bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet–lymphocyte ratio is a prognostic marker in small cell lung cancer—A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Hongbin , Li Jiuke , Zhang Yiting , Chen Zhewen , Chen Ying , Ye Sa 
Published: January 2023

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and prognosis in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.MethodA comprehensive search was carried out to collect related studies. Two independent investigators extracted the data of hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS). A random-effect model was applied to analyze the effect of different PLR levels on OS and PFS in SCLC patients. Moreover, subgroup analysis was conducted to seek out the source of heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 26 articles containing 5,592 SCLC patients were included for this meta-analysis. SCLC patients with a high PLR level had a shorter OS compared with patients with a low PLR level, in both univariate (HR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.28–1.90, p &lt; 0.0001) and multivariate (HR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.08–1.59, p = 0.007) models. SCLC patients with a high PLR level had a shorter PFS compared with patients with a low PLR level, in the univariate model (HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.35–2.16, p &lt; 0.0001), but not in the multivariate model (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.95–1.45, p = 0.14). Subgroup analysis showed that a high level of PLR shortened OS in some subgroups, including the Asian subgroup, the younger subgroup, the mixed-stage subgroup, the chemotherapy-dominant subgroup, the high-cutoff-point subgroup, and the retrospective subgroup. PLR level did not affect OS in other subgroups.ConclusionPLR was a good predictor for prognosis of SCLC patients, especially in patients received chemotherapy dominant treatments and predicting OS.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022383069.
Case Report: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-related vitiligo-like depigmentation in non-melanoma advanced cancer: A report of three cases and a pooled analysis of individual patient data
Authors: Rao Hui , Guo Zheng , Wen Xuejiao , Zeng Xiaoli , Wu Longqiu , Huang Li 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundVitiligo-like depigmentation is a common skin adverse event in patients receiving immunotherapy for malignant melanoma, but has been rarely reported in patients with non-melanoma malignancies. To better understand this immune-related adverse event, we reviewed a series of cases of immunotherapy induced vitiligo-like depigmentation in patients with cancers other than malignant melanoma.Case presentationWe report three cases of vitiligo-like depigmentation after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in gastric adenocarcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The first case was treated with camrelizumab, the second was treated with QL1706 injection and sintilimab, and the third was treated with tislelizumab. Pembrolizumab, nivolumab, and ipilimumab caused the majority of vitiligo-like depigmentation, and all three of our patients experienced similar vitiligo-like depigmentation after taking other immune checkpoint inhibitors.MethodsThree patients who presented with vitiligo-like depigmentation after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors were selected. The clinical features, including radiological and histological examination, and the treatment process were reviewed. Eighteen previously published cases of vitiligo-like depigmentation were also used to analyze the results. The severity of vitiligo-like depigmentation in these cases was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0.ResultsVitiligo-like depigmentation occurred in 13 men (61.90%) and 8 women (38.10%), aged from 46 to 79 years, with an average age of 69.9 years. Of the 21 reviewed cases, vitiligo-like depigmentation was described in lung cancer (13/21, 61.90%), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (2/21, 9.52%), acute myeloid leukemia (1/21, 4.76%), cholangiocarcinoma (1/21, 4.76%), urothelial carcinoma (1/21, 4.76%), oral squamous cell carcinoma (1/21, 4.76%), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (1/21, 4.76%), and gastric adenocarcinoma (1/21, 4.76%). The severity of vitiligo-like depigmentation after immunotherapy was unrelated to sex, age, cancer type, previous autoimmune diseases, and medication.ConclusionsVitiligo-like depigmentation is a non-specific skin adverse event in melanoma immunotherapy, but arises as a direct result of treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Vitiligo-like depigmentation has an irregular location, is not limited to direct sunlight cracks, and has also been reported on hair on the head, eyelashes, and eyebrows. People without any skin or autoimmune diseases can also experience vitiligo-like depigmentation after immunotherapy; the incidence of which is irrespective of sex, age, cancer type, previous autoimmune diseases, and medication.
How to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among children? determinants associated with vaccine compliance
Authors: Hoshen Moshe , Shkalim Zemer Vered , Ashkenazi Shai , Grossman Zachi , Gerstein Maya , Yosef Noga , Cohen Moriya , Cohen Herman Avner 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveThree aims: to elucidate determinants associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in children and the association with parental vaccination; to compare rates of PCR-positive SARS-CoV-2 results between vaccinated and unvaccinated children; to estimate the rate of parental COVID-19 vaccination and its association with the vaccination rate of their children.MethodsWe performed a retrospective chart review of all children aged 5–11 years registered at a central district in Israel from November 21st, 2021 to April 30th, 2022, and characterized COVID-19 vaccinated vs. unvaccinated individuals. Data retrieved from the electronic medical files included: demographics [age, gender, sector, socioeconomic status (SES)]; COVID-19 vaccination (first and second doses) and influenza vaccination status; co-morbidities; and parental vaccinations for COVID-19. We divided the population into three distinct demographic groups: non-ultra-orthodox Jews (43,889 children), ultra-orthodox Jews (13,858 children), and Arabs (4,029 children).ResultsOf the 61,776 children included in the study, 20,355 (32.9%) received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination rates were similar amongst males and females and were higher in children aged 9–11 years compared to children aged 5–6 years. Multivariate analysis identified five independent determinants that were significantly (p &lt; 0.001) associated with low vaccination rates: Arab and ultra-orthodox sectors (odds ratios: 0.235 and 0.617, respectively); children aged 5–8 years; children of low SES; and children who had not received previous seasonal influenza vaccination. Relatively high vaccination rates were noted amongst children with the following medical co-morbidities: treatment with biological agents (42.9%); solid tumor transplantation (42.9%); type 1 diabetes mellitus (38.5%), asthma (38.2%), and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (37.6%). Regarding the uptake of two vaccine doses among children with co-morbidities, it was highest in those with type 1 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, treatment with biological agents, asthma and obesity.ConclusionThis study highlights several pediatric sub-populations with low and high vaccine uptake. It is essential to focus on determinants associated with low vaccination rates.
Kawasaki disease in Malaysia: Biochemical profile, characterization, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Cheah Chooi San , Lee Wendy Wei Li , Suhaini Siti Aisyah , Azidin Abdullah Harith , Khoo Mohammad Shukri , Ismail Noor Akmal Shareela , Ali Adli 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionKawasaki disease (KD) is an acute idiopathic systemic vasculitis with a self- limiting course that predominantly affects children under 5 years old, particularly in the East Asian countries. Nevertheless, to date, the data on KD in Malaysia are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of KD among the pediatric patients admitted to Hospital Canselor Tunku Muhriz (HCTM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.MethodA retrospective cohort study of 66,500 pediatric patients presented at HCTM from the year 2004 to 2021 was conducted.Results62 KD cases out of 66,500 pediatric admissions were reported, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.58 to 1. Majority of KD patients (95.0%) were younger than 5 years old. Prior infection was reported in 5 KD patients (8.1%). Apart from the classical features, manifestations of various organ systems including cardiovascular (16.1%), gastrointestinal (43.5%), neurological (1.61%), musculoskeletal (1.61%), and genitourinary (17.7%) systems were observed. There was a significant association between sterile pyuria and coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) (p &lt; 0.05). Interestingly, abnormal liver parameters (p &lt; 0.05) and incomplete KD (p &lt; 0.05) were significantly related to IVIG resistance.DiscussionThe presence of family history, immunological disorder, and previous infection in our KD patients suggested that there is a possibility of genetic, immunological, and infectious roles in the pathophysiology of KD. IVIG resistance is more likely to occur in KD patients with hepatic dysfunction or incomplete KD presentation. These findings highlighted the significant contribution of laboratory parameters to the prognosis of KD, prompting more in-depth research on the KD scoring systems and their relevance in this country.
Quercetin as a possible complementary agent for early-stage COVID-19: Concluding results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Di Pierro Francesco , Khan Amjad , Iqtadar Somia , Mumtaz Sami Ullah , Chaudhry Muhammad Nabeel Akbar , Bertuccioli Alexander , Derosa Giuseppe , Maffioli Pamela , Togni Stefano , Riva Antonella , Allegrini Pietro , Recchia Martino , Zerbinati Nicola 
Published: January 2023

Background: Quercetin, a natural polyphenol with demonstrated broad-spectrum antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, has been proposed as an adjuvant for early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection.Objective: To explore the possible therapeutic effect of quercetin in outpatients with early-stage mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19.Methods: This was an open-label randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the department of medicine, King Edward Medical University, Lahore, PK. Patients were randomized to receive either standard of care (SC) plus an oral quercetin supplement (500 mg Quercetin Phytosome®, 1st week, TDS: 2nd week, BDS) (n = 50, quercetin group) or SC alone (n = 50, control group).Results: After one week of treatment, patients in the quercetin group showed a speedy recovery from COVID-19 as compared to the control group, i.e., 34 patients (vs. 12 in the control group) tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (p = 0.0004), and 26 patients (vs. 12 in the control group) had their COVID-19-associated acute symptoms resolved (p = 0.0051). Patients in the quercetin group also showed a significant fall in the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) mean values i.e., from 406.56 ± 183.92 to 257.74 ± 110.73 U/L, p = 0.0001. Quercetin was well-tolerated by all the 50 patients, and no side effects were reported.Conclusion: Our results, suggest the possible therapeutic role of quercetin in early-stage COVID-19, including speedy clearance of SARS-CoV-2, early resolution of the acute symptoms and modulation of the host’s hyperinflammatory response.Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04861298
The experience of tobacco withdrawal symptoms among current smokers and ex-smokers in the general population: Findings from nationwide China Health Literacy Survey during 2018-19
Authors: Cui Zi-yang , Li Ying-hua , Liu Zhao , Li Li , Nie Xue-qiong , Zhou Xin-mei , Cheng An-qi , Li Jin-xuan , Qin Rui , Wei Xiao-wen , Zhao Liang , Ladmore Daniella , Pesola Francesca , Chung Kian Fan , Chen Zheng-ming , Hajek Peter , Xiao Dan , Wang Chen 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo clarify the extent to which smokers in the general population experience tobacco withdrawal symptoms and whether such experience differs in those who continue to smoke and those who stopped smoking.MethodsWe included relevant questions in the nationally-representative China Health Literacy Survey (CHLS) conducted in 2018–2019. Among 87,028 participants, there were 22,115 ever-smokers aged 20–69 years who provided information on their smoking history and their experience of tobacco withdrawal symptoms. Multivariate logistic regressions were conducted to explore the association between withdrawal symptoms and other variables.ResultsAmong ever-smokers, there were 19,643 (88.8%) current smokers and 2,472 (11.2%) ex-smokers. Among current smokers, 61.3% reported having tried to quit smoking in the past. Overall, 61.1% of current smokers reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms: 69.9% of those who tried to quit smoking in the past and 47.5% of those who did not. A lower proportion of ex-smokers experienced withdrawal symptoms (46.3%) and the difference remained significant after controlling for demographic characteristics (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.62–1.93, P &lt; 0.001). The most commonly reported withdrawal symptoms in both current smokers and ex-smokers were craving, restlessness and anxiety. In the multivariable-adjusted analyses, those who experienced withdrawal symptoms when they tried to quit smoking (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.86–2.27) were less likely to successfully quit.ConclusionsThe clinical picture of the tobacco withdrawal syndrome is the same in current smokers and in ex-smokers, but ex-smokers are less likely to have experienced it. The experience of discomfort when unable to smoke is common and seems likely to be a major factor contributing to maintaining smoking behavior not just among individuals seeking help with quitting smoking, but among smokers generally.
Mapping intervention components from a randomized controlled trial to scale-up of an early life nutrition and movement intervention: The INFANT program
Authors: Marshall Sarah , Johnson Brittany J. , Hesketh Kylie D. , Campbell Karen J. , Fraser Kylie , Love Penelope , Denney-Wilson Elizabeth , Salmon Jo , McCallum Zoe , Laws Rachel 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionEarly life parent-focused interventions can effectively improve infant and child nutrition and movement (physical activity and sedentary behavior) as well as parents' health behaviors. Scale-up of such interventions to real-world settings is essential for population-wide benefits. When progressing to scale-up, intervention components may be modified to reflect contextual factors and promote feasibility of scale-up. The INFANT program, an efficacious early life nutrition and movement behavioral intervention began as a randomized controlled trial (RCT), was modified after a small-scale translation, and is currently being scaled-up in Victoria, Australia. This study mapped and compared discrete intervention components of both the original RCT and the scaled-up version of INFANT to examine modifications for scaling up.MethodsDiscrete intervention components, specifically the target behaviors (child-related and parent-related behaviors), delivery features and behavior change techniques (BCTs) from the RCT and the scaled-up program were coded and mapped using established frameworks and taxonomies. Publications and unpublished materials (e.g., facilitator notes, handouts, videos, app) were coded. Coding was performed independently in duplicate, with final coding validated in a meeting with interventionists. Interventionists reported the rationale for modifications made.ResultsThe INFANT RCT and scaled-up version targeted the same obesity prevention-related nutrition and movement behaviors. Key modified delivery features at scale-up included reduced number of sessions, a broader range of professionals facilitating groups, the addition of a mobile app for parents replacing hard-copy materials and tangible tools (e.g., pedometers), and broadening of content (e.g., early feeding, updated 24-h movement guidelines). BCTs used across the RCT and scale-up sessions were unchanged. However, the BCTs identified in the between-session support materials were almost double for the scale-up compared with the RCT, primarily due to the reduced number of sessions and the app's capacity to include more content.ConclusionsINFANT is one of few early life nutrition and movement behavioral interventions being delivered at scale. With INFANT as an example, this study provides critical understanding about what and why intervention components were altered as the RCT was scaled-up. Unpacking these intervention modifications provides important insights for scale-up feasibility, outcome effects, and how to optimize implementation strategies for population-level benefits.
A mixed-method analysis to identify the current focus, trends, and gaps in health science research in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Shammary Asma Ayyed , Hassan Sehar un-Nisa , Alshammari Fahad Saud , Alshammari Modi Rataan Rifai 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe identification of current gaps in high-impact medical research in Saudi Arabia has international significance due to the trend of collaborative research in the field of health and medicine and the focus on knowledge-sharing. The purpose of this study is to assess the current focus, gaps, and priorities in health research in Saudi Arabia.MethodsWe employed a mixed-method research approach to achieve research objectives. (1) a systematic review of scientific research studies that are published between January 2020 to January 2022 in the top fifty Q1 medical science journals (2) a cross-sectional survey collected data from professionals employed in various organizations including the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Education (MoE), health organizations and universities, and the health industry. The close-ended survey questions inquired about the broad and specific areas of ongoing health research projects by these researchers and organizations in Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe literature search on databases identified Science Direct (n = 741), Pub Med (n = 244) and Google Scholar (n = 15,600). After screening, (n = 26) original studies were selected for detailed evaluation and synthesis. Among these (n = 7) studied infectious diseases, (n = 7) cancer, and cardiac disease (n = 5). These studies focused on the etiology, treatment management and therapy outcomes of these health conditions. The survey was completed by (n = 384) respondents from these organizations. Most of the ongoing research projects focus on clinical sciences (27%) followed by basic sciences (24%) and public health research (24%) and a limited number of researchers were involved in healthcare management (2%) and informatics (2%). Most research focused on kidney and liver disorders (80%), obesity (74%), diabetes (74%), hormonal diseases (64%), and infectious disease (66%); it is equally important to design and fund research in some of the neglected areas including reproductive health (3%), physical and mental disabilities (1%).ConclusionFindings suggest that current gaps in original research from Saudi Arabia are in healthcare service quality, reproductive health, physical and mental disabilities and health informatics. Researchers and funding agencies and international collaborative projects should prioritize these areas.
Knowledge, perceived risk, and attitudes towards COVID-19 protective measures amongst ethnic minorities in the UK: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Cook Erica Jane , Elliott Elizabeth , Donald Louisa , Gaitan Alfredo , Randhawa Gurch , Cartwright Sally , Waqar Muhammad , Egbutah Chimeme , Nduka Ifunanya , Guppy Andy , Ali Nasreen 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundMinority ethnic groups are at increased risk of COVID-19 related mortality or morbidity yet continue to have a disproportionally lower uptake of the vaccine. The importance of adherence to prevention and control measures to keep vulnerable populations and their families safe therefore remains crucial. This research sought to examine the knowledge, perceived risk, and attitudes toward COVID-19 among an ethnically diverse community.MethodsA cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was implemented to survey ethnic minority participants purposefully recruited from Luton, an ethnically diverse town in the southeast of England. The questionnaire was structured to assess participants knowledge, perceived risk, attitudes toward protective measures as well as the sources of information about COVID-19. The questionnaire was administered online via Qualtrics with the link shared through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Questionnaires were also printed into brochures and disseminated via community researchers and community links to individuals alongside religious, community and outreach organisations. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques, with the significance threshold for all analyses assumed at p = 0.05.Findings1,058 participants (634; 60% females) with a median age of 38 (IQR, 22) completed the survey. National TV and social networks were the most frequently accessed sources of COVID-19 related information; however, healthcare professionals, whilst not widely accessed, were viewed as the most trusted. Knowledge of transmission routes and perceived susceptibility were significant predictors of attitudes toward health-protective practises.Conclusion/recommendationImproving the local information provision, including using tailored communication strategies that draw on trusted sources, including healthcare professionals, could facilitate understanding of risk and promote adherence to health-protective actions.
COVID-19 vaccine confidence project for perinatal women (CCPP)—Development of a stepped-care model to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in low and middle-income countries
Authors: Ransing Ramdas , Raghuveer Pracheth , Mhamunkar Aman , Kukreti Prerna , Puri Manju , Patil Suvarna , Pavithra Hegde , Padma Kumari , Kumar Praveen , Ananthathirtha Kavya , Goel Manish Kumar , Deshpande Smita N. 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (CVH) is common among perinatal women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), but it is often unaddressed. This could be due to a lack of feasible, scalable, and acceptable interventions and models for CVH in LMICs. Our study aimed to develop a CVH intervention model that can be implemented in LMICs using existing human healthcare resources.MethodsA literature review was conducted on aspects of vaccine hesitancy, pre-existing interventions, and models for addressing vaccine hesitancy (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19). The lead authors (RR and PKuk) formed a team consisting of vaccinators, experts, and stakeholders. Members shared their perspectives and proposals for various models and interventions that could be implemented in LMICs. A CVH intervention model was developed using a logic model, a WHO implementation toolkit, experts' feedback, and consensus.ResultsA consensus was reached to develop a COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Project for Perinatal Women (CCPP), which is a primary health care worker (HCWs)-based stepped-care model. The CCPP model includes HCW training, integration into ongoing COVID-19 vaccination programs, CVH screening, CVH intervention, and referral services suitable for implementation in LMICs.ConclusionThe CCPP project/model provides a practical approach that can help in the early detection and management of CVH. The model can be tailored to different healthcare settings to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake among perinatal women in LMICs.