bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complete horizontal gaze palsy due to bilateral paramedian pontine reticular formation involvement as a presentation of multiple sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Akhavan Sigari Amirhossein , Etemadifar Masoud , Salari Mehri 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Demyelinating central nervous system diseases include several disorders that multiple sclerosis (MS) is identified as the most common among them. Ocular movement disturbances are a typical presentation in MS patients where lesions affect the complex and interconnected pathways involved in eye motion. Centers for gaze control are located in the pons primarily; therefore, lesions involving these centers can be presented with abnormalities in gaze. However, bilateral lesions in pontine gaze centers are exceptionally rare.

Case presentation
A 16-year-old girl with bilateral horizontal gaze palsy was referred to the neurology clinic. Magnetic resonance imaging of the patient indicated bilateral hyperintensities in the pons at the level of the paramedian pontine reticular formation. The patient was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis with respect to clinical and imaging findings and managed.

Conclusion
Ocular movement abnormalities are a commonly encountered manifestation in patients with multiple sclerosis, however, bilateral gaze palsy is an exceptionally rare sign and should guide the physician to contemplate for anticipated lesions in the pons, and suspect MS, especially in childbearing-aged women. Although an extensive workup should also be done to rule out possible mimickers.
Prevalence and factors associated with intestinal parasitic infection among under-five children in and around Haro Dumal Town, Bale Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Gadisa Eshetu , Jote Kefiyalew 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Intestinal parasitic infection is diversified illness and diseases caused millions morbidity among under-five children lives in developing countries particularly vulnerable rural communities. Deworming coverage in such community is low. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among under-five children live in and around Haro Dumal Town.

Methods
Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 561 randomly selected under-five children from June to August, 2018. The stool samples were collected and examined by basic parasitological techniques. Data related to socio-demographic and risk factors were collected using a self administered questionnaire. Statistical data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 and the bivariate and multivariate logistic regression used to compute the association between variables. P-value of < 0.05 was statistical significance.

The results
Of the 561 total under-five children, 216 (38.5%) were found to be infected with intestinal parasites. E.histolytica/dispar (15.3%) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by hook worm (14.4%) and T.trichuria (13.9%). Regarding risk factors, geo-phage [(AOR = 4.7; 95%CI: 2.0–10.4), P < 0.001], tungiasis [(AOR = 3.1; 95%CI: 1.1–6.6), P < 0.001], eating raw vegetable [(AOR = 1.3; 95%CI: 1.4–3.3), P < 0.001] were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections.

Conclusion
Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) were found to be highly prevalent in the study area. Hence, improving sanitation, controlling ecto-parasite such as tungiasis, provision of safe water and successful mass-deworming are important.
The association between occupational loading and spine degeneration on imaging – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Macedo Luciana G. , Battié Michele C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere are inconsistencies in findings regarding the relationship of occupational loading with spinal degeneration or structural damage. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to determine the current state of knowledge on the association of occupational loading and spine degeneration on imaging.MethodsWe performed electronic searches on MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE. We included cross-sectional, case control and cohort studies evaluating occupational loading as the exposure and lumbar spine structural findings on imaging as the outcomes. When possible, results were pooled.ResultsSeventeen studies were included in the review. Ten studies evaluated the association of occupational loading with disc degeneration (signal intensity), four of which were pooled into a meta-analysis. Of the 10 studies, only two did not identify a relationship between occupation loading and disc degeneration. A meta-analysis including four of the studies demonstrated an association between higher loading and degeneration for all spinal levels, with odds ratios between 1.6 and 3.3. Seven studies evaluated disc height narrowing and seven evaluate disc bulge, with six and five identifying an association of loading and with imaging findings respectively. Three studies evaluated modic changes and one identified and association with occupational load.ConclusionsThere was moderate evidence suggesting a modest association between occupational loading and disc degeneration (signal intensity), and low-quality evidence of an association between occupational loading and disc narrowing and bulging.
The correlations between the anchor density and the curve correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery
Authors: Yeh Yu-Cheng , Niu Chi-Chien , Chen Lih-Huei , Chen Wen-Jer , Lai Po-Liang 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The optimal anchor density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery to achieve good curve correction remains unclear. The purpose of the study is to analyze the correlations between three-dimensional curve correction and anchor density in the pedicle screw-based posterior fusion of AIS.

Methods
One hundred and twenty-seven AIS patients receiving primary posterior fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation were retrospectively reviewed. Anchor density (AD) was defined as the screws number per fused spinal segment. The correlations between three-dimensional curve correction radiographic parameters and anchor density were analyzed with subgroup analysis based on different curve types, curve magnitudes, and curve flexibilities. The differences of curve correction parameters between the low-density (AD ≤1.4), middle-density (1.4 < AD ≤1.7) and high-density (AD > 1.7) groups were also calculated. Independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results
There were no correlations between the anchor density and the coronal curve correction or apical vertebral rotation (AVR) correction. In the sagittal plane, mild positive correlations existed between anchor density and thoracic kyphosis correction in all patients (r = 0.27, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis revealed similar mild positive correlations in Lenke 1 (r = 0.31, p = 0.02), Lenke 1–3 (r = 0.27, p = 0.01), small curves (40°-60°, r = 0.38, p <  0.001), and flexible curves (flexibility > 40%, r = 0.34, p = 0.01).
There were no differences between low-density (mean 1.31), middle-density (mean 1.55), and high-density (mean 1.83) in terms of coronal or axial curve correction parameters. Low-density group has longer fused level (mean difference 2.14, p = 0.001) and smaller thoracic kyphosis correction (mean difference 9.25°, p = 0.004) than high-density group.

Conclusion
In our study, the anchor density was not related to coronal or axial curve corrections. Mild positive correlations with anchor density were found in thoracic kyphosis correction, especially in patients with smaller and flexible curves. Low anchor density with longer fusion level achieves similar curve corrections with middle or high anchor density in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery.
Lower extremity kinematic analysis in male athletes with unilateral anterior cruciate reconstruction in a jump-landing task and its association with return to sport criteria
Authors: Norouzi Sadegh , Esfandiarpour Fateme , Mehdizadeh Sina , Yousefzadeh Nasim Kiani , Parnianpour Mohamad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Return to sport (RTS) criteria are widely being used to identify anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) athletes ready to return to sportive activity and reduce risk of ACL re-injury. However, studies show a high rate of ACL re-injury in athletes who passed RTS criteria. This indicates that the current RTS criteria might not be sufficient to determine return to sport time in ACLR athletes. Previous studies have reported a close association between altered lower limb kinematics and ACL re-injury. However, it is not clear how lower extremity kinematics differs between ACLR athletes who passed the RTS-criteria and who failed. This study compared lower extremity kinematics in a jump-landing task between ACLR athletes who passed the RTS criteria (Limb symmetry in hop tests, quadriceps strength and questionnaires) to those who failed and to the healthy individuals.

Methods
Participants were 27 male football players with unilateral ACLR including 14 who passed -RTS criteria and 13 failed, and 15 healthy football players. A 3D motion capture system recorded participants’ lower extremity motion while performing 10 trials of a bilateral jump-landing task. Hip, knee and ankle angular motion were examined at initial contact. Two-way mixed analysis of variances (2 limbs × 3 groups) and Bonferroni post-hoc tests were performed to compare the joint angles between the limbs and groups.

Results
lower hip abduction angle was found in the failed (involved limb 4.1 ° ± 4.2) and passed RTS (involved limb 6.8° ± 3.3) groups compared to the healthy group (non-dominant limb 10.7° ± 3.7). Ankle inversion in the failed RTS (0.4° ± 4.9) group was significantly lower than both passed RTS (4.8° ± 4.8, p = 0.05) and healthy (8.2° ± 8.1, p < 0.001) groups. There were no significant differences between the groups in knee kinematics.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate reduced hip abduction during initial contact phase of landing in athletes returned to sport. Reduced hip abduction during the complex multiplanar movement of jump-landing is a risk factor for ACL re-injury. Current RTS criteria may not be sufficient to identify ACLR athletes at high risk of re-injury. The kinematic analysis in conjunction with current RTS criteria can provide additional insight into the return to sport decision making.
Acupuncture therapy for chronic low back pain: protocol of a prospective, multi-center, registry study
Authors: Wei Xuqiang , Liu Baoyan , He Liyun , Yang Xingyue , Zhou Jincao , Zhao Hong , Liu Jia 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveAcupuncture therapy for chronic low back pain (CLBP) has received increasing attention. Nevertheless, the evidence of efficacy and safety of random controlled trials (RCTs) remains controversial. Acupuncture as a complex intervention influenced by many factors, its effectiveness in treating chronic low back pain in the real world is unknown. We will develop a network-based registry study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic low back pain and explore key factors affecting efficacy in the real world.MethodsA prospective, multi-center and dynamic registry study. All acupuncture related information will be collected through a high-quality structured network platform. Patients with CLBP included in the study met the following criteria: age from 16 to 80 years, using acupuncture as a main therapy and voluntarily signing the informed consent. At least 2000 patients, 27 acupuncturist, and 9 medical centers will be recruited under actual clinical settings at the first stage. Numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Effective rate will be measured in pain and functional disability assessment, respectively, as the primary outcome. Evaluation index will be collected at the baseline and follow-up in 1, 4, 12 weeks after the last visit. Hierarchical models and regression analysis will be used to explore the key factors affecting acupuncture effectiveness. Effects between propensity matching groups (Traditional Chinese acupuncture style vs Microacupuncture style, Local acupoint selection vs Non-local acupoint selection, Single Acupuncture vs Combined therapy) will be compared.DiscussionThis study will be conducted based on the characteristics of acupuncture therapy in the “Real World”. Fundamental factors affecting the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture and the preferred acupuncture regimen in the treatment of CLBP will be identified. Reliable acupuncture evidence for the treatment of CLBP through the registry will be a significant supplement to the RCTs.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry,ChiCTR-OOC-17010751and Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry,AMCTR-OOO-17000045. Registered date on 3 December 2016.
A monocentric analysis of the efficacy of extracellular cryoprotectants in unfrozen solutions for cleavage stage embryos
Authors: Capodanno Francesco , Daolio Jessica , De Feo Gaetano , Falbo Angela , Morini Daria , Nicoli Alessia , Braglia Luca , Villani MariaTeresa , La Sala Giovanni B. , Parmegiani Lodovico , Aguzzoli Lorenzo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
In the absence of international guidelines indicating the usage of vitrification rather than slow-freezing, the study aim was to analyze a large cohort of slow-frozen/thawed embryos to produce a rationale supporting the standardization of IVF cryopreservation policy.

Methods
This retrospective analysis included 4779 cleavage stage embryos cryopreserved by slow-freezing/thawing from September 2009 to April 2017 at a single Center. Biological and clinical outcomes of three different commercial kits adopted sequentially, i.e. Vitrolife Cleave Kit® from Vitrolife (kit 1) vs. K-SICS-5000 Kit® and K-SITS-5000 Kit® from Cook Medical (kit 2) and Freeze/Thaw 1™ Kit® from Vitrolife (kit 3) were collected and compared in the light of cryoprotectants composition.

Results
Kit 3 compared to kit 1 and kit 2 showed significantly (P < 0.001) higher embryo survival (79.9% vs. 75.6 and 68.1%, respectively) and frozen embryo replacement (91.5% vs. 86.5 and 83.3%, respectively) rates, and significantly (P < 0.001) lower blastomere degeneration rate (41.5% vs. 43.6 and 52.4%, respectively). No significant difference for clinical outcomes was observed among kits. Only a slight positive trend was observed for kit 3 vs. kit 1 and kit 2 on delivery rate per thawing cycle (7.12% vs. 4.19 and 4.51%, respectively; P < 0.058) and live birth rate (3.07% vs. 2.59 and 1.93%, respectively, P < 0.069). Thawing solutions of kit 3 were similar to those of any warming protocol.

Conclusions
A defined concentration of extracellular cryoprotectants in thawing/warming solutions had a beneficial effect on the embryo cryosurvival rate. Results could provide the rationale for the adoption of a single standardized warming protocol.
The surgical management of locally advanced well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma: changes over the years according to the AJCC 8th edition Cancer Staging Manual
Authors: Metere Alessio , Aceti Valerio , Giacomelli Laura 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundWell-differentiated thyroid carcinoma is defined as locally advanced in the presence of an extra thyroid extension, e.g., when the surrounding structures such as the trachea, larynx, esophagus and main blood vessels are invaded by cancer. The 8th edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual states that this is the main characteristic to evaluate for the staging and consequently for the prognosis in patients over 55 years old.Main bodyDistinguishing different forms of locally advanced thyroid cancer is essential, and the various anatomical structures and the clinical and therapeutic consequences must be taken into account. An accurate diagnosis of the organs invaded by thyroid cancer is necessary for the planning of surgical treatment, and both aspects are crucial to improving the patients’ survival. Patients affected by thyroid cancer with extra thyroid extension have a poor prognosis and the removal of the entire neoplasm represents a key factor for better disease-free survival.ConclusionsWe discuss the changes introduced by the 8th edition AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, in terms of the diagnostic and surgical management of extra thyroid extension, in patients affected by papillary and follicular thyroid cancer.
Technical efficiency of neonatal health services in primary health care facilities of Southwest Ethiopia: a two-stage data envelopment analysis
Authors: Yitbarek Kiddus , Abraham Gelila , Adamu Ayinengida , Tsega Gebeyehu , Berhane Melkamu , Hurlburt Sarah , Mann Carlyn , Woldie Mirkuzie 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Disparity in resource allocation is an issue among various health delivery units in Ethiopia. To sufficiently address this problem decision-makers require evidence on efficient allocation of resources. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the technical efficiency of primary health care units providing neonatal health services in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods
Two-stage data envelopment analysis was conducted based on one-year (2016/17) data from 68 health posts and 23 health centers in Southwest Ethiopia. Primary data were collected from each of the facility, respective district health offices and finance and economic cooperation offices. Technical efficiency scores were calculated using data envelopment analysis software version 2.1. Tobit regression was then applied to identify determinants of technical efficiency. STATA version 14 was used in the regression model and for descriptive statistics.

Results
By utilizing the best combination of inputs, eight health posts (11.76%) and eight health centers (34.78%) were found to be technically efficient in delivering neonatal health services. Compared with others included in the analysis, inefficient health delivery units were using more human and non-salary recurrent resources. The regression model indicated that there was a positive association between efficiency and the health center head’s years of experience and the facility’s catchment population. Waiting time at the health posts was found to negatively affect efficiency.

Conclusions
Most of health posts and the majority of health centers were found to be technically inefficient in delivering neonatal health services. This indicates issues with the performance of these facilities with regards to the utilization of inputs to produce the current outputs. The existing resources could be used to serve additional neonates in the facilities.
“Streets of Fire” revisited: contact burns
Authors: Kowal-Vern Areta , Matthews Marc R. , Richey Karen N. , Ruiz Kathy , Peck Michael , Jain Arpana , Foster Kevin N. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Pavement-street contact burns are rare. This study compared recent contact burns to those published in “Pavement temperature and burns: Streets of Fire” in 1995. The hypothesis was that there were a significantly increased number of pavement-street burns, as a result of increased ambient temperatures, and that motor vehicle crash (MVC) contact burns were less severe than pavements-street burns.

Methods
This was a retrospective burn center registry study of naturally heated surface contact burns during May to September from 2016 to 2018. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Maximum Likelihood chi-squared for age, percent of total burn surface area (% TBSA), treatment, hospitalization, comorbidities, hospital charges, mortality, ambient, and surface temperatures (pavement, asphalt, rocks).

Results
In the 1995 study, median ambient temperatures were 106 (range 100–113) °F compared to the 108 (range 86–119) °F highest noon temperature in the current study. No ambient temperature differences were recorded on days with pavement burn admissions compared to days without these admissions. There were 225 pavement, 27 MVC, 15 road rash, and 103 other contact burns. The major injuries in the pavement group were due to being “down” (unknown reason), falls, and barefoot. Compared to the others, the pavement group was older, 56+ years, p &lt; 0.001, and had smaller burns but similar length of stay. Fifty percent of the 225 pavement group patients with full-thickness burns required skin grafts. There were 13 (6%) fatalities in the pavement group vs 1 (4%) in the MVC group, p = 0.01. Fatalities were secondary to sepsis, shock, cardiac, respiratory, or kidney complications. Compared to survivors, the non-survivors had a significantly higher % TBSA (10% vs 4%), p = 0.01, and lower Glasgow Coma Scores (10 vs 15), p = 0.002.

Conclusion
There was a median 2 °F increase in ambient temperature since 1995. The increase in pavement burn admissions was multi-factorial: higher temperatures, population, and the number of older patients, with increased metropolis expansion, outreach, and urban heat indices. Pavement group was similar to the MVC group except for significantly older age and increased mortality. Morbidity associated with age contributed to increased mortality.
Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) development by landmark-based geometric morphometrics of cephalopharyngeal skeleton: a preliminary assessment for forensic entomology application
Authors: Sim Li-Xuan , Zuha Raja M. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Considering the practicality of geometric morphometrics which could discriminate insect species, this application was extended to the analysis of blow fly larval growth based on cephalopharyngeal skeleton. In forensic entomology, cephalopharyngeal skeleton plays a crucial role in species identification but the morphometric information of this part is scarce. In this study, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) was reared in two study replicates in natural conditions and samplings were conducted at fixed daily intervals. Cephalopharyngeal skeletons were removed from larvae and mounted on glass slides. Images were obtained from the specimens; digitized and geometric morphometric analysis on C. megacephala cephalopharyngeal skeletons was performed with MorphoJ software based on the ordination of five landmarks. The assessments of this analysis were based on centroid size measurements, visualization on the landmarks displacements, classification of the relative landmarks by using canonical variate analysis, and ontogenetic allometry determination.

Findings
Centroid size was strongly correlated with developmental time (p < 0.05) and significantly different between daily intervals (p < 0.05). Ontogenetic allometric effect based on multivariate regression on Procrustes coordinates and centroid size was significant (p < 0.0001), indicating that shape was influenced by growth (60.3%). Disposition occurred on all landmarks during development and was further discriminated based on age groups.

Conclusions
Other than discriminating between species, geometric morphometrics was found to be practical to visualize larval growth based on cephalopharyngeal skeletons which can be useful in forensic entomology.