bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-pruritic and anti-inflammatory effects of dihydromyricetin in a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Yin Chunwei , Zhao Jiacheng , Zhu Xiang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a highly prevalent inflammatory disease of the skin with limited treatment options. Its pathogenesis is believed to be driven by activation of inflammasome induced by allergens and irritants. Dihydromyricet(DHM) is a wild woody vine extract of Vitis viridis in the family Vitis. The main active ingredient is flavonoids, which exhibita wild range of pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of DHM and its mechanism in ACD mouse models.
Methods
Sixty ICR male mice were randomly divided into control group, DHM-treated control group (250 mg· kg-1), ACD model group, and three DHM-treated ACD groups (50, 150, 250 mg· kg-1). To induce ACD, 1-fluoro-2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzo (DNFB) was applied to the neck surface of ICR mice, which were treated with DHM by gavage. Cervical skin changes and scratching behaviors were recorded. HE staining was used for pathological observation, immunohistochemistry and western blot were used to determine the expression level of spinal cord glial cells, and Real-time qPCR was used to determine the level of local and central cytokines.
Results
DHM treatment significantly reduced skin inflammation and scratching episodes. It repaired epidermal keratinization and inflammatory cell infiltration in ACD mice. DHM treatment inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes to a certain extent. In addition, it reduced toll-like receptor (TLRs) 4 protein expression levels. At the same time, it significantly reduced the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in local area and in central area.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that DHM exhibits anti-pruritus and anti-inflammatory effects in ACD mice by modulating inflammatory mediators. DHM may be a potential treatment for itching and skin inflammation in patients with ACD.
Evaluation and optimization of the syndromic management of female genital tract infections in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Omosa-Manyonyi Gloria S. , de Kam Marloes , Tostmann Alma , Masido Mwasi A. , Nyagah Nyawira , Obimbo Moses M. , Ven Andre J.A.M. , Oever Jaap ten 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Genital tract infections pose a public health concern. In many low-middle-income countries, symptom-based algorithms guide treatment decisions. Advantages notwithstanding, this strategy has important limitations. We aimed to determine the infections causing lower genital tract symptoms in women, evaluated the Kenyan syndromic treatment algorithm for vaginal discharge, and proposed an improved algorithm.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included symptomatic non-pregnant adult women presenting with lower genital tract symptoms at seven outpatient health facilities in Nairobi. Clinical, socio-demographic information and vaginal swabs microbiological tests were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to find predictive factors for the genital infections and used to develop an alternative vaginal discharge treatment algorithm (using 60% of the dataset). The other 40% of data was used to assess the performance of each algorithm compared to laboratory diagnosis.
Results
Of 813 women, 66% had an infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis 40%, bacterial vaginosis 17%, Neisseria gonorrhoea 14%, multiple infections 23%; 56% of women reported ≥ 3 lower genital tract symptoms episodes in the preceding 12 months. Vulvovaginal itch predicted vulvovaginal candidiasis (odds ratio (OR) 2.20, 95% CI 1.40–3.46); foul-smelling vaginal discharge predicted bacterial vaginosis (OR 3.63, 95% CI 2.17–6.07), and sexually transmitted infection (Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium) (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.06–2.55). Additionally, contraceptive use (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.06–4.88) and lower abdominal pain (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.79) predicted sexually transmitted infection. Inappropriate treatment was 117% and 75% by the current and alternative algorithms respectively. Treatment specificity for bacterial vaginosis/Trichomonas vaginalis was 27% and 82% by the current and alternative algorithms, respectively. Performance by other parameters was poor to moderate and comparable between the two algorithms.
Conclusion
Single and multiple genital infections are common among women presenting with lower genital tract symptoms at outpatient clinics in Nairobi. The conventional vaginal discharge treatment algorithm performed poorly, while the alternative algorithm achieved only modest improvement. For optimal care of vaginal discharge syndrome, we recommend the inclusion of point-of-care diagnostics in the flowcharts.
Estimated preventable COVID-19-associated deaths due to non-vaccination in the United States
Authors: Jia Katherine M. , Hanage William P. , Lipsitch Marc , Johnson Amelia G. , Amin Avnika B. , Ali Akilah R. , Scobie Heather M. , Swerdlow David L. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
While some studies have previously estimated lives saved by COVID-19 vaccination, we estimate how many deaths could have been averted by vaccination in the US but were not because of a failure to be vaccinated. We used a simple method based on a nationally representative dataset to estimate the preventable deaths among unvaccinated individuals in the U.S. from May 30, 2021 to April 30, 2022 adjusted for the effects of age and time. We estimated that at least 215,000 deaths could have been prevented among unvaccinated adults during the 11 months had they been vaccinated with at least a primary series. While more granular data on other factors causing differences in death rates between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups could inform these estimates, this method addresses an important public health question and provides an estimate of vaccine-preventable deaths due to SARS-CoV-2. The same methods can be used during future public health emergencies.
A high power, fully implanted and battery free platform for chronic functional electrical stimulation enabled by passive resonator antenna design.
Authors: Burton Alex , Wang Zhong , Song Dan , Tran Sam , Hanna Jessica , Bakall Jakob , Clausen David , Anderson Jerry , Peralta Roberto , Sandepudi Kirtana , Benedetto Alex , Yang Ethan , Basrai Diya , Miller Lee , Tresch Matthew , Gutruf Philipp 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Electrical stimulation of the neuromuscular system holds promise for both scientific and therapeutic biomedical applications. Supplying and maintaining the power necessary to drive stimulation chronically is a fundamental challenge in these applications, especially when high voltages or currents are required. Wireless systems, in which energy is supplied through near field power transfer, could eliminate complications caused by battery packs or external connections, but currently do not provide the harvested power and the voltages for applications such as muscle stimulation. Here, we introduce a passive resonator optimized power transfer design that overcomes these limitations, enabling voltage compliances of ± 20 V and power over 300 mW at device volumes of 0.2 cm2, thereby improving power transfer 500% over previous systems. This improved performance enables multichannel, biphasic, current-controlled operation at clinically relevant voltage and current ranges with digital control and telemetry. Implanted devices remain operational over 6 weeks in both intact and spinal cord injured rats and are capable of producing fine control of spinal and muscle stimulation.
Dental panoramic imaging by use of CBCT projection data
Authors: Kwon Taejin , Choi Da-in , Hwang Jaehong , Lee Taewon , Lee Inje , Cho Seungryong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Dental CBCT and panoramic images are important imaging modalities used in dental diagnosis and treatment planning. In order to acquire a panoramic image without an additional panoramic scan, in this study, we proposed a method of reconstructing a panoramic image by extracting panoramic projection data from dental CBCT projection data. After specifying the patient's dental arch from the patient's CBCT image, panoramic projection data are extracted from the CBCT projection data along the appropriate panoramic scan trajectory that fits the dental arch. A total of 40 clinical human datasets and one head phantom dataset were used to test the proposed method. The clinical human dataset used in this study includes cases in which it is difficult to reconstruct panoramic images from CBCT images, such as data with severe metal artifacts or data without teeth. As a result of applying the panoramic image reconstruction method proposed in this study, we were able to successfully acquire panoramic images from the CBCT projection data of various patients. The proposed method acquires a universally applicable panoramic image that is less affected by CBCT image quality and metal artifacts by extracting panoramic projection data from dental CBCT data and reconstructing a panoramic image.
Can Circadian Rhythm Predict Neurocognitive Functioning and Treatment Response in Bipolar Disorder Patients: Protocol of A 12-month Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Huirong Luo , Xueqian Wang , Yinlin Zhang , Junyao Li , Renqin Hu , Zheng Zhang , Qian Liao , Xiaoxin Zhou , Wei Deng , Jian Yang , Qinghua Luo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background:
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common and disabling mental disorder with circadian rhythm and neurocognitive features playing important roles in treatment response and rehabilitation. Limited evidence existed for circadian rhythm interaction with long-term neurocognitive functioning. This protocol is designed to investigate whether circadian rhythm could predict long-term change neurocognitive functioning and treatment response in BD patients.
Methods:
This is a prospective observational study protocol. We plan to include 47 BD patients within depressive episodes. Participants will be evaluated from clinical, circadian rhythm and neurocognitive perspectives at baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups using questionnaires, actigraphy, vitamin D concentration and computed cognitive tests. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between participants’ circadian rhythm patterns and cognitive functioning and treatment response will be detected. Spearman correlation, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression models will be applied for statistical analysis.
Discussion:
We suppose that circadian rhythm could predict change of neurocognitive functioning and that circadian rhythm is associated with treatment response and adherence, social functioning and quality of life. Results using this protocol may provide additional information for BD pathophysiology, treatment targets and prediction.
Trial Registration:
This study was approved by Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Code: ChiCTR2200064922) registered on 21st October 2022.
Skeletal Muscle Alterations Indicate Poor Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients: A Multicentre Cohort Study in China
Authors: ZENG Xin , SHI Zhi-Wen , YU Jia-Jun , WANG Li-Fen , Sun Chun-Yan , Luo Yuan-Yuan , SHI Pei-Mei , LIN Yong , CHEN Yue-Xiang , GUO Jia , ZHANG Chun-Qing , Xie Wei-Fen 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Introduction: We aimed to determine the diagnostic criteria of myosteatosis in a Chinese populationand investigate the effect of skeletal muscle abnormalities on the outcomes of cirrhotic patients.
Methods: Totally 911 volunteers were recruited to determine the diagnostic criteria and impact factors of myosteatosis, and 480 cirrhotic patients were enrolled to verify the value of muscle alterations for prognosis prediction and establishnew noninvasive prognostic strategies.
Results: Multivariate analysis showed age, sex, weight, waist circumference and biceps circumference had remarkable influence on the L3 skeletal muscle density (L3-SMD). Based on the cut-off of a mean−1.28×SD among adults aged＜60 years, the diagnostic criteria for myosteatosis wasL3-SMD＜38.93 Hu in malesand L3-SMD＜32.82 Hu in females. Myosteatosis rather than sarcopenia has close correlation with portal hypertension. The concurrence of sarcopenia and myosteatosis not only is associated with poor liver function, but also evidently reduced the overall and liver transplantation-free survival of the cirrhotic patients (P<0.001). According to the stepwise Cox regression hazard model analysis, we established nomograms including TBil, albumin, history of HE, ascites grade, sarcopenia and myosteatosis for easily determining survival probabilities in cirrhotic patients. The AUC is 0.874 (95% CI, 0.800-0.949) for 6-month survival, 0.831 (95% CI, 0.764-0.898) for 1-year survival and 0.813 (95% CI, 0.756-0.871) for 2-year survival prediction, respectively.
Conclusions: This study provides evidence of the significant correlation between skeletal muscle alterations andpoor outcomes of cirrhosis, and establishes valid and convenient nomograms incorporating musculoskeletal disorders for the prognostic prediction of liver cirrhosis. Further large-scale prospective studies are necessary to verify the value of the nomograms.
Analysis of water pricing policy effects in a Mediterranean basin through a hydroeconomic model
Authors: Martínez-Dalmau Javier , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos , Expósito Alfonso , Berbel Julio 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This paper explores the impacts of water pricing as a demand management policy, at a regional level (or basin-sector). To this aim, a hydro-economic model for the Guadalquivir River basin (southern Spain) is proposed here. This basin constitutes a perfect example of a Mediterranean basin subject to frequent and long drought periods, where challenges related to water scarcity are increasing, leading to social conflicts among water users. Moreover, this basin is characterised by a closure state meaning that all available water resources are already allocated among users. In this context, water pricing policy may act as an effective tool to reduce water demand by encouraging changes of behaviour in water users. In particular, those who perform irrigation practices in the agricultural sector. This paper focuses on the irrigation sector since it is the main water user in the basin (87%). Additionally, alternative water-availability scenarios have been used to test the effect of water pricing under drought conditions. The hydro-economic model presented here has been sectorized into four basin sectors with common characteristics (hydro and economic). This enables the analysis of alternative price scenarios in the agricultural sector, in terms of water used, crop patterns and gross margin. Results show that water pricing policy should consider the regional characteristics at the basin-sector scale to gain effectiveness and equity at the river basin scale. Moreover, it has been found that both water availability and the crop pattern at the basin-sector scale have an effect on the reduction of water used (and therefore in gross margin.
Association of high kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing with quality of life in severe hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Hidaka Ryo , Tanaka Takeyuki , Hashikura Kazuaki , Oka Hiroyuki , Matsudaira Kou , Moro Toru , Kawano Hirotaka , Tanaka Sakae 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: While fear of movement is an important predictor of pain and disability in osteoarthritis (OA), its impact on patients with hip OA remains uncertain. This study aimed to determine whether fear of movement, evaluated by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK)-11, and pain catastrophizing, evaluated by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), were associated with quality of life (QOL) in patients with hip OA.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between Nov 2017 and Dec 2018. Ninety-one consecutively enrolled patients with severe hip OA were scheduled for primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty. The EuroQOL-5 Dimensions questionnaire was used to measure general QOL. The Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess disease-specific QOL. The covariates included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pain intensity, high pain catastrophizing (PCS ≥ 30), and high kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 25). Variables were subjected to multivariate analysis using each QOL scale.
Results: In multiple regression analysis, pain intensity, high pain catastrophizing, and BMI were independently correlated with the disease-specific QOL scale. High pain catastrophizing, pain intensity, and high kinesiophobia were independently correlated with the general QOL scale.
Conclusions: High pain catastrophizing (PCS ≥ 30) was independently associated with disease and general QOL scales. High kinesiophobia (TSK-11 ≥ 25) was independently associated with the general QOL scale in preoperative patients with severe hip OA.
Realising radical potential: building community power in primary health care through Participatory Action Research
Authors: Mabetha Denny , Ojewola Temitope , Merwe Maria , Mabeka Reflect , Goosen Gerhard , Sigudla Jerry , Hove Jennifer , Witter Sophie , D'Ambruoso Lucia 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: While community participation is an established pro-equity approach in Primary Health Care (PHC), in practice it can take many forms, and the central category of power is under-theorised. The objectives of this paper were to (a) conduct theory-informed analysis of community power-building in PHC in a setting of structural deprivation and (b) develop practical guidance.
METHODS: Stakeholders representing rural communities, government departments and non-governmental organisations engaged through a participatory action research (PAR) process in a rural sub-district in South Africa. Three reiterative cycles of collective evidence generation, analysis, action, and reflection were progressed. Local health concerns were raised and framed by rural community stakeholders, who generated new data and evidence with researchers. Dialogue and learning were developed between the authorities and communities, with local action plans coproduced, implemented, and monitored. Throughout, efforts were made to shift and share power, and to adapt the process to improve practical and local relevance. We analysed participant and researcher reflections, project documents, and other project data using power-building and power-limiting frameworks.
RESULTS: Co-constructing evidence among community stakeholders in ‘safe spaces’ for dialogue and cooperative action built collective capabilities. The authorities embraced the platform as a space to safely engage with communities and the process was taken up in the district health system. Responding to COVID-19, the process was collectively re-designed to include a training package for community health workers (CHWs) in rapid PAR. New skills and competencies, new community and facility-based alliances and explicit recognition of CHW roles, value, and contribution at higher levels of the system were reported following the adaptions. The process was subsequently scaled across the sub-district.
CONCLUSIONS: Community power-building in rural PHC was multidimensional, non-linear, and deeply relational. Collective mindsets and capabilities for joint action and learning were built through a pragmatic, cooperative, adaptive process creating spaces where people could create and use evidence to make decisions. Impacts were seen in demand for implementation in outside the study setting. We offer a practice framework to expand community power in PHC: (1) prioritising community capability-building, (2) navigating social and institutional contexts and (3) developing and sustaining authentic learning spaces.
Impact of Covid-19 on Food Environment in Hong Kong a Cross-sectional Qualitative Study
Authors: Chui Szeto , Li Tonglu , Koh Keumseok 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background and objectives: As COVID-19 has invaded Hong Kong since 2020, the food environment had been changed in different aspects, such as food supply, retail, and catering. Previous studies illustrated the negative effects brought by the pandemic, which could induce health issues in the long run. For instance, people consumed more highly-processed food and less vegetables during COVID-19, resulting in higher risks of diabetes mellitus and being overweight. Given similar research was limited in Hong Kong, exploratory research is beneficial to investigate this topic.
Methods: This research conducted individual in-depth interviews to study the dietary changes of Hong Kong citizens during the pandemic. In total, 13 interviewees were recruited from the undergrads, middle-aged, and elderly groups.
Results and conclusions: Various impacts on food security were observed, including an unstable food supply, increased food prices, and unbalanced diets. Health outcomes were reported due to the dietary changes under COVID-19, such as weight gain and food-related illness. The government may work closely with society in addressing the problems promptly, as long-lasting effects on health are expected.
Investigating the Relationship between Inhibitory Control and Dietary Compliance among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Based on Subjective and Objective Measures
Authors: Liu Na , Heng Chunni , Cui Yi , Wu Di , Li Ling , Bai Mengge , Guo Yanxue , Wang Wen , Zhang Yinling 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
For patients with T2DM, dietary control is a basic treatment which must be adhered to for a lifetime. However, the dietary compliance situation among patients with T2DM is not optimistic. Inhibitory control, as the key component of self-control,may be a potentially important influencing factor of dietary compliance. However, recent research on this topic is quite limited; therefore, further research is necessary. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between inhibitory control and dietary compliance among patients with T2DM based on subjective and objective measures.
Methods
A total of 393 patients with T2DM were enrolled consecutively from the endocrinology departments of three tertiary hospitals in China. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Dietary Behavior Compliance Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales with 21 items (DASS-21), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version (BRIEF-A). Among them, 105 subjects completed the stop signal task,and 101 completed the Stroop task. The relationship between inhibitory control and dietary compliance was analyzed.
Results
Regarding results related to subjective measures, the t score of inhibitory control was negatively correlated with dietary compliance (r=-0.287, p<0.05). Regarding results related to objective measures, SSRT was significantly negatively correlated with carbohydrate and fat compliance behavior (r=-0.239, p<0.05). The conflict effect was significantly negatively correlated with two dimensions: oil and salt compliance behavior (r=-0.214, p<0.05) and carbohydrate and fat compliance behavior (r=-0.291, p<0.05).The conflict score was significantly negatively correlated with dietary compliance (r=-0.216, p<0.05) and carbohydrate and fat compliance behavior (r=-0.309, p<0.05).
Conclusions
The different aspects of inhibitory control were significantly associated with dietary compliance among patients with T2DM. In the future, we can consider improving the dietary compliance of patients with T2DM based on inhibitory control training.