bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term efmoroctocog alfa prophylaxis improves perceived pain, mental, and physical health in patients with hemophilia A: post hoc analysis of phase III trials using patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Raheja Priyanka , Kragh Nana , Bystrická Linda , Eriksson Daniel , Aroui Khaoula , Mezghani Marwa , Barbier Sylvaine , Linari Silvia 
Published: July 2024

Background: Hemophilia-associated bleeding and resultant joint pain and mobility restrictions can predispose patients to poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Therefore, efficacy of a treatment needs to address more than just annualized bleed rates. Objectives: Describe the evolution of HRQoL, pain, and activity in patients with hemophilia A, treated with efmoroctocog alfa prophylaxis. Design: A post hoc analysis from Kids A-LONG (NCT01458106), A-LONG (NCT01181128), and long-term extension study ASPIRE (NCT01454739) assessed change in pain and activity-related patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: Physical health, pain, and HRQoL were assessed by PROs for a cumulative treatment duration of up to ~6 years. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in EuroQoL (EQ)-5D and Haemophilia Quality of Life Questionnaire (Haem-A-QoL). Results: 118 adult/adolescents and 71 pediatric patients were included. The proportion of adults and adolescents reporting no problem in the EQ-5D analysis of ‘ pain/discomfort’ significantly increased from A-LONG baseline (35.04%; 41/117) to ASPIRE month 30 (44.68%; 21/47; p = 0.024). Mean (standard deviation) Haem-A-QoL subdomain scores for ‘ feeling’ and ‘ physical health’ at A-LONG baseline improved by −3.24 (15.13; p = 0.018) and −3.85 (23.07; p = 0.047), respectively, at study end. Proportion of pediatric patients reporting no problem on the EQ-5D analysis of ‘ pain/discomfort’, significantly increased from A-LONG baseline (75.0%; 42/56) to ASPIRE baseline (95.56%; 43/45; p = 0.046). Satisfaction levels for pediatric patients were high at A-LONG baseline and maintained until study end. Conclusion: Long-term efmoroctocog alfa prophylaxis reduces pain and improves HRQoL in adult and adolescent patients with hemophilia A. In pediatric patients, it reduces perceived pain and maintains satisfaction levels. Trial registration: NCT01458106, NCT01181128, NCT01454739.
Vonoprazan-associated Clostridioides difficile infection: an analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Ouyang Mengling , Zou Shupeng , Cheng Qian , Shi Xuan , Zhao Yazheng , Sun Minghui 
Published: July 2024

Background: Prolonged or excessive use of acid suppressants may increase the risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) by altering the intestinal microecosystem. Vonoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, exhibits a faster and more sustained acid-suppressive effect than proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Therefore, vonoprazan may have a greater impact on the gut microbiota, potentially resulting in CDI. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between acid suppressants and CDI by the Japan Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) and the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) databases. Design: A retrospective analysis of the JADER and FAERS databases was examined by disproportionality analysis. Methods: We performed signal detection analyses of CDI induced by vonoprazan and PPIs using the JADER and FAERS databases. The association between acid suppressants and CDI was calculated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). When the lower limit of the 95% CI is exceeded by 1, the association is considered statistically significant. Results: In the JADER database, the ROR (95% CI) for vonoprazan and PPIs based on suspect drug reports was 15.84 (12.23–20.50) and 2.51 (1.92–3.28), respectively. In the FAERS database, the ROR (95% CI) for vonoprazan and PPIs based on primary and secondary suspect drug reports was 11.50 (6.36–20.82) and 1.42 (1.34–1.51), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that elderly patients aged 60 years and older were more strongly associated with CDI. The ROR (95% CI) for vonoprazan and PPIs in patients aged 60 years and older in the JADER database was 15.35 (11.59–20.33) and 1.65 (1.14–2.39), respectively. Similarly, the ROR (95% CI) for vonoprazan and PPIs in the FAERS database was 12.56 (6.26–25.20) and 1.43 (1.31–1.57), respectively. Excluding the effect of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) infection, the use of acid suppressants was still associated with CDI. Conclusion: While signal detection analysis based on the JADER and FAERS databases could not establish causality, our study demonstrated that both vonoprazan and PPIs were significantly associated with CDI. Vonoprazan showed a stronger association with CDI in both databases.
Exploring the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbians and bisexual women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A quantitative enquiry
Authors: Khozah Methembe Yotamu , Nunu Wilfred Njabulo 
Published: July 2024

Background: Sexual and reproductive healthcare is essential for all individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals. However, lesbians and bisexual women often lack tailored services, leading to underutilization. This study aimed to assess the availability and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbian and bisexual Bulawayo women. Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 67 lesbian and bisexual women recruited through the Voice of the Voiceless Organization. The participants completed a structured questionnaire on available services, factors influencing their uptake, and access challenges. Cross-tabulation was used to examine the associations between variables. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA Version 15 S.E. Results: Most respondents were bisexual women aged 35 years. Cross-tabulations revealed significant associations between delayed or avoided services and the absence of specific services for lesbians and bisexual women as well as the presence of gender identity nondiscrimination policies. Conclusion: Sexual and reproductive health programs play a vital role in meeting lesbian and bisexual women’s needs. Improving service uptake requires strengthening the linkages between clinics and sexual health education programs, providing lesbian and bisexual women-friendly clinical services, and ensuring access to comprehensive information.
The Difference Between Throwing and Practice Volumes in Youth Softball Athletes With and Without Upper Extremity Pain
Authors: Bordelon Nicole M. , Gober Peyton , Holtz Kaila A. , Plummer Hillary , Downs-Talmage Jessica L. , Strunk Kamden K. , Zaremski Jason L. , Oliver Gretchen D. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Research indicates that mechanics differ between athletes with and without upper extremity pain; however, it is unclear which modifiable risk factors exist for throwing-related pain in softball athletes. Purpose: To determine whether sport specialization, throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning training volumes vary between youth softball athletes with and without upper extremity pain. It was hypothesized that youth softball athletes with upper extremity pain would participate in softball year-round and have greater throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning volumes compared with those without pain. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 232 youth softball athletes from travel ball, middle school, and high school leagues were invited to complete a survey to assess pain, sport specialization, throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning training volumes. Participants were classified into upper extremity pain and no pain groups based on their survey answers. The responses were compared between groups using Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests. Results: A total of 101 athletes—with a mean ± SD age of 13.3 ± 2.3 years, height of 161 ± 13.4 cm, and weight of 59.8 ± 14.8 kg—completed the survey and were included for analysis. The response rate was 43.53%, with 22 athletes in the upper extremity pain group and 79 athletes in the no pain group. A significant difference was observed between hours devoted per week to off-season softball practice ( U, 626.6; Z =–2; P = .045), where those without upper extremity pain spent 4 fewer median hours (6 hours) practicing softball per week in the off-season compared with those with pain (10 hours). Also, a significant difference was found between the number of throws during an in-season game ( U, 457; Z, –2.28; P = .022), where those without upper extremity pain reported 21 fewer median throws (70 throws) during an in-season game compared with those with pain (91 throws). Furthermore, 77% of those who reported upper extremity pain continued to play despite their pain. There were no other significant differences between demographic characteristics, specialization, injury history, and primary position, as well as throwing, practice, and strength and conditioning volumes. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that youth softball athletes with upper extremity pain had more throws during in-season games and increased hours per week devoted to off-season practice than athletes without upper extremity pain. Our findings support the need for softball stakeholders (eg, coaches, clinicians, parents, and administrators) to engage in further research and recommendations regarding in-season pitch counts and off-season rest.
Is NEWS of value for patients with acute stroke?
Authors: van Valburg Mariëlle K , Vernooij Lisette M , Kalkman Cornelis J , van der Worp H Bart 
Published: July 2024

Background: Patients with acute stroke are at risk of respiratory or circulatory compromise resulting in vital instability, which can be captured through the widely used aggregated National Early Warning Score (NEWS). We aimed to assess the relation between vital instability (defined as NEWS of five or higher) and death or dependency at 90 days after stroke. Methods: In this observational cohort study we studied 763 patients with ischaemic stroke ( n = 400), intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) ( n = 146) or subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) ( n = 217), hospitalized to a Dutch tertiary referral hospital from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018. We calculated NEWS for each 8 h time span during the first 72 h after hospitalization. We also decomposed NEWS into its three components respiration, circulation and consciousness. The primary outcome was death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale score ⩾3) at 90 days after stroke. The association of vital instability with functional dependency was examined using Poisson regression. Results: Two hundred and twenty-seven (58%) patients with ischaemic stroke, 101 (69%) with ICH and 142 (65%) with SAH had at least one episode of vital instability. In patients with ischaemic stroke or SAH, vital instability was associated after adjustment for confounders with death or dependency (adjusted relative risk 1.55 ((95% CI) 1.25–1.93 and 2.13 (1.35–3.36), respectively)). This was mainly driven by impaired consciousness, which was associated with death or dependency in all types of stroke. Respiratory insufficiency and circulatory instability were associated with death or dependency only in SAH. Conclusion: Vital instability in the first 72 h of hospitalization for ischaemic stroke or SAH is associated with death or dependency at 90 days. Impaired consciousness was the main driver of this relationship. NEWS may not be appropriate for patients with acute stroke, mainly due to the dichotomous manner in which the level of consciousness is classified, and modification of NEWS should be considered for these patients
Surgical Management of Achilles Tendon Ruptures in the United States 2006-2020, an ABOS Part II Oral Examination Case List Database Study
Authors: Brodeur Peter G. , Salameh Motasem , Boulos Alexandre , Blankenhorn Brad D. , Hsu Raymond Y. 
Published: July 2024

Background: In correlation with a growing body of evidence regarding nonoperative management for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), studies from Europe and Canada have displayed a decreasing incidence in surgical management, which has not been noted in the United States. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the US trend in ATR repair volume. Methods: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part II Oral Examination Case List Database was used. All cases using Current Procedural Terminology codes for primary ATR repair were requested from the years 2006-2020. Total submitted Achilles repair volume, the number of candidates submitting an Achilles repair case, and the overall submitted case volume per examination year was analyzed. Poisson and linear regressions were used to determine statistically significant trends. Results: The total number of Achilles repair cases submitted for the ABOS Part II Oral Examination significantly increased from 2006 to 2011 and then decreased until 2020. Taking Achilles repair cases as a proportion of total orthopaedic cases submitted, the same trend was seen. The number of candidates submitting an Achilles repair case increased from 2006 to 2009 and then decreased until 2020. Foot and Ankle fellowship-trained candidates submitted an increasing number of ATR repair cases per candidate during the time period studied. Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate a decline in the volume of ATR repair in the United States. The decline in ATR repair volume seen in the ABOS Part II Case Lists does not match previously published US surgeon practice patterns but is not necessarily generalizable to beyond this period. Although the overall ATR repair volume in the ABOS Part II Case Lists is decreasing, we found Foot and Ankle fellowship-trained surgeons are operating on an increasing number of ATRs during their board collection period. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Comparison of Minimally Invasive Chevron Akin and Open Lapidus Surgery in Older Patients at a Minimum 1-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Boden Allison L. , DiGiovanni Grace M. , Masry Seif El , Ellis Scott J. , Johnson A. Holly , Conti Matthew S. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Hallux valgus deformity affects more than 35% of people aged ≥65 years. Surgical correction in this population can be more complicated because of poor bone quality, worse deformity, and postoperative recovery challenges. The purpose of this study was to compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients aged ≥65 years who underwent either open Lapidus or minimally invasive chevron Akin osteotomy for bunion correction. Methods: A retrospective review identified 62 patients aged ≥65 years who were treated surgically for hallux valgus with at least 1-year postoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores (physical function and pain interference). Preoperative and at least 6-month postoperative radiographs were measured for the hallux valgus angle and intermetatarsal angle. PROMIS scores were obtained preoperatively and at 1 and/or 2 years postoperatively. Differences in demographic, clinical, and radiographic outcomes were assessed using the Mann Whitney U test and P values were adjusted for a false discovery rate of 5%. Results: There was no difference between the MIS and open cohorts in pre- or postoperative radiographic measurements or clinical outcomes at any time point. At 1 year postoperatively, both groups had statistically significant improvements in the PROMIS pain interference domain but only the MIS group had a statistically significant improvement in the PROMIS physical function domain. Clinical significance was equivocal. At 2 years postoperatively, there were clinically and statistically significant improvements in the PROMIS pain interference and physical function domains for the open and MIS groups. Conclusion: Patients in both surgical groups had improvement in radiographic measurements and 2-year PROMIS scores, although there was no clinical or statistical difference found between groups. MIS and open surgical techniques appear to be safe and effective in correcting hallux valgus in older patients; however, patients may need to be counseled that maximum improvement after surgery may take more than 1 year. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Electrophysiological differences of randomized deep sedation with dexmedetomidine versus propofol
Authors: Servatius Helge , Kueffer Thomas , Erdoes Gabor , Seiler Jens , Tanner Hildegard , Noti Fabian , Haeberlin Andreas , Madaffari Antonio , Branca Mattia , Dütschler Sophie , Theiler Lorenz , Reichlin Tobias , Roten Laurent 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Dexmedetomidine and propofol are common sedatives in intensive care units and for interventional procedures. Both may compromise sinus node function and atrioventricular conduction.
The objective of this prospective, randomized study is to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine with propofol on sinus node function and atrioventricular conduction.

Methods
In a tertiary care center in Switzerland we included from September 2019 to October 2020 160 patients (65 ± 11 years old; 32% female) undergoing first ablation for atrial fibrillation by cryoballoon ablation or by radiofrequency ablation.
Patients were randomly assigned to deep sedation with dexmedetomidine (DEX group) versus propofol (PRO group). A standard electrophysiological study was performed after pulmonary vein isolation with the patients still deeply sedated and hemodynamically stable.

Results
Eighty patients each were randomized to the DEX and PRO group. DEX group patients had higher baseline sinus cycle length (1022 vs. 1138 ms; p = 0.003) and longer sinus node recovery time (SNRT400; 1597 vs. 1412 ms; p = 0.042). However, both corrected SNRT and normalized SNRT did not differ. DEX group patients had longer PR interval (207 vs. 186 ms; p = 0.002) and AH interval (111 vs. 95 ms, p = 0.008), longer Wenckebach cycle length of the atrioventricular node (512 vs. 456 ms; p = 0.005), and longer atrioventricular node effective refractory period (390 vs. 344 ms; p = 0.009). QRS width and HV interval were not different. An arrhythmia, mainly atrial fibrillation, was induced in 33 patients during the electrophysiological study, without differences among groups (20% vs. 15%, p = 0.533).

Conclusions
Dexmedetomidine has a more pronounced slowing effect on sinus rate and suprahissian AV conduction than propofol, but not on infrahissian AV conduction and ventricular repolarization. These differences need to be taken into account when using these sedatives.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03844841, 19/02/2019
High prevalence of late presentation with advanced HIV disease and its predictors among newly diagnosed patients in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Sakyi Samuel Asamoah , Kwarteng Samuel , Senu Ebenezer , Effah Alfred , Opoku Stephen , Oppong Success Acheampomaa , Yeboah Kingsley Takyi , Abutiate Solomon , Lamptey Augustina , Arafat Mohammed , Afari-Gyan Festus Nana , Agordzo Samuel Kekeli , Mensah Oscar Simon Olympio , Owusu Emmauel , Buckman Tonnies Abeku , Amoani Benjamin , Enimil Anthony Kwame 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Late presentation with advanced HIV disease (LP-AHD) remains a significant challenge to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Despite global efforts to enhance early diagnosis, a considerable proportion of individuals with HIV infection are unaware of being infected and therefore present late for HIV care. For the first time in Ghana, this study assessed the prevalence of LP-AHD and associated factors among people diagnosed with HIV (PDWH).

Method
This bi-center retrospective cross-sectional study included 315 PDWH at the Aniniwah Medical Centre and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, both in Kumasi, Ghana. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle and psychosocial factors from the study participants. Statistical analyses were done in SPSS version 26.0 and GraphPad Prism version 8.0 at significant p-value of < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Predictors of LP-AHD were assessed using binary logistic regression models.

Results
This study observed that, 90 out of the 315 study PDWH (28.6%) reported late with advanced HIV disease (AHD). Participants within the age group of 36–45 years (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14–0.69; p = 0.004) showed a significantly decreased likelihood of LP-AHD. However, participants who perceived cost of HIV care to be high (aOR: 7.04, 95% CI: 1.31–37.91; p = 0.023), who were diagnosed based on clinical suspicion (aOR: 13.86, 95 CI: 1.83–104.80; p = 0.011), and missed opportunities for early diagnosis by clinicians (aOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.30–4.74; p = 0.006) were significantly associated with increased likelihood of LP-AHD.

Conclusion
The prevalence of LP-AHD among PDWH in Ghana is high. Efforts to improve early initiation of HIV/AIDS care should focus on factors such as the high perceived costs of HIV care, diagnosis based on clinical suspicion, and missed opportunities for early diagnosis by physicians.
Hemoadsorption therapy for myoglobin removal in rhabdomyolysis: consensus of the hemoadsorption in rhabdomyolysis task force
Authors: Forni Lui , Aucella Filippo , Bottari Gabriella , Büttner Stefan , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Fries Dietmar , Kielstein Jan , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Krenn Claus , Kribben Andreas , Meiser Andreas , Mitzner Steffen , Ostermann Marlies , Premuzic Vedran , Rolfes Caroline , Scharf Christina , Schunk Stefan , Molnar Zsolt , Zarbock Alexander 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Rhabdomyolysis describes a syndrome characterized by muscle necrosis and the subsequent release of creatine kinase and myoglobin into the circulation. Myoglobin elimination with extracorporeal hemoadsorption has been shown to effectively remove myoglobin from the circulation. Our aim was to provide best practice consensus statements developed by the Hemoadsorption in Rhabdomyolysis Task Force (HRTF) regarding the use of hemadsorption for myoglobin elimination.

Methods
A systematic literature search was performed until 11th of January 2023, after which the Rhabdomyolysis RTF was assembled comprising international experts from 6 European countries. Online conferences were held between 18th April − 4th September 2023, during which 37 consensus questions were formulated and using the Delphi process, HRTF members voted online on an anonymised platform. In cases of 75 to 90% agreement a second round of voting was performed.

Results
Using the Delphi process on the 37 questions, strong consensus (> 90% agreement) was achieved in 12, consensus (75 to 90% agreement) in 10, majority (50 to 74%) agreement in 13 and no consensus (< 50% agreement) in 2 cases. The HRTF formulated the following recommendations: (1) Myoglobin contributes to the development of acute kidney injury; (2) Patients with myoglobin levels of > 10,000 ng/ml should be considered for extracorporeal myoglobin removal by hemoadsorption; (3) Hemoadsorption should ideally be started within 24 h of admission; (4) If myoglobin cannot be measured then hemoadsorption may be indicated based on clinical picture and creatinine kinase levels; (5) Cartridges should be replaced every 8–12 h until myoglobin levels < 10,000 ng/ml; (6) In patients with acute kidney injury, hemoadsorption can be discontinued before dialysis is terminated and should be maintained until the myoglobin concentration values are consistently < 5000 ng/ml.

Conclusions
The current consensus of the HRTF support that adjuvant hemoadsorption therapy in severe rhabdomyolysis is both feasible and safe and may be an effective method to reduce elevated circulating levels of myoglobin.