Barriers to access diabetic retinopathy treatment in Sri Lanka: A qualitative study by D. M. Mangala Dharmapriya Bandara Dhanapala, Mapa Prabath Piyasena, M. G. L. Mahesh Premarathna, P. F. Supun Chameera Fonseka, Sairuban K, Niruththan K, Jagjit Gilhotra, Robert Casson, Upul Senarath

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Reliability of the electronic patient reported outcome measures for assessing xerostomia, dysphagia and quality of life in Spanish patients with head and neck cancer: a randomised... by Mario Lozano-Lozano, Maria Lopez-Garzon, Paula Cuadrado-Guerrero, Paula Postigo-Martin, Carolina Fernández-Lao, Isabel Tovar-Martín, Noelia Galiano-Castillo

“…We hypothesised notable reliability and equivalence between the two modalities. Methods A total of 24 patients (median age 63.00 years, undergone radiotherapy, either alone or in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy, and suffering xerostomia) were randomised to either paper-based (PROM) or ePROM in a two-arm crossover design with a within-subject comparison of the two modalities (washout period 90 min). …”
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OncoPSM: an interactive tool for cost-effectiveness analysis using partitioned survival models in oncology trial by Xulong Qiu, Xulong Qiu, Jidi Chen, Jidi Chen, Muting Wang, Kaixin Zheng, Ruixiong Li

“…However, many CEA tools are not specifically tailored to address the intricate cost composition resulting from the complex treatment regimens in oncology trials.MethodsWe extracted data from Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, reconstructed individual patient data (IPD) using an iterative KM algorithm, and fitted parametric survival functions to the IPD data. …”
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Association of serum potassium time in target range with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFpEF by Yu Liu, Jianping Bin, Yating Tang, Yanmei Chen, Wenlong Xu, Yuegang Wang, Zhiwen Xiao, Yingxuan Li, Xingqiao Chen, Fengling He, Haoxiang Huang, Chuling Li, Jiajun Zhou

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Modifying reaction time tasks parameters in the automated IntelliCage identifies heightened impulsivity and impaired attention in the 3xTg-AD model of Alzheimer’s disease by Jessica M. Judd, Wendy Winslow, Ian McDonough, Faizan Mistry, Ramon Velazquez, Ramon Velazquez, Ramon Velazquez

“…Each of the four corners of a cage contains doors to manipulate access to water, visual LED cues, and a valve allowing administration of an air puff. …”
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Silk Biowaste Protein Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Analysis of Anti-Inflammatory, Wound Healing, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Tyrosinase Inhibition, and Antibacterial... by Das G, Shin HS, Yang IJ, Nguyen LTH, Patra JK

“…Gitishree Das,1,2 Han-Seung Shin,2 In-Jun Yang,3 Ly Thi Huong Nguyen,3,4 Jayanta Kumar Patra1,2 1Research Institute of Integrative Life Sciences, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, 10326, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Food Science & Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, 10326, Republic of Korea; 3Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, 38066, Republic of Korea; 4Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USACorrespondence: Jayanta Kumar Patra, Dongguk University-Seoul, Goyangsi, 10326, Republic of Korea, Email jkpatra@dongguk.eduBackground: Silk, a natural biowaste protein from silkworm cocoons called sericin, has promising properties as a biomaterial for several biomedical applications, owing to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and reactivity.Purpose: The synthesis of AgNPs using these biowaste protein materials is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective.Methods: In this study, a novel approach was developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (Scn-AgNPs) using sericin as a reducing agent and to study their anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antidiabetic, antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibitory, and antibacterial mechanisms of action.Results: The initial production of Scn-AgNPs was established by a visual color change to brown, followed by UV-visible spectroscopy, which showed a solid absorption band at 422 nm due to surface plasmon resonance. …”
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Effectiveness of Group and Individual Counselling Interventions on COVID-19 Vaccination Intention Among Industrial Employees in Romania by Dumitra GG, Camen AR, Nechita F, Pîrlog MC, Kamal C, Dogaru CA, Radu M, Gheorghe EC, Dumitrescu EM, Dinescu VC, Surugiu R, Oancea CN, Turcu-Stiolica A

“…Data on sociodemographic factors, vaccine hesitancy, and willingness to vaccinate were collected using a questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for vaccine willingness.Results: Both interventions led to significant increases in willingness to vaccinate, with group counseling showing a 1.4-point increase on the VAS (p-value < 0.0001) and individual counseling showing a 1.5-point increase (p-value < 0.0001), though the differences between the two approaches were not statistically significant (p-value = 0.209). …”
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Survival Prediction of Esophageal Cancer Using 3D CT Imaging: A Context-Aware Approach With Non-Local Feature Aggregation and Graph-Based Spatial Interaction by Fuce Guo, Chen Huang, Shengmei Lin, Yongmei Dai, Qianshun Chen, Shu Zhang, Xunyu XU

“…In the current study, we aimed to develop an effective EC survival risk prediction using only 3D computed tomography (CT) images.The proposed model consists of two essential components: 1) non-local feature aggregation module(NFAM) that integrates visual features from tumor and lymph nodes at both local and global scales, 2) graph-based spatial interaction module(GSIM) that explores the latent contextual interactions between tumors and lymph nodes.The experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves superior performance compared to state-of-the-art survival prediction methods, emphasizing its robust predictive capability. …”
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Stability Assessment of Furosemide Oral Suspension in Hospital Extemporaneous Preparations by Fai Alkathiri, Omamah Eid, Njoud Altuwaijri, Rihaf Alfaraj, Eram K. Eltahir, Hend Alsabbagh, Shamma Bin Shoia, Mashal Aljead, Haya H. Alnufaie, Ghadah AlToum

“…The assessed parameters included visual appearance, redispersion time, sedimentation volume, and pH levels for stability analysis. …”
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Vertebral Column Decancellation for Correcting Cervicothoracic Kyphotic Deformity in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis by Han Yu, Qi Wang, Yiming Fan, Dengbin Qi, Tianhao Wang, Bing Li, Yi Huang, Ze Wang, Chao Xue, Guoquan Zheng

“…Outcome measures utilized included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score, and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for neck pain. The data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. …”
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Comparison of self-collected and healthcare worker-collected rectovaginal swabs for group B streptococcus detection in pregnancy using PCR with a commercial collection-enrichment d... by Iva Kukovica, Neža Omahen, Nika Klobučar, Martina Bučar, Anita Franko Rutar, Tina Perme, Tina Perme, Miha Lučovnik, Miha Lučovnik, Samo Jeverica, Samo Jeverica

“…The aim of our study was to determine whether self-collection of rectovaginal swabs is a valid alternative to collection by healthcare workers (HCWs).MethodsA prospective, multicenter study was conducted between June and November 2023. …”
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The clinical efficacy of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of frequent episodic tension-type headache: a single-blind randomized controlled trial by Xiaxia Jin, Ziwen Xu, Tao Gao, Gaofeng Wang, Wendi Dong, Junyi Jin, Yongmei Yan

“…Purpose This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture and sham acupuncture in treating FETTH. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial. Participants with FETTH were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive auricular acupuncture or sham acupuncture for 4 weeks, with follow-up lasting for up to 24 weeks. …”
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Clinical and biochemical characteristics of patients with acromegaly and normal or increased prolactin levels by Yuliya A. Kukushkina, Irena A. Ilovayskaya

“…Aim: To identify hallmarks of clinical and biochemical parameters in patients with acromegaly and normal or increased prolactin level. Methods: We performed a single center, single sample retrospective, observational cohort uncontrolled non-interventional study in 306 patients (70 men and 236 women) with acromegaly examined from July 2021 to June 2024, 50 of them with a pituitary microadenomas and 256 with macroadenomas. …”
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Effect of General Anesthesia Combined with Transversus Abdominis Plane Block on Postoperative Sleep Disorders in Elderly Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Tumor Surgery: A Prosp... by Pu J, Guo C, Xiao Y, Cao Y, Liu Z, Jin Y, Hu Y

“…In addition, the incidence of POSD and the visual analog scores (VAS) at 0.5h and 6h postoperative activity in D1 showed a decreasing trend (P< 0.05). …”
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Influence of Irrigant Activation Techniques on External Root Temperature Rise and Irrigation Penetration Depth in 3D-Printed Tooth Model: An In Vitro Study by Ali Addokhi, Ahmed Rahoma, Neveen M. A. Hanna, Faisal Alonaizan, Faraz Farooqi, Shimaa Rifaat

“…Irrigant penetration, with and without BMH, was assessed in 3D-printed premolars using a 2.5% sodium hypochlorite-contrast medium mixture, visualized with a CMOS radiographic sensor. Penetration was scored (main canal: 3 points; lateral canals: 0–2 points) and analyzed with non-parametric tests. …”
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Induction heating combined with antibiotics or SAAP-148 effectively reduces biofilm-embedded Staphylococcus aureus on a fracture-related implant mimic by Marielle Verheul, Anne A. Wagenmakers, Rob G. H. H. Nelissen, Peter H. Nibbering, Bart G. Pijls

“…Biofilm-embedded bacteria were harvested by sonication to determine the bacterial load and visualized by confocal microscopy (LIVE/DEAD). Results: NCIH to 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C reduced biofilm-embedded MRSA and MSSA by 2.3-log, 4.9-log, 5.5-log, and 1.1-log, 3.4-log, and 6.6-log CFU/ml, respectively. …”
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Advances in Novel Diagnostic Techniques for Alveolar Echinococcosis by Huanhuan Liu, Yijia Xie, Xiaoyu An, Dazhuang Xu, Shundong Cai, Chengchao Chu, Gang Liu

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Evaluating the MPM III and SAPS III prognostic models in a war-affected, resource-limited setting: a prospective study from the Gaza Strip by Belal Aldabbour, Ahmed J. H. Elhissi, Hamza Abudaqqa, Jaser Alqrinawi, Mohammed Badran, Mohammed Sulaiman, Yousef Alsoos, Yousef Altartour, Mohammed Abulebda, Mohammed Muhaisen, Omar Alsafadi, Zuhair Assaf

“…Furthermore, the difference between the predicted and actual mortality rates was visualized, and standardized mortality rates (SMR) were calculated. …”
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Oral health status, oral hygiene behaviors, and caries risk assessment of individuals with special needs: a comparative study of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia by Osama Khattak, Farooq Ahmad Chaudhary, Shahzad Ahmad, Muhammad Amber Fareed, Shazia Iqbal, Asma Shakoor, Mohammed Nadeem Baig, Haifa Ali Almutairi, Rakhi Issrani, Azhar Iqbal

“…This study aims to: (1) assess the oral health status of disabled individuals in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, (2) evaluate their oral hygiene knowledge and behaviors, and (3) determine their caries risk using the Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) protocol. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 189 participants aged 13 years and older, including both young people and adults with hearing, visual, or intellectual disabilities from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia between September 2023 and April 2024. …”
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Prognostic analysis of sepsis-induced myocardial injury patients using propensity score matching and doubly robust analysis with machine learning-based risk prediction model develo... by Pan Guo, Pan Guo, Li Xue, Fang Tao, Kuan Yang, YuXia Gao, Chongzhe Pei

“…This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of SIMI and develop validated predictive models using advanced machine learning (ML) algorithms for identifying SIMI in critically ill sepsis patients.MethodsData were sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV, v3.0) database. …”
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