bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Cross-sectional Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Pregabalin Use in Young Adults of a Tertiary Care Indian Setting
Authors: Guruvu Neeraja Rani , Patil Bapugouda , Marri Dayakar , Kutikuppala L V Simhachalam , Devika Tirumalasetty , Rao Katiboina Srinivasa 
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims: Neuropathic pain refers to the illness that affects the somatosensory nerve system which is characterised by spontaneous pain and pathologically increased sensitivity to both noxious and benign stimuli. The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term therapy of young adults with chronic neuropathic pain with gabapentin in order to assess the safety and effectiveness of pregabalin. Materials and Methods: In cooperation with the Department of Pharmacology at a tertiary care facility in India, the outpatient departments of neurology, orthopaedics, general medicine, and psychiatry undertook this prospective, comparative, randomised, open-label, single-centre cross-sectional study. One hundred and thirty-five patients in Group A received 75 mg of pregabalin and were then given 150 mg of pregabalin twice a day. One hundred thirty-five participants in Group B received 300 mg of gabapentin. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to quantify pain intensity at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months later in order to compare the negative effects of pregabalin to those of gabapentin. Results: When comparing the two groups’ NPRS scores at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months, Group A (pregabalin) had a comparatively lower NPRS score. At baseline, Group A had a mean ± SD score of 8.5 ± 1.25, when compared to Group B with 8.7 ± 1.20. After 2 months, Group A had a mean ± SD score of 2.5 ± 1.50, when compared to Group B with 4.5 ± 1.80, respectively, which was statistically significant with P < .001. Conclusion: This study suggests that gabapentin and pregabalin are equally effective at reducing pain in persons with neuropathic pain. In terms of NPRS score, pregabalin performs better than gabapentin.
Assessment of Nasal Aesthetic Parameters in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate – A Retrospective Study
Authors: Anishya Daphane , Nagesh Shweta 
Published: June 2024

Objectives To assess and compare the deviating nasal cephalometric parameters of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with a control group. The study also aims to correlate the deviating cephalometric parameters with two aesthetic scoring systems. Design A retrospective study. Setting Dental college and hospital. Participants Pre-treatment lateral cephalograms and extra oral photographs of 20 adult patients with repaired UCLP presenting for orthodontic treatment. 20 patients with age and type of malocclusion matched control were selected. Main Outcome The nasal cephalometric parameters of patients with UCLP and a control group were compared. The nasolabial region of patients with cleft lip and palate (CLP) was scored using Asher McDade Aesthetic Index (AMAI) and Cleft Aesthetic Rating Scale (CARS). The scoring was done by six different groups assessors to study their perception of the nasolabial region. Correlation between cephalometric parameters and the aesthetic scores was done. Results The study found significant differences in nasal length ( P = .003) and depth ( P < .001) between UCLP and the non-cleft control group. In the aesthetic assessment, orthodontist gave the least scores, while layman group scored the highest. The CARS nose aesthetic scores showed statistically significant high, negative correlation with the nasal length ( P = .01). Conclusion The cephalometric parameters and the aesthetic indices can be aid the orthodontists in the assessment of nasolabial aesthetics and additionally refer for further definitive rhinoplasty to improve the patient's overall facial aesthetics.
Optical coherence tomography angiography reveals macular microvascular changes in myopic adolescents following orthokeratology lens wear
Authors: Zhou Yali , Yang Wenlei , Dai Yikang 
Published: June 2024

Background This study aimed to investigate the 6-month effects of wearing orthokeratology (OK) lenses on the retina vessel density (VD), vessel diameter index (VDI), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of myopia children using optical coherence tomography angiography, and to further investigate the underlying mechanisms of Orthokeratology in myopia control. Methods Sixty-two eyes form 62 subjects were included in the study. Baseline and 6-month measurements of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), FAZ area, FAZ perimeter, FAZ circularity, vessel density (VD) and VDI from both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) were obtained. Results The mean age of the participants was 11.02 years (range: 8 years to 15 years), with 41.9% males and 58.1% females. Six months after orthokeratology, ACD decreased significantly, and AL remain unchanged. SCP-VD and DCP-VD significantly increased after treatment without obvious change of VDI, and FAZ parameters remained unchanged. During follow-up period, SCP-VD increased in all subgroups especially in mild myopia group, and DCP-VD increased significantly in all subgroups except for the group 8–10 years. Conclusion After the 6-month treatment of orthokeratology in myopia children, the macular microvasculature changed significantly. We observed a significant increase of vessel densities in both SCP and DCP without obvious effect on vascular morphology. The changes of DCP-VD tended to be more sensitive in the elder subgroup, and the efficacy of orthokeratology might be greater in mild myopia group. OCT-A may provide additional information on myopia progression and the mechanisms of controlling myopia with OK lens treatment.
Outcomes of iStent versus endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) as adjunct to cataract surgery by phacoemulsification for glaucoma patients
Authors: Algorinees Rakan , Almohizea Asma , Aldalgan Hind , Alobaida Ibrahim , Schargel Konrad , Aljohar Seham 
Published: June 2024

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of iStent versus Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) as an adjunct to cataract surgery by Phacoemulsification for treating glaucoma patients in a tertiary eye center. Methods Retrospective study of 67 eyes of 61 patients with glaucoma and cataract who underwent either phaco-ECP or phaco-iStent. Primary efficacy endpoint is the Intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, while reduction of glaucoma medications is the secondary outcome. In addition to IOP and number of glaucoma medications; visual acuity, degree of disc cupping, safety profiles were all assessed at different intervals up to 12 months. Results A total of 40 eyes underwent phaco-ECP, and 27 eyes underwent phaco-iStent. Both groups were associated with a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications; however phaco-iStent group achieved slightly lower IOP levels than the phaco-ECP group. Furthermore, iStent inject had better control of IOP at the last follow-up compared to first-generation stents. Moreover; 2 or more stents significantly reduced IOP than single stent ( p = 0.009 vs. p = 0.618, respectively). Phaco-iStent achieved a better reduction in the number of glaucoma medications for primary open-angle glaucoma ( p = 0.007) compared to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma patients ( p = 0.084). Complications were seen in 12 eyes (18%), of which five eyes in phaco-ECP (7.4%) and 7 eyes in phaco-iStent (10.4%), majority were mild and treated conservatively. Conclusions Both groups had equal efficacy in reducing the IOP. However, phaco-iStent seems superior in reducing the number of glaucoma medications after 1 year of follow-up compared to phaco-ECP, particularly when 2 or more stents are used. Both groups showed an overall good safety profile.
Treatment strategy and clinical outcomes of surgically managed hip periprosthetic fractures: analysis from a high-volume centre
Authors: Mancino Fabio , Wall Ben , Bucher Thomas A , Prosser Gareth H , Yates Piers J , Jones Christopher W 
Published: June 2024

Background: Hip periprosthetic fractures (PPF) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are becoming increasingly prevalent. Their management is secondary to the fracture type and the stability of the implant. This study aimed to provide the outcomes of operatively managed PPF from a high-volume centre to help guide future decision making. Methods: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from January 2008 to January 2021. Patient demographics, implant specific details, and fixation strategy were collected. Complications including infection, reoperation, re-fracture, re-revision, were collected. Short-term mortality was evaluated at 3 months and 1 year. P-values <0.05 were considered significant. Results: 282 surgically managed PPF were identified. Vancouver B2 were predominant in 52% of the cases. Revision alone and revision with additional fixation were the most frequent strategies in 168 cases (60%). Complications requiring reoperation occurred in 20% of the cases, with infection as the most frequent (8.5%). Mortality rate was 7.8% at 3 months and 15.7% at 1 year, with significantly lower rates in B2 type. B2 fractures treated with cemented stems had a significantly lower 1-year mortality than distal fit revisions. Conclusions: PPF is associated with a high complication rate. Revision alone and revision with additional fixation remain the preferred method in B2/B3 type fractures, however, cemented revision can yield similar outcomes with lower short-term mortality. Considering the high-risk elderly and frail category of patients, a multidisciplinary team is necessary to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.
PCSK9 expression in fibrous cap possesses a marker for rupture in advanced plaque
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Dai Dongwei , Geng Shuang , Rong Chenbin , Zou Rong , Leng Xiaochang , Xiang Jianping , Liu Jianmin , Ding Jing 
Published: June 2024

Background: To date, PCSK9 inhibitors are well known for eliminating cardiac and cerebral artery ischemia events by lowering the serum lipid level. However, the pathophysiological value of in-plaque PCSK9 expression is still unclear. Methods: Advanced plaques removed by carotid endarterectomy were sectioned and stained to identify the PCSK9 expression pattern and its co-expression with rupture-relevant markers. To investigate the correlation of PCSK9 expression with regional blood shear flow, hemodynamic characteristics were analyzed using computational fluid dynamics, and representative parameters were compared between PCSK9 positive and negative staining plaques. To explore this phenomenon in vitro, human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were used to overexpress and knock down PCSK9. The impacts of PCSK9 modulations on mechanical sensor activity were testified by western blot and immunofluorescence. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the transcription levels of downstream rupture-prone effectors. Results: PCSK9 distribution in plaque preferred cap and shoulder regions, residing predominantly in smooth muscle actin-positive cells. Cap PCSK9 expression correlated with fibrous cap thickness negatively and co-expressed with MMP-9, both pointing to the direction of plaque rupture. A hemodynamic profile indicated a rupture-prone feature of cap PCSK9 expression. In vitro, overexpression and knockdown of PCSK9 in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells has positive modulation on mechanical sensor Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) activity and transcription levels of its downstream rupture-prone effectors. Serial section staining verified in situ colocalization among PCSK9, YAP, and downstream effectors. Conclusions: Cap PCSK9 possesses a biomarker for rupture risk, and its modulation may lead to a novel biomechanical angle for plaque interventions.
Tensions between the professional and academic worlds of journalism: Paradoxes of the Brazilian reality
Authors: Daros Otávio 
Published: June 2024

For 40 years, Brazil was one of the few places in the world in which the regulation of journalistic activity was based on the requirement of a university degree, which associated being a journalist with having an academic qualification and not necessarily a professional one, unlike other countries that established or not licensing/accreditation systems. In the light of historical sociology, this article aims to scrutinize this intricacy of relationships between the professional and academic worlds of journalism, based on the case of the largest media market and scholarship in Latin America. It is shown how, between 1969 and 2013, there was tension and resistance on the part of international press associations, national news media companies and renowned journalists in relation to the mandatory diploma defended by the unions; as well as there were disputes and demands, within the community of professors and researchers, for the emancipation of journalism education in relation to communication studies.
Identification of Immune Infiltrating Cell-Related Biomarkers in Early Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Ji Chenguang , Cai Hongmei , Jin Xiaoxu , Yin Kaige , Zhao Dongqiang , Feng Zhijie , Liu Li 
Published: June 2024

Objectives Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, and early detection is crucial for improving patient survival rates. We aimed to identify immune infiltrating cell-related biomarkers in early gastric cancer (EGC) progression. Methods The GSE55696 and GSE130823 datasets with low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN), and EGC samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database to perform an observational study. Immune infiltration analysis was performed by single sample gene set enrichment analysis and Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was used to explore the co-expression modules and genes, and further enrichment analysis was performed on these genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of these genes was constructed to identify biomarkers associated with EGC progression. Screened hub genes were validated by the rank sum test and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results Immune scores were significantly elevated in EGC samples compared to LGIN and HGIN samples. The green-yellow module exhibited the strongest correlation with both immune score and disease progression. The 87 genes within this module were associated with the chemokine signaling pathways, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and Ras signaling pathways. Through PPI network analysis, the hub genes identified were protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor-type C (PTPRC), pleckstrin, CD53, CD48, lymphocyte cytosolic protein 1 (LCP1), hematopoietic cell-specific Lyn substrate 1, IKAROS Family Zinc Finger 1, Bruton tyrosine kinase, and Vav guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1. Notably, CD48, LCP1, and PTPRC showed high expression levels in EGC samples, with the remaining hub genes demonstrating a similar expression trend. Conclusion This study identified 9 immune cell-related biomarkers that may be actively involved in the progression of EGC and serve as potential targets for GC diagnosis and treatment.
Evidence-based decision-making in a climate of political expediency: insights from local government
Authors: Woodall J , Homer C , Freeman C , South J , Cooke J , Holliday J , Hartley A , Mullen S , Stafford B 
Published: June 2024

Aims: Local authorities in England are responsible for public health and health promotion. This article sought to explore how research and decision-making co-exist in a local authority in England. Methods: An Embedded Researcher was based within the local authority and used qualitative methodology to address the research aim. Interviews and focus groups were employed to ascertain a range of stakeholder views in the local authority. All transcripts were coded on NVivo 12 by the Embedded Researcher and two members of the research team cross-checked a sample for coding accuracy. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: The data suggest several barriers to using research to inform decision-making in health promotion and public health. The study shows that research is valued in local authorities, but not always privileged – this is due to cultural factors and practical political reasons which often means that decisions need to be made expediently. Participants outlined a juxtaposition between academic credibility; timeliness to complete the research and the financial cost associated with it; against the independence and credibility that independent academics could bring. Conclusion: Policy formulation and delivery is an integral aspect of health promotion and critical to achieving improved population health and reductions in health inequalities. However, there exists tensions between gathering research evidence and making research-informed decisions. The article concludes by advocating the use of Embedded Researchers to fully understand how research is gathered and used to support public health and health promotion policymaking.
Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Leads to Increased Subsequent Facet Injections Compared to Anterolateral Lumbar Interbody Fusions
Authors: Narendran Nakul , Mikhail Christopher M. , Nilssen Paal K. , Tuchman Alexander , Skaggs David L. 
Published: June 2024

Study Design Retrospective Matched Cohort. Objective Despite known consequences to the facet joints following lumbar total disc replacement (TDR), there is limited data on facet injection usage for persistent postoperative pain. This study uses real-world data to compare the usage of therapeutic lumbar facet injections as a measure of symptomatic facet arthrosis following single-level, stand-alone TDR vs anterolateral lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF/LLIF). Methods The PearlDiver database was queried for patients (2010-2021) with lumbar degenerative disc disease who received either a single-level, stand-alone TDR or ALIF/LLIF. All patients were followed for ≥2 years and excluded if they had a history of facet injections or spinal trauma, fracture, infection, or neoplasm. The two cohorts were matched 1:1 based on age, sex, insurance, year of operation, and medical comorbidities. The primary outcome was the use of therapeutic lumbar facet injections at 1-, 2-, and 5-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included subsequent lumbar surgeries and surgical complications. Results After 1:1 matching, each cohort had 1203 patients. Lumbar facet injections occurred significantly more frequently in the TDR group at 1-year (6.07% vs 1.66%, P < .0001), 2-year (8.40% vs 3.74%%, P < .0001), and 5-year (11.47% vs 6.40%, P < .0001) follow-up. 5-year injection-free probability curves demonstrated an 87.1% injection-free rate for TDR vs 92.9% for ALIF/LLIF. There was no clinical difference in the incidence of subsequent lumbar surgeries or complications. Conclusion Compared with ALIF/LLIF, patients who underwent TDR received significantly more facet injections, suggesting a greater progression of symptomatic facet arthrosis. TDR was not protective against reoperations compared to ALIF/LLIF.
Sexual Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviours and Sources of Influences in Undergraduate Medical Students in a Peripheral Medical College: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mahadik Humaid , Shaikh Mujahid , Muthe Mayur 
Published: June 2024

Background: The word ‘sex’ in India is taboo and is not discussed openly. Sex attitude refers to one’s attitude towards sexuality or different sexual behaviours. Poor sex knowledge causes many problems. A liberal attitude without adequate knowledge is harmful. Aim: To explore and study sexual knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and the sources of influence and to examine the relationship between sexual knowledge, attitude and behaviours in undergraduate medical students. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess sex knowledge and attitude among 506 medical undergraduate students. A Google document in the form of a structured questionnaire containing three important parts was used for the assessment: (a) demographic details of students; (b) sex knowledge and attitude questionnaire II (SKAQ II); and (c) Sexual Behaviour and Sources of Influence (SBSI) scale. Data was interpreted using mean, unpaired ‘t’ test and chi-square test. Results: Overall, participants showed a conservative attitude towards sex. As the academic year of participants progressed, sex knowledge increased. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between sex knowledge and attitude scores. Sexual behaviours through media and with self or others were found to be low. The Internet was found to be the major source for gathering information and was considered the most reliable source. Conclusion: Participants were deficient in sex knowledge and had a conservative attitude in certain areas. Females, higher education levels and urban area participants had higher sex knowledge and liberal attitudes. There are areas of sex knowledge and attitude that need improvement by proper sex education.
Unprotected Risky Sex Among Men with Opioid Dependence: Is More Needed to Be Done?
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ankita , Chawla Nishtha , Sen Mahadev Singh , Verma Suraj , Ganesh Ragul , Sarkar Siddharth , Ambekar Atul 
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives: Risky behaviors are common among patients with substance use disorders. Knowing the determinants of risky sexual behaviors can identify individuals who may benefit from targeted interventions. The primary aim of the study was to assess unprotected risky sexual behavior and its sociodemographic and clinical correlates in treatment-seeking opioid-dependent patients. Methods: A cross-sectional exploratory study was done on 112 married treatment-seeking opioid-dependent male patients. A semi-structured proforma consisting of sociodemographic and clinical details was used to assess sexual behavior, other risky behaviors like injecting drug use (IDU), and knowledge of and attitude toward risky sexual behavior. Results: The mean age of the sample was 34.1 years, and that at first sexual intercourse was 18.6 years. History of unprotected risky sex (unprotected sex with a casual partner or female sex worker or person having a sexually transmitted disease or with males or having sex for rewards) was present in 30 patients (26.8% of the sample). Unprotected risky sex was found to be significantly associated with younger age at first sexual encounter ( p = .010), more sexual partners ( p < .001), greater frequency of masturbation ( p = .031), and watching pornography ( p = .028). However, it was not found to be related to other risky behaviors such as IDU ( p = .210) and sex under intoxication ( p = .149) and also did not vary between treatment-naïve and under-treatment populations ( p = .434). No significant relationship was found between knowledge and attitude about risky sexual behavior and unprotected risky sex in the present sample. Conclusion: Risky sexual behavior in opioid-dependent patients is a concern, as this may be an additional mode of transmission of blood-borne viruses apart from IDU. Safe sex practices need to be emphasized in this population, and efforts at behavioral changes are desirable.