bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cause-Specific Mortality Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years in the United States, 1999 Through 2020
Authors: Kakara Ramakrishna S. , Lee Robin , Eckstrom Elizabeth N. 
Published: March 2023

Objective: Reports on recent mortality trends among adults aged ≥65 years are lacking. We examined trends in the leading causes of death from 1999 through 2020 among US adults aged ≥65 years. Methods: We used data from the National Vital Statistics System mortality files to identify the 10 leading causes of death among adults aged ≥65 years. We calculated overall and cause-specific age-adjusted death rates and then calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in death rates from 1999 through 2020. Results: The overall age-adjusted death rate decreased on average by 0.5% (95% CI, −1.0% to −0.1%) per year from 1999 through 2020. Although rates for 7 of the top 10 causes of death decreased significantly, the rates of death from Alzheimer disease (AAPC = 3.0%; 95% CI, 1.5% to 4.5%) and from unintentional injuries (AAPC = 1.2%; 95% CI, 1.0% to 1.4%), notably falls (AAPC = 4.1%; 95% CI, 3.9% to 4.3%) and poisoning (AAPC = 6.6%; 95% CI, 6.0% to 7.2%), increased significantly. Conclusion: Public health prevention strategies and improved chronic disease management may have contributed to decreased rates in the leading causes of death. However, longer survival with comorbidities may have contributed to increased rates of death from Alzheimer disease and unintentional falls.
Glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 alters the HMGB1/GPX4 axis to drive ferroptosis in bladder cancer cells
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Chen Qitian , Zhang Yang , Zhao Lingling 
Published: March 2023

Objective The ability of glutathione S-transferase zeta 1 (GSTZ1) to modulate homeostasis of cellular redox and induce ferroptosis was explored in bladder cancer cells, and the involvement of the high mobility group protein 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 (HMGB1/GPX4) in these effects was studied. Methods BIU-87 cells stably overexpressing GSTZ1 were transfected with appropriate plasmids to deplete HMGB1 or overexpress GPX4, then treated with deferoxamine and ferrostatin-1. Antiproliferative effects were assessed by quantifying levels of ferroptosis markers, such as iron, glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), GPX4, transferrin, and ferritin. Results GSTZ1 was significantly downregulated in bladder cancer cells. GSTZ1 overexpression downregulated GPX4 and GSH, while greatly increasing levels of iron, MDA, ROS, and transferrin. GSTZ1 overexpression also decreased proliferation of BIU-87 cells and activated HMGB1/GPX4 signaling. The effects of GSTZ1 on ferroptosis and proliferation were antagonized by HMGB1 knockdown or GPX4 overexpression. Conclusion GSTZ1 induces ferroptotic cell death and alters cellular redox homeostasis in bladder cancer cells, and these effects involve activation of the HMGB1/GPX4 axis.
New therapies in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations
Authors: David Gil-Sierra Manuel , Maria del Pilar Briceño-Casado , Cristina Moreno-Ramos 
Published: March 2023

Objective Patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations have a poor prognosis and few therapeutic alternatives. We conducted a review of scientific evidence about therapies in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations. Data Sources A systematic review in PubMed® database was performed up to November 19, 2022. Clinical trials (CTs) about treatments of patients diagnosed with advanced or metastatic NSCLC harbouring EGFR exon 20 insertions who had previously received platinum-based chemotherapy were selected. CTs with a sample size of less than 10 patients were discarded. Efficacy results were used to determine the most interesting drugs. Subsequently, a more exhaustive analysis of the design of the CTs and safety of the most interesting schemes was conducted. Comparisons were attempted to develop. Data Summary A total of 40 records were found in the systematic search. Twelve selected CTs included the following therapies: poziotinib, osimertinib, pertuzumab–trastuzumab–docetaxel scheme, mobocertinib, amivantamab, erlotinib–onalespib regimen, luminespib, ado-trastuzumab emtansine and dacomitinib. Mobocertinib, amivantamab and poziotinib were determined as the most interesting treatments according to efficacy data. Gastrointestinal and dermatological adverse reactions were relevant in these regimens. All CTs presented a non-randomised design. No reliable comparisons could be developed. Conclusions The efficacy of mobocertinib, amivantamab and poziotinib in NSCLC with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations is promising. However, therapies were assessed in single-arm CTs with low-quality evidence. Comparative studies with more extensive patient follow-up, larger sample size and better design are needed to reliably quantify the effect of these drugs.
Helicobacter pylori-Related Immunoglobulins in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Herndon Betty L. , Vlach Victoria , Dew Michelle , Willsie Sandra K. 
Published: March 2023

Background/Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine serum antibody titers against a common bacterial antigen, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), in subjects with sarcoidosis, comparing those titers to those present in a healthy population. Subjects and Methods With the approval of the Institutional Review Board of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, patients with sarcoidosis (pulmonary and extrapulmonary) who visited the Truman Medical Center-Hospital Hill pulmonary clinic were recruited to enter the study. A serum sample was frozen at -70°C for later testing ( n = 20). Specific information collected on subjects included corticosteroid use, use of histamine2 blockers and antacids, date of first diagnosis, and stage of sarcoidosis. Normal controls and demographically matched individuals who lacked pulmonary diseases, including sarcoidosis, were also recruited. Serum samples were processed as above. Antibody capture enzyme immunoassay was completed for H. pylori and urease antigens by serum dilution assay for each subject, from which titers for antigen-specific immunoglobulin (lg)G and IgA were calculated. Nonspecific serum IgE was also measured. Results An increased incidence of high-titer IgG antibody directed against H. pylori antigens was found in subjects with sarcoidosis compared with controls. The sarcoidosis and control groups were significantly different with respect to IgG and IgA against H. pylori, both at p = .001. IgG directed against urease was also significantly different between sarcoidosis and control patients ( p = .001), but IgA directed against urease was very low in all subjects and did not yield significant differences between groups. Conclusions Specific H. pylori and urease IgG antibodies exceeded those expected in the population studied. The data suggest that in pulmonary sarcoidosis, the relationship of H. pylori and its products to sarcoid granuloma formation warrants further investigation.
A Systematic Approach to Standardizing Drinking Outcomes From Timeline Followback Data
Authors: Marini Christina , Northover Nicole S , Gold Noah D , Rogers Ursula K , O’Donnell Kelley C , Tofighi Babak , Ross Stephen , Bogenschutz Michael P 
Published: March 2023

Objective: The timeline followback (TLFB) interview is the gold standard for the quantitative assessment of alcohol use. However, self-reported “drinks” can vary in alcohol content. If this variability is not accounted for, it can compromise the reliability and validity of TLFB data. To improve the precision of the TLFB data, we developed a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) to calculate standard drinks more accurately from participant reports. Method: For the new SOP, the volume and alcohol content by volume (ABV) of distinct types of alcoholic beverages were determined based on product websites and other reliable sources. Recipes for specific cocktails were constructed based on recipes from bartending education websites. One standard drink was defined as 0.6 oz (14 g) of absolute alcohol. Standard drink totals were contrasted for the new SOP approach and the standard procedure, which generally assumed that one self-reported drink was equivalent to one standard drink. Results: Relative to the standard TLFB procedure, higher numbers of standard drinks were reported after implementing the TLFB SOP. Conclusions: Variability in procedures for conversion of self-reported alcohol consumption to standard drinks can confound the interpretation of TLFB data. The use and reporting of a detailed SOP can significantly reduce the potential for such inconsistencies. Detailed and consistent procedures for calculation of standard drinks can enhance the quality of TLFB drinking data.
Early is Not Superior to Late Endoscopic Intervention for Acute Cholangitis
Authors: Lyu Yunxiao , Ye Shenjian , Wang Bin 
Published: March 2023

Background Acute cholangitis (AC) is a common emergency with a significant mortality risk. This study aimed to compare urgent, early, and late endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for AC. Method We retrospectively evaluated patients diagnosed with AC from June 2016 to May 2021. According to the time of ERCP, patients were divided into urgent (≤24 h), early (24-48 h), and late (≥48 h) groups. Primary outcomes were technical success, in-hospital mortality, and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay (LOS), ERCP-related adverse events, and 30-day readmission. Results We divided 121 patients who underwent ERCP into urgent (N = 15), early (N = 19), and late groups (N = 87). There was no in-hospital mortality and no significant difference in technical success (93.3% (urgent) vs 89.5% (early) vs 96.6% (late); P = .41) and 30-day mortality ( P = .82). LOS in the urgent and early groups was shorter than that in the late group (13.93 days vs 8.82 days vs 14.20 days, respectively; P = .02). There was no difference between groups for ERCP-related adverse events and 30-day readmission rates. Conclusions Urgent or early ERCP was not superior to late ERCP for technical success and 30-day mortality. However, urgent or early ERCP was associated with shorter LOS than late ERCP.
RIRS with disposable or reusable scopes: does it make a difference? Results from the multicenter FLEXOR study
Authors: Gauhar Vineet , Chai Chu Ann , Chew Ben H , Singh Abhishek , Castellani Daniele , Tailly Thomas , Emiliani Esteban , Keat William Ong Lay , Ragoori Deepak , Lakmichi Mohamed Amine , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Traxer Olivier , Somani Bhaskar Kumar 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: With several single-use ureteroscopes now available, our aim was to analyze and compare data obtained globally from high-volume centers using both disposable and reusable flexible ureteroscopes and see if indeed in real-world practice either scope has a distinct advantage. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the FLEXOR registry, which was created as a TOWER group (Team of Worldwide Endourological Researchers, research wing of the Endourological Society) endeavor. Patients who underwent retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal stones from January 2018 to August 2021 were enrolled from 20 centers globally. A total of 6663 patients whose data were available for analysis were divided into Group 1 (Reusable scopes, 4808 patients) versus Group 2 (Disposable scopes, 1855 patients). Results: The age and gender distribution were similar in both groups. The mean stone size was 11.8 mm and 9.6 mm in Groups 2 and 1, respectively ( p < 0.001). Group 2 had more patients with >2 cm stones, lower pole stones and of higher Hounsfield unit. Thulium fiber laser (TFL) was used more in Group 2 ( p < 0.001). Patients in Group 2 had a slightly higher stone-free rate (SFR) (78.22%) and a lower number of residual fragments (RFs) compared with Group 1 ( p < 0.001). The need for further treatments for RF and overall complications was comparable between groups. On multivariate analysis, overall complications were more likely to occur in elderly patients, larger stone size, lower pole stones, and were also more when using disposable scopes with longer operative time. RFs were significantly higher ( p < 0.001) for lower pole, larger, harder, multiple stones and in elderly. Conclusion: Our real-world practice observations suggest that urologists choose disposable scopes for bigger, lower pole, and harder stones, and it does indeed help in improving the single-stage SFR if used correctly, with the appropriate lasers and lasing techniques in expert hands.
Enhancement and Repair of Degenerative Intervertebral Disc in Rats Using Platelet-Rich Plasma/Ferulic Acid Hydrogel
Authors: Chai Qiang , Zhang Baining , Da Yifeng , Wang Wenlei , Gao Yidan , Yao Mingyu , Zhu He , Yang Xuejun , Zhu Yong 
Published: March 2023

Background Intervertebral degenerative disc (IDD) disease is one of the most common clinical conditions causing low back pain. The main objective of this study was to investigate the repair effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and ferulic acid (FA) hydrogel compound on degenerative discs in rats in combination with bioengineering technology, which may provide a strong theoretical basis for the future treatment of IDD. Methods Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into groups A-F; MRI was performed in each group at 0, 4, and 8 weeks after injection; and disc tissues were obtained after executing the animals. The histomorphology, apoptosis, and protein synthesis of intervertebral discs in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, and Western blot. Results The release concentration of all groups reached the peak at 12 hours, and the highest concentration was found in the hydrogel/PRP/FA group at the same time. The MTT assay showed that hydrogel/PRP/FA is well-cytocompatible. The results of animal experiments show that hydrogel/PRP/FA has a good effect on degenerative intervertebral disc in rats. Conclusion PRP/FA-rich hydrogel compound plays an active role in promoting extracellular matrix synthesis, strengthening and repairing degenerated intervertebral discs in rats.
Dental drill noise reduction using a commercially-available earplug device
Authors: Jiang Pingfei , Atherton Mark , Millar Brian J. 
Published: March 2023

Aim: The dental handpiece noise in a dental surgery is concerning to both patients and staff as a major cause of dental phobia in patients and potential hearing loss in clinical staff. High-frequency noise generated by dental handpieces is considered to be the worst of the many noises in a dental clinic. Methods to reduce this noise have been proposed and either passive or active noise reduction headphones are often suggested. However, in a dental surgery environment, the need for good verbal communication with the patient needs to be maintained. As a result, this paper aims to evaluate one proprietary anti-noise device considered suitable for this specific purpose. Methods: Lab-based experiments were set up and carried out to evaluate QuietOn, using GRAS 43AG-1 Ear and Cheek Simulator to mimic a section of the human head and ear to represent the acoustic characteristics of an actual ear. Two types of dental drill noise recordings, one for electric motor-driven and another one for air turbine-driven, were played back through high-definition speakers. Sound data captured by the simulator are then visualised and plotted using MATLAB for analysis. Main findings: QuietOn is effective at low frequencies (< 1kHz). However, when dealing with high-frequency noise such as dental handpieces it is ineffective yet subdues verbal communication. Conclusions: Further development of passive or active noise cancellation earplugs is still needed to target dental handpiece noise while maintaining verbal communication.
The satisfaction of the undergraduate nursing classroom teaching quality based on the Kano model in China
Authors: Chen Jiu-Li , Zheng Li-Na 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To investigate the satisfaction of the undergraduate nursing classroom teaching quality based on the Kano model and provide a reference for improving the overall quality of educational services. Methods: A total of 621 sophomores and juniors of nursing at Hubei University of Medicine were selected to conduct questionnaires based on the Kano model using convenient sampling. Results: The 16 items are all a one-dimensional factor. The satisfaction and importance are 0.77 to 0.86 and −0.58 to −0.80, respectively. In the quadrant analysis chart, there are four items in the dominant area, three items for improvement, three in the observation area, and six in the retention area. Conclusion: Analyzing the satisfaction of nursing undergraduates’ classroom teaching quality can help us effectively understand the intrinsic needs of students and improve the overall quality of nursing undergraduates’ curriculum teaching services.
A randomized clinical trial of Premaquick biomarkers versus transvaginal cervical length for pre-induction cervical assessment at term among pregnant women
Authors: Okafor Chigozie G , Eleje George U , Adinma Joseph I , Ikechebelu Joseph I , Umeh Eric O , Okafor Chisolum O , Ugwu Emmanuel O , Ugboaja Joseph O , Nwosu Betrand O , Ezeama Chukwuemeka O , Udigwe Gerald O , Okoro Chukwuemeka C , Egeonu Richard O , Ezema Evaristus C , Umeononihu Osita S , Okpala Boniface C , Okafor Chidinma C , Ofojebe Chukwuemeka J , Ilika Chito P , Oguejiofor Charlotte B , Ogabido Chukwudi A , Umeokafor Chijioke C , James John E , Obiagwu Hillary I , Okafor Lazarus U , Obidike Afam B , Okam Princeston C , Okeke Kenneth N , Inya Anselem O , Njoku Tobechi K , Eleje Lydia I 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: To compare Premaquick biomarkers (combined insulin-like growth-factor binding protein 1 and interleukin-6) and cervical length measurement via transvaginal ultrasound for pre-induction cervical evaluation at term among pregnant women. Methods: A randomized clinical trial of consenting pregnant women at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria. The women were randomized equally into Premaquick group ( n = 36) and transvaginal ultrasound group ( n = 36). The cervix was adjudged ‘ripe’ if the Premaquick test was positive or if the trans-vaginal measured cervical length was less than 28 mm. The primary outcome measures were the proportions of women who needed prostaglandin analogue for cervical ripening and the proportion that achieved vaginal delivery after induction of labour. The trial was registered in Pan African clinical trial registry (PACTR) registry with approval number PACTR202001579275333. Results: The baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups ( p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of proportion of women that required prostaglandins for pre-induction cervical ripening (41.7 versus 47.2%, p = 0.427), vaginal delivery (77.8 versus 80.6%, p = 0.783), mean induction to delivery interval (22.9 ± 2.81 h versus 24.04 ± 3.20 h, p = 0.211), caesarean delivery (22.2 versus 19.4%, p = 0.783), proportion of neonate with birth asphyxia (8.30 versus 8.30%, p = 1.00) and proportion of neonate admitted into special care baby unit (16.7 versus 13.9%, p = 0.872). Subgroup analysis of participants with ‘ripe’ cervix at initial pre-induction assessment showed that the mean induction to active phase of labour interval and mean induction to delivery interval were significantly shorter in Premaquick than transvaginal ultrasound group. Conclusion: Pre-induction cervical assessment at term with either Premaquick biomarkers or transvaginal ultrasound for cervical length is effective, objective and safe with similar and comparable outcome. However, when compared with women with positive transvaginal ultrasound at initial assessment, women with positive Premaquick test at initial assessment showed a significantly shorter duration of onset of active phase of labour and delivery of baby following induction of labour.
Can digital health apps provide patients with support to promote structured diabetes education and ongoing self-management? A real-world evaluation of myDiabetes usage
Authors: Blythin A.M. , Elkes J. , van Lindholm T. , Bhogal A. , Wilkinson T.M.A. , Saville C. , Kirk A. 
Published: March 2023

Objective Structured diabetes education has evidenced benefits yet reported uptake rates for those referred to traditional in-person programmes within 12 months of diagnosis were suboptimal. Digital health interventions provide a potential solution to improve diabetes education delivery at population scale, overcoming barriers identified with traditional approaches. myDiabetes is a cloud-based interactive digital health self-management app. This evaluation analysed usage data for people with type 2 diabetes focusing on digital structured diabetes education. Methods Descriptive quantitative analyses were conducted on existing anonymised user data over 12 months (November 2019–2020) to evaluate whether digital health can provide additional support to deliver diabetes education. Data was divided into two equal 6-month periods. As this overlapped the onset of COVID-19, analyses of its effect on usage were included as a secondary outcome. All data was reported via myDiabetes. Users were prescribed myDiabetes by National Health Service healthcare primary care teams. Those who registered for app use within the study period (n = 2783) were assessed for eligibility (n = 2512) and included if activated. Results Within the study period, n = 1245/2512 (49.6%) registered users activated myDiabetes. No statistically significant differences were observed between gender (p = 0.721), or age (p = 0.072) for those who activated (59.2 years, SD 12.93) and those who did not activate myDiabetes (57.6 years, SD 13.77). Activated users (n = 1119/1245 (89.8%)) viewed 11,572 education videos. No statistically significant differences were observed in education video views across age groups (p = 0.384), gender (p = 0.400), diabetes treatment type (p = 0.839) or smoking status (p = 0.655). Comparison of usage pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 showed statistically significant increases in app activity (p ≤0.001). Conclusion Digital health is rapidly evolving in its role of supporting patients to self-manage. Since COVID-19 the benefits of digital technology have become increasingly recognised. There is potential for increasing diabetes education rates by offering patients a digital option in combination with traditional service delivery which should be substantiated through future research.