bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of serum vitamin D levels in surgical adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients
Authors: Alsiddiky Abdulmonem , Alfadhil Rheema , Al-aqel Maram , Ababtain Noura , Almajed Norah , Bakarman Khalid , Awwad Waleed , Alatassi Raheef 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism behind idiopathic scoliosis and its progression is not fully understood. Vitamin D insufficiency is known to play a role in the progression and/or occurrence of a variety of bone diseases. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Additionally, we aimed to calculate the differences in serum vitamin D levels, Cobb angles, spinal bone mass densities, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels between the sexes in the sample and to assess the possibility of a correlation between any of these factors.MethodsDemographic details, vitamin D levels, Cobb angle, spinal bone mass density, and alkaline phosphatase were collected from the records of 67 patients who were eligible for corrective surgery. These values were compared to normal levels and between the sexes within the study.ResultsOf the 67 patients, 54 (80.6%) were female. The mean serum vitamin D level was 37.86 ± 26 nmol/L, and levels below normal were found in 92.5% of the patients. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (p = 0.002) in serum alkaline phosphatase levels between the sexes. No correlation was found between vitamin D levels and the Cobb angles, spinal and bilateral femoral neck bone mass densities, and serum alkaline phosphatase levels.ConclusionsMost adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients had insufficient serum vitamin D levels and also suffered from low bone mineral density at an early age.
Validation of the AUDIT scale and factors associated with alcohol use disorder in adolescents: results of a National Lebanese Study
Authors: Hallit Jennifer , Salameh Pascale , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Soufia Michel , Akel Marwan , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Rabih , Hallit Souheil 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
This study objective was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and related factors (smoking, internet addiction, social anxiety, child abuse, and bullying) among a representative sample of Lebanese adolescents, and to validate and confirm psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

Methods
A cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2019, enrolled 1810 adolescents aged between 14 and 17 from schools of all Lebanese districts. From the total number of schools, a proportionate number was selected in each district. AUD was defined as a high AUDIT score (≥8; score range 0–40). A principal component analysis technique to confirm the validity of the construct of the AUDIT scale score was done and a confirmatory analysis to assess the structure of the instrument was conducted. Spearman correlation was used for linear correlation between continuous variables. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the means of two groups, while the Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare three groups or more. A stepwise linear regression was conducted, taking the AUDIT total score as the dependent variable and taking child abuse (psychological, sexual, physical and verbal), cigarette and waterpipe smoking dependence, bullying, social phobia, and internet addiction as independent variables.

Results
The mean AUDIT score was 6.46 ± 8.44 and high risk of AUD was found in 507 (28.0%) adolescents [95% CI 0.259–0.301]. One factor solution of the AUDIT scale was found after running the factor analysis (αCronbach = 0.978). Higher AUDIT scores were significantly associated with higher cigarette (Beta = 0.527; p < 0.001) and waterpipe (Beta = 0.299; p < 0.001) dependence, higher childhood sexual abuse (Beta = 0.656; p < 0.001) and neglect (Beta = 0.126; p < 0.001), higher bullying victimization (Beta = 0.236; p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Alcohol use disorder among Lebanese adolescents seems to be associated with several factors, such as cigarette and waterpipe dependence, parents’ divorce, higher internet addiction, bullying victimization, and childhood sexual abuse and neglect. Parents and healthcare professionals could use this data for early interventions.
The usefulness of pre-employment and pre-deployment psychological screening for disaster relief workers: a systematic review
Authors: Opie Elena , Brooks Samantha , Greenberg Neil , Rubin G. James 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Individuals who conduct disaster relief work overseas are exposed to a variety of traumatic events that can cause distress and trigger psychological illnesses. Identification of which disaster relief workers may be at risk of experiencing psychological distress or mental health disorders is frequently carried out through pre-employment or pre-deployment psychological screening. The primary objective of our review was to assess the evidence for pre-employment and pre-deployment psychological screening of relief workers who work in disaster situations. We aimed to identify specific pre-employment and pre-deployment characteristics that predict impaired wellbeing of an individual following engaging in disaster-related work.

Methods
A combined list of search terms was composed relating to disaster-related occupations, screening methods, psychological disorders, and study design. The databases used were PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and GlobalHealth. We included studies that used cross-sectional or longitudinal study designs; were published in the English language in peer-reviewed academic journals; reported on the association between pre-employment and pre-deployment features and post-deployment psychological disorders or distress; considered any occupational groups responding to a specified, discrete crisis; and used at least one validated measure of distress or disorder. We extracted data on the author; year of publication; disaster description; country of study; study design; population sample; disorder(s) outcome and the measures used; and results.

Results
Sixty-two, high-quality studies were included in the review. Forty-one potential predictors were identified. Of these, only volunteer status and previous history of mental illness and life stressors emerged as reliable predictors of distress or disorder.

Conclusion
The results suggest that whilst it is attractive to screen for pre-employment and pre-deployment indicators of resilience, the evidence base for doing so is weak. At best, this sort of screening can only weakly suggest vulnerability and at worst may result in discrimination. Until better evidence about its usefulness becomes available, employers should exercise caution over its use.
The decline of FGM in Egypt since 1987: a cohort analysis of the Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Van Rossem Ronan , Meekers Dominique 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundFemale genital mutilation (FGM) has been a longstanding tradition in Egypt and until recently the practice was quasi-universal. Nevertheless, there are indications that the practice has been losing support and that fewer girls are getting cut. This study analyzes the prevalence of FGM in different birth cohorts, to test whether the prevalence declined over time. The study also examines whether such a decline is occurring in all segments of society or whether it is limited mostly to certain more modernized segments of society.MethodsThis study pooled data from the 2005, 2008 and 2014 waves of the Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). The women participating in the EDHS provided data on 62,507 girls born to them between 1987 and 2014, including whether they were cut and at what age. Kaplan-Meier and Weibull proportional hazard survival analyses were used to examine trends in the prevalence and hazards of FGM across birth cohorts. Controls for region, religion and socioeconomic status of the parents were included in the Weibull regression.ResultsThe results show a steady decline in FGM across the birth cohorts studied. The base hazard for the 2010 birth cohort is only 30% that of the 1987 one. Further analyses show that the decline in FGM occurred in all segments of Egyptian society in a fairly similar manner although differences by region, religion and socioeconomic status persisted.ConclusionsThis study confirms that FGM is declining in Egypt. The proportion of girls getting cut has declined rapidly over the past few decades. This decline is not limited to the more modernized segments of society, but has spread to the more traditional segments as well. The latter increases prospects for the eventual eradication of the practice.
Forecasting drug utilization and expenditure: ten years of experience in Stockholm
Authors: Linnér Love , Eriksson Irene , Persson Marie , Wettermark Björn 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Operating under constrained budgets, payers and providers globally face challenges in enabling appropriate and sustainable access to new medicines. Among payer initiatives aiming to improve preparedness of healthcare systems for the introduction of new medicines, drug utilization and expenditure forecasting has played an increasingly important role. This study aims to describe the forecasting model used in Region Stockholm and to evaluate the accuracy of the forecasts produced over the past decade.

Methods
In this repeated cross-sectional study, we compared the predicted pharmaceutical expenditure with actual expenditure during the entire available follow-up period (2007–2018) both for overall drug utilization and for individual therapeutic groups. All analyses were based on pharmaceutical expenditure data that include medicines used in hospitals and dispensed prescription medicines for all residents of the region.

Results
According to the forecasts, the total pharmaceutical expenditure was estimated to increase between 2 and 8% annually. Our analyses showed that the accuracy of these forecasts varied over the years with a mean absolute error of 1.9 percentage points. Forecasts for the same year were more accurate than forecasts for the next year. The accuracy of forecasts also differed across the therapeutic areas. Factors influencing the accuracy of forecasting included the timing of the introduction of both new medicines and generics, the rate of uptake of new medicines, and sudden changes in reimbursement policies.

Conclusions
Based on the analyses of all forecasting reports produced since the model was established in Stockholm in the late 2000s, we demonstrated that it is feasible to forecast pharmaceutical expenditure with a reasonable accuracy. A number of factors influencing the accuracy of forecasting were also identified. If forecasting is used to provide data for decisions on budget allocation and agreements between payers and providers, we advise to update the forecast as close as possible prior to the decision date.
Target Product Profiles for medical tests: a systematic review of current methods
Authors: Cocco Paola , Ayaz-Shah Anam , Messenger Michael Paul , West Robert Michael , Shinkins Bethany 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
A Target Product Profile (TPP) outlines the necessary characteristics of an innovative product to address an unmet clinical need. TPPs could be used to better guide manufacturers in the development of ‘fit for purpose’ tests, thus increasing the likelihood that novel tests will progress from bench to bedside. However, there is currently no guidance on how to produce a TPP specifically for medical tests.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted to summarise the methods currently used to develop TPPs for medical tests, the sources used to inform these recommendations and the test characteristics for which targets are made. Database and website searches were conducted in November 2018. TPPs written in English for any medical test were included. Based on an existing framework, test characteristics were clustered into commonly recognised themes.

Results
Forty-four TPPs were identified, all of which focused on diagnostic tests for infectious diseases. Three core decision-making phases for developing TPPs were identified: scoping, drafting and consensus-building. Consultations with experts and the literature mostly informed the scoping and drafting of TPPs. All TPPs provided information on unmet clinical need and desirable analytical performance, and the majority specified clinical validity characteristics. Few TPPs described specifications for clinical utility, and none included cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions
We have identified a commonly used framework that could be beneficial for anyone interested in drafting a TPP for a medical test. Currently, key outcomes such as utility and cost-effectiveness are largely overlooked within TPPs though and we foresee this as an area for further improvement.
Adherence to “dietary approaches to stop hypertension” eating plan in relation to gastric cancer
Authors: Toorang Fatemeh , Sasanfar Bahareh , Hadji Maryam , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad , Zendehdel Kazem 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAlthough adherence to “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension” (DASH) dietary pattern has been linked with reduced risk of several cancers. To our knowledge no studies have examined the association between the DASH dietary pattern and risk of gastric cancer. This study was performed to investigate the association between adherence to the DASH dietary pattern and odds of gastric cancer in Iran.MethodsThis hospital-based case-control study was conducted on 178 histo-pathologically confirmed patients with gastric cancer and 276 sex-matched healthy controls. A validated 146-item Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) was used to assess participants’ usual dietary intakes. The DASH dietary pattern scores were calculated using the method introduced by Fung. Unconditional logistic regression, in which potential confounders were taken into account, was applied to determine the association of adherence to the DASH dietary pattern and odds of gastric cancer.ResultsMean age of cases and controls were 60.8 and 53.2 y, respectively. After controlling for age, sex and energy intakes, participants in the highest tertile were 62% less likely to have gastric cancer than those in the lowest tertile (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.22,0.65; Ptrend < 0.004). Further adjustment for other potential confounders, including education, marital status, residential place, alcohol intake and smoking, did not change the association dramatically (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.25, 0.78; Ptrend = 0.005). Even after additional controlling for H-Pylori infection and BMI, greatest adherence to the DASH dietary pattern was associated with a 54% decreased risk of gastric cancer (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26, 0.83; Ptrend = 0.01).ConclusionsAdherence to the DASH dietary pattern was associated with lower gastric cancer risk in this case-control study.
Mother-child dyadic influences of affect on everyday movement behaviors: evidence from an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Yang Chih-Hsiang , Huh Jimi , Mason Tyler B. , Belcher Britni R. , Kanning Martina , Dunton Genevieve F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundResearch has shown that affect is associated with everyday movement behaviors in children and adults. However, limited work to date has investigated dyadic influences of momentary affect on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary time among children and their mothers using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).MethodsMothers and their children (eight to 12-years-old at baseline) from the Los Angeles metropolitan area participated in a longitudinal study with six semi-annual measurement waves across three years. During each measurement wave, mothers and children reported momentary negative and positive affect via a custom smartphone-based EMA application across seven days (randomly sampled up to eight times per day). Each dyad member’s momentary affective states were used to predict their own and the other dyad member’s accelerometer-measured MVPA and sedentary time in the prompt-matched 45-min time window. Multilevel modeling within the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) framework was applied to accommodate the nested dyadic nature of the data.ResultsAt the within-subject level, when children had higher-than-usual positive affect, they engaged in greater MVPA and less sedentary time in the prompt-matched 45-min window (actor effects;ps < .001). When mothers experienced higher-than-usual positive affect, they engaged in more sedentary time in the same 45-min window (actor effect;p < .001). Children’s higher-than-usual positive affect also predicted more MVPA time of their mothers (partner effect;p < .05). At the between-subjects level, for mothers who reported higher average negative affect than other mothers, their children overall had less MVPA and more sedentary time (partner effectsps < .05).ConclusionsThis study extends the literature by demonstrating that mothers’ and children’s everyday physical activity and sedentary time are not only associated with their own affective states, but also may be influenced by the affective states of each other. Our findings suggest that affective states have the potential to influence movement behaviors in mother-child dyads’ everyday lives. Affective underpinnings of physical activity and sedentary behaviors should be further studied in order to develop family-based intervention strategies to influence these behaviors.
Differential responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors of melanoma cell lines BRAF V600E-mutated
Authors: Al Hashmi Muna , Sastry Konduru S. , Silcock Lee , Chouchane Lotfi , Mattei Valentina , James Nicola , Mathew Rebecca , Bedognetti Davide , De Giorgi Valeria , Murtas Daniela , Liu Wei , Chouchane Aouatef , Temanni Ramzi , Seliger Barbara , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco M. , Tomei Sara 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Most mutations in melanoma affect one critical amino acid on BRAF gene, resulting in the V600E substitution. Patient management is often based on the use of specific inhibitors targeting this mutation.

Methods
DNA and RNA mutation status was assessed in 15 melanoma cell lines by Sanger sequencing and RNA-seq. We tested the cell lines responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib and PLX4720, BRAF-specific and sorafenib, BRAF non-specific). Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. BRAF V600E RNA expression was assessed by qPCR. Expression level of phosphorylated-ERK protein was assessed by Western Blotting as marker of BRAF activation.

Results
Three cell lines were discordant in the mutation detection (BRAF V600E at DNA level/Sanger sequencing and BRAF WT on RNA-seq). We initially postulated that those cell lines may express only the WT allele at the RNA level although mutated at the DNA level. A more careful analysis showed that they express low level of BRAF RNA and the expression may be in favor of the WT allele. We tested whether the discordant cell lines responded differently to BRAF-specific inhibitors. Their proliferation rate decreased after treatment with vemurafenib and PLX4720 but was not affected by sorafenib, suggesting a BRAF V600E biological behavior. Yet, responsiveness to the BRAF specific inhibitors was lower as compared to the control. Western Blot analysis revealed a decreased expression of p-ERK protein in the BRAF V600E control cell line and in the discordant cell lines upon treatment with BRAF-specific inhibitors. The discordant cell lines showed a lower responsiveness to BRAF inhibitors when compared to the BRAF V600E control cell line. The results obtained from the inhibition experiment and molecular analyses were also confirmed in three additional cell lines.

Conclusion
Cell lines carrying V600E mutation at the DNA level may respond differently to BRAF targeted treatment potentially due to a lower V600E RNA expression.
The use of internet analytics by a Canadian provincial chiropractic regulator to monitor, evaluate and remediate misleading claims regarding specific health conditions, pregnancy, and COVID-19
Authors: Kawchuk Greg , Hartvigsen Jan , Innes Stan , Simpson J. Keith , Gushaty Brian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Internet analytics are increasingly being integrated into public health regulation. One specific application is to monitor compliance of website and social media activity with respect to jurisdictional regulations. These data may then identify breaches of compliance and inform disciplinary actions. Our study aimed to evaluate the novel use of internet analytics by a Canadian chiropractic regulator to determine their registrants compliance with three regulations related to specific health conditions, pregnancy conditions and most recently, claims of improved immunity during the COVID-19 crisis.

Methods
A customized internet search tool (Market Review Tool, MRT) was used by the College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC), Canada to audit registrants websites and social media activity. The audits extracted words whose use within specific contexts is not permitted under CCBC guidelines. The MRT was first used in October of 2018 to identify words related to specific health conditions. The MRT was again used in December 2019 for words related to pregnancy and most recently in March 2020 for words related to COVID-19. In these three MRT applications, potential cases of word misuse were evaluated by the regulator who then notified the practitioner to comply with existing regulations by a specific date. The MRT was then used on that date to determine compliance. Those found to be non-compliant were referred to the regulator’s inquiry committee. We mapped this process and reported the outcomes with permission of the regulator.

Results
In September 2018, 250 inappropriate mentions of specific health conditions were detected from approximately 1250 registrants with 2 failing to comply. The second scan for pregnancy related terms of approximately1350 practitioners revealed 83 inappropriate mentions. Following notification, all 83 cases were compliant within the specified timeframe. Regarding COVID-19 related words, 97 inappropriate mentions of the word “immune” were detected from 1350 registrants with 7 cases of non-compliance.

Conclusion
Internet analytics are an effective way for regulators to monitor internet activity to protect the public from misleading statements. The processes described were effective at bringing about rapid practitioner compliance. Given the increasing volume of internet activity by healthcare professionals, internet analytics are an important addition for health care regulators to protect the public they serve.