bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Serum Circulating MicroRNAs Level in Malaysian Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: pour Sajad Jamal , Zain Shamsul Mohd , Vazifehmand Reza , Mohamed Zahurin , Chiong Tan Peng , Omar Siti Zawiah , Pung Yuh Fen , Kamyab Hesam 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus is a serious global problem and needs urgent attention. Aberrant microRNAs expression is potentially disease-specific and may contribute to GDM pathological processes. Even though GDM is diagnosed at the end of the second or beginning of the third trimester, there is no way to prevent pathological changes that may occur during the first and second trimesters. Therefore, to identify a specific miRNAs expression and their predicted target genes in maternal serum subjected with GDM in especially early stage, we performed miRNA expression profiling using miRNA PCR Array and in-silico analysis. In this study, demographic data and miRNAs expression levels and their specific potential as biomarkers were investigated. The findings showed that the expression levels of hsa-miR-193a, hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-23a, and hsa-miR-361 are significantly upregulated while miR-130a is significantly downregulated in GDM patients. The ROC curve analysis revealed that hsa-miR-193a (AUC = 0.8906 ± 0.04470, P < 0.0001), hsa-miR-21(0.8950 ± 0.04411, P < 0.0001) and miR-130a (0.7222 ± 0.07450, P = 0.0083) have a potential biomarker characteristics in GDM. Furthermore, the in-silico analysis revealed that KLF, ZNF25, AFF4, C1orf143, SRSF2, and ZNF655 were prominent genes targeted by the common nodes of miR23, miR130, miR193, miR21, and miR361. Our findings imply that circulating microRNAs in the first trimester might be used as indicators for GDM.
Validity of the Spurling test in the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Ting 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is a common clinical presentation. The Spurling test is a commonly used provocative test for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy. Various diagnostic accuracy studies on the validity of the Spurling test have demonstrated high specificity but variable sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to find an evidence-based explanation for the variation in sensitivity of the Spurling test to assess the value of the Spurling test for clinical practice.STUDY DESIGN: A review of studies on the diagnostic validity of the Spurling test was conducted. The study sample comprised eight diagnostic accuracy studies of the Spurling test. OUTCOME MEASURES: Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios are presented. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBAS and PubMed was conducted through April 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated by Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS). RESULTS: Eight diagnostic accuracy studies were selected, showing high specificity ranging from 74% to 98.5%, and the sensitivity varied from 14.7% to 95%. Studies that recruited surgical candidates showed a higher sensitivity, ranging from 92% to 95%. Studies that adopted the modified Spurling test maneuvres (incorporating neck extension, head rotation, and lateral neck bending) revealed a slightly higher sensitivity than those using only the lateral neck bending maneuvre. The inherent flaws of the reference standards may have altered the validity of the Spurling test. CONCLUSIONS: The value of the studies on the validity of the Spurling test has been undermined by multiple areas causing bias, such as patient spectrum difference, index test interpretation controversy, and a lack of gold reference standards. Spurling test use in clinical practice should be combined with patient history, careful selection of different Spurling variants, and other provocative tests to increase the diagnostic accuracy. Large-sample-size and well-validated studies on the accuracy of the Spurling test in diagnosing cervical radiculopathy are needed.
Meteorological Factors Facilitated Increased Legionnaires’ Disease Notifications and Mortality Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 in Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Yin , Chen Frank Y. , Tso Geoffrey Kwok Fai , Yang Lin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Annual notification number of Legionnaires’ disease (LD) increased from 66 cases in 2015 to 104 cases in 2020 in Hong Kong, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.3% in 2020. This study investigated possible meteorological factors associated with confirmed LD cases and deaths. The negative binomial regression model was used for monthly LD confirmed cases and the Poisson regression model was used for monthly LD mortality cases. A decision tree model was adopted to identify the thresholds of meteorological factors if any. The confirmed LD cases were highest in July while the LD mortality were highest in August. A negative binomial regression model confirmed that maximum air temperature (P=0.081, RR=1.3, 95% CI=0.97-1.75) and rainfall (P=0.009, RR=1.02, 95% CI=1.0004-1.003) were positively correlated with the increase in confirmed LD cases. A Poisson regression model confirmed that maximum air temperature (P=0.034, RR=1.71, 95%CI=1.04-2.80) was positively correlated with the surge in LD mortality. When rainfall exceeds 78.8 mm, the public should be alerted of the increased risk of contracting LD. Temperature and rainfall were positively associated with the confirmed LD cases in Hong Kong.
Pregnancy-induced changes in ocular biomechanics are maternal hormone- related in healthy Chinese pregnant women
Authors: Chen Fangyuan , Zhou Jianting , He Xiaojuan , Han Xiaoxue , Zhang Rijia , Zhou Qing 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
BackgroundTo explore the changes of ocular biomechanics during pregnancy and the postpartum period and its association with maternal hormone changes. Methods Prospective cohort study. Pregnant women (n = 12,24 eyes) were enrolled in this study, and monitored throughout pregnancy and after delivery (7 days). After routine ophthalmologic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal endothelium cell (CEC), axial length (AL), corneal curvature (K1, K2), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central subfield thickness (CST), macular volume (MV), cube average thickness (CAT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), tear meniscus height (TMH), and breaking up time (BUT) were measured, and blood plasma levels of the maternal hormone were determined at the same. ResultsA gradual decrease in IOP value as the gestational week progressed, there was a statistically significant difference between the 3rd trimesters and 1st trimesters, 2nd trimesters and postpartum (p=0.002, p=0.006, and p= 0.050, respectively). There was a statistical difference between the first trimesters and the second trimesters in terms of MV (p=0.023). The difference in RNFL in the 3rd trimesters and postpartum was significant (p=0.011). Assessment of other ophthalmic parameters revealed no statistically significant changes (p>0.05, repeated measures ANOVA). There only was a significant correlation between K2, ACD, and TMH in the second trimester (r=0.588, p=0.045; r=-0.740, p=0.006; r=0.642, p=0.024, respectively). Regarding luteinizing hormone, there was a significant difference between with MV (r=-0.598, p =0.040 in the first trimester; r=-0.672, p =0.040, p = 0.017); and CAT (r=-0.598, p =0.040 in the 1st trimester; r=-0.672, p =0.040 in the 2nd trimester);ACD(r=-0.702,p=0.011 in the 2nd trimester) and K2 (r=0.585,p=0.046 in the 3rd trimester).A negative correlation was found between the follicle-stimulating hormone and CEC, MV and CAT in the first trimester (r=-0.677, p=0.016; r=-0.602, p =0.039; r=-0.584, p=0.046; respectively) and AL in the third trimester (r=-0.618, p=0.032). The correlation between estradiol and ocular parameters appeared with CST in the first trimester (r=-0.621, p =0.031), and RNFL (r=0.594, p=0.041) postpartum; and a statistically correlation between progesterone and MV (r=0.583, p=0.047) and TMH (r=0.762, p=0.004) in the first trimester. No significant intergroup correlation was observed in postpartum (all p > 0.05).ConclusionWe found that ophthalmic parameters had physiological changes induced by hormones in pregnancy and returned to baseline levels after delivery.
Exploration of the Role of Cuproptosis genes and their related long non-coding RNA in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Xia Dian , Liu Qi , Wen Jiao , Qi Wang , Longfei Peng , Tuo Zhouting , Liangkuan Bi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The mechanism of its occurrence and development is unknown, and there is currently few effective comprehensive predictive markers for prognosis and treatment response. With the discovery of a new cell death process - cuproptosis drew the attention of researchers. We constructed a model for the prediction of clinical prognosis and immunotherapy response through integrative analysis of gene expression datasets from KIRC samples in the TCGA database. During the course of the study, we found that cuproptosis genes are significantly differentially expressed between clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples and normal samples. Based on this, we put forward the prognostic model for cuproptosis gene related-long non-coding RNA. And through various statistic and external independent cohorts, we proved that the model is accurate and stable, worthy of clinical application and further exploration and validation.
Virulence genes, phylogenetic, and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infection in hospital inpatients and outpatients
Authors: Derakhshan Safoura , Saedi Samira , Ahmadi Amjad , Hedayati Manouchehr Ahmadi 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains are the most common cause of urinary tract infection (UTI) in hospitalized and community patients. The aim was to compare the genetic characteristics of E. coli isolated from inpatients (IPs) and outpatients (OPs) with UTI regarding their phylogenies, virulence traits, and resistance trends.
Methods
In this cross sectional study, a total of 130 unrelated E. coli isolates were collected from patients with UTI. Extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production was detected by combination disk method. Detection of UPEC and intestinal pathogenic E. coli (IPEC) virulence genes were performed by polymerase chain reaction. The isolates were analyzed for phylogenetic grouping.
Results
Out of the 130 isolates, 62.3% were from the OPs and 37.7% from the IPs. About 35.8% of the OPs and 49% of the IPs were ESBL positive. Moreover, 56.8% of the OPs and 59.2% of the IPs were positive for the UPEC virulence genes. Notably, 50% of the isolates from each group exhibited IPEC virulence properties. The predominant phylogroup was B2 (43.2% in the OPs and 40.8% in the IPs). No significant differences were found between the IP and OP isolates (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The marked genetic plasticity of E. coli has allowed the emergence of strains showing arrays of genes from different pathotypes. Our results may indicate that consideration should also be given to hygienic standard in the community. Characterization of local E. coli isolates in different areas can guide the selection of effective infection control strategies.
Effect of adding a positive memories’ module in a trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatment for female survivors of intimate partner violence: trial protocol
Authors: Crespo Maria , Miguel-Alvaro Alejandro , Hornillos Carlos , Sánchez-Ferrer Silvia , Antón Ana Asunción 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background: Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioural treatments have been proven to be effective for reducing symptoms in female survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), although they still present some difficulties (e.g., significant drop-out rates, low adherence). Based on existing evidence about the difficulty of accessing memories of positive experiences among these women, we considered integrating positive memory evocation in trauma-focused treatments. The present study aims to test the effect of adding a positive memory module to trauma-focused CBT for female survivors of IPV.Methods: The study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two trauma-focused CBT (with and without a positive memory module) for female survivors of IPV and a wait-list condition (superiority trial), including pretreatment and posttreatment measures, and follow-ups at 3, 6 and 12 months. Assessors of treatment outcome will be blinded to the trial arm. We aim to recruit 135 participants who will be randomized to one of the experimental conditions. The primary outcome is PTSD symptom severity. Secondary outcome measures include IPV, attitudes towards IPV, posttraumatic cognitions, centrality of trauma, self-concept, positive and negative affect, depression, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, or health-related quality of life, as well as satisfaction with treatment. Moreover, adherence to and satisfaction with treatment will be considered.Discussion: This study first analyses the effect of including positive memory evocation into a trauma-focused treatment for female survivors of IPV. This strategy aims to improve the effect of the treatments and enhance the healing of the trauma by developing a more integrated and emotionally modulated autobiographical narrative that contributes to the recovery and well-being of the victims.Trial registration: ISRCTN73702156. Registered on 10 March 2022.
Skiing uphill using resort-touring skis: effects of simulated altitude
Authors: Brown James , Nevill Ben , Spenk Henry , Fraser India , Hanly James , Donkin David , Owen Morris , Kinnear William 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
We studied ten recreational skiers on W500RT skis (Decathlon) skis fitted with uni-directional “skins” on a treadmill with 25% slope. Speed was increased from 1km/hr by 0.3 km/hr every minute until the subject was unable to maintain pace. The test was repeated in an environmental chamber with an oxygen content of 14%, equivalent to an altitude of 3000m. We measured oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) and ventilation (VE). The anaerobic threshold (AT) was determined from V-slope and the respiratory compensation point (RCP) from VE/VCO2. The mean (SD) speed attained at sea level as 4.2(0.6)km/hr, with a VO2 of 45(8)ml/kg/min. HR was 75(6)% of predicted maximum at AT, 85(8)% at RCP. At 3000m, SpO2 was 79(3.6)% and speed 3.4(0.5)km/hr at peak exercise (both P < 0.05 compared to sea-level). There were no significant differences in VO2 at peak exercise, AT or RCP. Altitude reduces maximum ski touring pace. We recommend that recreational ski-tourers should adjust their pace so that HR is maintained around 80% of their predicted maximum.
Snow accumulation controls atmospheric warming thresholds for Antarctic ice shelf viability
Authors: Wessem Jan Melchior van , Broeke Michiel van den , Lhermitte Stef 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The limit of ice shelf viability in the Antarctic Peninsula is commonly defined by the -5°C annual mean 2 m air temperature isotherm. It is presently unknown whether this threshold can also be applied to other Antarctic ice shelves. Here we use two present-day and three future high-resolution Antarctic climate realisations to predict warming thresholds for Antarctic ice shelf viability based on the melt over accumulation (MoA) ratio. The associated warming thresholds match well with observed melt pond volumes and are found to be spatially highly variable and controlled by snow accumulation. While for relatively wet ice shelves the -5°C temperature threshold is confirmed, cold and dry ice shelves such as Amery, Ross and Filchner-Ronne are more vulnerable than previously thought, with threshold temperatures well below -15°C. CMIP6 models predict that towards the end of this century these thresholds can be reached on many ice shelves, even on cold ice shelves and under moderate warming scenarios.
The patterns and changes of general surgical presentations during the first wave COVID-19 pandemic at a metropolitan Sydney hospital
Authors: Diab Jason , Nguyen Quoc Dung , Khaicy David , Diab Vanessa , Hopkins Zachias , Badiani Sarit , Berney Christophe 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background:
The impact of SARS-COV-2 virus (COVID-19) has been well documented in international settings with a reduction in overall emergency presentations both influenced by social distancing and lockdowns. This study focuses on several common acute general surgical pathologies exploring differences in presentations and clinical outcomes for appendicitis, cholecystitis, and incarcerated hernias during the first wave.
Methods:
A retrospective review of medical records of all patients was analysed in two groups: the non-COVID-19 group (combined 2017–2019) and the COVID-19 group (2020).
Results:
There were 3,316 acute emergency surgical presentations with an 8.2% decrease in total presentations in 2020. There were 477 appendicectomies, 224 cholecystectomies, and 121 repair of incarcerated hernias. All general surgical procedures demonstrated significant differences between non-COVID and COVID cohorts, including length of stay (LoS) (2.7 vs 2.1, p = 0.009) and onset of symptoms (1.6 vs 2.2, p = 0.018) for those aged less than 25 years. Patients with appendicitis aged less than 25 years had a significantly longer onset of symptoms before hospital presentation and shorter LoS in the COVID group (1.7 vs 2.5, p = 0.002; 2.9 vs 2.3, p = 0.016). Likewise, patients with cholecystitis had a significantly longer onset of symptoms in the COVID-19 cohort compared to their counterparts (2.0 vs 3.0 days, p = 0.025). There were no significant differences in biochemical, clinical or post-operative outcomes.
Conclusion:
The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced acute general surgical presentations. For those less than 25 years in the COVID-19 cohort, overall LoS was shorter despite indicating significantly delayed presentations.
Relations between spontaneous portosystemic shunts and outcomes in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhotic patients with esophagogastric variceal bleeding after repeated endotherapy
Authors: Ma Jia-li , Jiang Yu , Hu Ju-long , Zhou Yu-ling , Ai Zheng-lin , Liang Xiu-xia , Xie Ru-ming , Wei Hong-shan , Li ping 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aims: Investigating the prevalance and characteristics of spontaneous portosystemic shunts(SPSS) in hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients with acute variceal bleeding(AVB) after repeated endotherapy.Methods: 442 hepatitis B-related cirrhotic patients with AVB, who were treated with repeated endotherapy were included in the final analysis. We collected data on demographic features, laboratory and clinical variables, complications, treatment options and Child/MELD scores. The contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography(CT) were reviewed to search for the presence and classification of SPSS. SPSS were divided into large or small size according to its maximum diameter. The primary outcome was 3 and 5-years survival. Results: SPSS were identified in 174 patients(39.37%), including 97 large-SPSS(21.95%) and 77 small-SPSS (17.42%). the median survival time was significantly longer in SPSS patients (99.4 months, [95% CI: 94.7-104.1]) compared with non-SPSS patients (83.5months, [95% CI: 78.1-88.8])(P＜0.001). The 3-years, and 5-years survival rates were significantly higher in SPSS group(87.4% vs 70.9%, P＜0.001; 65.5% vs 37.0%, P＜0.001). Age, antiviral therapy, variceal rebleeding, Child/MELD-score and the presence of SPSS were independent predictors of survival.Conclusions: SPSS is not rare in cirrhotic patients, for patients with AVB who underwent repeated endotherapy, and received fine aetiological treatment, SPSS was likely to be a protective factor for survival.
Protocol for a randomised, assessor-blinded, parallel group feasibility trial of flat, flexible school shoes for adolescents with patellofemoral pain
Authors: Mazzella Natalie , Fox Aaron , Saunders Natalie , Trowell Danielle , Vicenzino Bill , Bonacci Jason 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
There are limited evidence-based treatment options for adolescents with patellofemoral pain (PFP). Flat, flexible footwear have been shown to reduce patellofemoral joint loading and pain in adults with PFP. The efficacy of this intervention in adolescents with PFP is not established. The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of conducting a large-scale randomised control trial (RCT) of the effect of flat, flexible school footwear, when compared to traditional school footwear, in adolescents with PFP. The secondary aim is to describe changes in self-reported outcome measures for adolescents with PFP while wearing flat, flexible footwear when compared to traditional school shoes.
Methods
24 adolescents with PFP will be recruited from the community. Following baseline assessment, participants will be randomly allocated to receive either (i) flat, flexible school footwear or, (ii) traditional school footwear. Participants will wear the shoe as per school requirements throughout a 12-week intervention period. Feasibility will be assessed with (i) ≥75% adherence to allocated shoe wear of their total weekly school wear time, (ii) a recruitment rate of 1 participant per fortnight, and (iii) a dropout rate of ≤ 20%. Patient reported outcome measures will describe changes in knee pain, function, quality of life and global rating of change at 6 and 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics will be used for the primary outcomes of feasibility.
Discussion
This study will determine the feasibility of conducting a large scale RCT evaluating the effect of flat, flexible school shoes for adolescents with PFP. A full-scale study will guide evidence-based management of adolescent PFP.
Trial registration:
Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry reference: ACTRN12621001525875, Date registered: 9th November 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621001525875.aspx
Optimization of industrial shortening manufacturing procedure: The effect of cooling rate and kneading parameters on viscoelasticity and sensory properties
Authors: Ameli Mahnaz , Roufegarinejad Leila , Zargaraan Azizollaah , Zayeri Farid 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to optimize the industrial shortening manufacturing procedure and investigate the effect of cooling rate and kneading parameters on its viscoelasticity and sensory properties The three selected main crystallization process parameters include the third cooling stage outlet temperature (28–31°C), kneading parameter (100–280 RPM), and filling temperature (30–36°C). The design type and model were Box-Behnken and quadratic, respectively. Rheological viscoelastic experiments on 17 samples with different crystallization factors were performed. Cooling and kneading intensities were manipulated in order to explore the resulting changes in frequency and strain sweep parameters. Additionally, sensory attributes related to the crystallization treatment samples were analyzed. The optimum crystallization parameters that led to the most desired functional attributes were crystallizer 3 outlet temperature of 31°C, kneading intensity of 280 RPM, and filling temperature of 33°C. All the storage modulus (G′) and the loss modulus (G″) model responses exhibited values in the minimum range at the optimum process conditions. This work’s framework sets a new guideline for fine-tuning the functional properties of confectionary shortening through underlying the important role of the optimized crystallization process.