bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in disease burden and global inequalities in bladder, kidney and prostate cancers from 1990 to 2019: a comparative analysis based on the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Huang Qiao , Yang Jun , Liu Guo-Xiong , Zi Hao , Tang Shi-Di , Jia Hai-Chang , Li Wei , Xu Xiao-Feng , Zeng Xian-Tao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Bladder, kidney and prostate cancers make significant contributors to cancer burdens. Exploring their cross-country inequalities may inform equitable strategies to meet the 17 sustainable development goals before 2030.

Methods
We analyzed age-standardized disability-adjusted life-years (ASDALY) rates for the three cancers based on Global Burden of Diseases Study 2019. We quantified the inequalities using slope index of inequality (SII, absolute measure) and concentration index (relative measure) associated with national sociodemographic index.

Results
Varied ASDALY rates were observed in the three cancers across 204 regions. The SII decreased from 35.15 (95% confidence interval, CI: 29.34 to 39.17) in 1990 to 15.81 (95% CI: 7.99 to 21.79) in 2019 for bladder cancers, from 78.94 (95% CI: 75.97 to 81.31) in 1990 to 59.79 (95% CI: 55.32 to 63.83) in 2019 for kidney cancer, and from 192.27 (95% CI: 137.00 to 241.05) in 1990 to − 103.99 (95% CI: − 183.82 to 51.75) in 2019 for prostate cancer. Moreover, the concentration index changed from 12.44 (95% CI, 11.86 to 12.74) in 1990 to 15.72 (95% CI, 15.14 to 16.01) in 2019 for bladder cancer, from 33.88 (95% CI: 33.35 to 34.17) in 1990 to 31.13 (95% CI: 30.36 to 31.43) in 2019 for kidney cancer, and from 14.61 (95% CI: 13.89 to 14.84) in 1990 to 5.89 (95% CI: 5.16 to 6.26) in 2019 for prostate cancer. Notably, the males presented higher inequality than females in both bladder and kidney cancer from 1990 to 2019.

Conclusions
Different patterns of inequality were observed in the three cancers, necessitating tailored national cancer control strategies to mitigate disparities. Priority interventions for bladder and kidney cancer should target higher socioeconomic regions, whereas interventions for prostate cancer should prioritize the lowest socioeconomic regions. Additionally, addressing higher inequality in males requires more intensive interventions among males from higher socioeconomic regions.
Nomogram for customized recurrence prediction in primary non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer based on routine blood and urine parameters
Authors: He Yi , Pan Chenxi , Zhang Yue , Lv Meihong , Yang Bo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
A prevalent condition with a high probability of recurrence, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) necessitates lifetime surveillance. In patients with pathologically confirmed NMIBC, our goal was to create a unique nomogram to predict recurrence after transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT).

Methods
Our institution’s 91 NMIBC patients with complete follow-up data between January 2017 and February 2021 were included in the retrospective analysis. The nomogram predicting the 0.5, 1, 2 and 3-year likelihood of recurrence was created using multivariate Cox proportional hazard models to find the significant determinants of recurrence. Using the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analyses (DCA), we internally validated the nomogram.

Results
The significant factors related to NMIBC recurrence were age, blood platelet count, especially for the urine leukocyte count and mucus filament. The constructed nomogram performed well in the customized prediction of NMIBC recurrence at 6th, 12th, 24th and 36th month, of which the C-index was 0.724. The calibration curve and the ROC curve both validated the prediction accuracy. On DCA, the nomogram presented good net benefit gains across a wide range of threshold probabilities. Furthermore, the Nomogram-related risk score was used to divide the patient population into two groups with significant recurrence disparities.

Conclusion
For the prediction of NMIBC recurrence, our unique nomogram demonstrated a respectable degree of discriminative capacity, sufficient calibration, and considerable net benefit gain. There will be a need for additional internal and external validation.
Caries in orphan children: prevalence and determinants—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gamal-AbdelNaser Ayat , A.Elsabour Mennat Allah Ashraf , Khattab Nagwa Mohamed Ali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Orphan children represent a category of children who lost their family support. Their health status is poorer when compared to their parented counterparts. As the most prevalent disease in the world, dental caries is expected to affect orphans greatly. Being vulnerable, health status of orphan children must be monitored and studied; so that health improvement plans would be formulated. Therefore, this systematic review focuses on the extent of the dental caries problem among institutionalized orphan children and its determinants.

Methods
The review has two outcomes: comparing caries experience of institutionalized children to their parented counterparts, and reviewing the determinants of caries in the exposure group. Two systematic searches (one for each outcome) were run on MedLine via PubMed, Cochrane library, LILACS, Egyptian knowledge bank (EKB) and Google Scholar; beside hand search and searching grey literature.

Results
The searches yielded 17,760, followed by 16,242 records for the first and second outcomes respectively. The full text was screened for 33 and 103 records for the two outcomes respectively; after translating non-English reports. Finally, the review included 9 records to address the first outcome and 21 records for the second. The pooled results showed that the exposure group may show slightly poorer caries experience regarding permanent teeth (pooled mean difference of DMF = 0.09 (-0.36, 0.55)); but they have a much poorer caries experience regarding primary teeth health (pooled mean difference of dmf = (0.64 (-0.74, 2.01)). Meta-analysis of the caries determinants showed that institutionalization increases the risk of caries by 19%. Gender showed slight effect on caries risk with males being more affected; while primary teeth revealed higher risk of caries when compared to permanent teeth.

Conclusion
Limited by the heterogeneity and risk of bias of the included studies, meta-analyses concluded that institutionalized orphan children have higher risk of caries. Yet, the institutionalization circumstances were not well-documented in all the included studies. So, the complete picture of the children’s condition was not possibly sketched.

Trial registration
Protocol has been registered online on the PROSPERO database with an ID CRD42023443582 on 24/07/2023.
A new scale to assess health-facility level management: the development and validation of the facility management scale in Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi
Authors: Mubiri Paul , Ssengooba Freddie , O’Byrne Thomasena , Aryaija-Keremani Adelaine , Namakula Justine , Chikaphupha Kingsley , Aikins Moses , Martineau Tim , Vallières Frédérique 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The increased recognition of governance, leadership, and management as determinants of health system performance has prompted calls for research focusing on the nature, quality, and measurement of this key health system building block. In low- or middle-income contexts (LMIC), where facility-level management and performance remain a challenge, valid tools to measure management have the potential to boost performance and accelerate improvements. We, therefore, sought to develop a Facility-level Management Scale (FMS) and test its reliability in the psychometric properties in three African contexts.

Methods
The FMS was administered to 881 health workers in; Ghana (n = 287; 32.6%), Malawi (n = 66; 7.5%) and Uganda (n = 528; 59.9%). Half of the sample data was randomly subjected to exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Monte Carlo Parallel Component Analysis to explore the FMS’ latent structure. The construct validity of this structure was then tested on the remaining half of the sample using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The FMS’ convergent and divergent validity, as well as internal consistency, were also tested.

Results
Findings from the EFA and Monte Carlo PCA suggested the retention of three factors (labelled ‘Supportive Management’, ‘Resource Management’ and ‘Time management’). The 3-factor solution explained 51% of the variance in perceived facility management. These results were supported by the results of the CFA (N = 381; χ2 = 256.8, df = 61, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.92; RMSEA [95% CI] = 0.065 [0.057–0.074]; SRMR = 0.047).

Conclusion
The FMS is an open-access, short, easy-to-administer scale that can be used to assess how health workers perceive facility-level management in LMICs. When used as a regular monitoring tool, the FMS can identify key strengths or challenges pertaining to time, resources, and supportive management functions at the health facility level.
Evaluation of a hospital-initiated tobacco dependence treatment service: uptake, smoking cessation, readmission and mortality
Authors: Robins John , Patel Irem , McNeill Ann , Moxham John , Woodhouse Arran , Absalom Gareth , Shehu Buljana , Bruce Geraldine , Dewar Amy , Molloy Alanna , Duckworth Porras Stephanie , Waring Michael , Stock Andrew , Robson Debbie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The National Health Service in England aims to implement tobacco dependency treatment services in all hospitals by 2024. We aimed to assess the uptake of a new service, adapted from the Ottawa Model of Smoking Cessation, and its impact on 6-month quit rates and readmission or death at 1-year follow-up.

Methods
We conducted a pragmatic service evaluation of a tobacco dependency service implemented among 2067 patients who smoked who were admitted to 2 acute hospitals in London, England, over a 12-month period from July 2020. The intervention consisted of the systematic identification of smoking status, automatic referral to tobacco dependence specialists, provision of pharmacotherapy and behavioural support throughout the hospital stay, and telephone support for 6 months after discharge. The outcomes were (i) patient acceptance of the intervention during admission, (ii) quit success at 6 months after discharge, (iii) death, or (iv) readmission up to 1 year following discharge. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the impact of a range of clinical and demographic variables on these outcomes.

Results
The majority (79.4%) of patients accepted support at the first assessment. Six months after discharge, 35.1% of successfully contacted patients reported having quit smoking. After adjustment, odds of accepting support were 51–61% higher among patients of all non-White ethnicity groups, relative to White patients, but patients of Mixed, Asian, or Other ethnicities had decreased odds of quit success (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.15–0.66). Decreased odds of accepting support were associated with a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease or diabetes; however, diabetes was associated with increased odds of quit success (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.17–3.04). Intention to make a quit attempt was associated with a threefold increase in odds of quit success, and 60% lower odds of death, compared to patients who did not intend to quit. A mental health diagnosis was associated with an 84% increase in the odds of dying within 12 months.

Conclusions
The overall quit rates were similar to results from Ottawa models implemented elsewhere, although outcomes varied by site. Outcomes also varied according to patient demographics and diagnoses, suggesting personalised and culturally tailored interventions may be needed to optimise quit success.
P2X7 receptor antagonists modulate experimental autoimmune neuritis via regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Th17 and Th1 cell differentiation
Authors: Xie Yuhan , Han Ranran , Li Yulin , Li Weiya , Zhang Shichao , Wu Yu , Zhao Yuexin , Liu Rongrong , Wu Jie , Jiang Wei , Chen Xiuju 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), a post-infectious, immune-mediated, acute demyelinating disease of the peripheral nerves and nerve roots, represents the most prevalent and severe acute paralyzing neuropathy. Purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R) play a crucial role in central nervous system inflammation. However, little is known about their role in the immune-inflammatory response within the peripheral nervous system.

Methods
Initially, we assessed the expression of purinergic P2X7R in the peripheral blood of patients with GBS using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. Next, we explored the expression of P2 X7R in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages within the sciatic nerves and spleens of rats using immunofluorescence labeling and flow cytometry. The P2X7R antagonist brilliant blue G (BBG) was employed to examine its therapeutic impact on rats with experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) induced by immunization with the P0180 − 199 peptide. We analyzed CD4+ T cell differentiation in splenic mononuclear cells using flow cytometry, assessed Th17 cell differentiation in the sciatic nerve through immunofluorescence staining, and examined the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA using RT-PCR. Additionally, we performed protein blotting to assess the expression of P2X7R and NLRP3-related inflammatory proteins within the sciatic nerve. Lastly, we utilized flow cytometry and immunofluorescence labeling to examine the expression of NLRP3 on CD4+ T cells in rats with EAN.

Results
P2X7R expression was elevated not only in the peripheral blood of patients with GBS but also in rats with EAN. In rats with EAN, inhibiting P2X7R with BBG alleviated neurological symptoms, reduced demyelination, decreased inflammatory cell infiltration of the peripheral nerves, and improved nerve conduction. BBG also limited the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, down-regulated the expression of P2X7R and NLRP3, and suppressed the differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, thus protecting against EAN. These effects collectively contribute to modifying the inflammatory environment and enhancing outcomes in EAN rats.

Conclusions
Suppression of P2X7R relieved EAN manifestation by regulating CD4+ T cell differentiation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This finding underscores the potential significance of P2X7R as a target for anti-inflammatory treatments, advancing research and management of GBS.
Effects of alendronate on cartilage lesions and micro-architecture deterioration of subchondral bone in patellofemoral osteoarthritic ovariectomized rats with patella-baja
Authors: Bei Mingjian , Zheng Zhiyuan , Xiao Yaping , Liu Ning , Cao Xuehui , Tian Faming , Zhang Liu , Wu Xinbao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFJOA) is a subtype of knee OA, which is one of the main causes of anterior knee pain. The current study found an increased prevalence of OA in postmenopausal women, called postmenopausal OA. Therefore, we designed the ovariectomized rat model of patella baja-induced PFJOA. Alendronate (ALN) inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone loss, and has been reported the favorable result of a potential intervention option of OA treatment. However, the potential effects of ALN treatment on PFJOA in the ovariectomized rat model are unknown and need further investigation prior to exploration in the clinical research setting. In this study, the effects of ALN on articular cartilage degradation and subchondral bone microstructure were assessed in the ovariectomized PFJOA rat model for 10 weeks.

Methods
Patella baja and estrogen withdrawal were induced by patellar ligament shortening (PLS) and bilateral ovariectmomy surgeries in 3-month-old female Sprague–Dawley rats, respectively. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8): Sham + V; OVX + V, Sham + PLS + V, OVX + PLS + V, OVX + PLS + ALN (ALN: 70 μg/kg/week). Radiography was performed to evaluate patellar height ratios, and the progression of PFJOA was assessed by macroscopic and microscopic analyses, immunohistochemistry and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT).

Results
Our results found that the patella baja model prepared by PLS can successfully cause degeneration of articular cartilage and subchondral bone, resulting in changes of PFJOA. OVX caused a decrease in estrogen levels in rats, which aggravated the joint degeneration caused by PFJOA. Early application of ALN can delay the degenerative changes of articular cartilage and subchondral bone microstructure in castrated PFJOA rat to a certain extent, improve and maintain the micrometabolism and structural changes of cartilage and subchondral bone.

Conclusion
The early application of ALN can delay the destruction of articular cartilage and subchondral bone microstructure in castrated PFJOA rat to a certain extent.
Non-invasive assessment of periodontal inflammation by continuum-removal hemodynamic spectral indices
Authors: Guo Yuan , Huang Yixiang , Huang Changping , Sun Xuejian , Luan Qingxian , Zhang Lifu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hyperspectral techniques have aroused great interest in non-invasively measuring periodontal tissue hemodynamics. However, current studies mainly focused on three typical inflammation stages (healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis) and practical approaches for using optical spectroscopy for early and precisely detection of periodontal inflammation at finer disease stages have not been well studied.

Methods
This study provided novel spectroscopic insights into periodontitis at different stages of disease, and developed six simple but physically meaning hemodynamic spectral indices (HSIs) including four spectral absorption depths of oxyhemoglobin ($$D_{{{\text{HbO}}_{2} }}$$

D

HbO
2

), deoxyhemoglobin ($$D_{{{\text{Hb}}}}$$

D
Hb

), total hemoglobin ($$t{\text{Hb}}$$

t
Hb

) and tissue water ($$D_{{{\text{water}}}}$$

D
water

), and two normalized difference indices of oxyhemoglobin($$ND{\text{HbO}}_{2} I$$

N
D

HbO
2

I

) and deoxyhemoglobin ($$ND{\text{Hb}}I$$

N
D
Hb
I

) from continuum-removal spectra (400–1700 nm) of periodontal tissue collected from 47 systemically healthy subjects over different severities from healthy, gingivitis, slight, moderate to severe periodontitis for early and precision diagnostics of periodontitis. Typical statistical analyses were conducted to explore the effectiveness of the proposed HSIs.

Results
$$D_{{{\text{Hb}}}}$$

D
Hb

and $$t{\text{Hb}}$$

t
Hb

exerted significant increasing trends as inflammation progressed, whereas $$D_{{{\text{HbO}}_{2} }}$$

D

HbO
2

exhibited significant difference (P < 0.05) from the healthy sites only at moderate and severe periodontitis and $$D_{{{\text{water}}}}$$

D
water

presented unstable sensitives to disease severity. By contrast, $$ND{\text{HbO}}_{2} I$$

N
D

HbO
2

I

and $$ND{\text{Hb}}I$$

N
D
Hb
I

showed more steadily downward trends as severity increased, and demonstrated the highest correlations with clinical gold standard parameters. Particularly, the proposed normalized HSIs ($$ND{\text{HbO}}_{2} I$$

N
D

HbO
2

I

and $$ND{\text{Hb}}I$$

N
D
Hb
I

) yielded high correlations of − 0.49 and − 0.44 with probing depth, respectively, far outperforming results achieved by previous studies. The performances of the HSIs were also confirmed using the periodontal therapy group.

Conclusions
These results indicated great potentials of combination optical spectroscopy and smart devices to non-invasively probe periodontitis at earlier stages using the simple and practical HSIs.
Trial registration This study was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on October 24, 2021, and the clinical registration number is ChiCTR2100052306
Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis disease: a diagnosis model in China
Authors: Meng Liye , Xiao Jun , Wang Li , Huang Zhuochun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
To develop and validate a diagnosis model to inform risk stratified decisions for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients experiencing acute exacerbations (AE-IPF).

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study performed from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2022, we used data from the West China Hospital of Sichuan University for model development and validation. Blood test results and the underlying diseases of patients were collected through the HIS system and LIS system. An algorithm for filtering candidate variables based on least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Logistic regression was performed to develop the risk model. Multiple imputation handled missing predictor data. Model performance was assessed through calibration and diagnostic odds ratio.

Results
311 and 133 participants were included in the development and validation cohorts, respectively. 3 candidate predictors (29 parameters) were included. A logistic regression analysis revealed that dyspnea, percentage of CD4+  T-lymphocytes, and percentage of monocytes are independent risk factors for AE-IPF. Nomographic model was constructed using these independent risk factors, and the C-index was 0.69. For internal validation, the C-index was 0.69, and that indicated good accuracy. Diagnostic odds ratio was 5.40. Meanwhile, in mild, moderate, and severe subgroups, AE positivity rates were 0.37, 0.47, and 0.81, respectively. The diagnostic model can classify patients with AE-IPF into different risk classes based on dyspnea, percentage of CD4+  T-lymphocytes, and percentage of monocytes.

Conclusion
A diagnosis model was developed and validated that used information collected from HIS system and LIS system and may be used to risk stratify idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients experiencing acute exacerbations.