bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cattle gastrointestinal nematode egg-spiked faecal samples: high recovery rates using the Mini-FLOTAC technique
Authors: Amadesi Alessandra , Bosco Antonio , Rinaldi Laura , Cringoli Giuseppe , Claerebout Edwin , Maurelli Maria Paola 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Faecal egg count (FEC) techniques are commonly used to detect gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) in cattle and to determine anthelmintic efficacy/resistance through the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). Mini-FLOTAC is one of the techniques recommended for a standardised FEC/FECRT of helminth eggs in cattle. However, only one paper evaluated the recovery rate of GIN eggs by Mini-FLOTAC (compared to McMaster and modified-Wisconsin) in cattle, using only the level of contamination of 200 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and using GIN eggs collected from goat faeces to spike faecal samples from cattle. To further study the recovery rate of added GIN eggs from cattle, this study was conducted in two laboratories, one in Belgium and one in Italy to evaluate sensitivity, accuracy, precision and reproducibility of Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster (at two reading levels: grids and chambers) for the detection of GIN eggs in spiked bovine faecal samples. Methods: In both countries, spiked cattle faecal samples with five different levels of egg contamination (10, 50, 100, 200 and 500 EPG) of GINs were used. The study was performed in both laboratories by the same expert operator and using the same standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Mini-FLOTAC and McMaster. Sensitivity, accuracy and precision were calculated for each technique and for each level of contamination. Moreover, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate differences between performances of techniques used. Results: Mini-FLOTAC had a higher sensitivity (100% at all EPG levels for Mini-FLOTAC vs 0-66.6% for McMaster chambers and grids at levels <100 EPG), a higher accuracy (98.1% mean value for Mini-FLOTAC vs 83.2% for McMaster grids and 63.8% for McMaster chambers) and a lower coefficient of variation (10.0% for Mini-FLOTAC vs 47.5% for McMaster grids and 69.4% for McMaster chambers) than McMaster. There was no significant difference between the recovery of GIN eggs from the two studies performed in Belgium and in Italy. Conclusions: The high GIN eggs recovery rate detected by Mini-FLOTAC and the similar results obtained in Belgium and in Italy indicated that the diagnostic performance of a FEC technique was not regard to the laboratory environment.
Gait speed and handgrip strength as predictors of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patient
Authors: Lee Yu Ho , Kim Jin Sug , Jung Su Woong , Hwang Hyeon Seok , Moon Ju-Young , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee So-Young , Ko Gang Jee , Lee Dong-Young , Lee Hong joo , Kim Yang Gyun 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Low physical performance in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis is associated with a high mortality rate. We investigated the clinical relevance of gait speed and handgrip strength, the two most commonly used methods of assessing physical performance. Methods We obtained data regarding gait speed and handgrip strength from 277 hemodialysis patients and evaluated their relationships with baseline parameters, mental health, plasma inflammatory markers, and major adverse clinical outcomes. Low physical performance was defined by the recommendations suggested by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia. Results The prevalence of low gait speed and handgrip strength was 28.2% and 44.8%, respectively. Old age, low serum albumin levels, high comorbidity index score, and impaired cognitive functions were associated with low physical performance. Patients with isolated low gait speed exhibited a general trend for worse quality of life than those with isolated low handgrip strength. Gait speed and handgrip strength showed very weak correlations with different determining factors (older age, the presence of diabetes, and lower serum albumin level for low gait speed, and lower body mass index and the presence of previous cardiovascular events for low handgrip strength). Patients with low gait speed and handgrip strength had elevated levels of plasma endocan and matrix metalloproteinase-7 and the highest risks for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among the groups (adjusted hazard ratio of 2.72, p = 0.024). Elderly patients with low gait speed and handgrip strength were at the highest risk for poor clinical outcomes. Conclusion Gait speed and handgrip strength reflected distinctive aspects of patient characteristics and the use of both factors improved the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes in hemodialysis patients. Gait speed seems to be a better indicator of poor patient outcomes than is handgrip strength.
Intravenous Calcium Gluconate Alleviates Lead-Induced Abdominal Pain, A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mayel Masoud , Hamzeh Saleh , Rabori Salile Shahabi Shahabi , Ghasemirad Sareh , Zamani Nasim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background : In 2016, in a lead poisoning outbreak in Iran, physicians reported thousands of opium users who presented to emergency departments (EDs) with intractable severe abdominal pain which did not respond to any narcotic medication. During the same period of time, we investigated the efficacy of intravenous calcium gluconate in alleviating lead-induced abdominal pain. Methods: In a single-center, single blinded, randomized controlled trial, a convenient sample of adult opium-addicted patients who presented to an academic ED with abdominal pain and had an initial diagnosis of lead poisoning were included and randomly subjected to two treatment groups receiving conventional treatment (morphine 0.1 mg/kg + normal saline; group 1) and conventional treatment plus 1 gram of intravenous calcium gluconate (group 2) to alleviate their abdominal pain. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was determined by each patient (0 to 100 mm) before treatment, and 15, 30, and 60 minutes after intervention. Results: A total of 50 patients (25 in each group) were enrolled. Blood lead levels, VAS scores before treatment, and mean administered dose of morphine were similar between the two groups. After treatment, mean VAS score dropped to 64.7±10.4 vs. 67.1±10.9 at 15 minutes (P=0.437), 64.6±10.9 vs. 58.0±11.2 at 30 minutes (P= 0.041), and 63.8±10.7 vs. 53.6±10.9 at 60 minutes (P= 0.002) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Conclusion: Intravenous calcium gluconate administration along with morphine can improve abdominal pain in lead poisoning due to the ingestion of lead-contaminated opium. Further interventional studies are recommended to see if response to calcium salts in suspected lead-induced abdominal pain can rule in lead toxicity. Trial registration: IRCT20171009036661N2. Registered 27 May 2018 - Retrospectively registered, http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT20171009036661N2
Coccydynia – the efficacy of available treatment options: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Jensen Mads Moss , Andersen Gustav Østerheden , Milosevic Stefan , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden , Carreon Leah , Simony Ane , Rasmussen Mikkel Mylius 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background context:
Coccydynia is a painful condition which may severely impair quality of life in affected patients. Treatment of coccydynia is a field of interest with limited knowledge. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of current available treatments for coccydynia in adults, by systematically reviewing existing original peer-reviewed publications according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

Methods/design:
A systematic literature search will be conducted in EMBASE.com, PubMed.com, Scopus and Web of Science bibliographic databases from their inception to January 17th, 2020, alongside a search for published studies and Epubs ahead of print in journals with relevance to spine surgery. Studies eligible for inclusion are original peer-reviewed papers addressing treatment of chronic coccydynia in adults. The articles will be screened by two authors independently, involving a third author in case of disagreement. Quality assessment and data extraction will be conducted using Covidence software. A meta-analysis will be conducted given that data is suitable.

Discussion:
This systematic review and meta-analysis may contribute to the existing knowledge on the efficacy of treatment options for coccydynia.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO submission-ID: 166379

Keywords: Coccydynia, Pain, Treatment, Efficacy
Combined Effects of Lifestyle Risk Factors on Fatty Liver Index
Authors: Nivukoski Ulla , Niemelä Markus , Bloigu Aini , Bloigu Risto , Aalto Mauri , Laatikainen Tiina , Niemelä Onni 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Factors of lifestyle may have a major impact on liver-related morbidity and mortality. We examined independent and joint effects of lifestyle risk factors on fatty liver index (FLI), a biomarker of hepatic steatosis, in a population-based cross-sectional national health survey. Methods The study included 12,368 participants (5,784 men, 6,584 women) aged 25–74 years. Quantitative estimates of alcohol use, smoking, adiposity and physical activity were used to establish a total score of risk factors, with higher scores indicating an unhealthier lifestyle. FLI was calculated based on an algorithm including body mass index, waist circumference, serum gamma-glutamyltransferase and triglycerides. Results The occurrence of FLI ≥ 60% indicating fatty liver increased from 2.4% in men with zero risk factors to 81.9% in those with a total risk score of 7–8 (p < 0.0005 for linear trend) and in women from 0% to 73.5% (p < 0.0005). The most striking individual impacts on the likelihood for FLI above 60% were observed for physical inactivity (p < 0.0005 for both genders) and alcohol consumption (p < 0.0005 for men). Interestingly, coffee consumption was also found to increase with increasing risk factor scores (p < 0.0005 for linear trend in both genders). Conclusions The data indicates that unfavorable combinations of lifestyle risk factors lead to a high likelihood of hepatic steatosis. Use of FLI as a diagnostic tool may benefit the assessment of interventions aimed at maintaining a healthy lifestyle and prevention of liver-related morbidity.
Mannitol and renal graft injury in patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation – A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Reiterer Christian , Hu Karin , Sljivic Samir , von Sonnenburg Markus Falkner , Fleischmann Edith , Kainz Alexander , Kabon Barbara 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background

Ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with renal tissue damage during deceased donor renal transplantation. Evidence is weak regarding the effect of mannitol attenuating I/R injury during graft reperfusion in renal transplant recipients. We tested the effect of mannitol to reduce renal graft injury represented by 16 serum biomarkers, which are involved in different relevant pathophysiological pathways. Our primary outcome were differences in biomarker concentrations between the mannitol and the placebo group 24 hours after graft reperfusion. Additionally, to account for biomarker concentrations before transplantation, a linear mixed model was applied.

Methods

34 patients undergoing deceased donor renal transplantation were randomly assigned at the Medical University of Vienna to receive either 20% mannitol or 0.9% NaCl placebo solution before and after graft reperfusion. 16 serum biomarkers (MMP1, CHI3L1, CCL2, MMP8, HGF, GH, FGF23, Tie2, VCAM1, TNFR1, IGFBP7, IL18, NGAL, Endostatin, CystC, KIM1) were measured preoperatively and 24 hours after graft reperfusion using Luminex assays and ELISA.

Results

16 patients in each group were analysed. Tie2 differed 24 hours after graft reperfusion between both groups ( p = 0.011). Change of log2 transformed concentration levels over time differed significantly in four biomarkers (VCAM1,Endostatin, KIM1, GH; p=0.007; p = 0.013; p = 0.004; p = 0.033; respectively) out of 16 between both groups.

Conclusion

Our study showed insufficient effects of mannitol on I/R injury in patients undergoing deceased renal transplantation. Thus, we do not support the routinely use of mannitol to attenuate I/R injury.
Large- Scale Analysis of MicroRNA Expression in Motor Neuron- like Cells derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Sanooghi Davood , Lotfi Abolfazl , Faghihi Faezeh , Karimi Afzal , Bagher Zohreh , Yousefi Behnam , Lotfi Erfan , Joghataei Mohammad Taghi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background Motor neuron- related disorders such as Spinal Cord Injuries and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis are extremely common around the world. Many efforts have been made to use stem cells to modulate regeneration of spinal cord damages. Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (CB-MSCs) cover a class of cells with self-renewal feature and multilineage differentiation capacity. Retinoic acid(RA) and sonic hedgehog(Shh) are two morphogens responsible in motorneuron commitment during development. This study aims to explore the effect of Shh and RA on differentiation of CB-MSCs into motor neuron- like cells and to determine the related microRNA profile. To do that, human MSCs were isolated and then characterized using flowcytometry. The cells were induced using RA and Shh and the outcomes were assessed by immunocytochemistry, real-time- PCR, and flowcytometry. MicroRNA analysis was performed using Solexa system at three libraries, including Test 1 (with RA and Shh), Test 2 (After removing RA and Shh) and the Control. Results The isolated cells were spindle shape and could express MSC markers confirmed by flowcytometry. The cells could express motorneuron- related markers including Islet-1, Hb-9, SMI-32 and ChAT at the level of mRNA and protein, when treated with RA and Shh. Two weeks after induction, the expression of Neun and Islet-1 declined. The analysis of miRNA sequencing revealed a significant expression of mir-let-7b, mir-137 and mir-324-5p, which were responsible for neuron/motor neuron differentiation and suppression of neural progenitor cell proliferation. Moreover, some novel microRNAs involved in cholinergic, Jak- Stat, Hedgehog and Map kinase signaling pathways were revealed. Conclusion CB-MSC represents a type of cells with convenient accessibility, which can be differentiated into motor neuron- like cells in the presence of RA and Shh. We could also detect the expression of candid microRNAs responsible in motor neuron differentiation and some novel microRNAs involved in cholinergic, Jak- Stat, Hedgehog and Map kinase signaling pathways that must be functionally evaluated in further studies.
Effectiveness of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol in an extrafine particle formulation for asthma therapy depending on patient smoking status: the CASPER noninterventional, observational trial
Authors: Kuprys-Lipinska Izabela , Debowski Tomasz , Palczynski Cezary , Lacwik Piotr , Kuna Piotr 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: The goal of asthma treatment, outlined by GINA experts, is to achieve and maintain full control of the disease. One critical risk factor for poor asthma control is exposure to tobacco smoke. The purpose of this analysis isto assess the effectiveness and safety of long-term therapy with an extrafine combined aerosol formulation of beclometasone dipropionate and formoterol (BDP/F) in asthmatics for current and ex-smokers vs non-smokers. Methods: The CASPER study was an observational, noninterventional, prospective, multicentre trial. Asthmatics currently being managed long-term with BDP/F pressurized metred-dose inhaler (pMDI) were divided based on smoking status into three groups: current smokers, ex-smokers, and non-smokers. The subjects were evaluated at 0, 3, and 6 months for symptom intensity, asthma control, frequency of exacerbations and dose of inhaled corticosteroids. Adverse drug reactions were also monitored. Results: Out of 16,844 patients, 2833 (16.8%) were ex-smokers and 3312 (19.7%) were current smokers. At the beginning of the observation, the current smokers were the most symptomatic subgroup of patients with the greatest limitation on life activity. During long-term treatment with extrafine BDP/F-pMDI , diurnal and nocturnal asthma symptoms, rescue medication use, and limitations of activity secondary to asthma were markedly decreased in all subgroups, with a statistically significant effect in smokers and ex-smokers, albeit at the end of the observation, a higher percentage of symptomatic patients remained in the groups of current smokers and ex-smokers while a lower percentage of symptomatic patients was observed among the non smokers. At the 6-month follow-up, an improvement in asthma control compared to baseline, according to GINA criteria, was reported in 77.1% of current smokers, 75.2% of exsmokers, and 75% of non-smokers, but full asthma control was more frequently achieved in non smokers (64.0% fulfilled GINA criteria of asthma control) compared to current smokers and ex-smokers (54.9% and 51.5%, respectively). A total of 525 nonserious ADRs were reported in 422 patients (3.2%), all of which were within expectations. Conclusions: Combination therapy with extrafine BDP/F-pMDI is an effective therapy across a broad spectrum of asthmatics, irrespective of smoking status,albeit the overall asthma control is worse in those with a smoking history.
Future Development through the Past: Pathology of the Financing Dimension of Iran’s Health Transformation Plan
Authors: Doshmangir Leila , Najafi Behzad , Modtafavi Hakimeh , Moshiri Esmaeil 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction: In Iran, during the years, the budgeting model used for healthcare funding is affected by factors such as global oil prices and fluctuation in the exchange rates, so developing or continuing to implement a plan in the health system depends on the current and future global and local economic trends. This study aimed to analyze the future of the recent significant reform called Health Transformation Plan (HTP), started on 15 Jun 2014 in light of potential financial barriers and challenges.Methods: Face to face interviews were conducted with health policymakers at different levels of the health system, health researchers, health insurance officers, and faculty members. Also, published and unpublished documents about HTP in the country and worldwide were reviewed. Data analysis was done using a qualitative inductive content analysis approach and assisted by qualitative data management software.Findings: Instability of financial resources and allocation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the HTP in the traditional way is a challenge in continuing this policy reform. Also, the bureaucratic procedures in allocation and distribution of funds, discrepancy between health insurance funds and affiliated units of Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) especially Medical Sciences Universities (MSU), the lack of purchaser–provider split, inappropriate payments and compensation mechanisms, and dependence of MSU on especial revenues are the main challenges that threaten the future of HTP in Iran.Conclusion: Given the current situation, where the country's funding resources are often unpredictable, it seems that such funding challenges will lead to poor HTP results. Therefore, the continuance of such high cost-based plan requires the strategies and policies to ensure raising additional funds through various types of innovative financing to overcome challenges.
Association between Hemoglobin and Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy at Different Glycosylated Hemoglobin Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Zhou Lingling , Xu Xiaojuan , Sheng Hui , Qu Shen , Cui Ran 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background To investigate the possible association of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and serum hemoglobin levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with different glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Methods A total of 995 patients were involved in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Laboratory medical data and electromyography results from the patients were collected. The patients were divided into five groups according to their HbA1c levels (Group 1: HbA1c ≤7%, Group 2: HbA1c 7% to ≤8%, Group 3: HbA1c 8% to ≤9%, Group 4: 9% to ≤10%, and Group 5: >10%). Differences in clinical data in the five groups were compared. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and binary logistic regression analysis were used. All analyses were performed using SPSS 24 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). P value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results A correlation was found between the prevalence of DPN and anemia in both sex groups. Age, BMI, duration of diabetes, ALT, serum creatinine, TC, TG, LDL, FPG, FCP, and hemoglobin A1c differed to a statistically significant extent in different groups. Group 5 showed the highest prevalence of DPN in both sex groups. Hemoglobin levels were higher in Group 5 than in other groups, while composition of anemia was not statistically different. Binary logistic regression showed hemoglobin to be negatively related to the prevalence of DPN in Group 5 in men and in Group 4 in women. Conclusion Hemoglobin level was negatively associated with the occurrence of DPN at the HbA1c level of >10% in men and 9 to 10% in women in T2DM patients. HbA1c must be considered in exploring the correlation between hemoglobin and DPN.
Innovating Editorial Practices: Academic Publishers at Work
Authors: Horbach Serge Pascal Johannes Maria , Halffman Willem 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background: Triggered by a series of controversies and diversifying expectations of editorial practices, several innovative peer review procedures and supporting technologies have been proposed. However, adoption of these new initiatives seems slow. This raises questions about the wider conditions for peer review change and about the considerations that inform decisions to innovate. Methods: We carried out field visits to the editorial office of two large academic publishers to study their editorial process. We set out to reveal how the benefits of peer review innovations are understood and to describe the considerations that inform the implementation of innovations.Results: This study shows how the publishers’ internal hierarchy determines whose arguments are most likely to prevail and it explicates the different meanings attached to editorial practices by different actors. We furthermore show that the editorial process is closely connected to commercial practices of creating business value, and the very specific terms in which business value is understood, such as reputation considerations and the urge to increase efficiency.Conclusion: This demonstrates that commercial considerations extend much further than the publishers’ choice for business or publication models and reach into the very heart of the editorial and peer review process.