bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preference of blood pressure measurement methods by primary care doctors in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lee Eric Kam Pui , Choi Ryan Chun Ming , Liu Licheng , Gao Tiffany , Yip Benjamin Hon Kei , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Its screening, diagnosis, and management depend heavily on accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement. It is recommended that the diagnosis of hypertension should be confirmed or corroborated by out-of-office BP values, measured using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). When office BP is used, automated office BP (AOBP) measurement method, which automatically provides an average of 3–5 BP readings, should be preferred. This study aimed to describe the BP measurement methods commonly used by doctors in primary care in Hong Kong, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients.Methods In this cross-sectional survey, all doctors registered in the Hong Kong “Primary Care Directory” were mailed a questionnaire, asking their preferred BP-measuring methods to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients. Furthermore, we also elicited information on the usual number of office BP or HBPM readings obtained, to diagnose or manage hypertension.Results Out of the 1738 doctors in the directory, 445 responded. Manual measurement using a mercury or aneroid device was found to be the commonest method to screen (63.1%), diagnose (56.4%), and manage (72.4%) hypertension. There was a significant underutilisation of ABPM, with only 1.6% doctors using this method to diagnose hypertension. HBPM was used by 22.2% and 56.8% of the respondents to diagnose and manage hypertension, respectively. A quarter (26.7%) of the respondents reported using only one in-office BP reading, while 40% participants reported using ≥12 HBPM readings. Doctors with specialist qualification in family medicine were more likely to use AOBP in clinics and to obtain the recommended number of office BP readings for diagnosis and management of hypertension.Conclusion Doctors in Hong Kong primary care prefer to use manual office BP values, measured using mercury or aneroid devices, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertension, highlighting a marked underutilisation of AOBP and out-of-office BP measuring techniques, especially that of ABPM. Further studies are indicated to understand the underlying reasons and to minimise the gap between real-life clinical practice and those recommended, based on scientific advances.
Correlation between IL‐7R gene variants and breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women
Authors: Li Miao , Yue Chenli , Zuo Xiaoxiao , Jin Guoquan , Wang Guanying , Guo Hulin , Wu Fang , Huang Shangke , Zhao Xinhan 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Introduction IL-7R is involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer by binding to its ligand IL-7. This study aimed to explore the potential relationships of IL-7R polymorphisms with breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women.Methods Five polymorphisms (rs969129, rs10213865, rs10053847, rs118137916, and rs6451231) of IL-7R genewere genotyped in 553 patients and 550 healthy healthy individuals from the in Chinese Han women using the Agena MassARRAY platform. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated used to evaluate the relationship.Results IL-7R rs10213865, rs969129 and rs6451231 was correlated with an increased the risk of breast cancer in multiple genetic models. Age stratified analysis revealed that rs6451231 was correlated with an increased breast cancer risk at age > 52 years. Additionally, rs10213865 was correlated with tumor site and ER expression, rs969129 was related to tumor size and Ki67 expresses status, and rs6451231was related to tumor size. Haplotype CGAG (rs969129, rs10213865, rs10053847 and rs118137916) were observed to a decrease breast cancer risk.Conclusions IL-7R polymorphism were significantly correlated with an increased breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women.
Drug-drug interactions in patients with malaria: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Noor Sidra , Ismail Mohammad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Hospitalized patients with malaria often present with comorbidities or associated complications for which a variety of drugs are prescribed. Multiple drug therapy often leads to drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, levels, risk factors, clinical relevance, and monitoring parameters/management guidelines of potential DDIs (pDDIs) among inpatients with malaria. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out at multiple hospital settings. A total of 398 patients’ profiles were evaluated for pDDIs using the Micromedex Drug-Reax ®. Odds ratios were calculated to identify the strength of association between presence of DDIs and potential risk factors via logistic regression analysis. Further, the clinical relevance of frequent pDDIs was investigated. Results: Of 398 patients, pDDIs were observed in 37.2% patients, while major-pDDIs in 19.3% patients. Total 325 interaction were found, of which 45.5% were of major- and 34.5% moderate-severity. Patients with the most common pDDIs were found with signs/symptoms and abnormalities in laboratory findings representing nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, QT interval prolongation, and reduced therapeutic efficacy . The adverse events were more common in patients prescribed with the higher doses of interacting drugs. Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant association of pDDIs with 5-6 prescribed medicines (p=0.01), >6 prescribed medicines (p<0.001), >5 days of hospital stay (p=0.03), and diabetes mellitus (p=0.04). Conclusions: PDDIs are commonly observed in patients with malaria. Healthcare professional’s knowledge about the most common pDDIs could help in preventing pDDIs and their associated negative effects. Pertinent clinical parameters, such as laboratory findings and signs/symptoms need to be checked, particularly in patients with polypharmacy, longer hospital stay, and diabetes mellitus.
Pre-pregnancy overweight and weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of gestational anemia
Authors: Cantoral Alejandra , Christensen Dirk L , Solano Maritsa , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor , Avila Laura , Trejo-Reyes Rebeca , Domínguez-Flores Omar , Ramírez-Silva Ivonne , Rivera Juan A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective: To study the double burden of overweight and anemia in Mexican women during pregnancy and if pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain are associated with the development of anemia. Methods: In a sample of 98 pregnant women from an ongoing birth cohort, weight and hemoglobin at different gestational weeks, as well as pre-pregnancy BMI (self-reported) were obtained. An adjusted logistic model for longitudinal data was used to estimate the probability of presenting anemia according to pre-pregnancy overweight status (BMI > 25kg/m 2 ) and weight gain, including an interaction term between these two variables. Results: At the end of pregnancy the combined prevalence of overweight and anemia was 18%. The probability of developing anemia was different from zero among overweight women at the beginning of pregnancy and weight gain > 6.5kg kg (up to 8%, p <0.05); furthermore, the prevalence was higher than zero in those women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (<25kg/m 2 ) and a weight gain < 12 Kg (up to 9%, p <0.05). Conclusion: anemia increases with the combinations of low weight gain in women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI as well as excessive weight gain in women with pre-pregnancy overweight.
Knowledge on Genetic and Genomic Diagnostics among Sri Lankan Medical Practitioners
Authors: Jayawardana Sinhalage Mahesh Asantha 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objectives : Up-to-date knowledge on changing genetic and genomic diagnostic approaches is essential for a contemporary medical practitioner. This study was carried out to describe Sri Lankan Medical Practitioners’ current knowledge and opinion on modern genetic and genomic diagnostics techniques. Results : Data was collected to an electronic database using an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 123 respondents completed the questionnaire. Majority had either some or adequate knowledge on applications of basic genetic diagnostic methods such as karyotyping and polymerase chain reaction. Similarly most had either some or adequate knowledge on the use of predictive genetic tests in cancer. However the level of knowledge on the applications of modern diagnostic techniques like Fluorescent in-Situ Hybridization and Next Generation Sequencing remained poor. Majority had inadequate knowledge on newer concepts such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing and personalized medicine. Most agreed upon the inadequacy of undergraduate genetic education and the need of a continuous medical education program to fill this knowledge gap. Both undergraduate and continuous medical education approaches should be modified to improve the knowledge on increasingly complicated technological and ethical aspects associated with modern genetic diagnostics.
Metabolomics Study of Browning Mechanism in Eggplant Fruits
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Shengmei , Shang Jing , Zhang Aidong , Zhu Zongwen , Wu Xuexia , Zha Dingshi 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective ： Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables is an emerging type of fruits and vegetables processing products for consumers to eat immediately or for the catering industry. Enzymatic browning is one of the crucial problems compromising the flavor and texture of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Eggplant is a common vegetable, which is favored by consumers. Accordingly, we used an untargeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to explore the browning mechanism in peeled eggplant ( Solanum melongena L . ). Results: Metabolomics revealed several hundred differential metabolites, including lipids, phenols, sugars and fatty acids. The content of these metabolites changed dynamically as the peeled time increased. The content of polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acid, increased significantly, suggesting that the main substrate for enzymatic browning in eggplant is chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, all the differential metabolite were mapped to KEGG pathway, revealing significant differences in linoleic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism，glutathione metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis, phenylpropanol metabolism and glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-anchor biosynthesis over time. Therefore, we speculate that some metabolic pathways that are closely connected with respiration, glycolysis, ATP synthesis, and phenolic synthesi are disturbed after peeling, under the action of enzymes, eventually leading to browning.
Impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ishola Foluso , Ukah Vivian , Nandi Arijit 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: A country’s abortion law is a key component in determining the enabling environment for safe abortion. While restrictive abortion laws still prevail in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many countries have reformed their abortion laws, with the majority of them moving away from an absolute ban. However, the implications of these reforms on women’s access to and use of health services, as well as their health outcomes, is uncertain. First, there are methodological challenges to the evaluation of abortion laws, since these changes are not exogenous. Second, extant evaluations may be limited in terms of their generalizability, given variation in reforms across the abortion legality spectrum and differences in levels of implementation and enforcement cross-nationally. This systematic review aims to address this gap. Our aim is to systematically collect, evaluate, and synthesize empirical research evidence concerning the impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs.Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on changes in abortion laws and women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs. We will search Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases, as well as grey literature and reference lists of included studies for further relevant literature. As our goal is to draw inference on the impact of abortion law reforms, we will include quasi-experimental studies examining the impact of change in abortion laws on at least one of our outcomes of interest. We will assess the methodological quality of studies using the quasi-experimental study designs series checklist. Due to anticipated heterogeneity in policy changes, outcomes, and study designs, we will synthesize results through a narrative description.Discussion: This review will systematically appraise and synthesize the research evidence on the impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs. We will examine the effect of legislative reforms and investigate the conditions that might contribute to heterogeneous effects, including whether specific groups of women are differentially affected by abortion law reforms. We will discuss gaps and future directions for research. Findings from this review could provide evidence on emerging strategies to influence policy reforms, implement abortion services and scale up accessibility.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019126927
Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Bakibinga Pauline , Kamande Eva , Kisia Lyagamula , Omuya Milka , Matanda Dennis J , Kyobutungi Catherine 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. We co-developed and tested a decision support mobile health (m-Health) application (app); an integrated data capture tool running as a mobile app with selected reporting forms for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya and connected to health facilities. This paper explores the experiences of CHVs, health workers and members of Sub-County Health Management Teams following implementation of the project.Methods: Data were collected in December 2017 through in-depth interviews (health workers and CHVs) and key informant interviews (health managers) and focus group discussions (CHVs) working in Kamukunji sub-County of Nairobi, Kenya. Data coding and analysis was performed in NVivo 12.Results: Regarding users and health managers’ perceptions towards the system; three main themes were identified: 1) variations in use, 2) barriers to use and 3) recommendations to improve use. Health workers at the private facility and some CHVs used the system more than health workers at the public facilities. Four sub-themes under barriers to use were socio-political environment, attitudes and behaviour, issues related to the system and poor infrastructure. A prolonged health workers’ strike, the contentious presidential election in the year of implementation, interrupted electricity supply and lack of basic electric fixtures were major barriers to use. Suggestions to improve usage were: 1) integration of the system with others in use and making it available on users’ regular phones, and 2) provision of extra financial motivation for users as well as performance based remuneration. Conclusions: The findings reveal the importance of considering the readiness of information and communication technologies (ICT) users before rollout of ICT solutions. The political and sociocultural environment in which the innovation is to be implemented and integration of new solutions into existing ones is critical for success. As more healthcare delivery models are developed, harnessing the potential of digital technologies, strengthening health systems is critical as this provides the backbone on which such innovations draw support.
Is the improvement of cervical alignment really essential after three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? A minimal 5-year follow-up
Authors: Liang Yan , Xu Shuai , Yu Guanjie , Zhu Zhenqi , Liu Haiying 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Purpose: To identify the importance of sagittal alignment with self-locked stand-alone cage (SSC) and anterior cage-with-plate (ACP) system after 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) on cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after minimal 5-year follow-up.Methods: 38 patients with SSC system (SSC group) and 26 with ACP system (ACP group) from February 2007 to September 2013 were enrolled. Cervical alignment were C2-7 lordosis (CL), operated-segment CL (OPCL), upper and lower adjacent-segment CL (UCL and LCL) at preoperation (POP), immediate postoperation (IPO) and final follow-up (FFU). Clinical outcomes contained the neck disability index (NDI), the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Patients were divides into CL improved subgroup (IM subgroup) and non-improved subgroup (NIM subgroup).Results: There were improvements on CL and OPCL in both groups. The change of CL and OPCL larger in ACP group (P<0.05) but UAL and LAL were of no significance. NDI and JOA got improvement in both groups at IPO and FFU while ASD was in no difference between SSC and ACP. A total of 40 patients (18 vs 22) acquired CL improvement with a larger population in ACP group. There were no differences on the rate if ASD, NDI, JOA and their change between IM and NIM subgroup and the change of CL were not correlated with NDI, JOA and their change.Conclusion: SSC and ACP both provide long-term efficacy on OPCL correction with little impact on adjacent segment. The improvement of CL after three-level ACDF seems not so essential.
Assesement of plants used in traditional management of animals diseases in ekiti state north senatorial district of nigeria.
Authors: kehinde mary kehinde olanipekun , Tedela patrick Olugbenga , Kayode Joshua O 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background The traditional use of plant as medicine for the management of man and animal health has been from time immemorial to alleviate sicknesses in both local and urban communities. Animal has been a medium of provision of proteins and for the normal growth of organisms, however there are a lot of diseases that are detritions’ to the normal health of animals, hence reduced the effectiveness of such an animal. There is therefore a need for ethnobotanical documentation of the medicinal plants as well as associated knowledge and practices. Method Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Ekiti South senatorial district between 2017 and 2018 to document plants used in treating animal diseases in the study area. Semi structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk methods was used to interview the respondents who supplied information on plants used in treating the identified animal diseases. Different ethnobotanical indices were used to evaluate the relevance of the documented plants to the management of animal diseased prevailing in the study area. Results A total of 63 plant species from 38 families were documented for the management of ruminant and birds animals. The plants were reported using to treat six categories of ailments. The part of the plants mostly used are the leaves (50.7%) followed by the bark (40.8%), the seed (35.2%) and root (18.3%). The plants are prepared and applied either singly or in combination with other plants and are used either in the wet or dried forms. Rationales for the choice of these plants were also identified. The decoctions and infusions are the most frequent methods of preparation. The traditional healers in the study area possess rich ethno-pharmacological knowledge and depend largely on naturally growing plant species. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further and future phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Conclusion The study areas are rich in biodiversity because of the favorable climatic conditions. However, the indiscriminate exploitation of the farming land is detrimental to the availability of some of the naturally occurred and indigenous plants, thus extinction of the plants cannot be underestimated. Therefore the documentation of the information will significantly contribute to the evaluation and preservation of the traditional knowledge before it is finally eroded. Key words: Semi-structured, livestock, diseases, management, indigenous knowledge
Normative Values of The Retinal Macular Thickness in a Middle Eastern Population.
Authors: Saad Mouna Al , Shatarat Amjad T. , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Since the normative value of the retinal macular thickness is undocumented in the Middle East, the aim of this work is to assess the normative values of the macular thickness in healthy eyes in a Middle Eastern population and its relationship with age, sex, and laterality. Methods:116 individuals were randomly selected from volunteers visiting the Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan. Measurements were obtained using the Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Multivariant regression models were developed to obtain predicted normative values with adjustment to candidate variables. In addition, the effect of age, sex and laterality were evaluated. Results: The average central fovea macular thickness was 229.5 (±30.85) um. The quadratic value of the retinal macular thickness decreased from the superior value of 299.71 (±23.67) um (P=.001)to the inferior value of 296.46 (±28.85) um(P=.001) and a nasal figure of 93.63 (±26.86) um(P=.001). The temporal area has the thinnest value of 293.43 (±30.78) um( P=0.001). Central thickness was higher in males with a mean variation of 11.67 um (95% CI: 2.41 to 20.93) (p= 0.003). The thickness was highest within 3mm diameter from the center and decreased towards the periphery Eye sidedness didn’t contribute to variability of the macular thickness. Furthermore, we found a significant difference between age and central macular thickness (p= 0.001) Conclusion: Our set of predicted normative data may be used to interpret measurement of the macular thickness in Middle Eastern population. The average fovea macular thickness among Jordanians is consistent with previously reported values. Normative values from additional Middle Eastern populations are required to appraise our module.
A Corpus-Based Analysis of English and Kurdish Words Expressing Love: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: GEYİK Resul 
Published: January 2020

As
a new field of study “Kurdish Studies” needs to be studied in a detailed way in
order to attract attention in linguistic and social studies. Through such
studies the interdisciplinary approaches will bring about new doors of the
field, just on this point a contrastive study of the words expressing love in
Kurdish-Kurmanji and English is crucial in the usage of the semantics and pragmatics. Being a very
sensitive issue, love requires great attention of the feelings from all level
of society to the individual one. A thematically classification of words in
both languages will facilitate the grasp of the issue, thence, the grasp of the
language/culture.