bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is gestational weight gain in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus related to diabetes characteristics?
Authors: Xie Xinglei , Liu Jiaming , García-Patterson Apolonia , Chico Ana , Mateu-Salat Manel , Amigó Judit , Adelantado Juan María , Corcoy Rosa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess gestational weight gain (GWG) according to Institute of Medicine (IOM) and its clinical predictors in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Methods
Retrospective cohort study at a tertiary medical center. GWG after IOM, was assessed both uncorrected and corrected for gestational age. General and diabetes-related characteristics were analyzed as GWG predictors.
Results
We evaluated 633 pregnant women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. GWG uncorrected for gestational age was insufficient (iGWG) in 20.4%, adequate in 37.1% and excessive (eGWG) in 42.5%. GWG predictors included general (height, prepregnancy body mass index category, multiple pregnancy) and diabetes-related characteristics. Neuropathy and follow-up length were associated with iGWG (OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.22–7.37; OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.86–0.97 respectively) while pump use and third trimester insulin dose were associated with eGWG (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.07–2.66; OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.88–7.06 respectively). Independent predictors for corrected GWG also included general and diabetes-related characteristics.
Conclusion
In this cohort of women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, inadequate GWG was common at the expense of eGWG and associated clinical characteristics were both general and diabetes-related. Clinical care during pregnancy for these women may favor weight gain.
Translation and cultural adaptation of the Greek Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS): Challenges in a six-phase process
Authors: Anagnostou Despina , Katsaragakis Stylianos , Patiraki Elsa , Panagiotou Irene , Tserkezoglou Aliki 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Aim: To translate and culturally adapt IPOS to the Greek population.
Methods: A four phases- sequential study, which included verification of conceptual equivalence, double forward- backward translations and conceptual cognitive debriefing. Focus group interviews used ‘think aloud’ and ‘verbal probing’ techniques. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed using predefined categories. Purposely sampled from twoncology and palliative care units in Athens.
Results: The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale was well accepted by both patients and health professionals. Overall comprehension and acceptability of the scale were good. The comprehension and judgement challenges identified in the pre-final version were successfully resolved in the cognitive interviewing phase. Five out of the seventeen translated items of the scale were modified after cognitive debriefing. Comprehension difficulties were identified with specific terms (e.g., energy/feeling depressed) and with some answer options. Severity of symptoms and not their impact was a common difficulty. A judgement challenge was reported in relation to 7-days recall and fluctuation of symptoms. Layout concerns in relation to length of questions were also stated. All questions were considered important and none as inappropriate.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated face and content validity and acceptability of the Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale in the Greek context. Cognitive Interviewing proved valuable in refining concepts within the specific cultural context.
Clinical implications: The IPOS outcome measure tool is now being used routinely in a palliative care service in Athens and is currently used to evaluate service outcomes.
N 6 -methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is associated with immune microenvironments in acute intracerebral haemorrhage(ICH)
Authors: Yang Hong , Xie Chong , Wu Yi-Fan , Cheng Yuan , Zhu De-Sheng , Guan Yangtai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Recently, researchers have found that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a kind of internal posttranscriptional modification that is very pivotal in mammalian mRNA. However, the features of m6A RNA methylation in acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are still not known. To explore differential methylation modifications and to discover their functions in acute ICH patients. We recruited three acute ICH patients, three healthy controls and an additional three patients and healthy controls for validation. m6A methylation levels were determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS) in blood samples from the two groups. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was employed to identify differences in m6A modification. Differentially expressed m6A-modified genes were confirmed by MeRIP-qPCR. We found that there were no significant differences in total m6A levels between the two groups. However, we observed differential methylation peaks. Compared with the control group, the coding genes showing increased methylation following acute ICH were mostly harboured in processes connected with osteoclast differentiation, the neurotrophin signalling pathway and the spliceosome, while genes with reduced m6A modification were harboured in the B-cell receptor signalling pathway and the T-cell receptor signalling pathway. These results reveal that differentially m6A-modified genes may influence immune microenvironments in acute ICH.
Cognition-enhancement effect of median nerve electrical stimulation in patients with cognitive impairment: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Yifan , Yang Haihua , You Mengyu , Feng Zhen , Dong Xiaoyang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
People with cognitive impairment often face quality of life problems and require ongoing support, which has profound consequences for caregivers and society. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as median nerve electrical stimulation (MNS), have shown promising potentials in improving cognitive ability in patients with cognitive impairment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of MNS in cognitive impairment.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with cognitive impairment from the hospital record management system of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were enrolled. Data on patients’ basic characteristics, treatment records, and examination results such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), activities of daily living (ADL), and P300 event-related potential before and after treatment were collected.
Results
Overall, 146 patients with cognitive impairment were enrolled, including 71 patients who underwent conventional therapy (standard treatment group) and 75 patients who underwent conventional therapy and MNS preformation (active MNS group). Before treatment, there were no differences between the standard treatment and active MNS groups in terms of age, sex, etiology, duration of symptoms before therapy, hospital stay, whether they had undergone surgery, MMSE score, ADL score, and amplitude and latency of the P300 event-related potential (P > 0.05). After treatment, we observed significant improvements in the MMSE score, ADL score, amplitude of P300, and decreased latency of P300 event-related potentials in both groups compared with before treatment (P < 0.05). In addition, we observed that the active MNS group showed higher MMSE and ADL scores, higher amplitude of P300 event-related potential, and lower latency of P300 event-related potential than the standard treatment group after treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, no side effects were associated with MNS preformation.
Conclusion
These preliminary data provide early evidence that MNS may be an effective and safe method for promoting the recovery of cognitive ability in patients with cognitive impairment.
The Turkish adaptation of the fear of earthquake scale
Authors: USTA Galip , TORPUŞ Kemal , KANBAY Yalçın , Özbay Sevil Çınar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This study was conducted to adapt the Fear of Earthquake Scale (FES) to Turkish. The Turkish version of the Fear of Earthquake Scale has acceptable content and construct validity. The methodological study, in which individuals in the 15–65 age group were included in the study, was carried out between March-April 2023. The sample consisted of 1054 participants 15 to 65 years of age divided into two for explanatory factor analysis (n = 431) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 623). The original Fear of Earthquake Scale has a one, factor structure with 7 items. The explanatory factor analysis (EFA) sample had a mean age of 26.6 + 6.7 years. Over half of the EFA participants were women (65.1%) and single (69.8%). The Turkish version of the Fear of Earthquake Scale has acceptable content and construct validity. It consists of seven items without subscales. It accounts for 65.8% of the total variance, which is quite high for a single-factor scale. It has a Cronbach's alpha of .91, indicating high reliability. The original Fear of Earthquake Scale items are scored on a five-point Likert scale. No items are reverse-scored. The total score is the sum of the item scores. The total score ranges from 7 to 35, with higher scores indicating greater fear of earthquakes. The results indicate that the Turkish version of the Fear of Earthquake Scale is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to assess Turkish people's fear of earthquakes.
Development and validation of the systemic lupus erythematous scale amongst the system of quality of life instruments for chronic diseases QLICD-SLE (V2.0)
Authors: Liu Yuxi , jiaqi zhang , Xue Honghong , Chen Mingyang , Xie Tong , Wan Chonghua 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to develop a quality of life scale for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with Chinese cultural background. As such, its reliability, validity and responsiveness are evaluated.
Methods: The programmatic decision-making method of issue group and core group was adopted, and the preliminary selection, evaluation and modification of items were made through the combination of qualitative interview and quantitative investigation and analysis to form a preliminary scale. 428 patients with SLE participated in the measurement of this scale. Qualitative, item domain correlation, multidimensional scaling and factor analysis were used to measure the validity of the scale. Pearson’s correlation and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to evaluate the reliability of the scale. The responsiveness evaluation method of the scale in the present study primarily used the paired T-test for the first and second measurements (before and after treatment) of all areas of the scale, aspects of specific modules and total scores of the scale in patients with SLE, and to calculate the standardised response mean (SRM).
Results: Correlation and factor analyses demonstrated good structural validity and reasonable reactivity. The correlation of each item with its domain is greater than that with other fields, and the correlation coefficient r value is more than 0.50. Using SF-36 as calibration, the correlation between QLICD-SLE and various fields of SF-36 was calculated, and the results were 0.55-0.70.The retest correlation coefficients were all greater than 0.71 and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of two measurements in each domain are greater than or equal to 0.75. T-test results showed that there were statistical differences in energy and discomfort, social function, interpersonal communication, skin and mucosal symptoms and respiratory/circulation symptoms (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The QLICD-SLE V2.0 appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to measure QOL in SLE patients.
Fabrication of 8-nitroquinoline coated pencil graphite electrode for rutin determination by differential pulse voltammetry in orange juice
Authors: En-Nakra Farah , Uzun Demet , Hasdemir Erdoğan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In this study, we developed a facile and low-cost method to prepare a modified electrode named 8-NQ/PGE by coating the pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surface with 8-nitroquinoline (8-NQ) molecule. The surface modification process was carried out by electrochemical reduction of 8-NQ on the PGE surface in ethanol solution. The characteristic of the prepared electrode was analyzed through cyclic voltammetry (CV) with redox probes, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The method was developed to determine rutin (Ru) with the modified electrode (8-NQ/PGE). The developed electrode showed excellent performance for Ru oxidation in a pH 3.0 Britton Robinson buffer (BR). In this media, linearly increasing anodic peak currents were observed with the concentration of Ru in two wide concentration ranges (i.e., 0.016–0.96 µM and 0.96‒19.73 µM), therein the sensor showed a low detection limit (i.e., 4.14 nM) (3s/m). It displayed good stability and selectivity. Also, it was used successfully for the determination of Ru in orange juice samples.
Predictive value for prognosis of sepsis based on the Light Gradient Boosting machine algorithm model
Authors: Chen Shengyue , Ke Changjie , Zhai Mingwei Zhai , Wang Maofeng , Sun Fangfang , Yang Yong , Chen Jianping 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in the critical care unit. The latest data that over 19 million patients every year in the world suffer from severe sepsis indicates it of great significance to evaluate the development tendency of sepsis and to investigate the prediction value of prognosis. Based on the Light Gradient Boosting (LGB) machine learning algorithm, we have now developed and tested an LGB prediction model by using the data source from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV database for the model construction and validation, thus to predict the prognosis of sepsis. Additionally, we established three more models including the Logistic regression, the Random Forest and the K-Nearest Neighbor based prediction model and made comprehensive comparison with the LGB prediction model in the indicators involving 8 aspects, obtaining an area under the curve (AUC) of LGB prediction model at 0.998, which demonstrates it of strong reliability to exhibit high accuracy for predicting the prognosis of sepsis patients. Our findings support the LGB prediction model as a preferred machine learning model for predicting the prognosis of patients with sepsis.
Application of a targeted amplicon sequencing panel to screen for insecticide resistance mutations in Anopheles darlingi populations from Brazil
Authors: Acford-Palmer Holly , Andrade Alice O. , Phelan Jody E. , Santana Rosa A. , Lopes Stefanie C.P. , Medeiros Jansen F. , Clark Taane G. , Araujo Maisa S. , Campino Susana 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Large-scale surveillance and informed vector control approaches are urgently needed to ensure that national malaria programs remain effective in reducing transmission and, ultimately, achieving malaria elimination targets. In South and Central America, Anopheles darlingi is the primary malaria vector, responsible for the majority of Plasmodium species transmission. However, little is known about their molecular markers associated with insecticide resistance. Here we developed a low-cost, high throughput amplicon sequencing (“amp-seq”) panel, consisting of 11 amplicons that target genes linked to mosquito species (cox-1 and its2) and insecticide resistance (ace-1, GSTe2, vgsc and rdl). Used in tandem with dual index barcoding of amplicons, our approach permits high numbers of loci and samples to be sequenced in single runs, thereby decreasing costs and increasing efficiency. By screening 200 An. darlingi mosquitoes collected in Brazil, our amp-seq approach identified 10 point mutations leading to amino acid alterations in ace-1 (V243I, N194H, S673N, S674N/T) and GSTe2 genes (I114V, D128E, T166I, T179I, and T205A). Overall, our work has demonstrated the utility of amp-seq to provide insights into the genetic diversity of An. darlingi mosquitoes. The amp-seq approach can be applied as a wide-scale insecticide-resistance surveillance technique to better inform vector-control methods.
Development of a candidate TMV epitope display vaccine against SARS-CoV2.
Authors: Phiri Kelvin Bongani , Grill Larry 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Essential in halting the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV2, it is crucial to have stable, effective, and easy-to-manufacture vaccines. We developed a potential vaccine using a tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) epitope display model presenting peptides derived from the SARS-CoV2 spike protein. The TMV-epitope fusions in laboratory tests demonstrated binding to the SARS-CoV2 polyclonal antibodies. The fusion constructs maintained critical epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, and two in particular spanned regions of the receptor binding domain that have mutated in the more recent SARS-CoV2 variants. This would allow for rapid modification of vaccines in response to changes in circulating variants. The TMV-peptide fusion constructs also remained stable for over 28 days when stored at temperatures between − 20 and 37°C, an ideal property when targeting developing countries. Immunogenicity studies conducted on BALB/c mice elicited robust antibody responses against SARS-CoV2. A strong IFNγ response was also observed in immunized mice. Three of the six TMV-peptide fusion constructs produced virus-neutralizing titers, as measured by a pseudovirus neutralization assay. These TMV-peptide fusion constructs can be combined to make a multivalent vaccine that could be adapted to meet changing virus variants. These findings demonstrate the development of a stable COVID-19 vaccine candidate by combining SARS-CoV2 spike protein-derived peptides presented on the surface of a TMV nanoparticle.
Metal ions coordination and therapeutic potential of peptides derived from milk fermented with kombucha cultures
Authors: Kamińska Justyna , Hecel Aleksandra , Słowik Joanna , Rombel-Bryzek Agnieszka , Rowinska-Zyrek Magdalena , Witkowska Danuta 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Some Candida species can cause infections in humans, e.g. C. albicans or C. auris. Candida albicans is part of the natural microflora of humans, but can infect skin and mucous membranes. C. auris is an emerging, often multidrug-resistant Candida species, that is spreading in healthcare facilities and is considered a global public health threat from fungi. For this reason, the search for new compounds (such as antimicrobial peptides) with new mechanisms of action and new functions is required. Interesting candidates are peptides obtained from milk treated with kombucha culture. Four of them were selected, their interaction with zinc and copper ions was characterized by potentiometry, MS, ITC and spectroscopic methods and their cytostatic and antifungal potential was investigated.
Individuals’ Attitudes Toward Digital Mental Health Apps and Implications for Adoption in Portugal: Web-Based Survey
Authors: Nogueira-Leite Diogo , Marques-Cruz Manuel , Cruz-Correia Ricardo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background:
The literature is consensual regarding the academic community exhibiting higher levels of mental disorder prevalence than the general population. The potential of digital mental health apps for improving access to resources to cope with these issues is ample. However, studies have yet to be performed in Portugal on individuals' attitudes and perceptions toward digital mental health applications or their preferences and decision drivers on obtaining mental health care, self-assessment, or treatment.
Objective:
This study aims to understand the determinants of digital mental health applications use in the Portuguese academic community of Porto, along with potential adoption barriers and enablers.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, web-based survey was delivered via dynamic email to the University of Porto’s academic community. Data collection occurred between September 20 and October 20, 2022. We used structural equation modeling to build three models, replicating a peer-reviewed and published study and producing a newly full mediation model shaped by the collected data. We tested the relationships between use of digital mental health apps and perceived stress, perceived need to seek help for mental health, perceived stigma, past use of mental health services, privacy concerns, and social influence.
Results:
Of the 539 participants, 169 (31.4%) reported having used digital mental health apps. Perceived stress and a latent variable, comprising perceptions of mental health problems and coping strategies, were positively associated with mental health app use, while privacy concerns regarding one’s information being accessible to others were negatively associated. Perceived stigma, need to seek help, and close relationships did not have a statistically significant direct effect.
Conclusions:
These findings can inform product and policy development of new, better-targeted digital mental health app interventions, with implications for researchers and academia, industry, and policymakers. Our study concludes that, to maximize adherence to these apps, they should have low to no financial charges, demonstrate evidence of their helpfulness and focus on the timely delivery of care. We also conclude that to foster digital mental health app use, there is a need to improve mental health literacy, namely regarding self-awareness of one’s conditions, acceptable stress levels, and overall behavior towards mental health.
Trial Registration:
RR2-10.2196/41040
Transduodenal ampullectomy is an effective surgical exploration procedure in unexplained dilation of cholangiopancreatic duct
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Yu Xinzhe , Yang Chuanxin , Wang Xiangjun , Zhang Shilei , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground The dilation of cholangiopancreatic duct with ambiguous ampullary diseases, named unexplained dilation of cholangiopancreatic duct (UDCD), is a common difficulty in clinical diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to evaluate the applicability of transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) in the diagnosis and treatment of UDCD. Methods We first proposed the surgical exploration procedure based on TDA and applied it in a representative UDCD patient. Then we retrospectively analyzed the pathological diagnosis and prognosis of 14 patients at our hospital and 181 patients reported by existing studies, who were treated with TDA between January 2010 and December 2022. Results TDA could radically explore the ampullary region and harvest adequate pathological tissue, which was helpful for discovering the cause of UDCD. The diagnostic rate of intraoperative frozen pathology was higher than that of preoperative endoscopic biopsy (78.65% vs 66.42%,P = 0.047). The postoperative complication rate was 31.45%, with mortality 0%. The 5-year survival rate was 72.5% in patients with adenocarcinoma, 91.9% in adenoma with HGD/pTis, and 100% in benign lesions, which have statistically significant difference (P = 0.012). Conclusions TDA-based surgical exploration can be used as a safe and effective transitional procedure in the treatment of UDCD.