bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reasonable Risk Ratio of Palate Surgery: A New Critical Analysis
Authors: Pang Kenny P. , Wei Lim Joon , Pang Kathleen A. , Vicini Claudio , Montevecchi Filippo , Cheong Ryan C.T. , Pang Edward B. , Siow Jin Keat , Huak Chan Yiong , Rotenberg Brian 
Published: September 2024

Objective. A new critical complication risk analysis, the reasonable risk ratio (RRR or R3) for palate surgeries in obstructive sleep apnea patients. Methods. Analysis from published meta-analyses, systematic reviews on success rates, and complications encountered for 3 palate surgeries, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty (ESP), barbed repositioning pharyngoplasty (BRP) and modified uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (mUPPP), over 20 years. The RRR is derived from a ratio of the percentage of each respective complication over the success rate of that particular surgical procedure. The benchmark RRR of tonsillectomy is set at 0.035 to 0.078. An RRR below this benchmark value is more favorable as tonsillectomy is a widely accepted ENT procedure with risks to benefit well accepted. Results. The RRR for foreign body (FB) sensation (BRP) ranged from 0.03 to 0.23 (mean RRR of 0.14), FB sensation (ESP) 0.01, FB sensation (mUPPP) ranged from 0.33 to 0.55 (mean RRR of 0.44). The RRR for swallowing difficulties (BRP) ranged from 0.04 to 0.23 (mean RRR of 0.11), mUPPP, was 0.37; no reported swallowing difficulties with the ESP. The RRR for velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) (BRP) ranged from 0.009 to 0.18 (mean RRR of 0.07), and RRR VPI (mUPPP) was 0.14. The RRR (BRP) for dry throat was 0.06 and the mUPPP was 0.35, with no reported VPI or dry throat for ESP. The overall RRR for the BRP was 0.09, ESP was 0.01 and mUPPP was 0.29. Conclusion. RRR provides a summarized data-driven, statistical guide to aid decision-making, and helps in patient counseling. BRP and ESP have been shown to have less complications compared to mUPPP. Level of evidence: IV.
Astragalus Injection Enhances the Sensitivity of Clinical Cancer Patients to Chemotherapy: A Systematic meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Tingjie , Yan Xiaofeng , Xiu Wenhao , Qin Changtai , Yang Yuxi , Yang Jinzu , Zhu Limin , Wang Xiaoling , Xu Wei , Lu Yanlin 
Published: September 2024

Background Traditional Chinese Medicine Astragalus was commonly used to assist chemo-drug treatment in clinical cancer patients. However, whether Astragalus injection (AGI) reverses drug resistance remains unclear. Therefore, a meta-analysis is necessary to assess the effect of AGI on resistance reversement in cancer patients. Method The studies presenting tumor response rates in cancer patients receiving chemo-drugs treatment in combination with AGI were systematically searched from six common scientific databases until February 2024. The relative risks (RRs) indicating the tumor response rate, 1-year survival rate, and quality of life improvement in clinical patients among two groups were calculated in metan package. The pooled RRs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to explore the effect of AGI on enhancing drug sensitivity in terms of tumor response, 1-year survival rate and quality of life improvement in cancer patients. Result Fifty-one studies were included for meta-analysis following a thorough screening process that adhered to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 4613 patients were enrolled in all included trials. Results obtained indicated that AGI significantly enhanced the sensitivity of cancers to chemo-drugs with pooled RRs (95% CI) of 1.25 (1.18, 1.32), prolonged the 1-year survival rate of patients with pooled RRs (95% CI) of 1.34 (1.14, 1.57), improved the quality of life with pooled RRs (95% CI) of 1.61 (1.34, 1.93). Similarly, Astragalus's main component, astragaloside polysaccharides (APS), also enhances drug sensitivity in clinical cancer patients. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that AGI had the ability to resensitize cancers to chemo-drugs and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. Therefore, AGI could potentially be used as a drug resistance reversal for resistant cancer treatment.
Breaking barriers: Navigating the path to successful scientific research publication among faculty members in Egypt
Authors: Hendy Abdelaziz , Soliman Sahar M , Salman Samira , Reshia Fadia Ahmed Abdelkader , Sayed Salwa , Hendy Ahmed , Al-Mugheed Khalid , Alabdullah Amany Anwar Saeed , Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed Farghaly , Zaher Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Background: In the realm of academia, the publication of scientific research is not merely an act of dissemination; it serves as a pivotal milestone that signifies the culmination of rigorous investigation, critical analysis, and intellectual contribution. Aim: To examine the challenges and barriers encountered by faculty members in the process of publishing their work. Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted from 1 March to 1 May 2022. A convenience sample of 358 faculty members from eight universities in Egypt, representing a diverse range of faculties. These faculties comprised five practical disciplines, namely, Nursing, Medicine, Science, Pharmacy, and Engineering, as well as three theoretical faculties including Al-Alsun (Languages), Arts, and Commerce. The universities involved in the study included Ain Shams, Cairo, Mansoura, Benha, Assiut, 6th of October, British University in Egypt (BUE), among others. Data were collected through an online questionnaire that included staff characteristics and barriers to scientific research and publishing. Hypothesis testing was conducted using appropriate statistical analysis methods (e.g., Chi-square test) to assess the relationships between faculty members’ characteristics and barriers to publishing. Results: The faculty staff in our study reported the highest barriers to publishing scientific research in the domains of the reviewing process (74%), institutional support (67%), and scientific publishing process (60.9%). Conversely, the lowest barriers were found in the domains of frustration after rejection (55.1%), scientific writing barriers (46.1%), and loss of passion and causation of publishing barriers (41.3%). Conclusions: The results highlighted the need for increased support and resources to overcome these barriers and foster a positive culture of research and publishing in Egyptian universities.
Use and appreciation of combined computer- and mobile-based physical activity interventions within adults aged 50 years and older: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Collombon Eline H G M , Bolman Catherine A W , de Bruijn Gert-Jan , Peels Denise A , van der Velden Jessie M C , Lechner Lilian 
Published: September 2024

Objective To investigate whether six combined computer- and mobile-based physical activity interventions differ regarding use, attrition, usability and appreciation among adults aged 50 years and older. Methods The interventions were studied in a randomized controlled trial. Participants were allocated to the computer-based Active Plus or I Move program including a mobile-based activity tracker, or ecological momentary intervention (EMI), or chatbot, or to a waiting list control group. Use and attrition were investigated via log data gathered within the intervention software. Appreciation was assessed via online evaluation questionnaires. ANOVAs and Chi-squares were performed to test for intervention differences on use, attrition and appreciation ( p ≤ .05). Results A total of 954 participants aged 50 years and older with varying health conditions were included. Attrition differed between interventions ( χ2 = 27.121, p < .001) and was the highest in I Move including chatbot (58.4%) and lowest in I Move including activity tracker (33.0%). Appreciation differed between interventions ( p < .001) and was the highest for interventions including activity tracker, followed by interventions including EMI and lowest for interventions including chatbot. Technical issues were primarily faced by EMI- and chatbot-participants. EMI-participants reported mainly that they received no or few text messages. Chatbot-participants reported mainly that the step count application was not working properly. Conclusions The integration of mobile-based activity trackers with computer-based interventions has high potential for increasing use and lowering attrition among adults aged 50 years and older. The process evaluation findings can guide future intervention optimization procedures, other eHealth and mHealth developers and practitioners.
Motivation and Use of Telehealth Among People with Depression in the United States
Authors: Bhuyan Soumitra S. , Kalra Saurabh , Mahmood Asos , Rai Akash , Bordoloi Kahuwa , Basu Urmi , O’Callaghan Elizabeth , Gardner Marilyn 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The global mental health crisis, compounded by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health care solutions. Telehealth services have emerged as a promising technology to address barriers to access mental health services. However, population-based studies examining telehealth utilization among individuals with depression are limited. Methods: Using data from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) of 2022 (n = 4502), we investigated telehealth utilization among individuals diagnosed with depression in the United States. We employed multivariable logistic regression analysis to assess the association, adjusting for demographics, health behaviors, health status, trust in the medical system, and access to transportation. We also studied the factors that motivated the use of telehealth among individuals diagnosed with depression. Results: In the multivariable adjusted logistic regression models, individuals diagnosed with depression (AOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.96-3.42) were significantly more likely to use telehealth services relative to individuals with no depression diagnosis. Other factors associated with increased telehealth use included women (AOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07-1.72), Hispanic ethnicity (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.28-2.48), being married or living with a partner (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05-1.62), frequent healthcare visits (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.71-3.11), health insurance coverage (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.04-3.34), confidence in self-care (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.78), and lack of reliable transportation (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.42). Major motivation factors that influenced telehealth use among individuals with depression primarily included convenience, such as reduced travel times, as well as clinicians’ recommendations. Conclusion: Telehealth is a promising option for accessing mental health care, particularly for those with depression. Further research is needed to understand how well telehealth works and how it can be combined with traditional care, ensuring fair costs and keeping information safe.
Nyakaza-Move-for-Health: A Culturally Tailored Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescents in South Africa Using the Intervention Mapping Protocol
Authors: Zimu Patrick M. , Van Heerden Hendrik J. , Grace Jeanne M. 
Published: September 2024

Background: The Nyakaza-Move-for-Health intervention program was developed in response to the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally, in sub-Saharan Africa and South Africa. The rise in NCDs is attributed to the low levels of participation in physical activity (PA) among adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to design a culturally tailored PA intervention for adolescents, guided by the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol. The intervention program aims to address the multifaceted determinants of physical activity behavior, promote healthy lifestyles and improve adolescent fitness levels. Methods: The Intervention Mapping protocol was applied to design the intervention program. The IM has 6 steps: (1) Needs assessment, (2) developing a logic model of the problem (LMP), (3) Formulating program outcomes and objectives, (4) Program design and production, (5) Generating implementation plan, and (6) Generating intervention evaluation plan. Participants included (n = 48) adolescent learners recruited from 8 (n = 8) participating schools. Adolescent learners participated in focus group discussions (FGD) to identify personal, interpersonal and environmental determinants of physical inactivity. Twenty-six (n = 26) key informant stakeholders participated in a stakeholder engagement workshop (SEW) to determine the motivators and constraints in implementing physical activity interventions. Results: The Nyakaza intervention program’s process development involved extensive stakeholder engagement, capacity development training, and integration of community feedback into the design. The intervention included a social marketing campaign and structured after-school physical activity sessions based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Transtheoretical Model (TTM). Implementation and evaluation plans were created, emphasizing real-time monitoring and adaptations. Strategies to enhance parental and community support were developed to address participation barriers. Although not tested in this study, these plans laid a robust foundation for fostering sustainable behavior change and improving physical activity among adolescents in resource-constrained settings. Conclusion: The Nyakaza-Move-for-Health intervention demonstrates a promising framework for promoting adolescent physical activity and addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in a culturally relevant manner. The systematic approach, grounded in the intervention mapping protocol, ensured a robust and replicable intervention design. Future research should focus on long-term follow-up, integrating objective physical activity measures, and expanding the program to include nutrition education. Addressing identified barriers, such as parental involvement, is crucial for enhancing the intervention’s effectiveness and sustainability.
Brief Intervention to Promote Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being in Community Adults: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sun Yuying , Ho Sai Yin , Chan Christian S. , Wang Man Ping , Wan Alice N. T. , Xu Yudian , Lai Agnes Y. K. , Lam Tai Hing 
Published: September 2024

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a brief community-based intervention to promote physical activity (PA) and the mental well-being of adults in Hong Kong. Methods: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 15 family service centers. The intervention group (N = 162, 8 centers) received two 2-h interventions uniquely combining “Sharing, Mind and Enjoyment (SME),” Zero-time Exercises (ZTEx), positive psychology, and simple family games. “Sharing” involved promoting PA among families and peers, “Mind” captured positive emotions during PA, and “Enjoyment” assessed engagement of PA. ZTEx are simple PAs to reduce sedentary behaviors and enhancing PA and fitness and require minimal time and no cost or equipment. The control group (N = 152, 7 centers) received interventions unrelated to SME. Primary outcomes were PA-related SME at a 3-month follow-up after completing the baseline questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included subjective happiness, well-being, and family-related outcomes. Participants reported self-perceived changes at 1- and 3-month. Nine focus group discussions with the participants and 4 individual in-depth interviews with community service providers were conducted. Results: The retention rate at1 month was 90.1% for the intervention group and 95.4% for the control group, while at 3 months, it was 83.3% and 92.8%, respectively. The intervention group showed significantly greater positive changes in PA-related outcomes than the control group at 3-month follow-up (Cohen’s d = 0.33-0.42, all P < .05). Most secondary outcomes were non-significantly different between the 2 groups. However, more than 90% of participants in the intervention group reported self-perceived positive changes at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. The qualitative data showed that ZTEx was popular with families due to its simplicity. Conclusions: Our trial showed the feasibility of implementing the brief interventions and the potential benefits for promoting physical activity in community adults. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03332810 (date of registration: November 6, 2017).
Biomechanical Study of Three Cannulated Screws Configurations for Femur Neck Fracture: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Cui Zengzhen , Fan Jixing , Cao Yuan , Fu Yuliang , Bai Liangyu , Lv Yang 
Published: September 2024

Background To improve the performance of cannulated screws (CSs) in the treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNF), a number of new screw configurations have been proposed. However, most of the studies have only analyzed the biomechanical performance of different screw configurations under static conditions. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical performance of three cannulated screws configurations under different loadings through finite element analysis. Methods In this FEA study, nine numerical models of proximal femur were employed to analyze the mechanical response of various fracture types and different fixation strategies (three inverted triangular parallel cannulated screws (TCS), four non-parallel cannulated screws (FCS) and biplane double-supported screw fixation (BDSF) respectively). The maximum principal strain (MPS) on the proximal femur and the von Mises stress on the screws were compared for different models. Results In Pauwels I and II fractures, FCS had the lowest peak MPS on the proximal femur and the BDSF had highest peak MPS value. In Pauwels III fractures, BDSF performance in MPS is improved and better than FCS under partial loading conditions. FCS exhibits the lowest von Mises stress in all load conditions for all fracture types, demonstrating minimal risk of screws breakage. Conclusions FCS is an ideal screw configuration for the treatment of FNF. And BDSF has shown potential in the treatment of Pauwels type III FNF.
Current evidence on CA-125 levels in differentiation between endometriomas and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feduniw Stepan , Pruc Michal , Ciebiera Michał , Safiejko Kamil , Bizon Magdalena , Szarpak Lukasz 
Published: September 2024

Background: Although significant advancements have been made in the diagnostic and therapeutic methods of gynecological oncology, ovarian cancer continues to pose a significant challenge. The measurement of CA-125 levels is commonly considered the preferred approach for assessing the necessity of surgical intervention, hence guaranteeing a conclusive diagnosis. The objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of existing literature about the effectiveness of serum CA-125 levels in distinguishing between endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) from ovarian endometrioma. Material and methods: The researchers conducted separate searches in the PubMed and Web of Science databases to identify peer-reviewed papers that examined the serum or plasma CA-125 marker. The search was conducted from the start of both databases until April 4th, 2024. Results: After conducting a literature search, a total of 114 studies were identified for review. Out of these, three studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and were consequently included. The results of the pooled analysis indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between the groups (336.3 ± 667.6 vs 530.6 ± 548.9, respectively; standard deviation = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: −0.63 to 1.64; p = 0.39). Conclusion: Unfortunately, the biomarker CA-125, which is commonly selected, has exhibited restricted effectiveness in distinguishing between EAOC and endometriomas. The existing body of literature on this topic indicates a significant dearth of research regarding the use of CA-125 as a means of differentiating between EAOC and endometriomas. Enhanced diagnostic techniques are necessary for the detection and characterization of ovarian tumors, encompassing those originating from endometriosis.
Ten Likely Changes to Immigration Policy Under Trump 2.0
Authors: Carlson Elizabeth , Wheeler Charles 
Published: September 2024

Executive Summary During his first administration, former President Trump adopted aggressive anti-immigrant policies, which included family separation, a ban on individuals from Muslim-majority countries, stringent border policies like the Remain in Mexico and Title 42, and attempted terminations of programs such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for several national groups. Attorneys and representatives for immigrants had some success in pushing back against the administration’s most extreme measures through litigation and advocacy. Should they return to the White House, Trump and his supporters have promised to enact an even more draconian anti-immigrant agenda, including a commitment to conducting the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, ending birthright citizenship (which is guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment), and revoking humanitarian protections for those already in the United States. Many of these efforts, of course, will be challenged in court. This article summarizes 10 likely immigration initiatives under a second Trump administration. It seeks to educate members of the public who value the crucial role and myriad contributions of immigrants and refugees — past and present — in the United States. It will also outline how advocates can fight to protect their clients from these measures.
Double-Level Torsional Osteotomy in Severe Torsional Malalignment: A Surgical Technique
Authors: Dickschas Jörg , Simon Michael , Harrer Jörg , Feucht Matthias J. , Lutter Christoph , Tischer Thomas 
Published: September 2024

Background: Torsional malalignment of the femur and/or tibia is associated with patellar maltracking, and torsional osteotomies have shown to improve clinical symptoms. In patients with severe torsional malalignment, a double-level torsional osteotomy may be necessary. Indications: Symptomatic torsional malalignment leading to patellofemoral maltracking associated with anterior knee pain and/or patellofemoral instability. Technique Description: A double-level torsional osteotomy correcting both increased internal femoral torsion and increased external tibial torsion, is described. Meticulous preoperative deformity analysis and planning of the osteotomy is mandatory. An arthroscopy of the knee is performed first to evaluate the patellofemoral joint and patellar tracking. Tibial torsional correction is performed by a lateral approach. A biplanar osteotomy is performed, and the amount of torsional correction is controlled by 2 Schanz screws. Osteosynthesis can be done via a bended 5-hole DC-Plate or an angle-stable plate. The femoral osteotomy is performed by a medial approach. A uniplanar osteotomy is performed perpendicular to the mechanical axis of the femur. The amount of torsional correction is controlled by 2 Schanz screws. Osteosynthesis is achieved by an angle-stable plate. Results: Double-level torsional osteotomy has been shown to be an effective treatment for patients with patellar dislocation or subluxation associated with severe torsional malalignment. In a series of 18 patients, double-level osteotomy led to improved patellofemoral stability, decreased pain, and increases subjective outcome scores. Discussion/Conclusion: In patients with patellofemoral problems caused by a combined increased tibial external torsion and increased femoral internal torsion, a double-level torsional osteotomy is able to correct torsional angles to normal. Available clinical data on this procedure are promising. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.