bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematological reference intervals among full-term newborns in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tiruneh Tegenaw , Kiros Teklehymanot , Getu Sisay 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Hematological reference intervals are used for medical decision tools for interpretation of numerical test results. Establishing of hematological interval among newborn babies is very important for the diagnosis of malignancy, anemia, bleeding disorders, and various infections. There is no locally established hematological reference intervals in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim of this study is to established locally determined hematological reference interval among full-term newborns.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to May 2019 among 151 apparently healthy full-term newborns at Gondar University Hospital. About 3ml of cord blood was obtained for analysis of Hematological parameters and determined by using Sysmex KX-21N (Sysmex Corporation Kobe, Japan) automated analyzer. Median, 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were computed.Result: Males to female’s ratio was almost equal. All hematological parameter had no statistically significant difference between males and females. The delivery types were not influenced its hematological values. The reference interval of white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, and mean cell hemoglobin were (7.64-22.16) x109/l, (3.69-5.47)x1012/l, (132.74-413.4) x109/l, (13.32-19.64) g/dl and (39.42-58.06)%, (91.6-113.22)fl, and (30.48-38.02)pg, respectively.Conclusion: All hematological reference interval was established from full-term newborns at University of Gondar hospital was different from other studies in Nigeria, Iraq, Pakistan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Iran. Therefore, own determined reference value is very important for the clinicians to correctly diagnosis the patients at health facility levels.
Association of whole blood copper, magnesium and zinc levels with metabolic syndrome components in 6–12-year-old rural Chinese children: 2010–2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey
Authors: Zhang Huidi , Man Qingqing , Song Pengkun , Li Siran , Liu Xiaobing , Wang Lijuan , Li Yuqian , Yang Lichen 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) are essential elements that participate in a series of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways related to metabolic reactions. Many studies have analyzed the relationship between Cu, Mg and Zn and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and adults, but there have been few studies of children. We aimed to investigate the association of whole blood Cu, Mg and Zn with MetS components in 6–12-year-old rural Chinese children. Methods: A total of 911 children (51.2% male, 48.7% female) aged 6–12 years were enrolled from the 2010–2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Basic characteristics, metals and MetS component parameters were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the independent relationship between metals and the incidence of MetS components.Results: Copper was positively associated with elevated waist circumference when analyzed alone (OR=2.00, 1.18–3.28). Combined with Zn, this association approached zero. For elevated triglyceride levels, the combination of low Cu and high Zn showed the opposite association with triglyceride relative to Cu alone (OR=2.21, 1.18–4.13 versus OR=0.33, 0.16–0.65, respectively), but was similar to the analysis of Zn alone (OR=2.12, 1.10–4.10). There was no association between whole blood Mg and waist circumference. However, the presence of both high Cu and high Mg levels significantly increased the risk of waist circumference exceeding the standard value (OR=2.03, 1.26–3.27). In addition, separate analysis of the distribution of Mg and Zn found no association with the risk of reduced high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C); but high Zn combined with low Mg negatively associated with the risk of reduced HDL-C levels (OR=0.47, 0.28–0.77). Conclusions: Both the single and combined effects of Cu, Mg and Zn were associated with components of MetS. These results indicate the importance of combined analysis of multiple elements, and also provide new avenues for the early screening of MetS. The current results need to be further investigated in future work and other populations.
Preoperative platelet count predicts posttransplant portal vein complications in orthotopic liver transplantation: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Li Qingshan , Wang Yue , Ma Tao , Ren Fenggang , Mu Fan , Wu Rongqian , Lv Yi , Wang Bo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The role of platelets on the prognosis of patients with liver transplantation remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the influence of preoperative platelet count on postoperative morbidity after liver transplantation. Methods: Clinical data of the patients who received liver transplantation from January 2015 to September 2018 were evaluated. Results: Of the 329 patients included, the average age was 46.71±0.55 years, and 243 were men (75.2%). The incidence of posttransplant portal vein complication was significantly higher in the high platelet count group (> 49.5×109/L; n=167) than in the low platelet count group (≤ 49.5×109/L, n=162, 12.6% vs. 1.9%). After multivariable regression analysis, high platelet count was independently associated with postoperative portal vein complication (odds ratio [OR]: 8.821, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.260 to 34.437). After the inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, patients in the high platelet count group had significantly higher risk of portal vein complication (OR: 9.210, 95%CI: 1.907 to 44.498, p=0.006) and early allograft dysfunction (OR: 2.087, 95%CI: 1.131 to 3.853, p=0.019). Conclusions: Preoperative platelet count > 49.5×109/L was an independent risk factor for posttransplant portal vein complication and early allograft dysfunction. High preoperative platelet count could be an adverse prognostic predictor for liver transplantation recipients.
Predictive significance of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Liang Zhuoping , Yan Bing , Liu Chang , Tan Ruyu , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) exhibits a poorer outcome compared with non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (nonECRSwNP), so it is significant to identify effective markers to differentiate ECRSwNP in guiding the treatment strategies of these patients. Although arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) is positioned as a marker of eosinophilic inflammation, its study in differentiating ECRSwNP has not been reported. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of ALOX15 in distinguishing and predicting ECRSwNP. Methods: Forty-eight patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), including 30 ECRSwNP and 18 nonECRSwNP patients, were enrolled. ALOX15 mRNA level was determined in polyps by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients’ baseline characteristics were evaluated and analyzed for correlations with ALOX15. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive significance of the potential predictors for ECRSwNP.Results: ALOX15 mRNA level was significantly higher in ECRSwNP patients than in nonECRSwNP patients (P < 0.001). ALOX15 mRNA was significantly correlated with tissue and blood eosinophil percentages (r = 0.565, P < 0.001 and r = 0.395, P = 0.006), olfaction scores (r = 0.400, P = 0.005), total visual analogue scale (VAS) symptom scores (r = 0.383, P = 0.007), ethmoid/maxillary sinus (E/M) ratio (r = 0.463, P = 0.001), and endoscopy scores (r = 0.409, P = 0.004). Logistic regression analysis showed ALOX15 mRNA level and percentage of blood eosinophils to be predictive factors for ECRSwNP (P = 0.004 and P = 0.036, respectively). ROC curve indicated ALOX15 to have high predictive accuracy for ECRSwNP (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.909), which was further improved by combination of ALOX15 with percentage of blood eosinophils (AUC = 0.933). Conclusions: The relative ALOX15 mRNA level alone or in combination with blood eosinophils might be a reliable biomarker for predicting a diagnosis of ECRSwNP.
Value of CT and three-dimensional reconstruction revealing specific radiological signs for screening causative high jugular bulb in patients with Menière's disease
Authors: Hu Junjiao , Peng Anquan , Deng Kai , Huang Chao , Wang Qin , Pang Xueying , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhiwen , Jiang Wenqi , Chen Yichao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the pathological features of vestibular aqueduct (VA) related high jugular bulb (HJB) and explore the possible cause-consequence relation between HJB and endolymphatic hydrops (EH), and the potential specific radiological signs for screening causative HJB in Meniere’s disease (MD).MethodsHigh-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and three-dimensional reconstruction (3DRC) were used to detect the anatomical variables associated with VA and jugular bulb (JB) in hydropic and non-hydropic ears. The presence or absence of EH in the inner ear was determined by gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The presence of different types of HJB, the anatomical variables of the VA and JB and the three types of anatomical relationship between the VA and HJB were compared between the hydropic and non-hydropic ears using the χ2 or Fisher’s exact tests. P<0.05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.ResultsJB was classified as: Type 1, no bulb; type 2, below the inferior margin of the posterior semicircular canal (PSCC); type 3, between the inferior margin of the PSCC and the inferior margin of the internal auditory canal (IAC); type 4, above the inferior margin of the IAC. There were no significant differences in the presence of types 1, 2 and 3 JB between two groups. The presence of type 4 JB, average height of the JB and prevalence of the non-visualization of the VA in CT scans showed significant differences between two groups. The morphological pattern between the JB and VA revealing by 3DRC was classified as: Type I, the JB was not in contact with the VA; type II, the JB was in contact with the VA, but the latter was intact without obstruction; type III, the VA was obliterated by HJB encroachment. There were no significant differences in the presence of type I and II between two groups. Type III was identified in 5 hydropic ears but no non-hydropic ears, with a significant difference observed between the two groups.ConclusionThe present results showed that JB height and non-visualization of the VA on Pöschl's plane could render patients susceptible to the development of EH. A jugular bulb reaching above the inferior margin of the IAC (type 4 JB) could obstruct VA, resulting in EH in a few isolated patients with MD. VA obliteration revealed by 3DRC, as a specific radiological sign, may have the potential for screening causative HJB in MD.
Achilles tendon enthesitis evaluated by MRI assessments in patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis: a report of the methodology of the ACHILLES trial
Authors: Baraliakos Xenofon , Sewerin Philipp , de Miguel Eugenio , Pournara Effie , Kleinmond Christine , Wiedon Annette , Behrens Frank 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The currently available scoring methods for enthesitis are often measures of pain but not of inflammation at entheseal sites. The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials (OMERACT) psoriatic arthritis (PsA) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scoring system (PsAMRIS) assesses inflammation and damage in PsA and was particularly developed for the hands. The ACHILLES trial used clinical measures for heel enthesitis in combination with MRI scoring based on PsAMRIS.Methods: Patients (age ≥ 18 years) with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and PsA were included in the trial if they presented with clinical and MRI-positive heel enthesitis. MRI of the affected heel was performed at three time points: screening, Week 24 and Week 52. Inflammatory MRI findings (tendinitis, bursitis and bone marrow oedema [BME]) in the area of the Achilles tendon and/or plantar aponeurosis, periarticular inflammation of the ankle joint and heel erosion were assessed qualitatively (absent/present). In addition, BME and bone erosion were quantitatively assessed based on PsAMRIS, where their proportion was compared to the volume of the affected bone. Mean scores of BME and bone erosion quantification were calculated, and the mean composite score (based on PsAMRIS) was calculated based on the individual score of each subject for periarticular inflammation, BME and bone erosion and further extended for bursitis and tendinitis. Modifications to PsAMRIS were introduced by categorising oedema length as ≤/> 0.5 cm and locating bone erosion.Conclusions: In ACHILLES, MRI was used to assess and evaluate heel enthesitis. Due to the lack of a validated scoring system for heel enthesitis at the time of ACHILLES initiation, this trial applied quantitative scoring based on PsAMRIS, with specific adaptations for the heel.Trial registration: National Clinical Trial Registry, NCT02771210. Registered 13 May 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02771210
Prognostic role of pre-sarcopenia and body composition with long-term outcomes in obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Chul Seung , Won Daeyoun David , Oh Soon Nam , Lee Yoon Suk , Lee In Kyu , Kim In-Ho , Choi Moon Hyung , Oh Seong Taek 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: The clinical significance of pre-sarcopenia in colorectal cancer obstruction has not yet been described. The present study aimed to determine the short and long-term oncologic impacts of pre-sarcopenia in obstructive colorectal cancer.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 214 patients with obstructive colon cancer between January 2004 and December 2013. Initial staging computed tomography (CT) scans identified pre-sarcopenia and visceral obesity by measuring the muscle and visceral fat areas at the third lumbar vertebra level. Both short-term postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed.Results: Among all 214 patients, 71 (33.2%) were diagnosed with pre-sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia had a negative oncologic impact in both disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.86, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.04 – 3.13, p = 0.037, and HR = 1.92, CI 1.02 – 3.60, p = 0.043, respectively). Visceral adiposity, body mass index (BMI) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) did not significantly impact DFS and OS.Conclusion: Pre-sarcopenia is a clinical factor significantly associated with OS and DFS but not with short-term complications in obstructive colorectal cancer. In future, prospective studies should incorporate body composition data in patient risk assessments and oncologic prediction tools.
An R package for an integrated evaluation of statistical approaches to cancer incidence projection
Authors: Knoll Maximilian , Furkel Jennifer , Debus Jürgen , Abdollahi Amir , Karch André , Stock Christian 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Projection of future cancer incidence is an important task in cancer epidemiology. The results are of interest also for biomedical research and public health policy. Age-Period-Cohort (APC) models, usually based on long-term cancer registry data (>20yrs), are established for such projections. In many countries (including Germany), however, nationwide long-term data are not yet available. It is unclear which statistical approach should be recommended for projections using rather short-term data. Methods: To enable a comparative analysis of the performance of statistical approaches to cancer incidence projection, we developed an R package (incAnalysis), supporting in particular Bayesian models fitted by Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations (INLA). Its use is demonstrated by an extensive empirical evaluation of operating characteristics (bias, coverage and precision) of potentially applicable models differing by complexity. Observed long-term data from three cancer registries (SEER-9, NORDCAN, Saarland) was used for benchmarking. Results: Overall, coverage was high (mostly >90%) for Bayesian APC models (BAPC), whereas less complex models showed differences in coverage dependent on projection-period. Intercept-only models yielded values below 20% for coverage. Bias increased and precision decreased for longer projection periods (>15 years) for all except intercept-only models. Precision was lowest for complex models such as BAPC models, generalized additive models with multivariate smoothers and generalized linear models with age x period interaction effects. Conclusion: The incAnalysis R package allows a straightforward comparison of cancer incidence rate projection approaches. Further detailed and targeted investigations into model performance in addition to the presented empirical results are recommended to derive guidance on appropriate statistical projection methods in a given setting.
COVID-19 in Northeast Bosnia and Herzegovina and Patient’s Length of Hospitalization
Authors: Trnacevic Alma , Mujkanovic Amer , Al-Salloum Noura , Sakusic Amra , Trnacevic Emir , Jusufovic Emir , Hukic Fatima , Jahic Rahima , Stratton Richard 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic clinical data from various parts of the world have been reported; until now, there has been no clinical data with regards to COVID-19 from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). The aim was to report on the first cohort of patients from B&H and to analyze clinical factors of COVID-19 patients that may influence the length of hospitalization (LOH) of COVID-19 infected patients.Methods Retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tuzla University Clinical Center (UKC). It included 25 COVID-19 positive patients that were hospitalized between March 28th and April 27th 2020. The LOH was measured from the time of admission to discharge. Factors analyzed induced age, BMI, presence of comorbidities, serum creatinine and oxygen saturation upon admission.Results The mean age was 52.92±19.15 years and BMI 28.80±4.22. LOH for patients with normal BMI was 9±SE2.646 days (CI 95% 3.814-14.816) vs 14.182 ±SE .937 (CI 95% 12.346-16.018; p<0.05) for ≥25 BMI. Patients without underlying diseases had a LOH of 11.70 ±SE1.075 (CI 95% 9.592-13.808), while those with comorbidities 14.8 ±SE1.303 (CI95% 12.247-17.353; p<0.05). Conclusion LOH varied among COVID-19 patients and was prolonged when clinical characteristics such as elevated BMI, presence of comorbidities, elevated creatinine and low oxygen saturation levels were taken into consideration. Furthermore, risk factors for COVID-19 patients in B&H do not deviate from data reported in other countries.
Effectiveness of intravitreal chemotherapy-assisted endoresection in monocular patients with group D retinoblastoma
Authors: Yu Xiling , Li Xueke , Xing Yue , Lu Siduo , Tanumiharjo Silvia , Ma Jin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to determine the efficacy and complications of intravitreal chemotherapy-assisted endoresection for refractory International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) group D retinoblastoma in monocular patients.Methods: In this retrospective case series, intravitreal chemotherapy-assisted endoresection by pars plana vitrectomy was performed in 11 eyes with refractory ICRB group D retinoblastoma unresponsive to standard therapies in monocular patients.Results: Across a mean follow-up period of 42.7 months, globe salvage was attained in all 11 eyes (100%). There were no cases of extra-ocular tumour seeding or remote metastasis. In 9 eyes (81.8%), tumour control was achieved with one pars plana vitrectomy; in 2 cases (18.2%), repeated treatment, such as laser therapy, intravitreal chemotherapy or a second pars plana vitrectomy, was needed. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all 4 eyes (100%) with previous retinal detachment. Four eyes (36.4%) required subsequent cataract surgery due to secondary cataract. Ten eyes (90.9%) had improvement in best-corrected visual acuity at the last follow-up.Conclusion: Intravitreal chemotherapy-assisted endoresection appears to be a safe and effective globe-salvaging method for refractory group D retinoblastoma. It is a promising alternative to enucleation and a supplementary therapeutic strategy for those unresponsive to standard therapies, especially for the monocular retinoblastoma patients.
Alcohol Consumption and Associated Risk Factors in Burkina Faso: Results of a Population-based Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Samadoulougou Sékou , Cissé Kadari , Tassembedo Souleymane , Kouanda Séni , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background: Lifestyle modifiable risk factors are a leading preventable cause of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Amongst them, alcohol and tobacco consumption are the most important. Studies characterizing the prevalence of alcohol consumption in low-income countries are lacking. This study describes the prevalence of alcohol use in Burkina Faso and its associated factors separately for urban and rural residents.Methods: Data from the 2013 Burkina Faso World Health Organization (WHO) Step wise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) were analyzed. The prevalence of alcohol consumption over the last 30 days were recorded and recoded into categories according to WHO recommendations: low alcohol consumption (<40g alcohol/day for men, <20g for women), mid alcohol consumption (between 40 and 59.9g/day for men and between 20 and 39.9g for women) and a heavy consumption (>60g/day for men and 40g for women). Logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with alcohol consumption use.Results: In the whole population 3,559 (75.8% [72.5 – 78.7]) were not consuming any alcohol, 614 (12.9% [10.9 – 15.3]) had a low alcohol consumption, 399 (8.5% [7.1 – 10.1]) a mid alcohol consumption and 120 (2.7% [2.0 – 3.7]) a high consumption. Sex was significantly associated with increased risk of alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.28 [1.00 – 1.63]). Age was associated with alcohol intake with a gradient effect, older people having a higher risk (AOR = 2.40 [1.74 – 3.72] for the 55 – 64 years old compared to 25 – 34 group). Tobacco consumption was also significantly associated with alcohol intake with a gradient effect, those with higher tobacco consumption being at higher risk of abusive alcohol intake. When analyzing the risk of having abusive consumption in those consuming alcohol we found a highly significant effect of gender with male having an increased risk (AOR = 2.53 [1.38 – 4.68]).Conclusion: Our data showed an important burden of alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso with a strong relationship with age, gender and tobacco consumption and disparities across the different regions of Burkina Faso. To effectively reduce alcohol consumption in Burkina Faso, a comprehensive control program should consider these associated factors.