bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and risk factors of sexually transmitted infections in the setting of a generalized HIV epidemic—a population-based study, western Kenya
Authors: Awuoche Hellen Carolyne , Joseph Rachael H , Magut Faith , Khagayi Sammy , Odongo Fredrick S , Otieno Moses , Appolonia Aoko , Odoyo-June Elijah , Kwaro Daniel O 
Published: January 2024

Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause adverse health outcomes, including increasing HIV acquisition/transmission risk. We analyzed data from an HIV biomarker and behavioral survey to estimate STI prevalence, and explore associated factors in the setting of a generalized HIV epidemic in Siaya County, western Kenya. Methods Data were collected in March–September 2022 through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires; records from 9643 sexually active participants aged 13+ years were included in the analysis. We calculated weighted self-reported STI prevalence, by sex, age, and HIV status and explored associated factors using multivariable logistic regression. Results Median age was 37 years and 59.9% were female; HIV prevalence was 18.0%. Overall STI prevalence was 1.8%; 1.5-fold higher among males vs. females, and 2.6-fold higher among participants living with HIV vs. those without. HIV status and multiple sexual partners were independently associated with STI in both sexes. Mind-altering substance use and being circumcised were associated with STI among males. Conclusions This study estimates STI prevalence in the setting of high HIV prevalence. Findings underscore the importance of: effective STI screening in HIV clinics and HIV testing and counseling in STI clinics; screening and counseling on substance use, and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis; and intensive sexual health counseling in male circumcision programmes.
Evaluation of antioxidant properties and cytotoxicity of brown algae (nizamuddinia zanardinii) in uterine (hela) and pancreatic cancer cell lines (paca-2)
Authors: Amerifar Milad , Arabnozari Hesamoddin , Shokrzadeh Mohammad , Habibi Emran 
Published: January 2024

Introduction Pancreatic cancer and cervical cancer are among the most common cancers. Brown algae have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties. This study investigated the antioxidant properties and the effect of brown algae extract on pancreatic and uterine cancer cells. Materials and methods In this study, Cervical (Hela) and pancreas (Paca-2) cancer cell lines were examined. The algae materials were extracted by sequential maceration method and amount of fucoxanthin content in the sample was determined by using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system. The cytotoxic effect of different concentrations of brown algae was measured by the MTT assay. All statistical calculations for comparing IC50 were analyzed using Graph Pad Prism software. Results the algal sample contained an average of 102.52 ± 0.12 μg of fucoxanthin per 100 g. IC50 for 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging activity for methanolic extract was 2.02 and 11.98 ± 0.13 respectively. Brown algae in all fractions inhibited cell growth and survival. In Hela cell lines, the methanolic extract was the most effective inhibitor, while in Paca cell lines, hexane and methanolic extracts were particularly potent. The methanolic extract was more toxic than other fractions on Hela and Paca cell lines. Conclusion This study highlights brown algae extracts strong anticancer effects on uterine and pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a natural anticancer drug. Different fractions of the extract showed superior apoptotic and cytotoxic effects, with higher concentrations leading to increased apoptotic effects and reduced survival rates of cancer cells.
Investigating the Antioxidant Effect of Deoxyschizandin in Doxorubicin-induced Hepatotoxicity: Role of PTEN Signaling Modulation
Authors: Zhou Naijing , Zhu Qilian 
Published: January 2024

Background The hepatotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) is one of its main toxic side effects that cannot be ignored. As an important initiating factor for hepatocyte apoptosis and necrosis, oxidative stress is crucial in DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. Deoxyschizandin (Deo) is a highly effective antioxidant flavonoid that has potential therapeutic potential in liver diseases. Objectives It is of great clinical significance to demonstrate that Deo can effectively treat DOX-related hepatotoxicity. Materials and Methods The hepatotoxicity animal model was established by DOX, and Deo was used for intervention to observe the therapeutic effect. At the cellular level, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) is used as a therapeutic target for Deo to explore its impact on oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Results Liver function damage and oxidative stress successfully appear in animal bodies. Specific manifestations include biomarkers of liver function damage, abnormal biomarkers of oxidative stress, and excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes. PTEN signaling plays an important role in Deo’s inhibition of oxidative stress. Conclusion Our studies indicate that Deo improved DOX-induced liver oxidative stress, whose mechanisms may be related to PTEN signaling.
Magnetostrictive energy conversion ability of Iron Cobalt Vanadium alloy sheet: Experimental and theoretical evaluation
Authors: Zangho Borel Franck Toutsop , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Shurui , Lallart Mickaël , Morel Laurent , Sebald Gael , Tsafack Pierre , Ducharne Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

The increasing demand for autonomous devices has made the concept of energy harvesting a significant industrial and academic point of interest. In this domain, an ideal magnetostrictive material for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical energy in a cost-effective way (i.e. competing with the price of primary batteries) remains to be determined. Iron-Cobalt-Vanadium (Permendur, Co49-Fe49-V2) is a promising candidate: it is a soft ferromagnetic material with high magnetization saturation, high magnetostrictive coefficients, low price, and good availability. In this study, the experimental magnetic characterization and simulation of Permendur sheets under tensile stress were performed, and their energy conversion capabilities were assessed. The conversion ability was predicted using thermodynamic Ericsson cycles from reconstructed anhysteretic curves. A maximum of 10.45 mJ cm−3 energy density was obtained under a tensile stress of 480 MPa and a magnetic excitation of 5.5 kA m−1. Then, an additional estimation was proposed to account for the hysteresis losses. For this, major hysteresis loops at different stress levels were considered, yielding an energy density of 3.52 mJ cm−3. Finally, experimental Ericsson cycles were performed to prove the feasibility of the conversion and corroborate the energy level predictions.
What Parents of Children Born with a Cleft Lip and/or Palate Want to Know About the Care for their Child
Authors: Heijsters F.A.C.J. , van Eick M.D. , van Nassau F. , Bouman M. , Breugem Corstiaan C. , de Bruijne M.C. , Mullender M.G. , Don Griot J.P.W. 
Published: January 2024

Objective Adequate health information that matches the needs of care recipients is a prerequisite for patient-centered care. To facilitate the provision of tailored and timely information, it isimportant to understand the information needs of parents of children and adolescents with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) themselves, and in addition they were asked how they experienced the provided care-related information. Design A cross-sectional study employing questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Setting Participants were recruited from a cleft palate-craniofacial care unit in a major tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. Participants Participants were parents or guardians of children with CL/P, and two adolescents with CLP. They were recruited through the outpatient clinic during multidisciplinary consultation or after clinical admission. Results In total, fifty-five questionnaires were completed by parents or guardians and eleven interviews were conducted with nine parents of children with CL/P and two adolescents with CL/P. In general, participants reported to be satisfied with provided information during hospital admission or multidisciplinary cleft team consultations (mean 8.0, scale 0–10). In addition, 25.5% (n = 14) indicated that information to prepare for hospital admission was lacking (eg, practical information). Thematic qualitative analysis yielded five main information needs: 1) Clear communication during the care process, 2) Overview of the care trajectory, 3) Specific care plan information, 4) Presentation of information and 5) Guidance and support. Conclusions Our findings emphasize the importance of gaining insights into wishes and information needs from care recipients who can provide insights in their information needs. With these findings, information provision should be redesigned to improve and to foster the further transition to family-centered care.
Study on weak sound signal separation and pattern recognition under strong background noise in marine engineering
Authors: Liu Song , Gao Jiantong , Zhou Huayu , Yang Kang , Liu Panpan , Du Yifan 
Published: January 2024

The extraction of weak acoustic signals under strong background noise is of great significance in the applications of target identification and localization. In this paper, the pulse signal with high randomness is set as the weak signal sound source, random noise and sine sound are used as the background noise. Under the condition of a signal-to-noise ratio of −20 dB, combined with blind source separation and neural network methods, the collected observation signals are subjected to weak sound signal separation and recognition research. The optimization method of centralization and scaling processing is used to eliminate the unfavorable influence of the uncertainty of the separated signal amplitude caused by the blind source separation method on the pattern recognition. The recognition result is verified by the combination of “weak impulse acoustic signal” and “random noise signal,” and the output vector (0.99 0.01 0.01) approaches (1 0 0), which is recognized as impulse acoustic signal. By combining blind source separation and neural network methods, the separation and identification of weak pulse signals under the condition of a signal-to-noise ratio of −20 dB can be achieved.
Potential Efficacy of Shiunko for Anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Monoclonal Antibody-Induced Skin Fissure: A Single Institutional Case Series
Authors: Okunaka Mashiro , Kotani Daisuke , Mishima Saori , Nakamura Maho , Kawazoe Akihito , Bando Hideaki , Yoshino Takayuki , Shitara Kohei 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody (anti-EGFR mAb) is the key drug for RAS/ BRAF V600E wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissures often affect a patient’s quality of life. Shiunko, a traditional Japanese topical herbal medicine, is used for burns and dermatitis and may potentially have wound-healing effects. Herein, we report cases of patients with mCRC who were treated with Shiunko for anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissure. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with mCRC who received an anti-EGFR mAb-containing regimen and were treated with Shiunko twice a day for skin fissures at the National Cancer Center Hospital East between March 2022 and December 2022. Skin fissures were assessed at baseline and at every visit until 28 days after Shiunko initiation according to CTCAE v5.0. Results: Among the 11 patients, 5 patients were female; the median age was 61 (range, 43-79) years. The median treatment duration with anti-EGFR mAb before Shiunko initiation was 13.1 (range, 6-52) weeks. Skin moisturizer and topical steroids were applied for skin fissures in 11 and 5 patients, respectively. All patients had grade 2 skin fissures at baseline of Shiunko initiation. Two weeks after Shiunko initiation, complete recovery was noted in 4 patients and improvement to grade 1 was noted in 6 patients. There were no Shiunko-related adverse events. Ten patients continued anti-EGFR mAb treatment until disease progression, while 1 patient discontinued anti-EGFR mAb treatment due to severe eruptions. Conclusion: Shiunko could be a treatment option for anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissure. Further studies are warranted to investigate the efficacy and safety of Shiunko for anti-EGFR mAb-induced skin fissure.
Defining the Parameters for Endovenous Microwave Ablation to Achieve Equivalence With Endovenous Laser Ablation, Using the Porcine Liver Model
Authors: Bachetta Anjali , Cheung Simon , Moore Emma R. , Nguyen Danny , Kiely Melissa J. , Whiteley Mark S. 
Published: January 2024

Aims Endovenous microwave ablation (EMWA) is an endovenous thermoablation (EVTA) system to ablate incompetent truncal veins. Early results suggest that EMWA uses more power than endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) to get the same results. We aimed to define the parameters for EMWA, which give the same tissue ablation as EVLA, using the validated porcine liver model. Methods EVLA (1470 nm 600 micron radial fibre) treatments were performed at 6 W, 8 W and 10 W, at pullback speeds of 6, 7, 8 and 9 s/cm, giving Linear Endovenous Energy Densities (LEEDs) between 36 - 90 J/cm. Each combination of power and pullback was repeated 5 times. We then used EMWA in the same model. Powers of 35-75 W and pullback speeds of 4-9 s/cm were used (LEEDs 140-675 J/cm). Ablation tracts from both devices were analysed by 2 blinded observers, noting thermal spread and carbonisation. Results For each commonly used parameter for EVLA, we identified a range of parameters for EMWA that produced similar tissue ablation in the porcine liver model. To keep the pullback speeds within the usual range, powers of 35-75 W were needed with EMWA, with mean EMWA LEEDs 3.9 - 5.8 times higher than EVLA LEEDs. We found the quicker the pullback speed, the higher the multiple of EMWA LEED we needed to get the same effect. Conclusion We have identified parameters for EMWA that gave equivalent tissue ablation in the porcine liver model to commonly used parameters used for EVLA. These need to be validated clinically, but as the model used has already been validated against clinical outcome in endovenous thermal ablation, there is little reason to suspect that these results would not be valid. As the power during EMWA is higher than EVLA, EVMA LEEDs are approximately 4-6 times higher than EVLA LEEDs to achieve the same thermal effect on the tissues.
Lifestyle Factors and Heart Health: Exploring Effect Modification Using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey Data
Authors: Leal Raeann , Spencer-Hwang Rhonda , Beeson W Lawrence , Paalani Michael , Dos Santos Hildemar 
Published: January 2024

This study examined the potential relationship between sleep, exercise, and depression with coronary heart disease (CHD) using the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 391 750) during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHD was defined as the presence of self-reported CHD or myocardial infarction (MI). Descriptive statistics were used to report variable frequencies and percentages. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential relationships between lifestyle behaviors (individually and for effect modification) and CHD, with additional sensitivity analysis comparing depressed subjects with non-depressed subjects. Sleep and exercise were assessed in the model for potential effect modification. Those with insufficient sleep and those who did not exercise were more likely to report CHD ( sleep OR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.12); ( exercise OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.95, 2.05), though the interaction term was non-significant. Those with self-reported depression were found to be associated with CHD (OR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.30, 1.38). Among depressed individuals, insufficient sleep and no exercise exhibited a stronger association ( sleep OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.13,1.25); ( exercise OR = 2.13; 95% CI = 2.03, 2.23). Results support an association between sleep, exercise, and self-report of CHD, and this association is potentially magnified among depressed individuals, which may be further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Bayesian adaptive design approach for stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials
Authors: Wang Jijia , Cao Jing , Ahn Chul , Zhang Song 
Published: January 2024

Background: The Bayesian group sequential design has been applied widely in clinical studies, especially in Phase II and III studies. It allows early termination based on accumulating interim data. However, to date, there lacks development in its application to stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials, which are gaining popularity in pragmatic trials conducted by clinical and health care delivery researchers. Methods: We propose a Bayesian adaptive design approach for stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials, which makes adaptive decisions based on the predictive probability of declaring the intervention effective at the end of study given interim data. The Bayesian models and the algorithms for posterior inference and trial conduct are presented. Results: We present how to determine design parameters through extensive simulations to achieve desired operational characteristics. We further evaluate how various design factors, such as the number of steps, cluster size, random variability in cluster size, and correlation structures, impact trial properties, including power, type I error, and the probability of early stopping. An application example is presented. Conclusion: This study presents the incorporation of Bayesian adaptive strategies into stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials design. The proposed approach provides the flexibility to stop the trial early if substantial evidence of efficacy or futility is observed, improving the flexibility and efficiency of stepped-wedge cluster randomized trials.
Improving access, understanding, and dignity during miscarriage recovery in British Columbia, Canada: A patient-oriented research study
Authors: Van Tuyl Rana 
Published: January 2024

Background: Approximately 15%–25% of clinical pregnancies end in miscarriage, with more than 15,000 miscarriages occurring annually in British Columbia, Canada. Despite the significant rates of loss, research and health care services for pregnancy loss remain scarce in British Columbia. Objectives: This study aimed to (1) aid miscarriage recovery through the identification and sharing of equitable pregnancy loss care practices and supports and (2) present policy recommendations to improve prenatal care guidelines and employment standards for pregnancy loss. Design: This research took a patient-oriented methodological approach alongside people with lived/living experience(s) of miscarriage recovery in British Columbia to evaluate access to health care during pregnancy loss, societal understanding of miscarriage, and treatment options that foreground dignity. Methods: The mixed-methods design of this research included policy research on prenatal care guidelines, policy research on provincial and territorial employment legislation for bereavement leave, semi-structured interviews (n = 27), and a discovery action dialogue (n = 4). Results: The findings of this research demonstrate the need for improved prenatal care guidelines for early pregnancy loss, follow-up care after a miscarriage, mental health screening and supports, and bereavement leave legislation. Conclusion: This article includes recommendations to improve equitable access to pregnancy loss care, bereavement leave legislation, and future research in this area.
Psychotropic prescribing after hospital discharge in survivors of critical illness, a retrospective cohort study (2012–2019)
Authors: Mansi Elizabeth T , Rentsch Christopher T , Bourne Richard S , Guthrie Bruce , Lone Nazir I 
Published: January 2024

Background: Many people survive critical illness with the burden of new or worsened mental health issues and sleep disturbances. We examined the frequency of psychotropic prescribing after critical illness, comparing critical care to non-critical care hospitalised survivors, and whether this varied in important subgroups. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 23,340 critical care and 367,185 non-critical care hospitalised adults from 2012 through 2019 in Lothian, Scotland, who survived to discharge. Results: One-third of critical care survivors (32%; 7527/23,340) received a psychotropic prescription within 90 days after hospital discharge (25% antidepressants; 14% anxiolytics/hypnotics; 4% antipsychotics/mania medicines). In contrast, 15% (54,589/367,185) of non-critical care survivors received a psychotropic prescription (12% antidepressants; 5% anxiolytics/hypnotics; 2% antipsychotics/mania medicines). Among patients without psychotropic prescriptions within 180 days prior to hospitalisation, after hospital discharge, the critical care group had a higher incidence of psychotropic prescription (10.3%; 1610/15,609) compared with the non-critical care group (3.2%; 9743/307,429); unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 3.39, 95% CI: 3.22–3.57. After adjustment for potential confounders, the risk remained elevated (adjusted HR 2.03, 95% CI: 1.91–2.16), persisted later in follow-up (90–365 days; adjusted HR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.30–1.46), and was more pronounced in those without recorded comorbidities (adjusted HR 3.49, 95% CI: 3.22–3.78). Conclusions: Critical care survivors have a higher risk of receiving psychotropic prescriptions than hospitalised patients, with a significant proportion receiving benzodiazepines and other hypnotics. Future research should focus on the requirement for and safety of psychotropic medicines in survivors of critical illness, to help guide policy for clinical practice.
Patient-caregiver twinned mobile phone application to promote medication adherence
Authors: Tan NC , Goh CC , Koh YLE , Tan SFI , Ponraj D , Luo ZQ 
Published: January 2024

Background Poor medication adherence (MA) is prevalent globally. MA assessment, often based on scales or pill count, lacks actionability. A mobile application (app), MediEasy, targeting patients on multiple daily medications, has been developed to engage their caregivers to enhance their MA. Objectives This pilot single-arm study aimed to determine the feasibility, acceptability, utility and glycaemic control of the MediEasy-app by patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and their caregivers. Methods 20 Multi-ethnic Asian patients aged 51 to 70 years with suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c>7.5%) and their caregivers were recruited at a Primary care outpatient clinic in Singapore. The Medieasy app that contains the following major functionalities such as the alerts to take medications, embedded medication details, personalized dosing options (such as frequency and scheduling dosage settings) is twinned to their designated caregivers. The Caregivers can remind the patients who missed the scheduled medication intake when the paired device was alerted. Results 85% (17/20) of the participants used the app for the entire 4 weeks, reflecting feasibility; 3 dropped out due to technical glitches or failure to adhere to protocol. The app was activated with an average of 2.8 times per day showing adequate utility. The 17 participants and their caregivers agreed that the app supported medication adherence. Their mean HbA1c decreased by 0.2% after 12 weeks of app usage. Conclusions The results showed feasibility, utility and acceptability of the MediEasy-app, with improved glycaemic control after its usage.