Publications by authors named "R T Kruger"

Introduction: The COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease-2019) pandemic highlighted the importance of assessing the rationales behind vaccine hesitancy for the containment of pandemics. In this nationwide study, representative of the Luxembourgish population, we identified hesitant groups from adolescence to late adulthood and explored motivations both for and against vaccination.

Methods: We combined data collected via online surveys for the CON-VINCE (COvid-19 National survey for assessing VIral spread by Non-affected CarriErs) study, 1865 respondents aged 18-84, and for the YAC (Young people And Covid-19) study, 3740 respondents aged 12-29.

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Objective: This study assessed the association between baseline sociodemographic variables, body composition and 4-year changes in the intake of food groups, including sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) among children, after implementation of the health promotion levy.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: 10 schools in North West Province, South Africa.

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Loss-of-function mutations in PARK7, encoding for DJ-1, can lead to early onset Parkinson's disease (PD). In mice, Park7 deletion leads to dopaminergic deficits during aging, and increased sensitivity to oxidative stress. However, the severity of the reported phenotypes varies.

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Introduction: Ultrasound is important in heart diagnostics, yet implementing effective cardiac ultrasound requires training. While current strategies incorporate digital learning and ultrasound simulators, the effectiveness of these simulators for learning remains uncertain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulator-based versus human-based training in Focused Assessed with Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE).

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Article Synopsis
  • SNPs linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) show different impacts on urinary uromodulin levels in Black and White populations, with unknown factors in African groups.
  • Clinical studies involving young and middle-aged adults reveal that Black individuals have lower uromodulin levels and higher prevalence of CKD-risk SNPs compared to Whites.
  • Findings highlight significant ethnic variations in genetic and clinical factors affecting uromodulin, suggesting the need for tailored approaches in kidney function research and medicine.
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