bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of smartphone applications for measurement of hip rotation, compared with three‐dimensional motion analysis
Authors: Ganokroj Phob , Sompornpanich Nuchanun , Kerdsomnuek Pichitpol , Vanadurongwan Bavornrat , Lertwanich Pisit 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Measurement of hip rotation is a crucial clinical parameter for the identification of hip problems and the monitoring of symptoms. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of two smartphone applications is valid and reliable for the measurement of hip rotation.

Methods
An experimental, cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess passive hip internal and external rotation in three positions by two examiners. The hip rotational angles were measured by a smartphone clinometer application in the sitting and prone positions, and by a smartphone compass application in the supine position; their results were compared with those of the standard, three-dimensional, motion analysis system. The validities and inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities of the smartphone applications were evaluated.

Results
The study involved 24 participants. The validities were good to excellent for the internal rotation angles in all positions (ICC 0.81–0.94), good for the external rotation angles in the prone position (ICC 0.79), and fair for the sitting and supine positions (ICC 0.70–0.73). The measurement of the hip internal rotation in the supine position had the highest ICC value of 0.94 (0.91, 0.96). The two smartphone applications showed good-to-excellent intra-rater reliability, but good-to-excellent inter-rater reliability for only three of the six positions (two other positions had fair reliability, while one position demonstrated poor reliability).

Conclusions
The two smartphone applications have good-to-excellent validity and intra-rater reliability, but only fair-to-good inter-rater reliability for the measurement of the hip rotational angle. The most valid hip rotational position in this study was the supine IR angle measurement, while the lowest validity was the ER angle measurement in the sitting position. The smartphone application is one of the practical measurements in hip rotational angles.

Trial registration
Number 20181022003 at the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th) which was retrospectively registered at 2018-10-18 15:30:29.
Bone mineral density assessment by DXA in rheumatic patients with end-stage osteoarthritis undergoing total joint arthroplasty
Authors: Mühlenfeld Moritz , Strahl André , Bechler Ulrich , Jandl Nico Maximilian , Hubert Jan , Rolvien Tim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with rheumatic diseases have a high risk for joint destruction and secondary osteoarthritis (OA) as well as low bone mineral density (BMD, i.e., osteoporosis). While several factors may lead to low BMD in these patients, the value of BMD measurements in rheumatic patients with end-stage OA scheduled for total joint arthroplasty is unknown.

Methods
In this retrospective cross-sectional study of 50 adults with secondary OA due to rheumatic diseases, we evaluated dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements of both hips and the spine performed within 3 months prior to arthroplasty (n = 25 total hip arthroplasty, THA; n = 25 total knee arthroplasty, TKA). We analyzed various demographic and disease-specific characteristics and their effect on DXA results by using group comparisons and multivariate linear regression models.

Results
Although patients undergoing TKA were younger (63.2 ± 14.2 vs. 71.0 ± 10.8 yr., p = 0.035), osteoporosis was observed more frequently in patients scheduled for TKA than THA (32% vs. 12%). Osteopenia was detected in 13/25 patients (52%) in both the THA and TKA cohort. In the THA cohort, female sex, lower BMI and prednisolone use were associated with lower T-score in the hip. In TKA patients, higher OA grade determined by Kellgren-Lawrence score was associated with lower T-score in the hip of the affected side.

Conclusions
Osteoporosis is present in a considerable frequency of rheumatic patients with end-stage OA, and THA and TKA patients show distinct frequencies and risk factors of low BMD. Our findings point to a potential value of DXA regarding preoperative evaluation of bone status.
The relationship between abnormal Core binding factor-β expression in human cartilage and osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Guangdi , Zhang Mi , Huang Yuan , Yang Jiafei , Dong Lianghong , Shi Hao , Li Long , Liu Riguang , Li Jiangwei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the effect of abnormal Core binding factor-β expression on proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of chondrocytes, and elucidate the relationship between Core binding factor-β and osteoarthritis-related markers and degenerative joint disease.

Methods
Cartilage tissues, from healthy subjects and patients with osteoarthritis, were collected for histology and expression of Core binding factor-β, MMP-13, IL-1β, COMP, and YKL-40. Human articular chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, and a viral vector was constructed to regulate cellular Core binding factor-β expression. Cellular proliferation and apoptosis were observed, and osteoarthritis-related inflammatory factor expression and cartilage metabolite synthesis assayed.

Results
Human osteoarthritis lesions had disordered cartilage structure and cellular arrangement, and increased emptying of cartilage lacunae. Normal cell counts were significantly reduced, cartilage extracellular matrix was obviously damaged, and type II collagen expression was significantly decreased. Core binding factor-β was highly expressed in the osteoarthritis cartilage (p < 0.001), and MMP-13, IL-1β, COMP and YKL-40 expression were greater than found in normal cartilage (p < 0.001). Cellular proliferation in the Core binding factor-β high-expression group was reduced and the total apoptosis rate was increased (p < 0.05), while the opposite was found in the Core binding factor-β inhibition group (p < 0.01). Compared with normal chondrocytes, high Core binding factor-β expression (Osteoarthritis and CBFB/pCDH groups) was associated with significantly increased MMP13, IL-1β, COMP and YKL-40 protein expression (p < 0.01), while Core binding factor-β inhibition (CBFB/pLKO.1 group) was associated with significantly decreased COMP, MMP13, IL-1β and YKL-40 expression in osteoarthritis cells (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Abnormal Core binding factor-β expression might play an upstream regulatory role in mediating abnormal chondrocyte apoptosis and the inflammatory response. On inhibiting Core binding factor-β expression, a delay in cartilage degeneration was expected.

Trial registration
The study was registered for clinical trials in ChiCTR: ChiCTR1800017066 (Reg. Date-2018/7/10).
Development of a CRISPR/Cpf1 system for targeted gene disruption in Aspergillus aculeatus TBRC 277
Authors: Abdulrachman Dede , Eurwilaichitr Lily , Champreda Verawat , Chantasingh Duriya , Pootanakit Kusol 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
CRISPR-Cas genome editing technologies have revolutionized biotechnological research particularly in functional genomics and synthetic biology. As an alternative to the most studied and well-developed CRISPR/Cas9, a new class 2 (type V) CRISPR-Cas system called Cpf1 has emerged as another versatile platform for precision genome modification in a wide range of organisms including filamentous fungi.

Results
In this study, we developed AMA1-based single CRISPR/Cpf1 expression vector that targets pyrG gene in Aspergillus aculeatus TBRC 277, a wild type filamentous fungus and potential enzyme-producing cell factory. The results showed that the Cpf1 codon optimized from Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida U112, FnCpf1, works efficiently to facilitate RNA-guided site-specific DNA cleavage. Specifically, we set up three different guide crRNAs targeting pyrG gene and demonstrated that FnCpf1 was able to induce site-specific double-strand breaks (DSBs) followed by an endogenous non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathway which caused insertions or deletions (indels) at these site-specific loci.

Conclusions
The use of FnCpf1 as an alternative class II (type V) nuclease was reported for the first time in A. aculeatus TBRC 277 species. The CRISPR/Cpf1 system developed in this study highlights the feasibility of CRISPR/Cpf1 technology and could be envisioned to further increase the utility of the CRISPR/Cpf1 in facilitating strain improvements as well as functional genomics of filamentous fungi.
Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistani dentists: a nationwide cross sectional study
Authors: Kamran Ramsha , Saba Kiran , Azam Saima 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 outbreak which developed into a public health crisis has raised concerns regarding infection control among health care workers particularly dentists all over the world. The aim of this survey was to assess awareness, fear and compliance with practice modification according to CDC guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic among Pakistani dentists.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed on Google Forms and was distributed among all seven regions of Pakistan through social media and WhatsApp after carrying out the reliability analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0. Question wise analysis using frequencies and percentages was done. Pearson correlation and Kruskal Wallis test was applied to check association of awareness level with qualification and workplace setting.

Results
A total of 313 dentists participated and submitted the form online from all regions of Pakistan. The response rate was quite satisfactory as Pakistan was under an official lockdown and most of the hospitals/clinics were either closed or operating with minimum staff. Most of the dentists were well aware of the CDC guidelines. However, 75% of the dentists were afraid of getting infected and 88% of them were anxious while providing treatment. Sixty-eight percent of them were avoiding aerosol generating procedures and only 28% were using rubber dam isolation. Regional analysis was also done and areas of poor compliance were identified. Only 38.5% dentists in Balochistan were using N95 masks and none of the dentists (0%) were using rubber dam isolation. A large number of dentists (80.9%) were afraid and wanted to close their dental practice in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Furthermore, a positive correlation was seen between the designation and awareness level (p = 0.01). Similarly, significant correlation (p = 0.03) was seen between qualification and workplace setting.

Conclusion
The results of the study can help devise strategies to ensure adherence with infection control guidelines in regions with poor compliance. Initiation of awareness programs to help overcome fear and train the faculty and staff in the targeted areas would greatly contribute towards reducing the spread of infection and thus lowering the healthcare burden in a third world country like Pakistan.
Prevalence and factors associated with modern contraceptives utilization among female adolescents in Uganda
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Musaba Milton W. , Mukunya David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of adolescents remain largely unmet. For instance, over 20 million female adolescents in need of, a modern contraceptive method are not using any. This study determined the factors associated with utilization of modern contraceptives among female adolescents in Uganda.

Methods
A cross sectional study was conducted using the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 4, 264 adolescents aged 15 to 19 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization. All our analyses were done using SPSS version 25.

Results
The prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization among female adolescents was 9.4% (401/4264: (95% CI: 8.6–10.3). The odds of contraceptive utilisation were 1.6 times (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.09–2.34) higher among married adolescents compared to unmarried adolescents. Adolescents whose age at first birth was less than 15 years (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.01–3.99) were twice more likely to utilize a modern contraceptive compared to those whose age at first birth was above 15 years. Women belonging to the Central region (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.01–3.69) and those in the middle wealth quintile (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.06–3.46) were 93% and 91% more likely to utilize a modern contraceptive compared to those in the Northern region and those in the poorest wealth index respectively.

Conclusion
The prevalence of modern contraceptive utilization was 9.4%. The findings show the need for designing targeted interventions due to differences in adolescents according to their wealth index, regions and marital status.
Development and validation of a short version of the Female Sexual Function Index in the Spanish population
Authors: Mateu Arrom Laura , Girabent-Farrés Montserrat , González Mónica , Palou Joan , Errando-Smet Carlos , Ramírez-García Inés 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) is a commonly used scale for the assessment of female sexual function. Our aim was to develop and validate a Spanish short version of the FSFI.

Methods
A parallel exploratory, sequential mixed-methods approach was used, involving 2 sites. The process consisted of 2 steps: (1) cognitive and content validation of the previously translated FSFI in the Spanish population, both through a focus group; and item selection based on the difficulty and discrimination parameters using item response theory (IRT), thereby obtaining a short version of the scale (sFSFI-sv); (2) assessment of test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) of the sFSFI-sv. The presence or absence of a sexual disorder variable based on clinical interview was used on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) to establish the cut off point whose Area Under the Curve (AUC) based on sensibility and specificity was maximum.

Results
Specific modifications of the FSFI were made according to the focus group results. 114 women were included for IRT analysis. The initial IRT model pointed to the exclusion of items 1, 2, 5, 11, 18, and 19 (S-χ2 p < 0.001). Items 3, 9, 11, and 14 showed the best discrimination and difficulty parameters. On the basis of the IRT and focus group results, items 1, 3, 9, 12, 16, and 17 were included in the final sFSFI-sv. sFSFI-sv showed good reliability (ICC 0.91) in a group of 93 women. A total score ≤ 18 could indicate a higher risk of sexual disorder (sensitivity: 81.0%, specificity: 73.3%).

Conclusion
A focus group and the IRT analysis allowed the development of a 6-item Spanish version of the FSFI, which showed good reliability in a group of Spanish women.
A patient perspective of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) for migraine treatment: a social media survey
Authors: Kuruvilla Deena E. , Mehta Amit , Ravishankar Nidhi , Cowan Robert P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo survey persons with migraine who use social media about Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) for the treatment of migraine.BackgroundCIM encompasses medical treatments that are not part of but are used in concert with mainstream medicine. Between 28 and 82% of people with migraine use non-drug approaches, and approximately 50% of people with migraine do not discuss non-drug treatments with their healthcare providers (HCPs). It is important for providers to be conversant with CIM treatments and the available evidence-based data. To further this effort, people with migraine were surveyed directly through social media to identify CIM practices in which they engage.MethodsIn collaboration with the American Migraine foundation (AMF) and Yakkety Yak, a digital marketing agency, we conducted a cross-sectional survey study. Participants were recruited from the Move Against Migraine (MAM) Facebook group which has 20,000+ members. The goals of the survey were to assess the attitudes toward CIM among this group, to identify which CIM modalities are being used and to determine what patients considered to be the most effective CIM modalities. While Yakkety Yak posted the survey link on the group page, the survey itself was hosted on Qualtrics, a confidential survey service.Results372 MAM members (approximately 2%) responded to the questionnaire, of which 335 reported using CIM; between 114 and 139 (34–42%) found CIM modalities to be at least mildly effective. Of note, 164 (49%) reported using cannabis derivatives or cannabinoids, specifically with, 64/164 (39%) reporting that cannabis was not effective for them.ConclusionsThis study provides an initial investigation into the demographic and practice patterns of migraine patients who use CIM. While this sampling may not reflect CIM use across all individuals with migraine, it does strongly suggest the need for better education on the role of, and evidence for, CIM among headache care providers, and the need to ask patients specifically about their use of and interest in CIM.
Isotypes of autoantibodies against novel differential 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified peptide adducts in serum is associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwanese women
Authors: Tsai Kai-Leun , Chang Che-Chang , Chang Yu-Sheng , Lu Yi-Ying , Tsai I-Jung , Chen Jin-Hua , Lin Sheng-Hong , Tai Chih-Chun , Lin Yi-Fang , Chang Hui-Wen , Lin Ching-Yu , Su Emily Chia-Yu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder with systemic inflammation and may be induced by oxidative stress that affects an inflamed joint. Our objectives were to examine isotypes of autoantibodies against 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) modifications in RA and associate them with increased levels of autoantibodies in RA patients.MethodsSerum samples from 155 female patients [60 with RA, 35 with osteoarthritis (OA), and 60 healthy controls (HCs)] were obtained. Four novel differential HNE-modified peptide adducts, complement factor H (CFAH)1211–1230, haptoglobin (HPT)78–108, immunoglobulin (Ig) kappa chain C region (IGKC)2–19, and prothrombin (THRB)328–345, were re-analyzed using tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) spectra (ProteomeXchange: PXD004546) from RA patients vs.HCs. Further, we determined serum protein levels of CFAH, HPT, IGKC and THRB, HNE-protein adducts, and autoantibodies against unmodified and HNE-modified peptides. Significant correlations and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.ResultsLevels of HPT in RA patients were greatly higher than the levels in HCs. Levels of HNE-protein adducts and autoantibodies in RA patients were significantly greater than those of HCs. IgM anti-HPT78−108HNE, IgM anti-IGKC2−19, and IgM anti-IGKC2−19HNE may be considered as diagnostic biomarkers for RA. Importantly, elevated levels of IgM anti-HPT78−108HNE, IgM anti-IGKC2−19, and IgG anti-THRB328−345were positively correlated with the disease activity score in 28 joints for C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). Further, the ORs of RA development through IgM anti-HPT78−108HNE (OR 5.235,p < 0.001), IgM anti-IGKC2−19(OR 12.655,p < 0.001), and IgG anti-THRB328−345(OR 5.761,p < 0.001) showed an increased risk. Lastly, we incorporated three machine learning models to differentiate RA from HC and OA, and performed feature selection to determine discriminative features. Experimental results showed that our proposed method achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92, which demonstrated that our selected autoantibodies combined with machine learning can efficiently detect RA.ConclusionsThis study discovered that some IgG- and IgM-NAAs and anti-HNE M-NAAs may be correlated with inflammation and disease activity in RA. Moreover, our findings suggested that IgM anti-HPT78−108HNE, IgM anti-IGKC2−19, and IgG anti-THRB328−345may play heavy roles in RA development.
Prognostic significance of diabetes mellitus in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Papazoglou Andreas S. , Kartas Anastasios , Samaras Athanasios , Vouloagkas Ioannis , Vrana Eleni , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Akrivos Evangelos , Kotzampasis Georgios , Baroutidou Amalia , Papanastasiou Anastasios , Liampas Evangelos , Botis Michail , Karagiannidis Efstratios , Stalikas Nikolaos , Karvounis Haralambos , Tzikas Apostolos , Giannakoulas George 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
There are limited data on the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) with outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods
This retrospective cohort study included patients who were recently hospitalized with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AF from December 2015 through June 2018. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox-regression adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were calculated for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality and for the secondary outcomes of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and the composite outcome of CV death or hospitalization. Competing-risk regression analyses were performed to calculate the cumulative risk of stroke, major bleeding, AF- or HF-hospitalizations adjusted for the competing risk of all-cause death. Spline curve models were fitted to investigate associations of HbA1c values and mortality among patients with AF and DM.

Results
In total 1109 AF patients were included, of whom 373 (33.6%) had DM. During a median follow-up of 2.6 years, 414 (37.3%) patients died. The presence of DM was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.40 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.11–1.75), CV mortality (aHR = 1.39, 95% CI 1.07–1.81), sudden cardiac death (aHR = 1.73, 95% CI 1.19–2.52), stroke (aHR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.01–3.45) and the composite outcome of hospitalization or CV death (aHR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.06–1.53). In AF patients with comorbid DM, the spline curves showed a positive linear association between HbA1c levels and outcomes, with values 7.6–8.2% being independent predictors of increased all-cause mortality, and values < 6.2% predicting significantly decreased all-cause and CV mortality.

Conclusions
The presence of DM on top of AF was associated with substantially increased risk for all-cause or CV mortality, sudden cardiac death and excess morbidity. HbA1c levels lower than 6.2% were independently related to better survival rates suggesting that optimal DM control could be associated with better clinical outcomes in AF patients with DM.