bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sociodemographic Factors and Comorbidities Including Hyperparathyroidism Are Associated With an Increased Risk of Band Keratopathy: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Jan Ren-Long , Wang Jhi-Joung , Tseng Sung-Huei , Chang Yuh-Shin 
Published: June 2022

PurposeTo investigate the association of comorbidities including hyperparathyroidism and sociodemographic factors with band keratopathy.MethodsThis retrospective, population-based, matched case-control study recruited 2,545 patients suffering from band keratopathy. They were selected from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 371.43. The control group included 15,270 sex-, age-, and index date-matched non-band keratopathy patients collected from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. To compare band keratopathy patients with controls, McNemar’s test was used for nominal data and paired t- tests were used for continuous variables. Univariate conditional logistic regression analysis and multivariable conditional logistic regression were used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted OR of developing band keratopathy.ResultsPatients with hyperparathyroidism were more likely to develop band keratopathy than controls (OR, 43.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 23.789–79.544; P &lt; 0.001) even after conditional logistic regression (adjusted OR, 11.28; 95% CI, 5.461–23.33; P &lt; 0.001). Other conditions that increased the odds of scleritis development included systemic diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) and ocular conditions such as iridocyclitis, phthisis bulbi, and ever silicone oil retention. Regarding sociodemographic factors, &gt;40% of patients with band keratopathy were aged ≥65 years old. Moreover, patients living in Eastern Taiwan and fishermen had higher odds of developing band keratopathy.ConclusionsBand keratopathy is significantly associated with hyperparathyroidism, CKD, DM, iridocyclitis, phthisis bulbi, and ever silicone oil retention.
Efficacy of Single-Position Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion Combined With Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in Treating Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Cheng Peng , Zhang Xiao-bo , Zhao Qi-ming , Zhang Hai-hong 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical outcomes of single-position oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with DLS who met the inclusion criteria from April 2018 to December 2020. According to the need to change their position during the operation, the patients were divided into a single-position OLIF group (27 patients) and a conventional OLIF group (58 patients). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, instrumentation accuracy and complication rates were compared between the two groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The surgical segment's intervertebral space height (IDH) and lumbar lordosis (LL) angle were used to evaluate the imaging effect.ResultsThe hospital stay, pedicle screws placement accuracy, and complication incidence were similar between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the single-position OLIF group were less than those in the conventional OLIF group (P &lt; 0.05). The postoperative VAS, ODI, IDH and LL values were significantly improved (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with conventional OLIF, single-position OLIF combined with PPSF is also safe and effective, and it has the advantages of a shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss.
Liquid First Is “Solid” in Naïve Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: Faster Turnaround Time With High Concordance to Solid Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Sehayek Or , Kian Waleed , Onn Amir , Stoff Ronen , Sorotsky Hadas Gantz , Zemel Melanie , Bar Jair , Dudnik Yulia , Nechushtan Hovav , Rottenberg Yakir , Soussan-Gutman Lior , Dvir Addie , Roisman Laila C. , Peled Nir 
Published: June 2022

PurposeMolecular profiling is crucial in naïve non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While tissue-based analysis is challenged by turnaround time and scarcity of tissue, there is increasing demand for liquid biopsy. We aimed to analyze the use of upfront liquid biopsy as a molecular profiling approach.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter, non-interventional study compared findings and turnaround times of liquid vs. standard-of-care (SOC) tissue-biopsy molecular profiling. The study included naïve advanced NSCLC patients with available liquid biopsy (Guardant360 CDx).ResultsA total of 42 consecutive patients (60% men; median age, 69.5 [39–87] years; 86% stage IV NSCLC) were identified between September 2017 and December 2020. Liquid-biopsy analysis provided results for all 42 patients, whereas the tissue-based analysis failed in 5 (12%) patients due to insufficient tumor samples. In 17 patients, 18 actionable driver mutations were identified. Eleven mutations were detected by both approaches (i.e., concordance of 61%), 4 only by liquid biopsy and 3 only by tissue biopsy. The median time from the molecular request to receiving the molecular solid report on the last biomarker was 21 (range: 5–66) days, whereas the median time from blood draw to the liquid-biopsy results was 10.5 (7–19) days. The median time between the availability of liquid-biopsy findings and that of the last biomarker was 5 days. Treatment changes following the liquid-biopsy results were observed in 3 (7%) patients.ConclusionPerforming liquid-biopsy upfront is feasible and accurate and allows a shorter time for treatment in NSCLC, especially when tumor tissue is scarce.
Uveitis Is a Risk Factor for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis' Significant Flare in Patients Treated With Biologics
Authors: Kostik Mikhail M. , Gaidar Ekaterina V. , Sorokina Lubov S. , Avrusin Ilya S. , Nikitina Tatiana N. , Isupova Eugenia A. , Chikova Irina A. , Korin Yuri Yu. , Orlova Elizaveta D. , Snegireva Ludmila S. , Masalova Vera V. , Dubko Margarita F. , Kalashnikova Olga V. , Chasnyk Vyacheslav G. 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesUveitis is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Our study is aimed to evaluate the possible difference in arthritis course depending on uveitis presence in patients with JIA, treated with biologics.MethodsFrom our database of patients with JIA treated with biologics, we extracted patients to whom the first agent was administrated with or without MTX. The exclusion criteria included treatment with current systemic corticosteroids, infliximab, rituximab, observation period &lt;3 years, and no missing data. After selection, 175 patients were eligible for analysis. We evaluated clinically significant flare with joint involvement (which required change of biologic or non-biologic DMARD) and time to flare. We compared two groups: (i) patients with uveitis (n = 32) and (ii) patients without uveitis (n = 143). For statistical analysis, we used Cox's regression models, the log-Rank test, x2 test, and the Mann–Whitney test.ResultsThere was no difference in gender distribution and achievement of arthritis remission between groups. Patients in the non-uveitis group predominantly received etanercept (64.3%). In the uveitis group, the most prescribed biologic agent was adalimumab (71.9%). The presence of uveitis increased the risk of JIA flare, OR = 3.8 (95% CI: 1.7; 8.7), and the cumulative probability of joint flare, RR = 4.5 (95% CI: 1.7; 12.1), p =.003, after adjustment on methotrexate, RR = 3.1 (1.6; 6.), p =.0008. In the subgroup of patients treated with adalimumab, the absence of methotrexate increased the cumulative probability of flare [RR = 6.5 (95% CI: 1.4; 31.1), p = 0.02].ConclusionThe presence of uveitis proved to be a risk factor in JIA flare. Methotrexate can decrease the cumulative flare probability. Further trials are required.
Trends in Antihypertensive Medicine Utilization in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina: An Eleven-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Kalinić Dragan , Škrbić Ranko , Vulić Duško , Stojaković Nataša , Stoisavljević-Šatara Svjetlana , Stojiljković Miloš P. , Marković-Peković Vanda , Golić Jelić Ana , Pilipović-Broćeta Nataša , Wong Nathan D. , Godman Brian 
Published: June 2022

Background: In last 2 decades, there have been substantial changes in the utilization patterns of antihypertensive medicines following new clinical trials and the introduction of new treatment guidelines. The aim of this study was to analyze utilization and prescribing patterns regarding antihypertensive medicines in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina during an 11-years follow-up according to national and European treatment guidelines.Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, medicine utilization data were analyzed between 2009–2019 period using the ATC/DDD methodology and expressed as the number of DDD/1,000 inhabitants/day (DID/TID). The medicine utilization 90% (DU90%) method was used for determine the quality of prescribing.Results: During the observed period, the use of antihypertensive medicines increased more than 3-times (125.97 DDD/TID in 2009 vs 414.95 DDD/TID in 2019), corresponding to a rise in the prevalence of hypertensive patients from 91.7/1,000 to 186.3/1,000 in the same period. This was mainly driven by increased use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors with 241.69%, beta blockers with 146.87%, calcium channel blockers with 251.55%, and diuretics with 178.95%. Angiotensin receptor blockers were the fastest growing group of antihypertensive medicines in this period and their utilization increased nearly 40 times.Conclusions: The overall antihypertensive medicines utilization was largely influenced by national and ESH/ESC guidelines and strongly corresponded to the positive medicine list of the national health insurance fund. Antihypertensive medicines utilization is comparable with medicine utilization trends in other countries.
Network Pharmacology and In Vitro Experimental Verification Reveal the Mechanism of the Hirudin in Suppressing Myocardial Hypertrophy
Authors: Liu Mengnan , Luo Gang , Dong Li , Mazhar Maryam , Wang Li , He Wenlu , Liu Yan , Wu Qibiao , Zhou Hua , Yang Sijin 
Published: June 2022

Background: Myocardial hypertrophy is a complex pathological process, which is a common manifestation during the development of various cardiovascular diseases. Hirudin has been shown to have therapeutic effects on a variety of cardiovascular diseases, however, its therapeutic effect on myocardial hypertrophy is still unknown, and its chemical and pharmacological characteristics remain to be elucidated.Methods: In this study, the network pharmacology method was used to characterize the mechanism of hirudin on myocardial hypertrophy. The potential protein targets of hirudin and myocardial hypertrophy were both obtained from the Genecards database, and potential pathways associated with genes were identified by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis, and the data were displayed in a visual manner. Subsequently, the potential mechanism of action of hirudin on myocardial hypertrophy predicted by network pharmacology analysis was verified by molecular docking, and finally, the main findings were further verified by in vitro experiments by molecular biology techniques. Based on the results obtained from the study of H9c2 cell line, the inhibitory effect of hirudin on myocardial hypertrophy was further proved in the primary rat cardiomyocytes.Results: A total of 250 targets of hirudin, and 5,376 targets related to myocardial hypertrophy after deduplication were collected. The drug-disease network showed the relationship between hirudin, myocardial hypertrophy, and the targets. Further, systematic analysis from the PPI network indicated that blood coagulation, vesicle lumen, and signaling receptor activator activity may be the potential mechanisms of hirudin in the treatment of myocardial hypertrophy, and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the most relevant to the therapeutic effect of hirudin. Then, three therapeutic targets that were highly related to myocardial hypertrophy were extracted. Hirudin can be highly bound to STAT3, IL-6, and MAPK1 and found by molecular docking, which may be the basis for its inhibitory effect on myocardial hypertrophy. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that hirudin could inhibit AngII-induced hypertrophy and death of H9c2 cells, and significantly reduce the mRNA and protein expression levels of STAT3, MAPK1, and IL-6. The above conclusions were verified in primary rat cardiomyocytes.Conclusion: Hirudin can be used to treat myocardial hypertrophy through a complex mechanism. The application of network pharmacology and experimental validation can promote the application of hirudin in cardiovascular diseases and the interpretation and understanding of molecular biological mechanisms.
Antiviral Efficacy and Safety of Molnupiravir Against Omicron Variant Infection: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zou Rongrong , Peng Ling , Shu Dan , Zhao Lei , Lan Jianfeng , Tan Guoyu , Peng Jinghan , Yang Xiangyi , Liu Miaona , Zhang Chenhui , Yuan Jing , Wang Huxiang , Li Song , Lu Hongzhou , Zhong Wu , Liu Yingxia 
Published: June 2022

Background: The rapid worldwide spread of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has unleashed a new wave of COVID-19 outbreaks. The efficacy of molnupiravir, an approved drug, is still unknown in patients infected with the Omicron variant.Objective: Evaluated the antiviral efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant, with symptom duration within 5 days.Methods: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial involving patients with mild or moderate COVID-19. Patients were randomized to orally receive molnupiravir (800 mg) plus basic treatment or only basic treatment for 5 days (BID). The antiviral efficacy of the drug was evaluated using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.Results: Results showed that the time of viral RNA clearance (primary endpoint) was significantly decreased in the molnupiravir group (median, 9 days) compared to the control group (median, 10 days) (Log-Rank p = 0.0092). Of patients receiving molnupiravir, 18.42% achieved viral RNA clearance on day 5 of treatment, compared to the control group (0%) (p = 0.0092). On day 7, 40.79%, and 6.45% of patients in the molnupiravir and control groups, respectively, achieved viral RNA clearance (p = 0.0004). In addition, molnupiravir has a good safety profile, and no serious adverse events were reported.Conclusion: Molnupiravir significantly accelerated the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron RNA clearance in patients with COVID-19.Clinical Trial Registration: [chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2200056817].
Bipolar Disorder and Polysubstance Use Disorder: Sociodemographic and Clinical Correlates
Authors: Aguglia Andrea , Natale Antimo , Fusar-Poli Laura , Amerio Andrea , Bruno Edoardo , Placenti Valeria , Vai Eleonora , Costanza Alessandra , Serafini Gianluca , Aguglia Eugenio , Amore Mario 
Published: June 2022

IntroductionPatients with bipolar disorder (BD) often show comorbidity with substance use disorder (SUD) with a negative impact on clinical course, prognosis, and functioning. The role of polysubstance use disorder (polySUD) is understudied. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with BD and comorbid SUD, focusing on polySUD, in order to phenotype this specific group of patients and implement adequate treatment and prevention strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 556 patients with a primary diagnosis of BD (376 without SUD, 101 with SUD, and 79 with polySUD). A semi-structured interview was administered to collect sociodemographic variables, clinical characteristics, and pharmacological treatment. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare the three groups. Significantly different variables were then inserted in multivariate logistic regression.ResultsPatients affected by BD and polySUD were younger, and more frequently males and single, than patients with SUD or without SUD. Indeed, the prevalence of patients affected by BD and polySUD living in residential facilities was higher than in the other groups. Moreover, earlier age at onset, higher prevalence of psychotic and residual symptoms, involuntary hospitalization, and a family history of psychiatric disorders were associated with polySUD in patients suffering from BD. Lastly, patients with BD and polySUD were more likely to take four or more medications, particularly benzodiazepines and other drugs. At the multinomial regression, younger age, male gender, early age at onset, psychotic and residual symptoms, positive family history of psychiatric disorders, and use of benzodiazepines remained significantly associated with polySUD in patients with BD.ConclusionOur findings show a specific profile of patients with BD and polySUD. It is important to conduct research on this topic in order to adopt specific therapeutic strategies, minimize the use of polypharmacy, and aim at full remission and mood stabilization.
Practice Level and Associated Factors Towards the Preventive Measures of COVID-19 Among the General Population; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tadesse Abay Woday , Aychiluhm Setognal Birara , Mare Kusse Urmale , Tarekegn Setegn Mihret , Biset Gebeyaw 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundStudies conducted on the practice of COVID-19 preventive methods across the world are highly inconsistent and inconclusive. Hence, this study intended to estimate the pooled preventive practice and its determinants among the general population.MethodsThis study was conducted using online databases (PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Cochrane library database), African Journals online, Google Scholar, open gray and online repository accessed studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). STATA 14.0 software for analysis. The existence of heterogeneity between studies was checked using Cochran Q test and I2 test statistics and then, the presence of publication bias was detected using both funnel plot and Egger's test.Results51 studies were included and the pooled level of practice toward the preventive measures of COVID-19 was 74.4% (95% CI: 70.2–78.6%, I2 = 99.7%, P &lt; 0.001] using a random effects model. Being female [OR = 1.97: 95% CI 1.75, 2.23; I2 = 0.0%, P &lt; 0.698], rural residence [OR = 0.53: 95% CI 0.44, 0.65; I2 = 73.5%, P &lt; 0.013], attending higher education level [OR = 1.47: 95% CI 1.18, 1.83; I2 = 75.4%, P &lt; 0.001], being employed [OR = 2.12: 95% CI 1.44, 3.12; I2 = 91.8%, P &lt; 0.001], age &lt; 30 [OR = 0.73: 95% CI 0.60, 0.89; I2 = 73.9%, P &lt; 0.001], and knowledgeable [OR = 1.22: 95% CI 1.09, 1.36; I2 = 47.3%, P &lt; 0.077] were the independent predictors of adequate practice level.Conclusionsnearly three-fourths of the general population has an adequate preventive practice level toward COVID-19. Thus, the global, regional, national, and local governments need to establish policies and strategies to address the identified factors.
Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Sleep Quality Among Saudi Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Abdelaziz Enas Mahrous , Elsharkawy Nadia Bassuoni , Mohamed Sayeda Mohamed 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundOne of the most effective measures regarding improving women's health is to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between health-promoting behaviors and sleep quality among a sample of Saudi menopausal women.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was used to collect data from 410 Saudi postmenopausal women visiting primary healthcare care centers located in Sakaka, Jouf, Saudi Arabia, using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLPII) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 52.60 ± 4.65 years, the study findings highlighted that among all the HPLP domains, the highest mean score was observed for spiritual growth (24.00 ± 6.60) whereas the lowest score was observed for physical activity (16.18 ± 1.8). Statistically significant negative relations between the total score of HPLP and sleep quality score and menopausal symptoms (p&lt; 0.001,p&lt; 0.005), respectively. Total scores of lifestyle, health responsibility, and stress management were significant differences between participants with good and poor sleep quality. Being overweight/obese, physically inactive, having a chronic illness and poor sleep quality were predictors influencing health-promoting behavior.ConclusionHealth-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II was more obvious in the good sleeper in form of health responsibility and stress management. Being overweight and or obese, having a chronic illness, and having poor sleep quality were the significant factors influencing health-promoting behaviors. Designing and performing educational interventional plans are crucial to create motivation toward a healthy lifestyle and improve the quality of their sleep.
The Prevalence of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Hungary—A Geographically Representative, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Fogarasi András István , Benczik Márta , Moravcsik-Kornyicki Ágota , Kocsis Adrienn , Gyulai Anikó , Kósa Zsigmond 
Published: June 2022

Background: The estimated age-standardized incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer in Hungary are substantially higher than the European average. In many countries, human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is the first-line method of cervical cancer screening in women &gt;30 years. According to the European guidelines, evidence-based improvement of a national prevention strategy requires the monitoring of representative data.Methods: ThinPrep cervical samples were collected over a period of 8 months at 84 sampling sites, including 4,000 eligible samples with valid laboratory results from the screening target population of females aged 25–65 years, with addresses in the representative geographic area (19 counties and four major settlement types). Genotyping of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) was performed using the Confidence HPV-X (Neumann Diagnostics) and Linear Array HPV Genotyping (Roche) tests. Demographic data were collected using a questionnaire, enabling the analysis of hrHPV genotype distribution by age, geography, education, and HPV vaccination.Results: Overall, 446 samples were hrHPV-positive, showing a prevalence of 11.15% (9.73% age-representative), similar to the world average, higher than the European average, and lower than the Eastern-European average. After age standardization, no significant geographic differences were found, except for low hrHPV prevalence in villages (p = 0.036) and in those with elementary education (p = 0.013). Following genotypes 16 and 31, in order of frequency, certain non-vaccine hrHPV genotypes (HPV51, 66, 56) showed unexpectedly higher prevalence than international data.Conclusion: Our study provides the first geographically representative genotype-specific hrHPV prevalence baseline database in Hungary to support policy-making efforts. Significant correlations with demographic data have transferable conclusions.