bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Introduction and Practical Guide to Strategies for Analyzing Longitudinal Data in Clinical Trials of Smoking Cessation Treatment: Beyond Dichotomous Point-Prevalence Outcomes
Authors: Kypriotakis George , Bernstein Steven L , Bold Krysten W , Dziura James D , Hedeker Donald , Mermelstein Robin J , Weinberger Andrea H 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Conceptualizing tobacco dependence as a chronic relapsing condition suggests the need to use analytic strategies that reflect that premise. However, clinical trials for smoking cessation typically define the primary endpoint as a measure of abstinence at a single timepoint distal to the intervention, typically 3–12 months. This reinforces the concept of tobacco outcomes as a dichotomous state—one is, or is not, abstinent. Fortunately, there are several approaches available to handle longitudinal data that reflect the relapsing and remitting nature of tobacco use during treatment studies. In this paper, sponsored by the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco’s Treatment Research Network, we present an introductory overview of these techniques and their application in smoking cessation clinical trials. Topics discussed include models to examine abstinence outcomes (eg, trajectory models of abstinence, models for transitions in smoking behavior, models for time to event), models that examine reductions in tobacco use, and models to examine joint outcomes (eg, examining changes in the use of more than one tobacco product). Finally, we discuss three additional relevant topics (ie, heterogeneity of effects, handling missing data, and power and sample size) and provide summary information about the type of model that can be used based on the type of data collected and the focus of the study. We encourage investigators to familiarize themselves with these techniques and use them in the analysis of data from clinical trials of smoking cessation treatment.
Implications Clinical trials of tobacco dependence treatment typically measure abstinence 3–12 months after participant enrollment. However, because smoking is a chronic relapsing condition, these measures of intervention success may not accurately reflect the common trajectories of tobacco abstinence and relapse. Several analytical techniques facilitate this type of outcome modeling. This paper is meant to be an introduction to these concepts and techniques to the global nicotine and tobacco research community including which techniques can be used for different research questions with visual summaries of which types of models can be used for different types of data and research questions.
Associations of Prevalence of E-cigarette Use With Quit Attempts, Quit Success, Use of Smoking Cessation Medication, and the Overall Quit Rate Among Smokers in England: A Time-Series Analysis of Population Trends 2007–2022
Authors: Jackson Sarah E , Brown Jamie , Beard Emma 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction
This study aimed to (1) provide up-to-date estimates of how changes in the prevalence of e-cigarette use have been associated with changes in smoking cessation activities and use of licensed treatments among smokers in England and (2) explore any changes in these associations over time.

Methods
Data were aggregated quarterly on 67 548 past-year smokers between Q1-2007 and Q4-2022. Explanatory variables were the prevalence of (1) current e-cigarette use among smokers and (2) e-cigarette use during a quit attempt. Outcomes were rates of quit attempts and overall quits among past-year smokers, and the quit success rate and use of licensed treatments among those who made a quit attempt.

Results
The success rate of quit attempts increased by 0.040% (95% CI 0.019; 0.062) for every 1% increase in the prevalence of e-cigarette use during a quit attempt. No clear evidence was found for an association between current e-cigarette use and the quit attempt rate (Badj = 0.008 [95% CI −0.045; 0.061]) or overall quit rate (Badj = 0.063 [−0.031; 0.158]); or between use of e-cigarettes during a quit attempt and the overall quit rate (Badj = 0.030 [−0.054; 0.114]), use of prescription medication (varenicline/bupropion/nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]: Badj = −0.036 [−0.175; 0.102]), or use of over-the-counter NRT (Badj = −0.052 [−0.120; 0.015]). There was no clear evidence this pattern of associations has changed substantially over time.

Conclusions
Changes in the prevalence of e-cigarette use in England through 2022 have been positively associated with the success rate of quit attempts but not clearly associated with the quit attempt rate, overall quit rate, or use of licensed smoking cessation treatments.

Implications
If the association between the increase in e-cigarette use and the quit success rate is causal, then the use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts has helped in the region of 30 000 to 50 000 additional smokers in England to successfully quit each year since they became popular in 2013, over and above the number who were quitting before the advent of e-cigarettes.
Enhancing accountability for police use of lethal force: Global monitoring and comparative benchmarking
Authors: Skinner Stephen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Policing and law enforcement bodies and the public authorities that govern them should be accountable for all deaths connected with a use of force. Accountability is a requirement of international human rights law and related provisions on the use of force, and foundational to legitimate, constrained, and consensual policing in liberal democracies. However, divergence in normative compliance and types of state system means that accountability for lethal force is inconsistent around the world. This paper discusses how a global system for monitoring lethal force could enhance accountability by making effective use of comparative benchmarking.
Immunotherapy of microsatellite stable colorectal cancer: resistance mechanisms and treatment strategies
Authors: Han Yan-Jie , Shao Chi-Yun , Yao Ying , Zhang Zhe , Fang Ming-Zhi , Gong Tao , Zhang Ya-Jie , Li Min 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy strategies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors have yielded good efficacy in colorectal cancer (CRC)especially in colorectal cancer with microsatellite instability-high. However, microsatellite-stable (MSS) CRCs account for about 85% of CRCs and are resistant to immunotherapy. Previous studies have shown that compared with MSS CRC, high microsatellite instability CRC possesses a higher frequency of mutations and can generate more neoantigens. Therefore, improving the sensitivity of immunotherapy to MSS CRC is a hot topic which is crucial for the treatment of MSS CRC. This review aims to discuss the factors contributing to MSS CRC insensitivity to immunotherapy and explored potential solutions to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
Fiscal Decentralization and Health Care Access and Quality: Evidence from Local Governments around the World
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas P , Roca-Sagalés Oriol 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this article, we consider how decentralizing health spending to local governments affects health care access and quality. Based on data from forty-nine countries around the world from 1996 to 2015, we find that decentralizing health spending is inimical to timely and effective health care. We also explore the role of two specific channels through which fiscal decentralization can undermine health outcomes: externalities and foregone economies of scale. We find that decentralizing health expenditure to the local level may generate externalities to the detriment of health outcomes when it is accompanied by locally elected municipal politicians who are not subject to national parties. Our results further suggest that fiscal decentralization can improve health access and quality when approximately two-thirds or more of the people in a country live in localities with more than 300,000 inhabitants, implying that below this threshold economies of scale may be foregone.
The quandary of sources and sinks of CO2 efflux in tree stems—new insights and future directions
Authors: Salomón Roberto L , Helm Juliane , Gessler Arthur , Grams Thorsten E E , Hilman Boaz , Muhr Jan , Steppe Kathy , Wittmann Christiane , Hartmann Henrik 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Stem respiration (RS) substantially contributes to the return of photo assimilated carbon to the atmosphere and, thus, to the tree and ecosystem carbon balance. Stem CO2 efflux (ECO2) is often used as a proxy for RS. However, this metric has often been challenged because of the uncertain origin of CO2 emitted from the stem due to post-respiratory processes. In this Insight, we (i) describe processes affecting the quantification of RS, (ii) review common methodological approaches to quantify and model RS and (iii) develop a research agenda to fill the most relevant knowledge gaps that we identified. Dissolution, transport and accumulation of respired CO2 away from its production site, reassimilation of respired CO2 via stem photosynthesis and the enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase, axial CO2 diffusion in the gas phase, shifts in the respiratory substrate and non-respiratory oxygen (O2) consumption are the most relevant processes causing divergence between RS and measured stem gas exchange (ECO2 or O2 influx, IO2). Two common methodological approaches to estimate RS, namely the CO2 mass balance approach and the O2 consumption technique, circumvent some of these processes but have yielded inconsistent results regarding the fate of respired CO2. Stem respiration modelling has recently progressed at the organ and tree levels. However, its implementation in large-scale models, commonly operated from a source-driven perspective, is unlikely to reflect adequate mechanisms. Finally, we propose hypotheses and approaches to advance the knowledge of the stem carbon balance, the role of sap pH on RS, the reassimilation of respired CO2, RS upscaling procedures, large-scale RS modelling and shifts in respiratory metabolism during environmental stress.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Epidural Analgesia for Pain Relief After Lumbar Interlaminar Decompressive Spine Surgery
Authors: Hermans Sem M.M. , Lantinga-Zee Aniek A.G. , Droeghaag Ruud , van Santbrink Henk , van Hemert Wouter L.W. , Reinders Mattheus K. , Hoofwijk Daisy M.N. , van Kuijk Sander M.J. , Rijkers Kim , Curfs Inez 
Published: January 2024

Study Design.
Prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Objective.
If an intraoperative single bolus of epidural bupivacaine can result in less postoperative pain following lumbar spinal decompression surgery.

Summary of Background Data.
Adequate postoperative pain management following lumbar spinal decompression surgery is important, as it will lead to early mobilization, less complications, and a shorter hospital stay. Opioid consumption should be limited due to their frequently accompanied side effects and their addictive nature. During the final phase of lumbar decompression surgery, the epidural space becomes easily accessible. This might be an ideal moment for surgeons to administer an epidural bolus of analgesia as a safe and effective method for postoperative pain relief.

Materials and Methods.
In this trial, we compared a single intraoperative bolus of epidural analgesia using bupivacaine 0.25% to placebo (NaCl 0.9%) and its effect on postoperative pain following lumbar spinal decompression surgery. The primary outcome was the difference in Numeric (Pain) Rating Scale between the intervention and placebo groups during the first 48 hours after surgery.

Results.
Both the intervention group and the placebo group consisted of 20 randomized patients (N=40). Statistically significant lower mean Numeric (Pain) Rating Scale pain scores were observed in the intervention group in comparison with the control group (main effect group: -2.35±0.77, P=0.004). The average pain score was lower in the intervention group at all postoperative time points. No study-related complications occurred.

Conclusion.
This randomized controlled trial shows that administrating a bolus of intraoperative epidural bupivacaine is a safe and effective method for reducing early postoperative pain following lumbar decompression surgery.
Flow-Limited and Reverse-Triggered Ventilator Dyssynchrony Are Associated With Increased Tidal and Dynamic Transpulmonary Pressure*
Authors: Sottile Peter D. , Smith Bradford , Stroh Jake N. , Albers David J. , Moss Marc 
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVES:
Ventilator dyssynchrony may be associated with increased delivered tidal volumes (Vts) and dynamic transpulmonary pressure (ΔPL,dyn), surrogate markers of lung stress and strain, despite low Vt ventilation. However, it is unknown which types of ventilator dyssynchrony are most likely to increase these metrics or if specific ventilation or sedation strategies can mitigate this potential.

DESIGN:
A prospective cohort analysis to delineate the association between ten types of breaths and delivered Vt, ΔPL,dyn, and transpulmonary mechanical energy.

SETTING:
Patients admitted to the medical ICU.

PATIENTS:
Over 580,000 breaths from 35 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or ARDS risk factors.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Patients received continuous esophageal manometry. Ventilator dyssynchrony was identified using a machine learning algorithm. Mixed-effect models predicted Vt, ΔPL,dyn, and transpulmonary mechanical energy for each type of ventilator dyssynchrony while controlling for repeated measures. Finally, we described how Vt, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and sedation (Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale) strategies modify ventilator dyssynchrony’s association with these surrogate markers of lung stress and strain. Double-triggered breaths were associated with the most significant increase in Vt, ΔPL,dyn, and transpulmonary mechanical energy. However, flow-limited, early reverse-triggered, and early ventilator-terminated breaths were also associated with significant increases in Vt, ΔPL,dyn, and energy. The potential of a ventilator dyssynchrony type to increase Vt, ΔPL,dyn, or energy clustered similarly. Increasing set Vt may be associated with a disproportionate increase in high-volume and high-energy ventilation from double-triggered breaths, but PEEP and sedation do not clinically modify the interaction between ventilator dyssynchrony and surrogate markers of lung stress and strain.

CONCLUSIONS:
Double-triggered, flow-limited, early reverse-triggered, and early ventilator-terminated breaths are associated with increases in Vt, ΔPL,dyn, and energy. As flow-limited breaths are more than twice as common as double-triggered breaths, further work is needed to determine the interaction of ventilator dyssynchrony frequency to cause clinically meaningful changes in patient outcomes.
Evolution of HIV Health Care Workforce Needs in the U.S. Mountain West During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Amura Claudia R. , Thorne Julia , Bean Meagan , Avery Lisa Krug , Sylla Laurie N. , Liss Hillary K. , Cook Paul F. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected health care delivery for vulnerable populations. Many facilities shifted services to telemedicine, and people with HIV or at risk of acquiring HIV experienced interruptions in care. Simultaneously, traditional training approaches to help providers adapt were disrupted. Using a mixed method approach to examine changes over time, we integrated data on trainee needs collected by the Mountain West AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC): a 10-state needs assessment survey in 2020; feedback from a 2020 community of practice; aggregate training data from 2000 to 2022; and a second survey in 2022. HIV care providers' training needs evolved from wanting support on telemedicine and COVID-19 patient care issues, to a later focus on mental health and substance use, social determinants of health, and care coordination. This integrative analysis demonstrates the vital role that AETCs can play in addressing evolving and emergent public health challenges for the HIV workforce.
Effects of electroacupuncture on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Junhyuk , Shin Woo-Chul , Kim Koh-Woon , Kim Sungha , Kim Hyungsuk , Cho Jae-Heung , Song Mi-Yeon , Chung Won-Seok 
Published: January 2024

Background:
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of electroacupuncture for the treatment of obesity.

Methods:
We searched 8 electronic databases for articles published between 2005 and 2021, including only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the review. The intervention groups received either electroacupuncture alone or electroacupuncture with standard care, whereas the control groups received sham electroacupuncture, standard care, or no treatment. The primary outcome was the body mass index (BMI), and the secondary outcomes were the body weight (BW), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body fat mass, body fat percentage, and adverse effects. Continuous outcome data are presented as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:
This systematic review and meta-analysis included 13 RCTs involving 779 participants. Results revealed that the BMI (MD: −0.98; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.61), BW (MD: −1.89; 95% CI: −2.97 to −0.80), WC (MD: −2.67; 95% CI: −4.52 to −0.82), and WHR (MD: −0.03; 95% CI: −0.06 to −0.01) were significantly improved in the intervention groups compared with those in the control groups. Adverse effects were reported in 5 studies. The most commonly used acupoint in the abdomen was ST25, whereas the most commonly used acupoints in other regions were ST36 and SP6 for the treatment of obesity. ST25 was the most commonly used acupoint connected by electroacupuncture.

Conclusion:
This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that electroacupuncture is an effective and safe therapy for simple obesity. To increase the reliability of this study, further detailed, long-term studies should be conducted on the effects of electroacupuncture on obesity.
Biodegradable microneedle acupuncture has equivalent efficacy to traditional intradermal acupuncture for dry eye disease: A pilot single-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Song Ji-Hoon , Park Soo-Yeon 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common ocular disorder in which the tear film cannot maintain homeostasis. Acupuncture has been used to treat DED in Korean medicine. Particularly, intradermal acupuncture (IDA) is less painful and enables free movement after treatment. However, it can also provoke allergic reactions to metal. To overcome this, biodegradable microneedle acupuncture (BMA) has been developed. This study compared BMA with traditional IDA in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with DED.

Methods:
This study was designed as an investigator-initiated, assessor-blinded, single-center, parallel randomized controlled trial. Thirty patients with DED were enrolled and randomized to one of the treatments. One group was treated with BMA on the acupoints, including bilateral BL2, GB14, TE23, EX-HN5, and ST1. The other group was treated with traditional IDA at the same acupoints. Treatments were conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The major endpoint was ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The minor endpoints were subjective symptoms visual analog scale (VAS), quality of life (QoL), and tear production measured by the Schirmer I test.

Results:
All enrolled participants successfully completed the trial, and all of their data was analyzed. Both treatments remarkably improved the OSDI score, VAS score, QoL score, and tear secretion after 4 weeks (P < .05). Except for tear production in the left eye (P < .05), there were no statistical differences between the 2 treatments on the final visit (P > .05). No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion:
BMA and IDA had the same therapeutic effect for improving DED and both were safe. BMA can be used in patients with DED as an alternative to traditional IDA.
Different clinical diagnosis end up in the same pathological diagnosis of intravascular leiomyomatosis: Two case reports
Authors: Tan Yang , Han Jing , Wang Zhenglan , Yan Ju , Dong Lin , Liu Rui 
Published: January 2024

Rationale:
Intravascular/intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a peculiar variant of uterine leiomyoma that is classified as a histologically benign smooth muscle tumor with a biological behavior similar to that of a malignant tumor. It is characterized by the proliferation of leiomyomas spreading along the uterine and extrauterine venous circulation.

Patient concerns:
Herein, we present 2 cases of IVL who had completely different clinical manifestations to stress the need for constant vigilance of IVL diagnosis and the understanding of uterine leiomyoma heterogenicity. Case 1 was registered for fever without specific triggering factors, irregular menstruation and clinically diagnosed uterine diverticula, while no information about fibroids was mentioned. Case 2 was characterized by an aggressively growing abdominal mass. With a large space-occupying lesion in the right abdominopelvic cavity and no imaging evidence of involvement of the iliac vein or above vein, the patient was initially diagnosed with multiple myomata.

Diagnoses:
Both patients’ diagnoses were confirmed as IVL by histopathology. To our knowledge, the mass of case 1 is the minimum IVL in the English literature.

Interventions:
Subtotal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was performed on the former, while total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy was performed on the latter.

Outcomes:
Both patients were comfortable, and no relapse occurred.

Lessons:
Two cases in the study showed 2 different proceeding stages of the same disease and corroborated multiple pathogeneses, which have been mentioned in the available literature on IVL. Our work provides both supplement for clinical data to facilitate further research and better understanding of special types of fibroids to clinicians.
Primary hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma complicated with atrial fibrillation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Chenming , Liu Yuxing , Zhang Jiayao , Chai Yingjie , Lu Baochun , Tang Haijun 
Published: January 2024

Rationale:
Primary hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma is a rare malignant primary hepatic lymphoma. The sensible choice of treatment for patients with primary lymphoma combined with atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial and challenging.

Patient concerns:
The patient presented with both primary hepatic MALT lymphoma and AF, which was difficult to manage.

Diagnoses:
Pathological and immunohistochemical examination are helpful for definitive diagnosis.

Interventions:
Surgical resection and subsequent anticoagulant therapy are main treatment methods, and adjuvant therapy depends on the situation.

Outcomes:
Primary hepatic MALT lymphoma is easy to misdiagnosis due to a lack of typical symptoms and imaging signs.

Lessons:
This case highlights for patients with primary hepatic MALT lymphoma combined with AF, toxicity caused by adjuvant chemotherapy should be fully considered, and careful selection should be made based on the general conditions and complications of patients.