bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is radiographic lumbar spondylolisthesis associated with occupational exposures? Findings From A Nested Case Control Study Within The Wakayama Spine Study
Authors: Ishimoto Yuyu , Cooper Cyrus , Ntani Georgia , Yamada Hiroshi , Hashizume Hiroshi , Nagata Keiji , Muraki Shigeyuki , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshida Munehito , Yoshimura Noriko , Walker-Bone Karen 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: To explore the relationship between radiographic spondylolisthesis and occupational factors in a case-control study nested within the Wakayama Spine Study (WSS).
Methods: The WSS is a cross-sectional observational study amongst Japanese adults. All participants completed a lifetime occupational history and underwent X-rays of the lumbar spine (L1-S1) according to a pre-defined protocol. One trained surgeon graded the presence of a spondylolisthesis based upon ≥5% anterior or posterior slip at one or more levels. Cases, with lumbar spondylolisthesis, were compared with controls without, for their principal occupation and occupational exposures.
Results: In total, data were available for 722 adults (245 men and 477 women), mean age 70.1 (range 53-93) years. According to the pre-defined radiographic criteria, 117 were defined with spondylolisthesis (cases), leaving 605 controls. Cases were not significantly different from controls for age, gender, BMI, smoking or alcohol intake. However, cases were more than twice as likely to report occupational driving ≥ 4 hours/day (OR 2.39, 95% CI 1.08-5.27) after adjustment for age, gender and BMI. Additionally, after stratification by age using 75 years as a cut-point, cases were more than 3-fold more likely to report having worked in the agricultural/ fishing industries (OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.29-9.29) among those aged <75 years. A reduced risk of being a case was associated with climbing slopes/steps and walking.
Conclusions: A history of occupational driving and working in the agricultural/fishing industry were associated with radiographic spondylolisthesis in this cross-sectional population study. This finding requires further evaluation in longitudinal studies.
The association between fecal enterotoxigenic B. fragilis with colorectal cancer
Authors: Haghi Fakhri , Goli Elshan , Mirzaei Bahman , Zeighami Habib 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) is an enterotoxin-producing bacterium that possibily has a role in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) by modulating the mucosal immune response and inducing epithelial cell changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ETBF in stool samples of CRC patients and healthy volunteers.Methods

A total of 60 stool samples from confirmed CRC patients and 60 stool samples from healthy volunteers with no personal or familial history or diagnosis of colorectal disease were collected. Stool samples were screened for direct detection of B. fragilis using PCR targeting the marker genes of neu and bft. Enterotoxin isotypes bft-1, bft-2 and bft-3 were also detected in B. fragilis positive samples.Results

The frequency of B. fragilis among CRC and control cases was 58.3% and 26.6%, respectively (P<0.05). The rate of bft gene in CRC cases was significantly higher than in controls (P<0.05). Also, the presence of bf t gene in CRC patients stage III was significantly higher than stages I and II (P< 0.05). Enterotoxin isotype bft-2 was detected with higher frequency among CRC patients than healthy control (P<0.05).Conclusion

Our results show the association between fecal ETBF and CRC, and we suggest that detection of ETBF may be a potential marker for colorectal cancer diagnosis. However, additional investigations on tumor and paired normal tissue samples are required to substantiate this possible correlation.
Vitamin D recommendations in nutritional guidelines: A systematic quality evaluation using AGREE-2 and analysis of potential predictors
Authors: Navarro David Fraile , López-García-Franco Alberto , Niño-de-Guzmán Ena , Pardo-Hernandez Hector , Aybar Carlos Canelo , Kuindersma Jesse , Saladich Ignasi Gich , Alonso-Coello Pablo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background
Vitamin D has been widely promoted for bone health through supplementation and fortification of the general population. However, there is growing evidence that does not support these strategies. Our aim is to review the quality and recommendations on vitamin D nutritional and clinical practice guidelines and explore predictive factors for their direction and strength.
Methods
We searched Medline, TRIP, G-I-N and guidelines.gov databases for guidelines from January 2010 to January 2018. We performed a descriptive analysis, a quality appraisal using AGREE II scores (Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation) and a bivariate analysis evaluating the association between direction and strength of recommendations, three AGREE II domains’ scores (Rigor of development, Applicability and Editorial Independence) and pre-specified characteristics.

Results
We included 24 guidelines in our review. Nine recommended supplementation, eight suggested its use, and seven did not recommend it. The mean score for “Rigor of development” domain was 40.1%. For the “Applicability” domain 34.5% and 39.6% for “Editorial independence” domain. The majority of guidelines did not reach and overall of 60% on these independent scores to be considered high quality. Guidelines with higher scores in these domains were less likely to recommend or suggest vitamin D supplementation (64% recommending against vs 29% suggesting for, and 27% recommending for; p=0.002, 52% vs 26% and 25%; p=0.003, 61% vs 35% and 24%; p=0.001, respectively). Guidelines with potential conflicts of interest were more likely to recommend or suggest vitamin D supplementation (likelihood ratio: p=0.018).

Conclusions
Policymakers, clinicians and patients should be aware that lower quality guidelines, and those reporting conflicts of interest are more likely to promote vitamin D supplementation. Guideline organizations should improve the quality of their recommendations’ development and the management of conflicts of interest. Users and editors should be aware of these findings when using and appraising guidelines.
The Impact of the donor-recipient gender matching on the graft survival from live donors
Authors: Naderi Gholamhossein , Azadfar Amin , Yahyazadeh Seyed Reza , Khatami Fatemeh , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Several factors like age of recipient, BMI, serum cratinnine , and positive history of dialysis are important in predicting graft survival in kidney transplant recipients. One factor that can affect transplant outcomes and is usually ignored is the gender of donor and recipients.
Methods: A total of 1113 kidney transplant recipients were studied in a retrospective cohort study. Several factors were taken into account for graft survival and outcomes like gender and age of donor and recipients in addition to common recipient factors like cratinnine , eGFR, BMI, and positive history of dialysis.
Results: The most successful transplant based on donor-recipient gender was seen in male donor to male recipient and then male donor to female recipient. In female transplant recipients, level of serum cratinnine , and eGFR, positive dialysis history before transplant, and low donor hemoglobin level can be good prognostic factors recommended to be considered for kidney transplant survival.
Conclusions: Our results suggested that gender matching for kidney transplant. Only on some exceptional occasions, male donor to female recipient kidney transplant may be successful and female donors to male recipients are not suggested, especially in aged patients with history of dialysis.
Dual-energy Spectral CT Quantitative Parameters for the Differentiation of Glioma Recurrence from Treatment-Related Changes: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lv Yanchun , Zhou Jian , Lv Xiaofei , Tian Li , He Haoqiang , Liu Zhigang , Wu Yi , Han Lujun , Sun Meili , Yang Yadi , Guo Chengcheng , Li Cong , Zhang Rong , Xie Chuanmiao , Chen Yinsheng , Chen Zhong-ping 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Differentiating glioma recurrence from treatment-related changes can be challenging on conventional imaging. We evaluated the use of dual-energy spectral computed tomographic (CT) quantitative parameters for this differentiation. Methods: Twenty-eight patients were examined by dual-energy spectral imaging CT. The slope of the spectral Hounsfield unit curve (λ HU ), effective atomic number (Z eff ), normalized effective atomic number (Z eff-N ), iodine concentration (IC), and normalized iodine concentration (IC N ) in the post-treatment enhanced areas were calculated. Pathological results or clinicoradiologic follow-up of ≥2 months were used for final diagnosis. Nonparametric and t -tests were used to compare quantitative parameters between glioma recurrence and treatment-related changes. Positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated; sensitivity and specificity were calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. ROC curves were generated using predictive probabilities to evaluate the diagnostic value. Results: There were no significant differences in quantitative parameters based on examination of pre-contrast λ HU , Z eff , Z eff-N , IC, IC N and venous phase IC N ( P >0.05). Venous phase λ HU , Z eff , Z eff-N , and IC in glioma recurrence were higher than in treatment-related changes ( P <0.001). The optimal venous phase threshold was 1.03, 7.75, 1.04, and 2.85 mg/cm 3 , achieving 66.7%, 91.7%, 83.3%, and 91.7% sensitivity; 100.0%, 77.8%, 88.9%, and 77.8% specificity; 100.0%, 73.3%, 83.3%, and 73.3% PPV; 81.8%, 93.3%, 88.9%, and 93.3% NPV; and 86.7%, 83.3%, 86.7%, and 83.3% accuracy, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.912, 0.912, 0.931, and 0.910 in glioma recurrence and treatment-related changes, respectively. Conclusions: Dual-energy spectral CT imaging may provide quantitative values to aid in differentiation of glioma recurrence from treatment-related changes.
Correlation between Apolipoprotein E genetic polymorphism and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lou Huankun , Huankun Lou , Wang Minglang , Sun Liming , Wang Yilian 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background： We speculated that there was a correlation between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genetic polymorphisms and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on the AF inflammatory mechanism. The high-risk alleles of ApoE were examined in patients with AF and controls to determine the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies. Methods： From January 2017 to January 2019, 64 patients with AF in the department of cardiovascular medicine of the Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, and 49 healthy outpatient volunteers, were enrolled. ApoE gene polymorphisms were examined using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses were performed to identify high-risk ApoE alleles. Results： A total of 113 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 64 patients were in the AF group (38 male and 26 female), with an average age of 74.38 ± 8.37 years. The control group consisted of 49 cases (29 male and 20 female), with an average age of 65.24 ± 12.14 years. The six ApoE phenotypes ε2/ε2, ε2/ε3, ε2/ε4, ε3/ε3, ε3/ε4, and 4/ε4 were observed in 0.9% , 13.2%, 2.7%, 58.4% , 19.5%, and 5.3% . The proportions of our study population with ApoE protective, general, and risk genotypes accounted for 14.1%，61.1% , and 24.8% , respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in ApoE gene polymorphism frequencies related to gender, height, weight, smoking status, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (P＞0.05). There were significant differences in age, body mass index（BMI）, larger left atrial diameter（LAD）, and left ventricle ejection fraction(LVEF) (P＜0.05). The observed genotype frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and were representative of the population. Conclusion： There is a correlation between the ApoE genetic polymorphism and the occurrence of AF, and ApoEε4 is a high-risk genotype for AF.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of ethanolic extracts of three plants of Benin pharmacopoeia: Euphorbia hirta, Citrus aurantifolia and Heterotis rotundifolia
Authors: ROKO Oladélé Gautier , DOUGNON Victorien Tamègnon , KLOTOE Jean Robert , BABA-MOUSSA Lamine 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Objective Euphorbia hirta , Citrus aurantifolia and Heterotis rotundifolia are commonly used in Benin in the treatment of infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of ethanolic extracts of these plants. The study was performed on wistar rats with 200 mg/kg b.w.Results Administration of these extracts prevents edema inflammatory induced by 2% formalin in rat paw. Inhibition percentages of edema vary between 23.67% and 86.76% for the three extracts. These extracts have similar anti-inflammatory activity (p> 0.05) to that of diclofenac at 50 mg/kg. Analgesic activity show that these extracts inhibit very significantly (p<0.001) the pain induced by 3% acetic acid and the highest inhibition percentage is 60.34% (Citrus aurantifolia ). This percentage is like to that of acetylsalicylic acid (67.35%) administered at the same dose. Likewise, these extracts attenuate significantly (p <0.05) the thermal pain induced by tail immersion of each rat in hot water at 50°C. Indeed, these extracts, reduces very significantly (p <0.001) pyrexia induced by 20% beer yeast suspension in rats and they have similar effect (p> 0.05) to that of acetylsalicylic acid at the fourth hour. These results prove, some traditional therapeutic indications of these plants.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Fall-related Injuries: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mekkodathil Ahammed , El-Menyar Ayman , Kanbar Ahad , Hakim Suhail , Ahmed Khalid , Siddiqui Tariq , Al-Thani Hassan 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall-related injuries are important public health problem worldwide. We aimed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of fall-related injuries in a level 1 trauma center.METHOD A retrospective analysis of Qatar Trauma Registry data was conducted on patients admitted for fall-related injuries between 2010 and 2017. Comparative analyses of data by gender, age-groups and height of falls were performed to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients, and in-hospital outcomes.RESULTS A total of 4040 patients with fall-related injuries were identified in the study duration which corresponds to the rate of 2.41 per 10,000 population in Qatar. The rate of fall injuries decreased over the years by 39%. The mean age of patients was 32.9±18.26 years. Males were predominant (89%), more likely to fall at workplace, fall from a greater height and experience polytrauma than females (p=0.001). Working age-group (20-59 years) were the major victims (73%). Most of the injuries were to the head (36%) followed by spines (29%) and chest (23%). Overall in-hospital mortality was 3%CONCLUSION Fall-related injuries remain as a significant burden in trauma center. Variations in pattern of injuries by age, gender and height of fall provide important information for targeted preventive measures.
Determinants of Clean Birthing Practices in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: a Scoping Review
Authors: Mills Joanna Esteves , Flynn Erin , Cumming Oliver , Dreibelbis Robert 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Infection is a leading cause of maternal and newborn mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Clean birthing practices are fundamental to infection prevention efforts, but these are inadequate in LMIC. This scoping study reviews the literature on studies that describe determinants of clean birthing practices of healthcare workers or mothers during the perinatal period in LMIC. Methods We reviewed literature published between January 2000 and February 2018 providing information on behaviour change interventions, behaviours or behavioural determinants during the perinatal period in LMIC. Following a multi-stage screening process, we extracted key data manually from studies. We mapped identified determinants according to the COM-B behavioural framework, which posits that behaviour is shaped by three categories of determinants – capability, opportunity and motivation. Results 78 studies were included: 47 observational studies and 31 studies evaluating an intervention. 51% had a household or community focus, 28% had a healthcare facility focus and 21% focused on both. We identified 31 determinants of clean birthing practices. Determinants related to clean birthing practices as a generalised set of behaviours featured in 50 studies; determinants related specifically to one or more of six predefined behaviours – commonly referred to as “the six cleans” – featured in 31 studies. Determinants of hand hygiene (n=13) and clean cord care (n=11) were most commonly reported. Reported determinants across all studies clustered around psychological capability (knowledge) and physical opportunity (access to resources). However, greater heterogeneity in reported behavioural determinants was found across studies investigating specific clean birthing practices compared to those studying clean birthing as a generalised set of behaviours. Conclusions Efforts to combine clean birthing practices into a single suite of behaviours – such as the “six cleans”– may simplify policy and advocacy efforts. However, each clean practice has a unique set of determinants and understanding what drives or hinders the adoption of these individual practices is critical to designing more effective interventions to improve hygiene behaviours and neonatal and maternal health outcomes in LMIC. Current understanding in this regard remains limited. More theory-grounded formative research is required to understand motivators and social influences across different contexts.
The levels and trends of raised total cholesterol at national and sub-national scale in Iran from 1990 to 2016: systematic review and pooled analysis
Authors: Mehdipour Parinaz , Sepanlou Sadaf G. , Mohebi Farnam , Ahmadvand Alireza , Peykari Niloofar , Djalalinia Shirin , Rezaei-Darzi Ehsan , Moradi Yousef , Haghshenas Rosa , Naderimagham Shohreh , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Raised serum cholesterol is a main risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular-attributable mortality and morbidity in all nations, particularly in developing countries. Effective policy making in this regard requires detailed data to distinguish disparities and specific patterns. Thus, we aimed to estimate the level and trends of serum cholesterol level and raised total cholesterol prevalence at subnational level from 1990 to 2016 in Iran.We conducted a comprehensive systematic review, through which we detected nine national surveillances, seven large-scale population-based studies, and 88 studies published in databases. We conducted a two-stage model: an Age-Spatio-Temporal model and a Gaussian Process Regression to estimate mean total cholesterol (TC). We used crosswalk to estimate prevalence of raised total cholesterol based on estimated mean, defined as TC higher than 200 mg/dL. All estimations were done in subgroups with sex, age, year, and province combinations.At national level, the number of adults with raised total cholesterol decreased from 10·5 (9·8 – 11·5) million (5·2 million in women) in 1990 to 9·9 (9·0 – 10·6) million (5·4 million in women) in 2016. Age standardized prevalence of raised total cholesterol at national level has decreased from 57·2% (95% CI: 53·3 – 61·1) to 22·4% (20·5 – 24·3) in women and from 53·2% (49·1 – 57·3) to 18·0% (16·4 – 19·6) in men between 1990 and 2016. From 1990 to 2016, age standardized mean TC in both men and women has decreased from 197·3 mg/dL (186·1 – 209·4) to 168·5 (160·7 – 176·7) and from 202·5 mg/dL (191·2 – 214·6) to 174·5 mg/dL (166·6 – 182·8), respectively. In both sexes, population growth had the highest contribution to increase in number of adults with high TC.Decrease in raised TC is likely the result of statin widespread use, food industry improvements, and the expanded primary health care of the country. Provided data at subnational level would help with further evidence-based and population-specific policy making to ensure the continuation of this successful experience, particularly targeting inter-gender and inter-provincial differences. Finally, the increased number of adults with TC slightly below the 200 mg/dL cutoff is threat for the healthcare that should be systematically managed.
The differential expression patterns of paralogs in response to stresses indicate expression and sequence divergences
Authors: Lian Shuaibin , Zhou Yongjie , Liu Zixiao , Gong Andong , Cheng Lin 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Theoretically, paralogous genes generated through whole genome duplications should share identical expression levels due to their identical sequences and chromatin environments. However, functional divergences and expression differences have arisen due to selective pressures and evolutional stresses. A comprehensive investigation of the expression patterns of paralogous gene pairs in response to various stresses and a study of correlations between the expression levels and sequence divergences of the paralogs are needed.Results In this study, we analyzed the expression patterns of paralogous genes under different types of stress and investigated the correlations between the expression levels and sequence divergences of the paralogs. Firstly, we analyzed the differential expression patterns of the paralogs under four different types of stress (drought, cold, infection, and herbivory) and classified them into three types according to their expression patterns. Secondly, we further analyzed the differential expression patterns under various degrees of stress and constructed the corresponding co-expression networks of differentially expressed paralogs and transcription factors. Thirdly, we investigated the correlations between the expression levels and sequence divergences of the paralogs and identified positive correlations between expression level and sequence divergence. With regard to the sequence divergence, we identified correlations between selective pressure and phylogenetic relationship.Conclusions These results shed light on differential expression patterns of paralogs in response to environmental stresses and are helpful for understanding the relations between expression levels and sequences divergences.
Bilateral hypocalcemic cataract after total thyroidectomy in a young woman: Case report
Authors: daba kumale tolesa , Michael Dagmawit Kifle W/ , Mulugeta Gersam Abera 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background: Hypocalcemia is a derangement in serum calcium level due to a vast spectrum of disorders, but the most common cause is surgery, usually thyroid gland surgery. Symptoms of hypocalcemia can be due to increased neuromuscular excitation resulting in tetany, paresthesia or seizure. It can also be because of deposition of calcium in soft tissues producing reduced vision /cataract or calcification of basal ganglia. Cataract is the most common ocular symptom of hypocalcemia. Case report: A twenty-six years old Ethiopian female patient presented with painless reduction of vision of both eyes. Five years prior to the reduction of vision she was diagnosed to have hypocalcemia. The serum calcium level was very low (3mg/dl) due to damage to the parathyroid gland during total thyroidectomy for toxic goiter. She has been on supplemental calcium gluconate twice daily. She had typical bilateral symmetrical posterior sub capsular cataract with punctate iridescent opacities in the anterior and posterior cortex of the lens. Systemic examination revealed horizontal surgical scar on the anterior neck and positive Chvostek sign. Key words: Hypocalcemia, bilateral cataract, total thyroidectomy, hypoparathyroidism, tetany, serum calcium and Ethiopia.