bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Incidence Trends Across Regions of the United States From 2001 to 2020 – A United States Cancer Statistics Analysis
Authors: Pankratz Vernon Shane , Kanda Deborah , Kosich Mikaela , Edwardson Nicholas , English Kevin , Adsul Prajakta , Mishra Shiraz I. 
Published: November 2024

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence rates have been decreasing in the United States (US), but there is limited information about differences in these improvements among individuals from different racial and ethnic subgroups across different regions of the US. Methods Data from the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) databases were used to examine trends in CRC incidence from 2001 to 2020 using a population-based retrospective cohort study. We obtained annual estimates of CRC incidence and used meta-regression analyses via weighted linear models to identify main effects and interactions that explained differences in CRC incidence trends among groups defined by race/ethnicity and US region while also considering CRC stage and sex. To summarize overall trends over time in incidence rates for specific racial and ethnic groups within and across US regions, we obtained average annual percentage change (AAPC) estimates. Results The greatest differences in CRC incidence trends were among groups defined by race/ethnicity and US region. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) persons had the largest declines in CRC incidence, with AAPC estimates ranging from −2.27 (95% CI: −2.49 to −2.06) in the South to −3.03 (95% CI: −3.59 to −2.47) in the West, but had higher-than-average incidence rates at study end. The AAPC estimate for American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) persons suggested no significant change over time (AAPC: −0.41, 95% CI: −2.51 to 1.73). Conclusion CRC incidence trends differ among racial/ethnic groups residing in different US regions. Notably, CRC incidence rates have not changed noticeably for AIAN persons from 2001-2020. These findings highlight the importance of reinvigorating collaborative efforts to develop geographic and population-specific screening and preventative approaches to reduce the CRC burden experienced by Native American communities and members of other minoritized groups.
Multiwavelength photobiomodulation in atrophic age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Beretta Federico , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Sacconi Riccardo , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe 
Published: November 2024

Purpose To evaluate photobiomodulation (PBM) safety and efficacy in patient with atrophic AMD and to explore tissue effects using Spectrally Resolved Autofluorescence (SrAF) to identify a potential biomarker indicative of mitochondrial activity, the primary PBM target. Methods This retrospective, non-comparative case series involved six eyes of five patients with atrophic AMD, conducted at the Medical Retina and Imaging Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy. At baseline and follow-ups (after one and three months) a complete ophthalmological assessment and multimodal imaging, including spectrally resolved autofluorescence (SrAF), were performed. PBM treatment (Valeda Light Delivery System - LumiThera) was administered in nine sessions over three weeks. The SrAF images were analyzed to evaluate the effect of the treatment. Results Six eyes of five patients with atrophic AMD received PBM at baseline. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean central macular thickness (CMT), mean retinal sensitivity on microperimetry and the atrophic area have remained stable. No eyes developed foveal atrophy after the treatment. The image analysis in SrAF showed an increase in the highlighted area of 4.89% after one month and 17.11% after three months. No adverse systemic or local side effects were reported. Conclusion PBM is a safe treatment for the human retina. The evaluation of the retinal area within the green light spectrum (575 nm) in SrAF is a potential indirect biomarker of mitochondrial activity and could be used to assess treatment efficacy in clinical studies.
Educational inequalities in mental health expectancy. Analysis based on registry data and survey data from the Danish National Health Survey
Authors: Kjeldsen Oliver Ryborg , Davidsen Michael , Brønnum-Hansen Henrik 
Published: November 2024

Objective: Social inequality in life expectancy (LE) and various indicators of health expectancy have received much attention. Mental health expectancy (MHE) has received less attention, although research has shown an increasing prevalence of poor mental health. We aimed to investigate educational differentials in LE in relation to good, moderate, and poor mental health. Methods: Nationwide registry data on education and mortality were linked and combined with data from the Danish National Health Survey for 2017 and 2021 on mental health and education. The sample group consisted of data on Danes aged 30 and over. MHE was estimated by Sullivan’s method. Results: From 2017 to 2021, a general decline in the MHE of Danes was observed. Furthermore, the educational inequality in MHE remained substantial between genders, and was larger than the inequality in LE. Changes in MHE differed across educational groups. For Danes with short education, good MHE tended to increase for men, while the increase was statistically significant among women. Conclusions: MHE is associated with educational attainment. Despite the observed changes in educational differential, substantial inequality persists, raising important questions about the underlying causes of social disparity in MHE.
Opportunities and challenges associated with the launch of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study to explore community pharmacists’ perspectives
Authors: Dahri Karen , Sinclair (formerly MacNeil) Kimberley , Piszczek Jolanta , Wilbur Kerry , Wong Bryce , Kuo I Fan , Marra Fawziah 
Published: November 2024

Background: In February 2022, a novel antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid), was approved by Health Canada and made available to patients in British Columbia (BC). BC community pharmacists did not prescribe nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, but dispensing involved a detailed assessment with close attention to drug-drug interactions and patient monitoring. As the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service was unique in BC, and not all pharmacists participated in the program, it is important to evaluate the perspectives of all the pharmacists who were affected so that lessons learned from the program can inform future pandemic planning and government initiatives. Methods: A qualitative research study using key informant semistructured interviews was conducted. Community pharmacists with varying degrees of experience with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir were recruited using multiple methods of recruitment through e-mail and fax invitations and social media posts. Open-ended questions explored pharmacists’ experiences with the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir program, including barriers and facilitators to dispensing it, and recommendations for future pharmacy initiatives. Results: Forty-three community pharmacists participated in the study. Most participants were between the ages of 30 and 39 years and had practiced for less than 10 years. Thematic analysis yielded 36 codes that were organized into 3 overarching themes related to the following: learning; in-process experiences, supports, difficulties; and perceptions about the expanded scope of practice. Discussion: The following strategies may be helpful to consider including in future initiatives: preprinted forms, a hotline for peer support, slower rollouts, a single source for communicating changes, a patient portal, addressing the divisions between dispensary and clinical work, and having specialized positions to support future rollouts. Conclusion: Lessons learned from the nirmatrelvir/ritonavir service included a slower approach to program initiation with additional training opportunities and more streamlined prescription options. Pharmacists also wished for better communication support and involvement in the planning of future initiatives.
Yougui Pills Alleviates Diminished Ovarian Reserve Through Regulating Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: Jiao Bei-Bei , Li Tian , Zhou Bei-Bei , Chen Si , Chen Yue , Lu Yan , Liu Jian-Min , Zhao Wei-Bo , Zhang Jian , Wang Pei-Juan 
Published: November 2024

Objective Yougui pills (YGP) have been used clinically to treat diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), but, whether YGP could have a palliative effect in the DOR rat model and the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of YGP in rats with cortisol-induced DOR. Methods The cortisol-induced DOR model was used to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of YGP on DOR. The DOR model was established by intramuscular injection of 25 mg/kg cortisol for 28 consecutive days. Meanwhile, the rats were weighed and administered intragastrically YGP or progynova. To evaluate the mitigating effect of YGP on DOR, pharmacodynamic indicators were assessed including body weight, estrous cycle, H&E staining, and serum levels of AMH, FSH, LH, and cortisol. Oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis pathways were further validated using Western blotting analysis. Result YGP significantly ameliorated the symptoms of DOR. Administration of YGP improved the ovarian index, estrous cycle, and body weight. After treatment with YGP, cortisol, FSH, and LH levels declined and AMH levels elevated. YGP increased the number of primary, secondary, and antral follicles, but decreased the number of atretic follicles. Mechanically, YGPtreated cortisol-induced DOR via the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway which regulates OS. YGP also reversed the aberrant expression of apoptosis-related proteins Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax. Conclusion YGP could reduce ovarian OS and apoptosis in cortisol-induced rats via regulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, thereby enhancing ovarian reserve function.
Prevalence and risk factors of PTSD symptoms: a 3-month follow-up study
Authors: Shang Zhilei , Pan Xiao , Cheng Suhui , Yang Yuchen , Yan Wenjie , Sun LiangLiang , Huang Hai , Bai Yonghai , Xie Weifen , Xu Shu 
Published: November 2024

Background: During the peak of the epidemic, hospitalized patients frequently encountered significant health risks and potentially life-threatening circumstances, including uncertainty regarding treatment and the potential for complications. Objective: The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among hospitalized patients 3 months after discharge during the first peak of the epidemic, and the association of PTSD with disease-related characteristics. Design: A single-center and full-sample follow-up study was conducted on COVID-19 patients from the Optical Valley Branch of Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. Data were collected during their hospitalization and 3 months after discharge. Methods: PTSD symptoms were evaluated by primary care post-traumatic stress disorder (PC-PTSD), a total score of 3 or above was considered as clinically significant PTSD symptoms. Demographic and disease-related characteristics were collected to identify related associations with PTSD symptoms. Results: A total of 903 patients completed the follow-up survey, yielding a response rate of 63.5%. A total of 212 (23.5%) of the patients were positive in PC-PTSD screening. Univariate regression analysis identified several factors correlated with PTSD symptoms, including female gender, younger age, a lower body mass index (BMI), preexisting sleep problems, bereavement due to COVID-19, a severe clinical diagnosis, the presence of three or more clinical symptoms at disease onset, and residual respiratory symptoms after discharge. Notably, in the multivariate regression analysis, experiencing three or more clinical symptoms at onset emerged as a robust predictor of PTSD symptoms (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.48–2.95). An intriguing finding was that patients who underwent radiological assessment post-discharge reported a higher incidence of PTSD symptoms, whereas those who underwent re-testing for IgG or IgM antibodies exhibited a lower prevalence of PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: Three months post-recovery, PTSD symptoms prevalence among COVID-19 patients was 23.5%. Those with three or more clinical symptoms at onset or residual respiratory symptoms post-discharge showed higher risk. These findings highlighted the long-term effect of COVID-19 on mental health, urging enhanced attention and interventions for survivors.
The pattern of antibiotic resistance and distribution of the biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PelD, PslB) isolated from infectious hospital departments
Authors: Masoumi Negin , Keshavarzi Fatemeh 
Published: November 2024

Background: The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to produce biofilm has established it as one of the most significant pathogens. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial resistance and conduct a molecular investigation of the virulence genes PslB and PelD in Pseudomonas aeruginosa species isolated from patients. Methodology: One hundred clinical isolates were collected from patients of different age groups who were hospitalized in Kermanshah and Sonqor hospitals. The isolates were obtained through culture on specific media, biochemical confirmatory tests, and gram staining for confirmation. Biofilm production was assessed using an indirect quantification method with crystal violet. Additionally, antibiotic resistance was determined through the disc various method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Finally, the presence of genes related to PlsB and PelD in resistant strains was examined using The polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The results indicate that the highest resistance and lowest sensitivity were related to nitrofurantoin 100 μg, while the lowest resistance and highest sensitivity were related to cefepime 30 mg. Biofilm phenotypes were categorized as weak in 7% ( n = 7) of isolates, medium in 13% ( n = 13), and high in 80% ( n = 80). The PslB and PelD genes were identified in 86% ( n = 86) and 38% ( n = 38) of isolates, respectively, while 4% ( n = 4) did not possess either of these two genes. Additionally, a majority of the isolates exhibited multidrug-resistance (87%) due to their moderate-to-high biofilm formation. Conclusion: All isolates were capable of producing biofilm. A significant association were between strains with the high biofilm and multidrug-resistance species ( p < 0.05). Multidrug-resistance (78%) isolates included 28% ( n = 28) of isolates that were PslB+ PelD+, 45% ( n = 45) of isolates that were only PslB+, and 5 ( n = 5) isolates that were only PelD+. A significant relationship was found between the presence of the PslB gene multidrug-resistance and high producer ( p < 0.05).
Increasing Primary Care Engagement Among Homeless-Experienced Veterans Following an Emergency Department Visit: Qualitative Insights From Los Angeles County
Authors: Chinchilla Melissa , Preston-Suni Kian , Jacobo Edwin , Gabrielian Sonya 
Published: November 2024

Background: Homeless-experienced persons that present in the Emergency Department (ED) often fail to receive follow-up primary care. To inform implementation of a post-ED patient navigation model, we engaged homeless-experienced Veterans to identify barriers to primary care and the acceptability of a peer-led intervention within the ED. Methods: Between August and November 2023, 3 focus groups (n = 14) and 2 interviews were held (total n = 16) with homeless-experienced Veterans who sought care in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Greater Los Angeles (GLA) ED. We inquired about barriers to primary care post-ED visit, ways to improve connection, and the acceptability of a peer-led intervention. Fieldnotes were taken and coded using rapid qualitative methods. Results: Participants noted challenges receiving adequate information about and support connecting with primary care; challenges included lengthy appointment wait times, lack of knowledge regarding clinic walk-ins, and challenges with social needs. Recommendations for facilitating connection comprised support with patient navigation, including obtaining timely appointments, addressing social needs, and identifying healthcare priorities. Participants noted numerous benefits to having peers in the ED to assist with healthcare and resource connection. Conclusions: Data will inform future work to adapt and pilot a peer-led patient navigation model for homeless-experienced Veterans in VA GLA’s ED.
Influencer Credibility and Brand Image: The Mediating Effect of Brand Attitude in the Premium Cosmetics Market
Authors: Saini Shweta , Bansal Rohit 
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This research article investigates how the credibility of the influencer affects the image of premium cosmetics brands, and it explores how brand attitude plays a role in this association. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a quantitative approach, using surveys to gather insights from 525 customers who followed social media influencers endorsing premium cosmetics and have purchased them. A convenient sampling method was utilized. Structural equation modeling (SEM) facilitated the analysis, ensuring the validity and fitness of the proposed relationships through the analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software. Findings: Results indicated that dimensions of influencer credibility positively influence the brand image. Moreover, these attributes indirectly affect brand attitude in a positive and significant manner. Originality of article: These findings fill a gap in the existing literature by examining the impact of influencer credibility on both brand attitude and brand image simultaneously. The article concludes with recommendations for marketers and suggestions for future research endeavors.
Postoperative Pain Control After ACL Reconstruction With Semitendinosus Tendon Graft: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Adductor Canal Block to Local Infiltration Analgesia
Authors: Sumanont Sermsak , Jaruwanneechai Khananut , Wittayapairoj Aumjit , Apiwatanakul Punyawat , Boonrod Artit 
Published: November 2024

Background: Both adductor canal block (ACB) and local infiltration (LI) are effective for postoperative pain management after arthroscopic-assisted anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR). While LI is a more straightforward procedure, its effectiveness remains debated. Purpose: To evaluate morphine consumption within 48 hours after ACLR with a semitendinosus tendon graft, comparing ACB and LI; secondary objectives: to evaluate pain levels, patient satisfaction, quadriceps strength, range of knee motion, and complications. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: Patients undergoing primary ACLR with a semitendinosus tendon graft were randomized to receive either ACB (0.25% bupivacaine; 20 mL) or LI at the surgical wound, graft harvest area, and intra-articular injection. The LI group received morphine (3 mg), ketorolac (30 mg), and tranexamic acid (1 g). Morphine consumption within 48 hours was monitored using an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia device. Results: A total of 48 patients were analyzed (n = 24 in each group); baseline characteristics were similar between groups. The LI group consumed significantly less morphine than the ACB group at 6 hours (median [interquartile range, IQR], 3 mg [0-4.8 mg] for the LI group vs 5.5 mg [2-9] for the ACB group; P = .003). However, no significant differences were observed in morphine consumption at other time points. Additionally, no significant difference was found in cumulative morphine consumption at 48 hours between the groups (median [IQR], 21.5 mg [11-34.5 mg] for the ACB group vs 16.5 mg [8.5-21.8 mg] for the LI group; P = .137). Postoperative pain scores, quadriceps strength, and patient satisfaction were similar between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Morphine consumption at 48 hours postoperatively was comparable between the LI and ACB groups, and no significant group differences were found in postoperative pain, quadriceps strength, or patient satisfaction. Registration: TCTR20190320003 (Thai Clinical Trial Registry).
Clinicodemographic Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Prospective 3-Cohort Study on Collegiate Varsity Athletes
Authors: Zhao Kevin Y. , Abdelnour Patrik , Corban Jason Philip Aaron Hiro , Karatzas Nicolaos , Levins Cameron , Martineau Paul A. 
Published: November 2024

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most distressing injuries for collegiate varsity athletes. Identifying easily attainable clinicodemographic risk factors in this subgroup can help screen for high-risk athletes who may benefit from proven ACL injury risk reduction programs. Purpose: To identify clinicodemographic risk factors for noncontact ACL injury among female and male collegiate varsity athletes from 10 different sports. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 777 (276 female and 501 male athletes) collegiate varsity athletes from 3 consecutive seasons had an extended panel of clinicodemographic parameters recorded at their respective preseason physical sessions. The athletes were followed for 1 athletic season for noncontact ACL injuries. Results: Fifteen (6 female and 9 male athletes) athletes suffered a noncontact ACL injury during their season. Among all athletes, previous lower limb surgery and cutting sport participation were significantly associated with an increased risk of noncontact ACL injury. Among female athletes, previous ACL injury and previous lower limb surgery were significant risk factors. No significant clinicodemographic risk factors were identified in male athletes. Female sex was not a significant risk factor for noncontact ACL injury. Conclusion: The clinicodemographic risk factors for noncontact ACL injury identified in this study are easily attainable and may guide preseason screening for ACL injury risk in collegiate varsity athletes. The lack of association of these risk factors in male athletes may highlight the need to focus on other factors such as kinematics for these athletes.