bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies used to reduce harms associated with fentanyl exposure among rural people who use drugs: multi-site qualitative findings from the rural opioid initiative
Authors: Walters Suzan M. , Baker Robin , Frank David , Fadanelli Monica , Rudolph Abby E. , Zule William , Fredericksen Rob J. , Bolinski Rebecca , Sibley Adams L. , Go Vivian F. , Ouellet Lawrence J. , Pho Mai T. , Seal David W. , Feinberg Judith , Smith Gordon , Young April M. , Stopka Thomas J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Aim
Illicitly manufactured fentanyl and its analogs are the primary drivers of opioid overdose deaths in the United States (U.S.). People who use drugs may be exposed to fentanyl or its analogs intentionally or unintentionally. This study sought to identify strategies used by rural people who use drugs to reduce harms associated with unintentional fentanyl exposure.

Methods
This analysis focused on 349 semi-structured qualitative interviews across 10 states and 58 rural counties in the U.S conducted between 2018 and 2020. Interview guides were collaboratively standardized across sites and included questions about drug use history (including drugs currently used, frequency of use, mode of administration) and questions specific to fentanyl. Deductive coding was used to code all data, then inductive coding of overdose and fentanyl codes was conducted by an interdisciplinary writing team.

Results
Participants described being concerned that fentanyl had saturated the drug market, in both stimulant and opioid supplies. Participants utilized strategies including: (1) avoiding drugs that were perceived to contain fentanyl, (2) buying drugs from trusted sources, (3) using fentanyl test strips, 4) using small doses and non-injection routes, (5) using with other people, (6) tasting, smelling, and looking at drugs before use, and (7) carrying and using naloxone. Most people who used drugs used a combination of these strategies as there was an overwhelming fear of fatal overdose.

Conclusion
People who use drugs living in rural areas of the U.S. are aware that fentanyl is in their drug supply and use several strategies to prevent associated harms, including fatal overdose. Increasing access to harm reduction tools (e.g., fentanyl test strips, naloxone) and services (e.g., community drug checking, syringe services programs, overdose prevention centers) should be prioritized to address the polysubstance-involved overdose crisis. These efforts should target persons who use opioids and other drugs that may contain fentanyl.
Healthcare providers’ knowledge and attitudes about overdose prevention sites in Colorado
Authors: Paz Emily , Mashhouri Vahid , Payton Mark E. , Schwartz Brian D. , Linger Rachel M.A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Overdose prevention sites (OPS) are a harm reduction strategy that offer people who use drugs a variety of resources including but not limited to sterile supplies, linkage to healthcare resources, and intervention if an overdose occurs. OPS operate in over 120 countries and evidence has demonstrated they are an effective harm reduction strategy. Despite their success elsewhere, OPS remain federally illegal in the United States and thus there is limited research on their implementation and outcomes in the United States. This study aimed to identify Colorado healthcare providers’ knowledge and attitudes about OPS and determine if there is a correlation between healthcare providers with more knowledge about OPS having a more positive attitude about OPS.

Methods
An electronic survey was distributed to healthcare providers in Colorado. Responses were collected in early 2022 and recorded on a 5-point Likert scale. Mean scores between 1 and 5 were calculated for each participant and analysis of variance methods were used to determine correlating demographic factors. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance of all findings.

Results
This study included 698 participants. A Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.76, p < 0.0001) between provider knowledge and attitudes about OPS. Emergency medicine providers scored the highest in mean knowledge and attitude scores in comparison to all other specialties. Respondents affiliated with a harm reduction center exhibited the highest mean knowledge and attitude scores. Mean knowledge and attitude scores generally rose with respondents’ increasing encounters with people who inject drugs in a typical workday, except when reaching nine or more encounters, where a sharp decline occurred.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the importance of education, exposure to harm reduction strategies, and inter-specialty collaboration in shaping healthcare providers’ knowledge and attitudes about OPS. The positive correlation between providers’ knowledge and attitudes about OPS suggests that educating healthcare providers on harm reduction strategies, specifically OPS, may lead to reduced stigmatization of OPS among healthcare professionals.
Early extubation after elective surgical aortic valve replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fischbach Anna , Simons Julia Alexandra , Wiegand Steffen B. , Ammon Lieselotte , Kopp Rüdger , Marx Gernot , Rossaint Rolf , Akhyari Payam , Schälte Gereon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is an established therapy for severe calcific aortic stenosis. Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery (ERACS) protocols have been shown to improve outcomes for elective cardiac procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted early extubation post-elective surgeries to preserve critical care resources.

Aim of this study
To investigate the effects of extubating patients within 6 h post-elective SAVR on hospital and ICU length of stay, mortality rates, ICU readmissions, and postoperative pneumonia.

Study Design and methods
The retrospective analysis at the University Hospital Aachen, Germany, includes data from 2017 to 2022 and compares a total of 73 elective SAVR patients. Among these, 23 patients were extubated within 6 h (EXT group), while 50 patients remained intubated for over 6 h (INT group).

Results
The INT group experienced longer postoperative ventilation, needed more vasopressor support, had a higher incidence of postoperative pneumonia, and longer ICU length of stay. No significant differences were noted in overall hospital length of stay, mortality, or ICU readmission rates between the groups.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that early extubation in high-risk, multimorbid surgical aortic valve replacement patients is safe, and is associated with a reduction of pneumonia rates, and with shorter ICU and hospital length of stays, reinforcing the benefits of ERACS protocols, especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic to optimize intensive care use.
Polyphyllin I exerts anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activity by targeting ZBTB16 to activate the PPARγ/RXRα signaling pathway
Authors: shan Lu , Chen Yijun , An Guo , Tao Xiaoyu , Qiao Chuanqi , Chen Meilin , Li Jiaqi , Lin Ruichao , Wu Jiarui , Zhao Chongjun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Studies have reported that polyphyllin I (PPI) had effective anti-tumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the precise molecular mechanism of this action and the direct target remain unclear. The aim of this study was to discover the molecular targets and the exact mechanism of PPI in the treatment of HCC.

Methods
Various HCC cells and Zebrafish xenotransplantation models were used to examine the efficacy of PPI against HCC. A proteome microarray, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis, small molecule transfection, and molecular docking were conducted to confirm the direct binding targets of PPI. Transcriptome and Western blotting were then used to determine the exact responding mechanism. Finally, the anticancer effect and its precise mechanism, as well as the safety of PPI, were verified using a mouse tumor xenograft study.

Results
The results demonstrated that PPI had significant anticancer activity against HCC in both in vitro studies of two cells and the zebrafish model. Notably, PPI selectively enhanced the action of the Zinc finger and BTB domain-containing 16 (ZBTB16) protein by directly binding to it. Furthermore, specific knockdown of ZBTB16 markedly attenuated PPI-dependent inhibition of HCC cell proliferation and migration caused by overexpression of the gene. The transcriptome and Western blotting also confirmed that the interaction between ZBTB16 and PPI also activated the PPARγ/RXRα pathway. Finally, the mouse experiments confirmed the efficacy and safety of PPI to treat HCC.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that ZBTB16 is a promising drug target for HCC and that PPI as a potent ZBTB16 agonist has potential as a therapeutic agent against HCC by regulating the ZBTB16/PPARγ/RXRα signaling axis.
Comprehensive analysis of 2097 patients with dystrophinopathy based on a database from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Zhao Lei , Shi Yiyun , Hu Chaoping , Zhou Shuizhen , Li Hui , Zhang Lifeng , Qian Chuang , Zhou Yiyao , Wang Yi , Li Xihua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
An increasing number of clinical trials for new therapeutic strategies are underway or being considered for dystrophinopathy. Having detailed data on the natural progression of this condition is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of new drugs. However, there’s a lack of data regarding the long-term data on the natural course and how it’s managed in China. In this study, we offer a comprehensive overview of clinical and molecular findings, as well as treatment outcomes in the Chinese population.

Methods
Institutional data on all patients with dystrophinopathy from August 2011 to August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The data included geographic distribution, age at diagnosis, molecular findings, and treatment options, such as corticosteroids, cardiac interventions, and clinical outcomes.

Results
In total, 2097 patients with dystrophinopathy, including 1703 cases of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), 311 cases of Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), 46 cases of intermediate muscular dystrophy (IMD), and 37 cases categorized as “pending” (individuals with an undetermined phenotype), were registered in the Children’s Hospital of Fudan University database for dystrophinopathy from August 2011 to August 2021. The spectrum of identified variants included exonic deletions (66.6%), exonic duplications (10.7%), nonsense variants (10.3%), splice-site variants (4.5%), small deletions (3.5%), small insertions/duplications (1.8%), and missense variants (0.9%). Four deep intronic variants and two inversion variants were identified. Regarding treatment, glucocorticoids were administered to 54.4% of DMD patients and 39.1% of IMD patients. The median age at loss of ambulation was 2.5 years later in DMD patients who received glucocorticoid treatment. Overall, one cardiac medicine at least was prescribed to 7.4% of DMD patients, 8.3% of IMD patients, and 2.6% of BMD patients. Additionally, ventilator support was required by four DMD patients. Eligibility for exon skipping therapy was found in 55.3% of DMD patients, with 12.9%, 10%, and 9.6% of these patients being eligible for skipping exons 51, 53, and 45, respectively.

Conclusions
This is one of the largest studies to have evaluated the natural history of dystrophinopathy in China, which is particularly conducive to the recruitment of eligible patients for clinical trials and the provision of real-world data to support drug development.
LSDDEP2: study protocol for a randomised, double-dummy, triple-blind, active placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial of LSD microdosing in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Daldegan-Bueno Dimitri , Donegan Carina Joy , Forsyth Anna , Sumner Rachael Louise , Murphy Robin J. , Menkes David B. , Evans William , Hoeh Nicholas , Sundram Frederick , Reynolds Lisa M. , Ponton Rhys , Cavadino Alana , Smith Todd , Roop Partha , Allen Nathan , Abeysinghe Binu , Svirskis Darren , Bansal Mahima , Muthukumaraswamy Suresh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) poses a significant global health burden with available treatments limited by inconsistent efficacy and notable side effects. Classic psychedelics, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), have garnered attention for their potential in treating psychiatric disorders. Microdosing, the repeated consumption of sub-hallucinogenic doses of psychedelics, has emerged as a self-treatment approach for depression within lay communities. Building upon preliminary evidence and the successful completion of an open-label pilot trial of microdosing LSD for depression (LSDDEP1), this protocol outlines a phase 2b randomised controlled trial (LSDDEP2). The main objective of LSDDEP2 is to assess the modification of depressive symptoms, measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), following a regimen of LSD microdoses versus placebo.

Methods
This is a randomised, double-dummy, triple-blind, active placebo-controlled, parallel groups trial of LSD microdosing in patients meeting DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder. Participants will undergo an 8-week LSD microdosing regimen using the titratable MB-22001 formulation taking two doses a week. All doses will be self-administered at home and will be titratable from 4 to 20 μg based on subjective perception and tolerability. In addition to depression symptoms, outcome will include psychiatric and personality inventories, sleep and activity tracking, electroencephalography (EEG), blood biomarkers, semi-structured interviews, and safety (e.g. adverse event, laboratory exam) measures.

Discussion
This study will be the first randomised controlled trial to administer controlled microdoses of LSD for treatment of MDD in participants’ naturalistic environment. The measures included are designed to assess the drug’s safety, mechanism, and treatment efficacy over placebo in this population. The results of this study will be important for assessing the viability of psychedelic microdosing as an additional treatment option and for informing the direction of future clinical trials.

Trial registration
ANZCTR, ACTRN12624000128594. Prospectively Registered on 13 February 2024.
Knowledge and practices of youth awareness on death and dying in school settings: a systematic scoping review protocol
Authors: Allard Emilie , Coupat Clémence , Lessard Sabrina , Therrien Noémie , Godard-Sebillotte Claire , Létourneau Dimitri , Nguyen Olivia , Côté Andréanne , Fortin Gabrielle , Daneault Serge , Soulières Maryse , Le Gall Josiane , Fortin Sylvie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Awareness-raising and education have been identified as strategies to counter the taboo surrounding death and dying. As the favoured venue for youth education, schools have an essential role to play in informing future decision-makers. However, school workers are not comfortable addressing the subjects of death and dying, which, unlike other social issues, have no guidelines to influence awareness of these subjects in youth.

Objectives
To systematically explore the knowledge and practices on raising awareness about death and dying in schools, the viewpoints of the people involved (young people, school workers; parents), and the factors that either promote or hinder awareness practices.

Method
The scoping review method of Levac and Colquhoun (Implement Sci 5(1):69, 2010) will be used. Using a combination of keywords and descriptors, a body of literature will be identified through 15 databases and through grey literature searches, manual searches, consultation of key collaborators, and the list of relevant literature. Publications since 2009 will be selected if they relate directly to awareness-raising about death and dying in schools. Writings will be selected and extracted by two independent people, and conflicts resolved by consensus. The extracted data will be synthesized using a thematic analysis method. Experts from a variety of disciplines (health sciences, humanities, social sciences, and education) will be consulted to enhance the interpretation of the preliminary results. Results will be presented in narrative form and will include tables and diagrams.

Conclusion
The results of this scoping review will contribute to the development of educational practices adapted to young people and to the identification of future avenues of research on awareness of death and dying.
Policy brief – cancer research in Belgium
Authors: Toungouz Gordana Raicevic , Poirel Hélène A. , Schittecatte Gabrielle , Van Den Bulcke Marc ,   on behalf of the Belgian Cancer Research Alliance, Camille Andries , Yves Beguin , Sofie Bekaert , Geert Berx , Cedric Blanpain , Karine Breckpot , Pierre Close , Stefan Constantinescu , An Coosemans , Frederik Coopens , René Custers , De Jacques Greve , De Katleen Preter , François Fuks , Lode Godderis , Isabelle Houbracken , Frederic Kridelka , Le Veronique Ray , Robrecht Lembrechts , Evy Lobbestael , Sophie Lucas , Jean-Pascal Machiels , Bart Neyns , Agnès Noel , Piet Ost , Marc Peeters , Martine Piccart , Suzy Renckens , Ward Rommel , Pieter Rondou , Gwen Sys , Sabine Tejpar , Van den Isabelle Bulck , Van der Jiska Reest , Van Dirk Gestel , Van Johan Lint , Karin Vanderkerken , Xavier Verhelst , Agnieszka Wozniak , Pascale Zimmermann 
Published: August 2024

AbstractResearch is central to achieving Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and is the key focus of the European Commission’s Mission on Cancer. To successfully tackle the challenges we face in cancer research, a coordinated effort of the entire Belgian scientific community is needed. It is for this reason the Belgian Cancer Research Alliance was proposed. The aim of BeCRA is to bring together various Belgian research institutes and associated care institutions and position them optimally at the EU level, with respect to the many research initiatives launched in the EBCP within the EU4Health program, the Mission on Cancer, Digital Europe programs and other EU projects. Members of BeCRA collaboratively plan the participation in certain cancer research activities to ensure optimal use of investment and sustained excellence of Belgian cancer research. Belgium cancer research has an excellent track record in fundamental, translational research and phase I, II, III clinical trials. However, translating outcomes from research to patients in the Belgian healthcare system has been less successful. Gaps in the collaboration between actors in the research field, have led to fragmentation hampering the development of fundamental and translational research. Moreover, actors from multi-disciplinary background, such as behavioural or psycho-social fields, are not systematically included in cancer research. More efficient coordination between the aforementioned actors is necessary. Academic hospitals and universities should be incentivized to collaborate across regions, as well as to put sufficient focus on research activities with a virtuous spiral ("bed-to bench" and "bench to bed" process), while supporting researchers focusing on patient-driven research. There is an urgent need for Belgium to determine how best to ensure it remains an attractive market so that patients have access to innovative care. This could include streamlining regulatory complexity, while establishing lean and harmonized clinical trial designs, procedures and networks.
An algorithmic strategy for measuring police presence with GPS data
Authors: Khalfa Robin , Snaphaan Thom , Hardyns Wim 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study introduces an algorithmic strategy for measuring dimensions of police presence at microgeographic units using GPS data from police patrol units. The proposed strategy builds upon the integrated theory of hot spots patrol strategy from Sherman et al. (Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice 30:95–122, 2014), focusing on three key dimensions: the frequency, duration, and intermittency of police presence. This study provides pseudocodes for the algorithm, facilitating the pre-processing of GPS-derived data sequences to generate measures of these three central concepts. The measures presented in this article offer a framework for investigating the impact of police presence on crime and other relevant crime-related outcomes at microgeographic units, using GPS data. This algorithmic strategy may further contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies in place-based policing initiatives.
Facile extraction of scanning probe shape for improved deconvolution of tip-sample interaction artifacts
Authors: Jung Kibum , Lee Jungchul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAtomic Force Microscopy (AFM) has intrinsic tip-sample convolution artifacts. Commercially available tip-check samples are used to obtain only the tip radius, which can be used to deconvolute surface profiles or to quantify tip wear by relying on AFM alone. When the sample height is of the order of 100 nm or more, not only the tip radius but also the overall tip shape plays a key role in imaging. Therefore, it is necessary to know the overall tip shape, which requires a structured sample that is much larger than tip-check samples. Here, we propose to use deep reactive ion-etched holes of 1 µ diameter and 5 µ height to reconstruct the overall tip shape of three different AFM probes, namely conical, pyramidal and tetrahedral. The proposed cylindrical hole structure seems promising, as simple inversion of AFM images can provide sufficient collective features to be used for deconvolution and image enhancement.
Early childhood teachers amid China’s curriculum reforms: from a literature review
Authors: Chen Dandan , Chen Yucheng , Chi Jin 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis article examines the crucial role of early childhood teachers in China’s ongoing curriculum reforms by addressing two key questions: (1) how teachers interact with the curriculum reform cycle, and (2) what specific roles they play within the reforms. We synthesize literature on early childhood teachers’ involvement in China’s curriculum reforms and provide insights for future improvements in teachers’ status. Our analysis reveals that teachers contribute to establishing curricular goals, selecting content, and implementing instructional methods. However, they lack formal roles in setting educational goals and face limitations due to administrative decisions and societal expectations. Their knowledge and experience are often underutilized. Based on these findings, we propose increased teacher training to enhance their capacity and contribution, and improved policies for teacher recruitment, retention, and empowerment.