bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of Mek Inhibitors in the Treatment of Plexiform Neurofibromas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cacchione Antonella , Fabozzi Francesco , Carai Andrea , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Baldo Giada del , Rossi Sabrina , Diana Martino , Megaro Giacomina , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Macchiaiolo Marina , Crocoli Alessandro , De Ioris Maria Antonietta , Boccuto Luigi , Secco Domitilla Elena , Zama Mario , Agolini Emanuele , Tomà Paolo , Mastronuzzi Angela 
Published: January 2023

Introduction Plexiform neurofibromas (PN) represent the main cause of morbidity in patients affected by Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Until recently, surgery has been the main treatment option in these patients, but it is burdened with a low efficacy rate and a high incidence of side effects as well as recurrence. In recent years, MEK inhibitors (MEKi) such as selumetinib and trametinib have shown great promise. Methods We retrospectively describe a single center cohort of NF1 patients affected by PN1 and treated with MEKi since 2019 to 2021. Patients recruited in the study were affected by PN that were not eligible to complete surgical excision, symptomatic or with major cosmetic deformation or functional neurological deficits. Results Most patients experienced improvement in clinical symptoms and quality of life, with reduction or stabilization of lesions. However, no complete response was achieved. The most common adverse effects involved the skin, affecting every patient. Importantly, no life-threatening adverse effects occurred. Conclusions In our experience, MEKi treatment has been shown to be both safe and effective in improving symptomatology and quality of life.
Prognostic Value of Inflammatory and Nutritional Markers for Patients With Early-Stage Poorly-to Moderately-Differentiated Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Guo Jianfei , Lv Weiqing , Wang Zehua , Shang Yun , Yang Fan , Zhang Xiaomin , Xiao Keyuan , Zhang Shangyunduo , Pan Xiaoqi , Han Yan , Zong Liang , Hu Wenqing 
Published: January 2023

Background The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and Onodera’s prognostic nutritional index (OPNI) have been reported as prognostic markers for various cancers. We evaluated the prognostic value of the NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and OPNI for poorly-to moderately-differentiated cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the cases of 109 patients with early-stage poorly-to moderately-differentiated CSCC who underwent radical surgery at our institution in 2014-2017. The optimal cutoff points for the NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, SIRI, and OPNI were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. Overall survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. We performed a multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard regression model to determine the independent prognostic indicators for early-stage poorly-to moderately-differentiated CSCC. Results The appropriate cutoff points were: NLR, 1.72; PLR, 111.96; MLR, .24; SII, 566.23; SIRI, 1.38; and OPNI, 52.68. The OS of the patients with a high OPNI ( P = .04), low SII ( P = .03), or low SIRI ( P = .01) was significantly better. The uni- and multivariate analyses identified only the OPNI as an independent prognostic marker for early-stage poorly-to moderately-differentiated CSCC ( P = .04 and P = .02). Conclusion The OPNI is an independent prognostic marker for early-stage poorly-to moderately-differentiated CSCC; the NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, and SIRI are not.
Demographic and regional trends of peripheral artery disease-related mortality in the United States, 2000 to 2019
Authors: Issa Rochell , Nazir Salik , Khan Minhas Abdul Mannan , Lang Jacob , Ariss Robert W , Kayani Waleed Tallat , Khalid Mirza Umair , Sperling Laurence , Shapiro Michael D , Jneid Hani , Gupta Rajesh 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common progressive atherosclerotic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the US; however, data regarding PAD-related mortality trends are limited. This study aims to characterize contemporary trends in mortality across sociodemographic and regional groups. Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging OnLine Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) was queried for data regarding PAD-related deaths from 2000 to 2019 in the overall sample and different demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity) and regional (state, urban–rural) subgroups. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (CMR and AAMR, respectively) per 100,000 people were calculated. Associated annual percentage changes (APC) were computed using Joinpoint Regression Program Version 4.9.0.0 trend analysis software. Results: Between 2000 and 2019, a total of 1,959,050 PAD-related deaths occurred in the study population. Overall, AAMR decreased from 72.8 per 100,000 in 2000 to 32.35 per 100,000 in 2019 with initially decreasing APCs followed by no significant decline from 2016 to 2019. Most demographic and regional subgroups showed initial declines in AAMRs during the study period, with many groups exhibiting no change in mortality in recent years. However, men, non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African American individuals, people aged ⩾ 85 years, and rural counties were associated with the highest AAMRs of their respective subgroups. Notably, there was an increase in crude mortality rate among individuals 25–39 years of age from 2009 to 2019. Conclusion: Despite initial improvement, PAD-related mortality has remained stagnant in recent years. Disparities have persisted across several demographic and regional groups, requiring further investigation.
Evidence informed fatherhood program: An evaluation
Authors: Daniels Charles C. 
Published: January 2023

Summary Black fathers with histories of incarceration and trauma have multiple stressors that interfere with their ability to navigate life in the community, parent their children, and develop self-parenting skills that promote the healthy regulation of their emotions. The origins of these stressors are connected to racism, masculine stereotypes, and histories of trauma. Improving these skills has the potential to put fathers in control of their response to life distress instead of feeling controlled by it. This study sought to examine the Evidence Informed Fatherhood Program (EIFP) and its efficacy as defined by the rates of recidivism, parental engagement, life distress, emotional regulation, and basic needs attainment. The sample comprised 551 fathers (N = 551), most of whom were Black (n = 534), drawn from administrative data from Father's UpLift. The study examined the effectiveness of the program by studying the change in scores at three points in time, namely during the baseline entry into the program, and three and six months after entry. Findings The baseline findings showed that about 95% of all participants needed assistance with basic needs, including obtaining housing, employment, and bank accounts. The results showed a statistically significant and dramatic decrease in life distress scores and an equally dramatic increase in emotional regulation scores. Applications The findings show that EIFP is effective in helping Black fathers gain self-parenting skills, address the trauma they experience as Black men in a racialized society, and reduce recidivism among them.
Young adults’ protest participation and mental health
Authors: Kwan Chi Kin 
Published: January 2023

Summary This article explores how political fluctuations can negatively affect young adults’ psychosocial well-being, by using the case of Hong Kong's Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement. The study included both individual and focus group interviews to collect the experiences and perspectives of 25 youths, 13 teachers, and 12 social workers within a qualitative paradigm. The data were coded independently by the author and research assistant. Findings Four major themes related to young adults’ psychosocial well-being: (a) mental health deterioration, (b) tension in family relations, (c) problems in peer relations, and (d) decreasing trust in teachers and social workers. The findings not only reveal the relevance of political issues to contemporary youths’ well-being, but also display a possible vicious circle among negative psychosocial environment, psychosocial strain, and poor environment. Applications There is a pressing need for social workers to be better prepared for dealing with young adults’ psychosocial issues that arise from political conflicts. This article contributes to the literature by considering the role of psychosocial factors in maintaining or reinforcing youth participation in protests. Unconventional strategies should be developed by social workers to reach youth activists and help relieve emotional and psychological pressures caused by political unrest. Suggestions for fostering post-conflict reconciliation in the community are also offered.
Does mentoring improve the health of people in the community? A realist evaluation
Authors: Suurmond Jeanine , Kruithof Kasper , Harting Janneke 
Published: January 2023

Summary Mentoring is an intervention aimed at strengthening social networks of individuals by providing one-to-one support to develop a social network. While there is a lack of insight into how the social network intervention “mentoring” affects health outcomes, we used a realist evaluation approach to find out for whom and under what circumstances mentoring affects health. The study was conducted in the Netherlands. In phase 1, an initial program theory of mentoring was developed based on a group interview with participants and professionals engaged in mentoring, complemented by documents (previous studies, descriptions of interventions). In phase 2, the program theory was tested using interviews with 23 participants before and 16 after mentoring. Findings Mentoring strengthened the social network when two conditions were met. Firstly, mentoring coaches needed to be trained. Secondly, participants needed to have a pre-existing—albeit small—network and need to have some social skills. If the social network was strengthened, mentoring increased self-esteem and self-confidence and decreased experiences of depression and loneliness of participants through three mechanisms: (1) participants were acknowledged and their individual needs were accepted; (2) individual coping resources were improved; (3) capabilities to initiate the search for a social network and to be involved in a social network were realized. Applications Mentoring is a useful intervention to increase self-esteem and self-confidence and decrease experiences of depression and loneliness of participants if the two conditions are met. Therefore, mentors should be carefully trained to acknowledge and respond to participants’ individual needs for social bonds.
Patient characteristics associated with delayed neurological improvement following acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Seymour Trey J , Bilgin Cem , Liu Michael , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Rabinstein Alejandro A , Kallmes David F 
Published: January 2023

Background Delayed neurological improvement (DNI) is a phenomenon that involves patient improvement in the absence of early neurological change following treatment for acute ischemic stroke. The patient characteristics associated with this condition are largely unexplored. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and Scopus. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MDs), and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to test the association between patient characteristics and achievement of DNI. Results Seven studies, with 3266 patients, were included in our analysis. All studies reported a different definition of DNI, with five studies focusing on rates of good functional outcome at 90 days post-treatment in the absence of early neurological improvement. Use of intravenous thrombolytics was associated with increased rates of DNI (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.00; p = 0.002). Atrial fibrillation was associated with decreased rates of DNI (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.82; p < 0.001), as was hypertension (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.83, p < 0.001), and diabetes mellitus (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.90; p = 0.005). On average, patients who achieved DNI were 6.30 years younger than their non-DNI counterparts ( MD −6.30, 95% CI −9.19 to −3.41; p < 0.001). There were modest associations between male sex and DNI (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.74, p = 0.042), and smoking and DNI (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.59, p = 0.027). Conclusions DNI is a phenomenon that is not presently well understood. Lack of uniformity among definitions of DNI hinders efforts to explore DNI and the factors associated with its occurrence. Future studies should work to establish a consensus definition of DNI to determine its causes and significance more accurately.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of sexually transmitted infection prevention practices among Ethiopian young people
Authors: Anbesu Etsay Woldu , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Alemayehu Mussie , Asgedom Dejen Kahsay , Kifle Mearg Eyasu 
Published: January 2023

Objective: Approximately 178.5 million new cases of treatable sexually transmitted infections are thought to be diagnosed each year among young people worldwide who are between the ages of 15 and 24 years. The results regarding sexually transmitted infection prevention studies in Ethiopia are not consistent. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the pooled prevalence of sexually transmitted infection prevention methods among young people in Ethiopia. Methods: The systematic review was developed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Between 5 January and 18 May 2022, published studies were searched using online databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, African Online Journal, and Google Scholar. The quality of the study was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument. A random-effects model was used for the statistical analysis using STATA version 14 software. Results: A total of 3331 studies were searched, and five studies with a total of 1925 participants were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of preventive practice toward sexually transmitted infections was 54% (95% confidence interval: 44, 64). According to a subgroup analysis based on regional state, the prevalence was highest in the southern region, at 66% (95% CI: 59, 73), and lowest in the Amhara region, at 42% (95% confidence interval: 38, 45). Institution-based studies had high heterogeneity, according to a subgroup analysis based on study setting ( I2 = 95.39%, p value 0.001). Conclusion: Almost one in every two young people is engaged in preventive practices. This is lower than the World Health Organization global health sector strategy target (70%) for sexually transmitted infections. A subgroup analysis based on regional state and study setting showed a variation in the prevalence of preventive practices and significant heterogeneity among the regions.
A mixed-methods analysis of the role of online social support to promote psychological wellbeing in new mothers
Authors: Henton Sally , Swanson Vivien 
Published: January 2023

Objective Perinatal mental health problems affect between 1 in 3 and 1 in 10 women globally. Using social media could offer helpful support to new mothers to mitigate this. This research examines the impact of online social support on parental stress, and the mediating effect of maternal wellbeing. The goal is to improve understanding of how to optimise online maternal support to improve anxiety and reduce long-term stress for mother and child. Design A mixed-methods, convergent parallel design (QUANT-QUAL) is adopted to facilitate examination of the complex association between constructs. Methods A Qualtrics online survey was administered via social media to mothers of children under two (n = 151). Quantitative multiple regression analyses assessed perceptions of online social support overall and in separate domains (Social Networking Sites Usage and Needs Scale) as a predictor of parental stress (Parental Stress Scale) and the potential mediation effect of mental wellbeing (Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale). Purposely designed survey open-text questions allowed participants to describe the detail and impact of online support experiences and common stresses and formed the basis of a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis examining online support and maternal mental health. Results Mixed-method findings indicate that mothers perceiving more value in online support have higher stress levels and lower wellbeing than others. Mental wellbeing was a partial mediator of the relationship between online support and parental stress. Non-significant statistical effects were reinforced by qualitative themes indicating online support provided safe guidance, peer solidarity and parenting escape. Conclusions Maternal online support was predominantly used to cope with high stress, explaining positive stress correlations. Statistically, online coping strategies contributed little to mental wellbeing. Nevertheless, online support was regarded as a valuable and reassuring tool by some participants. Health professionals could improve perinatal anxiety coping by facilitating quality online support networks.
Nozzle tip damage in three generations of intraocular lens injector models: an experimental laboratory study
Authors: Zhang Lu , Schickhardt Sonja , Merz Patrick , Auffarth Gerd 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the nozzle tip damage of IOL injectors in three generations from the same manufacturer using the self-developed system—the Heidelberg Score for IOL Injector Damage.

Setting
David J Apple Center for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

Design
Experimental laboratory study

Methods
The nozzle tip damage of three injector models (Emerald, iTec, and Simplicity) was determined using the Heidelberg score for IOL injector damage. Damage to the nozzle tip was examined under a microscope and graded as follows: no damage (score 0), slight scratches (1), deep scratches (2), extensions (3), cracks (4) and bursts (5). The total scores for each injector system were the sum of scores for all injectors in this model. Total scores of the three injector systems were evaluated and compared. The nozzle tip parameters (diameters, tip angles) were also measured in each group.

Results
The Emerald system achieved the highest total scores, while the other two systems achieved similar total scores. There was no statistically significant difference in the total scores between the study groups (P > 0.05). The outer cross-sectional diameters were 2.10 and 2.10 mm for Emerald, 1.80 and 1.78 mm for iTec, and 1.78 and 1.80 mm for Simplicity. The thickness of the nozzle tips was 0.13 mm (Emerald), 0.17 mm (iTec) and 0.17 mm (Simplicity). The tip angle for three injector models was 35° (Emerald), 45° (iTec), and 45° (Simplicity).

Conclusions
Although different injector models exhibited varying degrees of damage to the nozzle tip, all injector models generally showed relatively good results. Newer generations of IOL injector models tend to perform better in terms of nozzle tip damage after IOL implantation.
Did the increase in sitting time due to COVID-19 lead to obesity in adolescents?
Authors: Kim Dahyun , Kim Woorim , Choi Mingee , Shin Jaeyong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Since adolescent with obesity is closely linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease, it is important to identify the factors that increase the prevalence of adolescent with obesity and prevent it early. This study aimed to examine which of the demographic and lifestyle factors including sitting hours per week for purposes other than study had the greatest influence on Korean adolescents with obesity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods
We used the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) data. The primary outcome was the relationship between sitting hours and obesity during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine which of the demographic and lifestyle factors including sitting hours per week for purposes other than study had the greatest influence on Korean adolescents’ obesity status.

Results
The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher during the COVID-19 than before the COVID-19 (OR, 1.268, CI:1.232–1.305). There was a significant increase in the OR for sitting hours per week for purposes other than study (OR, 1.021, 95% CI, 1.019–1.024). Compared to low household income, the OR decreased for middle (OR = 0.798, 95% CI:0.77, 0.826) and high-income household students (OR, 0.833, 95% CI: 0.803–0.865).

Discussion/Conclusion
The results of this study confirmed the relationship between sit-ting hours and obesity in adolescents during the pandemic. To prevent adolescent with obesity, further studies are needed to focus on the importance of promoting health policy in adolescents to avoid the continuous rising of its prevalence and needed to understand whether the increase in obesity rates during the pandemic is a temporary trend.