bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tales of hope and hesitation: Smoking cessation experts’ views on the opportunities and risks of digital behaviour change interventions
Authors: Kashefi Arian , Murphy Stephen Lee , De Marez Lieven , Conradie Peter , Vanden Abeele Mariek M. P. 
Published: February 2025

Objective Smoking remains a global health challenge, with 1.14 billion active smokers worldwide. Many of these smokers seek cessation support. The rise of mHealth offers novel intervention methods, providing monitoring and tailored feedback. This study aimed to map the opportunities and challenges of integrating digital behaviour change interventions (mHealth) into smoking cessation practices by understanding professionals’ perceptions of these tools. Methods A qualitative study was conducted involving semi-structured interviews with 11 experienced smoking cessation professionals in Flanders, Belgium. Data collection occurred between January and April 2023. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify key patterns and themes in the experts’ views regarding mHealth interventions. Results The analysis revealed four primary themes: (1) The Inexorable March of Technology – experts acknowledged the inevitability of technology in smoking cessation but varied in enthusiasm; (2) The Shimmering Mirage of Possibility – technology was viewed as supplementary, offering efficiency and support but limited in depth; (3) The Footnotes to Enthusiasm – experts expressed concerns over privacy, inclusivity, and the potential for technology to displace human care; and (4) The Human Anchor – the irreplaceable role of human connection and therapeutic alliance, which digital tools might not be able to replicate. Conclusion Experts believe mHealth interventions can augment smoking cessation support but should not replace human-driven care. A blended approach, integrating digital tools with traditional therapeutic relationships, offers the most promise. Addressing concerns about privacy, inclusivity, and most importantly the limits of digital therapeutic alliances is essential for successful mHealth implementation in smoking cessation.
How Point (Single-Probability) Tasks Are Affected by Probability Format, Part 1: A Making Numbers Meaningful Systematic Review
Authors: Ancker Jessica S. , Benda Natalie C. , Sharma Mohit M. , Johnson Stephen B. , Demetres Michelle , Delgado Diana , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J. 
Published: February 2025

Background. To create guidance on the effect of data presentation format on communication of health numbers, the Making Numbers Meaningful project undertook a systematic review. Purpose. This article (one of a series) covers research studying so-called “point tasks,” in which a reader examines stimuli to obtain information about single probabilities. The current article presents the evidence on the effects of data presentation format on multiple outcomes: identification and recall, contrast, categorization, and computation. Data Sources. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, ERIC, ACM Digital Library; hand search of 4 journals. Finding Selection. Manual pairwise screening to identify experimental and quasi-experimental research comparing 2 or more formats for quantitative health information for patients or other lay audiences. This article reports on 218 findings from 99 articles on single probability communication. Data Extraction. Pairwise extraction of data on stimulus (data in a data presentation format), task, and perceptual/affective/cognitive/behavioral outcomes. Data Synthesis. Most evidence on these outcomes was weak or insufficient. There was moderate to strong evidence that 1) recall was better with icon arrays with human figures than icon arrays with blocks, 2) survival curves make it easier to identify points of highest survival than mortality curves (contrast outcome), 3) adding an average population probability to a message about an individual probability may not affect recall, 4) computation performance is better with bar charts combined with data labels than with either numbers or graphics alone, 5) computation performance with rates is better when denominators match, and 6) framing strongly affects risky choices (contrast). Limitations. Heterogeneous study designs reduced the ability to develop strong evidence. Conclusions. Few findings assessing identification or recall, contrast, categorization, or computation outcomes for point tasks were comparable enough to each other to generate strong evidence. Highlights Many researchers have studied the effects of data presentation formats of single probabilities on different outcomes. However, few findings are comparable enough to allow for strong evidence-based conclusions about the impact on identification, recall, contrast, categorization, and computation outcomes.
How Difference Tasks Are Affected by Probability Format, Part 1: A Making Numbers Meaningful Systematic Review
Authors: Benda Natalie C. , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J. , Sharma Mohit M. , Johnson Stephen B. , Demetres Michelle , Delgado Diana , Ancker Jessica S. 
Published: February 2025

Background. To develop guidance on the effect of data presentation format on communication of health probabilities, the Making Numbers Meaningful project undertook a systematic review. Purpose. This article, one in a series, covers evidence about “difference tasks,” in which a reader examines a stimulus to evaluate differences between probabilities, such as the effect of a risk factor or therapy on the chance of a disease. This article covers the effect of format on 4 outcomes: 1) identifying a probability difference (identification) or recalling it (recall), 2) identifying the largest or smallest of a set of probability differences (contrast outcome), 3) placing a probability difference into a category such as “elevated” or “below average” (categorization outcome), and 4) performing computations (computation outcome). Data Sources. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, ERIC, ACM Digital Library; hand search of 4 journals. Finding Selection. Pairwise screening to identify experimental/quasi-experimental research comparing 2 or more formats for quantitative health information. This article reports on 53 findings derived from 35 unique studies reported in 32 papers. Data Extraction. Pairwise extraction of information on stimulus (data in a data presentation format), cognitive task, and perceptual, affective, cognitive, or behavioral outcomes. Data Synthesis. Most evidence involving outcomes of difference-level cognitive tasks was weak or insufficient. Evidence was strong that 1) computations involving differences are easier with rates per 10n than with percentages or 1 in X rates and 2) adding graphics to numbers makes it easier to perform difference-level computations. Limitations. A granular level of evidence syntheses leads to narrow guidance rather than broad statements. Conclusions. Although many studies examined differences between probabilities, few were comparable enough to generate strong evidence. Highlights Most evidence about the effect of format on ability to evaluate differences in probabilities was weak or insufficient because of too few comparable studies. Strong evidence showed that computations relevant to differences in probabilities are easier with rates per 10n than with 1 in X rates. Adding graphics to probabilities helps readers compute differences between probabilities.
Effects of caregiving burden on serum homocysteine and folate levels in spouses of patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Jeong Ho Yeong , Park Shin Young , Kim Jeong Lan , Kim Sang Yoon , Jeon So Yeon 
Published: February 2025

Background: Spousal caregivers (SCGs) of patients with cognitive impairment are predisposed to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Homocysteine and folate levels are potential modifiable biomarkers for these risks, given their associations with cardiovascular and cognitive health. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association of the caregiving burden with homocysteine and folate levels in SCGs. Methods: This study included 107 SCGs and their care recipients who visited the Chungnam National University Hospital between May 2020 and May 2023. The caregiving burden was quantified using the Zarit Burden Interview, and blood assays were performed after overnight fasting. We adjusted for the age and sex of SCGs and the clinical diagnosis of care recipients as covariates. Results: The caregiving burden of SCGs showed a significant positive correlation with their homocysteine level ( β = 0.219, t = 2.165, p = 0.033). In contrast, caregiving burden and folate showed an inverse correlation ( β = -0.207, t = -1.997, p = 0.049). Furthermore, the association between caregiving burden and homocysteine levels remained significant after including vascular risk score and physical activity level as covariates ( p = 0.042). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the caregiving burden of SCGs in individuals with cognitive impairment is associated with elevated homocysteine levels and low folate levels, potentially exacerbating the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring homocysteine and folate as modifiable biomarkers to address and potentially mitigate health risks in SCGs.
Impact of the Stopcut project on the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Southwest Nigeria: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Olunuga Oluwatomi , Robinson Rhoda , Ojajuni Paul , Opondo Winnie , Gitari Wendyjoy , Owolabi Isaiah , Izudi Jonathan , Okumu Boscow 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful practice recognized as a gross violation of human rights and violence against women. Nigeria has been identified to share an overwhelming amount of burden as regards FGM/C. Despite several interventions having been implemented to tackle the practice of FGM/C, progress has been slow, and the results are generally mixed coupled with weak law enforcement, inadequate public awareness, and deeply rooted cultural beliefs. In response to these challenges, the StopCut project was launched to protect women and girls from FGM/C in Southwest Nigeria. This study examines the impact of the StopCut project on the practice of FGM/C in the region.

Methods
To measure the impact of the StopCut project, we used a quasi-experimental design specifically the Inverse Probability Weighting approach. A multistage sampling approach was used to collect data from 413 households across 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. A well-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to FGM/C, and respondents’ attitudes towards reporting and continuing FGM/C.

Results
the study revealed that the StopCut project had significant positive impacts on knowledge and behaviour related to FGM/C. Specifically, the study revealed that participation in the project significantly increased knowledge of FGM/C consequences, awareness of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, willingness to report FGM/C incidents, and reporting of FGM/C practices within families.

Conclusion
The findings indicate that the StopCut intervention effectively improved participants’ knowledge about FGM/C, legal frameworks, and reporting behaviour. The study thus highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to challenging cultural beliefs and scaling up the interventions to other areas as well.
The effectiveness of a Kampo e-learning course incorporated into the medical education curriculum: a possible solution to instructor shortages and time constraints
Authors: Nakada Yoshinobu , Arai Makoto , Yamato Ippei , Nogami Tatsuya , Odaguchi Hiroshi , Taniguchi Daigo , Tomita Jun , Ishigami Tomoaki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The shortage of instructors and time to teach traditional Japanese (Kampo) medicine (KM) limits students’ understanding of its usefulness. We developed an e-learning course to solve this problem.

Methods
The Kampo e-learning course consists of 12 lessons on 10 essential Kampo formulas with related formulas, proper prescriptions, dosages, and adverse reactions, followed by review questions. After the course, and each student answers 10 additional clinical questions correctly, they are awarded a certificate of completion. This e-learning course was first taught in 2022. The students were informed before taking the course that points would be added to their final test scores with proof they completed the e-learning course. A total of 119 third-year Tokai University School of Medicine students participated. To evaluate the effectiveness of the e-learning course, they were each asked 5 clinical questions, randomly selected from 10 pooled questions, then 4 awareness questions on their interest in, the necessity for, and their understanding of KM, and their perceived usefulness of the course before and after taking it. Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test was used to compare the changes.

Results
The students’ pre- and post-course test scores were compared. The evaluations of “Interested in KM” and “Necessity of KM for clinical routines” and “Understanding how to use KM” improved significantly; however, “Usefulness of e-learning for studying Kampo medicine” did not change. Clinical question scores improved significantly.

Conclusions
All the students completed the course resulting in significantly higher scores, proving this course’s effectiveness. Developed not only for students but also for novices, this new Kampo e-learning course can be incorporated into regular curriculums and made an easily accessible tool in clinical settings.

Trial registration
This study is not a clinical trial but a kind of questionnaire survey, so that clinical trial number is not applicable.
Isolation and characterization of bovine coronavirus variants with mutations in the hemagglutinin-esterase gene in dairy calves in China
Authors: Zhao Long , Wang Dong , Jiang Huihua , Gu Qingyun , Gao Haihui , Zhang Liang , Liu Wenhui , Li Shengqing , Kang Xiaodong , Guo Kangkang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is a causative agent of enteric and respiratory diseases in cattle and is responsible for severe economic losses. Recently, a novel BCoV variant with 12-nucleotide deletion or insertion in the hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) receptor-binding domain (RBD) has emerged. However, the biological consequences of these deletions/insertions and the prevalence of these variants remain unknown. Here, 47 diarrheal and 47 nasal swab samples were collected from five cattle farms in various Ningxia, China regions to detect and isolate BCoV.

Results
Eleven complete HE genes and eight complete S genes were amplified from 34 BCoV-positive samples using RT-PCR. Eight BCoV strains were successfully isolated using HRT-18 cells, and four underwent genome sequencing. Three HE genes contained a 12-nucleotide insertion in the RBD, and a single HE gene contained a novel 12-nucleotide deletion. Phylogenetic analysis of genomes revealed that these HE-deletion/insertion variants do not share a common most recent ancestor with those reported from the US. Molecular docking results showed that the insertion of four additional amino acids between F211 and L212 increased the affinity of HE protein to O-acetylated sialic acid, which may be favorable for virion-particle attachment. Growth kinetics suggest that the HE-deletion variant had a non-cytopathic effect and lower virus titer.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that BCoV HE deleted/inserted variants are prevalent in cattle and exhibit various biological characteristics. We should be alert to these HE-variants with insertions or deletions in the RBD, which may increase the possibility of interspecies transmission.
Comparative toxicity study of three surface-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles following subacute inhalation
Authors: Schaudien Dirk , Hansen Tanja , Tillmann Thomas , Pohlmann Gerd , Kock Heiko , Creutzenberg Otto 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to compare the toxic effects of three different titanium dioxide nanoparticles encoded in the European nanomaterial repository as NM-103 (rutile, hydrophobic), NM-104 (rutile, hydrophilic), and NM-105 (anatase/rutile, hydrophilic), suggesting different toxic potentials after uptake in the lungs. Wistar rats were exposed by nose-only inhalation to aerosol concentrations of 3, 12 and 48 mg/m3 for 4 weeks. This dosing scheme should induce non, partial and complete lung overload. The 4-week inhalation period was followed by 3-, 45- and 94-day exposure-free periods. Investigations according to the OECD 412 guideline were performed. Additional examinations, such as transmission electron microscopy and image analysis of tissue slides and cytospots, were performed to reveal possible differences among the three particle types.

Results
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the groups exposed to low concentrations of NM-103 or NM-104 presented slight inflammation. In the mid- and high-exposure groups, this was also present for the NM-105 group, however, weaker than those of NM-103 and NM-104.
Histologically, all three groups presented similar distributions of particles in the respiratory tract. Although marginal differences in the degree of some changes exist, no obvious differences in the degree or characteristics of the induced lesions were observable. In general, compared with the higher exposure groups, all the middle exposure groups presented a greater accumulation and aggregation of macrophages at the terminal bronchi. Using transmission electron microscopy, particles were detected mainly in intraalveolar macrophages, followed by type 1 pneumocytes in the low- and mid-concentration groups and intraalveolar free particles in the high-concentration groups. Compared with the other groups, the NM-103 group presented greater numbers of free particles in the alveoli and fewer in the macrophages.
With image analysis, the movement of particles to the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and lymph nodes could be detected comparably for the three different particle types.

Conclusions
The no observed adverse effect concentration was 3 mg/m3 for all three different TiO2 particles. Despite minimal differences, a ranking mainly based on granulocyte influx into the lung was NM-104 > NM-103 > NM-105.
Hematological reference intervals for Danish crossbred Landrace Yorkshire Duroc (LYD) pigs used in biomedical research
Authors: Præstegaard Kirstine Færgemand , Winther-Larsen Anne , Kousholt Birgitte Saima 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The health and welfare of pigs used in biomedical research is essential to research quality and compliance with the 3Rs (replacement, reduction, and refinement). Hematological variables are objective markers to quantitatively determine health issues and evaluate physiological differences before and after experimental procedures. There are no recent validated hematologic reference intervals (RIs) published for Danish crossbred Landrace Yorkshire Duroc (LYD) pigs to aid researchers and veterinarians in their decision-making. The objective of this study was to establish hematologic RIs for LYD pigs used for biomedical research. Blood samples were collected from healthy female LYD pigs (35–65 kg) and analyzed using the in-house ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer. Means with 90% confidence intervals for lower and upper limits were calculated according to guidelines by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Results
Inspection of 141 pigs led to 133 blood samples available for analyses after exclusions due to clinical signs of disease, inadequate tube filling or presence of macroscopic clots. Thirty-two samples reported platelet abnormalities and upon further investigation these samples were excluded when calculating RIs for platelets and platelet indices. Other measurements were not affected. The RI for red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and white blood cells were 5.10–7.00 × 106/µL, 9.36–12.29 g/dL, 30.46–40.47%, and 11.73–25.00 × 103/µL, respectively.

Conclusions
Our study provides RIs for hematological variables in LYD pigs, revealing significant differences from published RIs of other breeds. These findings highlight the influence of factors like age, breed and health status on measurements, emphasizing the importance of using breed-specific RIs. This research supports the 3Rs, guiding better animal care and enhancing overall research quality.
High seroprevalence of selected vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Authors: Kelly Maureen A. , Anderson Kris , Saleh Meriam N. , Ramos Rafael A. N. , Valeris-Chacin Robert J. , Budke Christine M. , Verocai Guilherme G. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are illnesses caused by pathogens transmitted by blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks and mosquitoes. Many CVBDs, including dirofilariosis, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis, are globally distributed and may cause a variety of clinical signs in dogs. Several CVBD agents are zoonotic, making epidemiological surveillance a joint veterinary and public health effort. In this study, we determined the seropositivity of four pathogens from dogs on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, a US Commonwealth located in the western Pacific Ocean.

Methods
Blood samples (n = 443) were collected from client-owned, owner surrendered, and shelter dogs that participated in an island-wide spay-and-neuter event in 2023. All samples were assessed using a commercial, point-of-care enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test (SNAP® 4Dx® Plus, IDEXX Laboratory, Westbrook, Maine, USA) to detect the Dirofilaria immitis antigen and antibodies against Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. Risk factors were assessed for each pathogen through a univariate analysis, followed by a multivariable logistic regression.

Results
Overall, 66.1% (n = 300/443) of the dogs tested positive for at least one pathogen, with the highest prevalence observed for Ehrlichia spp. (58.0%; n = 246/443), followed by Anaplasma spp. (43.1%; n = 184/443) and D. immitis (14.8%; n = 63/443). Among the dogs with a single pathogen detected (30.9%; n = 137/443), Ehrlichia spp. was most prevalent (64.9%; n = 89/137), followed by Anaplasma spp. (23.3%; n = 32/137) and D. immitis (11.6%; n = 16/137). For co-detection of two or more pathogens (36.7%; n = 163/443), Ehrlichia spp. + Anaplasma spp. presented the highest frequency (70.5%; n = 115/163), followed by Ehrlichia spp. + D. immitis (6.7%; n = 11/163), Anaplasma spp. + D. immitis (3.6%; n = 6/163), and Ehrlichia spp. + Anaplasma spp. + D. immitis (19.0%; n = 31/163). Age (P = < 0.001), residing district (P = 0.001), and ownership status (P = < 0.001) were significantly associated with D. immitis positive status in a univariable analysis. Age (P = < 0.001), residing district (P = 0.177), and ownership status (P = 0.014) were significant in a univariable analysis with Ehrlichia spp. as an outcome. Finally, Anaplasma spp. had a significant association with ownership status (P = < 0.001) as a risk factor in a univariable analysis.

Conclusions
This study shows high seropositivity for CVBPs in a dog population living in a poorly studied area. The results of this study suggest that strategies for the prevention and control of these CVBDs should be reinforced on the Island of Saipan.

Graphical Abstract