bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pelvic organ prolapse and associated factors among women admitted to gynecology ward at the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Harar, eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Abdek , Yadeta Elias , Eyeberu Addis , Abdisa Lemesa , Bekana Miressa , Dheresa Merga 
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The major aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of pelvic organ prolapse and its associated factors among patients admitted to the gynecology ward at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective review of records was undertaken at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital. We used a simple random sampling technique to pick 387 gynecology ward–admitted patient records from 30 December 2020 to 10 January 2021. Data were extracted from maternal medical charts using a pretested checklist. The extracted data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was carried out to observe a significant correlation between independent and pelvic organ prolapse. An adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval was used to report the result. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results: Among 387 responded women, 39 (10.1%; 95% confidence interval = 8.3–15.6) of them had at least one stage of pelvic organ prolapse. Multiparty (adjusted odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.41–10.60), grand multiparty (adjusted odds ratio = 2.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.53–12.90), older maternal age (adjusted odds ratio = 2.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.220–7.52), lifting a heavy object (adjusted odds ratio = 4.61, 95% confidence interval = 2.31–15.83), and having chronic cough (adjusted odds ratio = 2.39, 95% confidence interval = 1.10–5.19) were significantly associated with pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusion: Among women admitted to the hospital because of gynecological morbidity, one in ten of them had pelvic organ prolapse. Multiparty, advanced maternal age, having a chronic cough, and lifting heavy objects were identified to be risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse. Tailored primary prevention would enhance the well-being of reproductive-age women.
Ventral cervical subcutaneous Aspergillus species fungal granuloma in a cat
Authors: Bartels Courtney , Alvarez-Sanchez Alejandro , Ranganathan Bharadhwaj , O’Neill T William , Townsend Katy L 
Published: September 2022

Case summary An 8-year-old domestic longhair cat was evaluated for a right ventral subcutaneous cervical mass. Serial bloodwork and contrast-enhanced cranial and thoracic CT initially lacked ethmoturbinate lysis and showed a progressive, vascularized, right ventral cervical mass involving local lymph nodes. The mass was removed surgically on two occasions. Histopathology and fungal culture were diagnostic for a recurring sclerosing fungal granuloma and pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic lymphadenitis, consistent with Aspergillus species. The cat was treated with oral itraconazole; however, owing to the owner’s non-compliance in administering the medication and disease progression, the cat was humanely euthanized 3 years after diagnosis. Relevance and novel information The development of a cervical subcutaneous fungal granuloma of Aspergillus species in a domestic longhair cat before obvious maxillary, orbital or ethmoturbinate lysis on initial diagnostics is rare and suggests an early onset of lymphatic or hematogenous spread from a suspected nidus of infection within the sinonasal cavity.
Comparison of the Outcomes of Microendoscopic Discectomy Versus Full-Endoscopic Discectomy for the Treatment of L4/5 Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Fujita Muneyoshi , Inui Takahiro , Oshima Yasushi , Iwai Hiroki , Inanami Hirohiko , Koga Hisashi 
Published: September 2022

Study Design Retrospective Comparative Study. Objectives To compare the outcomes of microendoscopic discectomy (MED) versus full-endoscopic discectomy (FED) for treating L4/5 lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods A retrospective study was performed on patients with L4/5 LDH treated using MED (n = 249) or FED (n = 124). A 16-mm tubular retractor and endoscope was used for MED, while a 4.1-mm working channel endoscope was used for FED. Patient background and operative data were collected. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scores were recorded preoperatively and at 1 and 2 years postsurgery. Results The background data of the two groups were similar. The mean operation times for MED and FED were 59.3 and 47.7 min (respectively), and the mean volumes of removed nucleus pulposus were .65 and 1.03 g, respectively. These differences were significant ( P < .001). Six dural tears and one postoperative hematoma were observed in the MED group; none were observed in the FED group. During the follow-up period, 16 MED and 7 FED patients required re-operation due to recurrence ( P = 1.00). Although the ODI and EQ-5D scores significantly improved at 1 and 2 years postsurgery in both groups, the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions Operative outcomes were almost identical in both groups. We did not observe any operative or postoperative complications in FED. We, therefore, recommend FED as the first option for the treatment of L4/5 LDH since it has a better safety profile and is minimally invasive.
Comparison of High-Resolution Ultrasonography With Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jain Anshul , Malhotra Ankur , Chandak Shruti , Jain Aswani , Yogender Yogender , Deriya Arpit , Sharma Madhu 
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine whether high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) can provide information, on signs of inflammation and destruction, due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The focus was on the wrist joint, during early and late disease and compared the findings to those with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: The study was based on 31 RA patients, with joint involvements, who were selected from those attending the outpatient rheumatology clinic. The patients completed both HRUS and MRI examinations, and their results were compared. Results: The HRUS and MRI images had near-perfect agreement, for detecting joint anomalies, in those RA patients. While comparing the overall performance of the HRUS and MRI studies, it was observed that HRUS was equal or nearly equal, demonstrating 90.83%, 100.0% and 94.93%, diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, respectively, for diagnosing RA pathologies. Conclusion: The early diagnosis of RA with HRUS and MRI examinations is very important, in the early treatment of RA. The HRUS examinations demonstrated a sensitive and reliable diagnostic method for assessing inflammatory activity and destructive changes in the joints of these RA patients, with HRUS findings comparable to those of MRI.
Effects of the presence or absence and the position of glued edge joints in the lamina on the shear strength of glued laminated timber
Authors: Ido Hirofumi , Miyatake Atsushi , Hiramatsu Yasushi , Miyamoto Kohta 
Published: September 2022

AbstractFour kinds of glued laminated timber were produced (i.e., one with a glued edge-joint and the other three with nonglued edge joints) in the lamina at different positions toward the depth direction. Shear tests using an asymmetric four-point bending method were then conducted for these glued laminated timber specimens. The results showed that although the glued edge-joint specimens had the highest shear strength in all groups, the shear strength decreased as the distance from the adjacent nonglued edge-joint plane decreased. Furthermore, the shear strength of all specimens exceeded the standard shear design strength value (2.1 N/mm2) set by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan. Next, the shear strength of the nonglued edge-joint specimens was estimated based on that of the glued edge-joint specimens. Although the mean-estimated shear strength was lower than the mean-measured shear strength, the possibility of the shear strength changing based on the position of the nonglued edge-joint plane specimens from that of the glued edge-joint specimens was still estimated.
Relationship between left ventricular mechanical synchrony and left ventricular systolic function: a CZT-SPECT analysis
Authors: Sun Qiting , Huang Ruiliang , Fu Songhai , Wu Chen , Guo Xuliang , Li Tianliang , Hou Yuehong , Wang Fei , Xi Rui , Li Sijin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
CZT-SPECT has good agreement in the evaluation of mechanical synchronization compared with conventional SPECT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between left ventricular mechanical contraction synchrony and left ventricular systolic function by gated myocardial perfusion imaging (GMPI) using cadmium–zine–telluride (CZT) single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

Methods
This retrospective study involved 371 patients (239 males and 132 females, mean age 61.06 ± 11.78 years old) who underwent GMPI at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Shanxi Cardiovascular Hospital from January 2020 to August 2020. Systolic synchrony parameters and left ventricular systolic function parameters were calculated via Emory Cardiac Toolbox, including PP, PSD, PHB, HS, HK, EDV, ESV, and LVEF. Based on LVEF value, patients were divided into the severe reduction group (group 1, 127 cases, EF < 35%), moderate reduction group (group 2, 47 cases, 35% ≤ EF < 45%), mild reduction group (group 3, 50 cases, 45% ≤ EF < 50%) and normal group (group 4, 147 cases, EF ≥ 50%). Differences in PP, PSD, PHB, HS and HK among the four groups were compared using one-way ANOVA. Differences between two groups were compared using LSD-t test. The correlation among functional and mechanical contraction synchrony factors were analyzed using Pearson test.

Results
PP, PSD, PHB, HS and HK were significantly different among the four groups (F = 5.20, 188.72, 202.88, 171.05, 101.36, P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison tests showed significant differences in PSD and PHB in each two groups, and HS and HK in each two groups except for group 2 and 3 (t = 0.28 and 0.39, both P > 0.001). PP was significantly higher in group 1, relative to group 3 (t = 2.43, P < 0.001) and group 4 (t = 3.67, P < 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed that LVEF negatively correlates with PP, PSD, PHB (r = 0.194, − 0.790, − 0.799, all P < 0.001). HS and HK showed positive correlation for LVEF (r = 0.778 and 0.795, P < 0.001), PSD, PHB and ESV were had good positive correlation (r = 0.778, 0.795, P < 0.001), PSD, PHB and EDV had good positive correlation (r = 0.722, 0.732, P < 0.001). However, PP had poor correlation with EDV (r = 0.095, P > 0.001). HS and HK were negatively correlated with EDV and ESV (r =  − 0.700 to − 0.594, P < 0.001).

Conclusion
CZT SPECT GMPI provided left ventricular mechanical contraction synchrony parameters that correlated well with left ventricular systolic function. Worse left ventricular mechanical contraction synchrony lead to decreased LVEF, making the systolic synchrony parameters valuable in the prediction of left ventricular systolic function.
Ischemic stroke in young patients in Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Vargas-Murcia Juan Diego , Isaza-Jaramillo Sandra Patricia , Vallejo-Mesa Dionis Magnary , Carvajal-Muñoz Daniela 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is scarce information about ischemic stroke in young patients in Colombia. To get insights about this phenomenon, this study describes the etiologies and risk factors of ischemic stroke in young patients in a third level complexity referral hospital in Medellin, Colombia.MethodsA retrospective observational cross-sectional study was carried out reviewing the medical records of patients between 18 to 49 years old admitted for the first time for ischemic stroke, from January 2009 to December 2019. The sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and etiological classification of ischemic stroke according to the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) were described.ResultsTwo hundred thirty-seven cases were found. The most frequent risk factors were arterial hypertension (31.7%), smoking (29.5%) and alcohol intake (23.2%). There was a greater number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors at older ages. The TOAST classification was large-artery atherosclerosis (6.8%), cardioembolism (17.7%), small-vessel disease (7.6%), other determined etiology (25.7%) and undetermined (42.2%). Within cardioembolism, the most common high-risk source was valve replacement, and the most common moderate-risk source was patent foramen ovale. Craniocervical arterial dissection (11.4%) and substance abuse (2.9%) were the two most frequent sources within other determined etiologies. The most common compromised vascular territory was the anterior (55.7%).ConclusionsThe high frequency of traditional risk factors in young patients highlights the need to optimize primary and secondary prevention plans. This study provides new insights about the relevance of illicit substance abuse in Colombia as a cause of stroke in young patients, unlike the previous one conducted in Bogotá. Infectious causes were other peculiarities found. It is necessary to investigate the reasons for the high proportion of undetermined causes.
Survival in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a ten-year follow-up study in northern China
Authors: Wang Song , Li Tao , Zhou Tingting , Pu Lanlan , Wang Hai-Yang , Yin Xiaoxue , Hao Xinqing , Ren Lu , Liang Zhanhua 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
A thorough understanding of the factors that influence patient survival in Parkinson’s disease (PD) will aid in prognosis prediction and provide a new direction for disease modification treatment. Currently, there are no standardized mortality ratio (SMR) data for PD patients in the northern Chinese mainland. The main focus of this study was to determine which factors in the prospectively collected baseline characteristics can affect the survival of PD patients. In addition, for the first time, we investigated the SMR of PD patients in northern China.

Methods
Between 2009 and 2012, 218 PD patients were continuously recruited from the movement disorder clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University and followed up until death or May 31, 2021. The prespecified prognostic variables were demographics, clinical features, lifestyle factors, and drug dose prospectively collected at baseline. To determine the independent predictors of survival during follow-up, the Cox proportional hazards model was used. Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to estimate the overall survival curve and to compare survival between layers based on statistically significant predictors. The SMR of this northern Chinese mainland PD cohort was calculated.

Results
After a mean follow-up of 9.58 ± 2.27 years, 50 patients (22.90%) died. Factors that could individually predict shortened survival during follow-up included older age at onset (hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–1.15), Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage ≥ 3 (HR 9.36, 95% CI 2.82–31.03) and severe cognitive impairment (HR 6.18, 95% CI 2.75–13.88). Univariate Cox regression revealed that a certain amount of physical activity was associated with better survival (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.22–0.74), while fatigue was associated with an increased risk of death (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.37–4.70). The overall SMR was 1.32 (95% CI 0.98–1.74).

Conclusions
Older age at onset, higher baseline H&Y stage, and severe cognitive impairment have a negative impact on survival. The 10-year survival of PD patients is not significantly different from that of the general population in China.
The prevalence and social-structural correlates of housing status among women living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Zhao Yinong , Shannon Kate , Buxton Jane A. , Ti Lianping , Genovy Theresa A. , Braschel Melissa , Deering Kathleen 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience numerous social and structural barriers to stable housing, with substantial implications for access to health care services. This study is the first to apply the Canadian Definition of Homelessness (CDOH), an inclusive national guideline, to investigate the prevalence and correlates of housing status among WLWH in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Methods
Our study utilized data from a longitudinal open cohort of cisgender and trans WLWH aged 14 years and older, in 2010–2019. Cross-sectional descriptive statistics of the prevalence of housing status and other social and structural variables were summarized for the baseline visits. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) for repeated measures to investigate the relationship between social and structural correlates and housing status among WLWH.

Results
The study included 336 participants with 1930 observations over 9 years. Housing status derived from CDOH included four categories: unsheltered, unstable, supportive housing, and stable housing (reference). Evidence suggested high levels of precarious housing, with 24% of participants reporting being unsheltered, 47% reporting unstable housing, 11.9% reporting supportive housing, and 16.4% reporting stable housing in the last six months at baseline. According to the multivariable models, living in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) neighbourhood of Metro Vancouver, hospitalization, physical/sexual violence, and stimulant use were associated with being unsheltered, compared to stable housing; DTES residence, hospitalization, and physical/sexual violence were associated with unstable housing; DTES residence and stimulant use were associated with living in supportive housing.

Conclusion
Complex social-structural inequities are associated with housing instability among WLWH. In addition to meeting basic needs for living, to facilitate access to housing among WLWH, housing options that are gender-responsive and gender-inclusive and include trauma- and violence-informed principles, low-barrier requirements, and strong connections with supportive harm reduction services are critical.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on physical activity amongst older adults: evidence from longitudinal data in the UK
Authors: Elliott Jack , Munford Luke , Ahmed Saima , Littlewood Alison , Todd Chris 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of adverse health outcomes and frailty,particularly for older adults. To reduce transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, people were instructed to stay at home, group sports were suspended, and gyms were closed, thereby limiting opportunities for physical activity. Whilst evidence suggests that physical activity levels reduced during the pandemic, it is unclear whether the proportion of older adults realising the recommended minimum level of physical activity changed throughout the various stages of lockdown.

Methods
We used a large sample of 3,660 older adults (aged ≥ 65) who took part in the UK Household Longitudinal Study’s annual and COVID-19 studies. We examined changes in the proportion of older adults who were realising the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity recommendations for health maintenance at several time points before and after COVID-19 lockdowns were imposed. We stratified these trends by the presence of health conditions, age, neighbourhood deprivation, and pre-pandemic activity levels.

Results
There was a marked decline in older adults’ physical activity levels during the third national lockdown in January 2021. The proportion realising the Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity recommendations decreased from 43% in September 2020 to 33% in January 2021. This decrease in physical activity occurred regardless of health condition, age, neighbourhood deprivation, or pre-pandemic activity levels. Those doing the least activity pre-lockdown increased their activity during lockdowns and those doing the most decreased their activity levels.

Conclusions
Reductions in older adults’ physical activity levels during COVID-19 lockdowns have put them at risk of becoming deconditioned and developing adverse health outcomes. Resources should be allocated to promote the uptake of physical activity in older adults to reverse the effects of deconditioning.
The impact of two state-level approaches to restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products
Authors: Satchell Tyra , Diaz Megan C. , Stephens Daniel , Bertrand Adrian , Schillo Barbara A. , Whitsel Laurie P. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Flavored tobacco products are highly appealing to youth. The Federal government lacks a comprehensive flavored tobacco products policy and states have adopted different approaches restricting these products. This study analyzes the impact of Massachusetts’ comprehensive prohibition and New Jersey’s partial restriction on the sale of flavored tobacco products.

Methods
NielsenIQ Retail Scanner data were used to construct four log per capita dependent variables: e-liquid milliliters, cigarette packs, cigars, and smokeless tobacco ounces for products flavored as fruit, menthol, mint, tobacco and other. All models used difference-in-differences regressions, with Virginia and Pennsylvania serving as controls. The models controlled for state level product prices, population percentages by race/ethnicity, proportion male, median household income, unemployment rate, minimum legal sales age, tobacco 21 policies, and cumulative cases and deaths of COVID-19; the models accounted for time-specific factors by using 4-week period fixed-effects.

Results
There was a significant decrease in sales across all flavored tobacco products in Massachusetts, including fruit [-99.83%, p < 0.01], menthol [-98.33%, p < 0.01], and all other flavored [-99.28%, p < 0.01] e-cigarettes. The cigar group “all other-flavors" [-99.92%, p < 0.01] and menthol flavored cigarettes [-95.36%, p < 0.01] also significantly decreased. In New Jersey, there was a significant decrease in per capita sales of menthol-flavored e-cigarettes [-83.80%, p < 0.05] and cigar group “all other-flavors" experienced a significant increase in per capita sales [380.66%, p < 0.01].

Conclusions
This study contributes to the growing body of evidence demonstrating the impact of sales prohibitions on reducing sales of flavored tobacco products. Statewide comprehensive approaches appear more effective than partial restrictions and should be prioritized.

Implications
Results from this study support emerging research that demonstrates the promising effects of comprehensive flavoring sales prohibitions. This study can be used to inform future flavored tobacco product policy solutions developed by advocates and policy makers to curb overall tobacco initiation and use by youth and adults.