bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of sexual function in male patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Campos-Guzmán Jonathan , Valdez-López Martín , Govea-Peláez Samuel , Aguirre-Aguilar Eduardo , Perez-Garcia Luis F , van Mulligen Elise , Castillejos-Molina Ricardo , Barrera-Vargas Ana , Merayo-Chalico Javier 
Published: June 2022

Objectives Our study aims to describe the association between SLE and sexual function, analysing demographic variables, comorbidities and other disease-related factors. As an exploratory objective, the impact of asking about sexual function during outpatient consultation was evaluated. Methods From 2018 to 2019, we invited sexually active men diagnosed with SLE to complete questionnaires that evaluated their sexual function and quality of life. Additionally, patients were asked if they believed they had sexual dysfunction, whether they would be interested in receiving specialized sexual care, and if they considered SLE to be detrimental to their sexual function. Epidemiological and disease-related data were retrieved from the patients’ clinical records. Results We included 124 men with SLE. Twenty-two (18%) patients answered positively when asked if they believed they had sexual dysfunction. These patients had lower overall erectile function scores and lower physical function scores than those who did not consider they had sexual dysfunction. In the multivariable analysis, factors that were associated with better sexual function were high physical function (B = 0.126, p = .031), lower BMI (B = 0.53, p = .010) and the patient’s perception of normal sexual function (B = 13.0, p < .001). Comorbidities associated with worse sexual function were type 2 diabetes (B = −8.1, p = .017) and a history of thrombosis (B = −5.12, p = .019). Conclusion Sexual function of male patients with SLE is impaired, independently of disease activity, chronic disease damage or pharmacological treatment. A simple question about perception of sexual function in the outpatient clinic can be used to help determine which patients could benefit from a multidisciplinary intervention to improve sexual health.
Fabrication of thiolated chitosan based biodegradable nanoparticles of ticagrelor and their pharmacokinetics
Authors: Shahid Nariman , Erum Alia , Zaman Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Omer , Riaz Romana , Tulain Ruqia , Hussain Tousif , Amjad Muhammad W , Raja Maria AG , Farooq Umer , Aman Waqar 
Published: June 2022

The current study was aimed to design a thiolated chitosan (TC) based mucoadhesive nanoparticle (NP) formulation for enhancing the oral bioavailability of an anti-coagulant, Ticagrelor (TG). Nanoparticles (NPs) containing naturally occurring biodegradable polymers have been revealed as promising carriers for the controlled delivery of various therapeutic agents through the oral route. Ionic gelation technique was adopted to prepare thiolated chitosan nanoparticles of TG (TCNPs/TG) and chitosan (CH) nanoparticles of TG (CHNPs/TG) by varying the concentration of polymers with respect to TG and cross-linker i.e. tripolyphosphate (TPP). The prepared CHNPs/TG and TCNPs/TG were subjected to assessment for their particle size, the zeta potential, shape and morphology along with loading capacity (LC) and entrapment efficiency (EE). Formed TCNPs/TG showed a particle size of 190.3 nm, zeta potential of 16 mv along with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.375 as compared to CHNPs/TG, displaying particle size of 147.3 nm, zeta potential of 22.6 mv and PDI of 0.364. Likewise, during Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, the emergence of a characteristic peak at 2495 cm−1 in TC, has confirmed the successful modification of CH. Moreover, in-vitro drug release studies have disclosed a good sustained release behavior of the drug, both from CHNPs/TG and TCNPs/TG. However, the in-vivo pharmacokinetics have illustrated the superiority ( p < .05) of the TCNPs/TG (494.96 ng/mL) over the CHNPs/TG (438.73 ng/mL) in terms of bioavailability. Ultimately, the findings have indicated that TCNPs/TG might help to improve the oral bioavailability of TG and hence, its therapeutic effects.
Intra-regional Development Disparities Experiences and Policy Options
Authors: Gaikwad Vishal , Pethe Abhay , Apte Pradeep 
Published: June 2022

Spatial differences in the level of economic activity have several sources and conditioning factors. The most obvious among them is the character of naturally available material endowments including climatic and terrain conditions. The connectivity with adjacent or distant trading centres is yet another dimension that plays a critical role in propagating multiplier effects of ‘backward and forward linkages’ and gravity forces among the regions. What is attempted here is to create a template of a strategic framework for approaching the issues of regional disparities as they arise in varied forms and magnitude. JEL Classification: P25, R11, R58
Transvenous endovascular treatment for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation with idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion
Authors: Jin Hengwei , Meng Xiangyu , Quan Jiale , Lv Ming , Jiang Chuhan 
Published: June 2022

Background Vein of Galen Malformations (VGAM) and bilateral idiopathic occlusion of the sigmoid sinuses are extremely rare. We report a child with Vein of Galen Aneurysmal Malformation (VGAM) and Idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion simultaneously, and managed through endovascular therapy in one session. This case highlights the coexistence of the lesions, as well as the one-session technical feasibility and good clinical outcome for endovascular treatment. Clinical presentation The child presented with enlarged head circumference and epilepsy. The frequency of seizure increased from one time to several times a day. CTA/CTV confirmed coexistence of Vein of Galen Malformations and idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion. Conclusion One session trans-venous approach was performed. The VGAM was completely occluded and the dominant sigmoid sinus was recanalized. Thirteen months telephone follow-up confirmed normal head growth. The patient is seizure-free and recovered very well with normal neurological and developmental condition. This study provides evidentiary support for one-session endovascular therapy in patient with VGAM and idiopathic bilateral sigmoid sinus occlusion.
Scarred survivors: gate keepers and gate openers to healthcare for migrants in vulnerable circumstances
Authors: Clark Emily , Steel Nicholas , Gillam Tara B , Sharman Monica , Webb Anne , Bucataru Ana-Maria , Hanson Sarah 
Published: June 2022

Background The main barriers to ‘vulnerable migrants’ receiving good quality primary care are language and administration barriers. Little is known about the experiences of healthcare discrimination faced by migrants from different cultural groups. The aim was to explore vulnerable migrants’ perspectives on primary healthcare in a UK city. Methods Three focus groups and two semi-structured interviews were aided by interpreters. These were analysed against a pre-developed framework based on national standards of care for vulnerable migrants. Recruitment was facilitated via a community organisation. Results In total, 13 participants took part, six women and seven men. There were five Arabic speakers, four Farsi speakers and four English speakers. Themes included access to primary care, mental health, use of interpreters, post-migration stressors and cultural competency. Conclusion Vulnerable migrants perceived high levels of discrimination and reported the value of a respectful attitude from health professionals. Appointment booking systems and re-ordering medication are key areas where language barriers cause the most disruption to patient care. Medication-only treatment plans have limitations for mental distress for this population. Community-based therapies which manage post-migration stressors are likely to enhance recovery.
Global pandemics, conflict and networks – the dynamics of international instability, infodemics and health care in the 21st century
Authors: Wells John SG , Scheibein Florian 
Published: June 2022

Background The COVID-19 global pandemic is a harbinger of a future destabilised world driven by climate change, rapid mass migration, food insecurity, state failures and epidemics. A significant feature fuelling this destabilised world is networked misinformation and disinformation (referred to as an infodemic), particularly in the area of health. Aims To describe the interactive dynamic of climate change; mass population movement; famine; state failure and epidemic disease, analyse developments over the year 2020–2021 and discuss their relationship to an infodemic about disease and public health responses and how this should be addressed in the future. Methods Using the concept of ‘the Five Horsemen’ of epochal change and network theory to guide a narrative review. Results Concepts of epidemiology are reflected in how misinformation is spread around the world. Health care services and personnel face threats as a result that make it more difficult to manage pan global health risks effectively. Conclusions Heath care professionals at an individual and organisational level need to counter infodemic networks. Health care professionals who consistently spread misinformation should have their licence to practice withdrawn.
Risk factors associated with post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F): A prospective observational study
Authors: Lobato Carolina Tintim , Camões João , Carvalho Daniela , Vales Cláudia , Dias Cláudia Camila , Gomes Ernestina , Araújo Rui 
Published: June 2022

Background The family members of intensive care unit (ICU) patients play a crucial role in modern ICUs. These individuals are predisposed to the development of post-intensive care syndrome in family members (PICS-F), a syndrome experienced by family members of ICU patients in response to critical illness and characterised by new or worsening psychological symptoms. This study sought to evaluate the levels of anxiety and depression exhibited by the family members of patients hospitalised in the ICU. It also aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the experience of PICS-F, which should assist with its prevention in the future. Methods The study sample comprised 164 ICU patients and their family members. Sociodemographic data were gathered at the time of ICU admission and 3 months after discharge, and the family members were screened for emotional distress using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Comparison tests were used to test for an association between family/patient characteristics and a positive HADS score. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to identify the independent factors associated with a positive HADS score. Results Emotional distress was identified in 24% of the family members 3 months after their relatives had been discharged from the ICU. A number of personal traits were found to be associated with emotional distress in the family members, namely unemployment ( p = .008), smoking/drinking habits ( p = .036) and personal history of psychopathology ( p = .045). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, only unemployment was found to be an independent factor associated with both anxiety and depression in the family members (OR = 2.74, CI 95%: 1.09–6.93). No association was found between the patients’ characteristics and emotional distress in the family members. Conclusions The findings of this study indicate an association between emotional distress in the family members of ICU patients and their personal traits, thereby building on the prior literature by suggesting that patient characteristics are less pertinent to the experience of PICS-F. Unemployment may represent a meaningful risk factor for emotional distress in family members (a potential marker of PICS-F), given its relationship with family members’ positive HADS scores post-ICU discharge. These findings should influence preventative strategies concerning PICS-F by illustrating the need to assess family characteristics and demographics early in a patient’s ICU stay and, consequently, allowing for the early identification of at-risk individuals and the prompt implementation of adequate support services.
Medium-term clinical outcomes of Zone 2B/2C finger flexor tendon repairs: influence of management of flexor digitorum superficialis
Authors: Lebot Gaspard , Halbaut Marion , Chantelot Christophe , Saab Marc 
Published: June 2022

The aim of our study was to compare the medium-term clinical and functional outcomes of early repair of a complete Zone 2B or 2C transection of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon associated with either the repair of the two slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, only one slip repaired (the other slip was resected) or no slips repaired (both slips were resected). The outcomes of these three repair techniques were compared based on the total active motion, residual flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, Strickland’s formula and Tang classification, Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score and complications. The study reviewed 61 fingers (51 patients) at a mean follow-up of 89.5 months. There was no significant difference in finger mobility comparing the three techniques for management of flexor digitorum superficialis. All but one patient returned to work and the DASH score (mean 6.9) suggests that function does not appear to be greatly affected. Level of evidence III
Minimal clinically important difference of the Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire
Authors: Florczynski Matthew , Antflek Daniel , Baltzer Heather 
Published: June 2022

The Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire is a recently developed disease-specific instrument designed to measure patient-reported symptoms. Our aim was to establish a minimal clinically important difference for this questionnaire. This prospective study included 95 patients undergoing operative ( n = 39) or non-operative ( n = 56) treatments for primary trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis. Patients completed a battery of tests including the Trapeziometacarpal Arthrosis Symptoms and Disability questionnaire at the initial clinic visit and follow-up visits. Two anchor-based methods were used to arrive at the minimal clinically important difference. Twenty-four scores met criteria for minimal clinically important change, with a median overall score rounding to 15 points. This finding is an important step in facilitating the application of this disease-specific instrument in practice. Level of evidence III
The Most-Cited Ankle Arthroplasty Implant Articles
Authors: Mo Kevin , Ficke James R. 
Published: June 2022

Background: Citation analysis is a useful way of evaluating the impact, importance, and merit of articles within a medical specialty. Our study identified and analyzed the most-cited articles on ankle arthroplasty implants to evaluate their importance in the field of ankle arthroplasty research. Methods: Using the keywords “ankle arthroplasty” and “ankle replacement” and the search period 1970-2021, we found 3728 articles on ankle arthroplasty implants in the Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. We included original articles, reviews, clinical trials, and case reports in the study. We retrieved the 50 most-cited articles published during the time frame and then screened them for studies of specific ankle arthroplasty implants and their postoperative outcomes. We also recorded and analyzed the articles’ subjects, authorship, journals, countries of origin, and years of publication. Results: The 50 most-cited articles were published between 1983 and 2014, with the majority (33) published between 2000 and 2010. They generated 9012 citations in the literature. The most-cited study accounted for 497 citations; the mean number of citations per article was 180.24 ± 76.24. Twenty-three (46%) of the articles addressed postoperative outcomes following a specific type of arthroplasty implant. Arthroplasty implant studies accounted for 4726 citations, or 52.4% of the citations of the 50 articles. The most frequently studied arthroplasty implant was STAR (15), followed by Agility (7), Buechel Pappas (5), and Salto (4). STAR accounted for 3311 citations, or 37% of the total citations of the 50 articles. Conclusion: Ankle arthroplasty research has made great progress in the past 2 decades, particularly in the area of postoperative outcomes of specific ankle implants, but continued research and publication on additional arthroplasty implants should become a priority. Level of Evidence: Level V, Review Article.
Hydroxychloroquine induces apoptosis of myeloid-derived suppressor cells via up-regulation of CD81 contributing to alleviate lupus symptoms
Authors: Ni Jiali , Zhu Haiyan , Lu Li , Zhao Zihe , Jiang Jiaxuan , You Xiaokang , Wang Yuzhu , Ma Yuliang , Yang Zirui , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that results from widespread immune complex deposition and secondary tissue injury. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been used clinically to treat SLE, while its exact mechanism has still remained elusive. Some studies have shown that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a vital role in the regulation of SLE. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of HCQ on the apoptosis of MDSCs in lupus mice and its possible molecular regulatory mechanism.

Methods
We constructed the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced lupus model in mice. The proportion and apoptosis of MDSCs were measured by flow cytometry. CD81-overexpressed adeno-associated virus was intraperitoneally injected into the lupus mice. We also transfected the CD81 siRNA into bone marrow-derived MDSCs, and employed qRT-PCR and Western blotting to quantify the level of CD81.

Results
The results showed that HCQ ameliorated IMQ-induced lupus symptoms, and simultaneously inhibited the expansion of MDSCs. In particular, HCQ induced the apoptosis of MDSCs, and also up-regulated the expression level of CD81 in MDSCs, which might indicate the relationship between the expression level of CD81 and the apoptosis of MDSCs. CD81 was further confirmed to participate in the apoptosis of MDSCs and lupus disease progression by overexpressing CD81 in vivo. Molecular docking experiment further proved the targeting effect of HCQ on CD81. And then we interfered CD81 in bone marrow derived MDSCs in vitro, and it was revealed that HCQ rescued the decreased expression level of CD81 and relieved the immune imbalance of Th17/Treg cells.

Conclusion
In summary, HCQ promoted the apoptosis of MDSCs by up-regulating the expression level of CD81 in MDSCs, and ultimately alleviated lupus symptoms. Our results may assist scholars to develop further effective therapies for SLE.
Influence of Shear Effects on the Characteristics of Axisymmetric Wave Propagation in a Buried Fluid-Filled Pipe
Authors: Lu Ping , Sheng Xiaozhen , Gao Yan , Wang Ruichen 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe acoustic propagation characteristics of axisymmetric waves have been widely used in leak detection of fluid-filled pipes. The related acoustic methods and equipment are gradually coming to the market, but their theoretical research obviously lags behind the field practice, which seriously restricts the breakthrough and innovation of this technology. Based on the fully three-dimensional effect of the surrounding medium, a coupled motion equation of axisymmetric wave of buried liquid-filled pipes is derived in detail, a contact coefficient is used to express the coupling strength between surrounding medium and pipe, then, a general equation of motion was derived which contain the pipe soil lubrication contact, pipe soil compact contact and pipe in water and air. Finally, the corresponding numerical calculation model is established and solved used numerical method. The shear effects of the surrounding medium and the shear effects at the interface between surrounding medium and pipe are discussed in detail. The output indicates that the surrounding medium is to add mass to the pipe wall, but the shear effect is to add stiffness. With the consideration of the contact strength between the pipe and the medium, the additional mass and the pipe wall will resonate at a specific frequency, resulting in a significant increase in the radiation wave to the surrounding medium. The research contents have great guiding effect on the theory of acoustic wave propagation and the engineering application of leak detection technology in the buried pipe.
Integrated analysis of tRNA-derived small RNAs in proliferative human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhao Jian-Zhi , Li Qi-Yao , Lin Jia-Jie , Yang Li-Yun , Du Mei-Yang , Wang Yu , Liu Ke-Xin , Jiang Ze-An , Li Huan-Huan , Wang Si-Fan , Sun Bo , Mu Shi-Qing , Li Bin , Liu Kun , Gong Miao , Sun Shao-Guang 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to vascular remodeling diseases. Recently, it has been discovered that tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a new type of noncoding RNAs, are related to the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. tsRNAs regulate target gene expression through miRNA-like functions. This study aims to explore the potential of tsRNAs in human aortic smooth muscle cell (HASMC) proliferation.

Methods
High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the tsRNA expression profile of proliferative and quiescent HASMCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the sequence results and subcellular distribution of AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076. Based on the microRNA-like functions of tsRNAs, we predicted target promoters and mRNAs and constructed tsRNA–promoter and tsRNA–mRNA interaction networks. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed to reveal the function of target genes. EdU incorporation assay, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were utilized to detect the effects of tsRNAs on HASMC proliferation.

Results
Compared with quiescent HASMCs, there were 1838 differentially expressed tsRNAs in proliferative HASMCs, including 887 with increased expression (fold change > 2, p < 0.05) and 951 with decreased expression (fold change < ½, p < 0.05). AS-tDR-001370, AS-tDR-000067, AS-tDR-009512, and AS-tDR-000076 were increased in proliferative HASMCs and were mainly located in the nucleus. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the four tsRNAs involved a variety of GO terms and pathways related to VSMC proliferation. AS-tDR-000067 promoted HASMC proliferation by suppressing p53 transcription in a promoter-targeted manner. AS-tDR-000076 accelerated HASMC proliferation by attenuating mitofusin 2 (MFN2) levels in a 3′-untranslated region (UTR)-targeted manner.

Conclusions
During HASMC proliferation, the expression levels of many tsRNAs are altered. AS-tDR-000067 and AS-tDR-000076 act as new factors promoting VSMC proliferation.