bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and determinants of scabies among schoolchildren in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Girma Abayeneh , Abdu Indiris , Teshome Kasaye 
Published: October 2024

Background: Scabies is one of the major neglected tropical diseases among children in deprived communities. Studies conducted among schoolchildren in Africa are limited and inconsistent. Thus, the aim of this study is to estimate the pooled magnitude and predictors of scabies in African schoolchildren. Methods: The pooled prevalence estimate with 95% confidence intervals was performed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated using the funnel plot, Begg’s, and Egger’s tests. Results: A total of 28,482 subjects from 19 studies were included. The pooled prevalence of scabies among African schoolchildren was 10.81% (2459/28482) with (95% CI: 7.10–14.51). Factors such as being male (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI: 0.72–3.01), children who have a history of sharing clothes with their family (aOR = 1.76; 95% CI: 0.62–2.91), having illiterate parents (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.51–1.41), having history of contact with skin itching cases/scabies (aOR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.70–5.03), infrequent cloth wash (aOR = 5.30; 95% CI: 1.26–9.34), sharing common sleeping beds/fomites (aOR = 2.13; 95% CI: 0.04–4.22), family member with itchy signs/scabies (aOR = 5.83; 95% CI: 1.45–10.21), and not taking a bath with water and soap (aOR = 8.51; 95% CI: −4.14 to 21.15) were factors associated significantly with scabies. PROSPERO registration: CRD42024542762. Conclusion: In the present scenario, scabies ranges from 2.0% to 17.80% and is higher in Cameroon. Therefore, policymakers and health planners should put a great deal of emphasis on the implementation of relevant prevention and control measures.
Association between oral health conditions and the risk of major noncommunicable diseases: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Promruck Natchanon , Ruengorn Chidchanok , Thavorn Kednapa , Bandhaya Panwadee , Nochaiwong Surapon 
Published: October 2024

Objective: Although epidemiological studies suggest that oral health conditions may be associated with an increased risk of noncommunicable diseases, the findings have yet to be comprehensively synthesized, particularly for a major noncommunicable diseases-related health and economic burden. Therefore, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available observational studies investigating the association between oral health conditions and subsequent risk of major noncommunicable diseases. Methods: With limited English publications, we will search electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL. Based on the temporal properties and natural course of disease progression, we will seek cohort or case–control studies that investigate the association between oral disease conditions and the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Regarding the World Health Organization agenda, oral health conditions will include dental caries, periodontal disease, oral cancer, edentulism, other oral conditions (i.e., oro-dental trauma, cleft lip and palate, and noma), and endodontic lesions. Based on the global disease burden, primary outcomes of interest will include the four major systemic noncommunicable diseases: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Random-effects meta-analysis will be used to estimate pooled effects estimate and 95% confidence intervals. Statistical heterogeneity will be investigated using the I2 index and τ2 statistics. Preplanned subgroup and sensitivity analyses and random-effects meta-regression analyses will be performed to address possible heterogeneity and establish the robustness of the meta-analytic estimates. The prediction intervals, expected ( E)-value, and evidence certainty will be appraised to synthesize the findings and draw evidence-based conclusions. Conclusion: This systematic review will summarize all available evidence regarding the association between oral health conditions and the risk of major noncommunicable diseases. The findings will encourage collaboration between oral health and primary care professionals for early detection and management of noncommunicable diseases and promote oral health well-being. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO: CRD42021274184.
Evaluating the comprehension and accuracy of ChatGPT's responses to diabetes-related questions in Urdu compared to English
Authors: Faisal Seyreen , Kamran Tafiya Erum , Khalid Rimsha , Haider Zaira , Siddiqui Yusra , Saeed Nadia , Imran Sunaina , Faisal Romaan , Jabeen Misbah 
Published: October 2024

Introduction Patients with diabetes require healthcare and information that are accurate and extensive. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT herald the capacity to provide such exhaustive data. To determine (a) the comprehensiveness of ChatGPT's responses in Urdu to diabetes-related questions and (b) the accuracy of ChatGPT's Urdu responses when compared to its English responses. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. Two reviewers experienced in internal medicine and endocrinology graded 53 Urdu and English responses on diabetes knowledge, lifestyle, and prevention. A senior reviewer resolved discrepancies. Responses were assessed for comprehension and accuracy, then compared to English. Results Among the Urdu responses generated, only two of 53 (3.8%) questions were graded as comprehensive, and five of 53 (9.4%) were graded as correct but inadequate. We found that 25 of 53 (47.2%) questions were graded as mixed with correct and incorrect/outdated data, the most significant proportion of responses being graded as such. When considering the comparison of response scale grading the comparative accuracy of Urdu and English responses, no Urdu response (0.0%) was considered to have more accuracy than English. Most of the Urdu responses were found to have an accuracy less than that of English, an overwhelming majority of 49 of 53 (92.5%) responses. Conclusion We found that although the ability to retrieve such information about diabetes is impressive, it can merely be used as an adjunct instead of a solitary source of information. Further work must be done to optimize Urdu responses in medical contexts to approximate the boundless potential it heralds.
Improvement of corrosion resistance and adhesion of hydroxyapatite coating on AZ31 alloy by an anodizing intermediate layer
Authors: Thi Ngo Anh Tuyet , Do Chi Linh , Hong Pham Hanh , Pham San Thy , Duong Luong Van 
Published: October 2024

Objectives: The primary objective of this study is using an anodizing intermediate layer to improve corrosion resistance and adhesion of hydroxyapatite coated AZ31 alloy for applications in biodegradable implants. Methods: An anodizing intermediate layer was formed on the surface of AZ31 substrate at various anodizing voltage of 10, 20, 30, and 40 V respectively by anodizing process. HAp was grow on the surface of AZ31 substrate at 90°C and pH solution of 7.5 by chemical solution treatment method for 2 h. The coated samples were evaluated their corrosion behavior by Electrochemical measurements and biodegradation behavior by immersion test in Hank’s balanced salts solution (HBSS) for 28 days via amount of Mg2+ ion released. While, their adhesion strength were evaluated by pull-off method. The amount of Mg2+ ions released of the samples was quantified by the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: An anodizing intermediate layer was successfully synthesized at various voltages by anodizing process and HAp coatings were prepared by chemical solution treatment method. The corrosion rate of hydroxyapatite coated AZ31 alloy with an anodizing intermediate layer decreased 4.4 times, while adhesion strength increased about two times compared to the HAp coated AZ31 specimen without an anodizing layer and achieved ~14.70, ~6.92 MPa, respectively. After immersion test in HBSS, the adhesion strength of HAp/AZ31-HBSS-specimen decrease to 45% because of large corroded areas with depth holes of hundreds of micrometers. The slighter decrease in adhesion strength of HAp/30V/AZ31-HBSS-specimen to 22% is due to the contribution of the anodizing intermediate layer. Conclusion: HAp coated AZ31 alloy specimen with the existence of a porous structure with an elliptical shape, uniform and high density of MgO on the surface at anodizing voltage of 30 V resulted in a significant increase in corrosion resistance and the adhesion strength of HAp coatings.
Comparison of Intraosseous Temperature Rise in Different Surgical Guide Systems: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Uçkun Gözde Gökçe , Saygılı Sina , Sülün Tonguç , Çankaya Abdulkadir Burak 
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study proposes to investigate the influence of various surgical guide designs on the generation temperature in the cortical and cancellous regions of the osteotomy site. The working hypothesis was that open guides are more efficacious in controlling excessive heat generation in cortical and cancellous areas. Materials and Methods: Implant osteotomy was performed on specimens simulating D3 bone density using surgical guides produced with three different designs: an open guide, a guide with an external cooling channel, and a closed guide. Temperature increases occurring in the cortical layer from a depth of 2 mm and in the cancellous layer from a depth of 10 mm were measured with type K thermocouples. Results: Temperature averages recorded from a depth of 2 mm during osteotomy show statistically significant differences between groups ( p = .003). The temperature rise in the group using a closed surgical guide was significantly higher than in the groups using an open surgical guide and a surgical guide with an external cooling channel on the cortical layer, while the temperature increase did not show any significant difference in both cortical and cancellous layers between the open guide and guide with external cooling channel. Temperature averages recorded from a depth of 10 mm do not show statistically significant differences between groups ( p = .054). Conclusion: Using open surgical guides or surgical guides with external cooling channels among the guided surgical systems is a more reliable way to keep the thermal increase under control.
Exploring the Link Between Calcaneal Apophysis Maturation and Heel Pain in Youth Baseball Players
Authors: Honma Yuki , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Sakamaki Wataru , Higuchi Akina , Nakamura Emi , Torii Suguru 
Published: October 2024

Background: Calcaneal apophysitis is the most common cause of heel pain in children and adolescents. However, the relationship between skeletal maturity and heel pain in the specific youth cohort is unclear. Purpose: To clarify the relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain in youth baseball players. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 336 youth male baseball players participated in this study. Ultrasound scanning of the calcaneal apophysis was performed along the longitudinal line connecting the middle of the Achilles tendon, the middle of the calcaneus, and the second toe, between the proximal calcaneal edge and the medial calcaneal tubercle. The authors classified the maturity of the calcaneal apophysis into 5 stages, from nonpresence of the apophysis (stage 1) to complete fusion (stage 5). The diagnosis of heel pain was based on subjective report of feeling pain on the squeeze test. The relationship between the maturity stages and physical characteristics was investigated using 1-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the relationship between the maturity stages and heel pain was investigated using the chi-square test. Results: Of the 336 players, 49 had heel pain, for a prevalence of 14.6%. Eighteen (5.4%) players had unilateral heel pain, and 31 (9.2%) players had bilateral heel pain. There were no significant differences in the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis between the players with no heel pain and those with heel pain. However, no players had heel pain during stage 5, when the calcaneus had completed its maturation. Conclusion: The prevalence of heel pain was 14.6% in Japanese youth male baseball players. There was no relationship between the maturity stages of the calcaneal apophysis and heel pain. Heel pain that could be associated with calcaneal apophysitis did not occur during stage 5, when maturation of the calcaneal apophysis was complete.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Structural Allograft in Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients With and Without a Lateral Hinge Fracture
Authors: Hung Yueh-Ting , Lee Kun-Han , Chang Wei-Lin , Tsai Shang-Wen , Chen Cheng-Fong , Wu Po-Kuei , Chen Wei-Ming 
Published: October 2024

Background: A lateral hinge fracture is a common complication in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and is associated with delayed union or nonunion. A comparison of outcomes between patients with or without a lateral hinge fracture after MOWHTO with a structural allograft has not been investigated. Purpose: To validate the outcomes of MOWHTO with a structural allograft, especially in the presence of a lateral hinge fracture. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: We conducted a single-surgeon cohort study at a tertiary referral hospital between April 2017 and August 2022 and included patients who had undergone MOWHTO with a structural allograft for isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis with genu varum. We compared the incidence of delayed union or nonunion events and functional scores between patients with a lateral hinge fracture and those without using the Fisher exact test and independent t test. Results: A total of 88 MOWHTO procedures (77 patients) were analyzed. The overall incidence of lateral hinge fractures was 29.5% (n = 26), including type I (n = 20 [22.7%]) and type II (n = 6 [6.8%]). Notably, 42.3% (n = 11) of these fractures had not been detected intraoperatively but during the follow-up visits. The overall Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Society Score–Function (KSS-F), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were 90.0 ± 10.0, 93.4 ± 10.8, and 93.8 ± 7.1 points, respectively. None of the patients had delayed union or nonunion, and none underwent a reoperation because of bony union problems. The functional scores (KSS, KSS-F, and WOMAC) were not different between patients who had a lateral hinge fracture and those who did not ( P > .05). Conclusion: The routine use of a structural allograft was associated with satisfactory outcomes after MOWHTO, regardless of whether there was a lateral hinge fracture.
Radiographic Tibial Tunnel Assessment After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Hamstring Tendon Autografts and Biocomposite Screws: A Prospective Study With 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Balasingam Sadesh , Karikis Ioannis , Rostgård-Christensen Lars , Ahldén Mattias , Sernert Ninni , Kartus Jüri 
Published: October 2024

Background: Biocomposite screws reportedly provide equivalent graft fixation in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) to metallic screws while simplifying subsequent imaging and surgery. One purported complication of biocomposite screws is paradoxical tunnel widening. Previous studies on beta-tricalcium phosphate screws have only reported outcomes at short- and midterm follow-up. Purpose: To radiographically assess the tibial tunnel 10 years after ACLR using hamstring tendon autografts and biocomposite interference screws in anatomic single-bundle (SB) and double-bundle (DB) methods. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Of the 105 initially recruited patients, 61 (58%) completed all follow-up evaluations for inclusion in this long-term study. A total of 26 patients received anatomic SB ACLR and 35 patients received DB ACLR with biocomposite interference screws containing beta-tricalcium phosphate in the tibia. Weightbearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the index knee were taken in the early postoperative period and at 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively; computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed at 10-year follow-up. Subjective and objective clinical assessments were recorded preoperatively and at 10-year follow-up. Results: The mean follow-up period was 122 months. In 76% of radiographs in the SB group, the width of the tibial tunnel had not increased at 10 years compared with the early postoperative period. The mean tibial tunnel volume on CT in the SB group was 2.04 cm3 (± 0.85 cm3). In the DB group, the posterolateral tunnel width had not increased in 69% of radiographs; the same was found in 63% of radiographs for the anteromedial tunnel at 10-year follow-up. The mean posterolateral tunnel volume on CT was 2.04 cm3 (±1.92 cm3) and the mean anteromedial tunnel volume was 1.38 cm3 (±0.54 cm3). There was no correlation between tunnel widths and KT-1000 arthrometer assessments. There was a moderate but statistically significant correlation between SB tibial tunnel volume on CT imaging and KT-1000 arthrometer anterior 134 N side-to-side difference ( r = 0.45; P = .039). Conclusion: Most patients’ tibial tunnels had not increased on 1 or both radiographic views at 10-year follow-up compared with the early postoperative period after ACLR using biocomposite interference screws, with no obvious negative effect on outcomes. However, the tunnels were still visible in most patients at 10 years on standard radiographs and CT imaging.
Psychological Scars Shouldn’t be Ignored: Addressing Factors Linked to Depression among Individuals with Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Selim Abeer , Musaudi Emad , Rashwan Zohour Ibrahim , Alenezi Maha , Alshalawi Rasha , Nafea Majd , Shaib Alya , Ibrahim Alyaa , Eweida Rasha Salah 
Published: October 2024

Introduction Although bariatric surgeries have been linked to improved mental health, yet, some individuals develop depression. Objectives The present study aimed to assess the levels of depression and examine factors linked to depression among individuals with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional design using a digital online survey was used to collect data. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire among individuals with LSG. Results A total of 344 eligible participants were included in the study. A significant percentage of the participants, almost one-third, were suffering from depression 27% ( n = 94). Moderate to severe depression levels among participants were significantly associated with postoperative complications [odds ratio, OR: 2.92 (95% CI: 1.42–6.01, p = .003)] and having preoperative psychological disorders before LSG [OR: 3.68 (95% CI: 1.88–7.26, p < .001)]. In contrast, lower levels of depression were significantly associated with believing LSG has achieved its goals [OR: 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22–0.97, p = .014)] and recommending LSG to family or friends [OR: 0.15 (95% CI: 0.05–0.44, p = .001)]. Conclusion There is an evident link between depression and experiencing postoperative complications and suffering from psychological disorders before LSG. The findings of the current study would pave the road for the development of psychological strategies designed to break the cyclic pattern of occurrence of depression as well as optimize the success and maintenance of this treatment modality and support recovery for individuals undergoing LSG.
Is Lung Cancer Screening Knowledge Associated with Patient-Centered Outcomes? A Multi-institutional Cohort Study
Authors: Schweiger Liana , Golden Sara E. , Sullivan Donald R. , Ilea Ian , Rice Sean P. M. , Melzer Anne C. , Datta Santanu , Davis James M. , Slatore Christopher G. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services mandate that clinicians use a shared decision-making interaction to provide information about the harms and benefits of lung cancer screening (LCS). Methods. We enrolled patients from 3 geographically diverse medical centers after a decision-making interaction about undergoing LCS but before receiving a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. We performed the primary analysis based on the primary knowledge question, “Which of these conditions do you think that the CT scan screens for?” We used the knowledge summary score in secondary analyses. We evaluated LCS care experience by using validated instruments to measure participant-reported communication quality (Consultation Care Measure), perception of the primary LCS clinician (Consumer Assessment of Health Care Providers and Systems), and decision conflict (Decisional Conflict Scale). Results. Of the 409 participants, 44% correctly answered the primary LCS knowledge question. Clinician communication quality was rated positively by 93% of participants. Most (93%) participants rated their LCS clinician as good. Only 14% reported decision conflict. Correctly answering the primary LCS knowledge question was associated with higher patient-clinician communication quality scores (b = 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.1, 0.7]; R2 change = 0.03) and higher LCS clinician ratings (b = 0.4; 95% CI [0.0, 0.7]; R2 change = 0.02) but not with decision conflict. In secondary analyses, higher total LCS knowledge score was associated with lower Decisional Conflict Scale scores (b = −2.2; 95% CI [−3.4, −0.9]; R2 change = 0.24), indicating lower decision conflict. Conclusions. After an LCS decision-making interaction, many patients do not retain basic knowledge about LCS but nevertheless had low levels of decision conflict. Primary LCS knowledge may be important but insufficient to ensure high-quality, patient-centered LCS care. Highlights Survey of patients with a lung cancer screening (LCS) decision-making interaction. Only 44% of patients correctly answered the knowledge question about LCS. Primary LCS knowledge was not associated with decision conflict. Patient knowledge about LCS may not equate to high-quality patient-centered care.
Risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage by five specific bleeding sites: Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study
Authors: Ariyada Kenichi , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Kihara Tomomi , Muraki Isao , Imano Hironori , Kokubo Yoshihiro , Saito Isao , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Iso Hiroyasu , Tsugane Shoichiro , Sawada Norie ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: October 2024

Background: Evaluating the risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage is indispensable for primary prevention. However, the pathogenesis varies depending on the bleeding site, and few prospective studies have explored risk factors in detail for each site. Participants and methods: The Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study is a prospective study comprising a population-based sample of Japanese adults in 1990 (Cohort I) and in 1993 (Cohort II). A total of 34,137 participants (11,907 men and 22,230 women) were enrolled in this study and followed up until 2009 for Cohort I and until 2012 for Cohort II. The association between risk factors (age, sex, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, body mass index, smoking, and drinking status) and intracerebral hemorrhage by its bleeding site (lobes, putamen, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem) was assessed using Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: During a median 20-year follow-up, 571 intracerebral hemorrhage events occurred. Hypertension was associated with an increased risk of total intracerebral hemorrhage, but not lobar hemorrhage. The multivariable hazard ratio (95% confidence intervals) was 2.09 (1.75–2.50) for total intracerebral hemorrhage. In contrast, a low serum total cholesterol level was associated only with lobar hemorrhage (1.73 (1.01–2.96)). Heavy drinking was associated with the risk of total and putamen hemorrhage, and obesity was associated with the risk of putamen hemorrhage. Discussion and conclusion: The present study identified different risk factors depending on the bleeding site of intracerebral hemorrhage.