bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carotid artery intima media thickness can predict the response to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in patients with moderate erectile dysfunction
Authors: Kilic Metin , Caglayan Volkan , Sambel Murat , Erdogan Abdullah , Onen Efe , Kurtoglu Unal , Erkan Anıl , Avci Sinan , Ekici Ozgur 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) has been shown to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), but studies evaluating the efficacy of CIMT in predicting drug response are lacking in the literature.

Aim
We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CIMT in predicting the response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-I).

Methods
A total of 274 subjects were divided into two groups: ED patients (n = 150) and controls (n = 124). The patients in the ED group were further divided into the subgroups of severe, moderate, mild–moderate, and mild ED. Blood tests, carotid ultrasonography, and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) diagnostic tool were applied to all subjects. Tadalafil was administered to each patient. The patients were re-evaluated using the IIEF-5 questionnaire after 2 months of treatment. According to their response to medication, the patients were evaluated as responders or nonresponders.

Outcomes
Increased CIMT was significantly associated with the failure of PDE5-I therapy, especially in patients with moderate/mild-moderate ED.

Results
Fasting blood glucose, body mass index, and CIMT were significantly higher in the ED group compared to the control group (P = .021, P = .006, and P &lt; .001, respectively). The IIEF-5 score was significantly lower in the ED group (P &lt; .001). CIMT was significantly correlated with the IIEF-5 score. When the total patient group was evaluated, the CIMT value of the responders was significantly lower than that of the nonresponders (P = .001). CIMT was significantly higher among the nonresponders with moderate/mild-moderate ED compared to the responders (P = .004 and .008, respectively), while there was no significant difference in CIMT between the responders and nonresponders with severe or mild ED. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of CIMT was performed for discrimination between nonresponders and responders with moderate/mild-moderate ED. The area under the ROC curve was 0.801 (0.682–0.921) (P = .001), and the cutoff value was determined to be 0.825 mm, at which CIMT predicted the response to treatment with 65% sensitivity and 89% specificity.

Clinical Implications
Using a validated CIMT cutoff value can help the physician inform the patient about the possibility of drug failure and avoid attempting second-line therapy too soon.

Strengths and Limitations
There are three main limitations to our study. First, the number of participants was low. Second, ultrasound is a relatively subjective method, and third, all measurements were made by the same radiologist.

Conclusion
CIMT can be used as a predictor of response to PDE5-I therapies in patients with moderate/mild–moderate ED.
Aging Workforce, Productivity, and Wages in Japan
Authors: Jiang Mingyu , Kazekami Sachiko , Yasuda Hiroki , Yugami Kazufumi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We use a panel data set of Japanese firms from 2005 to 2019 to examine how a firm’s employee age structure affects its productivity and wages. The pooled ordinary-least-squares (OLS) results indicate a negative relationship between the proportion of older employees and labor productivity. However, the effects disappear after applying a fixed effects (FE) model and the generalized method of moments to consider the unobserved heterogeneity among firms. Moreover, the proportion of older employees does not significantly affect firms’ wages. We further examine firm heterogeneity as a factor that contributes to the difference between the pooled OLS and FE estimates. The results suggest that differences in corporate stakeholder characteristics and corporate governance, such as the presence of labor unions and proportion of foreign ownership, may be related to the ratio of older workers and corporate performance.
Innovative Use of Virtual Reality to Facilitate Empathy Toward Older Adults in Nursing Education
Authors: Quay Catherine , Ramakrishnan Arun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Innovative educational interventions that dispel aging myths and promote empathy toward older adults can be used to reduce age bias and health care disparities. Virtual reality (VR) is one intervention that has shown promise in this area. This one-group, pretest-posttest design pilot study examined the effect of a VR experience on empathy with a sample of 121 second-degree, prelicensure nursing students. A significant improvement in empathy was observed. This study adds to the limited evidence that examines the use of VR for immersive storytelling and facilitation of empathy toward older adults in nursing students.
Non-invasive imaging of pathological scars using a portable handheld two-photon microscope
Authors: Han Yang , Sun Yuxuan , Yang Feili , Liu Qingwu , Fei Wenmin , Qiu Wenzhuo , Wang Junjie , Li Linshuang , Zhang Xuejun , Wang Aimin , Cui Yong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background:
Pathological scars are a disorder that can lead to various cosmetic, psychological, and functional problems, and no effective assessment methods are currently available. Assessment and treatment of pathological scars are based on cutaneous manifestations. A two-photon microscope (TPM) with the potential for real-time non-invasive assessment may help determine the under-surface pathophysiological conditions in vivo. This study used a portable handheld TPM to image epidermal cells and dermal collagen structures in pathological scars and normal skin in vivo to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in scar patients.

Methods:
Fifteen patients with pathological scars and three healthy controls were recruited. Imaging was performed using a portable handheld TPM. Five indexes were extracted from two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) perspectives, including collagen depth, dermo-epidermal junction (DEJ) contour ratio, thickness, orientation, and occupation (proportion of collagen fibers in the field of view) of collagen. Two depth-dependent indexes were computed through the 3D second harmonic generation image and three morphology-related indexes from the 2D images. We assessed index differences between scar and normal skin and changes before and after treatment.

Results:
Pathological scars and normal skin differed markedly regarding the epidermal morphological structure and the spectral characteristics of collagen fibers. Five indexes were employed to distinguish between normal skin and scar tissue. Statistically significant differences were found in average depth (t = 9.917, P <0.001), thickness (t = 4.037, P <0.001), occupation (t = 2.169, P <0.050), orientation of collagen (t = 3.669, P <0.001), and the DEJ contour ratio (t = 5.105, P <0.001).

Conclusions:
Use of portable handheld TPM can distinguish collagen from skin tissues; thus, it is more suitable for scar imaging than reflectance confocal microscopy. Thus, a TPM may be an auxiliary tool for scar treatment selection and assessing treatment efficacy.
Clinical Outcomes of First-line Therapies for Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: García-Fumero Ricardo , Fernández-López Cristina , Calleja-Hernández Miguel Ángel , Expósito-Ruiz Manuela , Espín Jaime , Expósito-Hernández José 
Published: July 2023

Objectives:
To analyze the evolution of clinical outcomes derived from clinical trials on first-line therapies for advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) published between 2010 and 2020, focusing on how these outcomes impact survival rates and management of patients.

Methods:
A systematic review of phase III and pivotal phase II clinical trials was conducted by a structured search on Medline and Embase. A comprehensive set of variables was collected to assess their influence on survival rates. We also estimated the clinical benefit by applying the ESMO-MCBS v1.1 and extracted the authors’ conclusions.

Results:
Sixty-six studies involving 34,951 patients were included. Best survival outcomes were found for nonsquamous non–small cell lung cancer (OS and progression-free survival medians: 19.4 and 10.2 mo) and for those expressing molecular targets (OS and progression-free survival medians: 23.8 and 11.0 mo). No significant influence on survival rates was observed for industry funding and disease stage (IIIB/IV vs. IV). ESMO-MCBS v1.1 was applied in 45 positive studies and resulted in a meaningful clinical benefit score in 37.8%. Quality of life (QoL) was reported in 57.6% of the original publications and showed statistical significance favoring the experimental arm in 33.3%. Positive authors’ conclusions (75.7% of trials) were based on OS and/or QoL in 34% and on surrogate endpoints in 66%.

Conclusions:
Extended survival times and a steady improvement in QoL have been observed. However, there were more than twice as many studies reporting positive authors’ conclusions as studies meeting the ESMO threshold for meaningful clinical benefit.
Clinical considerations and pathophysiological associations among obesity, weight loss, heart failure, and hypertension
Authors: Barillas-Lara Maria Irene , Faaborg-Andersen Christian C. , Quintana Raymundo A. , Loro-Ferrer Juan Francisco , Mandras Stacy A. , daSilva-deAbreu Adrian 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review
To describe the relationship between three pandemics: hypertension, obesity, and heart failure. From pathophysiology to treatment, understanding how these disease entities are linked can lead to breakthroughs in their prevention and treatment. The relevance of this review lies in its discussion of novel pharmacological and surgical treatment strategies for obesity and hypertension, and their role in the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Recent findings
Novel medications such as GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated sustained weight loss in patients with obesity, and concurrent improvements in their cardiometabolic profile, and possibly also reductions in hypertension-related comorbidities including heart failure. Surgical therapies including laparoscopic bariatric surgery represent an important treatment strategy in obese patients, and recent studies describe their use even in patients with advanced heart failure, including those with ventricular assist devices.

Summary
These developments have deep implications on our efforts to understand, mitigate, and ultimately prevent the three pandemics, and offer promising improvements to quality of life, survival, and the cost burden of these diseases.
The Prevalence of Optical Coherence Tomography Artifacts in High Myopia and its Influence on Glaucoma Diagnosis
Authors: Poon Linda Yi-Chieh , Wang Chi-Hsun , Lin Pei-Wen , Wu Pei-Chang 
Published: July 2023

Précis:
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) artifacts occur much more frequently in highly myopic eyes compared with non-highly myopic eyes. A longer axial length is predictive of having OCT artifacts.

Purpose:
To investigate the types and prevalence of artifacts on OCT scans in patients with and without high myopia.

Materials and Methods:
Patients were divided into 4 groups based on whether they had glaucoma and/or high myopia. All peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) scan images were individually inspected for the presence of artifacts.

Results:
Two hundred twenty-six patients were enrolled. The prevalence of OCT artifacts was 18.6% in non-high myopes and 51.9% in high myopes (P<0.001). Outer RNFL border misidentification was the most common type of artifact for non-high myopes, whereas retinal pathology-related artifact was the most common in high myopes. Univariable regression analysis showed that a longer axial length [odds ratio (OR) 1.815, P<0.001], a higher pattern standard deviation (OR 1.194, P<0.001), and thinner RNFL (OR 0.947, P<0.001) were predictive factors for the presence of OCT artifacts. The diagnostic capability of global RNFL thickness before and after manual correction of segmentation errors did not differ for both non-high myopes [area under the receiver operating curve 0.915–0.913 (P=0.955)] and high myopes [area under the receiver operating curve 0.906–0.917 (P=0.806)].

Conclusion:
The prevalence of OCT artifacts was the highest in patients with both high myopia and glaucoma. The most common type of OCT artifact is different for non-high myopes and high myopes. Physicians need to be aware of a higher likelihood of OCT artifacts, particularly in those with a longer axial length, worse visual field, and thinner RNFL thickness.
Codetection of Plasmodium falciparum in Children Hospitalized With Dengue Fever in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Teoh Zheyi , Simpson Brittany N. , Howard Thad , McElhinney Kathryn , Ware Russell , Mena Rafael , Schlaudecker Elizabeth P. 
Published: July 2023

Background:
Cases of malaria and dengue in the Dominican Republic both spiked in 2019, but their rates of codetection are poorly characterized, especially in children.

Methods:
We performed a prospective, observational study in January to December 2019 at the Hospital Infantil Robert Reid Cabral, in the Dominican Republic, enrolling hospitalized children with a clinical suspicion of dengue fever. Participants with a positive plasma dengue IgM antibodies were included in this study. Clinical and hospital data were abstracted, and dried blood spot samples were collected from participants and tested with quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of Plasmodium falciparum DNA.

Results:
A total of 429 children with serological evidence of acute dengue were included in this study, of whom 1.4% (n = 6/429) had codetection of dengue and malaria. There were no significant differences in fever duration or presence of vomiting, abdominal pain and rash between both groups. Children with dengue and malaria codetection were numerically more often admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, despite no differences found in overall clinical severity.

Conclusions:
The codetection of malaria and dengue in children was overall uncommon in our Dominican Republic cohort despite the rise in cases in 2019 but may be associated with a more severe hospital course. Further epidemiological and cohort studies to characterize the risk of both pathogens as case numbers fluctuate will be important to better understand the dynamics of coinfections.
Validation of the Korean Version of the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness Scale
Authors: CHOI Hanna , PARK Byungsun 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Family health significantly affects society and the country. Health problems have been identified as the most important cause of family anxiety and conflict in South Korea. Because valid instruments to measure this concept are limited, using the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness scale may provide precious insight into family health and nursing practice.

Purpose
This study was designed to translate and validate the Korean version of the Assessment of Strategies in Families-Effectiveness (K-ASF-E) scale. This scale was developed based on the framework of systemic organization for assessment and intervention use in the context of family nursing in South Korea.

Methods
A methodological approach was used to verify the validity and reliability of the K-ASF-E. To determine validity, we first invited four experts to evaluate content validity. Next, we collected data from 1,028 participants using stratified random sampling that considered the background of each participant in terms of region, age, and gender. On the basis of the collected data, we determined the construct validity of the scale using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Finally, we used Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient analyses to assess scale reliability.

Results
The K-ASF-E showed item-level content validity index and scale-level content validity index values of 1.00, as assessed by four experts. Using the principal component analysis method with varimax rotation, the exploratory factor analysis verified the validity of a K-ASF-E scale comprising four dimensions and 20 items, including system maintenance (seven items), system change (four items), coherence (six items), and individuation (three items). For confirmatory factor analysis, the fit indices of the factor structure of K-ASF-E indicate appropriate model fitness. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for each of the subfactors centered on the target were .59–.86, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (range) was .56–.85.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice
The K-ASF-E scale is the first attempt to develop a reliable and valid measurement tool for family effectiveness in South Korea. Initial testing was validated using a large number of stratified randomized clusters. The K-ASF-E scale accurately measures family effectiveness and may be used for family-related research, intervention, and training programs in community and clinical settings.
Sarcoidosis and frailty: recognizing factors that foster holistic resilience
Authors: Saketkoo Lesley Ann , Russell Anne-Marie , Patterson Karen C. , Obi Ogugua Ndili , Drent Marjolein 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of reviewSarcoidosis is a multiorgan system disease exerting significant impact on biophysical, social, psychological and emotional well-being. Mortality and disability correlate to accessible, timely, expert care for sarcoidosis and its related complications. Across health conditions, positive healthcare interactions and interventions can rehabilitate unfavourable factors tied to concepts of ‘frailty’. Here, we set out to introduce concepts related tofrailtyand their impact in the context of sarcoidosis.Recent findingsStudies examining frailty across other multiorgan and single organ-based diseases that mirror organ involvement in sarcoidosis demonstrate findings that bear relevance in sarcoidosis. Namely, factors predisposing a person to frailty are a multifactorial phenomenon which are also reflected in the lived experience of sarcoidosis; and that early diagnosis, intervention and prevention may alter a course towards more favourable health outcomes.SummaryFactors predisposing to frailty in other health conditions may also signal a risk in sarcoidosis. In turn, proactive health preservation – regardless of age – may lead to improved biopsychosocial reserve and health-related quality of life. Fortifying holistic resilience in sarcoidosis is anticipated to reduce risk of the occurrence and prolongation of health-related complications, and facilitate swifter recovery from biophysical complications as well as from psychosocial and emotional stressors.
Artificial intelligence in digestive endoscopy: recent advances
Authors: Rey Jean-Francois 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review
With the incessant advances in information technology and its implications in all domains of our life, artificial intelligence (AI) started to emerge as a need for better machine performance. How it can help endoscopists and what are the areas of interest in improving both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in each part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. What are the recent benefits and clinical usefulness of this new technology in daily endoscopic practice.

Recent Findings
The two main AI systems categories are computer-assisted detection ‘CADe’ for lesion detection and computer-assisted diagnosis ‘CADx’ for optical biopsy and lesion characterization. Multiple softwares are now implemented in endoscopy practice. Other AI systems offer therapeutic assistance such as lesion delineation for complete endoscopic resection or prediction of possible lymphanode after endoscopic treatment. Quality assurance is the coming step with complete monitoring of high-quality colonoscopy. In all cases it is a computer-aid endoscopy as the overall result rely on the physician. Video capsule endoscopy is the unique example were the computer conduct the device, store multiple images, and perform accurate diagnosis.

Summary
AI is a breakthrough in digestive endoscopy. Screening gastric and colonic cancer detection should be improved especially outside of expert's centers. Prospective and multicenter trials are mandatory before introducing new software in clinical practice.
Facial nerve schwannoma and other benign neoplastic facial nerve lesions
Authors: Kitama Tsubasa , Hosoya Makoto , Oishi Naoki 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review
Several neoplastic lesions may originate from facial nerves, including facial nerve schwannomas. These neoplastic lesions can cause various symptoms, such as facial nerve paralysis, and decrease the quality of life of patients. Therefore, knowledge of how to manage these diseases is important for otologists. However, the incidence of these diseases is extremely low, and universal management methods have not yet been established. This review summarizes recent advances in knowledge regarding these neoplastic lesions, especially facial nerve schwannomas.

Recent findings
Recent advances and the accumulation of knowledge regarding these benign facial nerve lesions have provided several preferable treatments and management methods, especially for facial nerve schwannomas. However, this still depends on the patient's symptoms and tumor localization.

Summary
This review presents the optimal treatment protocol and differential diagnosis of benign facial nerve lesions. This may be useful for pretreatment differentiation and treatment decision-making.
DUPAN-2 as a Risk Factor of Early Recurrence After Curative Pancreatectomy for Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sasaki Atsushi , Sakata Kazuhito , Nakano Koji , Tsutsumi Satoshi , Fujishima Hajime , Futsukaichi Takuro , Terashi Takahiro , Ikebe Masahiko , Bandoh Toshio , Utsunomiya Tohru 
Published: July 2023

Objectives
Several patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) experience postoperative early recurrence (ER). We evaluated PDAC patients to identify the risk factors for postoperative ER (≤6 months), including preoperative serum DUPAN-2 level.

Methods
We retrospectively evaluated 74 PDAC patients who underwent pancreatectomy with curative intent. Clinicopathological factors including age, sex, body mass index, postoperative complications, pathological factors, preoperative C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, modified Glasgow prognostic score, preoperative tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, SPAN-1, and DUPAN-2), and history of adjuvant chemotherapy were investigated. Early recurrence risk factors were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results
Recurrence and ER occurred in 52 (70.3%) and 23 (31.1%) patients, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that postoperative complications, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio ≥0.02, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥3.01, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 ≥ 92.3 U/mL, SPAN-1 ≥ 69 U/mL, DUPAN-2 ≥ 200 U/mL, and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy were significant risk factors for ER. In multivariate analysis, DUPAN-2 ≥ 200 U/mL (P = 0.04) and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for ER.

Conclusions
A higher level of preoperative DUPAN-2 was an independent risk factor for ER. For patients with high DUPAN-2 level, neoadjuvant therapies might be required to avoid ER.