bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of radial shockwave on the median nerve pathway in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Habibzadeh Atieh , Mousavi-Khatir Roghayeh , Saadat Payam , Javadian Yahya 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of radial shockwave on the median nerve pathway as a new model method in patients with mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods
In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients were randomly allocated into three equal groups. The first group received 1500 shocks on the carpal tunnel, the second group received 1500 shocks on the carpal tunnel and median nerve pathways, and the third group was the control group. In all three groups, patients received conventional physiotherapy for ten sessions. In addition, patients in experimental groups received four sessions of radial shockwave. Pain and paresthesia intensity, sensory and motor distal latency were evaluated as primary outcomes. Boston carpal tunnel Questionnaire scores were evaluated as secondary outcomes. Evaluations were performed at baseline, 1 and 4 weeks after the end of the treatment.

Results
Pain and paresthesia intensity and Boston questionnaire score significantly decreased in all three groups, but the greater improvement was noted in shockwave groups. Sensory and motor distal latency were only improved in shockwave groups. In terms of clinical and electrophysiological parameters, two groups of shockwaves showed similar results.

Conclusions
Radial shockwave combined with conventional physiotherapy is an effective noninvasive treatment for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome that produces greater and longer-lasting results than conventional physiotherapy alone. There were no differences observed between utilizing radial shockwave on the carpal tunnel or median nerve pathways on the palmar surface of the hand, in terms of clinical and electrophysiological measurements.
Clinical Trial registration number The study was registered at https://fa.irct.ir/user/trial/49490/view (20200706048028N1) in date of 08/24/2021.
Intravenous vitamin C administration to patients with septic shock: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rosengrave Patrice , Spencer Emma , Williman Jonathan , Mehrtens Jan , Morgan Stacey , Doyle Tara , Van Der Heyden Kymbalee , Morris Anna , Shaw Geoff , Carr Anitra C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous vitamin C administration in septic shock may have a sparing effect on vasopressor requirements, and vitamin C’s enzyme cofactor functions provide a mechanistic rationale. Our study aimed to determine the effect of intravenous vitamin C administration on vasopressor requirements and other outcomes in patients with septic shock.MethodsThis was a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial in 40 patients with septic shock who were randomised (1:1) to receive intravenous vitamin C (at a dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight every 6 h) or placebo (intravenous 5% dextrose) for up to 96 h, or until death or discharge. The primary outcome was intravenous vasopressor requirements (dose and duration), and secondary outcomes included Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay, and mortality. In addition, blood samples were collected to determine vitamin C kinetics and inflammatory marker concentrations.ResultsMedian plasma vitamin C concentrations were deficient at baseline (9.2 [4.4, 12] µmol/L) and increased to 408 (227, 560) µmol/L following 72 h of intervention. The mean duration of intravenous vasopressor infusion in the vitamin C group was 48 (95% CI 35–62) hours and in the placebo group was 54 (95% CI 41–62) hours (p = 0.52). The dose of vasopressor delivered over time was comparable between the two groups, as were SOFA scores (p > 0.05). The median ICU length of stay in the intervention group was 3.8 (2.2, 9.8) days versus 7.1 (3.1, 20) days in the placebo group (p = 0.12). The median hospital length of stay for the vitamin C group was 18 (11, 35) days versus 22 (10, 52) days for the placebo group (p = 0.65). Mortality was comparable between the two groups (p > 0.05). Of the inflammatory markers, neutrophil counts were elevated in the vitamin C group relative to placebo by 72 h (p = 0.01). C-reactive protein and myeloperoxidase concentrations were elevated at baseline, however, the two groups were comparable over time (p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur pilot study indicated that intravenous vitamin C did not provide significant decreases in the mean dose or duration of vasopressor infusion. Further research that takes into account the potential impact of intervention timing, dose and duration, and location of trial, may provide more definitive evidence.Trial registrationACTRN12617001184369 (11/8/2017).
Intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy for reduction of delayed gastric emptying after pylorus preserving partial pancreaticoduodenectomy (PORRIDGE trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schrempf Matthias C. , Pinto David R. M. , Wolf Sebastian , Geissler Bernd , Sommer Florian , Hoffmann Michael , Vlasenko Dmytro , Gutschon Johanna , Anthuber Matthias 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (ppPD) is a standard surgical procedure for the treatment of resectable neoplasms of the periampullary region. One of the most common postoperative complications after ppPD is delayed gastric emptying (DGE) which reduces quality of life, prevents a timely return to a solid oral diet and prolongs the length of hospital stay. In a retrospective analysis, intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy was associated with a reduced rate of DGE. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of intraoperative endoluminal pyloromyotomy on postoperative DGE after ppPD in a randomised and controlled setting.

Methods
This randomised trial features parallel group design with a 1:1 allocation ratio and a superiority hypothesis. Patients with a minimum age of 18 years and an indication for ppPD are eligible to participate in this study and will be randomised intraoperatively to receive either endoluminal pyloromyotomy or atraumatic stretching of the pylorus. The sample size calculation (n=64 per study arm) is based on retrospective data. The primary endpoint is the rate of DGE within 30 days. Secondary endpoints are quality of life, operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, morbidity and mortality.

Discussion
DGE after ppPD is a common complication with an incomplete understood aetiology. Prevention of DGE could improve outcomes and enhance quality of life after one of the most common procedures in pancreatic surgery. This trial will expand the existing evidence on intraoperative pyloromyotomy, and the results will provide additional data on a simple surgical technique that could reduce the incidence of postoperative DGE.

Trial registration
German Clinical Trials RegisterDRKS00013503. Registered on 27 December 2017.
Association of acidic urine pH with impaired renal function in primary gout patients: a Chinese population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: He Yuwei , Xue Xiaomei , Terkeltaub Robert , Dalbeth Nicola , Merriman Tony R. , Mount David B. , Feng Zhe , Li Xinde , Cui Lingling , Liu Zhen , Xu Yan , Chen Ying , Li Hailong , Ji Aichang , Ji Xiaopeng , Wang Xuefeng , Lu Jie , Li Changgui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Patients with gout frequently have low urinary pH, which is associated with the nephrolithiasis. However, the specific distribution of urinary pH and potential relationship of acidic urine pH to broader manifestations of kidney disease in gout are still poorly understood.

Methods
A 2016–2020 population-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3565 gout patients in the dedicated gout clinic of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University to investigate the association between low urinary pH and kidney disease. We studied patients that we defined to have “primary gout”, based on the absence of > stage 2 CKD. All subjects underwent 14 days of medication washout and 3-day standardized metabolic diet. We obtained general medical information, blood and urine biochemistries, and renal ultrasound examination on the day of the visit. The primary readouts were urine pH, eGFR, nephrolithiasis, renal cysts, microhematuria, and proteinuria. Patients were assigned into 5 subgroups (urine pH ≤5.0, 5.0 <pH≤ 5.5, 5.5 <pH< 6.2, 6.2 ≤pH≤ 6.9, and pH >6.9), aligning with the clinical significance of urine pH.

Results
Overall, the median urine pH and eGFR of all patients was 5.63 (IQR 5.37~6.09), and 98.32 (IQR 86.03~110.6), with acidic urine in 46.5% of patients. The prevalence of nephrolithiasis, microhematuria, and proteinuria were 16.9%, 49.5%, and 6.9%, respectively. By univariate analysis, eGFR was significantly associated with age, sex, duration of gout, tophus, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, serum utare, hypertension, diabetes, and urine pH. On multivariable analysis, eGFR was associated with age, sex, diastolic blood pressure, serum uric acid, hypertension, diabetes, and urine pH. Acidic urine pH, especially urine pH < 5.0, was significantly associated with the prevalence of kidney disease, including > stage 1 CKD, nephrolithiasis, kidney cyst, and microhematuria. Patients with 6.2 ≤ urine pH ≤ 6.9 and SU ≤ 480 μmol/L had the highest eGFR with the lowest prevalence of nephrolithiasis, microhematuria, and proteinuria.

Conclusions
Approximately half of gout subjects had acidic urine pH. Urine pH < 5.0 was associated with significantly increased nephrolithiasis, renal cyst, microhematuria, and proteinuria. The results support prospective clinical investigation of urinary alkalinization in selected gout patients with acidic urine pH.
Physical and technical demands of Australian football: an analysis of maximum ball in play periods
Authors: Wing Christopher , Hart Nicolas H. , Ma’ayah Fadi , Nosaka Kazunori 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
This study compares ball in play (BiP) analyses and both whole game (WG) and quarter averaged data for physical and technical demands of sub-elite Australian football (AF) players competing in the West Australian Football League across playing positions.

Methods
Microsensor data were collected from 33 male AF players in one club over 19 games of the 2019 season. BiP time periods and technical performance data (e.g., kicks) were acquired from the Champion Data timeline of statistics, and time matched to the microsensor data. Linear mixed modelling was utilised to establish differences between maximum BiP periods and averaged data.

Results
The analyses indicated significant differences (p < 0.0001) between maximum BiP and WG data for all metrics and all playing position (half-line, key position, and midfielders). The percentage difference was greatest for very high-speed running (171–178%), accelerations (136–142%), high-intensity efforts (128–139%), and high-speed running (134–147%) compared to PlayerLoad™ (50–56%) and total running distance (56–59%). No significant (p > 0.05) differences were evident for maximum BiP periods when they were compared between playing positions (i.e., half line vs key position vs midfield). Significant (p < 0.0001) differences were also noted between maximum BiP phases and averaged data across all 4 quarters, for each microsensor metric, and all playing positions. Technical actions (e.g., kicks and handballs) were observed in 21–48% of maximum BiP phases, depending on playing positions and microsensor metric assessed, with kicks and handballs constituting > 50% of all actions performed.

Conclusions
These results show the BiP analysis method provides a more accurate assessment of the physical demands and technical actions performed by AF players, which are underestimated when using averaged data. The data presented in this study may be used to inform the design and monitoring of representative practice, ensuring that athletes are prepared for both the physical and technical demands of the most demanding passages of play.
Human amniotic epithelial cell transplantation improves scar remodeling in a rabbit model of acute vocal fold injury: a pilot study
Authors: Tchoukalova Yourka D. , Zacharias Stephanie R. C. , Mitchell Natalie , Madsen Cathy , Myers Cheryl E. , Gadalla Dina , Skinner Jessica , Kopaczka Katarzyna , Gramignoli Roberto , Lott David G. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objective
To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the early stages of vocal fold extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after a mid-membranous injury resulting from the use of human amniotic epithelial cells (hAEC), as a novel regenerative medicine cell-based therapy.

Methods
Vocal folds of six female, New Zealand White rabbits were bilaterally injured. Three rabbits had immediate bilateral direct injection of 1 × 106 hAEC in 100 µl of saline solution (hAEC) and three with 100 µl of saline solution (controls, CTR). Rabbits were euthanized 6 weeks after injury. Proteomic analyses (in-gel trypsin protein digestion, LC–MS/MS, protein identification using Proteome Discoverer and the Uniprot Oryctolagus cuniculus (Rabbit) proteome) and histological analyses were performed.

Results
hAEC treatment significantly increased the expression of ECM proteins, elastin microfibril interface-located protein 1 (EMILIN-1) and myocilin that are primarily involved in elastogenesis of blood vessels and granulation tissue. A reactome pathway analysis showed increased activity of the anchoring fibril formation by collagen I and laminin, providing mechanical stability and activation of cell signaling pathways regulating cell function. hAEC increased the abundance of keratin 1 indicating accelerated induction of the differentiation programming of the basal epithelial cells and, thereby, improved barrier function. Lastly, upregulation of Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor indicates that hAEC activate the vesicle endocytic and exocytic pathways, supporting the exosome-mediated activation of cell–matrix and cell-to-cell interactions.

Conclusions
This pilot study suggests that injection of hAEC into an injured rabbit vocal fold favorably alters ECM composition creating a microenvironment that accelerates differentiation of regenerated epithelium and promotes stabilization of new blood vessels indicative of accelerated and improved repair.
Does microfinance program innovation reduce income inequality? Cross-country and panel data analysis
Authors: Miled Kamel Bel Hadj , Younsi Moheddine , Landolsi Monia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper uses cross-country and panel data set to test the significance of microfinance on income inequality reduction at the macro level for a sample of 57 developing countries for the periods 2000–2006 and 2007–2013. This study adopts panel data methodologies, such as ordinary least square (OLS), pooled ordinary least square (POLS) and instrumental variables (IV) estimations to overcome the endogeneity problems among the variables. Empirical results show that countries with higher MFIs’ gross loan portfolio per capita tend to have lower income inequality, which confirm the beneficial outcome of microfinance in reducing inequality at the macro level. Moreover, our results suggest that microfinance loans can lead to improve the relative income position of the poor in developing countries, albeit slowly. Our findings have relevant recommendations to policymakers, as they could generate suitable strategies to consider microfinance institutions as a more popular tool for fighting against both poverty and inequality.
The construct and predictive validity testing of Indonesian entrepreneurial competence inventory-situational judgment test model
Authors: Riyanti Benedicta Prihatin Dwi , Suryani Angela Oktavia , Sandroto Christine Winstinindah , Soeharso Silverius Y. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis research aimed to test the internal and external validity of the Indonesian Entrepreneurial Competence Inventory constructed based on the situational judgment test (SJT) model. Spencer's entrepreneurial competence theory and interviews with entrepreneurs were employed to build the items. The internal construct validity was tested by applying confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In contrast, the external construct validity was tested by implementing correlations with other tests that were theoretically correlated with entrepreneurial competency, namely, the previous entrepreneurial competence (Likert-scale model) and risk behavior. The predictive validity was analyzed using correlation testing with an instrument assessing balanced scorecard measurement of entrepreneurial achievement. A sample of 149 entrepreneurs from industrial cities in Indonesia was recruited via convenience sampling. The CFA analyses showed that nine dimensions of the Indonesian Entrepreneurial Competencies Inventory were valid. In the correlation testing with risk-taking behavior and business success, all dimensions were significantly valid, except the see and act on opportunity dimension. However, in the correlation with the previous entrepreneurial competence scale, a significant correlation was found only with a commitment to work. In further analysis, the correlation between dimensions of the current inventory and dimensions of the previous scale showed significant correlations between the competence of seeing opportunity and commitment to work, assertiveness, and persuasion. The impact to the future research and practice application were discussed.
Social innovation based on collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations in COVID-19 crisis: evidence from Iran
Authors: Moeenian Mehrnaz , Khamseh Abbas , Ghazavi Maziyar 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
One of the effective ways to attract social collaboration to provide effective, prompt, and coordinated interventions in emergencies is through social innovation. The present study seeks to identify the factors affecting the implementation of the social innovation plan based on the collaboration between government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for saving people’s lives in crises. The initial idea of this research was obtained from the best practice “Every Home Is a Health Base” which was implemented in Iran.

Methods
The Grounded Theory strategy has been used in this study. The statistical population of the study is health experts from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran. The study time span is during the first half of 2020. Exploratory analysis was used to identify the factors of social innovation. By selecting and reviewing 68 research in-depth, the initial framework was prepared. Then, through a semi-structured interview with experts, the framework was adapted and reviewed. Based on the analysis of the collected data, 39 open codes were extracted and the factors affecting the implementation of the social innovation were identified.

Results
The eight axis codes as the factors affecting the implementation of the social innovation plan based on the collaboration between government and NGOs are as follows: Paying attention to the components of the NGOs collaboration effectiveness, investment to attract NGOs collaboration, the ability to manage the implementation, the ability of networking, the ability of policymaking, providing the necessary cultural and educational infrastructure; Existence of capable legal organizations to solve the executive problems of the plan and facilitate coordination, and controlling, containing and reducing the effects of the crisis, as consequences.

Conclusions
Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic have shown the world that the current governmental and social structures are not efficient enough to respond quickly to the emergence of global challenges. Social innovation is a solution to this problem. The findings of this study also confirm this and identify the factors affecting the implementation of the social innovation plan based on collaboration between governments and NGOs in crises. The results of this research give governments and policymakers an efficient solution by involving NGOs, especially in times of widespread crises. Also, they can be used in planning for social development.
The relevance of breast motions and gaits in running exercises
Authors: Zhou Jie , Mao Qian , Zhang Jun , Lau Newman M. L. , Chen Jianming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe control of breast motions is a critical indicator to evaluate the comfort and function of sports bras. If the breast motions can be predicted based on the gait parameters detected by wearable sensors, it will more economical and convenient to evaluate the bras. Thirteen unmarried Chinese females with a breast cup of 75B were recruited in this study to investigate the regularity of breast motions and the relevance between breast motions and gaits during running exercises. The breast motion indicator is the distance alteration of breast regions. The gaits were described by the rotation angles of the hip, knee, ankle joints, and the foot height off the ground. Firstly, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test were utilized to analyze the motion diversity among the eight breast regions. Then, the gray correlation analysis was applied to explore the relevance between breast motions and gaits. Finally, the back-propagation neural network, the genetic algorithm, and the particle swarm optimization algorithm were utilized to construct the prediction models for breast motions based on gait parameters. The results demonstrate that the same breast regions on the bilateral breasts and the different breast regions on the ipsilateral breasts present a significant motion diversity. There is a moderate correlation between breast motions and gait parameters, and the back-propagation neural network optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm performs better in breast motion prediction, which has a coefficient of determination of 84.58% and a mean absolute error of 0.2108.