bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertebral Fracture Prediction from MRI-based Vertebral Bone Quality Scores in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Lin Wentao , Chen Tao , Zheng Guanghao , Yin Houjie , Xie Faqin , Huang Chunchao , Wang Xiaoqian , Mao Raobing , Wang Zhiyun 
Published: November 2024

Study Design.
A longitudinal cohort study

Objective.
The study aims to assess the lumbar MRI-based vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) T score in a longitudinal cohort of postmenopausal women and to evaluate the performance of these scores in predicting VF over 5 years of follow-up.

Summary of Background Data.
VBQ scores can be used for osteoporosis screening and identification of vertebral fractures (VFs). However, due to limitations in prior cross-sectional studies, definitive conclusions about the causal associations between the VBQ score and incident VF have not been drawn.

Methods.
Postmenopausal women with baseline DXA and lumbar MRI data were enrolled. Follow-up assessments were conducted over 5 years after the baseline examination; both anteroposterior- and lateral-view thoracolumbar spine radiographs were captured to evaluate incident VF. At baseline, correlation analyses between the VBQ score and osteoporosis or preexisting VF were performed. A Cox regression model for multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for incident VF. The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated.

Results.
137 postmenopausal women were included. The VBQ score was moderately correlated with lumbar bone mineral density at baseline (r=0.4, P<0.001). Patients with incident VF had significantly lower T scores (-3.4 vs. -1.87, P<0.001) and higher VBQ scores (4.62 vs. 4.03, P<0.001) at baseline than those without incident VF. After adjusting for age, weight, creatinine clearance, and alkaline phosphatase levels, the HRs for the VBQ score and T score were 1.93 and 0.71, respectively. After adjusting for the T score, an increased VBQ score was independently associated with an increased risk of incident VF, with an HR of 1.87.

Conclusion.
The VBQ score was moderately correlated with DXA T score and was a predictor of incident VF risk independent of bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Machine-learning methodologies to predict disease progression in chronic hepatitis B in Africa
Authors: Desalegn Hailemichael , Yang Xianchen , Yen Yi-Syuan , Berhe Nega , Kenney Brooke , Siwo Geoffrey H. , Tang Weijing , Zhu Ji , Waljee Akbar K. , Johannessen Asgeir 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Little is known about the determinants of disease progression among African patients with chronic HBV infection.

Methods:
We used machine-learning models with longitudinal data to establish predictive algorithms in a well-characterized cohort of Ethiopian HBV-infected patients without baseline liver fibrosis. Disease progression was defined as an increase in liver stiffness to >7.9 kPa or initiation of treatment based on meeting the eligibility criteria.

Results:
Twenty-four of 551 patients (4.4%) experienced disease progression after a median follow-up time of 69 months. A random forest model based on a combination of available laboratory tests (standard hematology and biochemistry) demonstrated the best predictive properties with the AUROC ranging from 0.82 to 0.88.

Conclusion:
We conclude that combined metrics based on simple and available laboratory tests had good predictive properties and should be explored further in larger HBV cohorts.
Case reports on hand prejuvenation: clinical outcomes in middle-aged women with hyaluronic acid filler plus lidocaine
Authors: Siquier-Dameto Gabriel , Malgapo Dennis Malvin Hernandez 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Hand rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid filler injections is gaining more attention for its ability to correct volume loss and improve skin quality. The hand dorsum is prone to loss of dermal elasticity and subcutaneous atrophy as individuals age, and administering hyaluronic acid fillers has become an option to restore the smoothness and youthful contour of the hand.

Objective:
The aim of this study is to demonstrate that injections with Definisse Touch Filler Plus Lidocaine are effective and safe for hand rejuvenation.

Methods:
Ten subjects underwent filler placement of 0.5 to 1.0 mL in the dorsal superficial lamina, which is devoid of sensory nerves and major skin vessels, using a blunt cannula via the fanning technique. Measurements were done before, immediately after, and 1 month after the treatment using validated aesthetic scales.

Results:
There was a significant correction of volume loss immediately after the first treatment and an improvement in skin texture and topography 1 month after the procedure. No lasting or severe adverse effects were observed.

Limitations:
To show significant and conclusive results, it is recommended to conduct further prospective, comparative, blinded studies in more subjects followed for longer periods (ie, 12 months or more). Objective analysis of volumetric changes using automated three-dimensional surface techniques is likewise beneficial.

Conclusion:
Injecting a low G-prime hyaluronic acid along the dorsal superficial lamina via cannula provides an effective and tolerable option for improving the appearance of aged hands.
Metabolic syndromes, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus as three factors involved in the development of hepatic steatosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Jamialahmadi Tannaz , Karbalaei Mohsen 
Published: November 2024

Background:
In recent years, the increase in prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with viral chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been alarming. The pattern of liver histological changes in patients with HBV and HCV infections resembles those of NAFLD, leading to potential misdiagnosis.

Methods:
Using global databases such as Scopus and PubMed, relevant studies were retrieved and those studies found to be eligible based on inclusion criteria were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done by comprehensive meta-analysis software.

Results:
The results suggested an inverse association between HBV and HCV infections and hepatic steatosis risk, but not significant. The risk of hepatic steatosis in patients with concurrent chronic viral hepatitis is significantly associated performed with metabolic syndrome and biochemical parameters particularly body mass index > 25 kg/m2, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia.

Conclusion:
According to the results of the present study, viral hepatitis (viral load) has a protective role against the development of hepatic steatosis. Nevertheless, hepatic steatosis in patients infected with HBV and HCV was associated with metabolic syndrome.
The prevalence and characterization of the epidemic ST239-MRSA clone
Authors: Faraji Niloofar , Malekzadegan Yalda , Khashei Reza , Haghighi Mohammad Ali , Nazari Alam Ali , Fathi Javad , Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie Hadi 
Published: November 2024

Background:
ST239-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is possibly the true oldest pandemic methicillin-resistant strain that is still often isolated in different parts of the world. Recently, there have been increasing reports of ST239-MRSA in Iran. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the published literature for estimating the prevalence and microbiological characteristics of ST239-MRSA.

Methods:
A systematic review was performed through searching various electronic bibliographic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to December 2020. Afterward, 11 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for data extraction and analysis by Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software.

Results:
In these surveys, the pooled prevalence of ST239-MRSA among Iranian patients was 39.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.8–54.6%). According to subgroup analysis patients in Ahvaz (South of Iran) experienced the highest prevalence of ST239-MRSA isolates with a pooled prevalence of 77.5% (95% CI: 66.3–85.7). This study showed that a remarkable proportion of ST239-MRSA isolates were toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 producer with 16.7% (95% CI: 9.5–27.6), while, the occurrence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin-positive ST239-MRSA isolates was low 1.3% (95% CI: 0.6–2.8).

Conclusion:
Our results showed the prevalence of the epidemic ST239-MRSA clone among Iranian patients. Because of the aggressive characterization of ST239-MRSA, circulation this clone within the country could be a predictor of treatment failure and higher morbidity and mortality among inpatients. The wide dissemination of ST239-MRSA emphasizes the need for restricted infection prevention and control and optimizing antibiotic stewardship.
The prevalence of phylogenetic group of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli strain isolated from farm animals in Iran: a meta-analysis study
Authors: Mohammadi Forogh , Sedigh Ebrahim-Saraie Hadi , Sinaei Neda , Karimi-Dehkordi Maryam 
Published: November 2024

Background:
The study of the prevalence of the phylogenetic group in the Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strain isolated from farm animals is valuable for epidemiology aspects; therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prevalence of the phylogenetic group in STEC isolates obtained from farm animals in Iran.

Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases. The search investigated articles published by Iranian authors to the end of December 2020. Analysis of data was conducted using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (Biostat Company). To estimate the pooled prevalence and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI), the random-effects model was used.

Results:
Our comprehensive search identified nine studies with eligibility criteria subjected to the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of phylogroup A was 21% (95% CI: 10–38). There was significant heterogeneity among the nine studies (χ
2 = 92.52; P < 0.001; I
2 = 91.35%). Additionally, the pooled prevalence of phylogroups B1, B2 and D among the nine studies was 63, 3, and 9%, respectively. The subgroup analysis results based on healthy and diarrheic cases indicated that the rate of phylogroup A in healthy and diarrheic samples was 27 and 2%, respectively. For phylogroup B1, this rate was 55 and 88% in healthy and diarrheic samples, respectively.

Conclusion:
In summary, our results demonstrated that domestic animals might be the possible reservoirs of STEC in the studied population. Comparison of the phylogroup characteristics of the STEC strain obtained from different sources exhibited a partial genetic diversity in isolates, and there was heterogeneity among the studies in terms of phylogenetic groups. This study provides important information about STEC regarding the phylogenetic characteristics
Skin infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes after the Eid Al-Adha
Authors: Şafak Birol , Albayrak Hülya , Kurç Mine Aydin , Günaydin Betül 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Streptococcus pyogenes is Gram-positive bacteria in chain form. Infections typically begin in the throat and skin, although they present with a many different clinical cases. This study aimed to present a different clinical manifestation related to S. pyogenes.

Methods:
In this study, swab samples were taken from patients who came to our center with skin lesions after Eid al-Adha. Identification was performed using conventional methods (bacitracin susceptibility test and PYR test) and VITEK 2 (bioMerieux, Marcy l’Etoile, France). Phylogenetic tree was generated using the Tamura Nei model of Neighbor-joining method in MEGA 6.0 program.

Results:
All of the isolated microorganisms were defined as S. pyogenes. Phylogenetic tree revealed that strains were highly related, but there were genetic differences between the strains.

Conclusion:
While Orf virus (Parapoxvirus) is the most common cause of skin lesions after Eid al-Adha, S. pyogenes was found to be the causative agent in our study. To our knowledge, cases of S. pyogenes skin infection due to religious practices have been reported for the first time.
Relationship between blood components, inflammatory factors and bacterial spp that cause tonsillitis and dental caries in Iraqi children
Authors: Shabeeb Dunia B. , Naji Eman N. 
Published: November 2024

Aims and Objectives:
Study the correlation between anti-streptolysin O titer (ASOT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with other related factor and the correlation between bacterial species and related with some tested parameter.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 120 patients were part of the study and was divided into six groups, each group had 20 patients with age range was 6–12 years. Blood sample collection about 10 ml was withdrawn from each patient via vein puncture using 10 ml disposable syringes, 5 ml for immunological study and 5 ml for hematological study.

Results:
The results of ASOT showed that a highly significant positive correlation with monocytes and a highly negative correlation with eosinophil. As for CRP, it was found it have a highly significant positive correlation with eosinophil, lymphocytes and have a highly negative correlation with neutrophil percentage and monocytes percentage with a positive correlation with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Conclusion:
Our study shown that ASOT are still useful diagnostic tools for tonsillitis. CRP levels in the tonsillitis patients group were significantly higher than those in other groups, whereas ESR levels in the tonsillectomy patients group were significantly higher than those in other groups.
Applications of nanotechnology in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Sayad Reem , Abdelsabour Huda Ahmed , Farhat Samia Mohamed , Omer Nehal Gamal , Ahmed Manar Magdy , Elsayh Ibrahim Khalid , Ibrahim Islam H. , Algammal Abdelazeem M. , AL-Kadmy Israa M.S. , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Hetta Helal F. 
Published: November 2024

Background and aim:
In early December 2019 started coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection which transmitted from bats to humans. According to WHO, there are more than two hundred million confirmed cases of COVID-19 including more than seven million deaths, so we desperately need to discover an effective treatment to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 infection permanently. One of the most promising technologies for the treatment of COVID-19 is Nanotechnology. Herein we tried to summarize usages of nanotechnology in fighting of COVID-19 and to focus on the challenges, advantages, and disadvantages of the application of this technology.

Methods:
Searching of PubMed, SCOPUS and Google scholar by using a specific search strategy “(COVID 19 OR COVID-19 Virus Disease OR COVID 19 Virus Infection OR 2019-nCoV Infection OR Coronavirus Disease-19 OR 2019 Novel Coronavirus Infection OR SARS-CoV-2 Infection OR COVID-19 Pandemic) AND nanotechnology.

Results and Conclusions:
Nanotechnology can be used in treatment, diagnosis and prevention of COVID-19. Many nanoparticle types can be used in treatment of COVID-19 such as polymers, dendrimers and quantum dots. In addition to these types of nanoparticles, there is Nan bot used for carrying out localized drug delivery and can be controlled by a user. We can also use quantum dots, metal and magnetic nanoparticles for the diagnosis of COVID-19 to increase the efficiency of diagnostic tests. Regarding to COVID-19 prevention, nanoparticles are used for the manufacture of nano-masks and vaccines such as: Oxford/AstraZeneca, Cansino, Moderna and Biotech/Pfizer vaccines. Each technology has advantages and disadvantages. Challenges remain in the domain for its application due to lack of knowledge.
CTX-M gene and presence of insertion elements in patients with septicemia caused by Escherichia coli
Authors: Yousefi Bahman , Pakdel Abbas , Hasanpour Sahar , Abdolshahi Anna , Emadi Alireza , Pahlevan Daryoush , Dadashpour Mehdi , Eslami Majid 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Septicemia is a significant infection caused by some agents such as Escherichia coli. The goal of this study was to see how effective antibiotics were against E. coli isolates from septicemia patients, as well as to look into their genetic relationship.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 100 E. coli isolates were collected from septicemic patients. The antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted with disk diffusion method. The prevalence of CTX-M gene and presence of insertion elements IS26 (IS26a and IS26b) and ISEcp1 were investigated. Phylogrouping, serogrouping and virulence typing were also investigated. The pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was also performed for genetic classification.

Results:
Fifty-one CTX-M positive isolates were identified. There was no resistance to phosphomycin. The ISEcp1, IS26a, and IS26b were detected in upstream of 84.3%, 5.8% and 9.8% of CTX-M, respectively. The orf477 was detected downstream of all CTX-M positive isolates. Thirty-six isolates belonged to the B2 phylogroup, followed by 25 D, 22 A, and 17 B1. The most frequent serogroup in the isolates is O1 serogroup. The highest rate of virulence genes included csgA, traT, iutA, hlyA, and kpsMII. The results of PFGE showed five clusters (A–E) using 80% cut-off.

Conclusion:
A significant relation between CTX-M gene and virulence factors was determined. Hence, surveillance and proper control strategies are essential to prevent the distribution virulent and drug-resistant E. coli. Although phosphomycin was found to be effective in eradicating extended spectrum β-lactamases-producing E. coli infections in septicemic patients, no genetic relationships between isolates were discovered.
Helicobacter pylori: a systematic review of drug resistance in Iran
Authors: Jafari-Sales Abolfazl , Jafari Behboud , Khaneshpour Homeira , Sadeghi-Deylamdeh Zahra , Shariat Afsoon , Bannazadeh-Baghi Hossein , Nasiri Rozita 
Published: November 2024

AIM:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal diseases, including gastric infections in humans. It is estimated that the annual incidence of H. pylori infection in developing countries is 4–15%. Approximately 50% of people worldwide are infected with this bacterium. The purpose of this study is to review recent studies on antibiotic resistance of H. pylori in Iran.

Methods:
A complete search was performed using SID, PubMed, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases to access various articles for these studies. In this study, articles published from 2005 to 2020 were selected. Previously published specialized articles and systematic meta-analysis were used as a supplementary source for identifying relevant articles. Finally, data from 34 articles were pooled and analyzed.

Results:
In this study, the resistance of H. pylori to metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, furazolidone, rifamycin, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline antibacterial agents was evaluated in about 34 studies over 15 years. The mean resistance to metronidazole is about 64.10%, rifamycin 27.78%, furazolidone 24.33%, ciprofloxacin 22.51%, clarithromycin 22.50%, amoxicillin 18.37, and tetracycline 14.89%.

Conclusion:

H. pylori drug resistance has increased throughout Iran against the studied antibiotics. The present study shows alarming results and a new program is needed to eradicate H. pylori infections.
CagL amino acid (122 and 134) polymorphisms associated with reduction of Helicobacter pylori-related diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Karbalaei Mohsen , Keikha Masoud 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Cytotoxic-associated gene L (CagL) protein is a structural component of the type IV secretion system in Helicobacter pylori that plays a pivotal role in the translocation and secretion of CagA protein. However, the effect of this factor in severe gastroduodenal outcomes has not yet been demonstrated.

Methods:
In the current study, using databases such as ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, we systematically investigated the role of cagL gene and its polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of H. pylori. Then, the logical relationship between cagL polymorphisms and frequency of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was measured.

Results:
In total, data from 1071 bacterial strains were evaluated. The prevalence of H. pylori cagL gene in patients with various forms of infections such as nonulcer dyspepsia, PUD, and gastric cancer was measured 81.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.0–90.5], 94.0% (95% CI: 81.4–98.3), and 86.2% (95% CI: 73.8–93.3), respectively. We show that infection with bacteria harboring cagL gene increases the risk of PUD and gastric cancer by 3.7- and 1.7-fold, respectively. Moreover, CagL/CagA/(<2) EPIYA C repeats could increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal disorders by 7.1-fold. Among the all sequence variations of this gene, it was found that only mutations associated with amino acids at positions 122K/N (odds ratio: 0.1) and 134I/V (odds ratio: 0.23) significantly reduced the risk of PUD.

Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that the presence of the cagL gene could potentially lead to severe gastrointestinal outcomes, particularly PUD and gastric cancer. However, although most polymorphisms of cagL have no a significant relationship with H. pylori-related diseases, but variants 122K/N and 134I/V play a protective role against PUD.
The predominance of virulence genes associated with multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens isolated from urinary tract infections
Authors: Abid Suhad Abbas , Al-Kadmy Israa M.S. , Aziz Sarah Naji , Hamzah Israa H. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose:

Serratia marcescens owns different virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenesis and result in bacterial invasion and resistance. Moreover, patients who suffer from urinary tract infections (UTIs) are at an increased risk of contracting different bacterial infections. This study aimed to detect and verify the occurrence of virulence genes in S. marcescens isolated from patients with UTIs in some hospitals in Iraq.

Methodology:
After bacterial collection, the identification was achieved by busing phenotypic and genotypic methods. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns were done by using the VITEK2 compact system AST 69 and minimum inhibitory concentration for the colistin antibiotic was detected by the broth micro-dilution assay. The PCR was employed for the detection of virulence genes including papC, fimH, ompA, and entB genes.

Results:

S. marcescens had a high level of resistance to antibiotics. The prevalence rate of virulence genes in S. marcescens was: papC (100%), fimH (47.3%), ompA (32.8%), and entB (30.2%). We found that the number papC was the most predominant gene in the clinical S. marcescens. RT-qPCR showed over expression of papC as compared to the 16rRNA gene, may explains the predominant.

Conclusions:
This study shows that there is a high prevalence of virulence genes in S. marcescens isolated from UTI with high antibiotic resistance capacity. Moreover, necessitates for further studies on virulence factors using modern molecular techniques are recommended to straighten the drug-resistant profiles of bacterial isolates to develop novel antimicrobials utilizing strategies which target pathogenic bacteria's virulence genes in order to provide efficient clinical treatment.