bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health-related Quality of Life and Utilities among Lebanese Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Dahham Jalal , Hiligsmann Mickaël , Kremer Ingrid , Khoury Samia J. , Darwish Hala , Hosseini Hassan , Hallit Souheil , Evers Silvia , Rizk Rana 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study assessed the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and utilities of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients in Lebanon using generic and MS-specific QoL instruments, categorized by disease severity, and explored factors associated with HRQoL.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, retrospective HRQoL study collecting data through face-to-face interviews using the EQ-5D-5L and the Multiple Sclerosis International Quality of Life (MusiQoL) questionnaires. We enrolled Lebanese patients aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with MS for > 6 months. Patients were categorized by disease severity using the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores: 0–3 (mild MS), 4–6.5 (moderate MS), and 7–9 (severe MS). Bivariate and linear regression analyses were performed to study factors associated with HRQoL.ResultsA total of 210 patients (mean age: 43.3 years; 65.7% females) were included. The mean EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.74. This score decreased significantly with disease severity (p < 0.001 for the trend): 0.93, 0.60, and 0.32 for mild, moderate, and severe MS, respectively. The mean MusiQoL global index score was 71.33 and was significantly lower for severe MS (58.68), than for moderate (65.23) and mild (77.80), (p < 0.001 for the trend). Higher educational level, lower EDSS score, and longer disease duration were associated significantly with a higher EQ-5D-5L utility (R2 = 0.67), while employment, lower EDSS scores, and decrease in cognitive difficulties were associated with better MusiQoL utility (R2 = 0.46).ConclusionsThis study reveals a significant and gradual deterioration in HRQoL as MS progresses, resulting in low utility scores for patients with severe MS.
Machine learning-based personalized composite score dissects risk and protective factors for cognitive and motor function in elderly
Authors: Schalkamp Ann-Kathrin , Lerche Stefanie , Wurster Isabel , Roeben Benjamin , Zimmermann Milan , Fries Franca , Thaler Anna-Katharina , Eschweiler Gerhard , Gasser Thomas , Maetzler Walter , Berg Daniela , Brockmann Kathrin , Sinz Fabian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Most nations worldwide have aging populations. With age, sensory, cognitive and motor abilities decline and the risk for neurodegenerative disorders increases. These multiple impairments influence the quality of life and increase the need for care, thus putting a high burden on society, the economy, and the healthcare system. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that influence healthy aging, in particular ones that are potentially modifiable by each subject through choice of lifestyle. However, large-scale studies that investigate the influence of multiple multi-modal factors on a global description of healthy aging measured by multiple clinical assessments are sparse.
Methods: We propose a Machine Learning model that simultaneously predicts multiple cognitive and motor outcome measurements on a personalized level recorded from one learned composite score. This personalized composite score is derived by the model from a large set of multi-modal components from the TREND cohort including genetic, biofluid, clinical, demographic and lifestyle factors.
Results: We found that a model based on a single composite score was able to predict cognitive and motor abilities almost as well as a flexible regression model specifically trained for each single clinical score. In contrast to the flexible regression model, our composite score-based model is able to identify factors that globally influence cognitive and motoric abilities as measured by multiple clinical scores. The model identified several risk and protective factors for healthy aging and recovered physical exercise as a major, modifiable, protective factor.
Conclusion: We conclude that our low parametric modeling approach successfully recovered known risk and protective factors of healthy aging on a personalized level while providing an interpretable composite score. The modeling approach is generalizable and could also be applied to other cohorts to investigate the complex interplay of risk and protective factors along with effect sizes from different dimensions such as lifestyle, medical, genetic and biochemical data.
Different standards shape everyday judgments of low and high wellbeing in individuals with and without psychopathology: A diary-based investigation
Authors: Meyer Thomas , Sickinghe Marthe , Matera Vanessa , Morina Nexhmedin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
People can easily rate and express their current affect levels, but the cognitive foundations for such judgments are poorly understood. We examined whether comparisons to varying standards underlie fluctuating affect judgments within-person (i.e., throughout daily episodes) and between-person (i.e., high vs. low levels of psychopathology). Clinical and non-clinical participants recorded subjective affect for each distinct episode for one week. Participants briefly described current, best, and worst daily episodes, which we coded for presence and type of comparison standard (social, past temporal, criterion-based, counterfactual, prospective temporal, and dimensional). Participants also rated their engagement with these standards and the respective affective impact. During best episodes, participants reported more downward (vs. upward) comparisons that resulted in positive affective impact. In worst episodes, upward (vs. downward) comparisons were more frequent. In best and worst episodes, we most frequently identified past-temporal and criterion-based comparisons, respectively. The clinical group engaged more often with criterion-based standards and tended to be more negatively affected by them, amid consistently lower affect levels across all episode types. Our data suggest that judgments of affect and well-being may indeed rely on comparative thinking, whereby certain standards may characterize states of low affect and poor mental health.
The splicing factor SRSF6 regulates AR activity and represents a potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer
Authors: Jimenez-Vacas Juan Manuel , Montero-Hidalgo Antonio Jesus , Gomez-Gomez Enrique , Saez-Martinez Prudencio , Perez-Gomez Jesus Miguel , Fuentes-Fayos Antonio Carlos , Blazquez-Encinas Ricardo , Sanchez-Sanchez Rafael , Gonzalez-Serrano Teresa , Castro Elena , Lopez-Soto Pablo , Carrasco-Valiente Julia , Sarmento-Cabral André , Martinez-Fuentes Antonio Jesus , Eyras Eduardo , Castaño Justo P , Sharp Adam , Olmos David , Gahete Manuel D , Luque Raul M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Finding novel therapeutic strategies to tackle PCa, especially its most advanced phenotype, named castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), is urgently needed. In this sense, although the dysregulation of the splicing process has emerged as a distinctive feature of advanced PCa, the potential role that splicing regulators may play in advanced PCa remains understudied. In this project, we aimed to explore the levels, pathophysiological role, and associated molecular landscape of the splicing factor SRSF6 in PCa.Methods SRSF6 alterations (CNA/mRNA/protein) were analyzed in eight well-characterized cohorts of PCa patients and in the Hi-MYC transgenic model. The effect of SRSF6 overexpression and silencing was tested in vitro (cell proliferation, migration, colony and tumorspheres formation), and in vivo (xenograft tumors). RNA-Seq was performed in PCa cells to analyze gene expression and splicing pattern changes in response to SRSF6 silencing.Results Our results showed that SRSF6 levels (mRNA/protein) were upregulated in PCa vs. non-tumor prostate samples, linked to clinical parameters of tumor aggressiveness (e.g., Gleason score, T-stage, perineural infiltration, metastasis at diagnosis), and associated with poor prognosis (i.e., shorter progression-free survival time) in PCa patients. Moreover, SRSF6 overexpression increased, while its silencing decreased, relevant functional parameters of aggressiveness in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, SRSF6 modulation resulted in the dysregulation of key oncogenic pathways, especially AR-activity through transcriptional regulation of APPBP2 and TOP2BConclusions SRSF6 could represent a new therapeutic target to inhibit persistent AR-signaling in advanced PCa.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals the differential genes associated with skin growth and pigmentation between Red Melon and Red Cover Discus
Authors: Danish-Daniel Muhd , Ng Tian Tsyh , Lau Cher Chien , Tan Min Pau , Wong Li Lian , Sung Yeong Yik , Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul Tengku , Sui LiYing 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This is the first report to describe the differential growth of cutaneous pigments and the molecular processes involved in two red discus (Symphysodon spp.), Red Melon and Red Cover, with different tones of red pigmentation develop from juveniles to adults. Microscopic observation detected xanthophores in all samples, erythrophores in both adult groups and Red Melon juveniles, while melanophores were only found in Red Cover. The skin transcriptome analysis revealed extracellular matrix (ECM) activities and collagen metabolic genes were elevated in both juveniles, as compared to the adults. The development of erythrophores and xanthophores in the Red Melon juveniles were regulated by genes involved in the pteridine synthesis, one-carbon metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Temporal inhibition of melanophore development in Red Melon juveniles might be attributed to the active expression of Wnt-signalling inhibitor genes, sost and notum2. Melanosome transport in Red Cover was likely relied on microtubules and the spectrin-associated cytoskeleton. Tyrosinase late N-glycan processing and its transport from Golgi apparatus into the melanosome were differentially expressed in RC adults and juveniles.
Investigation of long-term behavioral models of salt cavern under cyclic loading
Authors: Alishvandi Ali , Ahmadi Morteza , Goshtasbi Kamran , Asgari Amin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Natural gas, air and oil materials can be stored in caverns, which are created in salt domes and have thick rock salt layers. These caverns may be subject to cyclic loading on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis due to the internal consumption of accumulated materials. The amount of deformation created over long periods of time effects the stability of the cavern. A number of models have been proposed to predict the long-term deformation of rock salt. One of these models is the Lubby2 model. In this research, the long-term behavior and stability of salt cavern storage under cyclic loading has been investigated. As a case study, the geometry of the German Hantorf salt cavern compressed air has been used. Salt rock properties of the Nasrabad Dome were considered. Creep tests were conducted on samples of rock salt at three stress levels in a stepwise manner and each test in different temperatures. Parameters of the Lubby2 model were determined. In order to investigate the effect of loading and unloading frequency on rock salt behavior, cyclic loading tests with different frequencies were also performed. For the purposes of this research, LOCAS finite element software with the Lubby2 model was utilized. A geometrical model of the cavern was built and executed in the software. The long term stability of the cavern and ground settlement were also investigated. tThe results showed that the Maxwell's viscoelastic coefficient in Lubby2 model is dependent on cycle loading frequency and it decreases exponentially with increasing loading frequency. Maxwell's viscosity coefficient decreases with increasing loading frequency. The deformation of cavern and ground subsidence with daily loading frequency has a rate of 10% and 8.6% higher than a cavern with constant loading, respectively. The effect of the cyclic load on Maxwell's viscoelastic coefficient was seen and the Lubby2 model was corrected for cyclic loading.
Plant and Bird Communities of Riparian and Upland Woodlands Respond Differently to an Atlantic- Mediterranean Climatic Gradient in Mainland Spain
Authors: Hera Iván de la , Alcaraz Juan Diego , Mezger Gabriel , Soler Joaquín , Corrochano Alfredo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Riparian habitats are key landscape elements promoting regional biodiversity, particularly in areas where water availability is scarce. In Mediterranean Iberia, the microclimatic conditions that occur near rivers allow the development of humid riparian woodlands that differ markedly from those growing in equivalent upland areas, but resemble higher-latitude (Atlantic) formations in their structure and composition. However, the effects of this variation on the animal species assemblages inhabiting each woodland type have not been well-documented. We characterized the vegetation of riparian and upland woodlands (general structure and composition) and their avian breeding communities (diversity, climatic and habitat preferences) in 38 sites distributed across mainland Spain to explore how they changed across a climatic gradient of increasing summer drought. Our results revealed that deciduous woody plants decreased as summer drought increased, but this reduction was more attenuated in riparian than in upland woodlands, reinforcing the idea that Mediterranean riparian areas act as microclimatic refugia where more Atlantic (deciduous) woody species can persist. Interestingly, we also found a lower similarity between riparian and upland bird assemblages in areas with higher indexes of summer drought, making riparian woodlands comparatively more diverse than upland woodlands in the Mediterranean. This pattern was partly due to the presence of deciduous-tree-related bird species that were unable to persist in equivalent upland woodlands. These findings suggest that restoring habitat of riparian woodlands would provide refuges with suitable conditions for many woodland species whose persistence on the limit of their distribution range in southern Iberia is threatened by global warming.
Therapeutic Choices for Ovulatory Dysfunctional Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A Cross-sectional Study in Chinese Women
Authors: ZHAO Xiaoyue , Luo Min , TIAN Qinjie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Ovulatory dysfunction is the primary cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB); however, data on nationwide therapeutic choices of Chinese women are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic choices of ovulatory dysfunctional abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB-O) in Chinese women and analyse the factors on the selection results.Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 3527 patients with AUB-O diagnosed by local doctor between 14 and 55 years old. We used questionnaire compiled according to the Chinese AUB-O treatment guidelines to collect the demographic and therapeutic information. Their therapeutic choices were regarded as generally representative of the nation ’s choices.Results The patients were divided into the juvenile group (14–18 years old, n = 84), the reproductive group (19–39 years old, n = 2962) and the senior group (perimenopausal period: 40–55 years old, n = 481). The results showed that irregular menstruation (37.6% − 46.3%), dysmenorrhea (29.9% − 44.4%), and heavy menstrual bleeding (16.7% − 32.2%) were the main symptoms in Chinese AUB-O patients of different ages. Most of the patients chose to seek help in the Department of General Gynecology (78.6% − 90.7%). Among the therapeutic options, combined oral contraceptives (COCs), such as Yasmin I and Yasmin II, met the treatment expectations with high acceptance among patients (36.6%-52.2%).Conclusions It is important to strengthen the endocrine diagnosis ability of doctors in the Department of General Gynecology. With rational education and clinical applications, COCs are expected to become a more prevalent therapeutic option for AUB-O.
INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF FATIGUE PROTOCOL ON SPATIOTEMPORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF GAIT IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN
Authors: ONAN Dilara , DEMİREL Aynur , ÜLGER Özlem 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Chronic neck pain (CNP) may lead to problems, such as functional limitations, disability, and fatigue. Gait maintains postural orientation; It is important to investigate the effects of fatigue on walking in patients who subjectively define a certain level of fatigue, not for a certain period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fatigue protocol on gait spatiotemporal characteristics in patients with CNP.
Methods: Fifty-three patients with CNP, and twenty-six healthy controls were included. The groups were matched with Propensity Score Matching in terms of age and fatigue threshold as 26 individuals. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale, and Neck Disability Index, respectively. Gait assessment was recorded with OptoGait (1.6.4.0, Microgate, Bolzano, Italy) for one minute while individuals walked at their preferred speed on the treadmill. Individuals keep walking on the treadmill and fatigue levels were asked for Modified Borg Scale. While fatigue reached 4 points, gait assessment was recorded for one minute. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used for interaction time-by-group.
Results: The median pain intensity was 7(4-9), and the disability was moderate in patients. Left step length, stride length, and cadence, showed significant, similar changes within the groups over time(p
PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CERTIFIED MULLIGAN CONCEPT® PRACTITIONERS - A DELPHI STUDY
Authors: ÖZEL ASLIYÜCE Yasemin , ÜLGER Özlem 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Cervicogenic headache is a common disorder that physiotherapists may encounter in the clinic. There are many methods in the literature about the evaluation and treatment of this disorder. This study aims to create a consensus on the opinions of physiotherapist with certification Mulligan Concept Practitioners about Mulligan Concept and other frequently used physiotherapy approaches in people with cervical headache.
Methods: This study was planned to be completed in 3 internet-based survey rounds. The surveys were sent to physiotherapist certified as Mulligan Practitioner. The consensus was achieved when 70% of the experts agreed.
Results: Consensus was reached on 16 key messages. The most frequently preferred assessment methods are Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Flexion Rotataion Test, and Range of Motion. In addition to Mulligan mobilization, exercise therapy and patient education were the most commonly used treatment options.
Conclusions: It is thought that this study provides important key messages about Mulligan mobilization and physiotherapy methods that can be used in addition to this technique in the evaluation and rehabilitation of people with cervicogenic headache.
BİLATERAL TOTAL DİZ PROTEZİ SONRASI ERKEN İLERLEYİCİ KAPALI KİNETİK ZİNCİR EGZERSİZLERİNİN STANDART EGZERSİZ PROGRAMINA GÖRE ETKİLERİ - RANDOMİZE KONTROLLÜ ÇALIŞMA
Authors: KIRAÇ CAN Elif , TOMRUK Murat , GELECEK Nihal 
Published: May 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışma ilerleyici kapalı kinetik zincir egzersiz (KKZE) programının, açık kinetik pozisyonda verilen standart egzersiz programına göre bilateral total diz protezi (TDP) hastalarında ağrı şiddeti, ödem, eklem hareket açıklığı ve fonksiyonel durum üzerine kısa dönem etkilerini belirlemek amacıyla yapıldı.
Yöntem: Çalışmaya yaş ortalaması 65,22 ± 6,81 yıl olan ve bilateral TDP uygulanan 36 hasta (72 diz) dahil edildi. Hastalar KKZE grubu (KKZE, n=16) ve standart egzersizlerden oluşan kontrol grubu (KG, n=16) olarak iki gruba ayrıldı. Ameliyat sonrası 1. haftada tüm hastalara aynı fizyoterapi programı uygulandı. Ameliyat sonrası 2. haftada hastalar iki gruba ayrıldı ve gruplarına uygun egzersiz eğitimine başlandı. Haftada 3 gün ve toplamda 6 hafta uygulanan programlarda hastaların ağrı, ödem, eklem hareket açıklığı ölçümleri, başlangıçta ve ameliyat sonrası 4. ve 7. haftada yapıldı. Fonksiyonel durum değerlendirmesi ise sadece son ölçümde yapıldı.
Sonuçlar: Her iki grupta da ağrı, ödem, diz eklemi hareketlerinde 6 hafta sonunda istatistiksel olarak anlamlı iyileşmeler oldu (p
COVID-19 PHOBIA AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL IN PATIENTS WITH NON-CYSTIC FIBROSIS BRONCHIECTASIS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: FIRAT Merve , VARDAR YAGLI Naciye , ÇAKMAK Aslıhan , SAĞLAM Melda , ÇALIK KÜTÜKCÜ Ebru , İNCE Deniz , ÇÖPLÜ Lütfi 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic period may affect physical and mental health of non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis patients. The aim of this study was to compare COVID-19 phobia, quality of life, health anxiety, physical activity level and sleep quality during the pandemic between patients with non-CF bronchiectasis and healthy controls.
Methods: Thirty non-CF bronchiectasis patients and 44 healthy controls were included. COVID-19 phobia (Coronavirus 19 Phobia Scale (CP19-S)), quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile (NHP)), health anxiety (Health Anxiety Inventory (HAI)), physical activity level (short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF)) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) were evaluated.
Results: NHP energy, pain, and physical mobility scores and moderate-intensity physical activity levels were significantly lower; PSQI sleep disturbance score was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (p0.05). The majority of patients and controls did not meet the recommended levels of moderate or high-intensity physical activity per week.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decline in quality of life, reduced moderateintensity physical activity, and increased sleep disturbances among non-CF bronchiectasis patients. Both patients and healthy individuals have experienced coronaphobia and exhibited low levels of physical activity. These results reveal the importance of providing physical activity counseling during the pandemic period.
THE ACUTE EFFECT OF STATIC VERSUS PROPRIOCEPTIVE NEUROMUSCULAR FACILITATION STRETCHING COMBINED WITH KINESIOLOGY TAPING® OF HAMSTRING MUSCLES ON FUNCTIONAL TESTS IN ADOLESCENT TAEKWONDO ATHLETES
Authors: ARJANG Negin , MOHSENİFAR Holakoo , AMİRİ Ali , DADGOO Mehdi , RASAEİFAR Golnaz 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: In taekwondo, muscle flexibility specifically in the lower limb is of great importance for athletic performance. In this study, we evaluated the acute effects of static versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching combined with kinesiology taping (KT) of the hamstring muscle on functional tests in adolescent taekwondo athletes.
Methods: 20 adolescent taekwondo athletes aged 9 to 18 years with red, black belt color participated in this study. They performed static, or PNF stretching in both legs, then two I strips with 30% tension as an inhibitory fashion was applied over the hamstring muscles of one leg and the other leg was determined as control. Single leg vertical jump test, single leg hop test, and taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT) were performed before, just after, and 24 hours after interventions.
Results: Repeated measures ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis of the data. All functional tests results demonstrated significant improvement over time (Single leg vertical jump (p=0.005), single leg hop test (p=0.01), and TSAT (p=0.03)) but none of the stretching or the KT groups affected the functional performance of the participants (Single leg vertical jump (p=0.36) and single leg hop test (p=0.50)).
Conclusion: We think that both static and PNF stretching exercises improve the functional performance of adolescent taekwando athletes for up to 24 hours, however KT application has no significant effect.