bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for infection with Influenza A, SARS-CoV-2 or respiratory syncytial virus in the season 2023/2024 in a large German primary care centre
Authors: Wiechert Lukas , Fischer Carolina , Jörres Rudolf A. , Engelhardt Sebastian , Alter Peter , Kahnert Kathrin , Budweiser Stephan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In addition to the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infections, those with Influenza A/B and RSV have reappeared in 2022/23. To compare the development of prevalence, clinical outcomes and risk factors, we analysed data of the season 2023/24 from the same region/hospital as for 2022/23.
Methods
Patients covering the whole age range with a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B, RSV were included from the internal, neurological and paediatric units of the RoMed hospital Rosenheim, Germany/Bavaria, from August 1st 2023 to 29th February 2024.
Results
Of 932 patients included, 912 showed single infections with SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A or RSV (47.9% female, median age 68.0 years; 52.9% SARS-CoV-2, 23.2% Influenza A, 21.8% RSV). Co-infections (2.0%) and Influenza B (0.1%) were negligible. In patients of age ≥ 18 years (n = 628, 68.5% SARS-CoV-2, 26.0% Influenza A, 5.6% RSV), patients with Influenza A were younger compared to SARS-CoV-2 (p < 0.001), with RSV similar to SARS-CoV-2. Heart failure and asthma were the most prevalent comorbidities for RSV, immunosuppression for Influenza A. Admission to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) occurred in 111 patients (17.0% of SARS-CoV-2, 17.2% Influenza A, 28.6% RSV), and 59 patients died (8.8% SARS-CoV-2, 8.6% Influenza A, 20.0% RSV). Low-flow oxygen supplementation and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) were most frequent for RSV (68.6% and 20.0%, respectively), oxygen demand upon admission for Influenza A (39.3%), without differences in high-flow oxygen supply or length of hospital stay. Among patients aged < 18 years (n = 284, 21.4% SARS-CoV-2, 18.0% Influenza A, 57.1% RSV), 15 were admitted to ICU (4.8% SARS-CoV-2, 3.8% Influenza A, 6.0% RSV); none of them died. Oxygen supply via high-flow, low-flow or upon admission was highest for RSV (23.8%, 70.2%, 21.4%, respectively), as well as the length of hospital stay.
Conclusion
In the season 2023/24, a large population of patients hospitalized due to respiratory tract infection, showed relative contributions of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A or RSV similar to those in 2022/23. The findings underline that in both, adults and children, RSV posed a relatively higher clinical risk than Influenza A and SARS-CoV-2, though absolute numbers remained highest for SARS-CoV-2.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis; slippage reduction can be a risk factor for adjacent segment disease.
Authors: Saito Sosuke , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi , Sawada Hirokatsu , Matsumoto Koji , Oshima Masashi , Uei Hiroshi , Sato Kentaro , Suzuki Satoshi , Furuya Tomohiro , Miyanaga Yuya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Several risk factors for adjacent segment disease (ASD) after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) have been reported. However, the reducing the slipped vertebra has not been investigated as a risk factor for ASD. The objective of this study is to identify the risk factors for ASD following single-segment PLIF in patients with L4 spondylolisthesis, with a particular focus on the reduction of vertebral body slippage. Fifty-two patients who underwent PLIF at the L4-L5 level for L4 degenerative spondylolisthesis were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups: the ASD group and the non-ASD group. The ASD group consisted of 12 of the 52 patients (23.1%). %Slip before surgery and at follow-up, Δ%Slip (Δ%Slip = %Slip before surgery - %Slip at follow-up), L4-L5 interbody height, and L4-L5 lordosis angle were evaluated. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed Δ%Slip to be a risk factor for ASD (odds ratio: 1.22, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–1.43, p = 0.015). In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cutoff value for Δ%Slip was 7.3% (sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity: 67.5%, area under the curve = 0.725). Our findings suggest that the reduction of L4 slippage may contribute to the development of ASD in patients with L4 spondylolisthesis.
Development of ethyl cellulose and lecithin nanoparticles: Permeability enhancement for berberine topical application
Authors: Luong Anh Quang , Le Thu Uyen , Nguyen Thao Phuong , Tran Hiep Tuan , Tran Bao Ngoc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Berberine chloride (BER), a well-known medicine for treating gastroenteritis, was renovated into topical application by using nanoparticle platform with ethyl cellulose (EC) and lecithin (LEC).
Method: BER was prepared into nanoparticles by solvent evaporation method, the effects of LEC, BER, EC were analyzed by JMP artificial neural network. The structure and permeation mechanism of nanoparticle system were predicted based on effects of inputs on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), encapsulation efficiency. The optimal sample was analyzed with infrared and DSC spectra, TEM images. Obtained nanoparticle system was loaded into (i) ionic Sepimax Zen gel and non—ionic hydroxyethy Cellulose (HEC) gel for drug permeation study (in-vitro and ex-vivo).
Results: The average particle size of obtained nanoparticles were less than 200 nm with a negative Zeta potential. Data analysis showed that while EC proportions affected Z (nm) values, it did not have a significant impact on EE (%). Based on results from IR, DSC, and TEM analysis, the structure of nanoparticles was illustrated with EC as the core structure, whereas BER or LEC are more water-soluble compounds that are more dynamic in the nanosuspension. Despite a low EE %, the ex-vivo data confirmed that nanoparticle-gel provided a better permeation for BER than raw-suspension gel. In addition, two distinct gelling types pre-neutralized Sepimax ZEN and hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC) were proposed. While Sepimax exhibited a higher drug retention and HEC gel offered better permeability.
Conclusion: This BER-EC-LEC nanoparticle provided an interesting platform for topical application.
Willingness to pay for rabies vaccination services and associated factors among communities in Geita District, Tanzania
Authors: George Janeth , Mbunde Mourice , Kimaro Loveness , Sam Given , Chachage Mkunde , Mohamed Hussein , Kakoko Deodatus , Killewo Japhet 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Rabies remains a significant public health and economic problem in Tanzania, causing a high economic burden due to medical costs and productive lives lost due to premature deaths. Despite all the effort put into rabies vaccination campaigns, there are still new cases all the time, and vaccination coverage is still low. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the willingness to pay for rabies vaccination services and associated factors among communities in Geita district, Tanzania.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 respondents in Geita district from August to September 2023. The study deployed a willingness-to-pay (WTP) technique using a bidding game to elicit the maximum values respondents were willing to pay for rabies dog vaccination and human post-exposure prophylaxis. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect all the necessary data. Linear regression models were used to evaluate the WTP and associated factors.
Results: The results suggest that people are willing to pay slightly more for dog vaccination services ($0.3 above the prevailing price) compared to human post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), in which the average WTP is the same as the prevailing price. 62% of the respondents were willing to pay above the prevailing price ($1.2) for dog vaccines compared to 32% for PEP ($20). In dog vaccination and human PEP services, men are more willing to pay than women.
Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of economic consideration in rabies vaccination decisions. In addition to awareness, availability, and access to vaccines, it is crucial to consider socioeconomic factors and financial values individuals place on the welfare of animals.
Trial registration: Not Applicable
Microbiology, Antibiotic Resistance, and Risk Factors Associated with Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy.
Authors: Lagos-Beitz Horst Emanuel , Martínez-Delgado Guillermo H , González-Sosa Wolfgang , Trujillo-Martínez Guillermo , Escalante-Armenta Rodrigo , Tena-González-Méndez Gerardo , Castillejos-Molina Ricardo Alonso , Feria-Bernal Guillermo , Garza-Gangemi Adrian Mauricio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a potentially fatal complication in men undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). Antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated for every patient and recommendations are vastly empiric or based on older epidemiological data. Adequate antibiotic stewardship tailored to local data is essential to reduce the incidence of MDR bacteria. The aim of this study is to investigate the microbiology in our population and to identify risk factors associated with infectious complications after prostate biopsy.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 531 patients undergoing a TRPB biopsy at a tertiary care center in Mexico City between 2017-2023 was performed. Baseline characteristics, clinica and microbiological data were compared between patients with and without protoperative UTIs. Biniary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for infectious compliations.
Results: Of the 531 patients, 44 (8.3%) developed UTIs, with 9 (1.7%) requiring hospitalization due to sepsis. Significant risk factors included Diabetes Mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, and previous abdominal radiotherapy. DM was the only independent risk factor (OR 2.82, CI 95% 1.48-5.39). E. coli was the most common isolate (85.7%), with high antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions: Postoperative UTIs were observed in 8.3% of patients, with DM being the sole independent risk factor. High antibiotic resistance rates in E. coli isolates suggest a need for alternative prophylactic strategies.
Triorchidism: A Case Report
Authors: Nazir Fatima , Khawaja Muhammad Athar , Nazir Farhan , Naeem Wahaj , Iqbal Laiba , Javed Tariq 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background :
A very uncommon congenital anomaly of the genitourinary tract called polyorchidism is characterized by more than two testicles. Triorchidism, which has three testes, is the most prevalent form of polyorchidism. Triorchidism is most often asymptomatic and is found incidentally. An affordable diagnostic tool is an ultrasound.
Case presentation:
In our case, a patient presented with an extra testicle on the left side of the scrotum with its own separate epididymis and vas deference, which represents type 4 polyorchidism based on Leung's classification, and an ultrasound of the scrotum was used for diagnosis. The patient was conservatively managed and was advised of regular follow-up.
Conclusion:Polyorchidism should be taken into consideration when evaluating any mass in the scrotum or inguinal region. Ultrasound is a diagnostic tool for polyorchidism, as most of the time it is asymptomatic. The management of polyorchidism is still debatable. If there is any suspicion of neoplastic transformation, it should be resected. However, if there is any suspicion of neoplastic transformation, it should be resected.
Effect of therapeutic plasma exchange on tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor in septic shock
Authors: Stahl Klaus , Lehner Georg F , Wendel-Garcia Pedro David , Seeliger Benjamin , Pape Thorben , Schmidt Bernhard MW , Schenk Heiko , Schmitt Julius , Sauer Andrea , Wild Lennart , Peukert Konrad , Putensen Christian , Bode Christian , Joannidis Michael , David Sascha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:Coagulopathy is part of the pathological host response to infection in sepsis. Higher plasma concentrations of both tissue factor (TF) and tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) are associated with occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), multi-organ dysfunction and increased mortality in patients with sepsis. Currently no treatment approaches specifically targeting this axis are available. We hypothesize that therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) might limit this coagulopathy by restoring the balance of plasma proteins.
Methods: Fifty-one patients with early (shock onset < 24 hrs) and severe (norepinephrine dose > 0.4 mg/kg/min) septic shock were either receiving standard of care treatment (SOC, n=14) or SOC + one single TPE (n=37). Plasma concentrations of TF and TFPI were measured both at- and 6 hrs after study inclusion. The effect of TPE on concentrations of TF and TFPI was investigated and compared to SOC patients. Further, baseline TF and TFPI concentrations were used to modulate and predict clinical response to adjunctive TPE, indicated by longitudinal reduction of lactate concentrations over the first 24 hours following study inclusion.
Results: TPE led to a significant reduction in circulating concentrations of both TF and TFPI while no difference was observed in the SOC group. Relative change of TF within 6 hrs was +14 (-0.8 to +30.4) % (p=0.089) in the SOC and -18.3 (-32.6 to -2.2) % (p<0.001) in the TPE group (between group p<0.001). Similarly, relative change of TFPI was +14.4 (-2.3 to +30.9) % (p=0.076) in the SOC and -20 (-32.8 to -7.9) % (p<0.001) in the TPE group (between group p=0.022). The ratio of TF to TFPI remained unchanged in both SOC and TPE groups. SOC patients exhibited an increase in lactate over the initial 24 hrs when TF and TFPI concentrations were higher at baseline. In contrast, patients undergoing TPE experienced a sustained longitudinal reduction of lactate concentrations across all levels of baseline TF and TFPI elevations. In a multivariate mixed-effects model, higher baseline TF (p=0.003) and TFPI (p=0.053) levels led to greater longitudinal lactate concentration reduction effects in the TPE group.
Conclusions: Adjunctive TPE in septic shock is associated with a significant removal of both TF and TFPI, which may contribute to the early hemodynamic improvement observed in septic shock patients receiving TPE. Higher baseline TF (and TFPI) plasma concentrations were identified as a putative predictor of treatment response that could be useful for predictive enrichment strategies in future clinical trials.
Silibinin Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Cell Migration by Targeting the Transforming growth factor-β Signaling Pathway in Osteosarcoma Cells
Authors: S Nancy sheela , G Gnanamathy , R Jeevitha , P Elumalai , M Sridevi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and teenagers, followed by lymphomas and brain tumors. Silibinin, a flavonolignan mix from milk thistle, has anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. It induces apoptosis in MG-63 cells.; Silibinin treatment of MG-63 cells resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability; for the MG-63 cell line, the growth-dependent rate peaked at 40μM/ml and 60μM/ml. Although studies involving Silibinin in various cancers were reported, the anticancer activity of Silibinin in human osteosarcoma has not been reported. Utilising MTT assay, morphological studies, and mode of cell death. Acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EtBr) dual labeling at the ideal dosage is followed by morphological examinations and a fluorescence microscopy examination of the labeled cells to identify apoptotic alterations and the mode of cell death. Utilising LDH assay, Scratch wound healing assay, and molecular docking. Silibinin promotes apoptosis in MG-63 cell lines and may be a target for treatment in people with osteosarcoma and it may also have a role in the development of osteosarcoma. At 60μM/ml of Silibinin concentration, the prevention of cell division and cell cycle arrest in MG-63 cells was examined. In the MG-63 cells, the impact of Silibinin on the apoptotic genes p53, Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-3 was assessed. Silibinin promotes apoptosis in MG-63 cell lines and may be a target for treatment in people with osteosarcoma and it may also have a role in the development of osteosarcoma.
Intra-individual comparison of long-term outcomes between combined and indirect bypass surgery in adult moyamoya disease
Authors: Chung Yuwhan , Kim Jeong Eun , Kang Hyun-Seung , Kim Tae Young , Paeng Jin Chul , Cho Won-Sang , Lee Sung Ho , Ha Eun Jin , Kim Kangmin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
Bypass surgery is regarded as the standard treatment option for symptomatic and hemodynamically unstable moyamoya disease (MMD), but controversy exists regarding which type of bypass surgery is most effective. We aimed to analyze the long-term outcomes of combined and indirect bypasses for MMD patients through intra-individual comparisons.
METHODS
Of the 896 patients who underwent 1084 bypass surgeries between 2007 and 2021, 24 patients with MMD who underwent combined bypass on one side and indirect bypass on the other side were ultimately enrolled in this study. Clinical, angiographic and hemodynamic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.
RESULTS
Three asymptomatic strokes (12.5%) occurred within 30 postoperative days in each group. Postoperative strokes after 30 days occurred in 3 patients (12.5%) with 3 hemorrhagic events and 1 cerebral infarction, only in indirect bypass, while no stroke occurred in hemispheres treated with combined bypass. The revascularization area relative to supratentorial area was significantly greater in combined bypass than in indirect bypass, both in short-term and long-term periods (64.9% versus 43.9% in short-term and 75.7% versus 54.9% in long-term; P < 0.001, respectively). Hemodynamic outcomes showed significantly greater increases in acetazolamide-challenged cerebral blood flow (CBFacz) during short-term follow-up (P = .04) and in both basal CBF (CBFbas) and CBFacz during long-term follow-up (P = .014 and P = .009, respectively) in combined bypass than in indirect bypass.
CONCLUSION
Combined bypass may be a more effective treatment option for MMD based on its higher revascularization area and favorable hemodynamic results compared to indirect bypass in the same patient.
How much does it cost to retain antiretroviral therapy (ART) clients in their first year? Routine financial costs of retention interventions at Lighthouse Trustin Lilongwe, Malawi
Authors: Weldemariam Hiwot , Thawani Agness , Kiruthu-Kamamia Christine , Huwa Jacqueline , Chipanda Mirriam , Tweya Hannock , Feldacker Caryl 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves the health of people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, a high loss to follow-up, particularly in the first year after ART initiation, is problematic. The financial expenses related to client retention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa are not well understood. This study aimed to comprehensively assess and quantify the financial costs associated with routine ART retention services for clients in their first 12 months in care at Lighthouse Trust’s (LT) Martin Preuss Centre (MPC), a large, public ART clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.
Methods
We performed activity-based microcosting using routine data to assess the expenses related to routine ART retention services at the MPC for 12 months, from January to December 2021. MPC provides an “ART Buddy” from ART initiation to 12 months. The MPC’s Back-to-Care (B2C) program traces clients who miss ART visits by at least 14 days. Clients may be traced and return to care multiple times per year. We assessed client retention costs for the first 12 months of treatment with ART and conducted a sensitivity analysis.
Results
The total annual cost of ART retention interventions at MPC was $237,564. The proactive Buddy phase incurred $108,504; personnel costs contributed $97,764. In the reactive B2C phase, the total cost was $129,060, with personnel expenses remaining substantial at $73,778. The Buddy unit cost was $34 per client. The reactive B2C intervention was $17 per tracing event. On average, the unit cost for ART retention in the first year of ART averaged $22 per client.
Conclusion
This study sheds light on the financial dimensions of ART retention during the first year on ART among clients in a routine public setting. ART retention is both costly and critical for helping clients adhere to visits and remain in care. Continued investment in the human resources needed for both proactive and reactive retention efforts is critical to engaging and retaining patients on lifetime ART.
The Effect of an Educational and Supportive Intervention on Health Performance, Self-Efficacy and Maternal/Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Adolescents with presence of close relative as a continuous companion support: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Authors: Nourimand firoozeh , Salehin Shahrbanoo , Mirrezaie Seyed Mohammad , Keramat Afsaneh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Early motherhood (EM) has been identified as a major challenge for women's health in most developing countries and is associated with adverse outcomes in babies and mothers.
This study will examine the effect of educational and supportive intervention in pregnant teenagers and close relative as a Continuous Companion Support (CCS) on health performance, self-efficacy and maternal/neonatal outcomes.
Methods: The present protocol is introduced a parallel randomized clinical trial study with 136 adolescences pregnant woman under 19 years who will be randomly assigned to 2 groups (intervention and control group). Participants will be recruited from Comprehensive Health Service Centers (CHSCs) in Fasa city. The intervention group will receive six weekly sessions of educational and supportive courses.
Primary and secondary outcomes will be the assessed through the questionnaires (Self-Efficacy and Health Performance) and the maternal/neonatal outcomes, respectively. To follow the participants, we will evaluate the teenage pregnant by the follow up checklist to collect the data including participating in Educational/supportive courses, receiving complete routine care from CHSCs and presence of close relative as a CCS during pregnancy/labor, high-risk pregnancy symptoms, Apgar at first and 5Th minute, type of delivery, delivery complications. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software version 18. The level of significance in all tests have two-sided and 5%.
Discussion: The results of the present research could determine the appropriate method to increase Health Performance and self-efficacy in pregnant teenagers. It is obvious that the presence of close relative as a CCS improves the quality care of the teenage pregnant to reduces the Maternal/Neonatal complications and the costs borne by the pregnant teenagers and their families.
Trial registration: IRCT20230816059157N1 at 2023.08.28, prospectively registered.