bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polypharmacy in patients with multiple sclerosis and the impact on levels of care and therapy units
Authors: Brüggemann Finn , Gross Stefan , Süße Marie , Hok Pavel , Strauss Sebastian , Ziemssen Tjalf , Frahm Niklas , Zettl Uwe K. , Grothe Matthias 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the societal costs of polypharmacy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). We therefore focused on the association between the number of medications on the level of care (LOC), the German classification of the need for care, and the number of therapy sessions (TTU).MethodsIn addition to demographic information and medication, 101 MS patients performed the Multiple Sclerosis Health Resource Utilization Survey (MS-HRS). Medications were subdivided into a total number of medications (TD), MS-related medication [MSD, i.e., disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) and symptomatic treatment (SD)], and medication for comorbidities (CDs). Multivariate linear regression models were performed to estimate if the amount of each medication type affects LOC or TTU.ResultsPolypharmacy appeared in 54 patients at the time of the survey. The relative risk (RR) of LOC 1 increased significantly by 2.46 (p = 0.001) per TD and by 2.55 (p = 0.004) per MSD, but not per CD (RR 1.44; p = 0.092). The effect of RR on MSD was driven by SD (RR 2.2; p = 0.013) but not DMD (RR 2.6; p = 0.4). RR of MSD remained significant for LOC 2 (1.77; p = 0.009) and LOC 3/4 (1.91; p = 0.015), with a strong trend in RR of SD, but not DMD. TTU increased significantly per MSD (p = 0.012), but not per TD (p = 0.081) and CD (p = 0.724).ConclusionThe number of MSDs is related to the likelihood of a higher level of care and the number of therapy sessions and is therefore a good indication of the extent of the societal costs.
Evaluation of visual performance and eye movements in patients with blue light-filtering intraocular lenses versus ultraviolet light-filtering intraocular lenses
Authors: Liu Yan , Ren Xiaotong , Wan Yu , Yang Luling , Zhang Rong , Li Xuemin 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEye movement plays an important role in visual perception and provides essential visual information for everyday tasks. Our previous study indicated that the visual performance and eye movement pattern were impaired in age-related cataract patients and could be improved after cataract surgery, but the impact of different intraocular lens (IOL) types was obscure. Previous studies found that blue light might affect the eye movement pattern and cognitive function. In this study, we explored the visual performance and eye movement pattern in post-cataract surgery patients implanted with blue light-filtering IOLs or ultraviolet (UV) light-filtering IOLs to further understand the impact of different types of IOLs on and daily visual performance and eye movement pattern and to help ophthalmologists and patients make the personalized option of IOL types in future.MethodsPatients after both-eye cataract surgeries were included in this study. Eye movement behaviors were automatically recorded by an eye tracker while performing three performance-based everyday tasks (non-social object search, face recognition, and reading). Visual performance and eye movement parameters were compared between participants with blue light-filtering IOLs and UV light-filtering IOLs. The correlation between visual performance and eye movement parameters was explored to determine which eye movement parameters had a significant influence on visual performance outcomes.ResultsA total of 30 patients (16 with blue light-filtering IOLs and 14 with UV light-filtering IOLs) were included. In this study, we found that the eye movement pattern was slightly different with these two IOLs: during non-social object visual search task, time to first fixation and fixation counts before first fixation were notably increased in yellow-tinted blue light-filtering IOL patients. During reading task, a higher total fixation count was also found in blue light-filtering IOL patients. However, the visual performance of these two IOLs was close, except for a quicker search of the target object with clear UV light-filtering IOLs.ConclusionBoth blue light-filtering and UV light-filtering IOLs were able to successfully restore visual function and yield satisfactory outcomes after cataract surgery. Although subtle, yellow-tinted IOLs did have a slight but significant impact on visual performance and the eye movement pattern of elderly patients when handling everyday tasks.
Comparison of dynamic visual acuity after implantation of toric bifocal or trifocal intraocular lens in age-related cataract patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Yuanting , Li Xiaodan , Jiang Xiaodan , Wang Yuexin , Wu Tingyi , Xia Huaqin , Li Xuemin 
Published: December 2023

PurposeTo investigate the dynamic visual acuity (DVA) after implantation of toric bifocal or trifocal intraocular lens in age-related cataract patients.MethodsThis was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Of one hundred and twenty-four patients enrolled and randomized to receive unilateral phacoemulsification and toric trifocal (939 M/MP, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) or toric bifocal (909 M, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) intraocular lenses (IOL) implantation, ninety-nine patients completed the follow-up and were included in final analysis. Postoperatively, uncorrected and corrected distance (UDVA and CDVA), intermediate (UIVA and DCIVA) and near (UNVA and DCNVA) static visual acuity, manifest refraction and uncorrected and corrected distance DVA (UDDVA and CDDVA) at 20, 40 and 80 degrees per second (dps) were evaluated at one week, one month and three months.ResultsThree months postoperatively, the UDVA were 0.13 ± 0.11 and 0.14 ± 0.13 in the toric trifocal and bifocal IOL group, respectively. Significant better UIVA (trifocal, 0.17 ± 0.13 vs. bifocal, 0.23 ± 0.13, p = 0.037) and DCIVA (trifocal, 0.16 ± 0.11 vs. bifocal, 0.20 ± 0.12, p = 0.048) were observed in patients implanting toric trifocal than bifocal IOL at three months postoperatively. Patients implanted with toric bifocal IOL obtained better CDDVA at 80 dps (0.5607 ± 0.2032) than the trifocal group (0.6573 ± 0.2450, p = 0.039) at three months. Postoperative UDDVA and CDDVA at 20, 40 and 80 dps were significantly associated with age (p &lt; 0.05, respectively) and postoperative static visual acuity (p &lt; 0.05, respectively).ConclusionToric trifocal IOL provides better static intermediate visual acuity, and toric bifocal IOL implantation provides better distance dynamic visual acuity at high speed.
Decrease in the number of new cancer diagnoses during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic – cohort study of 3.5 million individuals in western Poland
Authors: Trojanowski Maciej , Radomyski Piotr , Kycler Witold , Michalek Irmina Maria 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has considerably affected healthcare systems worldwide and is expected to influence cancer incidence, mortality, stage at diagnosis, and survival. This study aimed to assess COVID-19-related changes in cancer incidence observed in 2020 in the Greater Poland region.Materials and methodsData from the Greater Poland Cancer Registry on cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2020 were analysed. To quantify the change in the number of incident cancer cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, we calculated the standardized incidence ratio (SIR) and the incidence rate difference (IRD) to assume the pandemic-attributable gap in cancer incidence.ResultsIn 2020, in Greater Poland, the expected number of new cancer cases was 18 154 (9 226 among males and 8 927 among females), while the observed number was 14 770 (7 336 among males and 7 434 among females). The registered number of cancer cases decreased in 2020 by 20% (SIR 0·80, 95% CI 0·78 to 0·81) and 17% (SIR 0·83, 95% CI 0·81 to 0·85) in males and females, respectively. Among men, the most significant difference was reported for myeloma (SIR 0·59, 95% CI 0·45 to 0·77), among women for bone cancer (SIR 0·47, 95% CI 0·20 to 0·93). In females the observed incidence was higher than expected for cancer of an unspecified site (SIR 1·19, 95% CI 1·01 to 1·38). In our study, the decrease in new cancer cases was greater in males than in females.DiscussionThe observed incidence was affected in most cancer sites, with the most significant deviation from the expected number in the case of myeloma. An increase in the observed incidence was reported only in women diagnosed with cancer of an unspecified site, which might reflect shortages in access to oncological diagnostics.
Psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology: a case of Ethiopia
Authors: Baye Astewle Andargie , Bogale Sitotaw Kerie , Delie Abebu Tegenaw , Melak Fekadie Mengistu , Wondyifraw Haileyesus Gedamu , Tigabu Mengistu Ewunetu , Kebede Mulu 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundPsychosocial distress is a chronic burden for cancer survivors, which impacts both their quality of life and their oncologic prognosis. Although the national cancer prevention and control program in Ethiopia has made efforts in cancer prevention, control, and management by implementing the national cancer control plan 2016–2020, there was no enough evidence about psychosocial distress among adult cancer patients. So, it is critical to understand the magnitude of psychosocial distress and the factors that contribute to it.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychosocial distress and associated factors among adult cancer patients at oncology units in the Amhara regional state, Ethiopia. 2022.MethodsA multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 605 adult cancer patients from 30 April to 22 June 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study units. In addition, data were collected through interviewers administered questionnaires by using the validated and pretested tools. Distress was assessed using the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients Revised 10. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to describe the association between dependent and independent variables. Independent variable with p &lt; 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analyses were entered into multivariable logistic regression model. Variables with p &lt; 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analyses were considered as statistically significant associated factors of psychosocial distress.ResultA total of 593 adult cancer patients took part in this study with mean age of 46.86 ± 14.5 years. The overall prevalence of psychosocial distress was 63.74%. Variables such as being female [AOR = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–3.17], patients who lives in rural areas (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.49–3.54), community-based health insurance utilization (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.23–0.51), patients on chemotherapy treatment (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.38–5.39), patients with comorbidity (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.67–6.10), and symptom burdens such as severe fatigue (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.09–2.39) and severe nausea (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.43–3.00) were statistically associated with psychosocial distress.Conclusion and recommendationIn general, the findings of this study showed a relatively high magnitude in which around two-thirds of patients experienced psychosocial distress. It is better to establish and enforce the integration and coordination of psychosocial oncology service programs at national level with parallel guidelines and policies.
Drug-induced QT prolongation and torsade de pointes: a real-world pharmacovigilance study using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Li Dongxuan , Chai Shuang , Wang Hongli , Dong Jie , Qin Chunmeng , Du Dan , Wang Yalan , Du Qian , Liu Songqing 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Drug-induced QT prolongation and (or) Torsade de Pointes (TdP) is a well-known serious adverse reaction (ADR) for some drugs, but the widely recognized comprehensive landscape of culprit-drug of QT prolongation and TdP is currently lacking.Aim: To identify the top drugs reported in association with QT prolongation and TdP and provide information for clinical practice.Method: We reviewed the reports related to QT prolongation and TdP in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2022, and summarized a potential causative drug list accordingly. Based on this drug list, the most frequently reported causative drugs and drug classes of QT prolongation and TdP were counted, and the disproportionality analysis for all the drugs was conducted to in detect ADR signal. Furthermore, according to the positive–negative distribution of ADR signal, we integrated the risk characteristic of QT prolongation and TdP in different drugs and drug class.Results: A total of 42,713 reports in FAERS database were considered to be associated with QT prolongation and TdP from 2004 to 2022, in which 1,088 drugs were reported as potential culprit-drugs, and the largest number of drugs belonged to antineoplastics. On the whole, furosemide was the most frequently reported drugs followed by acetylsalicylic acid, quetiapine, citalopram, metoprolol. In terms of drug classes, psycholeptics was the most frequently reported drug classes followed by psychoanaleptics, analgesics, beta blocking agents, drugs for acid related disorders. In disproportionality analysis, 612 drugs showed at least one positive ADR signals, while citalopram, ondansetron, escitalopram, loperamide, and promethazine were the drug with the maximum number of positive ADR signals. However, the positive-negative distribution of ADR signals between different drug classes showed great differences, representing the overall risk difference of different drug classes.Conclusion: Our study provided a real-world overview of QT prolongation and TdP to drugs, and the presentation of the potential culprit-drug list, the proportion of reports, the detection results of ADR signals, and the distribution characteristics of ADR signals may help understand the safety profile of drugs and optimize clinical practice.
Evaluation of NTP42, a novel thromboxane receptor antagonist, in a first-in-human phase I clinical trial
Authors: Reid Helen M. , Maginn Mark , Perkins C. Michael , Mulvaney Eamon P. , Boyce Malcolm , Yamamoto Takahiro , Kinsella B. Therese 
Published: December 2023

Background: The thromboxane receptor (TP) antagonist NTP42 is in clinical development for treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases, such as pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this randomized, placebo-controlled Phase I clinical trial, NTP42, administered as the oral formulation NTP42:KVA4, was evaluated for safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) in healthy males.Methods: The first-in-human trial had three Parts: A, single ascending dose (SAD) study with seven groups given 0.25–243 mg NTP42:KVA4 or placebo; B, food effect study where one SAD group (9 mg) was also given NTP42:KVA4 or placebo after a high-fat breakfast; C, multiple ascending dose study with three groups given 15–135 mg NTP42:KVA4 or placebo once-daily for 7 days.Results: Seventy-nine volunteers participated. No serious adverse events occurred, where any drug- or placebo-related adverse events were mild to moderate, with no correlation to NTP42:KVA4 dose. NTP42 was rapidly absorbed, yielding dose proportional increases in exposure after single and repeat dosing. PK confirmed that, with a clearance (T1/2) of 18.7 h, NTP42:KVA4 is suited to once-daily dosing, can be taken with or without food, and does not accumulate on repeat dosing. At doses ≥1 mg, NTP42 led to complete and sustained inhibition of thromboxane-, but not ADP-, induced platelet aggregation ex vivo, with direct correlation between NTP42 exposure and duration of PD effects.Conclusion: Orally administered NTP42:KVA4 was well tolerated, with favorable PK/PD profiles and evidence of specific TP target engagement. These findings support continued clinical development of NTP42:KVA4 for cardiopulmonary or other relevant diseases with unmet needs.Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04919863.
Skin-protective biological activities of bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium extract by a consortium of microorganisms
Authors: Albouy Marion , Aubailly Simon , Jeanneton Olivier , Marteau Clarisse , Sobilo Lauren , Boulgana Rachid , Bru Gerard , Bellanger Marine , Leblanc Emmanuelle , Dos Santos Morgan , Pays Karl , Choisy Patrick , Bossard Elodie , Nizard Carine , Thepot Amelie , Gourguillon Lorene , Bulteau Anne-Laure 
Published: December 2023

Background:Aframomum sp. is a genus of plants in the Zingiberaceae family. It includes several species, some of which are used in cosmetics for their various properties, making them useful in skincare products, particularly for anti-aging, moisturizing, and brightening the skin. However, to date, there is no experimental evidence on its natural extracts obtained or modified using microorganisms (bio-fermentation) as an anti-aging agent.Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the antiaging effect of a Bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium (BAA) extract on 3D bioprinted skin equivalent.Methods: The consortium of microorganisms contained Komagataeibacter, Gluconobacter, Acetobacter, Saccharomyces, Torulaspora, Brettanomyces, Hanseniaspora, Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, Schizosaccharomyces. It was developed on a media containing water, sugar, and infused black tea leaves. The seeds of Aframomum angustifolium previously grounded were mixed with the culture medium, and the ferments in growth; this fermentation step lasted 10 days. Then, the medium was collected and filtered (0.22 µm) to obtain the BAA extract. To enhance our comprehension of the impact of BAA extract on skin aging, we developed skin equivalents using bio-printing methods with the presence or absence of keratinocyte stem cells (KSC). These skin equivalents were derived from keratinocytes obtained from both a middle-aged donor, with and without KSC. Moreover, we examined the effects of treating the KSC-depleted skin equivalents with Bio-fermented Aframomum angustifolium (BAA) extract for 5 days. Skin equivalents containing KSC-depleted keratinocytes exhibited histological characteristics typical of aged skin and were compared to skin equivalents derived from young donors.Results: The BAA extract contained specific organic acids such as lactic, gluconic, succinic acid and polyphenols. KSC-depleted skin equivalents that were treated with BAA extract exhibited higher specular reflection, indicating better hydration of the stratum corneum, higher mitotic activity in the epidermis basal layer, improved dermal-epidermal connectivity, and increased rigidity of the dermal-epidermal junction compared to non-treated KSC-depleted equivalents. BAA extract treatments also resulted in changes at the dermis level, with an increase in total collagen and a decrease in global laxity, suggesting that this extract could help maintain youthful-looking skin.Conclusion: In summary, our findings indicated that BAA extract treatments have pleiotropic beneficial effects on skin equivalents and that the bio-fermentation provides new biological activities to this plant.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of mepolizumab in the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database
Authors: Zou Fan , Zhu Chengyu , Lou Siyu , Cui Zhiwei , Wang Dan , Ou Yingyong , Wang Li , Chen Junyou , Lan Yuanbo 
Published: December 2023

Mepolizumab is primarily used in the treatment of asthma, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, eosinophilia syndrome, and chronic rhinitis with nasal polyps. The information about its adverse drug reactions is mainly derived from clinical trials, and there is a shortage of real-world studies with extensive sample sizes. In this study, the U.S. FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database was analyzed to evaluate the side effects of mepolizumab. A total of 18,040 reports of mepolizumab-associated adverse events were identified from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database. Multiple disproportionality analysis algorithms were used to determine the significance of these AEs. The study identified 198 instances of mepolizumab-induced AEs, including some important AEs not mentioned in the product labeling. The time to onset of adverse reactions was also analyzed, with a median time of 109 days. Most AEs occurred within the first month of mepolizumab use, but some may still occur after 1 year of treatment. Gender-specific analysis showed different high-risk AEs for females (digestive and neurological side effects) and males (serious adverse effects leading to hospitalization and death). The findings mentioned provide valuable insights on optimizing the use of mepolizumab, enhancing its effectiveness, and minimizing potential side effects. This information will greatly contribute to the practical implementation of the drug in clinical settings.
A compact portable photoacoustic sensor for sub-ppm level SO2 detection with a DUV-LED and a non-resonant photoacoustic cell
Authors: Jing Yujing , Feng Chaofan , Cui Ruyue , Xue Jiyu , Dong Lei , Wu Hongpeng 
Published: December 2023

A photoacoustic module based on a novel 273 nm deep-ultraviolet light-emitting diode (DUV-LED) was developed for sulfur dioxide (SO2) detection. The DUV-LED with an emission angle of 60° emitted a power of 10 mW. A high-sensitivity non-resonant photoacoustic cell with a gas chamber volume of only 0.39 mL was introduced to reduce the thermal noise generated by the contact of scattered DUV light with the photoacoustic cell. Assembly of the DUV-LED with the non-resonant photoacoustic cell resulted in a robust and portable photoacoustic module without any moving parts. The minimum detection limit of 725 ppb was achieved with 1s integration time at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, the photoacoustic module performance was evaluated in terms of DUV modulation frequency, linearity and the long-term stability.