bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Abasic Sites in Breast Cancer Patients With 5 Year Postoperative Treatment Without Recurrence in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Che , Feng Chi-Yen , Bahari Gilang P. , Huang Sheng-Min , Wei Cheng-Hao , Xu Qi , Dinh Dat Thanh , Chen Dar-Ren , Lin Po-Hsiung 
Published: November 2024

Purpose This prospective study aimed to investigate estrogen-induced carcinogenesis by assessing the background levels of abasic sites (apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, AP sites) in Taiwanese breast cancer patients following 5 years of postoperative treatment without recurrence (5-year survivors) (n = 70). The study also sought to compare the extent of these DNA lesions with those found in healthy controls and in breast cancer patients prior to treatment. Methods Abasic sites were measured using an aldehyde reactive probe and quantified as the total number of abasic sites per total nucleotides. Characterization of the abasic sites in subjects recruited for this study was conducted using the abasic site cleavage assay using putrescine or T7 exonuclease (T7 Exo) and/or exonuclease III (Exo III). Results The number of abasic sites detected in 5 year survivors (26.7 ± 10.2 per 106 total nucleotides, n = 70) was significantly reduced by 46.9% compared to those in breast cancer patients before treatment (50.3 ± 59.2 per 106 total nucleotides, P < 0.001), and was similar to the levels observed in healthy controls (23.3 ± 13.5 per 106 total nucleotides, P > 0.05). Further investigation into the specific types of abasic sites indicated that the number of abasic sites excisable by putrescine in controls, breast cancer patients, and 5-year survivors were 63.3%, 78.6%, and 67.7%, respectively. These findings suggest the involvement of oxidative stress rather than depurination/depyrimidination of DNA adducts in the formation of abasic sites. Further analyses were performed using exonuclease cleavage assay to characterize the specific types of abasic sites including 5′-cleaved, 3′-cleaved, intact, and residual abasic sites. Results demonstrated that the proportion of residual abasic sites detected in controls, breast cancer patients, and 5-year survivors were estimated to be 32.7%, 48.8%, and 34.0%, respectively. Conclusion Overall, these findings suggest clear evidence of treatment-related effects on the reduction of levels of abasic sites as well as on the profile of abasic sites in 5 year survivors.
Tricuspid Anterior and Posterior Patch (TRAPP) Repair of Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation
Authors: Rando Hannah J. , Quinn Rachael W. , Darby Zachary , Larson Emily L. , Rodriguez Emily , Kang Jin Kook , Chinedozi Ifeanyi , Gammie James S. 
Published: November 2024

Objective: Annuloplasty is the most common strategy for repair of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) but is not effective in patients with massive/torrential FTR or leaflet tethering. To address the deficits of tricuspid annuloplasty, TRicuspid Anterior and Posterior Patch (TRAPP) repair was developed, which is a pericardial patch augmentation of the anterior and posterior leaflets. Methods: To test this repair, a previously validated ex vivo model in an explanted porcine heart was used, wherein annular and leaflet geometry were evaluated using a 3-dimensional structured light scanner at 4 time points: (1) baseline, (2) induction of FTR, (3) annuloplasty repair, and (4) patch repair. Results: Compared with the regurgitant tricuspid valve, annuloplasty reduced annular circumference (13.7 to 9.5 cm) and area (13.7 vs 6.1 cm2), whereas TRAPP repair did not alter annular dimensions (circumference: 13.7 vs 13.5 cm; area: 13.7 vs 13.6 cm2). Annuloplasty increased leaflet tenting angles (anterior: 53.5° vs 41.0°; posterior: 59.7° vs 48.2°; septal: 38.9° vs 31.4°) whereas TRAPP repair relieved anterior and posterior leaflet tenting (anterior: 28.9° vs 41.0°; posterior: 34.9° vs 48.2°; septal: 33.2° vs 31.4°) and restored geometry comparable to the native tricuspid valve. Central coaptation lengths were greater with TRAPP repair than with annuloplasty for all 3 leaflets (anterior: 12.7 vs 9.5 mm; posterior: 12.2 vs 8.2 mm; septal: 7.4 vs 4.6 mm). Conclusions: Compared with annuloplasty, TRAPP repair yielded greater coaptation length, resolved leaflet tethering, and resulted in a larger annular area that may facilitate durable repair of advanced FTR, which previously would have required replacement.
Magnitude and associated factors of prescribing drugs by their brand names among prescribers working at selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shafie Mensur , Muzeyin Kedija , Jemal Seada , Shikure Hikma , Berhanu Firewoin , Solomon Samrawit , Berhan Eyoel , Seid Abdulwahhab 
Published: November 2024

Background One possible mechanism for lowering expenditure on drugs and increasing their accessibility is by prescribing generic drugs, which are less costly and have equivalent safety and effectiveness profile as brand drugs. However, in Addis Ababa brand-prescribing practice is so common to the extent of making the health department administration of the city to write letters to subcities and hospitals discouraging brand prescribing. This study tried to identify the magnitude and factors affecting brand prescribing in the city. Objective: General objective of this study was to assess magnitude and associated factors of prescribing drugs by brand names at Addis Ababa. Methods An institution based analytical cross-sectional study design was employed from May to August, 2022, using a sample of 485 prescribers. The hospitals were selected by using simple random sampling method and prescribers from different departments were selected by using systematic random sampling method. Data was collected using semistructured, self-administered questionnaire and entered into Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. The data was described using percentages, graphs and tables. Mean and standard deviations were calculated to identify measures of central tendency and dispersion. Association between dependent and independent variables was checked using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval and p < .05. Results The magnitude of prescribing drugs by their brand names was 54.0%. Being trained on good prescribing practice (AOR: 6.81; 95%CI: 2.08-22.28), confidence on Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration Authority (AOR: 18.18; 95%CI: 6.78-48.80), and knowledge about generic drugs (AOR: 11.86; 95%CI: 4.76-29.55) were found to be independent predictors of prescribing drugs by their brand names. Conclusion and recommendation Brand medicine prescribing is positively associated with training on good prescribing practice and knowledge about generic drugs. Hence, training prescribers on good prescribing practice and educating them about generic drugs can minimize brand prescribing.
Testosterone suppression and recovery in patients with advanced prostate cancer treated with intermittent androgen deprivation therapy with relugolix
Authors: Campbell Patrick , Gebrael Georges , Narang Arshit , Chehade Chadi Hage , Thomas Vinay Mathew , Galarza Fortuna Gliceida , Sayegh Nicolas , Tripathi Nishita , Tandar Clara , Dal Emre , Li Haoran , Swami Umang , Agarwal Neeraj , Maughan Benjamin L. 
Published: November 2024

Background and objectives: Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (iADT) may result in measurable improvements in quality of life over continuous ADT in patients with advanced prostate cancer (aPC). Here, we studied time to castration and testosterone recovery in real-world patients with aPC undergoing iADT with relugolix. Methods and design: Eligibility criteria for this retrospective study were histologically confirmed through the diagnosis of aPC and initiation of iADT with relugolix. Primary endpoints were time to castrate level of testosterone after relugolix initiation and time to recovery to noncastrate levels after relugolix discontinuation. Results: Overall, 25 patients with aPC were treated with iADT and with relugolix. Median time to serum testosterone <50 ng/dL was 1.13 months [range 0.67–2.5 months]. The median time to recovery >50 ng/dL was 1.4 months [range 0.83–6.57 months] from holding treatment with relugolix. Conclusion: iADT with relugolix is associated with a rapid time to testosterone suppression and recovery. These results may guide patients’ counseling and monitoring of serum testosterone and PSA levels in patients wishing to pursue iADT for aPC.
Comparative long-term outcomes of Petit-Morel versus overhead traction methods versus immediate closed reduction for late-detected developmental dysplasia of the hip: A systematic review
Authors: Duan Lian , Canavese Federico , Zhou Weizheng , Chen Yufan , Li Lianyong 
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of traction to assist reduction in patients with late-detected developmental dislocation of the hip using the Petit-Morel technique versus the Bryant overhead traction technique, and to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of these two traction techniques with immediate closed reduction. Methods: A comprehensive systematic search of the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases was performed to identify relevant studies. Studies on Petit-Morel and overhead traction techniques and immediate closed reduction were then screened, selected, and data collected; included studies were assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. Results: In total, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Petit-Morel group had a successful reduction rate of 87% while the overhead traction group had a successful reduction rate of 67.1%, and the immediate closed reduction group had a successful reduction rate of 78.4% (Petit-Morel versus overhead traction, p < 0.001; overhead traction versus immediate closed reduction, p < 0.001, Petit-Morel versus immediate closed reduction, p = 0.021). The Petit-Morel group had an overall avascular necrosis rate of 2.7%, compared to 10.6% for overhead traction and 21.5% for immediate closed reduction (Petit-Morel versus overhead traction, p = 0.001; Petit-Morel versus immediate closed reduction, p < 0.001; overhead traction versus immediate closed reduction, p < 0.001). The Petit-Morel group achieved a satisfaction rate of 86.4% according to the Severin classification, as compared to 71.2% in the overhead traction group and 76.4% in the immediate closed reduction group (Petit-Morel versus overhead traction, p < 0.001; Petit-Morel versus immediate closed reduction, p = 0.018; overhead traction versus immediate closed reduction, p = 0.195). Conclusion: Petit-Morel and overhead traction techniques did not outperform immediate closed reduction in terms of redislocation rates, and radiological satisfaction, the Petit-Morel technique, has lower clinically significant avascular necrosis rates than overhead traction and immediate closed reduction. Level of evidence: Level III.
Food aversion and its association with pregnant women’s nutritional status in Teticha Woreda, Sidama Region, Ethiopia: A community-based mixed comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebre Turufat Paskal , Tafesse Temesgen , Abebo Teshome Abuka 
Published: November 2024

Background: Food aversion is one of the reasons for maternal undernutrition. Early screening for maternal undernutrition risk factors would improve the ability to recognize this problem and intervene early. Hence, this study was intended to identify the association of food aversion with maternal nutritional status. Objectives: To assess food aversion and its association with pregnant women’s nutritional status in Teticha Woreda, Sidama region, Ethiopia, March, 2022. Methods: In Teticha Woreda, a mixed community-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out from 1 March to 15 April 2022. Data were collected using an unstructured interview guide for qualitative data and a structured questionnaire for quantitative data. Epi-Data version 3.1 was used to enter quantitative data. Quantitative data were exported and cleaned and analyzed in SPSS version 20. For the quantitative data, descriptive statistics were calculated. To identify predictors of low nutritional status and control for confounders, multivariable logistic regression was utilized. Using Pearson’s Chi-square test, the association between food aversion and the anthropometric status of pregnant women was examined. Results: Maternal undernutrition was found in 109 (48.9%; 95% CI: 42.4%–55.4%) of pregnant women with food aversion and 69 (30.9%; 95% CI: 25.1%–37.2%) women without food aversion (mid-upper arm circumference 23 cm). A significant proportion of mothers 95 (42.6%) stated that food aversion stemmed from the taste or smell of the food. Some mothers avoided “Enset,” while others avoided foods like cereal, milk, and coffee. In the Chi-square test, pregnant women who had food aversion had a higher likelihood of maternal undernutrition as compared to women who did not have food aversion ( p-value of 0.000). Conclusion: This study found higher magnitude of undernutrition among pregnant women who had food aversion as compared to their counterparts. Nutritional interventions, especially nutritional counseling focusing on food aversion, are essential to tackle maternal undernutrition.
The effect of sedentary behavior during pregnancy on premature rupture of membrane in women above 35 years old
Authors: Abdelsamiea Rehab Hanafy Mahmoud , Khafagy Ghada Mahmoud , Ghareib Hassan Omar , Sarhan Mai Diaa 
Published: November 2024

Background: Sedentary life is now considered among the main health risks globally among general population and pregnant women. Premature rupture of membranes is a serious pregnancy condition that is a main cause of newborn morbidity and death globally. There is very limited data about the effect of sedentary behavior during pregnancy on premature rupture of membranes. Aim and objectives: The current study set out to evaluate the impact of sedentary behavior during pregnancy on premature rupture of the membranes in women older than 35. Setting and methods: A cohort prospective study was done on 90 pregnant women at Kasr Al-Ainy Hospitals. Participants were met three times (once per trimester). Routine labs and examinations were done and physical activities and sedentary behavior were assessed using prenatal physical activity questionnaire at each visit then pregnant women were followed up till rupture of membranes happened. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed in the kind and intensity of physical activity among pregnant individuals at the first, second, and third trimesters. Women who experienced premature rupture of membranes demonstrated significantly lower levels of physical activity (household or caregiving, occupational, and low physical activities) and they also showed signs of a more sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion: Sedentary behavior during pregnancy had great effect on premature rupture of membranes in women above 35 years old. Sedentary participants were twice as likely to develop premature rupture of membranes in contrast to individuals who don’t engage in sedentary behavior.
Use of radiologic imaging to differentiate lipoma from atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma: Systematic review
Authors: Muhib Muhammad , Abidi Syeda Labiba Fatima , Ahmed Uzair , Afzal Ahson , Farooqui Anoosh , Khalid Jamil Omer bin , Ahmed Shayan , Agha Hifza 
Published: November 2024

Background: Lipomas and atypical lipomatous tumors or well-differentiated liposarcomas (ALTs/WDLs), pose a diagnostic challenge due to their overlapping clinical and imaging features. Accurate differentiation is crucial as treatment strategies differ significantly between benign lipomas and malignant ALTs/WDLs. In recent years, medical imaging techniques have shown promise in distinguishing lipomas from ALTs/WDLs by providing enhanced visualization and assessment of various imaging parameters. Objective: This systematic review aimed to investigate the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and computed tomography (CT) scan to differentiate lipomas from ALTs/WDLs. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by using MEDLINE, PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and clinical trail.gov to identify imaging studies published between 2001 and 2022. Two independent reviewers reviewed 221 record to scrutinize the studies. The methodological quality of each included studies was assessed the using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Results: Thirteen retrospective cohort studies included 1,390 of total patients. Among them, 11 studies used MR imaging, 2 studies used CT scan and MR imaging both to differentiate lipoma from ALTs/WDLs. The significant diagnostic variables identified in the included studies were age, size, texture, mean intensity, contrast enhancement, location, septation, and nodularity. The overall, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the included studies for diagnosis of lesions range from 66% to 100%, 37% to 100%, and 76% to 95%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values range from 46.9% to 90% and 86% to 100%, respectively. Conclusion: The most frequent diagnostic features of ALTs/ WDLs include tumors ⩾110 mm in size, often in patients over 60, predominantly in the lower extremities, with an irregular shape, incomplete fat suppression, contrast enhancement, nodularity, septation >2 mm, and predictive markers such as lactate dehydrogenase >220 and a short tau inversion recovery-signal intensity ratio >1.18.
Medium- to long-term health condition of patients post-COVID-19, exercise intolerance and potential mechanisms: A narrative review and perspective
Authors: Schwendinger Fabian , Infanger Denis , Maurer Debbie J , Radtke Thomas , Carrard Justin , Kröpfl Julia M , Emmenegger Aglaia , Hanssen Henner , Hauser Christoph , Schwehr Udo , Hirsch Hans H , Ivanisevic Julijana , Leuzinger Karoline , Martinez Aurélien E , Maurer Marc , Sigrist Thomas , Streese Lukas , von Känel Roland , Hinrichs Timo , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno 
Published: November 2024

Background: Patients recovering from COVID-19 often present with impaired health and persisting symptoms such as exercise intolerance ⩾3 months post-infection. Uncertainty remains about long-term recovery. We aimed to review studies examining cardiac function, macro- or microvascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in adult patients post-COVID-19 and highlight current knowledge gaps. Results: Using echocardiography, persistent cardiac involvement of the left ventricle was observed in a fraction of patients both hospitalized and non-hospitalized. Ventricular dysfunction was often subclinical but may partly contribute to exercise intolerance post-COVID-19. Endothelial dysfunction was seen on micro- and macrovascular levels using retinal vessel imaging methods and brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, respectively. Studies reporting blood biomarkers of disease-specific impairment and endothelial dysfunction yielded upregulated inflammation, hypercoagulability, organ and endothelial damage up to several months after infection. Omics’ scale lipid profiling studies provide preliminary evidence of alterations in several lipid subspecies, mostly during acute COVID-19, which might contribute to subsequent endothelial and cardiometabolic dysfunction. Yet, more robust evidence is warranted. Physical activity may be reduced up to 6 months post-COVID-19. However, studies measuring physical activity more precisely using accelerometry are sparse. Overall, there is growing evidence for long-term multiple organ dysfunction. Conclusion: Research combining all the above methods in the search for underlying mechanisms of post-COVID-19 symptoms is mostly missing. Moreover, studies with longer follow-ups (i.e. ⩾18 months) and well-matched control groups are lacking. The findings may aid the development of rehabilitation regimes for post-COVID-19 syndrome. Condensed abstract This review examined cardiac function, vascular function, blood biomarkers and physical activity in patients post-COVID-19. Evidence suggests long-term dysfunction in multiple organ systems and exercise intolerance due to various factors, including endothelial damage and, in some patients, subclinical ventricular dysfunction. We highlight knowledge gaps for further research to aid post-COVID-19 rehabilitation.
Correlation between physical activity and burnout amongst allied healthcare professionals in eThekwini, South Africa
Authors: Grace Jeanne Martin , Moodley Léchay 
Published: November 2024

Background: Allied healthcare professionals face the intricate challenge of preventing burnout, which is marked by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and diminished personal accomplishment. Physical activity is proposed as a mitigating strategy that promises to reduce and effectively address burnout among allied healthcare professional. Aim: The study aimed to determine the correlation between personal accomplishment and burnout among allied healthcare professionals. Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational design following the TREND statement amongst 82 allied healthcare professionals was conducted using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Burnout was assessed using its three diagnostic characteristics: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment. Results: Participants (45.1%) experienced a low degree of emotional exhaustion, but overall, for the entire group emotional exhaustion was moderate ( M = 20.51; standard deviation = 10.5), similar to depersonalisation ( M = 6.46; standard deviation ±4.90), with 46.3% of the participants experiencing a low degree of depersonalisation. In the personal accomplishment category, 22% experienced a low degree of personal accomplishment; overall, for the entire group, personal accomplishment was low ( M = 33.35; standard deviation = 7.58). Most participants (65.9%) engaged in moderate-intensity physical activities. The number of days performing moderate-intensity physical activity at work significantly increases the odds of allied healthcare professional experiencing low levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment by 1.92, 2.33 and 2.09, respectively ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Engaging in moderate-intensity physical activities increases the likelihood of allied healthcare professionals experiencing low emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment degrees. It underscores the importance of implementing physical activity programmes to improve healthcare and alleviate the effect of burnout in allied healthcare professional.