bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of cement-augmented pedicle screw and conventional pedicle screw for the treatment of osteoporotic spinal disease
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Zhou Chenghao , Yin Huabin , Zhao Qinghua , Song Dianwen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Study design: A retrospective cohort study.
Objective: To compare the safety and clinical efficacy between using cement-augmented pedicle screws (CAPS) and conventional pedicle screws (CPS) in patients with osteoporosis.
Summary of background data: Management of osteoporosis in patients undergoing spine surgery is challenging. The clinical efficacy and potential complications of the mid-term performance of the CAPS technique in osteoporotic spinal diseases remain to be evaluated.
Patients and methods: The data of 155 patients with osteoporotic spinal disease who were treated with screw fixation from May 2016 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed in this study. The patients were divided into the following two groups according to the type of screw used: (I) the CAPS group (n=99); and (II) the CPS group (n=56). Relevant data were compared between two groups, including the demographics data, clinical results and complications.
Results: The difference in the VAS, ODI and JOA scores at three and six months after the operation between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Four cemented screws loosening were observed in the CAPS group (loosening rate 4/470, 0.85%) and 17 screws loosening were observed in the CAP group (loosening rate 17/272, 6.25%). In the CAPS group, a total of 470 augmented screws were used, and cement leakage was observed in 34 screws (7.23%), but no obvious clinical symptoms or serious complications were observed. At 12 months after surgery and the final follow-up, asignificant difference in the fusion rate was found between the two groups. Adjacent vertebral fractures occurred in seven patients in the CAPS group and two in the CPS group.
Conclusions: CAPS technique is an effective strategy for the treatment of osteoporotic spinal diseases with a higher fusion rate and lower screw loosening rate than CPS.
Insights into research activities of senior dental students in Middle Eastern dental schools: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alrashdan Mohammad S. , Qutieshat Abubaker , El-Kishawi Mohamed , Alarabi Abdulghani , Khasawneh Lina , Kawas Sausan Al 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of research in undergraduate dental education, limited studies have explored the nature of undergraduate research activities in dental schools in the Middle East region. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the research experience of final-year dental students from three leading dental schools in the Middle East.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among final-year dental students from three institutions, namely Jordan University of Science and Technology, University of Sharjah (UAE), and Oman Dental College. Participants were asked about the nature and scope of their research projects, the processes involved in the research, and their perceived benefits of engaging in research.
Results
From the 369 respondents, cross-sectional studies were the most common type of research undertaken (50.4%), with public health (29.3%) and dental education (27.9%) being the predominant domains. More than half of research proposals were developed via discussions with instructors (55.0%), and literature reviews primarily utilized PubMed (70.2%) and Google Scholar (68.5%). Regarding statistical analysis, it was usually carried out with instructor's assistance (45.2%) or using specialized software (45.5%). The students typically concluded their projects with a manuscript (58.4%), finding the discussion section most challenging to write (42.0%). The research activity was considered highly beneficial, especially in terms of teamwork and communication skills, as well as data interpretation skills, with 74.1% of students reporting a positive impact on their research perspectives.
Conclusions
The research experience was generally positive among surveyed dental students. However, there is a need for more diversity in research domains, greater focus on guiding students in research processes, especially in manuscript writing and publication. The outcomes of this study could provide valuable insights for dental schools seeking to improve their undergraduate research activities.
Experience of financial toxicity and coping strategies in young and middle-aged stroke patients: a qualitative study
Authors: Xu Ling , Dong Qiong , Jin Aiping , Zeng Sining , Wang Kai , Yang Xiaopei , Zhu Xiaoping 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Financial toxicity（FT) has been prevalent in cancer patients, and some studies have reported that stroke patients are also affected by FT. FT can be physically and mentally detrimental to a patient's recovery. The experience of FT in cancer patients has been studied, however, stroke being a chronic disease, rehabilitation is also an important stage in the recovery of the disease. However, little is known about the experience of FT and coping in stroke patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to describe the experience of FT in young and middle-aged stroke patients and the coping measures they take.
Methods From October 2022 to March 2023, Young and middle-aged stroke patients (18-59 years old) were recruited from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China, for semi-structured interviews. The research team used the Nvivo 12 software to analyze the interview data. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results A total of 21 young and middle-aged stroke patients were interviewed in this study. The results of the interviews are divided into two parts: one was the experience of FT among young and middle-aged stroke patients, and the other was their measures to cope with FT. A total of 8 sub-themes were constructed. The experience includes 4 sub-themes: (1) taking on a multifaceted economic pressure, (2) FT affecting treatment, (3) FT affecting living conditions (4) generating anxiety and depression emotions. Coping strategies include 4 sub-themes: (1) reducing expenses, (2) increasing economic income, (3) seeking social support, and (4) the need and expectation to address FT.
Conclusions The presence of FT in young and middle-aged stroke patients, which affects their physical and mental health, has led them to take measures to cope with FT. It is recommended that the government should expand the scope of health insurance coverage and promote equity in health care policies. Healthcare professionals should actively focus on the FT of young and middle-aged stroke patients by supporting them with healthcare policy and employment information. Patients themselves need to improve their self-efficacy and actively cooperate with treatment. People at high risk of stroke can purchase commercial insurance in advance. Joint and combined efforts to reduce the impact of FT on young and middle-aged stroke patients.
Guideline evaluation and implementation mechanisms in school health services (GuideMe): Protocol for a hybrid randomized factorial trial
Authors: Sagatun Åse , Engell Thomas , Brekke Malene , Sjølie Hege , Ekornes Stine M. , Waldum-Grevboe Kristin Sofie , Pape Kristine , Kvaløy Kirsti , Jeneson Annette , Trøan Anna Stigum , Askeland Anne Liv , Stien Line , Holen Solveig 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background Norwegian school health services received a national best-practice guideline in 2017. To promote healthy life skills and identify adolescents needing support, the guideline includes strong recommendations for individual consultations with all 8th graders and increased collaboration with schools. To help implement the recommendations, a blended implementation strategy (SchoolHealth) was co-created with school nurses, students, and stakeholders. SchoolHealth consists of three implementation elements: Digital dialog and administration tool (audit and feedback+), Dialog support (external consultation), and Collaboration materials (targeted dissemination). This hybrid study will test the main and combined effects of the elements on guideline fidelity and effectiveness.
Methods The GuideMe study is a factorial cluster randomized controlled trial examining SchoolHealth's effectiveness on guideline fidelity and guideline effectiveness goals. Forty Norwegian secondary schools will be randomized to eight different combinations of the elements in SchoolHealth. Participants will include school nurses and school personnel from these schools, and 8th grade students (n=1200). Primary outcomes are school nurses' fidelity to the guidelines and student's ability to cope with their life (i.e., health literacy, positive health behaviors and self-efficacy). Quantitative methods will be used to test effects and mechanisms, while mixed- and qualitative methods will be used to explore mechanisms, experiences, and other phenomena in depth. Participants will complete digital questionnaires at the start and end of the schoolyear, and after the consultation during the schoolyear. The study will run in two waves, each lasting for one school year. The multifactorial design allows testing of interactions and main effects due to equal distribution of all factors within each main effect. Sustainment and scale-up of optimized SchoolHealth elements using national infrastructure are simultaneously prepared.
Discussion The study will investigate possible effects of the implementation elements in isolation and in combination, and hypothesized implementation mechanisms. In-depth study of user experiences will inform improvements to elements in SchoolHealth. The results will yield causal knowledge about implementation strategies and the mechanisms through which they assert effects. Mixed-methods will provide insights into how and when the elements work. Optimizing guideline implementation elements can support adolescents in a crucial life phase.
Trail registration ISRCTN reg.nr. 24173836 Registration date 08/08/2022
Improving routine use of clinical pathway decision support through integration of an EHR with a clinical library resource designed to provide evidence-based guidance within oncology workflows
Authors: Ichiuji Mary , Asakura Laura , Cain Carol , Aye Nancy , Kolevska Tatjana , Chen David , Brasfield Farah , Kotak Dinesh 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
The rapid evolution, complexity, and specialization of oncology treatment makes it challenging for physicians to provide care based on the latest and best evidence. We hypothesized that physicians would use evidence-based trusted care pathways if they were easy to use and integrated into clinical workflow at the point of care.
Methods:
Within a large integrated care delivery system, we assembled clinical experts to define and update drug treatment pathways, encoded them as flowcharts in an online library integrated with the electronic medical record, communicated expectations that clinicians would use these pathways for every eligible patient, and combined data from multiple sources to understand usage over time.
Results:
We were able to achieve > 75% utilization of eligible protocols ordered through these pathways within two years, with >90% of individual oncologists having consulted the pathway at least once, despite no requirements or external incentives associated with pathway usage. Feedback from users contributed to improvements and updates to the guidance.
Conclusions:
By making our clinical decision support easily accessible and actionable, we find that we have made considerable progress toward our goal of having physicians consult the latest evidence in their treatment decisions.
SENP6 restricts the IFN-I-induced signaling pathway and antiviral activity by deSUMOylating USP8
Authors: Xiong Sidong , Guo Jing , Zheng Hui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Type I interferon (IFN-I) has broad-spectrum antiviral properties and is commonly used to treat viral infection in the clinic. Here, we show that SENP6 is a potent regulator of IFN-I antiviral activity. SENP6 does not affect IFN-I production induced by viruses but regulates IFN-I-activated signaling. Mechanistically, SENP6 constitutively interacts with USP8 and inhibits USP8 SUMOylation, which in turn restricts the interaction between USP8 and IFNAR2. Disassociation of USP8 with IFNAR2 enhances IFNAR2 ubiquitination and degradation, thus attenuating IFN-I antiviral activity. Consistently, downregulation of SENP6 promotes the interaction between USP8 and IFNAR2, which reduces IFNAR2 ubiquitination and therefore enhances IFN-I-induced signaling. This study deciphers a deSUMOylation-deubiquitination crosstalk that critically controls the IFN-I response to virus infection.
Medical equipment inventory management practices in public health facilities at Homabay county, Kenya
Authors: Morande Frederick , Karimi Peter Ndirangu , Rutungwa Eugene , Ngenzi Joseph Lune 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Medical equipment performs a critical function in the daily running of health care. The management of these assets is key in ensuring quality healthcare since they aid in diagnosing and treating diseases. This study evaluated the medical equipment inventory management practices in public health facilities at Homabay County.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was used targeting nineteen public hospitals in Homabay County. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from healthcare workers who managed medical equipment inventory in the selected health facilities. The collected data was keyed into a Microsoft Excel sheet and analyzed using STATA version 14. Ethical Approval to conduct the study was given by KNH-UON-ERC. The county government of Homabay authorised accessibility to health facilities.
Results
Majority (97.56%) of respondents kept inventory records for medical equipment, and all of them were manual and decentralized. Most (93.9%) of the participants conducted physical stock, and only 51.2% of the equipment records were up to date. Only 12.2% of the facilities had policies and guidelines on equipment management.
Conclusion
The management of medical equipment was sub-optimal. The procurement, maintenance and disposal policies were inadequate.
Ettringite instability on supersulfated cement: Investigation under different curing regimes
Authors: Pinto Leticia Poggere , Pinto Leticia Poggere , Luz Caroline Angulski da , Hooton R. Douglas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The global discussion on CO2 emission reduction policies has encouraged the search for sustainable concrete binder materials, such as supersulfated cement (SSC), since this binder is composed mainly of blast-furnace slag. However, despite having relevant environmental and mechanical properties, when compared to Portland cement, little is known regarding its complex process of hydration and durability. It is known that the primary hydration products of SSC are ettringite and calcium-silicate-hydrate (C–S–H), and the instability of the former has been observed in some studies. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of the SSC curing process on the formation of ettringite. SSC pastes were produced and subjected to four different curing processes. The hydration process was followed by potentiometry (pH), compressive strength tests, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), carried out from 7 to 92 days. The best mechanical strength results were obtained at 58 days, but at 92 days, a drop in strength was observed, accompanied by ettringite instability in all of the curing processes investigated. The results verified the formation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate and calcite, indicating the occurrence of intense natural carbonation of ettringite.
Acute cerebral infarction of anterior circulation in a patient with the common trunk of the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic trunk:a case report
Authors: Xu Junpeng , Ma Hengchao , Liu Bin , Yang Haonan , Mao Zhiqi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction:The common trunk of the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic trunk (LCCA&BT) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly. Unexplained bilateral infarcts are uncommon, and their mechanisms are unknown. After searching the relevant literature, there is no report of acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction of the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic trunk at home and abroad.
Patient concerns: A 77-year-old right-handed elderly man with good past health and no family history of stroke came to the acute stroke ward for "sudden right limb weakness for 3 days". Preexisting diabetes mellitus with normal blood sugar control and no other risk factors for cerebrovascular disease.
Diagnosis:CTA of the head and neck showed that the left common carotid shared the trunk with the brachiocephalic trunk, which replaced the normal cervical vascular structures, including the brachiocephalic and common carotid arteries. Cranial magnetic resonance plain scan showed high diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) signal in the left lateral ventricle and right frontal subcortex, and low apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC) signal in the left lateral ventricle. Cranial magnetic resonance dynamic enhancement confirmed bilateral frontal lobe acute cerebral infarction, scattered ischemic lesions and softening lesions in the brain. However, the source of thrombus in the ischemic focus of the patient could not be judged.
Intervention : Considering that the patient had acute anterior circulation cerebral infarction, antiplatelet, lipid-lowering, plaque stabilization, and blood sugar control treatments were given.
Outcomes: After our treatment, the patient's symptoms were relieved, and there was no dizziness, no unstable walking, no recurrence of acute cerebral infarction, and a good recovery after 3 and 6 months of follow-up.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of the common trunk of the left common carotid artery and the brachiocephalic trunk in the occurrence of unexplained bilateral stroke. In the absence of traditional risk factors and other evidence, cerebral infarction in the blood supply area of malformed vessels should be considered vascular malformation related, but its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Antiplatelet therapy, lipid lowering, and plaque stabilization are effective methods to prevent new infarction in such patients.
Development of ultrafine nanofiber from polyacrylonitrile/ethylene co-vinyl alcohol precursor using solution electrospinning
Authors: Karim Md. Razaul , Hasan Saeed , Nakane Koji , Zakaria Mohammad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Ultrafine nanofiber from polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/ethylene co-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) with a diameter of a few hundred nanometers was prepared through solution electrospinning. In this study, EVOH was employed as a precursor for the purpose of decreasing the diameter of electrospun fibers. The effect of different EVOH content in weight percentages incorporated with PAN on the fiber diameters was investigated. A successive and drastic reduction in fiber diameter was observed with the increase of EVOH in the blend. Moreover, the fiber diameter was further reduced after isopropanol (IPA) treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to investigate the fiber morphology, thermal attributes, degradation behavior, and the chemistry of electrospun nanofiber respectively. The diameter of PAN/EVOH nanofibers found ranged from 47 nm to 880 nm, and after IPA treatment observed from 41 nm to 719 nm. The diameter of PAN/EVOH blend fiber was found to be 514 nm, 319 nm, and 116 nm for the EVOH content of 25%, 50%, and 75% correspondingly. After IPA treatment (at the content of 75%), the lowest PAN nanofiber diameter was discovered to be 102 nm. In the DSC heat flow, melting temperature (Tm) of electrospun nanofibers manufactured from pure PAN, pure EVOH, PAN/EVOH blend, and IPA treated were detected at 290 0C, 182 0C, 301 0C, and 271 0C separately. The blend nanofiber (50/50) exhibited a distinctive single melting peak in DSC and the Tm was shifted upward from 290°C (as observed in pure PAN) to 301°C. In addition, on the TGA curve
the degradation temperature of blend nanofiber (50/50) extended up to 289°C which surpasses the pure PAN's value of 280°C. Both DSC and TGA analyses demonstrated the enhancement of the thermal properties of blend nanofiber. Due to its smaller diameter and improved thermal properties, the developed nanofiber may find use in air filtration and protective clothing.
Computed tomography enterography radiomics and machine learning for identification of Crohn’s disease
Authors: Shi Qiao , Hao Yajing , Liu Huixian , Liu Xiaoling , Yan Weiqiang , Mao Jun , Chen Bihong T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a severe chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disease. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) enterography (CTE) has been used frequently to evaluate CD. However, imaging findings of CD are not always specific and may overlap with other bowel diseases. Recent researches have shown that radiomics-based machine learning algorithms have been used to assist in the diagnosis of medical images. In this study, we aim to develop a non-invasive method for detecting bowel lesions from Crohn’s disease using computed tomography (CT) enterography (CTE) radiomics and machine learning algorithms.
Methods: Patients (n=139) with pathologically confirmed Crohn’s disease were retrospectively enrolled into the study. Radiomics features were extracted from both the arterial- and venous-phase CTE images for both the bowel lesions with Crohn’s disease and segments of normal bowel. A machine learning classification system was built combining 6 selected radiomics features and 8 classification algorithms. The models were trained with leave-one-out cross-validation and were evaluated for accuracy.
Results: The classification model showed robust performance and high accuracy, with the area under the curve (AUC) reaching 0.981 and 0.978 for the arterial- and venous-phase CTE images, respectively. The model achieved an accuracy of 0.9375, and 0.9615 for the arterial-phase and venous-phase image, respectively.
Conclusions: Our study identified a CTE radiomics machine learning method that could be used to differentiate Crohn’s disease bowel lesions from normal bowel. Future studies with a larger sample size and external cohorts should be performed to validate our results.
Nurturing the Future: Examining Breastfeeding Practices and Nutritional Health Among Amazonian Kichwa Mothers and Infants
Authors: Orellana-Manzano Andrea , Maldonado-Lino Diana , Valencia Luz , Lopez Andres , Santillan Dellanara , Ortiz-Ulloa Johana , Cevallos Juan , Gonzalez-Narvaez Mariela , Manzano Patricia , Vizcaino Maria , Gavin Karina , Zurita-Benavides Maria , Berghe Wim Vanden 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Amazonian Kichwa (AK) breastfeeding mothers and infants, focusing on cultural influences on early nutrition patterns. Using a descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional approach, thirty women self-identified as AK women and their infants from two rural and one urban area in Ecuador were studied. The study found that 89% of mothers practiced exclusive breastfeeding and showed promising signs of attachment and breastfeeding techniques. However, 81% were unaware of the "exclusive" breastfeeding practice scope and its benefits. Nutritional status was determined using Z scores, with the median BMI for age within the normal range. This study highlights the need to consolidate knowledge and promote breastfeeding practices to later generations, despite increased exposure to urbanization and modernization in the Amazonia region of Ecuador.