bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabidiol as a treatment for arthritis and joint pain: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Frane Nicholas , Stapleton Erik , Iturriaga Cesar , Ganz Maximillian , Rasquinha Vijay , Duarte Robert 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Introduction
An estimated 54 million Americans currently suffer from debilitating arthritis. Patients who have exhausted conservative measures can be subject to chronic pain and resort to symptomatic management with anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen, and opioids. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that has shown promise in preclinical studies to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. The purpose of this study was to explore patient perceived effects of cannabidiol on symptoms of arthritis.

Methods
A novel anonymous questionnaire was created to evaluate perceived efficacy of cannabidiol for the treatment of arthritis. A self-selected convenience sample (N=428) was recruited through online methods including social media accounts and newsletters (The Arthritis Foundation and Savvy Cooperative) between May 5, 2020, and November 5, 2020. Statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between types of arthritis and improvements in quality-of-life symptoms. Furthermore, a regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with decreasing or discontinuing other medications.

Results
CBD use was associated with improvements in pain (83%), physical function (66%), and sleep quality (66%). Subgroup analysis by diagnosis type (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, or other autoimmune arthritis) found improvements among groups for physical function (P=0.013), favoring the osteoarthritis group. The overall cohort reported a 44% reduction in pain after CBD use (P<0.001). The osteoarthritis group had a greater percentage reduction (P=0.020) and point reduction (P<0.001) in pain compared to rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune arthritis. The majority of respondents reported a reduction or cessation of other medications after CBD use (N=259, 60.5%): reductions in anti-inflammatories (N=129, 31.1%), acetaminophen (N=78, 18.2%), opioids (N=36, 8.6%) and discontinuation of anti-inflammatories (N=76, 17.8%), acetaminophen (N=76, 17.8%), and opioids (N=81, 18.9%).

Conclusion
Clinicians and patients should be aware of the various alternative therapeutic options available to treat their symptoms of arthritis, especially in light of the increased accessibility to cannabidiol products. The present study found associations between CBD use and improvements in patient’s arthritis symptoms and reductions in other medications. Future research should focus on exploring the benefits of CBD use in this patient population with clinical trials.
Evaluation of miRNA-21 and CA-125 as a promising diagnostic biomarker in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors: Talaat Aliaa , Helmy Mohamed A. , Saadawy Sara F. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Introduction/objective
Ovarian cancer is the 6th leading cause of mortality in women, killing more women than any other reproductive system cancer. We studied the expression of serum micro-ribonucleic acid-21 (miRNA-21) in ovarian cancer patients and explored associations with diagnosis, clinicopathological parameters, and prognosis.

Methods
Real-time fluorescence-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the relative expression of miRNA-21 in serum. Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels were measured using an enzyme immunoassay test kit (ELISA).

Results
Serum miR-21 expression was significantly elevated in ovarian cancer patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). The same was true for CA-125 serum levels, which were also significantly in cancer patients (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of miR-21 detection in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 96%, 88% versus 74%, and 80% for CA-125.

Conclusions
miR-21 is highly expressed in the serum of ovarian cancer patients and may be important in the development and progression of ovarian cancer, with more sensitivity and specificity than CA-125. Our results suggest that circulating serum miRNA-21 is a promising tumor marker for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
Shape-constrained geophysical inversion
Authors: Denli Huseyin , Brandman Jeremy S. 
Published: August 2022

Two long-standing challenges for geophysical inverse problems are nonuniqueness (especially in the multiparameter setting) and the slow convergence of gradient-based optimization methods. We introduce shape-based inversion algorithms to address these challenges. The shape-based algorithms determine, based on the available geophysical data, the underlying subsurface structures (e.g., stratigraphic layers) and the spatially varying unknown physical parameters (e.g., velocity and density). Inverting simultaneously for geologic structures and physical parameters eliminates degeneracies between parameters and also provides a multiscale framework for decomposing the inverse problem. First, we provide a rigorous mathematical formulation of shape-based algorithms through diffuse interface approximations. Then, we demonstrate the applicability of these algorithms to a range of synthetic model problems in traveltime tomography, full-waveform inversion, gradiometry, and history matching of single-phase flow. These examples highlight the ability of shape-based inversion to mitigate nonuniqueness and improve the rate of convergence to a physically realistic solution.
Early arrival waveform inversion using data uncertainties and matching filters with application to near-surface seismic refraction data
Authors: Cai Ao , Zelt Colin A. 
Published: August 2022

We develop an early arrival waveform inversion (EAWI) technique for high-resolution near-surface velocity estimation by iteratively updating the P-wave velocity model to minimize the difference between the observed and calculated seismic refraction data. Traditional EAWI uses a least-squares penalty function and an acoustic forward-modeling engine. Conventional least-squares error is sensitive to data with low signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and iterations of EAWI stop at a local-minimum data misfit or at the preassigned maximum number of iterations. These stopping criteria can result in overfitting the data. In addition, fitting the elastic field data with an acoustic modeling engine can introduce artifacts in velocity estimation, especially in land data with significant elastic effects. To overcome these challenges, we develop a robust EAWI (REAWI) method by (1) incorporating the data uncertainties into the penalty function and (2) mitigating the elastic effects using a matching filter workflow. The data uncertainties are estimated from waveform reciprocal errors. When full-waveform reciprocity is not available, trace interpolation is applied. The proposed method prevents closely fitting data with low S/N, avoids overall overfitting by stopping the iterations when a normalized chi-square ([Formula: see text]) waveform misfit of one is achieved, and is less affected by elastic effects. Numerical examples and application to near-surface refraction data at a groundwater contamination site suggest that the final REAWI models are more accurate than the corresponding EAWI models, at the same level of misfit. This is the first known application of a matching filter workflow to real land data. The final REAWI models satisfy an appropriate misfit between the real data and predicted elastic P-wave data, making this approach in this respect equivalent to elastic waveform inversion. We also develop a method to analyze model constraint by examining the energy of the wavefield Fréchet derivative thereby avoiding the influence of the data residuals in traditional Fréchet kernels.
An integrated study on fracture prediction using 3D P-wave field seismic data
Authors: Liao Jianping , Wen Ping , Xu Yungui , Zhou Lin , Liu Hexiu , Wang LiXin 
Published: August 2022

An integrated study on fracture prediction by analyzing seismic anisotropy within a 3D P-wave seismic data set from an oilfield in Northwest China is performed. The research area is dominated by a regional anticline and the target layer is a fractured gas reservoir at a depth of approximately 3 km under the anticline. Two major aspects are considered. First, two P-wave poststack attributes (reflection strength and frequency content in selected lines) are extracted and their features in the target layer are examined, looking for the possible fracture distribution in two prospective zones. Second, the azimuthal attribute analysis approach is applied to estimate fracture density and orientation in the whole area from the prestack data (amplitude and traveltime). The result from the poststack data indicates the high possibility of fracture distributions in these two zones, and the prediction from azimuthal amplitudes in the prestack data is consistent with the fracture orientation from the well interpretation and the observation of outcrops at the top of the anticline but suffers from a poor offset-depth ratio and acquisition footprint. The prediction from azimuthal traveltime is strongly influenced by the regional anticline structure and, therefore, is not reliable. Nevertheless, the prediction from post- and prestack attributes provides more details of the fracture distribution in the target reservoir, which can expand understanding of the reservoir fracture distribution.
Minimally Invasive Retropleural Thoracic Diskectomy: Step-by-Step Operative Planning, Execution, and Results
Authors: Farber S. Harrison , Xu David S. , Walker Corey T. , Godzik Jakub , Turner Jay D. , Uribe Juan S. 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:
Thoracic disk herniation is rare and difficult to treat. The minimally invasive lateral retropleural approach to the thoracic spine enables the surgeon to decompress the neural elements and minimize thecal sac manipulation through direct visualization with less exposure-related morbidity.

OBJECTIVE:
To provide a detailed step-by-step overview of the minimally invasive retropleural approach for thoracic diskectomies, including preoperative planning through postoperative care as practiced at our institution.

METHODS:
Lateral retropleural thoracic diskectomies performed at a single institution from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020, were reviewed. Clinical and outcome data were collected and analyzed. The retropleural approach was divided into several components: relevant anatomy, indications and contraindications, preoperative setup, exposure and approach, diskectomy, and closure and postoperative care.

RESULTS:
Twelve patients were treated during the study interval. Their average (SD) age was 44.2 (9.5) years; 10 of 12 were men. Eleven patients presented with thoracic myelopathy. The level treated ranged from T6-7 to T12-L1. Disk herniations were calcified in 10 of 12 patients. These lesions were approached from the left side in 7 of 12 patients. Six patients had complications, none of which were neurological. Chest tubes were placed for pleural violation, pneumothorax, or hemothorax in 3 patients. Two patients experienced postoperative abdominal pseudohernia. Neurological symptoms were stable or improved in all patients. The median (IQR) Nurick scale improved from 3.0 (2.0-3.0) preoperatively to 1.0 (0-3.0) (P = .026) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:
Lateral retropleural diskectomy enables safe, efficient resection of most thoracic disks while minimizing patient morbidity.
Mechanical Complications of Sophysa SM8 Shunt in Adult Hydrocephalus: A Monocentric Experience
Authors: Coll Guillaume , Arrighi Marta , Berton Quentin , Coste Aurélien , de Schlichting Emmanuel , Chazal Jean , Sakka Laurent , Abed Rabbo Francis 
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND:
Sophysa SM8 is widely used by neurosurgeons in France. Published studies report shunt malfunction rates in adults between 18% and 29%. However, these studies included multiple valve types and thus entailed a serious confounding factor.

OBJECTIVE:
To ascertain the incidence the Sophysa SM8 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt malfunctions in adults.

METHODS:
We present a retrospective series of adult patients who underwent CSF shunt placement between 2000 and 2013 with Sophysa SM8.

RESULTS:
In total, 599 patients (329 males and 270 females) were included. The mean age at surgery was 64.15 years (19-90) (SD 16.17; median 68.0). The causes of hydrocephalus were normal pressure hydrocephalus (49%), traumatic hemorrhages (26.5%), tumors (15.7%), cerebral aqueduct stenoses (3%), and arachnoid cysts (2%). The mean follow-up was 3.9 years (0-16) (SD 4.10; median 3 years). The rate of complications was 22.04% (132 of 599). Most frequent causes of complications were disconnection (25%), migration (12.9%), overdrainage (9.1%), and proximal obstruction (6.8%). In 17 cases (12.9%), no failure was diagnosed during revision. Seven infections (5.3%) were reported. The mean delay for the first revision was 1.70 years (0-13.93) (SD 2.67, median 0.35). The risk of shunt failure was 36% at 10 years. Seventeen percent of revisions occurred during the first year after shunt placement.

CONCLUSION:
Disconnections are a very frequent complication of Sophysa SM8 valve. They are related to the 2-connector system of this valve. Based on these results, we recommend using 1-piece valves.
Prognostic value of carboxyhemoglobin in pediatric intensive care unit
Authors: Alakaya Mehmet , Arslankoylu Ali Ertug 
Published: August 2022

Objectives: To determine the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels of the patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit and investigate its relationship with prognosis.
Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients aged one month to 18 years admitted to Mersin University Hospital pediatric intensive care unit from January 2020 to January 2021. Demographic characteristics, hospitalization causes, PRISM III, PELOD scores, hospitalization length, mechanical ventilation supports, transfusion needs, lactate and, SpCO levels of all patients were determined. SpCO levels of the excitus and surviving patients were compared, and the relationship with mortality was investigated.
Results: Total 365 patients were included in the study. The median carboxyhemoglobin level of the excitus patients was statistically significantly higher when compared to the level of the surviving patients [(1.8(1.4-2,4) vs 0.65(0-1) p<0.001]). For mortality prediction, the cut-off point for SpCO, which was determined with 100% sensitivity and 96.5% specificity, was calculated as 1.3.
Conclusion: Since SpCO levels are increased in critically ill children and correlate with increased PICU mortality, SpCO may be a predictive marker for prognosis in PICU.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5753
How to cite this:Alakaya M, Arslankoylu AE. Prognostic value of carboxyhemoglobin in pediatric intensive care unit. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.5753
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Incense Burning Indoor Pollution: Impact on the prevalence of prediabetes and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-khlaiwi Thamir M. , Meo Sultan Ayoub , Habib Syed Shahid , Umar Meo Imran Muhammad , Alqhtani Mohammed S. 
Published: August 2022

Objectives: Incense burning is a well-known practice in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures for ceremonial and religious purposes. The excessive use of incense burning has become a critical environmental health concern. The incense sellers are more exposed to incense allied air pollution. This study examines the association between prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in incense sellers.
Methods: This cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia” during the period July 2019 to January 2020. After medical history and examinations had been performed, a total of 265 non-smoking volunteers male incense sellers were selected. American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria were followed, people with “HbA1c less than 5.7% were considered normal; HbA1c 5.7%-6.4% were pre-diabetics, and HbA1c > 6.4% were considered people with diabetes”. In shops, the incense sellers were exposed to incense-related pollution for 8 hours daily, seven days a week. The mean age for the participants was 25±5.5 years, and body mass index was 19±2.8 (kg/m)2.
Results: In incense sellers, the pre-diabetic was 125 (47.2%), and diabetes was 75 (28.3%). However, 65 (24.5 %) incense sellers were without prediabetes and diabetes. There was an increase in HbA1c levels with increasing working exposure to incense shops.
Conclusions: The prevalence of pre-diabetic and type-2 diabetes was increased in incense sellers. The prevalence of pre-diabetic and type-2 diabetes was further increased with the increasing working duration of incense sellers. The study findings call for safe practice and avoiding indoor burning incense. It is suggested that well-ventilated areas with proper masks for the workers may reduce the incense-related pollution effects.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6189
How to cite this:Al-khlaiwi TM, Meo SA, Habib SS, Meo IMU, Alqhtani MS. Incense Burning Indoor Pollution: Impact on the prevalence of prediabetes and Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.7.6189
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Critical barriers to sustainable capacity strengthening in global health: a systems perspective on development assistance
Authors: Knittel Barbara , Coile Amanda , Zou Annette , Saxena Sweta , Brenzel Logan , Orobaton Nosa , Bartel Doris , Williams Cecilia Abimbola , Kambarami Rose , Tiwari Dipak Prasad , Husain Ishrat , Sikipa Godfrey , Achan Jane , Ajiwohwodoma John Ovuoraye , Banerjee Banny , Kasungami Dyness 
Published: August 2022

Background: Development assistance for health (DAH) is an important mechanism for funding and technical support to low-income countries. Despite increased DAH spending, intractable health challenges remain. Recent decades have seen numerous efforts to reform DAH models, yet pernicious challenges persist amidst structural complexities and a growing number of actors. Systems-based approaches are promising for understanding these types of complex adaptive systems. This paper presents a systems-based understanding of DAH, including barriers to achieving sustainable and effective country-driven models for technical assistance and capacity strengthening to achieve better outcomes Methods: We applied an innovative systems-based approach to explore and map how donor structures, processes, and norms pose challenges to improving development assistance models. The system mapping was carried out through an iterative co-creation process including a series of discussions and workshops with diverse stakeholders across 13 countries. Results: Nine systemic challenges emerged: 1) reliance on external implementing partners undermines national capacity; 2) prioritizing global initiatives undercuts local programming; 3) inadequate contextualization hampers program sustainability; 4) decision-maker blind spots inhibit capacity to address inequities; 5) power asymmetries undermine local decision making; 6) donor funding structures pose limitations downstream; 7) program fragmentation impedes long-term country planning; 8) reliance on incomplete data perpetuates inequities; and 9) overemphasis on donor-prioritized data perpetuates fragmentation. Conclusions: These interconnected challenges illustrate interdependencies and feedback loops manifesting throughout the system. A particular driving force across these system barriers is the influence of power asymmetries between actors. The articulation of these challenges can help stakeholders overcome biases about the efficacy of the system and their role in perpetuating the issues. These findings indicate that change is needed not only in how we design and implement global health programs, but in how system actors interact. This requires co-creating solutions that shift the structures, norms, and mindsets governing DAH models.
Exploring system drivers of gender inequity in development assistance for health and opportunities for action
Authors: Bartel Doris , Coile Amanda , Zou Annette , Martinez Valle Adolfo , Nyasulu Hester Mkwinda , Brenzel Logan , Orobaton Nosa , Saxena Sweta , Addy Paulina , Strother Sita , Ogundimu Modupe , Banerjee Banny , Kasungami Dyness 
Published: August 2022

Background: Deep-rooted and widespread gender-based bias and discrimination threaten achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Despite evidence that addressing gender inequities contributes to better health and development outcomes, the resources for, and effectiveness of, such efforts in development assistance for health (DAH) have been insufficient. This paper explores systemic challenges in DAH that perpetuate or contribute to gender inequities, with a particular focus on the role of external donors and funders. Methods: We applied a co-creation system design process to map and analyze interactions between donors and recipient countries, and articulate drivers of gender inequities within the landscape of DAH. We conducted qualitative primary data collection and analysis in 2021 via virtual facilitated discussions and visual mapping exercises among a diverse set of 41 stakeholders, including representatives from donor institutions, country governments, academia, and civil society. Results: Six systemic challenges emerged as perpetuating or contributing to gender inequities in DAH: 1) insufficient input and leadership from groups affected by gender bias and discrimination; 2) decision-maker blind spots inhibit capacity to address gender inequities; 3) imbalanced power dynamics contribute to insufficient resources and attention to gender priorities; 4) donor funding structures limit efforts to effectively address gender inequities; 5) fragmented programming impedes coordinated attention to the root causes of gender inequities; and 6) data bias contributes to insufficient understanding of and attention to gender inequities. Conclusions: Many of the drivers impeding progress on gender equity in DAH are embedded in power dynamics that distance and disempower people affected by gender inequities. Overcoming these dynamics will require more than technical solutions. Groups affected by gender inequities must be centered in leadership and decision-making at micro and macro levels, with practices and structures that enable co-creation and mutual accountability in the design, implementation, and evaluation of health programs.