bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lifetime costs of alcohol consumption in Thailand: protocol for an incidence-based cost-of-illness study using Markov model
Authors: Luangsinsiri Chaisiri , Thavorncharoensap Montarat , Chaikledkaew Usa , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Sornpaisarn Bundit , Rehm Jürgen 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSeveral prevalence-based cost-of-illness (COI) studies have been conducted to estimate the economic burden of alcohol consumption borne by a particular society in a given year. Yet there are few studies examining the economic costs incurred by an individual drinker over his/her lifetime. Thus, this study aims to estimate the costs incurred by an individual drinker’s alcohol consumption over his or her lifetime in Thailand.Methods and analysisAn incidence-based COI approach will be employed. To project individuals’ associated costs over a lifetime, a Markov modelling technique will be used. The following six alcohol-related diseases/conditions will be considered in the model: hypertension, haemorrhagic stroke, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, alcohol use disorders and road injury. The analysis will cover both direct (ie, direct healthcare cost, costs of property damage due to road traffic accidents) and indirect costs (ie, productivity loss due to premature mortality and hospital-related absenteeism). The human capital approach will be adopted to estimate the cost of productivity loss. All costs will be presented in Thai baht, 2022.Ethics and disseminationThe Institutional Review Board of Mahidol University, Faculty of Dentistry/Faculty of Pharmacy has confirmed that no ethical approval is required (COE.No.MU-DT/PY-IRB 2021/010.0605). Dissemination of the study findings will be carried out through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and engagement with policy-makers and public health stakeholders.
Financial incentive interventions for smoking cessation among Chinese smokers: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Xiaochen , Galárraga Omar , Cao Wangnan , Lin Haoxiang , Cao Fei , Chang Chun 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThere is an urgent issue to relieve the burdens caused by tobacco use through feasible and effective smoking cessation interventions, particularly in a middle-income country with less accessible smoking cessation services and high demand for quitting smoking. Financial incentives have shown effective in changing health behaviours, thus needing to test its portability to a wider implementation and effectiveness of increasing smoking cessation rates.Methods and analysisThis is a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial. 462 eligible participants will be assigned to 2 financial incentive groups—rewards or deposits, or the control group. All participants including those in the control group will receive text messages to help quitting smoking developed by the US National Cancer Institute over a 3-month intervention period. In addition to text messages, reward group participants will be rewarded with CNY200 and CNY400 (CNY100 approximately US$15) for sustained smoking abstinence at 1 month and 3 months follow-up assessments; participants in the deposit group will accumulate CNY200 and CNY600 in the deposit accounts after verified smoking abstinence at 1 month and 3 months follow-up assessments, and all the deposits will be given at once right after the 3-month follow-up visit. The primary outcome is biochemically verified smoking abstinence rate sustained for 6 months after enrolment.Ethics and disseminationThis trial protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Health Science Centre (date: 23 February 2023; ethical approval number: IRB00001052-22172). Results and findings of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and professional conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR-IOR-2300069631.
Examining the effectiveness of the Gateway conditional caution on health and well-being of young adults committing low-level offences: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mitchell Alex , Booth Alison , Morgan Sara , Walker Inna , Chapman Caroline , Barlow-Pay Megan , Cochrane Ann , Filby Emma , Fleming Jenny , Hewitt Catherine , Raftery James , Torgerson David , Weir Lana , Parkes Julie 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundYoung adults who commit low-level offences commonly have a range of health and social needs and are significantly over-represented in the criminal justice system. These young adults may need to attend court and potentially receive penalties including imprisonment. Alternative routes exist, which can help address the underlying causes of offending. Some feel more should be done to help young adults entering the criminal justice system. The Gateway programme was a type of out-of-court disposal developed by Hampshire Constabulary, which aimed to address the complex needs of young adults who commit low-level crimes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the Gateway programme, issued as a conditional caution, compared with usual process.MethodsThe Gateway study was a pragmatic, parallel-group, superiority randomised controlled trial that recruited young adults who had committed a low-level offence from four sites covering Hampshire and Isle of Wight. The primary outcome was mental health and well-being measured using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, alcohol and drug use, and recidivism. Outcomes were measured at 4, 16 and 52 weeks postrandomisation.ResultsDue to issues with retention of participants and low data collection rates, recruitment ended early, with 191 eligible participants randomised (Gateway 109; usual process 82). The primary outcome was obtained for 93 (48.7%) participants at 4 weeks, 93 (48.7%) at 16 weeks and 43 (22.5%) at 1 year. The high attrition rates meant that effectiveness could not be assessed as planned.ConclusionsGateway is the first trial in a UK police setting to have a health-related primary outcome requiring individual data collection, rather than focusing solely on recidivism. We demonstrated that it is possible to recruit and randomise from the study population, however follow-up rates were low. Further work is needed to identify ways to facilitate engagement between researchers and vulnerable populations to collect data.Trial registration numberNCT11888938.
Thunderstorm asthma: a paediatric emergency department experience in London
Authors: Stewart Charles G , Mahesh Ayushi , Mulvenna Claire 
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to characterise paediatric emergency department presentations during the 2023 thunderstorm asthma (TA) epidemic, characterised by a sudden surge in wheeze presentations, with analysis of environmental factors.Wheeze presentations totalled 50 (28%) on 12 June and 18 (19%) 13 June. There was no prior asthma in 39 (57%) and no atopic disorders in 30 (44%). There was neither asthma nor atopic disorders in 8 (12%). 44 (65%) were severe or life-threatening. There were no endotracheal intubations and no deaths. High pollen and air pollution warnings were issued.TA poses a significant, sudden health threat, often in children without asthma. A surge strategy is required.
Association between primary hypothyroidism and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Mantovani Alessandro , Csermely Alessandro , Bilson Josh , Borella Niccolò , Enrico Scoccia , Pecoraro Barbara , Shtembari Emigela , Morandin Riccardo , Polyzos Stergios A , Valenti Luca , Tilg Herbert , Byrne Christopher D , Targher Giovanni 
Published: May 2024

Objective
Epidemiological studies have reported an association between primary hypothyroidism and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, the magnitude of the risk and whether this risk changes with the severity of MASLD remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to quantify the magnitude of the association between primary hypothyroidism and the risk of MASLD.

Design
We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from database inception to 31 January 2024, using predefined keywords to identify observational studies in which MASLD was diagnosed by liver biopsy, imaging or International Classification of Diseases codes. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects modelling.

Results

We identified 24 cross-sectional and 4 longitudinal studies with aggregate data on ~76.5 million individuals. Primary hypothyroidism (defined as levothyroxine replacement treatment, subclinical hypothyroidism or overt hypothyroidism) was associated with an increased risk of prevalent MASLD (n=24 studies; random-effects OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.66; I
2
=89%). Hypothyroidism was also associated with a substantially higher risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis or advanced fibrosis (n=5 studies; random-effects OR 2.84, 95% CI 2.07 to 3.90; I
2
=0%). Meta-analysis of data from four longitudinal studies showed that there was a marginally non-significant association between hypothyroidism and risk of developing MASLD over a median 4.5-year follow-up (random-effects HR 1.39, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.97; I
2
=85%). Sensitivity analyses did not modify these findings. The funnel plot did not reveal any significant publication bias.

Conclusion
This large and updated meta-analysis provides evidence that primary hypothyroidism is significantly associated with both an increased presence of and histological severity of MASLD.
Algorithmic approach to finding people with multiple sclerosis using routine healthcare data in Wales
Authors: Nicholas Richard , Tallantyre Emma Clare , Witts James , Marrie Ruth Ann , Craig Elaine M , Knowles Sarah , Pearson Owen Rhys , Harding Katherine , Kreft Karim , Hawken J , Ingram Gillian , Morgan Bethan , Middleton Rodden M , Robertson Neil , Research Group UKMS Register 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundIdentification of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases in routine healthcare data repositories remains challenging. MS can have a protracted diagnostic process and is rarely identified as a primary reason for admission to the hospital. Difficulties in identification are compounded in systems that do not include insurance or payer information concerning drug treatments or non-notifiable disease.AimTo develop an algorithm to reliably identify MS cases within a national health data bank.MethodRetrospective analysis of the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank was used to identify MS cases using a novel algorithm. Sensitivity and specificity were tested using two existing independent MS datasets, one clinically validated and population-based and a second from a self-registered MS national registry.ResultsFrom 4 757 428 records, the algorithm identified 6194 living cases of MS within Wales on 31 December 2020 (prevalence 221.65 (95% CI 216.17 to 227.24) per 100 000). Case-finding sensitivity and specificity were 96.8% and 99.9% for the clinically validated population-based cohort and sensitivity was 96.7% for the self-declared registry population.DiscussionThe algorithm successfully identified MS cases within the SAIL databank with high sensitivity and specificity, verified by two independent populations and has important utility in large-scale epidemiological studies of MS.
Efficacy of neuromuscular exercises to promote movement quality and reduce musculoskeletal injury during initial military training in Royal Navy recruits
Authors: Muckelt Paul E , Power C N T , Patterson J , Stevens L , Powell C , Warner M B , Stokes M J , Fallowfield J L 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionMusculoskeletal injuries (MSKIs) are a significant problem in the Royal Navy, contributing to 48% of all medical discharges from service between 2019 and 2020. The objective of the study was to assess efficacy of implementing a neuromuscular training intervention to improve movement quality and reduce MSKIs in Royal Navy recruits undertaking initial military training.MethodsNeuromuscular training (pre-activation exercises, focusing on hip control) was integrated into the warm-up exercise regimen preceding physical training during the 10-week initial naval training (recruits) programme (January–March 2020) at HMS Raleigh (intervention group; n=162). A control group comprised (n=90) of recruits entering training from January 2019, who completed the standard warm-up programme prior to physical training. Movement control of the intervention group (intervention) was assessed before and after the 10-week programme using the Hip and Lower-Limb Movement Screen (HLLMS). Injury incidence proportion for both groups was determined retrospectively by review of medical notes.ResultsThe control group’s MSKI incidence proportion was 31%, which was higher (p<0.05) than the 8% reported in the intervention group. The majority of MSKIs were of the lower limb, and were reported in weeks 1, 2 and 5 of the 10-week training programme. Movement control, as assessed by the HLLMS score, improved (pretraining (week 1) and post-training (week 10) HLLMS score (mean (SD) pre: 11.2 (5.6); post: 8.4 (3.9); t=5.829, p<0.001) following the neuromuscular training in the intervention group but was not assessed in the control group.ConclusionA neuromuscular control intervention was successfully implemented during the initial military training in the Royal Navy. The cohort undertaking the intervention demonstrated lower injury incidence compared with an equivalent cohort of recruits who undertook standard training. Movement control improved following the intervention, indicating better movement quality. Continued use of the programme may reduce military training attrition in the Royal Navy.
Association between speckle tracking echocardiography and pressure-volume loops during cardiogenic shock development
Authors: Frederiksen Peter Hartmund , Linde Louise , Gregers Emilie , Udesen Nanna Louise Junker , Helgestad Ole K , Banke Ann , Dahl Jordi Sanchez , Povlsen Amalie L , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Larsen Jeppe P , Lassen Jens , Schmidt Henrik , Ravn Hanne Berg , Moller Jacob Eifer 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between speckle tracking assessed global longitudinal strain (GLS) and Doppler-based echocardiography with basic physiological markers of cardiac function derived from pressure-volume loops is poorly elucidated.ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the association between LS and Doppler-based echocardiography and direct measurements of central haemodynamic parameters from conductance catheter-based pressure-volume loops in an animal model with increasing left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.Methods12 Danish landrace female pigs (75–80 kg) were used. All instrumentations were performed percutaneously, including the conductance catheter in the LV. Progressive LV dysfunction was induced by embolisation through the left main coronary artery with microspheres every 3 min until a >50% reduction in cardiac output (CO) or mixed venous saturation (SvO2), compared with baseline, or SvO2<30%. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 90 s after each injection.ResultsWith progressive LV dysfunction, mean CO decreased from 5.6±0.9 L/min to 2.1±0.9 L/min, and mean SvO2deteriorated from 61.1±7.9% to 35.3±6.1%. Mean LS and LV outflow tract velocity time integral (LVOT VTI) declined from −13.8±3.0% to −6.1±2.0% and 16.9±2.6 cm to 7.8±1.8 cm, respectively. LS and LVOT VTI showed the strongest correlation to stroke work in unadjusted linear regression (r2=0.53 and r2=0.49, respectively). LS correlated significantly with stroke volume, end-systolic elastance, systolic blood pressure, ventriculo-arterial coupling and arterial elastance.ConclusionIn an animal model of acute progressive LV dysfunction, echocardiographic and conductance catheter-based measurements changed significantly. LS and LVOT VTI displayed the earliest and the largest alterations with increased myocardial damage and both correlated strongest with stroke work.
Analysis of Philip Morris International’s ‘aspirational’ target for its 2025 cigarette shipments
Authors: Mehegan John , Gallagher Allen , Elmitwalli Sherif , Edwards Richard , Gilmore Anna 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPhilip Morris International (PMI) claims to be transforming and has committed to a ‘smoke-free’ future. In 2020, it announced an ‘aspirational’ target for reduced cigarette shipments by 2025.MethodsPMI cigarette shipment data are taken from PMI quarterly financial reports 2008–2023. Trends in these data before and after the 2020 announcement are analysed using linear regression, and auto regressive integrated moving average and error, trend, seasonal time-series models to assess if PMI’s 2025 target would be met on pre-existing trends, and if the trend changed after the announcement. These trends are also compared with the global retail market for cigarettes, using sales data from Euromonitor.ResultsFindings were consistent across all three models. PMI’s shipment target of 550 billion cigarette sticks by 2025 would readily have been met given pre-existing shipment trends. Following the 2020 announcement, the decline in PMI cigarette shipments stalled markedly with a statistically significant change in trend (p<0.001). The current and projected trend to 2025 is consistent with no further decline in cigarette volumes, meaning PMI is unlikely to hit its target. This mirrors a global pattern in which declines in cigarette sales have stalled since 2020.ConclusionsPMI’s 2025 target was not ‘aspirational’ but highly conservative—it would have been met based on pre-existing trends in declining cigarette shipments. Yet PMI will nonetheless fail to meet that target providing evidence it is not transforming. Stalling of the decline of PMI and global cigarette sales raises significant concerns about progress in global tobacco control.
Iteratively reweighted least squares for block sparse signal recovery with unconstrained l2,p minimization
Authors: Cai Yun , Zhang Qian , Hu Ruifang 
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study an unconstrained [Formula: see text] minimization and its associated iteratively reweighted least squares algorithm (UBIRLS) for recovering block sparse signals. Wang et al. [Y. Wang, J. Wang and Z. Xu, On recovery of block-sparse signals via mixed [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] norm minimization, EURASIP J. Adv. Signal Process. 2013(76) (2013) 76] have used numerical experiments to show the remarkable performance of UBIRLS algorithm for recovering a block sparse signal, but no theoretical analysis such as convergence and convergence rate analysis of UBIRLS algorithm was given. We focus on providing convergence and convergence rate analysis of UBIRLS algorithm for block sparse recovery problem. First, the convergence of UBIRLS is proved strictly. Second, based on the block restricted isometry property (block RIP) of linear measurement matrix [Formula: see text], we give the error bound analysis of the UBIRLS algorithm. Lastly, we also characterize the local convergence behavior of the UBIRLS algorithm. The simplicity of UBIRLS algorithm, along with the theoretical guarantees provided in this paper, will make a compelling case for its adoption as a standard tool for block sparse recovery.
Characterization, Dielectric Analysis and Thermal Properties of Novel Flexible Polymer Composite Films
Authors: Abdeltwab E. , Atta A. , Al-Yousef Haifa A. , Abdelhamied M. M. 
Published: May 2024

In this work, mixtures of polypyrrole (PPy) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) are synthesized using oxidative chemical polymerization process to create a novel flexible PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) composite films. The films were characterized by different methods as FTIR, SEM, XRD and TGA to prove the efficient manufacturing of the composite. The dielectric performance measurements were done at frequency of 20 Hz to 6 MHz for the polymer PET and the composite (PPy-Fe2O3)/PET with varying concentrations of Fe2O3. Moreover, to reveal the characteristics of the fabricated composite, the contact angle, the work of adhesion, surface energy of the composite PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) films were considerably determined. The SEM results support the deposition of PPy-Fe2O3 composite on the PET surface. The water contact angle drops from 78.32° for PET to 40.11° for PET/6%(PPy-Fe2O3), while the dispersive free energy raised from 23.9 mJ m−2 to 43.7 mJ m−2and the polar free energy rises from 8.9 mJ m−2 to 22.3 mJ m−2. The concentration of Fe2O3 increased the surface features of the samples, according to the obtained results. At frequency of 100 Hz, the dielectric constant enhanced from 18 for PET to 923 for the PET/6%(PPy-Fe2O3), and the dielectric loss improved from 24 to 9231, while the energy density improved fromm 7.9 × 10−5 J/m3 for PET to 408 × 10−5 J m−3. The TGA results show marginal modifications in thermal stability after deposition the PPy/Fe2O3 on the PET film. The obtained data showed the dielectric characteristics of the PET/(PPy-Fe2O3) were improved respect to polymer PET, to can be applied the fabricated composite in storage devices and capacitors.
Cancer Incidence After Diagnosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm—Brief Report
Authors: Luo Lingfeng , Haas Allen M. , Bell Caitlin F. , Baylis Richard A. , Adkar Shaunak S. , Fu Changhao , Angelov Ivan , Giordano Sharon H. , Klarin Derek , Leeper Nicholas J. , Nead Kevin T. 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Epidemiological and mechanistic data support a potential causal link between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a common form of CVD with at least partially distinct genetic and biologic pathogenesis from other forms of CVD. The risk of cancer and how this risk differs compared with other forms of CVD, is unknown among AAA patients. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the IBM MarketScan Research Database to test whether individuals with AAA have a higher cancer risk independent of traditional shared risk factors.

METHODS:
All individuals ≥18 years of age with ≥36 months of continuous coverage between 2008 and 2020 were enrolled. Those with potential Mendelian etiologies of AAA, aortic aneurysm with nonspecific anatomic location, or a cancer diagnosis before the start of follow-up were excluded. A subgroup analysis was performed of individuals having the Health Risk Assessment records including tobacco use and body mass index. The following groups of individuals were compared: (1) with AAA, (2) with non-AAA CVD, and (3) without any CVD.

RESULTS:

The propensity score–matched cohort included 58 993 individuals with AAA, 117 986 with non-AAA CVD, and 58 993 without CVD. The 5-year cumulative incidence of cancer was 13.1% (12.8%–13.5%) in participants with AAA, 10.1% (9.9%–10.3%) in participants with non-AAA CVD, and 9.6% (9.3%–9.9%) in participants without CVD. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models found that patients with AAA exhibited a higher cancer risk than either those with non-AAA CVD (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.23–1.32];
P
<0.001) or those without CVD (hazard ratio, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.26–1.38];
P
<0.001). Results remained consistent after excluding common smoking-related cancers and when adjusting for tobacco use and body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with AAA may have a unique risk of cancer requiring further mechanistic study and investigation of the role of enhanced cancer screening.