bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalized Pruritus: An Etiological Breakup of 700 patients presenting to dermatology opd of a local hospital.
Authors: Tareen Attiya , Irfan Ullah  , Ammara Safdar  , Hadia Yaqub Khan  , Uzma Rajar  , Habiba Yaqub Khan  
Published: December 2024

Background: Pruritus is an itching sensation or a constant urge to itch over skin that may be localized in response to a local stimulus or generalized due to an underlying condition with or without presence of causative agent. It can be caused by dermatological or systemic conditions, iatrogenic or as a response to external substances such as parasites. Generalized pruritus may not be necessarily due to dermatological causes and systemic, neurologic, endocrinologic, and psychogenic conditions may have pruritus as a primary cutaneous manifestation. Skin conditions like Scabies, eczema and airborne dermatitis are commonly incriminated as reason for intense itching and so lab workup or clinical examination and history taking is often omitted, in our busy outdoors. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to rule out underlying common systemic diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal and liver disease as cause of severe generalized pruritus.
Objective: To identify the underlying cause of generalized pruritus in patients presenting to dermatology outdoor excluding pruritic dermatological diseases.
Methodology: This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted on 700 patients from January 2018 to October 2021, in Fauji Foundation hospital Rawalpindi. Patients between the ages of 15 to 69 years visiting dermatology OPD of the department with complaints of generalized pruritus, who were recruited for the study after filling the consent form. Clinical investigations (Blood Cp, LFTS, RFTs, TFTs) and past medical history were taken to identify the underlying cause of pruritus was conducted and diagnoses were documented Only the patients who were having non dermatological causes were included in the study and the diagnoses were further categorized as idiopathic, systemic, endocrinological, neurogenic, psychogenic and drug induced. Results were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 22.
Results: The results of this study show that 700 participants with mean age of 47.39, out of which 110 were males and 590 were females had generalized pruritus. Out of them, 126 (19%) had pruritus due to chronic renal disease, 119(17%) had chronic liver disease, 63 (9%) had diabetes mellitus, 42 (6%) had paraneoplastic, 126(18%) senile pruritis, 35(5%) had cholinergic pruritus,21 (3%) iron deficiency anemia. 14(2%) had atopic dermatitis of elderly. Drug induced pruritus 56(8%).
Conclusion: Pruritus without known pruritic dermatoses is a common presenting complaint in patients presenting to outdoors having one of the underlying systemic disease. Further work is needed to evaluate impact of pruritus on quality of life in these already diseased patients.
Medical Management of Infantile Hemangioma: Is oral Propranolol Superior to Oral Prednisolone?
Authors: Saad Siddiqui  , Muhammad Saaiq  , Somia Iqbal  , Hira Iqbal  
Published: December 2024

Objective: To compare the efficacy of oral propranolol versus oral prednisolone for treating infantile hemangioma.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad from January 2015 to December 2016. Written informed consent was taken from the parents. The trial included 80 patients who were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, each comprising of 40 patients. Patients in Group-A received oral propranolol treatment, whereas patients in the Group-B received oral prednisolone treatment. Greater than 75% regression in size (as determined by the length, width, and height measured in millimeters) of the hemangioma as compared to the pre-treatment status was determined for each group and comparisons were drawn. The percentages of various outcome variables were compared by employing chi-square test. A p-value of less than or equal to 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.
Results: The age of the children ranged from 1-36 months, with a mean of 15.20±10.40 months. The majority (n=51, 63.8%) of them were aged between 1-18 months. There were 33 (41.3%) male whereas 47 (58.7%) female children. Maximal possible matching of the two groups was ensured with regards to the various demographic and clinical entry parameters. The frequency of efficacy was significantly higher (92.5% vs. 25.0%; p=0.000) with propranolol as compared to prednisolone. Similar significant difference was seen across all age and gender groups.
Conclusion: Propranolol had superior efficacy, 6-weeks post-treatment irrespective of the patients’ age and gender. Hence, oral propranolol should be the preferred choice for treating infantile hemangiomas.
Comparison of Various Factors Related to Severity of Ischemic Stroke in Patients with and Without Good Glycemic Control
Authors: Latif Faiqa , Niaz Asif , Ishfaq Afsheen , Sohail Saera , Tahir Muhammad , Hussain Aamir 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background: Stroke medicine is an evolving speciality under the umbrella of neurology. It not only covers the neuropathological impact of stroke but provide holistic care to these patients for early recovery with minimum disability.
Objective: To compare various factors related to severity of ischemic stroke in patients with and without good glycemic control managed at our Neurology/Medicine Department
Material and Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, carried out at the Department of Neurology/Medicine, Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi. From September 2022 to December 2022. Out of 100 patients of acute ischemic stroke suffering from diabetes mellitus was included. Patients of ischemic stroke with confirmed diagnosis on neuroimaging were recruited. Severity of stroke by NHSS classification and size of infarct on CT scan was assessed for all the study participants. Glycosylated hemoglobin was performed on all patients and patients were classed as having glycemic control or not. On the basis of this investigation, stroke severity parameters were compared in groups with and without glycemic control.
Results: In the study. Male were 66 (66%) , while 34 (34%) were female. Mean age of patients of stroke recruited in analysis was 56.31 ±8.18 years. Out of total, 44 (44%) patients had glycemic control while 56 (76.25%) had no glycemic control. Statistical analysis revealed that when comparison was made among two groups, more stroke severity and infarct size of more than 50 ml were seen statistically significantly more in patients who did not have glycemic control (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion: Poor or no glycemic control was seen in almost half of the patients who presented with ischemic stroke. More stroke severity and large size of infarct were seen in patients without glycemic control in our study participants.
Vaccination Status in Children presenting with severe complicated Measles
Authors: Ullah Kalim , Haq Sami Ul , Ali Sadaqat , Hussain Mulazim , Mehmood Arif , Ghaffar Abdul 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Background: Measles occurs worldwide and remains a leading cause of mortality especially among children ≤5 years of age. Present study will determine this association in our local population.
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of unvaccinated children in patients presenting with severe Measles.
Material and Methods: After permission from Hospital ethical committee. Total 145 patients of severe measles were enrolled, and frequency of unvaccinated children was noted. This study was conducted in Children Ward, Women & Children Hospital, MTI Bannu from October 2022 to April 2023. The results obtained were presented in the form of tables and graphs and level of significance was determined statistically.
Results: In our study, total 145 patients were enrolled. Mean age of patients was 7.07±2.3 years. Minimum age was 3 years and maximum age was 12 years. There were 46.2% males and 53.8% female patients. Most of patients belonged to middle socioeconomic status i.e. 57.2. Regarding maternal education 50.3% were having 6-10 years of education, 20.9% had less than 5 years of education, 16.6% had 11-12 years of education while only 4.1% had more than 12 years of education. In our study participants 47.6% lived in urban area and 52.4% lived in rural area. There were 66.2% unvaccinated children and 33.8% were vaccinated. Data stratification for age group, BMI, residential status and socioeconomic status was significant i.e. p-value≤ 0.05.
Conclusion: Severe measles infections are prevalent among unvaccinated children due to their susceptibility to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent measles outbreaks and safeguard public health.
Causes, Morbidity, and Mortality of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Among Hospitalized Patients
Authors: -Rehman Naseeb-ur , Khan Salman , Zubair Muhammad , Haq Moeen ul , Badshah Umar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background: The most common, potentially fatal emergency that brings patients to the hospital is upper gastrointestinal bleeding/hemorrhage.
Objective: To assess the causes, morbidity, and mortality of upper gastrointestinal bleeding among hospitalized patients
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out at the medical unit of DHQ hospital D I Khan. The duration of the study was six months from January 2023 to June 2023. Upper gastro intestinal endoscopies were carried out for all the enrolled patients by experienced endoscopists after initial all the patients were hemodynamically stabilized. All the data was collected by using a Proforma designed for this research. The Rockall score for each patient was then obtained using the whole multivariate analysis. SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze the collected data.
Results: In the current research, totally 220 patients were selected. The male patients in our study were 143 (65%) while the female patients were 77 (35%). Based on endoscopy, the commonest cause of upper GI bleeding was esophageal varices in 132 (60%), followed by peptic ulcer in 33 (15%), gastritis in 22 (10%), esophagi is in 20 (9.09%). The overall mortality rate in our study was 13 (5.91%). A significant association was observed between Rockall score and mortality (p=0.001).
Conclusion: Our study concludes that variceal bleeding was the commonest cause of upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. Peptic ulcer was the second most common cause of upper gastro-intestinal bleeding. Our study also shows that Rockall score is a good predictor of outcome in upper GI bleeding patients.
The mediation role of sleep on the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Gu Hao , Ji Ruxin , Shi Wei , Liu Fangfen , Xie Hongfu , Li Ji , Liu Yicong , Tang Yan 
Published: December 2024

Objectives
To investigate the relationship between drinks behavior and female androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and to clarify the mediating effect of sleep behavior on such relationship.

Methods
A total of 308 female AGA patients and 305 female normal controls were recruited from the hospital, and questionnaires including drinks behavior and sleep behavior were inquired among them. Blood sugar and blood lipids were detected. Then, the mediating effect of sleep behavior on the relationship between drinks behavior and AGA was analyzed.

Results
Female AGA patients presented a higher frequency of intake of sweetened tea drinks. It was found that occasional intake (1–2 times per week; ORadj = 2.130, 95% CI [1.495–3.033]) and frequent intake (3–6 time per week; ORadj = 2.054, 95% CI [1.015–4.157]) of sweetened tea drinks were associated with AGA. The daily sugar intake from soft drinks increased the risk of AGA (ORadj = 1.025, 95% CI [1.003–1.048]), and hyperglycemia was positively associated with alopecia (ORadj = 1.897, 95% CI [1.225–2.936]). In addition, bedtime after 12 pm significantly increased the risk of developing alopecia (ORadj = 2.609, 95% CI [1.020–6.676]). Interestingly, bedtime, instead of daily sugar intake from soft drinks, could mediate the relationship between sweetened tea drinks intake and alopecia.

Conclusions
Sweetened tea drinks consumption increases the risk of female AGA, which is mediated by bedtime.
The impact of nurses’ stress situation coping on somatization: a mediated moderation model
Authors: Qi Xiaoyan , Xu Hong-Ning 
Published: December 2024

Aims
The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping levels on somatization symptoms, the mediating effect of depression, and the moderating effect of perceived social support.

Background
As a core part of the global healthcare system, nurses are crucial to patient health and rehabilitation outcomes. However, due to heavy workloads, unreasonable staffing structures, and constant exposure to occupational risks in their workplaces, these factors often place nurses in a high-intensity, high-stress environment, which directly affects their physical and mental health and professional burnout. Coping with stress situations is an important means to help individuals effectively manage stress, reduce negative impacts, and maintain mental health. However, research on the impact of nurses’ stress situation coping methods on somatization symptoms is limited.

Methods
This study conducted a cross-sectional survey from December 2022 to April 2023, and finally included 293 nurses working on the front line of tertiary hospitals. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and the SPSS macro program’s Models 7 and 14. This study is an observational study, strictly prepared and presented according to the STROBE checklist.

Results
The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were (27.27 ± 7.33) points, the stress situation coping scores were (59.90 ± 9.64) points, the perceived social support scores were (65.64 ± 12.90) points, and the depression scores were (4.42 ± 4.12) points. The somatization symptom scores of the nurses were positively correlated with the stress situation coping scores and depression scores, and negatively correlated with the perceived social support scores, with correlation coefficients of 0.200, 0.851, and −0.302, respectively. The stress coping level of the nurses had a direct positive impact on somatization symptoms (β = 0.081, p = 0.009), and a direct positive impact on nurse depression (β = 0.202, p = 0.001). Depression had a significant positive impact on somatization symptoms (β = 0.823, p = 0.000), and depression played a mediating role. Perceived social support had a significant negative impact on depression (β = −0.383, p = 0.000). Perceived social support had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between the stress situation coping level and depression (β = −0.121, p = 0.003).

Conclusion
In this study, the stress situation coping methods of nurses had a positive impact on somatization symptoms, had a complete mediating effect on the depression level of nurses, and perceived social support had a significant moderating effect in the pathway from the stress situation coping methods of nurses to depression-mediated somatization symptoms.
Delay Discounting as a Transdiagnostic Process in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Amlung Michael , Marsden Emma , Holshausen Katherine , Morris Vanessa , Patel Herry , Vedelago Lana , Naish Katherine R. , Reed Derek D. , McCabe Randi E. 
Published: August 2019

ImportanceDelay discounting is a behavioral economic index of impulsive preferences for smaller-immediate or larger-delayed rewards that is argued to be a transdiagnostic process across health conditions. Studies suggest some psychiatric disorders are associated with differences in discounting compared with controls, but null findings have also been reported.ObjectiveTo conduct a meta-analysis of the published literature on delay discounting in people with psychiatric disorders.Data SourcesPubMed, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched through December 10, 2018. The psychiatric keywords used were based on DSM-IV or DSM-5 diagnostic categories. Collected data were analyzed from December 10, 2018, through June 1, 2019.Study SelectionFollowing a preregistered Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol, 2 independent raters reviewed titles, abstracts, and full-text articles. English-language articles comparing monetary delay discounting between participants with psychiatric disorders and controls were included.Data Extraction and SynthesisHedges g effect sizes were computed and random-effects models were used for all analyses. Heterogeneity statistics, one-study-removed analyses, and publication bias indices were also examined.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCategorical comparisons of delay discounting between a psychiatric group and a control group.ResultsThe sample included 57 effect sizes from 43 studies across 8 diagnostic categories. Significantly steeper discounting for individuals with a psychiatric disorder compared with controls was observed for major depressive disorder (Hedges g = 0.37; P = .002; k = 7), borderline personality disorder (Hedges g = 0.60; P &amp;lt; .001; k = 8), bipolar disorder (Hedges g = 0.68; P &amp;lt; .001; k = 4), bulimia nervosa (Hedges g = 0.41; P = .001; k = 4), and binge-eating disorder (Hedges g = 0.34; P = .001; k = 7). In contrast, anorexia nervosa exhibited statistically significantly shallower discounting (Hedges g = –0.30; P &amp;lt; .001; k = 10). The schizophrenia category was not statistically significant (Hedges g = 0.18; P = .77; k = 12). Evidence of publication bias at the aggregate level was not statistically significant (Egger test [SE], 1.43 [0.92]; P = .06).Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this study appear to provide empirical support for delay discounting as a transdiagnostic process across most of the psychiatric disorders examined; the literature search also revealed limited studies in some disorders, notably posttraumatic stress disorder, which is a priority area for research.
Metabolomic, transcriptomic and genetic integrative analysis reveals important roles of adenosine diphosphate in haemostasis and platelet activation in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Hoang Long T. , Domingo‐Sabugo Clara , Starren Elizabeth S. , Willis‐Owen Saffron A.G. , Morris‐Rosendahl Deborah J. , Nicholson Andrew G. , Cookson William O. C. M. , Moffatt Miriam F. 
Published: August 2019

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the world. The most prevalent subtype, accounting for 85% of cases, is non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are the most common subtypes. Despite recent advances in treatment, the low 5‐year survival rate of NSCLC patients (approximately 13%) reflects the lack of early diagnostic biomarkers and incomplete understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms. We hypothesized that integration of metabolomic, transcriptomic and genetic profiles of tumours and matched normal tissues could help to identify important factors and potential therapeutic targets that contribute to tumorigenesis. We integrated omics profiles in tumours and matched adjacent normal tissues of patients with LUSC (N = 20) and LUAD (N = 17) using multiple system biology approaches. We confirmed the presence of previously described metabolic pathways in NSCLC, particularly those mediating the Warburg effect. In addition, through our combined omics analyses we found that metabolites and genes that contribute to haemostasis, angiogenesis, platelet activation and cell proliferation were predominant in both subtypes of NSCLC. The important roles of adenosine diphosphate in promoting cancer metastasis through platelet activation and angiogenesis suggest this metabolite could be a potential therapeutic target.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome Differ in Men and Women with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kuriya B. , Schieir O. , Valois M. F. , Pope J. E. , Boire G. , Bessette L. , Hazlewood G. , Thorne J. C. , Tin D. , Hitchon C. , Bartlett S.J. , Keystone E. C. , Bykerk V. P. , Barra L. ,   on behalf of CATCH investigators
Published: August 2019

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence in early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA) is conflicting. The impact of sex, including menopause, has not been described. We estimated the prevalence and factors associated with MetS in men and women with ERA.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort (CATCH) was performed. Participants with baseline data to estimate key MetS components were included. Sex‐stratified logistic regression identified baseline variables associated with MetS.ResultsThe sample included 1543 participants; 71% were female and the mean age was 54 (SD 15) years. MetS prevalence was higher in men 188 (42%) than women 288 (26%, P < 0.0001) and increased with age. Frequent MetS components in men were hypertension (62%), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT, 40%), obesity (36%), and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (36%). Postmenopausal women had greater frequency of hypertension (65%), IGT (32%), and high triglycerides (21%) compared with premenopausal women (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, MetS was negatively associated with seropositivity and pulmonary disease in men. Increasing age was associated with MetS in women. In postmenopausal women, corticosteroid use was associated with MetS. Psychiatric comorbidity was associated with MetS in premenopausal women. MetS status was not explained by disease activity or core RA measures.ConclusionThe characteristics and associations of MetS differed in men and women with ERA. Sex differences, including postmenopausal status, should be considered in comorbidity screening. With this knowledge, the interplay of MetS, sex, and RA therapeutic response on cardiovascular outcomes should be investigated.
Printable Semiconductors for Backplane TFTs of Flexible OLED Displays
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Shin Eun‐Sol , Liu Ao , Ji Dongseob , Xu Yong , Noh Yong‐Young 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStudies on printable semiconductors and technologies have increased rapidly over recent decades, pioneering novel applications in many fields, such as energy, sensing, logic circuits, and information displays. The newest display technologies are already turning to metal oxide semiconductors, i.e., indium gallium zinc oxide, for the improvements needed to drive active matrix organic light‐emitting diodes. Convenience and portability will be realized with flexible and wearable displays in the future. This report summarizes recent progress on the development of solution‐processed thin film transistors, especially those deposited at low temperatures for next‐generation flexible smart displays. The first part provides an overview on the history and current status of displays. Then, recent advances in state‐of‐the‐art solution‐processed transistors based on different semiconductors are presented, including metal oxides, organic materials, perovskites, and carbon nanotubes. Finally, conclusions are drawn and the remaining challenges and future perspectives are discussed.