themes were generated: i) attitudes about own children vaping; ii) boundaries for vaping; and iii) conversations. Participants largely agreed they do not condone vaping in their children, however, felt resigned that experimenting was inevitable. For some, vaping was a lesser concern compared to other issues, with a view that social vaping is more accepted, as opposed to habitual use. Parent-child conversations appeared to occur opportunistically, but participants felt uninformed about vapes which was seen as a barrier.
Conclusions: Our findings highlight that adolescent vaping is a complex issue for parents to address. While parents represent one important part in tackling this issue, they feel uninformed nor empowered to do so. Additionally, prevailing attitudes about “acceptable” vaping and misconceptions regarding addiction need to be addressed, with a clear message that any vaping is harmful for adolescents and should be discouraged.
Long-term follow-up of Graves' disease and toxic nodular disease
Authors: Veríssimo David , Pereira Beatriz , Vinhais Joana , Ivo Catarina , Martins Ana Cláudia , Silva João Nunes e , Passos Dolores , Lopes Luís , de Castro João Jácome , Marcelino Mafalda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Hyperthyroidism guidelines have not been updated over the past five years, despite numerous data on the subject, and recent studies providing a wide variation in treatment success rates. We aim to compare the effectiveness and safety of treatment modalities in patients with Graves’ disease or toxic nodular disease.
Methods
Single center retrospective cohort study of Graves’ disease and toxic nodular disease patients treated between 1983 and 2023.
Results
A total of 411 patients were treated for hyperthyroidism, 245 due to Graves’ disease and 166 due to or toxic nodular disease, followed for a median of 7 years. In Graves’ disease, 90.2% were treated with antithyroid drugs over 250 cycles, achieving 41.7% cumulative remission. Half of all relapses (50.9%) occurred in the first year, 76.3% in the first three years, and 98.3% within nine years. Treatment periods of 12–24 months showed higher remission and lower relapse rates than longer periods, contradicting recent studies. I-131 was used in 103 cycles with 82.5% remission and 7.1% relapse. A total of 29 thyroidectomies resulted in 100% remission, with no relapse. In toxic nodular disease, surgery was the most frequently used treatment (54.5%), followed by I-131 (37.1%).
Conclusion
Our findings support antithyroid drugs as the preferential first-line treatment for Graves’ disease, allowing for euthyroidism with minimal adverse effects. Given the propensity for relapse, we suggest a rigorous monitoring, particularly within the first three years. In toxic nodular disease, surgery should be the preferred option, with I-131 being reserved for single adenomas and small goiters.
Predicting the long-term course: Shunt surgery results in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus—a comprehensive study
Authors: Spielmann Hannah , Sippl Christoph , Senger Sebastian , Oertel Joachim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder primarily affecting the elderly. Shunt surgery is the gold standard treatment, yet long-term outcome remains poorly investigated, especially concerning neuropsychological performance, motor skills and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of shunting in iNPH patients up to three years post-surgery.
Methods
A cohort of 30 patients with iNPH who underwent shunt placement between January 2020 and February 2021 was followed up for three years. A standardized test battery assessed neuropsychological performance, quality of life, and motor skills. The patients were tested before and one, two and three years after surgery.
Results
Motor skills, particularly lower body function, significantly improved post-surgery and remained improved even after three years. Upper body motor skills exhibited mixed results, with improvement in manual dexterity but not in finger tapping tests. Neuropsychological assessments revealed sustained improvement in certain aspects up to three years post-surgery, while a various degree of deterioration was observed in others. Quality of life, as measured by the Rankin Scale as well as Stein and Langfitt Grading, showed initial improvement post-surgery but declined over time.
Conclusion
iNPH patients demonstrate sustained improvements in motor skills, neuropsychological function and quality of life after shunt surgery. In long-term, motor skill and certain neuropsychological aspects remained improved, quality of life and some other neurocognitive aspects declined progressively over the follow up period.
HIV treatment indicators among children younger than 15 years in South Africa: Results from the 2017 National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour, and Communication Survey
Authors: Magobo Rindidzani E. , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Jooste Sean , Molopa Lesiba , Naidoo Inbarani , Simbayi Leickness , Zuma Khangelani , Zungu Nompumelelo , Shisana Olive , Moyo Sizulu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Early detection and initiation in care is crucial to the survival and long-term well-being of children living with HIV. However, there remain challenges regarding early testing and linking of infants and children who are positive for early treatment. This study examines the HIV treatment indicators and associated factors among children younger than 15 years in South Africa.
Methods
The data was collected as part of the 2017 National HIV survey using a multistage cluster randomised design. Multivariate generalised linear regression models were fitted to determine factors associated with the HIV care continuum.
Results
The sample had 12 237 children aged 0–14 years, the median age was 8 years (interquartile range of 4–11 years). HIV prevalence in this study population was 2.8% (95% CI: 2.4–3.3). Overall, 40.0% of the HIV-positive children knew their status, and among these, 72.6% (95% CI: 61.7–81.3) were on ART, and 90.0% (95% CI: 88.4–97.9) were virally suppressed. The odds of HIV diagnosis and knowing HIV-positive status were significantly higher among children whose health was rated as fair or poor than excellent or good [AOR = 1.32 (95%CI: 1.05–1.67), p = 0.022], and were significantly lower among females than males [AOR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71–0.95), p = 0.009], and those attending private healthcare facilities than public health facilities [AOR = 0.64 (95% CI:0.57–0.74), p < 0.001]. The odds of HIV diagnosis and knowing HIV-positive status and being on ART were significantly higher among children residing in rural formal/farm areas than urban areas [AOR = 1.40 (95% CI:1.05–1.86), p = 0.017], and were significantly lower among children attending private healthcare facilities [AOR = 0.44 (95% CI:0.36–0.54), p < 0.001]. The odds of HIV diagnosis and knowing HIV-positive status, being on ART, and being virally suppressed were significantly higher among children with self-rated health as fair or poor than excellent/good [AOR = 1.09 (95% CI:1.00-1.19), p = 0.05].
Conclusion
Awareness of HIV status and initiation of treatment in children was low. The findings highlight the need to improve HIV status awareness and disclosure to children. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and programs tailored for HIV- positive children in urban areas.
Adiponectin may play a crucial role in the metabolic effects of GLP-1RAs treatment in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a preliminary longitudinal study
Authors: Refaie Antonella Al , Baldassini Leonardo , Mondillo Caterina , Ceccarelli Elena , Tarquini Roberto , Gennari Luigi , Gonnelli Stefano , Caffarelli Carla 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) stands as the most prevalent metabolic disorder globally. T2DM entails numerous cardiovascular complications, which contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality, and increased public spending worldwide. The real challenge for new diabetes drugs lies not only in reducing blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin but also in preventing cardiovascular risk. Emerging receptor agonists for glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1RAs) have demonstrated a pivotal role in diabetes management and mitigating cardiovascular risk.
Methods
We conducted a 12-month longitudinal investigation evaluating the cardio-metabolic effects of GLP-1RAs on a cohort 65 Caucasian patients diagnosed with T2DM who were scheduled for treatment with GLP-1RAs. Fifty-four T2DM patients successfully completed the 12-month study period, with 30 receiving dulaglutide and 24 receiving semaglutide.
Results
In our study population, GLP-1RAs resulted in several positive changes beyond the observed weight loss: a shift in fat distribution, indicated by a reduction in the percentage of visceral fat (1.21 vs 1.17, p < 0.05); a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) and triglycerides (p < 0.01); and a significant increase in serum adiponectin levels (p < 0.05), potentially indicating a reduction in insulin resistance and inflammation. Additionally, we observed a significant decrease in microalbuminuria and media-intimal thickness at the carotid vessel level (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
In patients with T2DM 1-year therapy with GLP-1RAs has a positive effect on the main determinants of cardiovascular risk including body weight, visceral fat, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Moreover, the increase in adiponectin may play a pivotal role in controlling the inflammatory state and the mechanisms of vascular damage.
Knowledge and attitudes about dementia among nursing students in Vietnam: a cross sectional study
Authors: Pham Dung Thi My , Do An Dang , Do Hien Thi Thu , Nguyen Anh Ngoc , Nguyen Binh Thanh , Do Mai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Dementia is one of the most pressing health concerns in ageing population, posing significant burdens not only on the well-being and independence of people with dementia (PWD), but also on their families and communities. Building capacity for nursing students is essential for effectively enhancing the quality of life for affected people. However, various studies have highlighted knowledge gaps concerning dementia among nursing students worldwide. This study aimed to examine knowledge and attitude preparedness for dementia care among nursing students in Vietnam and associated factors.
Methods
We used cross-sectional study design with four medical schools in northern, central and southern Vietnam which were selected based on convenience. Participants included full-time diploma senior nursing students (N = 600). A self-administered questionnaire consisted of 34 true-false questions evaluating students’ knowledge about dementia (ADKS) and 20 items using a 5-point Likert scale assessing their attitudes toward dementia (DAS). The tools were piloted and validated with 60 students with good internal reliability.
Results
Nursing students exhibited insufficient knowledge of dementia but displayed positive attitudes towards dementia. Engaging four-year diploma (β = 0.501), being female (β = 0.827), and achieving greater academic performance (β = 0.795) statistically influenced nursing students’ knowledge of dementia (p < 0.05). Similarly, being female (β = 2.179), and possessing better knowledge of dementia (β = 2.740) statistically effected nursing students’ attitude toward dementia (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Students with greater academic achievement and females demonstrated better knowledge and attitudes toward dementia. To better nursing students’ preparedness for dementia care, education on dementia care, especially practical training should be paid more attention.
Development of LAMP and droplet digital PCR methods for differentiation between Cydia pomonella (L.) and Grapholita molesta (Busck)
Authors: yang Li-feng , Zhang Wan-min , Zhang Hua-yue , Chu Dong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is an economically important key fruit pest worldwide. In China, C. pomonella was first discovered in 1953 and has since been introduced into at least eight provinces. The monitoring of C. pomonella using sex pheromones is essential for controlling this destructive pest and preventing its spread from infested areas. However, the sex pheromone of C. pomonella also has strong attractive effects on Grapholita molesta (Busck), which results in the mixture of the two pest insects. Furthermore, capturing individuals, especially during the early phase of spread, is challenging due to the limited number of introductions. Thus, it is crucial to provide an accurate and rapid diagnostic method to differentiate them. To develop such a method for distinguishing between C. pomonella and G. molesta, we initially selected a set of C. pomonella specific-LAMP primers from seven designed sets of candidate primers and its sensitivity was evaluated using DNA. Finally, the effectiveness of the method was proven using insect tissue and a temperature-controlled, insulated cup. Additionally, the optimal reaction temperature, specificity, and sensitivity of the C. pomonella ddPCR-primer were determined. The development of the C. pomonella LAMP and ddPCR methods provide tools for the monitoring of C. pomonella in China.
Yield-scaled greenhouse gas emissions in subtropical paddy rice treated with stabilized nitrogen fertilizers
Authors: Veçozzi Thais Antolini , Carlos Filipe Selau , Scivittaro Walkyria Bueno , Bayer Cimelio , Sousa Rogério Oliveira 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this work, the hypothesis that stabilized nitrogen fertilizers (SNF) might be useful to boost paddy rice production with a decreased impact on nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions from soil was tested by conducting a field experiment on a subtropical typic Albaqualf in Southern Brazil over two rice growing seasons (GS). The experiment comprised the nitrogen fertilizers common urea, urea + NBPT [N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide], urea + NBPT + DCD (dicyandiamide), urea + Cu B (copper and boron), urea + S (sulfur) and urea-10% zeolite alongside a Control treatment with no nitrogen fertilizer. Field plots were arranged according to completely randomized block design with three replicates. Methane and N2O fluxes were measured by using the static chamber technique and gases analyzed by gas chromatography. Seasonal pGWP values were calculated as the combination of those for the individual gases in each season multiplied by the respective radiative forcing potentials (viz., 28 for CH4 and 265 for N2O), and yield-scaled greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were taken to be the ratios of pGWP to rice grain yields. Soil N2O emissions in GS1 were 0.9 kg ha− 1 on average; also, they were similar among treatments and whether or not N fertilization was applied. In GS2, soil N2O emissions were lower with the Control treatment, all SNF leading to emission levels comparable to those of common urea (average 4.5 kg ha− 1). There were no differences in soil CH4 emissions, which peaked at 474 kg ha− 1, among nitrogen fertilizers in GS1. On the other hand, urea + NBPT reduced CH4 emissions relative to urea + S and urea-10% zeolite in GS2. pGWP averaged at 11 216 kg eq.CO2 ha− 1 across the two GS without N fertilization (Control treatment) and at 11 803 kg eq.CO2 ha− 1 with fertilization. The increase in grain yield resulting from nitrogen fertilization was similar irrespective of nitrogen source, with a mean of 9300 kg ha− 1 in GS1 and one of 8200 kg ha− 1 in GS2. Yield-scaled pGWP was influenced by fertilization but only in GS1, where urea + NBPT and urea-10% zeolite reduced it relative to no fertilization. The starting hypothesis was thus rejected since SNF affected rice grain yield and soil GHG emissions similarly to common urea over two growing seasons in subtropical paddy rice ecosystems of Southern Brazil.
Inhaled Corticosteroid Increased the Risk of Adrenal Insufficiency in Patients with Chronic Airway Diseases: A Nationwide Population-based Study
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Yoon Hee-Young 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are commonly used for airway disease, but concerns about adrenal insufficiency (AI) have arisen. This study investigated the link between ICS use and AI risk using data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort, analyzing 66,631 patients with COPD or asthma (mean age: 57.3 years, 42.6% male). ICS use, daily dosage, and AI cases were identified via diagnostic codes. Cox proportional survival analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) addressed baseline differences between ICS and non-ICS users. Among the patients, 15.5% used ICS, with AI incidence higher in ICS users (1.69 per 1000) than in non-users (0.54 per 1000). ICS use independently increased AI risk (HR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.82–5.14). Each 100 µg/day increase in ICS was associated with a 3% increase in AI incidence (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.04). Quartile analysis before IPTW indicated a significant AI risk increase across all ICS dosage quartiles compared with non-users. Subgroup analysis showed consistent associations with age, sex, and smoking, with stronger links in systemic steroid users and those with higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). ICS use increases AI risk in chronic airway disease patients, particularly among systemic steroid users and those with higher CCI.
ISAR Pulses Reconstruction and High-resolution Imaging via Frequency-selective Reweighted Atomic Norm Minimization
Authors: Zhang Tao , Wang Sui , Lai Ran 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Receiving incomplete signals is common in real inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imaging. If incomplete signals are used for imaging, severe grating lobes will be present in the obtained image. The gridless sparse recovery (SR) method, called atomic norm minimization (ANM), can reconstruct missing signals accurately and is particularly well-suited for sparse ISAR imaging. The Frequency-selective (FS) ANM (FSANM) method uses prior knowledge to improve the estimation performance of the ANM method. However, the estimated performance of the FSANM method is still limited by convex relaxation when frequency separation is unreasonable, which leads to unsatisfactory imaging results. To break this limitation and improve ISAR imaging performance, a novel gridless sparse ISAR imaging method was proposed, which can be called FS reweighted ANM (FSRAM). The proposed method introduces a non-convex metric to establish a connection between atomic \({\ell _0}\) norm and \({\ell _1}\) norm. According to the non-convex iterative solution model, the implementation of a semi-definite program (SDP) for FSRAM was derived. The simulated experimental results indicate that the proposed method maintains a high level of estimate performance even in cases when the frequency separation is not acceptable. The real experimental results show that the proposed method can obtain better quality ISAR images.
The application of self-made liver suspension device in 3D laparoscopic non-anatomical resection of liver VI and VII segments tumors
Authors: Chen Shengxiong , Jin Xiaoxu , Hao Zijia , Wang Yijun , Du Chengxu , Liu Xiaoding , Jiang Huiqing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of self-made liver suspension device in 3D laparoscopic non-anatomical resection of liver VI and VII segments tumors.
Methods: The clinical data of 79 patients who underwent non-anatomical resection of liver VI and VII segments tumors at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from June 2016 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, divided into SDLG group and CLG group. The SDLG group used the self-made liver suspension device for 3D laparoscopic resection, and the CLG group received conventional 3D laparoscopic resection; the clinical data were compared to evaluate the efficacy.
Results: The operation time in SDLG group was significantly shorter than that in CLG group, the intraoperative bleeding volume and liver portal blockage time were significantly reduced, and the postoperative complications were alleviated; there was no significant difference in hospital stay, drainage tube removal time, bedside time, and postoperative flatus time.
Conclusion: The self-made liver suspension device can shorten the operation time and liver portal blockage time, reduce intraoperative bleeding, alleviate postoperative complications, and improve the safety of non-anatomical resection of liver VI and VII segments tumors. It is worth further clinical promotion.
Evaluation of dental implant with hydroxyapatite coating by laser-induced hydrothermal synthesis: in vitro and in vivo experimental study
Authors: Lee Jung-Tae , Kim Sungtae , Lee Sung-Ho , Han Dong-Wook , Kwon Daehyeok , Lee Kyungwoo , Jeon Hojeong , Jung Tae-Gon , Kim Bongju 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Various attempts to increase the survival rate of dental implant have been introduced. Among the, there have been many studies for modification of implant surfaces. This study aimed to evaluate the results of in vitro and in vivo experiments on implants using a nano/micro-assembled hydroxyapatite (HA) structure with laser-induced single-step coating (LISSC) technique. In this study, machined surface implants (MA), sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched surface implants (SLA), resorbable blasting media surface implants (RBM), and hydroxyapatite surface implants (HA) were used. Surface morphology, surface hydrophilicity and cell attachment analysis were conducted (in vitro). Twelve rabbits and two beagles were used in this in vivo study. Immediately after placement, the implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured using the Osstell mentor device. After the animals were sacrificed (rabbit: 3 and 6 weeks; beagle: 12 weeks), histological, bone-implant contact ratio (BIC%), and bone volume ratio (BV%) analyses were performed. The ISQ value increased from post-OP to 6 or 12 weeks for all animal implant types. The results of in vitro experiment were shown as follows: “HA > RBM > SLA > MA (roughness value)” and “RBM > HA > MA > SLA (surface wettability)”. There were no statistically significant differences in initial cell adhesion and viability among four groups (cell attachment). According to the in vivo results, BV were measured in the order “SLA > RBM > HA > MA (3-week)” and “SLA > HA > RBM > MA (6-week)”. For BIC, the results were as follows: RBM > HA > MA > SLA (3 weeks) and HA > RBM > SLA > MA (6 weeks). HA showed the greatest increases in BV and BIC from 3 to 6 weeks (HA > SLA > RBM > MA). In the beagle experiment, the ISQ value at 12 weeks was higher than that post-OP for both HA and SLA. HA was higher than SLA in the BV group. HA implants act at a similar or equivalent level to other implants (MA, SLA, and RBM).