bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topical steroids for the management of peristomal hypertrophic granulation tissue
Authors: Kitahara Yuma , Sommerlad Matthew , Coltart George 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Peristomal skin complications, including hypertrophic granulation tissue (HGT), are prevalent issues in stoma care. HGT presents as a shiny, red, friable lesion surrounding the stoma and is also known as hypergranulation, overgranulation, or ‘granuloma’. Standard treatment for HGT involves topical silver nitrate, but its efficacy over other treatment modalities is unclear. We present the case of a 58-year-old woman with an 18-month history of peristomal HGT.Methods Three treatments were trialled on separate affected areas in an n-of-1 trial of treatment: clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment under occlusion, silver nitrate, and electrofulguration. Outcomes were evaluated after four weeks based on the resolution of granulation tissue and the presence of side effects, including cutaneous atrophy, bleeding, and discomfort.Results Clobetasol propionate achieved complete resolution of HGT within four weeks, with no recurrence, atrophy, or complications. In contrast, silver nitrate and electrofulguration demonstrated minimal efficacy. Remaining lesions were treated successfully with clobetasol propionate, leading to successful resolution without side-effects.Conclusions This is the first head-to-head trial of topical application of clobetasol propionate ointment against silver nitrate and electrofulguration for the treatment of peristomal HGT. Our case demonstrates superior efficacy of clobetasol propionate ointment. Larger studies are recommended to establish standardized treatment protocols for HGT, including optimal topical corticosteroid strength and duration. Given its accessibility, practicality, and efficacy demonstrated in our case, we recommend topical corticosteroids as first-line treatment for peristomal HGT.
Neoadjuvant Androgen Deprivation Therapy Before Radical Prostatectomy in High and Very High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Chih , Cheng Wan-Yu , Tseng Wen-Hsin , Ho Chung-Han , Liu Chien-Liang , Huang Steven K. , Chiu Allen W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Neoadjuvant systemic therapy is a standard of care for several solid tumor malignancies. It has been evaluated prior to radical prostatectomy in recent studies but no consensus yet. This study investigates the outcomes of high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma receiving radical prostatectomy (RP) with or without neoadjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Methods: This study included 175 patients diagnosed with high- or very-high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma who underwent robotic-assisted RP with pelvic lymph node dissection from January 2017 to December 2022. Among them, 50 patients received neoadjuvant-ADT before the operation. The study analyzed baseline characteristics, comorbidities, and surgical outcomes, comparing approaches using chi-squared and Student’s t-tests.
Results: Of the 175 patients, a total of 50 (28.7%) patients received neoadjuvant-ADT and 124 (71.3%) didn’t. On comparing the PSA level between the two groups, we found that the initial PSA were significantly higher in neoadjuvant-ADT group (p=0.025) and also significantly dropped to lower level before operation when comparing with non-neoadjuvant-ADT group (p<0.001). Clinical stage according to MRI also showed down-staging in neoadjuvant-ADT group. Pathological stage showed no difference between 2 groups (p=0.847) but surgical margin free rate was higher in neoadjuvant-ADT group (50% vs. 70%, p=0.016). Disease-free rate (p=0.363) and PSA recurrence rate (p=0.774) showed no difference between two groups. Upon neoadjuvant ADT group, primary biopsy Gleason score and residual tumor volume can be predicators for the disease progression. No cancer-related mortality was noted.
Conclusions: This study supports neo-adjuvant ADT group had better surgical outcomes and no lower prognosis compared with non-neoadjuvant ADT group. Neo-adjuvant ADT prior to RP can be considered in high- or very-high-risk prostate adenocarcinoma patients.
Stability analysis of Mamdani-type fuzzy controllers by calculating the Lyapunov exponent
Authors: Qrich Jaouad , hadjoudja abdkaddar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Determining the stability of the controllers, either through simulations orthrough analytical techniques, is vital in their design and implementation.The analytical method of stability in the sense of Lyapunov requires findinga candidate function, as a sufficient but not necessary criterion for that pur-pose. This candidate function is elusive for fuzzy controllers. It is proposed,as a possible solution to this problem, to quantify the stability of the fuzzycontrollers using the Lyapunov exponent (EL) calculated numerically. Thetime series from which the Lyapunov exponents are calculated is obtainedfrom the output of various closed-loop Mamdani-type fuzzy controllers withthe nonlinear plant dynamics stabilized in an admissible region of operation.The experiments were carried out by implanting the numerical method on theplatform MATLAB, integrating it with data from the simulation of variousfuzzy controllers. The plant to be controlled is the inverted car-pendulumsystem modeled with the Euler-Lagrange formulation. In each experiment,the time series corresponding to the control signal was obtained and theLyapunov exponent was calculated. Although variations in magnitude areobserved, the calculated exponent is negative in all cases. This indicates thatthe Mamdani-type fuzzy controllers used are dissipative systems. As futurework, the use of EL in adaptive control is outlined.
Artificial-Intelligence-Enabled Digital Stethoscope Significantly Improves Point-of-Care Screening for Clinically Significant Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Rancier Moshe , Israel Igor , Monickam Vimalson , Currie Caroline , Verschoore Ben , Lastowski Emileigh , Pelt Douglas W , Prince John , McDonough Rosalie V 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Clinically significant valvular heart disease (VHD) affects 1 in 10 adults over 65 but often goes undiagnosed. In a real-world study of 368 patients, an AI-enabled digital stethoscope demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity than primary care providers (94.1% vs. 41.2%, p=0.002) for detecting audible VHD, albeit with slightly lower specificity. These results suggest that AI-assisted auscultation can enable earlier VHD detection in primary care, improving diagnosis, patient care, and outcomes.
The Impact of Psychostimulant Use on Office Based Buprenorphine Treatment Retention
Authors: Edgerton Ryan , Rebeiro Peter , MacMaster Sam , Bell Lisa , Patel Parul , Beach Kyra , Shah Veeraj , Cooper Robert 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Over a million people have died from overdose since 1999, over 600,000 of which involved opioids. Treatment options that focus on overdose prevention as opposed to recovery are desperately needed. Co-morbid opioid and stimulant use disorders have increased at a higher rate than other co-morbid combinations between 2011-2019.
Methods: We conducted an analysis of a cohort of 143 individuals with opioid use disorder that initiated treatment in an urban office based opioid treatment (OBOT) clinic. Retention was measured at 1, 3, and 6-months. Logistic regression was used to identify differences between groups.
Results: Patients testing positive for cocaine use prior to 6-month follow-up had 5.31 higher odds of not being retained in treatment (95% CI: 1.16-24.38). Patients testing positive for methamphetamine had no significant effect on retention at any of the time points.
Conclusion: We attempted to identify the effects of stimulant use on retention in MOUD treatment in a low-threshold OBOT clinic. The findings of this study provide evidence that low resource, low-threshold clinics are viable venues to treat patients with opioid use disorder with co-occurring stimulant use. These findings are critical as access to MOUD treatment is low, and new venues that are easy to access are desperately needed.
Bridging the Gap in Medical Waste Management: A Comparative Analysis of Government and Private Healthcare Facilities in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Aja Aja Maurice , Enaworu Oghenetanure Ryan , Orobator Enibokun Theresa , Chiawah Jones Azefor Sango , Taiwo Moyosore , Nwozor Joshua T. , Awosan Wuraola , Umar Amina Emidowojo , Abiodun Olaiya Paul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Healthcare facilities (HCF) are significant producers of healthcare waste (HCW), which includes hazardous materials such as sharps, pharmaceuticals, infectious substances, and chemical agents. Inadequate management of HCW presents serious risks to human health and the environment, especially in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Despite global guidelines for HCW management, challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, training, and adherence to regulations persist, particularly in regions like the Bwari Area Council, Abuja. This study evaluates healthcare workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding healthcare waste management, compares practices between private and public healthcare facilities, and assesses adherence to national guidelines.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 healthcare workers from ten healthcare facilities (five private, five public) in the Bwari Area Council. A random sampling technique was used, and a self-administered questionnaire assessed the participants' knowledge and practices related to healthcare waste management. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0.
Results
Private healthcare workers demonstrated significantly better knowledge of waste segregation (92.5% vs. 84.9%, p = 0.012) and identifying vaccine containers as medical waste (80.8% vs. 70.8%, p = 0.016) compared to government workers. In practice, a significantly higher proportion of private workers refrained from flushing liquid medical waste into toilets (71% vs. 65%, p = 0.040). In contrast, government workers exhibited more positive attitudes towards waste management, with 99.3% agreeing that medical waste should be properly handled compared to 97.0% in private facilities (p = 0.016). Both private and government workers displayed high knowledge of color coding for medical waste (94.6% vs. 93.5%, p = 0.650), but only 15.1% correctly identified the green color code for general waste.
Conclusion
Private healthcare workers demonstrated better knowledge of waste segregation, while government workers showed more positive attitudes toward waste handling. Both sectors had similar practices, with gaps in the liquid waste disposal and general waste color coding. Targeted interventions and consistent training are needed to improve waste management practices across both facility types.
Mental Illness Stigma Research Based on the Quad Model and ReAL Model: From Personal-centered Perspective
Authors: Siliang Yang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background：Currently, there remain some ambiguities in the research on mental illness stigma. One issue is that studies on the relationship between explicit and implicit stigmas of mental illness are divided into two camps: the high-correlation theory, which suggests a unity between the two, and the low-correlation theory, which advocates for their separation. Another issue is the "relativity" of the results from Implicit Association Tests (IATs), which has led to controversy over research conclusions.
Methods：A total of 62 college students were recruited as volunteers to participate in the study, which employed a range of psychological scales, including emotional scales, social distance scales, and stereotype scales. The explicit attitudes of the participants toward mental illness were examined through latent profile analysis, while the implicit attitudes were assessed using Implicit Association Tests(IAT), analyzed based on the quad model and the ReAL model. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between explicit and implicit attitudes toward mental illness.
Results：Based on the heterogeneity in college students' explicit attitudes toward mental illness, they could be divided into two subgroups, named "Acceptance Group" (39.66%) and "Stigma Group" (60.34%), respectively. The "mental Illness patients - negative" automatic activation parameter (AC, Quad model, χ2(1)=28.807, p<0.001) and the evaluative associative processing parameter for mental Illness patients (A, ReAL model, χ2(1)=10.826, p<0.01) reached significance, both indicating that college students have a significant negative implicit attitude towards mental Illness. The evaluative associative processing parameter A for the "acceptance group" of college students was not significantly different from 0.5 (χ2(1)=1.202, p=0.273), while the A parameter for the "stigma group" of college students was significantly less than 0.5 (χ2(1)=3.888, p<0.05), indicating that the acceptance group subjects held a neutral implicit attitude towards mental Illness patients, while the stigma group subjects held a negative implicit attitude.
Conclusion: College students exhibit both explicit and implicit stigma towards mental illness. Over 60% of the participants showed a tendency for explicit stigma, with the most prominent issue being discriminatory behavior towards individuals with mental illness, followed by negative perceptions of mental illness. College students with neutral implicit beliefs tended to display accepting explicit attitudes, whereas those with implicit stigma tended to show stigmatizing explicit attitudes.
Pharmacokinetic Interaction between Imatinib and Tacrolimus in Rats
Authors: Fan Naling , Guo Teng , Du Liying , Liu Mingfeng , Chen Xinran 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
Tacrolimus, a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), is the first-line treatment for chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML) and advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Imatinib and tacrolimus are both substrates
of the hepatic enzymes CYP3A4/5 and efflux transporter P-gp, so drug-drug interactions may occur during
their co-administration treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction
between imatinib and tacrolimus in rats.

Methods:
Rats were divided into groups I (30 mg/kg imatinib administered for 14 days), II (1.89 mg/kg tacrolimus
and 30 mg/kg imatinib administered for 14 days), III (30mg/kg imatinib and 0.63mg/kg tacrolimus administered
for 14 days), IV (1.89mg/kg tacrolimus for 14 days), and V (10mg/kg imatinib and 1.89mg/kg tacrolimus
for 14 days). Blood samples were determined for whole blood of tacrolimus, plasma of imatinib, and Ndesmethyl
imatinib concentrations using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results:
After 1 day of a single dose, tacrolimus had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of imatinib
and N-desmethyl imatinib; imatinib significantly increased the AUC and Cmax of tacrolimus (P < 0.05). After
14 days of multiple doses, tacrolimus significantly reduced the AUC and Cmax of imatinib and N-desmethyl
imatinib (P < 0.05). Further, imatinib significantly increased AUC0-24 and AUC0-∞ of tacrolimus (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Imatinib increased tacrolimus blood concentrations after single and multiple administrations.
Tacrolimus did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of imatinib after a single dose; however, tacrolimus
might impact the absorption and metabolism of imatinib after multiple doses. The results showed that
when imatinib and tacrolimus were co-administered, attention should be paid to the presence of drug-drug interactions.
Outbreak Transmission of Coronavirus- A Case Study
Authors: Mamatha Elliriki 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic, originating in Wuhan, China, swiftly spread
globally, wreaking havoc on both personal lives and economic stability.

Method:
Its highly contagious nature, transmitted through human contact, necessitated urgent government
interventions worldwide. Measures such as quarantine, social distancing, and lockdowns,
alongside medical awareness campaigns, were earnestly adopted to mitigate its impact.

Results:
While the development of a cure remains a time- consuming endeavor, the focus has shifted
towards prevention through diverse strategies, explored in this study.

Conclusion:
Presenting a stochastic model, this paper aims to analyze the percentage of affected individuals
across various factors, highlighting the efficacy of lockdown measures at different intervals.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence–Generated Content Labels On Perceived Accuracy, Message Credibility, and Sharing Intentions for Misinformation: Web-Based, Randomized, Controlled Experiment
Authors: Li Fan , Yang Ya 
Published: December 2024

Background
The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT, has added complexity and richness to the virtual environment by increasing the presence of AI-generated content (AIGC). Although social media platforms such as TikTok have begun labeling AIGC to facilitate the ability for users to distinguish it from human-generated content, little research has been performed to examine the effect of these AIGC labels.

Objective
This study investigated the impact of AIGC labels on perceived accuracy, message credibility, and sharing intention for misinformation through a web-based experimental design, aiming to refine the strategic application of AIGC labels.

Methods
The study conducted a 2×2×2 mixed experimental design, using the AIGC labels (presence vs absence) as the between-subjects factor and information type (accurate vs inaccurate) and content category (for-profit vs not-for-profit) as within-subjects factors. Participants, recruited via the Credamo platform, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (with labels) or a control group (without labels). Each participant evaluated 4 sets of content, providing feedback on perceived accuracy, message credibility, and sharing intention for misinformation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 29 and included repeated-measures ANOVA and simple effects analysis, with significance set at P<.05.

Results
As of April 2024, this study recruited a total of 957 participants, and after screening, 400 participants each were allocated to the experimental and control groups. The main effects of AIGC labels were not significant for perceived accuracy, message credibility, or sharing intention. However, the main effects of information type were significant for all 3 dependent variables (P<.001), as were the effects of content category (P<.001). There were significant differences in interaction effects among the 3 variables. For perceived accuracy, the interaction between information type and content category was significant (P=.005). For message credibility, the interaction between information type and content category was significant (P<.001). Regarding sharing intention, both the interaction between information type and content category (P<.001) and the interaction between information type and AIGC labels (P=.008) were significant.

Conclusions
This study found that AIGC labels minimally affect perceived accuracy, message credibility, or sharing intention but help distinguish AIGC from human-generated content. The labels do not negatively impact users’ perceptions of platform content, indicating their potential for fact-checking and governance. However, AIGC labeling applications should vary by information type; they can slightly enhance sharing intention and perceived accuracy for misinformation. This highlights the need for more nuanced strategies for AIGC labels, necessitating further research.
The CareVirtue Digital Journal for Family and Friend Caregivers of People Living With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias: Exploratory Topic Modeling and User Engagement Study
Authors: Pickett Andrew C , Valdez Danny , White Lillian A , Loganathar Priya , Linden Anna , Boutilier Justin J , Caldwell Clover , Elliott Christian , Zuraw Matthew , Werner Nicole E 
Published: December 2024

Background
As Alzheimer disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (ADRD) progress, individuals increasingly require assistance from unpaid, informal caregivers to support them in activities of daily living. These caregivers may experience high levels of financial, mental, and physical strain associated with providing care. CareVirtue is a web-based tool created to connect and support multiple individuals across a care network to coordinate care activities and share important information, thereby reducing care burden.

Objective
This study aims to use a computational informatics approach to thematically analyze open text written by AD/ADRD caregivers in the CareVirtue platform. We then explore relationships between identified themes and use patterns.

Methods
We analyzed journal posts (n=1555 posts; 170,212 words) generated by 51 unique users of the CareVirtue platform. Latent themes were identified using a neural network approach to topic modeling. We calculated a sentiment score for each post using the Valence Aware Dictionary and Sentiment Reasoner. We then examined relationships between identified topics; semantic sentiment; and use-related data, including post word count and self-reported mood.

Results
We identified 5 primary topics in users’ journal posts, including descriptions of specific events, professional and medical care, routine daily activities, nighttime symptoms, and bathroom/toileting issues. This 5-topic model demonstrated adequate fit to the data, having the highest coherence score (0.41) among those tested. We observed group differences across these topics in both word count and semantic sentiment. Further, posts made in the evening were both longer and more semantically positive than other times of the day.

Conclusions
Users of the CareVirtue platform journaled about a variety of different topics, including generalized experiences and specific behavioral symptomology of AD/ADRD, suggesting a desire to record and share broadly across the care network. Posts were the most positive in the early evening when the tool was used habitually, rather than when writing about acute events or symptomology. We discuss the value of embedding informatics-based tools into digital interventions to facilitate real-time content delivery.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Low-carbon Purchases
Authors: Wang Shuang , Liu Jinxiao , Ji Bohan 
Published: December 2024

Social norms are informal rules that govern group behavior and are a powerful motivator for the formation of low-carbon purchasing habits. Based on SOR theory, this study conducts a questionnaire survey on 499 consumers and uses social norms, future orientation, Perceived Consumer Effectiveness, low-carbon purchasing Intention, and the value of doctrine of the mean Scale to conduct an empirical analysis through the fsQCA method to configure the antecedent variables that affect low-carbon purchasing willingness. The findings indicate that: social norms, future orientation, perceived consumer effectiveness, the value of doctrine of the mean have positive impact on low-carbon purchasing willingness. Furthermore, in the absence of social norms, future orientation and the value of doctrine of the mean are sufficient conditions to influence the formation of low-carbon purchasing behavior will.