bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the forgotten story of the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome on economic growth in Ghana: A gender analysis
Authors: Asravor Richard Kofi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAside from being a health issue, Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has an economic impact on Africa and Ghana in particular. Despite this, fewer empirical studies have examined the effect of the disease on economic growth from a gender point of view. This study aims to investigate the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on economic growth in Ghana. The paper uses time series data spanning 1990–2018 to estimate the impact of HIV/AIDS from a gender perspective. The Cobb–Douglas aggregate function and the Granger Causality test were used to examine the determinant of growth and the direction of causality, respectively. The study's finding shows a unidirectional feedback causality running from HIV/AIDS to economic growth. Controlling for varieties of factors, the study found that HIV/AIDS has a negative signiﬁcant impact on economic growth in both the short and long‐run periods in Ghana. From the gender perspective, the impact of HIV/AIDS on growth was higher in the case of males when compared to females.
Prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result at different workplaces in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Demeke Dessalegn , Tesfa Endalamaw 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsBurdens of occupational exposure like insoluble dust particles and chemicals in the respiratory tract leads to impaired clearance. This study aims to assess the prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric result in Ethiopia at different workplaces.MethodsFive electronic databases such as: PubMed, HINARI, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online were searched in studies conducted from 2010 to 2021. In this study, we used STATA 14 software for data analysis and the quality of included studies were appraised using the New Castle Ottawa quality assessment tool. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns and actual spirometric results were estimated using effect size and standardized mean differences (SMD).ResultsA total representative of 3511 participants was included in this study. The pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in occupational exposure at different workplaces was found 13.04% (95% CI: 7.96, 18.12, I2 = 89.2%). On the other hand, the pooled prevalence of obstructive lung patterns in controls was 4.10% (95% CI: 1.86, 6.34, I2 = 76.8%). SMD of spirometric results was significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls. The SMD of FVC in a litter (L) at 95% of CI: −0.50 (−0.70, −0.30, I2 = 87.7%), SMD of FEV1 in (L) at 95% CI: −0.54 (−0.72, −0.36, I2 = 84.9%), SMD of FEF25%–50% in litter per second (L/s) at 95% of CI: −0.42 (−0.67, −0.17, I2 = 81.9%) and SMD of PEFR in L/s at 95% CI: −0.45 (−0.68, −0.21, I2 = 78.4%) were significantly decreased in cases as compared to the controls.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of obstructive lung pattern was higher in people who are working at different workplace that generating dusts and chemicals. The SMD of actual spirometric results were reduced in cases than controls. Therefore, to alleviate this problem appropriate preventive measure would be warranted for those people who are working in different dust and chemical generating environments.
Evaluation of the Farsi‐translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health Scale questionnaires in patients with hemorrhoid disease: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Fallah Tafti Seyedeh Parisa , Foroutani Laleh , Safari Roxana , Hadizadeh Alireza , Behboudi Behnam , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Mohsen , Keramati Mohammad Reza , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Keshvari Amir , Kazemeini Alireza 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThe Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS) is a tool that is scored based on five main symptoms: pain, bleeding, itching, soiling, and prolapse. Furthermore, the Short Health Scale (SHS) is a measurement tool of subjective health and health‐related quality of life. This study was performed to validate the Farsi‐translated Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score (HDSS), and Scale Short Health Scale adapted for hemorrhoidal disease (SHS‐HD) as a measure of symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.MethodsIn this study, HDSS and SHS‐HD were translated into Farsi. Participants with confirmed hemorrhoid disease completed the questionnaire. Subsequently, the questionnaire's discriminative validity, convergent validity, reliability, sensitivity, and specificity were evaluated.ResultsData from 31 patients were analyzed (mean age 39.68; 71% male). The results of the analysis showed good internal consistency as Cronbach's α for HDSS and SHS were 0.994 and 0.995 respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficient for the test–retest comparison was 0.986 (p < 0.01). The responses demonstrated good convergent validity. Moreover, the comprehension and suitability of each question were rated as excellent (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.3).ConclusionsOur findings revealed that the Farsi translation of the HDSS and SHS‐HD can be a valuable tool for evaluating the symptom severity in patients with hemorrhoid disease.
Effect of short‐term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression: Clinical trial study
Authors: Ziapour Arash , Hajiazizi Arezou , Ahmadi Maryam , Dehghan Fateme 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThis study aimed to look at the influence of short‐term dynamic psychotherapy on sexual function and marital satisfaction in women with depression.MethodsThrough a clinical trial study using a pretest–posttest design and a control group, this study enlisted the participation of 60 women diagnosed with depression. The patients were interviewed before being randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. Data were obtained through the Beck Depression Inventory, the Enrique Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Questionnaire. The experimental group received intense short‐term dynamic psychotherapy intervention, while the control group was on a 2‐month waiting list. The SPSS 24 program utilized an analysis of variance to analyze the data.ResultsThe pre‐ and posttest study results revealed a significant difference in marital satisfaction, sexual function, and depression between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.01).ConclusionDuring the posttest phase, a short‐term intensive dynamic psychotherapy intervention helped the experimental group feel better about their marriage and improve their sexual function. It also helped them feel less depressed.
Adverse events with quetiapine and clarithromycin coprescription: A population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yau Kevin , McArthur Eric , Jeyakumar Nivethika , Tsobo Muanda Flory , Kim Richard B. , Clemens Kristin K. , Wald Ron , Garg Amit X. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsQuetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic predominantly metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme. We studied the risk of adverse events following coprescription of clarithromycin (a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor) versus azithromycin (not a CYP3A4 inhibitor) in quetiapine users.Materials and MethodsThis was a population‐based retrospective cohort study from 2004 to 2020 in Ontario, Canada in adult quetiapine users newly co‐prescribed clarithromycin (n = 16,909) or azithromycin (n = 25,267). The primary outcome was the composite of hospital encounters with encephalopathy (defined as a diagnosis of delirium, disorientation, transient alteration of awareness, transient ischemic attack, or unspecified dementia), a fall, or a fracture within 30 days of new coprescription. Secondary outcomes were individual components of the composite outcome, hospital encounter with computed tomography (CT) head scan, and all‐cause mortality.ResultsCoprescription of clarithromycin versus azithromycin with quetiapine was associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (365 of 16,909 clarithromycin users [2.2%] vs. 309 of 16,929 azithromycin users [1.8%]; absolute risk increase, 0.34% [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.04–0.63]; relative risk [RR], 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02–1.38]). This was primarily driven by an increase in fragility fractures (78 of 16,909 clarithromycin users [0.5%] vs. 45 of 16,923 azithromycin users [0.3%]; absolute risk increase, 0.20% [95% CI, 0.07–0.32]; RR, 1.74 [95% CI, 1.21–2.52]). Hospital encounters with a CT head scan were higher in clarithromycin users (220 of 16,909 [1.3%] vs. 175 of 16,923 azithromycin users [1.0%]; absolute risk increase, 0.27% [95% CI, 0.04–0.50]; RR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.04–1.54]), but there was no difference in hospital encounters with encephalopathy, falls, or all‐cause mortality between macrolide groups.ConclusionAmong adults taking quetiapine, concurrent use of clarithromycin compared with azithromycin was associated with a small but statistically greater 30‐day risk of a hospital encounter for encephalopathy, falls, or fracture, which was predominantly related to a higher rate of fragility fractures.
Bilateral hearing loss caused by anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis with teratoma: A case report
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Fang , Liang Tao , Lv Yi‐Kun , Luo Zhong , Zhang Jun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAutoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an autoimmune disease in the central nervous system. Clinical manifestations include cognitive dysfunction, psychiatric‐behavioral abnormalities, epilepsy, motor disorders, speech disorders, and memory impairment. Some patients do not have the characteristic clinical manifestations of the disease when they see a doctor, so they are easily diagnosed incorrectly. Autoimmune antibodies originate from genetic and acquired factors. Clinical data have found a correlation between ovarian teratoma and autoimmune encephalitis. This case reports a 34‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with teratoma‐associated anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐ aspartate receptor‐mediated autoimmune encephalitis called anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis with bilateral hearing loss in 2021. Through this case report, clinicians will pay attention to autoimmune encephalitis and raise awareness of the specific clinical manifestations of autoimmune encephalitis, and focus on early identification. It means that clinicians should be familiar with the representative clinical manifestations of the disease.
NEAT1 enhances MPP+‐induced pyroptosis in a cell model of Parkinson's disease via targeting miR‐5047/YAF2 signaling
Authors: Shen Hong , Song Hui , Wang Songlin , Su Daojing , Sun Qiang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeParkinson's disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease. The aim of our study is to explore the role and the regulatory mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 in MPP+‐induced pyroptosis in a cell model of PD.Materials and MethodsMPP+‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells were used as an in vitro model of dopaminergic neurons for PD. Expression levels of miR‐5047 and YAF2 mRNA were determined through qRT‐PCR. TUNEL staining was carried out to analyze neuronal apoptosis. Luciferase activity assay was accomplished to analyze the combination of miR‐5047 with NEAT1 or YAF2 3ʹ‐UTR region. Besides, concentrations of IL‐1β and IL‐18 in supernatant samples were analyzed by using ELISA assay. Expression level of proteins were examined through Western blot.ResultsNEAT1 and YAF2 expression were increased, while miR‐5047 expression was declined in the SH‐SY5Y cells treated with MPP+. NEAT1 was a positively regulator to SH‐SY5Y cells pyroptosis induced by MPP+. In addition, YAF2 was a downstream target of miR‐5047. NEAT1 promoted YAF2 expression via inhibiting miR‐5047. Importantly, the promotion of NEAT1 to SH‐SY5Y cells pyroptosis induced by MPP+ was rescued by miR‐5047 mimic transfection or YAF2 downregulation.ConclusionIn conclusion, NEAT1 was increased in MPP+‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells, and it promoted MPP+‐induced pyroptosis through facilitating YAF2 expression by sponging miR‐5047.
Circulating DNA methylation level of CXCR5 correlates with inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Shi Yiming , Chang Cen , Xu Lingxia , Jiang Ping , Wei Kai , Zhao Jianan , Xu Linshuai , Jin Yehua , Zhang Runrun , Wang Huijuan , Qian Yi , Qin Yingying , Ding Qin , Jiang Ting , Guo Shicheng , Wang Rongsheng , He Dongyi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the differences in circulating DNA methylation levels of CXCR5 between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls (HC), and the correlation of methylation changes with clinical characteristics of RA patients.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from 239 RA patients, 30 patients with OA, and 29 HC. Target region methylation sequencing to the promoter region of CXCR5 was achieved using MethylTarget. The methylation level of cg04537602 and methylation haplotype were compared among the three groups, and the correlation between methylation levels and clinical characteristics of RA patients was performed by Spearman's rank correlation analysis.ResultsThe methylation level of cg04537602 was significantly higher in the peripheral blood of RA patients compared with OA patients (p = 1.3 × 10−3) and in the HC group (p = 5.5 × 10−4). The sensitivity was enhanced when CXCR5 methylation level combined with rheumatoid factor and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide with area under curve (AUC) of 0.982 (95% confidence interval 0.970–0.995). The methylation level of cg04537602 in RA was positively correlated with C‐reactive protein (CRP) (r = .16, p = .01), and in RA patients aged 60 years and above, cg04537602 methylation levels were positively correlated with CRP (r = .31, p = 4.7 × 10−4), tender joint count (r = .21, p = .02), visual analog scales score (r = .21, p = .02), Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) using the CRP level DAS28‐CRP (r = .27, p = 2.1 × 10−3), and DAS28‐ESR (r = .22, p = .01). We also observed significant differences of DNA methylation haplotypes in RA patients compared with OA patients and HC, which was consistent with single‐loci‐based CpG methylation measurement.ConclusionThe methylation level of CXCR5 was significantly higher in RA patients than in OA and HC, and correlated with the level of inflammation in RA patients, our study establishes a link between CXCR5 DNA methylation and clinical features that may help in the diagnosis and disease management of RA patients.
Does directors' and officers' liability insurance improve corporate ESG performance? Evidence from China
Authors: Tang Songlian , He Lingfei , Su Fei , Zhou Xiaoyun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe examine the causal effect of directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance) on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in China's listed firms. Using a unique data set on D&O insurance purchases in China, we document a positive relationship between D&O insurance and ESG performance, which is robust to a comprehensive battery of robustness checks including Heckman two‐step sample selection model, propensity score matching (PSM) model, instrumental variable approach, and fixed effects model. Further analyses suggest that the positive association is more salient for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). Moreover, the path analysis provides evidence for the mediating effect of non‐financial information disclosure and corporate governance quality on the relationship between D&O insurance and ESG performance. Collectively, this study contributes to the literature on the economic benefit of D&O insurance by providing initial evidence that D&O insurance appears to enhance corporate governance and improve corporate ESG performance.
The efficacy of topical imiquimod in high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: van de Sande A. J. M. , Kengsakul M. , Koeneman M. M. , Jozwiak M. , Gerestein C. G. , Kruse A. J. , van Esch E. M. G. , de Vos van Steenwijk P. J. , Muntinga C. L. P. , Bramer W. M. , van Doorn H. C. , van Kemenade F. J. , van Beekhuizen H. J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveA major side effect of cervical excision for high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is premature birth. A non‐invasive treatment for reproductive age women is warranted. The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of topical imiquimod in the treatment of high‐grade CIN, defined as a regression to ≤CIN 1, and to determine the clearance rate of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hr‐HPV), compared with surgical treatment and placebo.MethodsDatabases were searched for articles from their inception to February 2023.The study protocol number was INPLASY2022110046. Original studies reporting the efficacy of topical imiquimod in CIN 2, CIN 3 or persistent hr‐HPV infections were included. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses checklist.ResultsFive studies were included (n = 463). Histological regression to ≤CIN 1 was 55% in imiquimod versus 29% in placebo, and 93% in surgical treatment. Imiquimod‐treated women had a greater odds of histological regression to ≤CIN 1 than placebo (odds ratio [OR] 4.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.03–8.54). In comparison to imiquimod, surgical treatment had an OR of 14.81(95% CI 6.59–33.27) for histological regression to ≤CIN 1. The hr‐HPV clearance rate was 53.4% after imiquimod and 66% after surgical treatment (95% CI 0.62–23.77).ConclusionsThe histological regression rate is highest for surgical treatment followed by imiquimod treatment and placebo.
Role of tumor volume in endometrial cancer: An imaging analysis and prognosis significance
Authors: López‐González Elga , Rodriguez‐Jiménez Alberto , Gómez‐Salgado Juan , Daza‐Manzano Cinta , Rojas‐Luna José Antonio , Alvarez Rosa María 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prognostic value of tumor volume on preoperative MRI in endometrial cancer (EC) patients and its association with adverse prognostic factors and survival.MethodsA retrospective observational study with 127 consecutive patients with endometrioid EC was carried out between 2016 and 2021 at Juan Ramón Jiménez University Hospital, Huelva (Spain). All patients underwent preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for local staging. The tumor volume was analyzed on MRI by two different methods: by measuring the three maximum diameters of the tumor according to an ellipse formula and by manual region of interest in different sections; the ratio between tumor volume and uterus volume was also calculated as a third tool. The relationships between volume, prognostic factors, and survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 127 patients with endometroid EC underwent preoperative MRI and were included in the study. Tumor volume was significantly higher for deep myometrial invasion, cervical stromal involvement, infiltrated serosa, lymph node metastases, high‐grade EC, and lymphovascular space involvement, advanced FIGO stage, and High Recurrence Risk Group (P < 0.001). ROC curves showed that tumor volume greater than 25 cm3 predicts lymph node metastases. Volume index greater than 17 cm3 was associated with reduced disease‐free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P < 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that the greatest tumor volume had an independent impact on recurrence (odds ratio [OR]1.019, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.005–1.032) and survival (OR 1.027, 95% CI 1.009–1.046).ConclusionsThis study shows an important correlation between tumor volume on MRI and poor prognostic factors. Preoperative tumor volume on MRI is a valuable biomarker to be considered for management of EC.
Fabrication of injectable antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements with prolonged drug delivery for treating post‐surgery infections
Authors: Kumar Dewangan Vimal , Sampath Kumar T. S. , Doble Mukesh , Daniel Varghese Viju 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAntibiotic‐loaded bioactive bone substitutes are widely used for treating various orthopedic diseases and prophylactically to avoid post implantation infection. Calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (also known as apatitic bone cement) is a potential bioactive bone substitute in orthopedics due to its chemical composition similar to that of natural bone minerals. In this study, fabrication of mannitol (a solid porogen) incorporated injectable synthetic (Syn) and eggshell derived (ESD) apatitic bone cements loaded with antibiotics (gentamicin/meropenem/ rifampicin/vancomycin) was investigated. The release kinetics of the antibiotics were studied by fitting them with different kinetic models. All the antibiotics‐loaded apatitic bone cements set within clinically accepted setting time (20 ± 2 min) and with good injectability (>70%). The antibiotics released from these bone cements were found to be controlled and sustained throughout the study time. Weibull and Gompertz (applies in least initial burst and sustain drug release rate models) were the best models to predict the release behavior. They cements had acceptable compressive strength (6–10 MPa; in the range of trabecular bone) and were biodegradable (21%–27% within 12 weeks of incubation) in vitro in simulated body fluids at physiological conditions. These bone cements showed excellent antibacterial activity from day 1 onwards and no bacterial colony was found from day 3 onwards. The viability of MG63 cells in vitro after 72 h was significantly higher after 24 h (i.e., ~110%). The cells were well attached and spread over the surface of the cements with extended morphology. The ESD antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements showed better injectability, degradation and cytocompatibility compared when compared to Syn antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements. Thus, we believe that the ESD antibiotic‐loaded apatitic bone cements are suitable as potential injectable bone substitutes to avoid post‐operative implant associated and other acute or chronic bone infections.