bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What Are Consumers Looking for With Boric Acid?
Authors: Stockdale Colleen K. , Bartolo-Costello Abigail A. , Vieira-Baptista Pedro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Two separate online surveys were presented to women who were confirmed to have purchased a boric acid vaginal suppository product in the previous year for themselves March 2020 (study 1) and July 2023 (study 2) to understand consumer expectations concerning the use of vaginal boric acid. Study 1 found that repeat purchasers are more likely to buy boric acid products to prevent symptoms, especially bacterial vaginosis. Study 2 confirmed boric acid was more likely to be purchased for prevention than treatment, especially odor/bacterial vaginosis, with 83% reporting they were satisfied and 40% reporting they were extremely satisfied. While boric acid has been used for decades as an alternative treatment for vaginitis, it has recently become commercially available (for vaginal application) with high levels of satisfaction.
The prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial cancer: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qiang Bao , Kang YiFan , Yang JiaoLin , Su HuanCheng , Wang Zhe , Zhang ChunMei , Zhang SanYuan 
Published: December 2024

Background:
A large number of studies have shown that high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cancer tissues is associated with poor prognosis of various cancers. However, this finding in endometrial cancer is controversial. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to explore the effects of VEGF on survival in patients with endometrial cancer.

Methods:
Four databases of PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to collect literature that met the inclusion criteria. The association between high VEGF expression and survival outcomes and clinicopathological features of patients with cancer was evaluated by calculating the combined hazard ratio (HR), odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). The Begg test was used to assess publication bias.

Results:
A total of 11 studies were included, involving 1251 patients. The results showed that compared with low VEGF expression, high VEGF expression was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (HR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.15–5.16, I2 = 80%, P = .02) and disease-specific survival (HR = 7.87, 95% CI = 1.70–36.44, I2 = 64%, P = .008) but not with disease-free survival (HR = 1.45, 95% CI = 0.70–3.02, I2 = 68%, P = .32). In addition, VEGF expression is higher in patients with advanced stage (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 2.22–6.19, P < .001), lower histological differentiation (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.22–3.55, P = .007), and lymph node metastasis (OR = 5.42, 95% CI = 2.35–5.11, P < .001).

Conclusion:
High VEGF expression can predict poor prognosis and poor clinicopathological features in patients with endometrial cancer, and it may be a valuable new indicator to evaluate the prognosis of patients with endometrial cancer.
Patient Reported Outcomes for SB5, an adalimumab biosIMILAR, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (PRO-SIMILAR): Study protocol for a phase IV, single-arm, open-label trial
Authors: Lee Jisoo , Kim Sung-Soo , Lee Sang-Il , Kim Tae-Hwan , Hong Seung-Jae , Lee Hye-Soon , Lee Jaejoon , Park Yong-Wook , Lee Sung Won , Noh Joungyoun , Park Seong Nam , Lee Bokyung , Choe Jung-Yoon 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Biosimilars are increasing selected as a cost-effective treatment option in the management of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Despite equivalent efficacy of biosimilars was demonstrated compared with the originators in randomized controlled trials, biosimilar uptake is often impacted by lack of confidence in these products by the patients. The Patient Reported Outcomes for SB5, an adalimumab biosIMILAR, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) (PRO-SIMILAR) study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of SB5, from the perspectives of the patients in real world settings.

Methods and analysis:
PRO-SIMILAR is an ongoing phase IV, single-arm, open-label trial conducted in 35 hospitals across Korea. The study is designed for 1000 adult patients with RA and AS (at least ≥300 in each group) treated in routine clinical practice. Participants are treated with SB-5 40 mg every other week for 52 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint is European quality of life-5 dimensions-5 level index score at week 52 compared to baseline. The secondary efficacy endpoints are changes in disease activity index scores, proportion of patients achieving remission and clinical response, and rate of SB5 persistence. The safety and exploratory endpoints are include assessments of adverse events, immunogenicity, and pen/syringe preference. Data are collected at baseline, 12, 24 (for RA), 36 (for AS), and 52 weeks.
Primary juvenile Sjögren’s syndrome in a 4-year-old female patient: a Palestinian case report
Authors: Janem Abdelrhman Muwafaq , Jobran Afnan W.M. , Shtaya Marwan Hani , Abu Alrob Rand Mashhour , Halahlah Aysha Ahmad , Iwaiwi Haya Sameer , Hanifa Hamdah , Abunejma Fawzy Mazen 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and clinical significance:
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (PSS) is a rare disease in the pediatric age group, with not enough data regarding these patients. In addition, to date only few papers emphasizing uveitis as a finding of PSS have been published.

Case presentation:
We describe a case of a 4-year-old Palestinian girl with bilateral parotid gland enlargement, dry eyes and mouth, eyelids swelling, arthralgia, dysphagia, and fatigue for 2 months duration. The patient was diagnosed with uveitis. Investigations showed elevated CPR and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. ANA was initially negative on the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, but elevated on the immunofluorescence assay 6 weeks after the initial test. She was diagnosed with PSS according to the clinical findings, ultrasonography, and salivary – gland biopsy results.

Clinical discussion:
Uveitis is a rare manifestation of PSS and has not yet been reported in the literature as a manifestation of pediatric PSS. Because uveitis is usually asymptomatic in this age group, case-regular ophthalmologic follow-up is recommended in all patients with PSS, as a delay in diagnosis and management may cause permanent vision loss.

Conclusion:
PSS is rare in the pediatric population, with onset between 10 and 14 years old. Salivary gland ultrasound and minor salivary gland biopsy are essential tools for the diagnosis of PSS in childhood. Treatment options for PSS in children are limited, but medications like methotrexate and prednisolone can help improve systemic symptoms and reduce parotid swelling. Pilocarpine can be added for dryness, and steroid eye drops and artificial tears for dry eyes. Further research is needed to establish management protocols specifically for the pediatric age group.
Does Hospital Accreditation or Certification Impact Patient Outcomes? Findings From a Scoping Review for Healthcare Industry Leaders
Authors: Connor Linda , Dufour Karey , Zadvinskis Inga M. , Waddell Ashley , Powell Nancy , Gorsuch Penelope F. , Brown Roy , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Gallagher-Ford Lynn 
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE
This scoping review describes findings from published literature, evaluates the association between hospital accreditation or certification and patient outcomes, and identifies gaps.

BACKGROUND
Healthcare accreditation and certification organizations set standards and evaluate whether the standards are met. Despite the extensive efforts of both parties to improve healthcare delivery, poor patient health outcomes still exist in the United States.

METHODS
A comprehensive search of published peer-reviewed literature in English, utilizing the databases OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL, addressing hospital accreditation or certification and patient outcomes, was conducted.

RESULTS
There was inconclusive evidence to support a relationship between hospital accreditation and outcomes in US hospitals, except for bariatric accreditation and stroke specialty certification studies for mortality and length of stay. The heterogeneous reporting of measures made it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions.

CONCLUSION
Understanding the extent to which accreditation is associated with patient outcomes is required. Future research is needed to establish scientific connections between hospital accreditations or certifications and patient outcomes.
Femoral intramedullary nail extraction using the kissing nail technique when primary measures fail
Authors: Brenner Joseph , Joiner Jonathan , Schweller Eric , Ren Emily , Nasr Kerellos , Vaidya Rahul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Intramedullary femoral nails (IMFNs) need to be removed for subsequent joint replacement, refracture, nonunion, or infection. The tools used to extract newer IMFNs may not be suited for removal of older implants, especially if broken. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technique in femoral nail extraction when primary measures fail and a report on 6 cases where it was used.

Technical Procedure:
The technique is used after standard techniques including the Winquist set fail. A guide rod is passed through the center of the incarcerated nail (IN) to the distal end or to the proximal end if it is a retrograde nail. The femur is approached through a separate incision either through the knee for an antegrade nail or through the proximal femur for a retrograde nail. The guide rod is delivered through the opposite end by either hitting it through the end of the bone or breaching the end with a starting wire and starting reamer. The guide rod is then delivered into the field. Using flexible reamers over the delivered guide rod, the femur is reamed up to the IN. A second IMN slightly smaller in diameter is chosen and passed to touch the distal end of the IN, guided by the guide rod to keep the nails aligned. The second nail is impacted, which pushes the IN out its insertion point.

Discussion:
Hardware extraction is difficult for any surgeon, and extraction of older or broken nails with lower grade material poses even greater challenges. This technique is meant as an extra tool for avoidance of corticotomy when primary means for nail extraction have failed. We present 6 cases with 5 successful results.
Refrigeration reduces instillation discomfort of a 0.09% cyclosporine A solution
Authors: Ngo William , Nagaarudkumaran Nijani , Huynh Cassandra Bonnie 
Published: December 2024

SIGNIFICANCE
Topical cyclosporine A (CsA) for the treatment of dry eye disease is often associated with instillation discomfort, which may negatively influence patient adherence to therapy. This study found that refrigerating topical CsA reduced instillation discomfort compared with instillation of warm CsA. Thus, refrigerating CsA prior to instillation may improve patient experience when using CsA to manage dry eye disease.

PURPOSE
This study aimed to quantify instillation discomfort associated with cold or warm instillation of a 0.09% CsA.

METHODS
Forty participants with symptomatic aqueous deficient dry eye were enrolled. A drop of cold (4°C) CsA was instilled in one eye, and a drop of warm (23°C) CsA was instilled in the other eye. The order and eye receiving the cold drop were randomized. Participants rated the discomfort of each eye (0, no discomfort; 10, maximal discomfort) prior to drop instillation, immediately post-instillation, and at each subsequent minute for 10 minutes. Area under the curve was used to quantify cumulative discomfort.

RESULTS
Forty participants (39.6 ± 18.9 years old, 82% female) completed the study. A majority of participants (n = 24, 60%) experienced reduced cumulative discomfort with cold CsA, whereas the remainder experienced minimal difference (n = 10, 25%) or increased cumulative discomfort (n = 6, 15%). For those with reduced discomfort (n = 24), cumulative discomfort associated with cold instillation (median, 11.5 [2.2, 20.0]) was significantly lower (p<0.01) than cumulative discomfort associated with warm instillation (median, 17.5 [11.2, 32.2]). Cold instillation was associated with a median reduction of 1 discomfort point immediately post-instillation and at all subsequent time points (all p≤0.04, but not significant at t = 10), compared with warm instillation.

CONCLUSIONS
Up to 60% of participants found that cold instillation of CsA solution induced less discomfort than warm instillation, lasting up to 9 minutes post-instillation. In contrast, although 15% of participants found reduced discomfort with warm instillation, the magnitude of discomfort associated with warm instillation was not significantly different than cold instillation.
Relations Between Suicide Risk and Patient Safety Attitudes Among the Nursing Team in a Brazilian Context
Authors: Corrêa Kariciele Cristina , Araújo Lúcio Borges de , Alves Helenitta Melo da Silva , Ferreira Liz Marina Corrêa , Miranda Frank José Silveira , Junqueira Marcelle Aparecida de Barros 
Published: December 2024

Objectives:
To analyze the aspects of suicide risks and their relation to patient safety attitudes among the nursing staff of a large public university hospital in Brazil.

Methods:
A cross-sectional and descriptive study with 226 nursing workers from a large public university hospital in Brazil. Socioprofessional information, health conditions, and family history related to suicide risk were collected through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire. A 95% CI was considered, and statistical tests such as the Student t test, χ2, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used.

Results:
Most of the safety attitudes were below the average score considered positive (mean Safety Attitudes Questionnaire value >0.75), and 41 (18.1%) workers were considered to have any degree of suicide risk. Participants with parents or siblings who had attempted suicide were 3.44 times more likely to have moderate or high suicide risk. Negative safety attitudes were associated with health conditions and family history, considered suicide risk factors. Participants with moderate or high suicide risk were 2.83 times more likely to have worse patient safety attitudes concerning job satisfaction.

Conclusions:
This study reveals significant associations between patient safety attitudes and the mental health of nursing workers, expanding the view of worker health management actions and, consequently, patient safety culture.
Brief Report: Pancreatic Cancer in People With HIV: A Case–Control Study
Authors: Chawki Sylvain , Hamet Gwenn , Brun Alexandre , Lourenco Nelson , Bouchaud Olivier , Bottero Julie , Sellier Pierre , Molina Jean-Michel ,   and the COREVIH le de France Est Study Group
Published: December 2024

Background:
We aimed to estimate the incidence and to assess the risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer (PC) in people with HIV (PWH).

Setting:
We used electronic medical record data from 2009 to 2020 available in the COREVIH Ile-de-France-Est database of PWH treated in Paris public hospitals.

Methods:
We analyzed data on patient demographics, treatment history, and immunovirologic status. A case–control study was designed; each case (PWH and PC) was matched on age, gender, and duration of HIV infection to 4 controls (PWH without PC).

Results:
Twenty-four cases were identified from the database, with an incidence of PC estimated at 28 cases (95% confidence interval: 19 to 43) per 100,000 person-years. The median age was 57 years [interquartile range (IQR) 51–68] at cancer diagnosis. Twenty-one cases (88%) were male. The median CD4+ T-cell count at PC diagnosis was 587/mm3 (IQR 317–748), and the nadir CD4+ T-cell count was 194 (IQR 98–380). Twenty cases (91%) had a suppressed HIV replication at PC diagnosis. Twelve patients (50%) had metastasis on diagnosis. The median time to death after cancer diagnosis was 11 months (IQR 1–19). Twenty-two cases were matched with 88 controls. There were no statistically significant risk factors of PC identified in our analysis.

Conclusion:
PC remains rare in PWH and is associated with a severe prognosis at a relatively young age. Further studies are needed to identify risk factors associated with PC development in PWH.
Tuberculosis molecular bacterial load assay in the management of tuberculosis
Authors: Gillespie Stephen H. , Sabiiti Wilber 
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review
Treatment monitoring remains a challenge in tuberculosis. The development of the tuberculosis molecular bacterial load assay (TB-MBLA) opens the possibility of real-time treatment monitoring. This review summarizes recent TB-MBLA research and outlines a future research agenda.

Recent findings
Recent studies show that TB-MBLA can be applied a wide range of specimens to make a quantitative assessment of the number live M. tuberculosis organisms rapidly. This allows real-time monitoring of treatment response that simplifies patient management and facilitates comparison of different treatment regimens.

Summary
The ability to measure the number of live organisms in real-time could improve treatment outcome. The TB-MBLA should revolutionize our understanding of the pathology of tuberculosis with significant implications for clinical practice and research.
The association between blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes during a single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Wu Jing , Yang Chen , Zheng Wei , Cao Meng-Yi , Li Meng-Na , Kuang Yi-Hui , Ren Bing-Nan , Zu Ruo-Wen , Shen Ran , Han Jing-Yi , Li Pei-Xin , Guan Yi-Chun 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
With the increasing acceptance of blastocyst transfer technologies, more attention is being paid to the selection of blastocysts during the transplant cycle. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between blastocyst quality and perinatal outcomes in single frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (SFBT) cycles. The aim of this study was to focus solely on the blastocyst and investigate the association between embryo morphological grading and perinatal outcomes in an SFBT cycle.

Methods:
In this retrospective cohort study, we divided patients into the good-quality blastocyst transfer group and the poor-quality blastocyst transfer group based on the morphological grading of the blastocysts. To control for potential confounding factors, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match variables such as male age, secondary infertility, primiparity, the developmental day of the transferred blastocysts, and endometrial thickness on the transfer day. Patients who received single vitrified-warmed high-quality blastocysts were matched with patients who received single poor-quality blastocysts at a 1:1 ratio. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess perioperative outcomes between the two groups, with adjusted odds ratios reported along with 95% confidence intervals. Two-tailed P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results:
Both before and after using PSM, there were no statistically significant differences in obstetric outcomes, including the incidence of gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or cesarean delivery, among women receiving SFBT with different blastocyst qualities. There were also no significant differences in neonatal outcomes between the two groups regarding newborn birth weight or the occurrence of birth defects.

Conclusion:
The quality of blastocysts did not affect the perinatal outcomes of SFBT cycles. Thus, it is a viable option to select a single poor-quality blastocyst for transfer in SFBT cycles when high-quality blastocysts are not available.
Association of Perioperative Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Postoperative Outcomes
Authors: Aschen Seth Z. , Zhang Ashley , O’Connell Gillian M. , Salingaros Sophia , Andy Caroline , Rohde Christine H. , Spector Jason A. 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
To assess rates of surgical complications and postoperative readmission in diabetic patients with and without active perioperative prescriptions for GLP-1 RA medications.

Background:
With the rapid growth of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use in the United States, it is important to understand the potential effect of these drugs on surgical outcomes broadly.

Methods:
In this retrospective, observational cohort analysis, patients with a diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes undergoing a surgical procedure at a multicenter quaternary-care healthcare system between February 2020 to July 2023 were included. Propensity score matching was performed between procedures in patients with and without an active GLP-1 RA prescription. The primary outcome was 30-day readmission, and secondary outcomes were documented dehiscence, infection, hematoma, and bleeding within 180 days after surgery.

Results:
Among 74,425 surgical procedures in 21,772 patients included in the analysis, 27.2% were performed in the setting of an active GLP-1 RA prescription. 35,020 procedures in 13,129 patients (48.0% men, 52.0% women; median [IQR] age, 67 [57, 75]) were propensity score matched. After matching, the active GLP-1 RA prescription group had a significantly reduced risk of 30-day readmission (RR, 0.883; 95% CI, 0.789-0.987; P=0.028; NNT, 219; 95% CI, 191-257), postoperative wound dehiscence (RR, 0.711; 95% CI, 0.577-0.877; P=0.001; NNT, 266; 95% CI, 202-391), and postoperative hematoma (RR, 0.440; 95% CI, 0.216-0.894; P=0.023; NNT, 1786; 95% CI, 652-2416). No significant differences were seen in rates of infection and bleeding.

Conclusions:
An active perioperative GLP-1 RA prescription in patients with diabetes was associated with significant reductions in risk-adjusted readmission, wound dehiscence, and hematoma, and no difference in infection and bleeding rates. Further study is warranted to elucidate any causal association.
Optical coherence tomography: implications for neurology
Authors: Al-Ani Abdullah , Benard-Seguin Étienne , Costello Fiona 
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review
This article explores the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in neurology practice, particularly in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as papilledema, optic neuritis, and retinal artery occlusion. OCT has been increasingly utilized as a noninvasive and effective tool for detecting and monitoring neuroaxonal damage in the visual pathway, which is important for early intervention and improved patient outcomes across a variety of neurologic conditions.

Recent findings
OCT as an imaging modality continues to demonstrate its utility in quantifying optic nerve and retinal changes reflecting neuroaxonal injury, including, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness and macular ganglion cell layer thickness (or volume). This review focuses on recent evidence regarding the utilization of this modality in diagnosing, monitoring, and quantifying treatment responses in patients with papilledema, optic neuritis, and retinal artery occlusion. Advances in OCT technology, including deep learning algorithms, continue to enhance the diagnostic accuracy and predictive capabilities in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.

Summary
In recent years, OCT has become an essential tool in neuro-ophthalmic assessment, offering precise structural and anatomical assessments that support diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of conditions affecting the visual pathway. Ongoing advances in OCT technology are expected to further enhance its clinical utility.