bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between time in the glucose target range and abnormal ankle-brachial index: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Wei Yinghua , Liu Chunyan , Liu Yanyu , Zhang Zhen , Feng Zhouqin , Yang Xinyi , Liu Juan , Lei Haiyan , Zhou Hui , Shen Qiuyue , Lu Bin , Gu Ping , Shao Jiaqing 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Time in range (TIR), a novel proxy measure of glucose control, is found closely related to diabetic microangiopathy and some other chronic complications, but the correlation between TIR and lower limb angiopathy has not been studied yet. Our purpose is to explore the relationship between TIR and abnormal ankle-brachial index(ABI) in type 2 diabetes.

Methods
We retrospectively collected patients’ information from the database and performed cross-sectional analysis. A total of 405 type 2 diabetes patients were enrolled in this study. ABI was measured and patients were stratified into low, normal, and high groups according to ≤ 0.9, > 0.9 and < 1.3, ≥ 1.3 ABI values. All patients underwent continuous glucose monitoring(CGM), and TIR was defined as the percentage of time in which glucose was in the range of 3.9–10 mmol/L during a 24-h period. Correlations between TIR and abnormal ABI were analyzed using Spearman analysis. And logistic regression was used to explore whether TIR is an independent risk factor for abnormal ABI.

Results
The overall prevalence of abnormal ABI was 20.2% (low 4.9% and high 15.3%). TIR was lower in patients with abnormal ABI values (P = 0.009). The prevalence of abnormal ABI decreased with increasing quartiles of TIR (P = 0.026). Abnormal ABI was negatively correlated with TIR and positively correlated with hypertension, age, diabetes duration, UREA, Scr, ACR, TAR, MBG, and M values (P < 0.05). The logistic regression revealed a significant association between TIR and abnormal ABI, while HbA1C and blood glucose variability measures had no explicit correlation with abnormal ABI. Additionally, there was a significant difference in LDL between the low and high ABI groups (P = 0.009), and in Scr between normal and low groups (P = 0.007). And there were significant differences in TIR (P = 0.003), age (P = 0.023), UREA (P = 0.006), ACR (P = 0.004), TAR (P = 0.015), and MBG (P = 0.014) between normal and high ABI groups, and in diabetes duration between both normal and low (P = 0.023) and normal and high (P = 0.006) groups.

Conclusions
In type 2 diabetes patients, abnormal ABI is associated with lower TIR, and the correlation is stronger than that with HbA1C. Therefore, the role of TIR should be emphasized in the evaluation of lower limb vascular diseases.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on antifungal consumption: a multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Bestion Audrey , Pradat Pierre , Richard Jean-Christophe , Argaud Laurent , Guichon Céline , Roux Sandrine , Piriou Vincent , Paillet Carole , Leboucher Gilles ,   the Antifungal study group, Ader Florence , Aubrun Frédéric , Besson Charlotte , Bréant Valentine , Doudet Charlotte , Ducastelle-Leprêtre Sophie , Dupont Damien , Guillemin Marie-Delphine , Leray Véronique , Miossec Charline , Paulus Sylvie , Rabain Anne-Marie , Rascle Pauline , Schulz Thomas , Tod Michel , Valour Florent , Wallet Florent , Wallon Martine 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
In the context of COVID-19 pandemic, antifungal overuse may have occurred in our hospitals as it has been previously reported for antibacterials.

Methods
To investigate the impact of COVID-19 on antifungal consumption, a multicenter retrospective study including four medical sites and 14 intensive care units (ICU) was performed. Antifungal consumption and incidences of invasive fungal diseases before and during COVID-19 pandemic, for non-COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 patients, were described.

Results
An increase in voriconazole consumption was observed in 2020 compared with 2019 for both the whole hospital and the ICU (+ 40.3% and + 63.7%, respectively), whereas the incidence of invasive aspergillosis significantly increased in slightly lower proportions in the ICU (+ 46%). Caspofungin consumption also increased in 2020 compared to 2019 for both the whole hospital and the ICU (+ 34.9% and + 17.0%, respectively) with an increased incidence of invasive candidiasis in the whole hospital and the ICU but in lower proportions (+ 20.0% and + 10.9%, respectively).

Conclusions
We observed an increased consumption of antifungals including voriconazole and caspofungin in our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and explained in part by an increased incidence of invasive fungal diseases in COVID-19 patients. These results are of utmost importance as it raises concern about the urgent need for appropriate antifungal stewardship activities to control antifungal consumption.
Rheumatoid arthritis and risk of site-specific cancers: Mendelian randomization study in European and East Asian populations
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Chen Jie , Ruan Xixian , Vithayathil Mathew , Kar Siddhartha , Li Xue , Mason Amy M. , Burgess Stephen , Larsson Susanna C. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
The associations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with risk of site-specific cancers beyond lymphohematopoietic cancer have been scarcely explored. We conducted a Mendelian randomization investigation of the associations of RA with site-specific cancers in European and East Asian populations.

Methods
Independent genetic variants strongly associated with RA in European and East Asian populations were selected as instrumental variables from genome-wide association studies of 58,284 European individuals (14,361 cases and 43,923 controls) and 22,515 East Asian individuals (4873 cases and 17,642 controls), respectively. The associations of genetic variants with overall and 22 site-specific cancers were extracted from the UK Biobank study (n = 367,561), the FinnGen study (n = 260,405), Biobank Japan (n = 212,453), and international consortia. The associations for one outcome from different data sources were combined by meta-analysis.

Results
In the European population, the combined odds ratios per 1-unit increase in log odds of genetic liability to RA were 1.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.10) for head and neck cancer, 1.06 (95% CI 1.02–1.10) for cervical cancer, 0.92 (95% CI 0.87–0.96) for testicular cancer, and 0.94 (95% CI 0.90–0.98) for multiple myeloma. In the East Asian population, the corresponding odds ratios were 1.17 (95% CI 1.06–1.29) for pancreatic cancer, 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.94) for breast cancer, and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.96) for ovarian cancer. There were suggestive associations for breast and ovarian cancer and overall cancer in the European population. No other associations were observed.

Conclusion
This study suggests that RA may play a role in the development of several site-specific cancers.
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn ameliorates streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic neuropathy by targeting oxidative stress-mediated alterations
Authors: Jadhav Vishal B. , Vaghela Jai Singh 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Diabetes-induced neuropathic pain is manifested as a lowering of nerve transmission rate, increased discomfort, sensual loss, and axonal degradation, and is the most prevalent secondary consequence of diabetes. Diabetes is a devitalizing disease affecting people from diverse groups in both developing and industrialized countries. The inflammation pathway and oxidative stress both contribute considerably to diabetic peripheral neuropathy via the activation of inflammatory cytokines. Hyperglycemia-mediated neural oxidative stress and damage activates a number of metabolic pathways, causing diabetic neuropathy. The current study investigated the neuroprotective potential of methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (MESI) in ameliorating diabetic neuropathic pain induced by administration of streptozotocin in rats.

Results
Four weeks after intraperitoneal treatment of streptozotocin (STZ), there was a significant decrease in mechano-tactile allodynia and mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, STZ-induced oxidative stress increases the extent of neural lipid peroxidation (LPO), as evidenced by increased MDA levels, decreases the activities of endogenous antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and alters sciatic neural histoarchitecture. Chronic administration of methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (MESI) for 4 weeks significantly and dose-dependently attenuated the decrease in levels of nociceptive thresholds, endogenous antioxidants (SOD and GSH), and increase in LPO. Furthermore, MESI significantly restored sciatic neural histoarchitecture.

Conclusion
The amelioration of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy by methanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn (MESI) could be attributed to its antinociceptive, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Predictive factors for recovery in idiopathic sudden sensory neural hearing loss
Authors: Alhussaini Mohamed A. , Mohamed Suhaib Abdelzaker , El-Razek Mohamad Azzam Abd , Mohamed Enass Sayed , Gad Mohamed Omar A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is considered a clinical symptom of various conditions. Circulatory disorders, viral infection, labyrinthine membrane rupture, and autoimmune reactions are considered as the common causes, but the exact cause remains unestablished. Various drugs and methods have been used empirically for the treatment of ISSHL. The current study aimed at evaluation factors contributing to the success of standardized medical therapy in cases of ISSNHL.

Methods
In period between 2019 and 2021, a total 40 patients with ISSNHL were enrolled. All patients were subjected to history taking, physical and ENT evaluation. Patients were managed according to the recent guidelines for managing ISSNHL included systemic steroid and salvage therapy.

Results
Mean age of studied patients was 42.55 ± 13.14 years with range between 19 and 70 years. Out of the studied patients; 26 (65%) patients were males and 14 (35%) patients were females. Majority (80%) of patients had no comorbidities. Based on the current study, we found that only 12 (30%) patients were improved while 28 (70%) patients were not improved. It was found that majority (58.3%) of improved patients was females. Frequency of vertigo was significantly higher among patients who were not improved. Three (10.7%) patients of not-improved group and 5 (41.7%) patients of improved group had low lymphocyte:monocytes ratio.

Conclusion
Patients with ISSNHL, the presence of vertigo and late onset of presentation may carry a risk for poor prognosis. Multiple centers studies with large number of patients are warranted to confirm such findings.
Static analysis of box-girder bridge under the influence of Indian railway vehicle loading using ANSYS finite element model
Authors: Shaikh Mohammad Farhan , Nallasivam K. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe box-girder bridge has recently gained a lot of popularity because of its serviceability, stability, and structural efficiency. The box-girder bridge also has a lower structural weight than any other type of bridge. However, the analysis of such a bridge is too complex and challenging for the designers. This paper offers a modelling process for the study of a box- girder bridge with a ballastless sub-track system using the finite element method and evaluates the different static response characteristics of the bridge when it is loaded according to Indian Railway standards. The modelling and the evaluation of the 3D model of the bridge have been done using non-closed form finite element method (FEM) based ANSYS software and loadings have been applied symmetrically and un- symmetrically. Static analysis is carried out. The model has been simulated, and the resultants of deflection and stresses have been determined, taking into account the effect of different combinations of loading from the Indian Railways. The present modelling process is applied to analyze the box-girder bridge for 5 spans of 32 m each. For analysis of any box-girder bridge, though, researchers can use the modelling process described above.
Bone Turnover Markers: Basic Biology to Clinical Applications
Authors: Schini Marian , Vilaca Tatiane , Gossiel Fatma , Salam Syazrah , Eastell Richard 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBone turnover markers (BTMs) are used widely, in both research and clinical practice. In the last 20 years, much experience has been gained in measurement and interpretation of these markers, which include commonly used bone formation markers (bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and procollagen I N-propeptide); and commonly used resorption markers (serum C-telopeptides of type I collagen, urinary N-telopeptides of type I collagen, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase type 5b). BTMs are usually measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or automated immunoassay. Sources contributing to BTM variability include uncontrollable factors (eg, age, gender, ethnicity) and controllable factors, particularly relating to collection conditions (eg, fasting/feeding state, and timing relative to circadian rhythms, menstrual cycling, and exercise). Pregnancy, season, drugs, and recent fracture(s) can also affect BTMs. BTMs correlate with other methods of assessing bone turnover, such as bone biopsies and radiotracer kinetics, and can usefully contribute to diagnosis and management of several diseases such as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, Paget’s disease, fibrous dysplasia, hypophosphatasia, primary hyperparathyroidism, and chronic kidney disease–mineral bone disorder.
Frequency-dependent viscosity of salmon ovarian fluid has biophysical implications for sperm–egg interactions
Authors: Graziano Marco , Palit Swomitra , Yethiraj Anand , Immler Simone , Gage Matthew J. G. , Purchase Craig F. 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTGamete-level sexual selection of externally fertilising species is usually achieved by modifying sperm behaviour with mechanisms that alter the chemical environment in which gametes perform. In fish, this can be accomplished through the ovarian fluid, a substance released with the eggs at spawning. While the biochemical effects of ovarian fluid in relation to sperm energetics have been investigated, the influence of the physical environment in which sperm compete remains poorly explored. Our objective was therefore to gain insights on the physical structure of this fluid and potential impacts on reproduction. Using soft-matter physics approaches of steady-state and oscillatory viscosity measurements, we subjected wild Atlantic salmon ovarian fluids to variable shear stresses and frequencies resembling those exerted by sperm swimming through the fluid near eggs. We show that this fluid, which in its relaxed state is a gel-like substance, displays a non-Newtonian viscoelastic and shear-thinning profile, where the viscosity decreases with increasing shear rates. We concurrently find that this fluid obeys the Cox–Merz rule below 7.6 Hz and infringes it above this level, thus indicating a shear-thickening phase where viscosity increases provided it is probed gently enough. This suggests the presence of a unique frequency-dependent structural network with relevant implications for sperm energetics and fertilisation dynamics.This article has an associated ECR Spotlight interview with Marco Graziano.
Critical Analysis of the Legal Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Techniques and Biomedical Research in the Slovak Republic in the Context of Natural Law
Authors: Čunderlík Čerbová Veronika 
Published: December 2022

The study critically analyses the Slovak legal regulation of assisted reproductive techniques and biomedical research through the prism of natural law attributes. The study confirms the hypothesis that the legal regulation of assisted reproductive techniques and biomedical research in the Slovak Republic is insufficient, does not reflect the actual practice, and allows interpretations and application that are not in line with natural law. The identified shortcomings do not correspond to the fact that the Slovak Republic is one of the countries with a restrictive biopolitics. The study demonstrates that even in the case of conservative legislation, the natural-law basis can be undermined or denied if the legislation does not sufficiently reflect all contexts. For comparison, we present selected legislation from the Czech Republic, which is more precise and consistent, although more liberal. The study also contains specific de lege ferenda proposals that are based on natural law foundations and at least partially remedy the identified shortcomings.
New records of Sturnira bakeri in northwestern Ecuador: field notes about the species
Authors: Rodriguez-Segovia Marco A. 
Published: December 2022

A pesar de que Sturnira bakeri es una especie descrita recientemente, se sabe poco sobre su variación intraespecífica, hábitos de alimentación y vuelo, y patrones reproductivos. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo confirmar la presencia de esta especie en el noroccidente de Ecuador mediante la comparación de especímenes voucher con la literatura disponible. Varios ejemplares de S. bakeri fueron capturados en el noroccidente de Pichincha. Recolecté 2 vouchers, pero me enfoqué en un espécimen variable (un espécimen con algunas características diferentes) y lo comparé con la descripción original de la especie. Se incluyen notas de campo sobre su apariencia física, estado reproductivo y otros hábitos. La presencia de S. bakeri en el noroccidente de Ecuador se confirmó por características cráneo-dentales (como la presencia de incisivos internos superiores bicúspides, cúspides internas aserradas en los molares inferiores, fisura esfenorbital ovalada, fosas basiesfenoideas poco profundas y divididas por un septo) y medidas similares a estudios previos, pero con algunas diferencias morfológicas como la forma de los arcos cigomáticos. Sturnira bakeri fue registrada en bosques secundarios y pastizales, vive en simpatría con S. ludovici, y come frutos de varias especies de plantas: Piper, Vismia, Cecropia, Drymonia, Anthurium y Psychotria. Los especímenes variables complican la identificación taxonómica y la definición de una especie. Los nuevos registros con datos sobre dieta y hábitos ayudan a llenar vacíos de conocimiento sobre la especie en esta zona del neotrópico.
Seroprevalence of positive cases of hepatitis A, B and C infections among subjects in two riverine communities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Udoh Dora I. , Siedoma Baritudor T. , Eyo Aniekan- O. Augusta 
Published: December 2022

Background: Hepatitis infections are endemic in many countries. The serological hallmark for these infections is the presence of antibodies and antigens in the bloods of the infected persons. These serological markers give an idea on seropositivity of specific hepatitis.Methodology: This cross sectional- descriptive study was conducted in two riveriancommunities namely; Ikot Abasi, Oron and Uyo (control). Ethical approval and consents were obtained from the State Ministry of Health and volunteers. Three hundred (300) blood samples, 100 samples from each study area were collected and tested for positive cases of HAV, HBV and HCV infections using hepatitis rapid immunoassay and anti-antibodies kits (Acon Diagnostics, USA) respectively. A structured -questionnaires was used to obtained socio-demographic information from participant. Results: The prevalence of positive cases for HAV, HBV and HCV were; 14%, 10% and 6% in Ikot Abasi community, 20%, 14% and 8% from Oron while Uyo recorded 2%, 12% and 6% respectively. The prevalence of HAV infection at the riverine communities was significantly higher than the control (p < 0.05). Children ≤ 10years had higher prevalence of HAV. The prevalence of HBV and HCV at the riverine communities did not differ from the control (p < 0.05). Prevalence based on socio-demographic parameters differed (p < 0.05) in some study areas. Conclusion: Predisposing factors for the transmission of hepatitis A infection abounds in riverine communities. These factors are not responsible for transmission of hepatitis B and C. Proper hygiene, good sexual conduct, vaccination and awareness are encouraged in the study areas.
OS DIREITOS SOCIAIS EM TEMPOS DE IDEÁRIO NEOLIBERAL: A VIA PELA PARTICIPAÇÃO CIDADÃ / SOCIAL RIGHTS IN TIME OF NEOLIBERAL IDEAR: THE WAY THROUGH CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
Authors: Queiroz Christiane Cruvinel 
Published: December 2022

Resumo: O artigo discute a necessária tomada de consciência dos cidadãos, enquanto titulares dos direitos sociais, na luta pela “realização política” dos direitos sociais, diante de um Estado guiado por uma coalização econômica que busca a desconstrução dos direitos sociais. Adotou-se como metodologia para uma abordagem qualitativa, a revisão bibliográfica, numa perspectiva crítica. Inicialmente abordamos a teoria da cidadania e seus direitos correspondentes, construída por Marshall. A seguir, traçamos o processo inverso de construção dos direitos de cidadania no país, com foco nos direitos sociais. Buscamos questionar os limites impostos à cidadania social no contexto do capitalismo orientado pelo ideário neoliberal e a necessidade de tensionamento pela “realização política” dos direitos sociais. Concluímos que tão importante quanto a construção dos direitos sociais é assegurar a tomada de consciência e participação ativa dos cidadãos, enquanto titulares de direitos capazes de contraporem-se ao processo de desconfiguração do estado de bem-estar social edificado na Constituição Federal de 1988.Palavras-chave: Direitos Sociais. Cidadania. Retrocesso. Defesa. Abstract: This article discusses the necessary awareness of citizens, as holders of social rights, in the struggle for the "policy realization" of social rights, before a State guided by an economic coercion that seeks the deconstruction of social rights. The methodology for a qualitative approach was adopted, the bibliographical review, in a critical perspective. Initially we approached the theory of citizenship and its corresponding rights, built by Marshall. Next, we outline the inverse process of building citizenship rights in the country, focusing on social rights. We seek to question the limits imposed on social citizenship in the context of capitalism guided by neoliberal ideology and the need for tension by the "policy realization" of social rights. We conclude that as important as the construction of social rights is to ensure the awareness and active participation of citizens, as holders of rights capable of opposing the process of deconfiguration of the welfare state built in the Federal Constitution of 1988.Keywords: Social rights. Citizenship. Withdrawal. Defense.