bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between levels of serum and urinary B cell-activating factor and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity
Authors: Rezazadeh Maryam , Hasan Jokar Mohammad , Mehrnaz Aghili Seyedeh , Mirfeizi Zahra , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Morovatdar Negar , Hashemzadeh Kamila 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the correlation between serum and urinary B cell-activating factor (BAFF) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity.
Patients and methods: This case-control study was conducted with 87 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Sixty-two SLE patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled. SLE patients were categorized into active (n=34) and inactive (n=28) groups based on their Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected for the measurement of BAFF levels. Finally, the relationship between these variables and SLE disease activity was investigated.
Results: The mean age of active (SLEDAI-2K >4) and inactive (SLEDAI-2K ≤4) SLE patients and healthy individuals were 32.8±7.8, 32.5±6.8, and 31.7±7.8 years, respectively (p=0.62). The median serum BAFF (s-BAFF) and urinary BAFF (u-BAFF) in active lupus patients (10.4 [2.3] ng/mL and 8.2 [3.7] ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher than in inactive lupus patients (6 (7.1) ng/mL and 1.7 (4.7) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001) and the control group (3 (3.7) ng/mL and 1.6 (2.2) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001). However, s-BAFF (p=0.07) and u-BAFF (p=0.43) did not significantly differ between the inactive group and the control group. A significant positive correlation was observed between s-BAFF (r=0.41 and p=0.001) and u-BAFF (r=0.78 and p<0.001) levels and the SLEDAI-2K score.
Conclusion: There is a significant positive correlation between serum and urinary BAFF levels and SLE disease activity. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of s-BAFF and u-BAFF have been observed in patients with active lupus compared to inactive and healthy subjects, indicating a possible role for BAFF in the pathogenesis of SLE disease activity.
Analysis of risk factors for the progression and prognosis of connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zhao Ting , Lin Fu-an , Chen Hongpu 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of lung progression in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Patients and methods: A total of 91 ILD patients (28 males, 63 females; mean age: 54.9±11.3 years; range, 30 to 77 years) were included in the prospective follow-up study conducted throughout 2020. They were divided into progressors (n=27) and nonprogressors (n=64) according to whether the pulmonary disease progressed during a six-month follow-up period. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed, and a logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the risk factors of the progression of ILD in all patients.
Results: Univariate analysis revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between the two groups in smoking history, serum ferritin, FVC% (the percentage of forced vital capacity), DLCO% (the percentage of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide), and computed tomography involvement range. Further application of a logistic regression model revealed that increased serum ferritin level was an independent risk factor for ILD progression (odds ratio=1.002, 95% confidence interval: 1.000-1.003, p=0.004). The optimal critical value of serum ferritin was 303.25 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 81.5% and 54.7%, respectively, and the area under the curve was 0.747.
Conclusion: The level of serum ferritin may be an independent predictor for ILD progression.
Real-life data on the comorbidities in spondyloarthritis from our multicenter nationwide registry: BioStar
Authors: Çay H. Fatih , Alkan Melikoğlu Meltem , Gül Yurdakul Fatma , Bodur Hatice , Ataman Şebnem , Çapkın Erhan , Gürer Gülcan , Sezer İlhan , Duruöz M. Tuncay , Rezvani Aylin , Yağcı İlker , Göğüş Feride , Kamanli Ayhan , Çevik Remzi , Akgül Özgür 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Considering that the comorbid situations during the management of Spondyloarthritis (SpA) have been underlined in several recommendations, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the comorbid conditions of Turkish patients with SpA.
Patients and methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 1,242 SpA patients (844 males, 398 females; mean age: 43.9±11.0 years; range, 19 to 81 years) diagnosed according to the modified New York criteria for ankylosing spondylitis or the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. The patient data were collected from the Biologic and targeted Synthetic antirheumatic drugs Registry (BioStar) between February 1, 2019, and December 29, 2020. Clinical and demographic data, including, age, sex, disease duration, body mass index (BMI), pain, patient’s global assessment, physician’s global assessment, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index, and Maastricht Enthesitis Score, were recorded. Comorbid conditions were recorded by filling out a questionnaire according to the clinical history or medical records. Charlson Comorbidity Index and Rheumatic Disease Comorbidity Index scores were calculated from the gathered comorbidity information.
Results: Nine hundred thirteen patients had radiographic axial SpA, 153 had nonradiographic axial SpA, and 176 had peripheral SpA. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HT) (n=167, 13.4%), diabetes mellitus (DM) (n=83, 6.7%), thyroid disorders (n=64, 5.6%), and depression (n=61, 4.9%). The comorbidities and the calculated comorbidity indices were significantly higher in females, in those with a BMI >25 kg/m2 , and those over 60 years of age. No relationship was found between smoking and alcohol use and comorbidities. A significantly higher prevalence of HT and DM in peripheral SpA patients and a lower prevalence of thyroid disorders in radiographic axial SpA patients were observed.
Conclusion: The most commonly reported comorbidities were HT, DM, thyroid disorders, and depression in SpA patients according to the BioStar database. The frequency of comorbidities and composite comorbidity scores were higher among females, older (>60 years) patients, and overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2 ) patients.
Mortality in a cohort of Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus patients: A comparison with African, Arabic, and Mediterranean studies
Authors: Gamal Sherif , Rady Hanaa , Sobhy Nesreen , Siam Ibrahem , Soliman Ahmed , Elgengehy Fatema 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to examine the frequency, causes, and predictors of mortality in a cohort of Egyptian systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and compare mortality causes and the survival rate in our cohort to African, Arabic, and Mediterranean studies.
Patients and methods: In this retrospective study, a review of medical records of 563 SLE patients (516 females, 47 males; median of age: 32 [IQR: 26-38 years]; range, 14 to 63 years) fulfilling the 1997 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria between January 2015 and December 2019 was done. The data extracted included demographic, clinical, and laboratory features, treatments used, disease activity as measured by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and damage index as measured by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index. Causes of mortality were also reported.
Results: Out of 563 reviewed medical records, 50 (8.9%) patients died. Infection (28%) and organ damage (18%) were the most commonly reported causes of death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with cardiac manifestations, renal failure, those receiving higher doses of either oral (in their last visit) or intravenous (higher cumulative pulse steroids) steroids were at increased risk of mortality (p=0.011, p<0.001, p=0.01, and p<0.001, respectively; 95% confidence intervals 7.2, 63.9, 1.2, and 1.09, respectively). The overall survival at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years was 96.6%, 93.3%, 91.0%, and 83.2%, respectively, and 56.2% at 25 years until the end of the follow-up.
Conclusion: Cardiac manifestations, renal failure, and higher steroid doses were independent predictors of mortality in our cohort. As in most African countries, infection was the main cause of death in our study; however, the mortality rate and the five-year survival among our cohort were better than in African (sub-Saharan) countries and similar to Arabic and Mediterranean countries.
Towards a consensus on the clinical applications and interpretations of the nailfold capillaroscopy standards in clinical practice: An initiative by the Egyptian Society of Microcirculation
Authors: El Miedany Yasser , Ismail Sherif , wadie fawzy Mary , Müller-Ladner Ulf , Giacomelli Roberto , Liakouli Vasiliki , Hermann W , Fathy Nihal , El Gaafary Maha , Fouad Nermin A , Saber Sally , Abu-Zaid Mohammed Hassan 
Published: February 2024

Objectives: Based on the mainstream adoption of nailfold capillaroscopy as an investigative tool for rheumatologists, this work was carried out by a panel of experts in the field of capillaroscopy and microcirculation to issue a consensus view on capillaroscopic image acquisition and analysis standardization.
Patients and methods: After the key clinical questions were identified by the core team, a systematic review of the published research was carried out focusing on variable capillaroscopic techniques, definitions, and characteristics, including capillary density (number of capillaries), capillary morphology (shape of each capillary), capillary dimensions (width of apical, arterial, and venous limb of the capillary), and the presence of hemorrhages. The expert panel attained a consensus and developed recommendations for the standardization of capillaroscopy in clinical practice. These included recommendations for normality and abnormality and the different capillaroscopic patterns. It also involved recommendations for scoring systems, reliability, and reporting.
Results: A panel of 11 experts participated in the two rounds with a response rate of 100%. A total of nine recommendations were obtained. The agreement with the recommendations (a score of 7-9) ranged from 81.8 to 90.9%. A consensus (i.e., ≥75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) was reached on all the clinical standards.
Conclusion: This work highlighted the main NFC indications, the technical equipment that should be used, how to carry out the procedure, standardization of the terminology of the parameters, and the interpretation of NFC findings. An evidence-based consensus incorporating the advice and experience of a diverse international expert panel was reached.
Sobre el Derecho Administrativo de nuestro tiempo: Algunas tendencias
Authors: Martín Rebollo Luis 
Published: February 2024

SUMARIO:
1. Introducción. Sobre conceptos, ideas y lenguaje: identificar la realidad y poder exponerla.2. Retos nuevos y modernas tendencias en el Derecho Administrativo: algunos ejemplos: A) La perspectiva comparada y la internacionalización del Derecho interno.B) El impacto de las nuevas tecnologías y su incidencia en el Derecho.C) Los cambios en la relaciones Estado-Sociedad.D) El necesario fortalecimiento del papel de la Ley.E) Los nuevos derechos.F) Controlar mejor a la Administración para que sea más eficaz.3. Final: conciencia de un tiempo nuevo.
Patients’ Intentions to Use a Physician-Provided Digital Health Information Service
Authors: Memenga Paula , Link Elena 
Published: February 2024

Patients require adequate, high-quality health information, but their most trusted source, physicians, have scarce time resources. A physician-provided digital health information service (DHIS) offers new solutions to this challenge. Guided by the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2), this study examined patients’ intentions to use such a service. The model was supplemented by informational social norms and eHealth literacy. An online survey with a stratified German sample (N = 1,000) was conducted. In a fictitious scenario, the DHIS was described as a web-based platform for tailored health information. Data were analysed using a multiple linear regression analysis and a mediation analysis. The regression model explained 57.8% of the variance of usage intentions. The factors performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, time value, and habit were positively associated, and facilitating conditions were not associated with usage intentions. eHealth literacy showed a weak but significant association with usage intentions, but social norms were not linked to it. The effect of eHealth literacy was mediated by effort expectancy and habit. Our results support the need for digital methods of information provision. Communication about DHIS should particularly address its personal value for patients’ knowledge, decision-making, and health status.
The effect of surgery and hormone therapy on quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
Authors: Benderli Cihan Yasemin , Öztürk Orhun 
Published: February 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of surgery type and hormone therapy on the general quality of life in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.
Material and Methods: A total of 109 patients were included in the study. As data collection tools in the research, a form stating the demographic and clinical features was used in the first part, and in the second part, “EORTC QLQ-C30” developed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer and “EORTC QLQ-BR23” Turkish quality of life forms specific to breast cancer were used. The patients were asked to fill in the questionnaire forms on the first day, the last day of radiotherapy and three months after the end of the treatment.
Results: Mean age of this study was 54.8 ± 12.1 years. In the questionnaires made on the first day, last day and three months after radiotherapy, the highest score according to the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale was in social and cognitive function, and in sexual life on the EORTC QLQ-BR23 scale. According to multiple comparison test and comparing the first day of radiotherapy and three months after radiotherapy, there was a significant difference in patients’ physical function average (p= 0.049), future expectation (p= 0.033), sexual life (p= 0.029), sexual satisfaction (p< 0.001), and hair loss (p= 0.011), and arm related problems (p< 0.001). According to the analysis of variance in repeated measurements, physical function, sexual life, side effects, hair loss, dyspnea, and future expectation were statistically significant according to the type of surgery, and for hormone therapy, sexual life, hair loss, constipation and financial difficulty were found statistically significant.
Conclusion: It was observed that other than radiotherapy, hormone therapy and surgical techniques were also effective on the quality of life in patients receiving radiotherapy for breast cancer.
Evaluation of breast cancer awareness in female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia
Authors: Gökçen Gündoğmuş Ayşe , Koçyiğit Yasemin , Bora Nazlı Şerif 
Published: February 2024

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the awareness of female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia about breast cancer and to evaluate whether there was a difference in this awareness between the control group and individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Secondly, the frequency of breast cancer screenings of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and the control group was compared.
Material and Methods: Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who were literate and voluntarily gave informed consent to participate after being informed about the study were included. The research study group comprised of 82 individuals, 35 patients with schizophrenia and 47 healthy individuals. Patients with schizophrenia were required to have no clinically severe disease picture (CGI-S score of 3 or below). Individuals were given the Breast Cancer Awareness Scale (B-CAS) to fill in.
Results: The patient group had less awareness of breast cancer than the control group; conversely, they faced more barriers in breast cancer screening. The number of those who stated that they did not know about breast cancer early diagnosis methods was higher in the patient group than in the control group. In the evaluation of health attitudes toward breast cancer, it was found that the healthy control group was better than the patient group in performing regular breast self-exam.
Conclusion: Educating individuals with schizophrenia about the signs and symptoms of cancer and adapting healthcare systems to facilitate rapid and early cancer diagnosis may result in cost-effective and applicable cancer control strategies for curable cancers.
RIPASA versus Alvarado score in the assessment of acute appendicitis: A prospective study
Authors: Shams Ud Din Syed , Ullah Baig Inayat , Tassawar Hussain Mirza , Sadiq Abdullah , Humayun Talha , Ahmad Umair , Syed Aqsa 
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study aimed to compare Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Appendicitis (RIPASA) and Alvarado scoring to accurately identify acute appendicitis.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was carried out in the department of surgery. Patients were enrolled and scored using RIPASA and Alvarado scoring systems. Appendectomy was done, and the specimen was sent for histopathology examination, which was used as the gold standard for diagnosis. Among 400 recruits, 11 patients were lost to follow-up, giving us a sample size of 389 patients. The cut-off value for RIPASA and Alvarado scores was 7.5 and 7.0, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy in diagnosing acute appendicitis of both scores were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Among 389 patients, 256 (66%) were males, and 277 (71%) were under the age of 40 years. RIPASA was more than 7.5 in 345 cases, while Alvarado was more than 7.0 in 261 patients. RIPASA score had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 95.8%, 87.9%, 98.9%, and 65.9%, respectively. In contrast, the ALVARADO score was 71.1% sensitive and 75.8% specific. RIPASA had a diagnostic accuracy of 95.12%, while Alvarado was only 71.46% accurate in diagnosing acute appendicitis.
Conclusion: Compared to the Alvarado scoring system, RIPASA is a better tool in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for diagnosing acute appendicitis.
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A single cancer center experience
Authors: Abouzid Amr , Setit Ahmed , Abdallah Ahmed , Abd Elghaffar Mohamed , Shetiwy Mosab , Elzahaby Islam A. 
Published: February 2024

Objective: Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) was challenging to most surgeons due to the two-dimensional view, difficult manipulations of the instruments, ergonomic discomfort, and the associated muscular spasm and effort. Technological advances with improved surgical experience, have made LG a more feasible and favorable approach for gastric cancer (GC) patients.
Material and Methods: LG was performed in 44 patients with GC between July 2015 to June 2022, in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt, and we assessed the surgical outcomes of this approach as an initial experience of a single cancer center.
Results: Twenty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, and seventeen underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Two cases had combined resection. Operative time was 339.2 ± 76.73 min, while blood loss was 153.86 ± 57.51 mL. The patients were ambulant on postoperative day 0, oral intake was started within three days (range 1-5 days) and the hospital stay was six days (range 3-9 days).
Conclusion: LG for GC is a feasible approach for both early and advanced GC patients as it allows for adequate diagnosis of the peritoneal disease, meticulous dissection, and identification of the lymph nodes with minimal blood loss and decrease surgery-related problems and encourage the early patients’ discharge from hospital and return to daily life activities.
Histopathological evaluation after pancreatic surgery: Comparison of the results of HPB-specific pathologists and non-specific pathologists
Authors: Cihangir Emral Ahmet , Dikmen Kürşat , Tahernejad Maryam , Sardari Khotan , Rahman Pour Ali , Ekinci Özgür , Kerem Mustafa 
Published: February 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the evaluation of HPB-specific pathologists and general pathologists on the specimens of patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy by the same surgical team.
Material and Methods: The pathological results of 159 patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in the periampullary region was retrospectively examined. Histopathological evaluation results of HPB-specific pathologist (S group) and other pathologists (NS group) were compared. Tumor size (mm), total lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes, surgical margin positive/negative (RO/R1/R2 resection) and data of patients who underwent vascular resection were evaluated.
Results: The specimens of 91 patients were examined by a HPB-specific pathologist (S group), and the specimens of 68 patients were examined by non-specific pathologists (NS group). When compared in terms of the average total number of lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes dissected, a statistically significant result was observed (p= 0.04, p< 0.01 respectively). Additionally, surgical margin positivity (R1) was found to be statistically higher in the S group (p= 0.02).
Conclusion: In order for the success of HPB surgery to be reflected in the clinic, it is of great importance that the specimens are examined by HPBspecific pathologists.