bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of community pharmacists’ knowledge of the differences between generic drugs and biosimilars: A pilot cross-sectional study
Authors: Awada Sanaa , Sayah Roudy , Mansour Maribelle , Nabhane Cynthia , Hatem Georges 
Published: April 2023

Background: Pharmacists’ knowledge of the differences in the characteristics between generic drugs and biosimilars is essential to ensure good practice and lower pharmaceutical bills. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate community pharmacists’ knowledge and perception of using and substituting biosimilars and generic drugs. Design: A pilot cross-sectional study was performed over 2 months (August-September 2022) targeting community pharmacists in their work site. Method: Data were collected using a uniform survey given to 75 pharmacists. Afterward, a knowledge score was generated by summing several individual scores of statements regarding generic drugs and biosimilars. Results: Overall, pharmacists had moderate to low knowledge scores, namely, with the statements tackling biosimilars. No significance was reported between these scores and their general characteristics. As regards their substitution, most pharmacists agreed to substitute generic drugs if the brand was not available, while the doctor’s approval was crucial for biosimilar switching. Most participants perceived equal effectiveness of generic drugs but similar to a lower one for biosimilars compared to the reference medication. Pharmacists highlighted the need to include generic drugs and biosimilars in the continuing education program and workshops. Conclusion: To promote their use, improving pharmacists’ knowledge can help overcome misconceptions about generic drugs and biosimilars. It is recommended that health care stakeholders focus on fostering good understanding among pharmacists to enhance access to medication.
Identification of novel biomarkers linking depressive disorder and Alzheimer’s disease based on an integrative bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Song Jin , Ma Zilong , Zhang Huishi , Liang Ting , Zhang Jun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous reports revealed that a history of major depressive disorder (MDD) increased the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The immune disorder is associated with MDD and AD pathophysiology. We aimed to identify differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) that are involved in the pathogenesis of MDD and AD.

Methods
We downloaded mRNA expression profiles (GSE76826 and GSE5281) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The R software was used to identify DEIRGs for the two diseases separately. Functional enrichment analysis and PPI network of DEIRGs were performed. Finally, the relationship between shared DEIRGs and immune infiltrates of AD and MDD were analyzed, respectively.

Results
A total of 121 DEIRGs linking AD and MDD were identified. These genes were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways, such as the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, regulation of chemotaxis, chemotaxis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and primary immunodeficiency. Furthermore, three shared DEIRGs (IL1R1, CHGB, and NRG1) were identified. Correlation analysis between DEIRGs and immune cells revealed that IL1R1 and NRG1 had a negative or positive correlation with some immune cells both in AD and MDD.

Conclusion
Both DEIRGs and immune cell infiltrations play a vital role in the pathogenesis of AD and MDD. Our findings indicated that there are common genes and biological processes between MDD and AD, which provides a theoretical basis for the study of the comorbidity of MDD and AD.
Effect of acuity level and patient characteristics on bowel preparation quality: a retrospective cohort study of inpatient colonoscopies
Authors: Kabir Christopher , Salazar Leon Mariani , Ndiaye Cindy , Flicker Michael 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background and aims
Colonoscopy is the primary method to detect mucosal abnormalities in the colon, rectum, and terminal ileum. Inadequate bowel preparation is a common problem and can impede successful visualization during colonoscopy. Although studies identified hospitalization as a predictor of inadequate bowel preparation, acuity of care vary greatly within this patient population. The current study aims to examine the effect of patient characteristics and care level predictors on inadequate bowel preparation quality within the inpatient setting.

Methods
This retrospective study was conducted in a single urban level 1 trauma medical center and included adult patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy while admitted in the hospital from January 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020. We examined the level of inpatient care between the General Medical Floor (GMF), Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Telemetry Unit (TU) and assessed this association with bowel preparation quality, adjusting for known and unknown predictors.

Results
Of 538 patients undergoing colonoscopy, 47.4% were admitted into TU, 43.7% into GMF and 8.9% into ICU. For the entire sample, 72.7% of patients achieved good or excellent preparation and quality of bowel preparation differed by care level (P = 0.01). Patients from the critical care units were less likely to achieve adequate bowel preparation when compared to GMF (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.36; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.17,0.77), after adjusting for patient characteristics, medications, physical status, and preparation regimen. No significant difference in Bowel Preparation Quality (BPQ) was identified between patients from GMF and TU (OR 0.96; 95%CI 0.61, 1.52). Furthermore, adequate BPQ was associated with withdrawal time and cecal intubation, but not higher adenoma detection rates.

Conclusions
Results suggest the ICU setting is an independent predictor for inadequate bowel preparation and patients with prior opioid and laxative use may be more likely to have inadequate bowel preparation in the hospital. Future interventions should prioritize preprocedural clinician meetings for critical care unit patients, including a more detailed readiness assessment and thorough medication history.
Survival and predictors of mortality after completion of TB treatment among people living with HIV: a 5-year analytical cohort
Authors: Lumu Ivan , Musaazi Joseph , Semeere Aggrey , Handel Ian , Castelnuovo Barbara 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
After completion of TB treatment patients may remain at risk of co-morbidity and mortality. We determined the survival and predictors of all-cause mortality after completing TB treatment among ART-experienced patients.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort analysis of all ART experienced patients who completed TB treatment at a specialist HIV clinic in Uganda, between 2009 and 2014. The patients were followed for five years after TB treatment. We determined the cumulative probability of death, and predictors of mortality using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively.

Results
A total 1,287 patients completed TB treatment between 2009 and 2014, of which 1,111 were included in the analysis. At TB treatment completion, the median age was 36 years (IQR: 31–42), 563 (50.7%) were males, and median CD4 cell count was 235 cells/mL (IQR: 139–366). The person-time at risk was 4410.60 person-years. The all-cause mortality rate was 15.42 (95% CI: 12.14–19.59) per 1000 person-years. The probability of death at five years was 6.9% (95%CI: 5.5- 8.8). In the multivariable analysis, CD4 count < 200 cells/mL was a predictor of all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.81, 95%CI:1.06–3.11, p = 0.03) alongside history of retreatment (aHR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.16–3.85, p = 0.01).

Conclusion
Survival post TB treatment in ART experienced PLHIV is reasonably good. Most deaths occur within two years after TB treatment completion. Patients with a low CD4 count and those with a history of retreatment have an increased risk of mortality which underscores the need for TB prophylaxis, detailed assessment, and close monitoring after completion of TB treatment.
Longitudinal quantification of choriocapillaris flow deficits in persistent placoid maculopathy: a case report
Authors: Li Jianqing , Wu Chris Y. , Shen Mengxi , Bynoe Leon , Nezgoda Joseph , Liu Jeremy , Cheng Yuxuan , Sporysheva Anna , Albini Thomas , Wang Ruikang K. , Gregori Giovanni , Rosenfeld Philip J. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Persistent placoid maculopathy (PPM) is a rare idiopathic chorioretinopathy characterized by choriocapillaris (CC) hypoperfusion. In a case of PPM, we quantified CC flow deficits (FDs) over time and observed an increase in CC perfusion as the visual acuity and outer photoreceptor anatomy improved.

Case presentation
A 58-year-old man was diagnosed with PPM in both eyes based on the patient’s clinical presentation and imaging. He presented with sudden-onset central scotomas in both eyes for about two months. On referral, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/100 in the left eye. Plaque-like yellowish macular lesions were observed bilaterally and autofluorescence imaging showed bilateral hyperautofluorescent lesions. Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed early-phase hyper-fluorescent staining that intensified in the late phases, while indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) displayed persistent hypofluorescence in both eyes. Foveal centered swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) B-scans showed bilateral focal deposits on the level of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and disruption of outer photoreceptor bands. The CC FDs were quantified on SS-OCT angiography (SS-OCTA) images using a previously published algorithm that was validated. The CC FD% was 12.52% in the right eye and 14.64% in the left eye within a 5 mm circle centered on the fovea. After 5 months of steroid treatment, BCVA remained 20/20 in the right eye and improved to 20/25 in the left eye. On OCT imaging, the outer photoreceptor bands fully recovered in both eyes, while some focal deposits remained along the RPE in the left eye. The CC perfusion in both eyes improved, with CC FD% decreasing from 12.52% to 9.16% in the right eye and from 14.64% to 9.34% in the left eye.

Conclusions
Significant impairment of macular CC perfusion was detected after the onset of PPM. Improvement in central macular CC perfusion corresponded with improvements in BCVA and outer retinal anatomy. Our findings suggest that imaging and quantification of CC FDs could serve as a valuable imaging strategy for diagnosing PPM and for following disease progression.
Quantitative evaluation of anisometropic amblyopia treatment efficacy by coupling multiple visual functions via CRITIC algorithm
Authors: Zhi Ying , Cai Min , Du Rui , Qiao Ying , Zheng Xiaowei , Xu Guanghua , Yan Li , Wu Dianpeng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe evaluation of amblyopia treatment efficacy is essential for amblyopia prevention, control, and rehabilitation.MethodsTo evaluate the amblyopia treatment efficacy more precisely and quantitatively, this study recorded four visual function examination results, i.e., visual acuity, binocular rivalry balance point, perceptual eye position, and stereopsis before and after amblyopia treatment.ResultsWe found that all these four results had a significant difference between before and after treatment, and the relationship between visual acuity improvement and the difference of BRBP, PEP, and stereoacuity cannot show a fitting correlation regarding the widely used index of visual acuity as the standard of treatment efficacy. By using the Criteria Importance Through Inter-criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method, a more comprehensive and quantitative index by coupling the selected four indexes with objective weights was obtained for further training efficacy representation, and the validation dataset also showed a good performance.ConclusionsThis study proved that our proposed coupling method based on different visual function examination results via the CRITIC algorithm is a potential means to quantify the amblyopia treatment efficacy.
Epidemiology of mental health disorders in the citizens of Tehran: a report from Tehran Cohort Study
Authors: Bahrami Mahboobe , Jalali Arash , Ayati Aryan , Shafiee Akbar , Alaedini Farshid , Saadat Soheil , Masoudkabir Farzad , Shahmansouri Nazila , Noorbala Ahmadali 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundMental health disorders (MHD) impose a considerable burden on public health systems. With an increasing worldwide trend in urbanization, urban mental health stressors are affecting a larger population. In this study, we evaluated the epidemiology of mental health disorders in the citizens of Tehran using the Tehran Cohort Study (TeCS) data.MethodsWe utilized data from the TeCS recruitment phase. A total of 10,247 permanent residents of Tehran metropolitan (aged 15 years and older) were enrolled in the study from March 2016 to 2019 via systematic random sampling from all 22 districts of Tehran. The participant's demographic, socioeconomic, and medical characteristics were evaluated by conducting comprehensive interviews. The standardized Persian version of the General Health Questionnaire version 28 was utilized to assess the mental status of the patients according to four central mental health disorders.ResultsAlmost 37.1% of Tehran residents suffered mental health problems (45.0% of women and 28.0% of men). The greatest incidence of MHDs was seen in the 25–34 and over 75 age groups. The most common mental health disorders were depression (43%) and anxiety (40%), followed by somatization (30%) and social dysfunction (8.1%). Mental health disorders were more frequent in the southeast regions of the city.ConclusionsTehran residents have a significantly higher rate of mental health disorders compared to nationwide studies, with an estimated 2.7 million citizens requiring mental health care services. Awareness of mental health disorders and identifying vulnerable groups are crucial in developing mental health care programs by public health authorities.
Dietary sodium to potassium ratio is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events: a longitudinal follow-up study
Authors: Mosallanezhad Zahra , Jalali Mohammad , Bahadoran Zahra , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The current prospective cohort study aimed to explore the potential associations between dietary sodium (Na), potassium (K), and sodium-to-potassium (Na-to-K) ratio with an incidence risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Iranian adults.

Methods
The participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (men and women aged 30–84 years, n = 2050), free of CVD at baseline (2006–2008) were included. Dietary intakes were assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and incident CVD (i.e., coronary heart disease, stroke, and CVD mortality) were documented up to March 2018. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) regarding the association between dietary Na, K, and Na-to-K ratio with CVD events.

Results
During a median follow-up of 10.6 years, 10.14% of participants experienced CVD outcomes. A 41% increased risk of CVD in relation to each increase in 1000 mg/d of Na intake. In the fully-adjusted model, higher Na intake (> 4143 versus < 3049 mg/d) was significantly related to the increased risk of CVD (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.06–3.74). Independent of the well-known risk factors, a 56% reduced risk of CVD was observed in the participants with a higher dietary K intake (HR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20–0.94). A Higher Na-to-K ratio was associated with an increased risk of CVD (HR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.13–3.52).

Conclusion
Our study showed that the Na-to-K ratio might independently predict future risk of CVD events in adults.
Can transbronchial lung cryobiopsy benefit adaptive treatment strategies in connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease?
Authors: Yamakawa Hideaki , Takemura Tamiko , Sato Shintaro , Takatsuka Makiko , Ohta Hiroki , Nishizawa Tomotaka , Oba Tomohiro , Kawabe Rie , Akasaka Keiichi , Horikoshi Masanobu , Amano Masako , Kuwano Kazuyoshi , Matsushima Hidekazu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Some patients with connective tissue disease (CTD)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) progress to pulmonary fibrosis over their disease course despite initial improvement, potentially indicating a poor prognosis. Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) is a new bioptic approach used in diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. This study of CTD-ILD assessed the utility of TBLC in determining therapeutic decision-making strategies.

Methods
We analyzed medical records of 31 consecutive CTD-ILD patients who underwent TBLC focusing on radio-pathological correlation and disease course. A TBLC-based usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) score was used that assessed three morphologic descriptors: i) patchy fibrosis, ii) fibroblastic foci, and iii) honeycombing.

Results
Among the patients with CTD-ILD, 3 had rheumatoid arthritis, 2 systemic sclerosis, 5 polymyositis/dermatomyositis, 8 anti-synthetase syndrome, 6 Sjögren’s syndrome, and 5 had microscopic polyangiitis. Pulmonary function test results showed a mean %FVC of 82.4% and %DLCO of 67.7%. Among the 10 CTD patients and TBLC-proven pathological UIP, 3 patients had prominent inflammatory cells in addition to a framework of UIP, and pulmonary function of most patients improved with anti-inflammatory agents. Six (40%) of 15 patients with TBLC-based UIP score ≥ 1 had a progressive disease course during follow-up, of whom 4 patients received anti-fibrotic agents.

Conclusions
TBLC in patients with CTD-ILD can help determine an appropriate medication strategy, particularly when UIP-like lesions are present. TBLC may be useful when judging which agents to prioritize, anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrotic, is difficult. Moreover, additional information from TBLC may be beneficial when considering early intervention with anti-fibrotic agents in clinical practice.
The association of rod curvature with postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing posterior lumbar interbody fusion for spinal stenosis: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Han Lin , Ma Hongdao , Li Qisheng , Yuan Jincan , Yang Haisong , Qin Yuchen , Lu Xuhua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Restoration of sagittal balance is a crucial consideration in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery and adverse postoperative outcomes are associated with inadequate restoration of sagittal alignment. However, there remains a shortage of substantial evidence regarding the effect of rod curvature on both sagittal spinopelvic radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes.

Method
A retrospective case–control study was conducted in this study. Patient demographics (age, gender, height, weight and BMI), surgical characteristics (number of fused levels, surgical time, blood loss and hospital stay) and radiographic parameters (lumbar lordosis [LL], sacral slope [SS], pelvic incidence [PI], pelvic tilt [PT], PI-LL, Cobb angle of fused segments [Cobb], rod curvature [RC], Posterior tangent angle of fused segments [PTA] and RC-PTA) were analyzed.

Results
Patients in the abnormal group had older mean age and suffered more blood loss than those in the normal group. In addition, RC and RC-PTA were significantly lower in the abnormal group compared to the normal group. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that lower age (OR = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89–0.99; P = 0.0187), lower PTA (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85–0.96; P = 0.0015) and higher RC (OR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.20–1.51; P < 0.0001) were related to higher odds of better surgical outcomes. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting outcomes of surgery by RC classifier was 0.851 (0.769–0.932).

Conclusions
In patients who underwent PLIF surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, those who had a satisfactory postoperative outcome tended to be younger, had lower blood loss, and higher values of RC and RC-PTA compared to those who had poor recovery and required revision surgery. Additionally, RC was found to be a reliable predictor of postoperative outcomes.
Gender differences in illness perceptions and disease management in patients with gout, results from a questionnaire study in Western Sweden
Authors: Bergsten Ulrika , Dehlin Mats , Klingberg Eva , Landgren Anton J. , Jacobsson Lennart T. H. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Aims were to examine gender differences in patients with gout with regard to a) self-reported gout severity, b) illness perceptions (IP), c) impact on daily activities and Quality of Life (QoL), d) advice from healthcare professionals, e) having changed dietary- or alcohol habits.

Methods
Adult patients with gout identified in primary and secondary care in Sweden between 2015 and 2017 (n = 1589) were sent a questionnaire about demographics, gout disease severity, IP (using the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, (B-IPQ)) and disease management. T-tests, Chi square tests, ANalysis Of VAriance (ANOVA) and linear regression models were used for gender comparisons.

Results
Eight hundred sixty-eight patients responded to the questionnaire. Women, n = 177 (20%), experienced more severe gout symptoms (p = 0.011), albeit similar frequencies of flares compared to men. Women experienced modest but significantly worse IP with regard to consequences, identity, concerns and emotional response (p < 0.05) as well as daily activities such as sleeping (p < 0.001) and walking (p = 0.042) and QoL (p = 0.004). Despite this and a higher frequency of obesity in women (38 vs 21%, P < 0.001) and alcohol consumption in men (p < 0.001), obese women had received significantly less advice regarding weight reduction (47 vs 65%, p = 0.041) compared to obese men. On the other hand, women reported having acted on dietary advice to a larger degree.

Conclusions
Despite only modestly worse gout severity and perception, women appear to have been given less information regarding self-management than men. These gender differences should be given attention and addressed in clinical care.