bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on outcomes associated with osteoarthritis
Authors: Markovic Lovro , Wagner Barbara , Crevenna Richard 
Published: April 2022

SummaryBackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of multiple joints with a rising prevalence. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy may provide a cost-effective, noninvasive, and safe therapeutic modality with growing popularity and use in physical medicine and rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to synthesize the current knowledge on the use of PEMF in OA.MethodsA systematic review of systematic reviews was performed. The PubMed, Embase, PEDro and Web of Science databases were searched based on a predetermined protocol.ResultsOverall, 69 studies were identified. After removing the duplicates and then screening title, abstract and full text, 10 studies were included in the final analysis. All studies focused on knee OA, and four studies also reported on cervical, two on hand, and one on ankle OA. In terms of the level of evidence and bias, most studies were of low or medium quality. Most concurrence was observed for pain reduction, with other endpoints such as stiffness or physical function showing a greater variability in outcomes.ConclusionThe PEMF therapy appears to be effective in the short term to relieve pain and improve function in patients with OA. The existing studies used very heterogeneous treatment schemes, mostly with low sample sizes and suboptimal study designs, from which no sufficient proof of efficacy can be derived. A catalogue of measures to improve the quality of future studies has been drawn up.
Patient perspectives on symptoms, health-related quality of life, and treatment experience associated with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Nathwani Nitya , Bell Jill , Cherepanov Dasha , Sowell France Ginchereau , Shah Rachel , McCarrier Kelly , Hari Parameswaran 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to better understand the patient perspective and treatment experience of relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).

Methods
This qualitative study enrolled adult RRMM patients from 6 US clinics who had ≥ 3 months of life expectancy, ≤ 6 prior lines of therapy, and ≥ 1 treatment regimen with a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulator, or a CD38 monoclonal antibody or an alkylating agent, and a steroid. In-person semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to capture concepts that were relevant and important to patients. Topics included RRMM symptoms and impacts and the mode of administration, frequency, duration, convenience, side effects, and overall experience with RRMM treatment.

Results
A total of 22 patients completed interviews. At enrollment, 59.1% of participants were using regimens containing dexamethasone, 36.4% daratumumab, 27.3% carfilzomib, and 18.2% lenalidomide. More participants had experience using intravenous or injectable therapy alone (40.9%) than oral therapy alone (18.2%). Back pain and fatigue were the most frequently reported symptoms (40.9% each); 27.3% reported no symptoms. Most participants reported physical function limitations (86.4%), emotional impacts (77.3%), MM-related activity limitations (72.7%), and sleep disturbances (63.6%). Most participants perceived treatment effectiveness based on physician-explained clinical signs (68.2%) and symptom relief (40.9%). Participants experienced gastrointestinal adverse events (59.1%), fatigue (59.1%), sleep disturbances (31.8%), and allergic reactions (31.8%) with treatment. Key elements of treatment burden included the duration of a typical treatment day (68.2%), treatment interfering with daily activities (54.5%), and infusion duration (50.0%).

Conclusions
These results provide treatment experience–related data to further understand RRMM treatment burden and better inform treatment decision-making.
Golfers have greater preoperative and equal postoperative function when undergoing total knee arthroplasty compared to non-golfers
Authors: Robinson P. G. , Kay R. S. , MacDonald D. , Murray A. D. , Clement N. D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 10% to 20% of patients with joint arthroplasties are golfers. The aim of this study was to assess if being a golfer is associated with functional outcomes, satisfaction or improvement in quality of life (QoL) compared to non-golfers following total knee arthroplasty.MethodsAll patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over a one-year period at a single institution were included with one-year postoperative outcomes. Patients were retrospectively followed up to assess if they had been golfers at the time of their surgery. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the independent association of preoperative golfing status on postoperative function and health-related outcomes.ResultsThe study cohort consisted of a total of 514 patients undergoing TKA. This included 223 (43.3%) male patients and 291 (56.7%) female patients, with an overall mean age of 70 (SD 9.5) years. The preoperative Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was significantly higher in golfers when adjusting for confounders (Diff 3.4 [95% CI 1 to 5.8],p = 0.006). There was no difference in postoperative outcomes between golfers and non-golfers. There was however a trend towards a higher Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) in the golfers (difference 9.3, 95% CI − 0.2 to 18.8,p = 0.056). Of the 48 patients who reported being golfers at the time of their surgery, 43 (89.6%) returned to golf and 88.4% of those were satisfied with their involvement in golf following surgery.ConclusionsGolfers had better preoperative and equal postoperative knee specific function compared to non-golfers. The majority of golfers returned to golf by one year and were satisfied with their involvement in the game.Level of evidenceIII.
Amplification-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 using gold nanotriangles functionalized with oligonucleotides
Authors: del Caño Rafael , García-Mendiola Tania , García-Nieto Daniel , Álvaro Raquel , Luna Mónica , Iniesta Hernán Alarcón , Coloma Rocío , Diaz Ciro Rodríguez , Milán-Rois Paula , Castellanos Milagros , Abreu Melanie , Cantón Rafael , Galán Juan Carlos , Pineda Teresa , Pariente Félix , Miranda Rodolfo , Somoza Álvaro , Lorenzo Encarnación 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) functionalized with dithiolated oligonucleotides have been employed to develop an amplification-free electrochemical biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples. Gold nanotriangles, prepared through a seed-mediated growth method and exhaustively characterized by different techniques, serve as an improved electrochemical platform and for DNA probe immobilization. Azure A is used as an electrochemical indicator of the hybridization event. The biosensor detects either single stranded DNA or RNA sequences of SARS-CoV-2 of different lengths, with a low detection limit of 22.2 fM. In addition, it allows to detect point mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genome with the aim to detect more infective SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. Results obtained with the biosensor in nasopharyngeal swab samples from COVID-19 patients show the possibility to clearly discriminate between non-infected and infected patient samples as well as patient samples with different viral load. Furthermore, the results correlate well with those obtained by the gold standard technique RT-qPCR, with the advantage of avoiding the amplification process and the need of sophisticated equipment.
Graphical abstract
ABO blood groups and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Bullerdiek Jörn , Reisinger Emil , Rommel Birgit , Dotzauer Andreas 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThere is no doubt that genetic factors of the host play a role in susceptibility to infectious diseases. An association between ABO blood groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as the severity of COVID-19 has been suggested relatively early during the pandemic and gained enormously high public interest. It was postulated that blood group A predisposes to a higher risk of infection as well as to a much higher risk of severe respiratory disease and that people with blood group O are less frequently and less severely affected by the disease. However, as to the severity of COVID-19, a thorough summary of the existing literature does not support these assumptions in general. Accordingly, at this time, there is no reason to suppose that knowledge of a patient’s ABO phenotype should directly influence therapeutical decisions in any way. On the other hand, there are many data available supporting an association between the ABO blood groups and the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. To explain this association, several interactions between the virus and the host cell membrane have been proposed which will be discussed here.
Coexistent cerebral small vessel disease and multiple infarctions predict recurrent stroke
Authors: Tian Yu , Pan Yuesong , Yan Hongyi , Meng Xia , Zhao XingQuan , Liu Liping , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background and purpose
To investigate the association of different status of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and infarction number with recurrence after acute minor stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).

Methods
This study was a post hoc analysis of the Clopidogrel in High-risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial, and includes 886 patients with acute minor stroke and TIA. The status of CSVD and infarction number was recorded for each individual. Infarction number were classified as multiple acute infarctions (MAIs≥2), single acute infarction (SAI =1), and non-acute infarction (NAI =0). The CSVD burden were grouped into non-CSVD (0 score) and CSVD (1–4 score). The primary outcome was a recurrent stroke at the 1-year follow-up. The secondary outcomes were recurrent ischaemic stroke, composite vascular event (CVE), and TIA. We analyzed the relationships between different status of CSVD burden and infarction pattern with the risk of outcomes using multivariable Cox regression models.

Results
Among all 886 patients included in present analysis, recurrent stroke was occurred in 93 (10.5%) patients during 1-year follow-up. After adjusted for all potential covariates, compared with patients with non-CSVD and NAI, patients with CSVD and MAIs were associated with approximately 9.5-fold increased risk of recurrent stroke at 1 year (HR 9.560, 95% CI 1.273–71.787, p=0.028). Similar results observed in ischaemic stroke and CVE.

Conclusion
The status of CSVD and infarction number predicted recurrent stroke in patients with acute minor stroke and TIA, especially for those with coexistent CSVD and MAIs.
microRNAs shape social immunity: a potential target for biological control of the termite Reticulitermes chinensis
Authors: Liu Long , Yan Feng-Ming , Zhao Chen-Chen , Su Li-Juan , Huang Qiu-Ying , Tang Qing-Bo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEusocial insects can employ various behavioural and physiological disease defences to avoid, resist and tolerate pathogen infections in their closely related and packed colonies, termed social immunity. Recent studies have shown that several molecules serve insect social immunity, including chemical odours, insect venoms, immune-related proteins, etc. However, whether and how microRNAs (miRNAs), whose precursors are processed by Dicer-1, drive social immunity in insect colonies is still unknown. Here, we used a ‘host–pathogen’ system (host: Reticulitermes chinensis; pathogen: Metarhizium anisopliae) to explore the impact of miRNAs on social immunity in termite colonies. We found that RNAi-mediated silencing of Dicer-1 led to decreased miRNA concentration, significantly inhibited carbohydrate and energy metabolism and affected other life processes, such as the immune response and oxidation–reduction reactions, in whole body of the termite. In behavioural defence, silencing Dicer-1 significantly diminished defensive social behaviours such as locomotion, grooming, cannibalism and burial in termite groups when encountering fungal contamination. In physiological defence, Dicer-1 silencing and miR-71-5 stimulation resulted in significantly decreased antifungal activities of termites. Furthermore, both Dicer-1-silenced and miR-71-5 stimulant-treated termite groups exhibited a high level of mortality during fungal contamination. Our findings demonstrated the important role of miRNAs in shaping social immunity in termite colonies, providing insights necessary to understand the potential mechanisms underlying behavioural and physiological disease defences in insects and hence laying the groundwork for miRNA-based pest control.
Attacking Bitcoin anonymity: generative adversarial networks for improving Bitcoin entity classification
Authors: Zola Francesco , Segurola-Gil Lander , Bruse Jan L. , Galar Mikel , Orduna-Urrutia Raul 
Published: April 2022

AbstractClassification of Bitcoin entities is an important task to help Law Enforcement Agencies reduce anonymity in the Bitcoin blockchain network and to detect classes more tied to illegal activities. However, this task is strongly conditioned by a severe class imbalance in Bitcoin datasets. Existing approaches for addressing the class imbalance problem can be improved considering generative adversarial networks (GANs) that can boost data diversity. However, GANs are mainly applied in computer vision and natural language processing tasks, but not in Bitcoin entity behaviour classification where they may be useful for learning and generating synthetic behaviours. Therefore, in this work, we present a novel approach to address the class imbalance in Bitcoin entity classification by applying GANs. In particular, three GAN architectures were implemented and compared in order to find the most suitable architecture for generating Bitcoin entity behaviours. More specifically, GANs were used to address the Bitcoin imbalance problem by generating synthetic data of the less represented classes before training the final entity classifier. The results were used to evaluate the capabilities of the different GAN architectures in terms of training time, performance, repeatability, and computational costs. Finally, the results achieved by the proposed GAN-based resampling were compared with those obtained using five well-known data-level preprocessing techniques. Models trained with data resampled with our GAN-based approach achieved the highest accuracy improvements and were among the best in terms of precision, recall and f1-score. Together with Random Oversampling (ROS), GANs proved to be strong contenders in addressing Bitcoin class imbalance and consequently in reducing Bitcoin entity anonymity (overall and per-class classification performance). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to explore the advantages and limitations of GANs in generating specific Bitcoin data and “attacking” Bitcoin anonymity. The proposed methods ultimately demonstrate that in Bitcoin applications, GANs are indeed able to learn the data distribution and generate new samples starting from a very limited class representation, which leads to better detection of classes related to illegal activities.
Derivative-free methods for mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization
Authors: Giovannelli Tommaso , Liuzzi Giampaolo , Lucidi Stefano , Rinaldi Francesco 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this paper, mixed-integer nonsmooth constrained optimization problems are considered, where objective/constraint functions are available only as the output of a black-box zeroth-order oracle that does not provide derivative information. A new derivative-free linesearch-based algorithmic framework is proposed to suitably handle those problems. First, a scheme for bound constrained problems that combines a dense sequence of directions to handle the nonsmoothness of the objective function with primitive directions to handle discrete variables is described. Then, an exact penalty approach is embedded in the scheme to suitably manage nonlinear (possibly nonsmooth) constraints. Global convergence properties of the proposed algorithms toward stationary points are analyzed and results of an extensive numerical experience on a set of mixed-integer test problems are reported.
Estimating the Impact of Temperature and Rainfall on Malaria Incidence in Ghana from 2012 to 2017
Authors: Oheneba-Dornyo Theresa Valerie , Amuzu Setor , Maccagnan Anna , Taylor Timothy 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMalaria has a significant impact on the lives of many in Ghana. It is one of the key causes of mortality and morbidity, resulting in 32.5% of outpatient visits and 48.8% of under 5-year-old hospital admissions. Future climate change may impact on this risk. This study aims at estimating the impact of climate variables and health facilities on malaria prevalence in Ghana using regional data from January 2012 to May 2017. This study links data at a regional level on malaria cases with weather data to evaluate the impact that changes in weather may have on malaria prevalence in Ghana. The results of fixed-effect modelling show that the maximum temperature has a statistically significant negative impact on malaria in the context of Ghana, and rainfall with a lag of two months has a positive statistically significant impact. Adapting to climate change in Ghana requires a better understanding of the climate-malaria relationship and this paper attempts to bridge this gap.
Neuroprotective effect of liraglutide in an experimental mouse model of multiple sclerosis: role of AMPK/SIRT1 signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Ammar Reham A. , Mohamed Ahmed F. , Kamal Mohamed M. , Safar Marwa M. , Abdelkader Noha F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe heterogeneous nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) and the unavailability of treatments addressing its intricate network and reversing the disease state is yet an area that needs to be elucidated. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, recently exhibited intriguing potential neuroprotective effects. The currents study investigated its potential effect against mouse model of MS and the possible underlying mechanisms. Demyelination was induced in C57Bl/6 mice by cuprizone (400 mg/kg/day p.o.) for 5 weeks. Animals received either liraglutide (25 nmol/kg/day i.p.) or dorsomorphin, an AMPK inhibitor, (2.5 mg/Kg i.p.) 30 min before the liraglutide dose, for 4 weeks (starting from the second week). Liraglutide improved the behavioral profile in cuprizone-treated mice. Furthermore, it induced the re-myelination process through stimulating oligodendrocyte progenitor cells differentiation via Olig2 transcription activation, reflected by increased myelin basic protein and myelinated nerve fiber percentage. Liraglutide elevated the protein content of p-AMPK and SIRT1, in addition to the autophagy proteins Beclin-1 and LC3B. Liraglutide halted cellular damage as manifested by reduced HMGB1 protein and consequently TLR-4 downregulation, coupled with a decrease in NF-κB. Liraglutide also suppressed NLRP3 transcription. Dorsomorphin pre-administration indicated a possible interplay between AMPK/SIRT1 and NLRP3 inflammasome activation as it partially reversed liraglutide’s effects. Immunohistochemical examination of Iba+ microglia emphasized these findings. In conclusion, liraglutide exerts neuroprotection against cuprizone-induced demyelination via anti-inflammatory, autophagic flux activation, NLRP3 inflammasome suppression, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, possibly mediated, at least in part, via AMPK/SIRT1, autophagy, TLR-4/ NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling.
Graphical abstract

The potential mechanistic insight of Lira in alleviating Cup-induced neurotoxicity via: (1) AMPK/SIRT1 pathways activation resulting in the stimulation of brain autophagy flux (confirmed by lowering Beclin-1 and LC3-B protein expression). (2) Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, as evidenced by reduced HMGB1, TLR-4, NF-κB and NLRP3 protein expression, alongside diminishing the activation of its downstream cascade as reflected by reduced levels of caspase-1 and IL-1β protein expression. (3) A possible modulating interplay between the previously mentioned two pathways.
Dapagliflozin as an autophagic enhancer via LKB1/AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in ovariectomized/d-galactose Alzheimer’s rat model
Authors: Ibrahim Weam W. , Kamel Ahmed S. , Wahid Ahmed , Abdelkader Noha F. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAutophagy and mitochondrial deficits are characteristics of early phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been nominated as a promising class against AD hallmarks. However, there are no available data yet to discuss the impact of gliflozins on autophagic pathways in AD. Peripherally, dapagliflozin’s (DAPA) effect is mostly owed to autophagic signals. Thus, the goal of this study is to screen the power of DAPA centrally on LKB1/AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR signaling in the ovariectomized/d-galactose (OVX/d-Gal) rat model. Animals were arbitrarily distributed between 5 groups; the first group undergone sham operation, while remaining groups undergone OVX followed by d-Gal (150 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for 70 days. After 6 weeks, the third, fourth, and fifth groups received DAPA (1 mg/kg/day; p.o.); concomitantly with the AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin (DORSO, 25 µg/rat, i.v.) in the fourth group and the SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 (10 µg/rat, i.v.) in the fifth group. DAPA mitigated cognitive deficits of OVX/d-Gal rats, as mirrored in neurobehavioral task with hippocampal histopathological examination and immunohistochemical aggregates of p-Tau. The neuroprotective effect of DAPA was manifested by elevation of energy sensors; AMP/ATP ratio and LKB1/AMPK protein expressions along with autophagic markers; SIRT1, Beclin1, and LC3B expressions. Downstream the latter, DAPA boosted mTOR and mitochondrial function; TFAM, in contrary lessened BACE1. Herein, DORSO or EX-527 co-administration prohibited DAPA’s actions where DORSO elucidated DAPA’s direct effect on LKB1 while EX-527 mirrored its indirect effect on SIRT1. Therefore, DAPA implied its anti-AD effect, at least in part, via boosting hippocampal LKB1/AMPK/SIRT1/mTOR signaling in OVX/d-Gal rat model.
Graphical abstract
Preparation of antimicrobial calcium phosphate/protamine composite powders with fluoride ions using octacalcium phosphate
Authors: Koizumi Daisuke , Suzuki Kitaru , Togawa Rie , Yasui Kosuke , Iohara Keishi , Honda Michiyo , Aizawa Mamoru 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCalcium phosphates are key biomaterials in dental treatment and bone regeneration. Biomaterials must exhibit antibacterial properties to prevent microbial infection in implantation frameworks. Previously, we developed various types of calcium phosphate powders (amorphous calcium phosphate, octacalcium phosphate (OCP), dicalcium phosphate anhydrate, and hydroxyapatite) with adsorbed protamine (which is a protein with antibacterial property) and confirmed their antibacterial property. In this study, as foundational research for the development of novel oral care materials, we synthesized calcium phosphate composite powders from three starting materials: i) OCP, which intercalates organic compounds, ii) protamine, which has antibacterial properties, and iii) F– ion, which promotes the formation of apatite crystals. Through investigating the preparation concentration of the F– ions and their loading into OCP, it was found that more F– ion could be loaded at higher concentrations regardless of the loading method. It was also observed that the higher the preparation concentration, the more the OCP converted to fluorapatite. The synthesized calcium phosphate composite powders were evaluated for biocompatibility through proliferation of MG-63 cells, with none of the powders exhibiting any growth inhibition. Antimicrobial tests showed that the calcium phosphate composite powders synthesized with protamine and F– ion by precipitation had enhanced antimicrobial properties than those synthesized by protamine adsorption. Thus, the calcium phosphate composite powder prepared from OCP, protamine, and F– ion forms the basis for promising antimicrobial biomaterials.