bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of Sinhala Version of Brief COPE Scale in Patients with Cancer in Sri Lanka
Authors: Weeratunga Eranthi , Senadheera Chandanie , Hettiarachchi Manjula , Perera Bilesha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Coping strategies are essential in the cancer management/recovery process and show an integral part in patients with cancer globally. In Sri Lanka, validated scales to measure coping are scarce. This study was examined the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE for its psychometric properties.
Methods

This scale is self-administered (28 items) and consists of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies; divided into 14 subscales. Cancer patients were registered ‘first come - first serve’ basis using their appointment register at the Radiotherapy Unit, Oncology ward, Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya, Galle, Sri Lanka. They were requested to complete the Sinhalese version of the Brief COPE and demographic details. Test-retest reliability was checked using the same subjects two weeks later. Factorial validity was performed using exploratory factor and principal component analysis. Results were regarded as statistically significant if p < 0.05.
Results

The mean (±SD) age of the sample was 61(±12) years. The mean adaptive coping (±SD) and maladaptive coping were 37.50 (±8.14) and 17.10 (±2.44) respectively. The internal consistency of the overall scale was good (Cronbach’s alpha - 0.819). Adaptive and maladaptive coping showed a high Cronbach’s alpha (0.861 and 0.396). The test-retest reliability was found to be 0.66. The Sinhala version of BC was found to have a negative correlation with the CES-D scale but was positively correlated with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Seven factors were extracted.
Conclusion

The Sinhala version of the Brief COPE is a valid and reliable tool to assess coping strategies among patients with cancer. The findings of this study would let the health authorities get an understanding of coping strategies among patients with cancer; and the impact on cancer victims and family members to relieve their suffering.
Metabolomic Biomarkers Related to Non-suicidal Self-injury in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Guo Xiangjie , Jia Jiao , Zhang Zhiyong , Miao Yuting , Wu Peng , Bai Yaqin , Ren Yan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an important symptom of bipolar disorder (BD) and other mental disorders and has attracted the attention of researchers lately. Metabolomics is a relatively new field that can provide complementary insights into data obtained from genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolic pathways associated with BD with NSSI and assess important diagnostic and predictive indices of NSSI in BD.Method: Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry was performed to evaluate the serum metabolic profiles of patients with BD with NSSI (n = 31), patients with BD without NSSI (n = 46), and healthy controls (n = 10). Data were analyzed using an Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis and a t-test. Differential metabolites were identified (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05), and further analyzed using Metabo Analyst 3.0 to identify associated metabolic pathways.Results: Eight metabolites in the serum and two important metabolic pathways, the urea and glutamate metabolism cycles, were found to distinguish patients with BD with NSSI from healthy controls. Eight metabolites in the serum, glycine and serine metabolism pathway, and the glucose-alanine cycle were found to distinguish patients with BD without NSSI from healthy controls. Five metabolites in the serum and the purine metabolism pathway were found to distinguish patients with BD with NSSI from those with BD without NSSI.Conclusions: Abnormalities in the urea cycle, glutamate metabolism, and purine metabolism played important roles in the pathogenesis of BD with NSSI.
Modified comb-shaped antisense oligonucleotides may secure us against many important viral diseases including AIDS
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To inhibit HIV replication and infection, we have designed novel linear single stranded modified antisense nucleic acid oligonucleotides ending with or without chain terminating bases (Which resemble the shape of the comb). They were targeting specifically the HIV-1 clone pNL4-3 strong promoter pre PBS region to stop cDNA synthesis within or before the R region, preventing the viral reverse transcriptase (RT) jumping to the 3' end and continue copying the virus. The main advantages of our comb shaped oligonucleotides are their specificity and extreme protection against resistance by known viral mutations. Promising results were obtained for two 15-mer compounds at one tenth azidothymidine concentration. As a result we claim that when adapted properly, the comb shaped antivirals can be used to target the genomic RNA of a number of serious viruses such as for example Ebola, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza, Dengue, hepatitis C, Chikungunya and Zika as they are all using polymerases to copy their genomic RNA1-8. Their genomic RNA could be destroyed through the human or viral endonucleases instead of the viral RT RNAseH site when their polymerases are stopped at specific sites.
Systolic and Diastolic Inter-Arm Blood Pressure Difference: A Cross-Sectional Study Of 3030 Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Essa Rawand , Ahmed Sirwan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
More than 100 years ago, the difference in blood pressure (BP) between arms was first reported. Recent studies have shown that different blood pressure between the right and left arm leads to cardiovascular events. Three thousand and thirty volunteers participated in our study. The sIABP was equal in 163 of 3030 persons (5.37%), dIABP was equal in 222 out of 3030 persons (7.32%), from a total of 792/3030 persons (26.1%) sIAD > 10 mmHg, and dIAD > or =10 mmHg was found in 927 out of 3030 persons (33.5%) in the right arm, and 32.4% in the left arm. In 2692 of 3030 volunteers BP, initially recorded in the dominant hand (right arm), showing sIAD> or = 10 mmHg was found in 943 (37.1%) volunteers, and when the first measurement was done in 338 left-handed volunteers it showed sIAD> or = 10 mmHg in 112 of 338 (34.1%), P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval for systolic right hand were (115.73: 116.73), and for systolic left hand 95% confidence interval were (113.17:114.15). Furthermore, height, residential area, and heart rate above 90 bpm had a significant effect on IAD (P =. 041, .002, <001, respectively). In conclusions significant inter-arm systolic and diastolic BP differences above (10 mm Hg) is common in the young, healthy population. Hand dominance is a significant consideration while measuring blood pressure. It is mandatory to measure blood pressure in both arms in a sitting position with a stable condition.
The Effects of Intravitreal Agents on Systemic Vascular Diseases in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ozmen Sedat , çakır burçin , aksoy nilgün özkan , çelik erkan , aras yeşim güzey , coşansu kahraman 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the risk for cerebrovascular desease (CVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients who were treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and compare the rates of CVD and CAD with diabetic controls. Methods: A retrospective chart review of diabetic patients was performed. The need for intravitreal injection and type of agent were noted. If clinically significant or center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) were determined, intravitreal anti-VEGF agents were used. The CVD and/or CAD occurred within 6 months of the intravitreal injection were accepted as the main outcomes of the study. The records of diabetic patients who were followed up but not needed intravitreal injections were accepted as the control group of the study. Comparisons between these groups were performed.Results: The number of patients enrolled in the study was 9751 (5243 female, 4508 male patients). Of these patients, 1261 patients were received various intravitreal injections. Patients who had CVD history were divided into two groups according to whether they received intravitreal injection or not. There was statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of CVD history (p<0,001). There was statistically significant difference in the hazard of CVD between different anti-VEGF treatments (p<0,001). Patients who had CAD history were divided into two groups according to whether they received intravitreal injection or not. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in terms of CAD history (p=0,31). Discussion: The risk for CVD was seen to increase with the intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in diabetic patients. The rate of CVD was higher in patients who received intravitreal bevacizumab treatment.
The electronic tree of life (eTOL): a net of long probes to characterize the human microbiome from RNA-seq data
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Haas Jürgen , Lathe Richard 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Microbiome analysis generally requires PCR-based or metagenomic shotgun sequencing, sophisticated programs, and large volumes of data. Alternative approaches based on widely available RNA-seq data are constrained because of sequence similarities between the transcriptomes of microbes/viruses and those of the host, compounded by the extreme abundance of host sequences in such libraries. Current approaches are also limited to specific microbial groups. There is a need for alternative methods of microbiome analysis that encompass the entire tree of life.
Results

We report a method to specifically retrieve non-human sequences in human tissue RNA-seq data. For cellular microbes we used a bioinformatic 'net', based on filtered 64-mer small subunit rRNA sequences across the Tree of Life (the 'electronic tree of life', eTOL), to comprehensively (98%) entrap all non-human rRNA sequences present in the target tissue. Using brain as a model, retrieval of matching reads, re-exclusion of human-related sequences, followed by contig building and species identification, is followed by reconfirmation of the abundance and identity of the corresponding species groups. We provide methods to automate this analysis. A variant approach is necessary for viruses. Again, because of significant matches between viral and human sequences, a 'stripping' approach is essential. In addition, contamination during workup is a potential problem, and we discuss strategies to circumvent this issue. To illustrate the versatility of the method, we report the use of the eTOL methodology to unambiguously identify exogenous microbial and viral sequences in human tissue RNA-seq data across the entire tree of life including Archaea, Bacteria, Chloroplastida, basal Eukaryota, Fungi, and Holozoa/Metazoa, and discuss the technical and bioinformatic challenges involved.
Conclusions

This generic methodology may find wider application in microbiome analysis including diagnostics.
Feeling the burn in the era of COVID-19: Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Arabic version of the Copenhagen Burnout inventory among community pharmacists
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abou-Abbas Linda , Youssef Janet 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Community pharmacists (CPs) are one of the frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) working diligently to provide much-needed services during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are suffering from the detrimental impact of this pandemic which affected negatively their mental health and fueled their burnout.

Objectives

This study aimed to validate the Arabic version of Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI-A) for use in the assessment of burnout among Lebanese CPs.

Methods

Using a snowball sampling technique, a web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Lebanese CPs over February 2021. Data were collected using an anonymous Arabic self-administered questionnaire that includes information on socio-demographic characteristics, work-related variables, in addition to the measurements: the CBI which includes personal, work-related, and patient-related dimensions of burnout, and the hospital anxiety and depression scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Amos software. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to explore the factorial structure and to measure model fit. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess internal consistency. The criterion validity of the CBI was assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to explore the association between different aspects of burnout and mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety.

Results

The CBI-A showed high internal consistency with Cronbach’s alphas varied from 0.774 to 0.902 and a low flooring and ceiling effect (1– 9%). As for the CBI-A’ construct validity, the exploratory factor analysis showed three factors with good factor loadings and explained 72.17% of the variance. The confirmatory analysis supported the three-factorial structure of the CBI that presented a good overall fit revealed by the goodness of fit indices. Based on the modification indices, the three-factor model was adapted by allowing one covariate error between one pair of items within the personal burnout domain. All of the 19 items were kept in the construct since they showed a good factorial weight. The CBI-A is associated with burnout-related factors in expected directions, including extensive working hours, sleeping hours, and job satisfaction, indicating criterion validity. CBI subscales were found also positively associated with mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety indicating a predictive validity.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of CBI as an adequate tool for assessing burnout among CPs. Such an instrument could be useful for assessing such syndrome among other healthcare workers.
Prognostic characterization of the pyroptosis-related subtypes and tumor microenvironment infiltration in glioma
Authors: He Jiarong , Jia Jiaoying , Lei Jiawei , Yu Jingyu , Zhou Wen , Zhang Mingming 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background

Pyroptosis could regulate tumor cell trafficking, invasion, and metastasis, as well as tumor microenvironment (TME). However, prognostic characteristics of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and their impact on the progression of glioma remain insufficient.

Methods

The genetic, transcriptional, and survival data of glioma patients used for bioinformatics analysis were obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases.

Results

We first screened two different molecular subtypes and found that PRG variations were associated with the characteristics of TME cell infiltration, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis of patients with glioma. After Cox regression of differentially expressed genes, a risk-score for predicting overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was calculated and its predictive accuracy in glioma patients was then validated. The high-risk group of PRGs signature showed a significantly poor OS compared to the low-risk group (training cohort, p <0.001, validation cohort, p <0.001). A high risk-score implies more immune cell infiltration and a better immunotherapy response to immune checkpoint blockers. Furthermore, the risk-score was significantly associated with the chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity and cancer stem cell (CSC) index. Subsequently, we established a highly accurate nomogram to facilitate the applicability in the preliminary clinical application of the risk-score.

Conclusion

Our findings may lay the foundation for future research targeting pyroptosis in glioma and pave the way for evaluating prognosis and developing more effective immunotherapy strategies.
Reference ranges Of Uterine Artery Doppler Indices (Pulsatility index and Resistivity index) in pregnant women of Eastern part of Uttar Pradesh INDIA
Authors: Rani Anjali , Jain Madhu , Shukla RC , Ishan Ishan , Singh TB , Singh Girish , Mohammedzadehasl Milad , Bhushan Ravi , Upadhyay Sonal 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
ObjectivePreeclampsia and eclampsia are one of major cause of maternal mortality. Various parameters like pulsatility index (PI) and resistivity index (RI) of color Doppler are helpful in detection of preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. The reference ranges of the various parameters like uterine artery PI and RI are mainly from western countries. The reference range for Indian Population is lacking. So the objective of the study is to construct reference range of uterine artery for women from eastern India.Material and MethodIn this study, total 201 pregnant patients were included. Color Doppler of normal pregnant women was done at 18 to 22 weeks and then followed up at 28 to 32 weeks gestation. The uterine artery PI and RI was measured during pregnancy. The obtained data were tabulated and 5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th percentile was calculated. The reference range was constructed according to gestational age starting from 18 to 22 weeks and then from 28 to 34 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.ResultThe main parameter observed are pulsatility and resistivity index of left and right uterine arteries first at 18 to 22 weeks and then followed up at 28 to 34 weeks. Our data suggests that as the gestational age increases both pulsatility and resistivity index decreases. The cut off value for reference range was taken up to 95th percentile. Anything above 95th percentile is abnormal. The reference range for left uterine artery pulsatility index was found to be 1.19 to 1.16 at 18 to 22 weeks, 1.09 at 28 weeks while 0.89 at 34 weeks. Similarly, the reference range for resistivity index was found to be 0.61 at 18 to 22 weeks while it decreases to 0.54 at 28 to 34 weeks.ConclusionReference range of uterine artery doppler indices for the local population is very useful tool to early prediction of Preeclampsia and IUGRs of that population and can aid in timely treatment of mother and baby. Our data shows decrease in pulsatility and resistivity index with increase in the gestational age.
Comparison Of Collagen-Curcumin Blend (Collaper Rtu)With Intralesional Steroid Injections in Oral Submucous Fibrosis a Randomized, Open-Label Interventional Study.
Authors: Kwatra Bharat , Pahwa Manya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a precancerous condition characterized by limited mouth opening, burning sensation, stiffness, and blanching of the oral mucosa induced by areca nut eating. With any of the current therapy regimens, complete regression of the illness has not been accomplished in all patients. Curcumin is a yellow pigment found in curry powder that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic properties. As a result, interventional research was conducted to determine the efficacy of Collaper RTu a proprietary collagen-curcumin based product in patients with OSMF.Setting and design: Forty patients with clinically and histologically confirmed Oral Submucous Fibrosis participated in a randomized open label interventional research. Method & materials: For the research, forty patients with clinically and histologically verified Oral Submucous Fibrosis were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group was given a weekly intralesional injection of 4 mg Dexamethasone and 1500 I.U Hyaluronidase, whereas the second was given two Collagen-Curcumin pills (Collaper Rtu 60mg Collagen with 100 mg Curcumin) every day for three months. On a weekly basis, the improvement of burning sensation, interincisal distance, and tongue protrusion was assessed.Results: From early to late stages, the burning feeling improved in both groups. Collaper Rtu was found to eliminate the burning feeling. In groups 1 and 2, the mean increase in interincisal distance was 3.13 mm and 1.25 mm, respectively. The interincisal distance improved significantly in both groups by the end of the first month. When compared to group 2, group 1's tongue protrusion recovered faster at the conclusion of the first month. Conclusion: Collaper RTu is useful and effective in lowering the burning feeling in people with early OSMF.
Effects of NRF-1 and PGC-1α Cooperation on HIF-1α and Rat Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis Under Hypoxia
Authors: Niu Nan , Li Hui , Du Xiancai , Wang Chan , Li Junliang , Yang Jihui , Liu Cheng , Yang Songhao , Zhu Yazhou , Zhao Wei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Hypoxia is a primary inducer of cardiomyocyte injury, its significant marker being hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α are transcriptional regulatory elements implicated in multiple biological functions, including oxidative stress response. However, their roles in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis remain unknown. The effect HIF-α, together with NRF-1, exerts on cardiomyocyte apoptosis also remains unclear. We established a myocardial hypoxia model and investigated the effects of these proteins on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat cardiomyocytes (H9C2) under hypoxia. Further, we examined the association between NRF-1 and HIF-1α to improve the current understanding of NRF-1 anti-apoptotic mechanisms. The results showed that NRF-1 and HIF-1α are important anti-apoptotic molecules in H9C2 cells under hypoxia, although their regulatory mechanisms differ. NRF-1 could bind to the promoter region of Hif-1α and negatively regulate its expression. Additionally, HIF-1β exhibited competitive binding with NRF-1 and HIF-1α, demonstrating a synergism between NRF-1 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1α. These results indicate that cardiomyocytes can regulate different molecular patterns to tolerate hypoxia, providing a novel methodological framework for studying cardiomyocyte apoptosis under hypoxia.
Towards Automatic Motivator Selection for Autism Behavior Intervention Therapy
Authors: Siyam Nur , Abdallah Sherief 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) usually show little interest in academic activities and may display disruptive behavior when presented with assignments. Research indicates that incorporating motivational variables during interventions results in improvements in behavior and academic performance. However, the impact of such motivational variables varies between children. In this paper, we aim to solve the problem of selecting the right motivator for children with ASD using Reinforcement Learning by adapting to the most influential factors impacting the effectiveness of the contingent motivator used. We model the task of selecting a motivator as a Markov Decision Process problem. The states, actions and rewards design consider the factors that impact the effectiveness of a motivator based on Applied Behavior Analysis as well as learners’ individual preferences. We use a Q-Learning algorithm to solve the modelled problem. Our proposed solution is then implemented as a mobile application developed for special education plans coordination. To evaluate the motivator selection feature, we conduct a study involving a group of teachers and therapists and assess how the added feature aids the participants in their decision-making process of selecting a motivator. Preliminary results indicated that the motivator selection feature improved the usability of the mobile app. Analysis of the algorithm performance showed promising results and indicated improvement of the recommendations over time.