bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
North-south differences in incidence and surveillance of cutaneous malignant melanoma in Italy
Authors: Bucchi Lauro , Mancini Silvia , Zamagni Federica , Crocetti Emanuele , Dal Maso Luigino , Ferretti Stefano , Baldacchini Flavia , Giuliani Orietta , Ravaioli Alessandra , Vattiato Rosa , Bella Francesca , Carrozzi Giuliano , Cascone Giuseppe , Ferrante Margherita , Michiara Maria , Musolino Antonino , Tumino Rosario , Usticano Antonella , Allotta Alessandra , Pollina Addario Sebastiano , Lacarrubba Francesco , Stanganelli Ignazio , Falcini Fabio 
Published: June 2024

Background: In Italy, the incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is two-fold higher in the north than in the south. This gradient might be associated with differences in incidence trends and disease surveillance. We compared the time trends in incidence rates, mortality rates, dermatologic office visit rates and skin biopsy rates between the Emilia-Romagna Region (northern Italy) and the Sicily Region (southern Italy). Methods: The cancer registries of Parma, Modena, Ferrara and Romagna (current population, 2,606,465) and Catania-Messina-Enna, Siracusa and Ragusa (2,775,019) provided incidence and mortality records for the years 2008-2017. The records of outpatient services delivered in public health facilities were obtained from the two Regional Administrations. Trends in rates were assessed with the estimated average annual percent change. North-south differences were expressed as age-standardised rate ratios. Results: In the context of a generalised increasing incidence trend, which was more moderate in the female population of the Sicily Region, the standardised rate ratios were: 5.31 (males) and 5.20 (females) for in situ cutaneous malignant melanoma; 2.10 and 2.07 for invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma, with an excess incidence concentrated in lesions ⩽1.00 mm thick (3.58 and 3.05); 3.00 and 2.44 for dermatologic office visits; and 5.25 and 5.02 for skin biopsies. Mortality was stable in both Regions. Conclusions: In the Emilia-Romagna Region, as compared with the Sicily Region, a higher incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma –especially of in situ and early invasive cutaneous malignant melanoma– coexisted with a higher level of clinical surveillance. The question of the direction of the cause-effect relationship between increased incidence and increased diagnostic scrutiny remains open.
Management of anaemia and prognosis of patients undergoing maintenance peritoneal dialysis: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Imaizumi Takahiro , Hasegawa Takeshi , Kosugi Takaaki , Nishiwaki Hiroki , Honda Hirokazu , Tsuruya Kazuhiko , Ito Yasuhiko , Kuragano Takahiro 
Published: June 2024

Background: Clinical data supporting the target haemoglobin range in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) are scarce. This study investigated the association between haemoglobin levels and all-cause mortality in Japanese patients undergoing PD using data from a nationwide dialysis registry. Methods: A total of 4875 patients aged ≥18 years who were undergoing PD at the end of 2012 were analysed. Patients receiving combination therapy with haemodialysis or missing haemoglobin data were excluded. Haemoglobin values were categorised into six groups (<9.0, 9.0–9.9, 10.0–10.9, 11.0–11.9, 12.0–12.9 and ≥13.0 g/dL) and their association with mortality evaluated. Results: Patients’ mean age was 63 years, and 62% were men. The mean haemoglobin level was 10.7 g/dL, and 14% were anuric. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were used in 89%. During a median follow-up of 3.5 years, 1586 patients died. Haemoglobin levels <9.0 and ≥13.0 g/dL were significantly associated with mortality, as compared with levels of 10.0–10.9 g/dL (adjusted hazard ratios [95% confidence intervals]: 1.25 [1.06–1.48] and 1.45 [1.13–1.88], respectively). Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a U-shaped association between haemoglobin levels and mortality. A haemoglobin level ≥12 g/dL was associated with mortality in patients with a history of cardiovascular disease ( p interaction = 0.023). Conclusion: We provide important insights into the target haemoglobin in patients undergoing PD. Our findings suggest that setting a lower upper limit for haemoglobin levels may be beneficial for patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Evaluation of health literacy and its association with medication adherence and quality of life in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Vater McKenzie , Davis Alaina , Jaser Sarah 
Published: June 2024

Objective Little is known about health literacy in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and how health literacy relates to medication adherence and psychosocial outcomes in this high-risk population. The objective of this study was to evaluate health literacy in adolescents and young adults with cSLE and its association with medication adherence and quality of life. Methods Youth 10–24 years with cSLE ( n = 48) completed the Brief Healthy Literacy Screen (BHLS) and the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) to assess health literacy. Participants also completed validated measures of medication adherence and quality of life. Descriptive analyses were used to determine levels of health literacy. Bivariate correlations were used to evaluate associations between measures of health literacy with adherence and quality of life. A multivariable regression analyses was used to determine if health literacy was a significant predictor of adherence or quality of life, after adjusting for age, sex, race, and household income. Results Inadequate health literacy was common in this population, with 67% of youth categorized as having inadequate health literacy by the BHLS and 42% by the NVS. Higher medication adherence was associated with a higher BHLS score (r=.36, p = .017). BHLS was also significantly associated with better quality of life (r = 0.31, p = .034). Conclusion Inadequate health literacy is prevalent among youth with cSLE. Higher health literacy is associated with higher medication adherence and better quality of life, suggesting that attention to health literacy could improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
A Scoping Review to Contribute to Knowledge About Culturally Adapting Interventions for Latino Family Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia
Authors: Neidre Daria B. , Delgado Roxana E. , Peacock Kimberly S. , Luy Luis P. , White Carole L. 
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Few interventions have focused on Latino family caregivers to persons with dementia, addressing their unique needs. This review aimed to identify best practices in cultural adaptation to make recommendations for adapting interventions for Latino family caregivers of persons living with dementia. Method: This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review guidelines, with findings extracted and summarized from 17 studies addressing cultural adaptation. Results: Frameworks guiding the adaptations were comprehensive, addressing cultural values and traditions and the social context faced by Latino family caregivers. Features of the adaptations included diverse teams of researchers and community members, including Latino family caregivers, to inform the integration of cultural values into the content, mode, and place of intervention delivery. Discussion: Culturally adapting evidence-based interventions will increase the number of available interventions for Latino family caregivers to persons living with dementia, thus reducing inequities in caregiver support.
MARRIAGE: A Randomized Trial of Moxonidine Versus Ramipril or in Combination With Ramipril in Overweight Patients With Hypertension and Impaired Fasting Glucose or Diabetes Mellitus. Impact on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Metabolic Parameters
Authors: Valensi Paul , Jambart Selim 
Published: June 2024

Background Moxonidine, an imidazoline I1 receptor agonist, is an effective antihypertensive drug that was shown to improve insulin sensitivity. RAAS-blockers are recommended as first-line therapy in patients with diabetes, alone or in combination with a calcium-channel antagonist or a diuretic. Aims This study compared the effects of moxonidine and ramipril on blood pressure (BP) and glucose metabolism in overweight patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension and impaired fasting glucose or type 2 diabetes. Methods Treatment-naïve patients for hypertension and dysglycemia were randomized to 12 weeks of double-blind moxonidine 0.4 mg or ramipril 5 mg once-daily treatment. At 12 weeks, for a further 12 weeks non-responders received combination of mox/ram, while responders continued blinded treatment. Results Moxonidine and ramipril were equivalent in lowering SiDBP and SiSBP at the end of the first 12 weeks. The responder rate was approximately 50% in both groups, with a mean SiDBP and SiSBP decrease of 10 and 15 mm Hg in the responders, respectively. The normalization rate (SiDBP < 85 mm Hg) was non significantly different between treatments groups. Moxonidine reduced heart rate (HR) (average −3.5 bpm, p = 0.017) during monotherapy, and when added to ramipril. HbA1c decreased significantly at Week 12 in both groups. Neither drug affected glucose or insulin response to the oral glucose tolerance test. In non-responders, moxonidine/ramipril combination further reduced BP without compromising metabolic parameters. Conclusion Moxonidine 0.4 mg and ramipril 5 mg were equally effective on BP lowering and were well tolerated and mostly metabolically neutral either as monotherapies or in combination. HR was lowered on moxonidine treatment.
Tobacco Use and Associated Factors Among Men in Tanzania: Further Analysis of the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Mbotwa Christopher Hariri , Rweyemamu Linus Paul 
Published: June 2024

Background: Tobacco use is a significant public health challenge, contributing to preventable diseases and premature deaths globally. We aimed to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and associated factors among men in Tanzania. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. The study population comprised men aged 15-49 years. Weighted logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with tobacco use. Results: A total of 5763 men with a mean age of 28.6 ± 10 years were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 11.1%, with 95% of users consuming smoked products, 17.1% using smokeless products, and 12.1% using both smoked and smokeless products. Older age was associated with increased odds of tobacco use, with odds of tobacco use increasing with each higher age group. Similarly, alcohol consumption was associated with greater odds of tobacco use. On the other hand, having a secondary education or higher, lack of occupation, being the head of the household, and owning a mobile telephone were associated with lower odds of tobacco use. Geographically, men from the Eastern zone and Zanzibar exhibited greater odds of tobacco use, while those from the Southern highlands zone had lower odds. Conclusion: This study revealed a significant prevalence of tobacco use among Tanzanian men and was associated with different individual, interpersonal, and community factors. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions considering age-specific risk factors and geographical variations.
‘A certain magic’ – autistic adults’ experiences of interacting with other autistic people and its relation to Quality of Life: A systematic review and thematic meta-synthesis
Authors: Watts Georgina , Crompton Catherine , Grainger Catherine , Long Joseph , Botha Monique , Somerville Mark , Cage Eilidh 
Published: June 2024

There is an increasing focus on research exploring autistic communication and community. In this review, we systematically collate and analyse how autistic adults describe their experiences of other autistic people and the relationship this has with their Quality of Life (QoL). Fifty two qualitative papers were analysed using thematic meta-synthesis. Results found many experiences of other autistic people were positive and were associated with improved QoL across a range of domains. The heterogeneity of the autistic experiences described indicates a need for further research to explore which factors predict a positive impact on QoL. Analysis also highlighted a paucity of data on autistic people with co-occurring intellectual disability in relation to this phenomenon. Implications for research and practice are discussed. Lay abstract Research has suggested that autistic people enjoy spending time with other autistic people and find them easier to talk to. We wanted to find out what autistic people say about spending time with other autistic people and whether this makes their life better. We found 52 papers which described this and reviewed what they found. We found that many autistic people had positive experiences of spending time with other autistic people and these experiences had positive impact on their lives in a range of different ways. The papers did not tell us whether this also happens for autistic people with a learning disability. More research is needed to find out more about why spending time with other autistic people helps some autistic people.
Endovascular Embolization for Idiopathic Serial Right Internal Mammary Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Deng Kaige , Xie Yiyun , Shao Jiang , Lai Zhichao , Zheng Yongchang , Liu Bao 
Published: June 2024

Clinical Imapct This article showed images of a patient with idiopathic serial right internal mammary artery true aneurysms treated by endovascular embolization, which is a rare diagnosis and should be considered in differential diagnosis of paratracheal mass.
Clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation using a radiofrequency needle device for varicose ulcer: A non-randomized controlled prospective study
Authors: Wang Huanwei , Guo Jianqin , Hua Guoyong , Qi Lina , Zhang Yuying , Ye Bin , Yan Jingxin , Zhang Lushun 
Published: June 2024

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a radiofrequency (RF) needle device for varicose ulcers. Methods From September 2020 to September 2021, a total of 80 patients with varicose ulcers were included in this study. Based on the different surgical methods, the patients were divided into RF group and control groups, with 40 cases in each group. In the RF group, RFA was performed using an RF needle device and foam sclerotherapy was used for superficial veins. The control group was treated with conventional high-ligation stripping. The surgical data, hospitalization data, clinical efficacy, and postoperative complications of two groups were compared. Meanwhile, the correlation between RBC, HB, HCT, and ulcer healing time was analyzed. Results Compared to the control group, RF group had shorter surgery time, duration in the hospital, and less intraoperative bleeding ( p < .05). The VCSS and CIVIQ scores in RF group were significantly higher than that in control group ( p < .05). The healing time of ulcers was shorter in the RF group ( x2 = 19.766, p = .000). The RF group had fewer postoperative complications. There was a positive correlation between RBC, HB, and HCT, and ulcer healing time ( p < .05). Conclusion The use of the RF needle device for RFA to treat patients with varicose ulcers showed acceptable short-term clinical outcomes with less incidence of trauma, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
A systematic literature review of 74 Chinese blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm patients
Authors: Gong Chen , Liu Ying , Zhang Mingzhi 
Published: June 2024

Background: Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and aggressive hematological cancer. Due to its low incidence, researchers struggle to gather sufficient prospective data to inform clinical treatment. Objectives: We sought to summarize the clinical characteristics and current treatment methods of BPDCN and provide more specific guidance on treatment options. Design: A systematic literature review using data from 74 Chinese BPDCN patients. Date resources and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical manifestations, treatment response, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors of six BPDCN patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and 68 patients described in 28 articles published in the China Knowledge Network database since 2019. Results: In Chinese patients, the disease occurred with a male-to-female ratio of 2.52 and a median age of onset of 50 years in adults and 10 years in pediatric patients. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed distinctive immune phenotypes of BPDCN cells, characterized by high expression levels of CD4, CD56, CD123, and HLA-DR, while showing minimal to no expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD20, and CD79a. There was no significant difference in the initial complete remission (CR) rate, relapse rate, and the overall survival (OS) time of patients receiving acute myeloid leukemia-like, acute lymphocytic leukemia-like, or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma-like chemotherapy regimens. Univariate analysis identified CD3 expression, male gender, and central nervous system infiltration as hazardous factors. In multivariate analysis, age proved to be an independent prognostic indicator, indicating better prognosis and longer OS time in younger patients. Notably, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) emerged as a significant factor in improving the survival outcomes for individuals diagnosed with BPDCN. However, further investigation is needed to explore the role of HSCT and the best timing for its implementation in pediatric BPDCN patients. Conclusion: Administering HSCT during the initial CR state following inductive chemotherapy might extend the OS and improve the prognosis of patients with BPDCN.
Medical data market platforms and medical data trade demands of medical device companies
Authors: Kim Myung-Gwan , Lee Inho , Han HyunWook , Yu Hyeong Won 
Published: June 2024

Objective The significance of big data is increasingly acknowledged across all sectors, including medicine. Moreover, the trend of data trading is on the rise, particularly in exchanging other data for medical data to rejuvenate the medical industry. This study aimed to discern the facilitating factors of healthcare data trade. Methods We assessed five medical data market platforms on October, 2022, based on three criteria: (a) clarity in articulating the data for sale; (b) transparency in specifying the data costs; and (c) explicit indication that payment grants data access. This helped identify the traded medical data types. Additionally, we anonymously surveyed 43 representatives from medical device companies about their demand for medical data trading, achieving a response rate of 66%. Results Of the medical data traded on these platforms, 93.34% was structured, while 5.66% was unstructured, indicating an imbalance. Although there was a higher demand for structured medical data, there was also interest in purchasing unstructured medical data. Conclusion Unstructured big data are crucial for medical device development, fueling the demand for trading such data. Many stakeholders view the data market as essential and are willing to procure medical data. Consequently, medical device companies will need methods to acquire unstructured medical data for developing innovative and enhanced medical devices.
Impacts of Different Internationalization Modes on the Global Competence of Chinese University Students
Authors: Yang (杨希) Xi , Li (李亭松) Tingsong 
Published: June 2024

Purpose This study examines the impacts of two modes of internationalization on students’ global competence, namely, internationalization abroad and at home. This study divides global competence into five secondary dimensions to further explore the impacts of the different modes of internationalization on each dimension. Design/Approach/Methods This study uses a propensity score matching design to estimate the impacts of different modes of internationalization on university students’ global competence. Data were collected from high-level research universities in China. Findings Concerning experiences of internationalization abroad, overseas travel and visits were found to have no significant effect on university students’ global competence, whereas studying abroad significantly improved the latter. In terms of experiences of internationalization at home, engagement with international curricula and contact with foreigners had a significantly positive effect on university students’ global competence. Originality/Value The study results demonstrate that internationalization at home is an effective way to enhance students’ global competence and is of considerable theoretical and practical significance in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
Hydraulic Polymethylmethacrylate Pressure Delivery System Versus Manual Balloon Tamp System in Balloon Kyphoplasty
Authors: Lotan Raphael , Lan Itzik , Sakhnini Mojahed , Klatzkin Lev , Hershkovich Oded 
Published: June 2024

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are prevalent among the elderly population, and Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) is a minimally invasive solution for these. However, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) leakage is a significant complication with potentially severe consequences. This study compares the safety and efficacy of manual balloon tamp system (MTS) and hydraulic Polymethylmethacrylate pressure delivery system (HPDS) in BKP. Methods A retrospective study involving 160 patients, comparing MTS (2008-2014) and HPDS (2016-2020) cohorts, assessed PMMA leakage, radiation exposure, and surgery duration. Results PMMA leakage occurred in 52.8% of MTS and 62.5% of HPDS cases. Intradiscal leakage was the most common pattern in both groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that multilevel BKP and HPDS were associated with higher PMMA leakage rates. Radiation exposure was significantly lower with HPDS, while surgery duration was shorter. Discussion This study provides novel insights into PMMA leakage and radiation exposure in BKP. HPDS was associated with a higher PMMA leakage rate. HPDS, however, offers advantages in terms of reduced radiation exposure and shorter surgery duration. Multilevel BKP also increased the risk of leakage. Further investigation is needed to better understand the impact of HPDS on PMMA leakage. Conclusion This study underscores that while HPDS offers advantages regarding radiation exposure and surgery duration, it is associated with a higher PMMA leakage rate.