bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Likomba Community, Fako Division, South West Region, Cameroon
Authors: Longdoh Njunda Anna , Mbenchang Makia Claudia 
Published: June 2023

Background: Urogenital Schistosomasis (US) is the second most neglected tropical disease to malaria. It is estimated that about 600-700 million people Worldwide are at risk of contracting this disease. In Cameroon more than 5million people are at the risk of infection. Clinical manifestations of US include haematuria, dysuria, lower abdominal pain and bladder cancer. Praziquantel is the drug of choice.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Urogenital Schistosomiais in Likomba community in Fako Division.
Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was carried out from February till March 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to 363 participants through a convenient sampling technique. We obtained information on socio-demographic data, clinical history of the participants, knowledge of the disease and other risk factors associated with Urogenital Schistosomiasis. Urine samples were collected to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs using the centrifugation technique. Data was collected and analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 24.
Results: Out of the 363 participants a total of 101 tested positive to Schistosoma haematobium infection having and overall prevalence of 27.8%. The most infected age group ranged from 5 - 13 years which had a prevalence of 49.5% while the least infected age group found within ≥ 47 years had a prevalence of 9.9%. The prevalence of US in females was 63.4% which was higher than that of males 36.6%, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05).The risk factors associated with US included; the availability of tap water (P<0.05), the source of drinking (P<0.05), number of times they go the stream (Ndongo) (P<0.005) and various sites of taking their bath (P>0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that US is still very prevalent among the inhabitants of Likomba community, therefore there is a need for the government and community health workers to re-inforce health education, ensure the provision of adequate pipe born water and campaign strategies which will educate and significantly help reduce the prevalence of the disease in this area.
One-Year Clinical Evaluation of Four Desensitizing Agents in the Management of Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized, Prospective, Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Mertz Tuane , Cardoso Poliana Maria de Faveri , Ueda Julio Katuhide , Busato Mauro Carlos Agner , Mendonça Márcio José , Camilotti Veridiana 
Published: June 2023

Objective: The objective of this randomized, prospective, and blinded clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of four desensitizing agents in the long-term treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity (HD) and their impact on the quality of life of the research volunteers.
Materials and Methods: A total of 116 teeth were randomized and divided into 4 groups (n=29 teeth) according to the applied treatment: GD - Gluma Desensitizer; CV - Clinpro White Varnish; SB - Single Bond; AS - AdheSE. Sensitivity levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) immediately after the application of each material, and at 7, 30, 60, and 360 days post-treatment. The patients completed a quality of life questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Kruskall Wallis test with the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner post-test were used for intergroup evaluation (p<0.05).
Results: In the intragroup comparison, there was a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in sensitivity from the initial period for the GD, CV, and AS groups. There was an improvement in the patients' quality of life.
Conclusion: This clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of the desensitizing agents in the long-term treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity, with the exception of SB. Clinical relevance: HD is a clinical condition that directly affects patients' quality of life. This study revealed three effective desensitizing agents for a prolonged period.
Bempedoic Acid for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Statin-Intolerant Patients
Authors: Nissen Steven E. , Menon Venu , Nicholls Stephen J. , Brennan Danielle , Laffin Luke , Ridker Paul , Ray Kausik K. , Mason Denise , Kastelein John J. P. , Cho Leslie , Libby Peter , Li Na , Foody JoAnne , Louie Michael J. , Lincoff A. Michael 
Published: June 2023

ImportanceThe effects of bempedoic acid on cardiovascular outcomes in statin-intolerant patients without a prior cardiovascular event (primary prevention) have not been fully described.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of bempedoic acid on cardiovascular outcomes in primary prevention patients.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis masked, randomized clinical trial enrolled 13 970 statin-intolerant patients (enrollment December 2016 to August 2019 at 1250 centers in 32 countries), including 4206 primary prevention patients.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to oral bempedoic acid, 180 mg daily (n = 2100), or matching placebo (n = 2106).Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary efficacy measure was the time from randomization to the first occurrence of any component of a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), nonfatal stroke, or coronary revascularization.ResultsMean participant age was 68 years, 59% were female, and 66% had diabetes. From a mean baseline of 142.2 mg/dL, compared with placebo, bempedoic acid reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by 30.2 mg/dL (21.3%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels by 0.56 mg/L (21.5%), from a median baseline of 2.4 mg/L. Follow-up for a median of 39.9 months was associated with a significant risk reduction for the primary end point (111 events [5.3%] vs 161 events [7.6%]; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.70 [95% CI, 0.55-0.89]; P = .002) and key secondary end points, including the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke (83 events [4.0%] vs 134 events [6.4%]; HR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.48-0.84]; P &amp;lt; .001); MI (29 events [1.4%] vs 47 events [2.2%]; HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.39-0.98]); cardiovascular death (37 events [1.8%] vs 65 events [3.1%]; HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.41-0.92]); and all-cause mortality (75 events [3.6%] vs 109 events [5.2%]; HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.54-0.98]). There was no significant effect on stroke or coronary revascularization. Adverse effects with bempedoic acid included a higher incidence of gout (2.6% vs 2.0%), cholelithiasis (2.5% vs 1.1%), and increases in serum creatinine, uric acid, and hepatic enzyme levels.ConclusionsIn a subgroup of high-risk primary prevention patients, bempedoic acid treatment was associated with reduced major cardiovascular events.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02993406
Association Between New 340B Program Participation and Commercial Insurance Spending on Outpatient Biologic Oncology Drugs
Authors: Chang Jessica , Karaca-Mandic Pinar , Nikpay Sayeh , Jeffery Molly Moore 
Published: June 2023

ImportancePrevious studies have found that hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program have higher Medicare Part B spending and expansion into affluent neighborhoods. Less is known about the association of 340B participation with spending by commercial insurance, where reimbursements are higher than Medicare.ObjectiveTo use the Affordable Care Act expansion of eligibility for the 340B Drug Pricing Program to study the association between participation and spending on outpatient-administered oncological drugs for commercially insured patients.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study included a balanced panel hospital cohort containing new and never 340B program participants between 2007 and 2019; more recent data were not included to avoid the effect of disruptions in care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive analyses documented spending trends for patients receiving common outpatient-administered biologics used in cancer treatments (bevacizumab, filgrastim, pegfilgrastim, rituximab, and trastuzumab) at 340B (treated) and non-340B (control) hospitals. A difference-in-differences model assessed changes in episode drug spending. Analyses were conducted between December 2021 and June 2022.ExposureNew 340B program participation between 2010 and 2016.Main Outcome and MeasuresTotal drug episode spending, with control variables including total billed units, drug, calendar-year fixed effects, and hospital fixed effects.ResultsOf 95 127 included episodes (56 917 [59.8%] episodes in female patients) across 478 hospitals, patients seen in 340B and non-340B hospitals were similar in sex and drug used, and 340B hospital patients were older than non-340B patients (median [IQR] age for all patients, 61 [51-71] years). New 340B participating hospitals were more likely to be small (&amp;lt;50 beds) and more likely to be in rural settings. In the difference-in-differences analysis, total episode drug spending increased by $4074.69 (95% CI, $1592.84-$6556.70; P = .001) in the year following start of 340B program participation relative to nonparticipants. Heterogeneous group time effects were seen, with earlier participants less likely to have increased episode spending.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, new 340B participation was associated with statistically significant higher oncological drug episode spending compared with nonparticipants after changes in 340B inclusion rules in 2010. These findings raise questions about unintended consequences of the 340B program on drug spending from the commercially insured population.
A National Study Exploring the Association Between Fluoride Levels and Dental Fluorosis
Authors: Hung Man , Hon Eric S. , Mohajeri Amir , Moparthi Hyma , Vu Teresa , Jeon Jason , Lipsky Martin S. 
Published: June 2023

ImportanceWhile the effects of fluoride on health have been widely researched, fewer high-quality studies examine the association of fluoride levels in water and dental fluorosis.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between fluoride exposure from drinking water and dental fluorosis.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study used the 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (January 1, 2013, through December 31, 2016). NHANES uses a complex sampling technique to develop nationally representative sample estimates of the US population that consists of interviews and physical assessments. Children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years were included because NHANES contains their data for all 3 forms of fluoride measures: plasma fluoride levels, water levels of fluoride, and dietary fluoride supplementation. Data were analyzed from January 1 to April 30, 2023.ExposuresWater and plasma fluoride levels were measured by laboratory personnel. Dietary fluoride supplement data were self-reported.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe Dean’s Fluorosis Index was used to evaluate fluorosis status for each tooth. The dental fluorosis severity value was based on the second most affected tooth. Independent variables included plasma and water fluoride concentrations and dietary fluoride supplementation. An independent samples t test was used to compare fluoride exposures between groups, and Pearson correlation assessed the association between plasma and water fluoride levels. To assess whether fluoride exposures were associated with dental fluorosis, logistic regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThere were 1543 participants in the 2013-2014 NHANES cycle (weighted proportion male, 51.9%; mean [SD] age, 11.0 [2.7] years) and 1452 in the 2015-2016 cycle (weighted proportion male, 52.6%; mean [SD] age, 11.1 [2.8] years). A weighted 87.3% exhibited some degree of fluorosis in the 2013-2014 cycle and 68.2% in the 2015-2016 cycle. After adjusting for covariates in the 2015-2016 cycle, both higher water and plasma fluoride concentrations were associated with higher odds of dental fluorosis: adjusted odds ratios [AORs], 2.378 (95% CI, 1.218-5.345]) for water fluoride and 1.568 (95% CI, 1.038-2.499) for plasma fluoride. Fluoride supplements were not significantly associated with dental fluorosis: AOR, 0.741 (95% CI, 0.367-1.408).Conclusions and RelevanceThe findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that exposure to higher concentrations of fluoride in water and having higher plasma levels of fluoride were associated with a greater risk of dental fluorosis. Further research can help policy makers develop policies that balance substantial caries prevention with the risk of dental fluorosis.
Postoperative Complications and Reoperative Surgery in the Treatment of Patients With Zenker Diverticulum
Authors: Uoti Sandra , Nurminen Nelli , Andersson Saana , Egan Caitlin , Tapiovaara Laura , Kytö Ville , Ilonen Ilkka 
Published: June 2023

ImportanceThe association of the surgical approach, surgical specialty, and other factors with the outcomes of surgical treatment of Zenker diverticulum (ZD) have been debated in the literature.ObjectivesTo explore the outcomes of 3 different surgical methods used in the management of ZD and determine the associations between patient characteristics, such as preoperative comorbidities and treatment outcomes.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective, population-based cohort study examined patient records of patients who underwent surgical treatment for ZD from the Care Register for Healthcare database in Finland between January 1996 and December 2015. Data review and analysis were completed in 2021.ExposureSurgical treatment for ZD.Main Outcome and MeasuresComplications of surgical procedures used in the management of ZD.ResultsIn this study, 1044 patients (median [IQR] age, 70.0 [22.0-98.0] years; 416 female individuals [39.8%]) surgically treated for ZD were identified. Most patients (606 [58.0%]) had no preoperative comorbidities. A total of 67 (6.4%) complications were recorded, with a mortality rate of 0.9%. The likelihood of complications was associated with patient age (t [1042] = 2.28; Cohen d, 0.29; 95%, CI 0.04, 0.54), surgical approach (Cramer V = 0.14 [95% CI 0.07-0.21]), and surgical specialty (Cramer V, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.06-0.28). The median (IQR) length of stay in association with the primary surgical intervention was 3.0 (0-85.0) days. Length of stay was associated with patient age (Cramer V, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.06-0.25), especially in patients older than 90 years, surgical approach (F [2, 466.2] = 26.9; ηp2 = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.05-0.11), and surgical specialty (F [4, 22.1] = 11.0; ηp2 = 0.07; 95% CI, 0.04-0.10). Reoperation was associated with the initial surgical approach (Cramer V, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.12-0.23) and surgical specialty (Cramer V, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.09-0.21).Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this cohort study suggest that the outcomes of surgical management depended on the surgical approach, surgical specialty, and patient age. Overall, surgical treatment may be considered safe and may be considered for all patients with symptomatic ZD.
Association of Influenza Vaccination With Risk of Bell Palsy Among Older Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Hu Chin , Wei Kai-Che , Wang Wen-Hwa , Chang Yu-Chia , Huang Yu-Tung 
Published: June 2023

ImportanceAnnual administration of the influenza vaccine (fluVc) is currently the most effective method of preventing the influenza virus in older adults. However, half of adults older than 65 years remain unvaccinated in Taiwan, possibly because of concern about adverse events, such as Bell palsy (BP). Currently, studies on the association between fluVc and risk of BP are inconsistent.ObjectiveTo determine whether the incidence of BP increases following fluVc in older adults.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA self-controlled case series study design was used. Days 1 through 7, days 8 through 14, days 15 through 30, and days 31 through 60 following fluVc were identified as risk intervals, and days 61 through 180 were considered the control interval. A total of 4367 vaccinated individuals aged 65 years or older who developed BP within 6 months following fluVc were enrolled. Population-based retrospective claims data were obtained between 2010 and 2017; data were analyzed from April 2022 through September 2022.ExposureGovernment-funded seasonal fluVc.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe outcome of interest was BP onset in risk intervals compared with control intervals. Three or more consecutive diagnoses of BP within 60 days following fluVc were used as the definition of a patient with BP. Poisson regression was used to analyze the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of risk intervals compared with control intervals.ResultsIn total, 13 261 521 patients who received the fluVc were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2017. Of those, 7 581 205 patients older than 65 years old met the inclusion criteria. The number of patients with BP diagnosed within 6 months following fluVc enrolled for risk analysis was 4367 (mean [SD] age, 74.19 [5.97] years; 2349 [53.79%] female patients). The incidence rate of BP among all observed fluVc older adults was 57.87 per 100 000 person-years. The IRRs for BP on days 1 through 7, days 8 through 14, and days 15 through 30 were 4.18 (95% CI, 3.82-4.59), 2.73 (95% CI, 2.45-3.05), and 1.67 (95% CI, 1.52-1.84), respectively. However, there was no increase during days 31 through 60 (IRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97-1.16). The postvaccination risk of BP was consistent across all subgroups stratified by sex, age group, and baseline conditions.Conclusions and RelevanceThe present self-controlled case series indicated that the risk of BP in individuals older than 65 years increased within the first month, especially within the first week, following fluVc. But overall, the adverse event rate of BP was low, and considering the morbidity and mortality of influenza infection, the benefits of fluVc still outweigh the risks.
The use of image synthesis techniques in target and roi delineation in the upright position
Authors: Schreuder Andries Niek , Paragios Nikos , Kissick Michael , Lis Michelle , Underwood Tracy S. A. , Mackie Rockwell 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe use of multi‐modality imaging technologies such as CT, MRI, and PET imaging is state of the art for radiation therapy treatment planning. Except for a limited number of low magnetic field MR scanners the majority of such imaging technologies can only image the patient in a recumbent position. Delivering radiation therapy treatments with the patient in an upright orientation has many benefits and several companies are now developing upright patient positioners combined with upright diagnostic helical CT scanners to facilitate upright radiation therapy treatments. Due to the directional changes in the gravitational forces on the patient's body, most structures and organs will change position and shape between the recumbent and upright positions. Detailed knowledge about such structures and organs are therefore often only available in the recumbent position. The problem statement is therefore well defined, that is, how do we know where such structures and organs, that is, the target or region at risk volumes, are in the upright position if those cannot be identified and or delineated accurately enough using the upright diagnostic quality CT images only? This paper outlines two methods based on synthetic CT or MR images to overcome this problem.
Hierarchical Integrated Hybrid Structural Electrodes Based on Co‐N/C and Mo‐doped NiCo‐LDH@Co‐N/C Anchored on MX/CF for High Energy Density Fiber‐Shaped Supercapacitor
Authors: Khumujam Debarani Devi , Kshetri Tolendra , Singh Thangjam Ibomcha , Kim Nam Hoon , Lee Joong Hee 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe judicious design of highly electrochemically active materials on 1D fiber substrate to form a hierarchical integrated hybrid structure is an efficient technique to improve the limited cylindrical space and volumetric energy density of fiber‐shaped supercapacitors (FSCs). Herein, a 3D negative electrode, consisting of vertically aligned interconnected mesoporous Co‐N/C leaf‐like structure on 1D MXene‐carbon fiber (Co‐N/C@MX/CF) is prepared by controlling the composition and morphology. At the same time, a 3D positive electrode is also prepared by introducing Mo in NiCo‐LDH anchored on Co‐N/C@MX/CF (Mo‐NiCo‐LDH@Co‐N/C@MX/CF) by electrodeposition method. Benefitting from the systematic hierarchical structures with highly accessible surface area, adequate pore size and easy permeation of electrolyte, both positive and negative electrodes demonstrate highly improved electrochemical performance with areal capacity/capacitance of 0.96 mAh cm−2/4.55 mF cm−2 at a current density of 3.86 mA cm−2, respectively. Furthermore, the fiber‐shaped solid‐state hybrid supercapacitor (FSHSC) based on Mo1.5NiCo‐LDH@Co‐N/C@MX/CF(+)//Co‐N/C0.5@MX/CF(−) is fabricated, exhibiting compelling energy density of 86.72 mWh cm−3 at a power density of 480.30 mW cm−3 with an outstanding capacitance retention of 80.2% after 20000 galvanostatic‐charge‐discharge cycles. This study puts forward a new perspective on the development of highly efficient FSCs for practical application.
Understanding the Photothermal and Photocatalytic Mechanism of Polydopamine Coated Gold Nanorods
Authors: Aguilar‐Ferrer Daniel , Vasileiadis Thomas , Iatsunskyi Igor , Ziółek Marcin , Żebrowska Klaudia , Ivashchenko Olena , Błaszkiewicz Paulina , Grześkowiak Bartosz , Pazos Raquel , Moya Sergio , Bechelany Mikhael , Coy Emerson 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLocalized surface plasmon resonance (LSPRs) shown by gold nanorods (AuNRs) has several applications in photocatalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. The combination of AuNRs with Polydopamine (PDA) shells results in a strong photo‐thermal effect, making them appealing nanomaterials for biomedical applications. However, the precise roles and relative contributions of plasmonic effects in gold, and light‐to‐heat conversion in PDA are still debated. Herein, a hybrid nanoplatform made by an AuNR core surrounded by a polydopamine (PDA) shell is synthesized, and its photocatalytic behavior is studied. Synthesis is based on a seed‐mediated growth followed by the further self‐polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride (DA) on the surface of the AuNRs, and the effect of the thickness of the PDA shell on the plasmon response of the composite is the main examined parameter. Photocatalytic performance is tested toward Rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), with the nanocomposites achieving better performance than bare AuNRs and bare PDA nanoparticles. The degradation of 54% of Rh6G initial concentration is achieved within 60 min of irradiation with a catalyst concentration of 7.4 µg mL−1. Photodegradation kinetics, time‐resolved spectroscopy, and finite‐element‐method simulations of plasmons show that AuNRs plasmons, coupled with the low thermal conductivity of PDA, provide slow thermalization, while enhancing the charge carrier transfer.