bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HBV screening among West Africans living in the US: Influences of stigma, health literacy, and self-efficacy
Authors: Perumalswami Ponni V , Belemkoabga Assita , Joseph Lovely , Erblich Joel , Jandorf Lina 
Published: June 2023

Background:
Applying theoretically informed constructs using an adaptation of the “Theory of Planned Behavior,” this study assessed social-cognitive and sociocultural determinants of HBV screening among West Africans living in the US to inform solutions to testing gaps.

Methods:
We developed and administered a theory-based survey in both English (41%) and French (59%) from September 2021 to April 2022 to a sample of West African-born individuals (n = 162). Predictors of HBV screening included: attitudes, perceived behavioral control or self-efficacy, and subjective norms along with health literacy (HL), language proficiency, and stigma of HBV infection. We hypothesized that these constructs would predict HBV testing. We also conducted path analytic modeling to better understand both direct and indirect effects of key factors on HBV screening status.

Results:
West Africans who completed the survey in English were younger with less education and lower income, whereas those who completed the survey in French reported higher HBV-related stigma. In a bivariate analysis of factors associated with HBV screening by language, less education was associated with lower HBV screening in English speakers. Adequate HL, higher self-efficacy, and higher English language proficiency were independently associated with HBV screening. Path analysis to better understand the interplay between social-cognitive and sociocultural factors revealed HL and stigma both had indirect effects on screening, mediated by differences in self-efficacy.

Conclusions:
This study identified HL and stigma as key indirect factors that influence HBV screening by way of self-efficacy in West Africans in the US. This work is a first step to identifying barriers that can lead to the development of an evidence-based intervention aimed at increasing HBV screening of West Africans to address health disparities.
Scleral thickness in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Aichi Takaaki , Terao Nobuhiro , Imanaga Naoya , Sawaguchi Shota , Wakugawa Sorako , Miyara Yasunori , Oshiro Ayano , Yamauchi Yukihide , Koizumi Hideki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurpose:The sclera is reportedly thicker in eyes with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) than in healthy control eyes. We compared the scleral thicknesses of the affected and unaffected fellow eyes of patients with unilateral CSC.Methods:We retrospectively examined the findings of 115 patients with unilateral CSC. Comparisons of the spherical equivalent (SE), axial length, anterior chamber depth (ACD), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), scleral thickness, and presence of peripheral ciliochoroidal effusion (CE) of the affected and fellow eyes were made. Using anterior segment optical coherence tomography, scleral thickness was measured vertically, 6 mm posterior to the scleral spur in the superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal directions.Results:No significant differences in scleral thickness in all four directions, SE, axial length, ACD, and frequency of CE were found between the affected and unaffected fellow eyes. The only significant difference between the affected and fellow eyes was observed in the SCT (398.8 µm vs. 346.6 µm, P < 0.001).Conclusion:A thickened choroid seems to have a direct effect on CSC development. In contrast, the affected and fellow eyes showed no significant difference in scleral thickness, indicating that scleral thickening may be a predisposing factor for the development of CSC.
Presentation of a Smooth Muscle Hamartoma in the Bulbar Conjunctiva of an Adolescent Boy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Sayegh Yoseph , Tang Vincent , Khzam Rayan Abou , Rosenberg Andrew E. , Blessing Nathan , Dubovy Sander 
Published: June 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to describe a novel presentation of conjunctival smooth muscle hamartoma and review the histopathologic findings of this entity.

Methods:
A 17-year-old African American adolescent boy presented with a pink, nontender lesion of the right bulbar conjunctiva that did not improve with medical management. He had no previous medical or ocular history. The lesion was excised.

Results:
Histopathologic examination disclosed morphologically benign smooth muscle bundles within the substantia propria that stained positively for smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and desmin consistent with the diagnosis of a smooth muscle hamartoma.

Conclusions:
Although congenital smooth muscle hamartomas of the conjunctiva have been rarely reported in the literature, this is the first described case of a smooth muscle hamartoma presenting in adolescence in the bulbar conjunctiva. This lesion should be considered in the differential diagnosis for adolescents with similar appearing lesions.
Fusarium Keratitis From a Comprehensive Eye Health Care Facility in South India: Molecular Characterization by MALDI-TOF Versus Polymerase Chain Reaction Sequencing, Species Complex Distribution, and Clinical Correlation
Authors: Bagga Bhupesh , Das Sourav , Tawde Yamini , Singh Shreya , Shaw Tushar , Sharma Savitri , Ghosh Anup 
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

Fusarium keratitis possesses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Medically relevant Fusaria belong to various species complexes and show prominent differences in their antifungal susceptibility profile which may influence the clinical outcome. Rapid diagnostic methods are warranted for precise identification of species complexes for prompt initiation of correct antifungals. The aim of the study was to compare between matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) and polymerase chain reaction sequencing for correct species-level identification and to analyze the clinical outcome among different Fusarium species complexes.

Methods:
Twenty-nine culture-proven Fusarium keratitis cases were included in this study. A phylogenetic tree was constructed after TEF1α gene sequencing and isolates were subjected to MALDI-TOF MS, followed by database expansion and identification. Clinical outcome and risk association among species complexes were analyzed retrospectively.

Results:
Maximum likelihood phylogeny categorized 68.9% isolates as Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC), 17.2% as Fusarium dimerum species complex (FDSC), followed by 13.7% as Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC). With extended database, MALDI-TOF MS could correctly speciate 96.5% (28/29) isolates. Previous antibiotic usage (P = 0.034) and preoperative antifungal treatment with natamycin, voriconazole, or ketoconazole (P = 0.025) were significantly higher in the FSSC group. The patients in the FFSC group had a significantly longer duration of symptoms at the time of clinical presentation to the clinic (15 days vs. 5 days, P = 0.030). Among 11 patients with a clinically poor outcome, 9 (31%) had FSSC infection.

Conclusions:
Patients infected with the FSSC had more aggressive infection with poor prognosis. MALDI-TOF MS can serve as the best alternative method to conventional molecular identification with reduced turnaround time, which may help the ophthalmologists to consider the appropriate antifungals or early surgical intervention for improved outcome.
Hypervirulent Strains of Neisseria meningitidis and Clinical Manifestations in Children With Invasive Meningococcal Disease
Authors: Rivacoba María Carolina , Villena Rodolfo , Hormazabal Juan Carlos , Benadof Dona , Payá Ernesto , Valdivieso Francisca , Canals Andrea , Arteta-Acosta Cindy , Santolaya María Elena 
Published: June 2023

Background:
Hypervirulent clonal complex (cc) have been associated with higher incidence and case fatality rate of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations of the hypervirulent cc of meningococcus in children.

Methods:
Retrospective study in patients hospitalized by IMD microbiologically confirmed at three children’s tertiary health care centers in Santiago, Chile, between 2010 and 2018. Demographic, clinical information and determination of the cc and factor H binding protein (fHbp) alleles were performed.

Results:
In total 93 cases were evaluated, sequence typing was available for 91 cases, and 87 (95.6%) had a cc assigned; 63.7% were MenW and 31.8% MenB. The median age was 9 months, 67% were male and 18.7% had any comorbidity. A 26.4% presented neurological deficit, 25.3% petechiae and 20% diarrhea. Sixty-seven percent were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and the case fatality rate was 9.9%. Regarding cc and fHbp alleles, ST11, ST41/44 and allele 22 were the most frequently identified, with 63.7%, 19.8% and 72.5%, respectively. We found statistically significant differences between the cc and presence of petechiae, diagnosis of meningococcemia plus meningitis, admission and days in PICU and advanced support. Allele 22 for fHbp was associated with the absence of petechiae, low suspicion of IMD, less diagnosis of meningitis+meningococcemia, PICU admission, advanced support and adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusion:
Epidemiological and microbiological surveillance of IMD should integrate clinical and laboratory components, including molecular and genetic characterization, to enrich the dynamic understanding of the clinical evolution of IMD.
Early Abortions and Congenital Malformations
Authors: de Fátima Alvim Braga Isabel , Cozendey-Silva Eliana Napoleão , Ertler Laila Zelkcovicz , dos Santos Martins Thiago Gonçalves , da Silva Santos Sabrina , Silva Bruno de Avilla da Fonseca e , Assumpção Lia Roque , Waissmann William 
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Areas with higher agricultural production have higher rates of abortion and malformation, probable related to pesticides.

Objective
To compare the rates of early abortion and fetal malformation in agricultural and nonagricultural areas.

Method
A survey was carried out on fetal deaths in children weighing less than 500 g or gestational age less than 22 weeks and fetal malformations in live births.

Results
From 1996 to 2018, there was an increase in the rates of abortion and, albeit to a lesser extent, malformation. The areas of greater agricultural production have higher rates of fetal mortality and malformation than the others.

Conclusions
The study suggests that areas with higher use of pesticides have higher rates of abortion and fetal malformations than the others, requiring further observational studies, reducing confounders inherent to the ecological study.
Preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio as a prognostic factor in biliary tract cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Utsumi Masashi , Inagaki Masaru , Kitada Koji , Tokunaga Naoyuki , Kondo Midori , Yunoki Kosuke , Sakurai Yuya , Hamano Ryosuke , Miyasou Hideaki , Tsunemitsu Yousuke , Otsuka Shinya 
Published: June 2023

Background:
The preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio is a novel inflammation-based prognostic marker in various cancers. However, its prognostic role in biliary tract cancer is unknown. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio in biliary tract cancer.

Methods:
A systematic search of the literature for studies evaluating the prognostic value of C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio in patients undergoing surgery for biliary tract cancer was conducted, and a random effects meta-analysis of overall survival and recurrence-free survival was performed.

Results:
Nine studies with 1292 participants were included. The preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio negatively correlated with overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.44 [95% confidence interval: 1.98–2.90]; P < .001) and recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.73 [95% confidence interval: 2.01–3.70]; P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that an elevated preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio predicted poor overall survival, regardless of the cutoff value, sample size, histological type, and treatment.

Conclusion:
An elevated preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio is significantly associated with poor prognosis in patients undergoing surgery for biliary tract cancer. The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio may be an independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients undergoing surgery for biliary tract cancer.
Multiple surgical treatment comparisons for irreparable rotator cuff tears: A network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zhang Xiaohua , Jin Xianrong , Deng Jialin , Zhang Zhongzu , Yu Yating 
Published: June 2023

Background:
To evaluate the effect of different surgical methods in the treatment of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) using a network meta-analysis.

Methods:
A search of the PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, VIP, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases was performed in January 2023 to search for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies of different surgical methods in the treatment of IRCTs. Risk assessment of the included randomized controlled trials was conducted using the risk of bias assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane Manual, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for the risk assessment of cohort studies. Data were analyzed and plotted using Stata 15.0 software.

Results:
A total of 17 studies involving 2123 patients and 10 surgical methods were included in this study. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, the probability ranking in descending order is latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) + partial repair > LDT > reverse total shoulder arthroplasty > superior capsular reconstruction > patch > partial repair > debridement + tenotomy of the long head of the biceps > debridement > in space subacromial balloon spacer + tenotomy of the long head of the biceps > in space subacromial balloon spacer.

Conclusion:
Among the multiple surgical treatments for patients with IRCTs, LDT + partial repair may have the best effect, and more randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed for further verification.
Thermal stimulation with meridian points for enhanced recovery after spine surgery: A PRISMA-compliant protocol for network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Goo Bonhyuk , Seo Byung-Kwan 
Published: June 2023

Background:Enhanced recovery after surgery programs are widely known as a far-reaching approach to help patients with surgeries recover rapidly by giving optimized care. However, especially in the spine medicinal domain, relevant studies are scarce. In order to manage proper recovery after surgery, practitioners need to take a comprehensive look at the suppression of pain, strategies for improving the results of surgery, improving the quality of life, and mental support of patients. To this end, a recovery-enhancing program through integrated medical technology which covers both conventional and Korean medicine is highly required. We want to develop an integrated medical program that covers a wide range of medicinal domains for the early recovery of patients after spinal surgery. The aim of the present study is to check out which thermal stimulation with meridian points are more effective than others to enhance recovery after spinal surgery.Methods:The following online databases will be retrieved in the present study: PubMed; Scopus; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid EMBASE; Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). We will independently classify articles and will encapsulate characteristics of the study components. Primary outcomes will be categorized into visual analog scale, Tolerance to liquid and solid diet, postoperative hospitalization period, and quality of life. Secondary outcomes will be analyzed based on the study findings.Results and Conclusion:The results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. Furthermore, the outcomes of this study would afford the documentation of whether thermal stimulation on meridian points can be effective for enhanced recovery after spine surgery.
Sudden unilateral corneal clouding in diabetic patient: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Man , Wu Shujuan , Niu Xiaoguang 
Published: June 2023

Rationale:
Corneal opacity can be caused by various disease. Generally, the opacity gradually increases as the disease progresses. Sudden corneal opacity is mainly caused by corneal trauma, toxic drugs entering the cornea, or acute edema of the keratoconus. However, sudden corneal opacity caused by diabetes has not been reported.

Patient concerns:
A 60-year-old man reported blurred vision and the black eye became white in appearance in the left eye for 5 days. The patient had a history of diabetes which had not been treated.

Diagnoses:
He underwent slit-lamp examination, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, ultrasound bio microscopy, B-mode ultrasound, corneal endothelial examination, random blood glucose testing, and other examinations. The diagnosis of Diabetic Keratopathy was made.

Interventions:
Topical glucocorticoids and dilating eye drops were administered and undergo blood sugar control treatment.

Outcomes:
The corneal of the patient was completely transparent in a few days, and the flocculent exudation in the anterior chamber disappeared.

Lessons:
Although diabetes generally causes chronic corneal edema, acute corneal edema may also occur when blood sugar is poorly controlled. Therefore, when we see sudden corneal opacity without obvious incentives, we must consider systemic diseases, especially diabetes.
Simultaneous use of plug-assisted and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for treating refractory hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with two portosystemic shunts: A case report
Authors: Ju Seong Gyeong , Lee Jae Myeong , Shim Jongjoon 
Published: June 2023

Rationale:
Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) or coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (CARTO) are alternative treatments for gastric variceal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy. Both procedures have fewer complications related to balloon rupture or sclerosing agents and are shorter than balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration. Herein, we report a case of PARTO and CARTO was performed simultaneously to treat refractory hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with 2 portosystemic shunts.

Patient concerns:
A 59-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented to the emergency room with mental change. At presentation, the patient’s plasma ammonia level was 340 μg/dL.

Diagnoses:
A computed tomography scan revealed perisplenic collateral vessels and 2 splenorenal shunts.

Intervention:
PARTO and CARTO were performed to treat hepatic encephalopathy via the 2 splenorenal shunts.

Outcomes:
A follow-up computed tomography scan showed the splenorenal shunt was successfully embolized using a vascular plug and coil. After 3 weeks, the patient’s plasma ammonia level decreased to 80 μg/dL, and repeated hospitalizations due to hepatic encephalopathy ceased.

Lessons:
Depending on the patient’s anatomy, PARTO and CARTO can be performed simultaneously and, similar to balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration, are useful for treating hepatic encephalopathy.
Case report of laryngeal infection by Clinostomum complanatum 24 days after ingestion of raw fish
Authors: Kim Hyun-Gyu , Han Ji-Hee , Kwak Ji-Yoon , Jeon Han Kyu , Lee Sang-Soo , Kim Hyun Jin , Song Seul Ki , Na Byoung-Kuk , Cha Ra-Ri 
Published: June 2023

Rationale:

Clinostomum complanatum is a laryngeal fluke whose hosts include birds and mammals.[1] In humans, infection occurs accidentally during the consumption of raw freshwater fish.[1,2]

Patient concerns:
A 59-year-old female presented to our hospital with throat pain and globus sensation. The patient had been prescribed Proton Pump Inibitor for 3 weeks at another hospital. The patient continued the medication, but the discomfort persisted, and she was admitted to our hospital for further examination. The patient had eaten raw fish 24 days before, and the symptoms occurred after eating the raw fish. Endoscopy under sedation showed a fluke, with an approximate length of 8.0 mm and width of 3.2 mm, on the interaryepiglottic fold, with active motility on the mucosa.

Diagnosis interventions:
It was extracted from the larynx using biopsy forceps and identified as C complanatum.

Outcomes:
After the fluke was removed, symptoms improved, and the patient was discharged. The globus symptoms completely resolved at the last follow-up visit.

Lessons:
To the best of our knowledge, this is an endoscopically diagnosed and treated case of human infection by C complanatum in Korea after the longest period of infection. This suggests that C complanatum can survive for up to 3 weeks or more in the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopy is a useful tool for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with atypical extraesophageal symptoms who do not respond to Proton Pump Inibitors.
G-POEM for gastroparesis: past, present and future
Authors: Vohra Ishaan , Gopakumar Harishankar , Adler Douglas G. 
Published: June 2023

Purpose of review
Gastroparesis is a chronic debilitating condition with rising incidence and healthcare burden. As abdominal surgeries, diabetes, viral infections and autoimmune diseases become more prevalent, gastroparesis will continue to upsurge. Conservative treatment options for gastroparesis are limited by their side effects and short-term efficacy. Gastric endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) is a novel incisionless endosurgical technique with excellent long-term outcomes. This review is in time, as the demand for G-POEM will continue to escalate.

Recent findings
This review encompasses the conservative and nonconservative treatment options for gastroparesis. G-POEM is a nonconservative treatment option, and the aim of this review is to discuss the variations in technique of G-POEM, short-term and long-term clinical efficacy of G-POEM and adverse events associated with it.

Summary
G-POEM has high technical and clinical success with minimal adverse events. G-POEM outcomes are similar or superior when compared with other treatment options for refractory gastroparesis. G-POEM is being widely adopted and will become the preferred treatment choice in patients with refractory gastroparesis.