bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic accuracy of inflammatory markers in predicting risk of ICU admission for COVID-19: application of time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves
Authors: Geraili Zahra , Hajian-Tilaki Karimollah , Bayani Masomeh , Hosseini Seyed Reza , Khafri Soraya , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Javanian Mostafa , Babazadeh Arefeh , Shokri Mehran 
Published: June 2022

Objective Intensive care unit (ICU) admission occurs at different times during hospitalization among patients with COVID-19. We aimed to evaluate the time-dependent receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve, AUC(t), and accuracy of baseline levels of inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting time to an ICU admission event in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Methods In this observational study, we evaluated 724 patients with confirmed severe COVID-19 referred to Ayatollah Rohani Hospital, affiliated with Babol University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Results The AUC(t) of CRP and NLR reached 0.741 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.661–0.820) and 0.690 (95% CI: 0.607–0.772), respectively, in the first 3 days after hospital admission. The optimal cutoff values of CRP and NLR for stratification of ICU admission outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 were 78 mg/L and 5.13, respectively. The risk of ICU admission was significantly greater for patients with these cutoff values (CRP hazard ratio = 2.98; 95% CI: 1.58–5.62; NLR hazard ratio = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.45–5.77). Conclusions Using time-dependent ROC curves, CRP and NLR values at hospital admission were important predictors of ICU admission. This approach is more efficient than using standard ROC curves.
Investigation of a relationship between serum concentrations of microRNA-122 and alanine aminotransferase activity in hospitalised cats
Authors: Armstrong Susan K , Oosthuyzen Wilna , Gow Adam G , Salavati Schmitz Silke , Dear James W , Mellanby Richard J 
Published: June 2022

Objectives Current blood tests to diagnose feline liver diseases are suboptimal. Serum concentrations of microRNA (miR)-122 have been shown in humans, dogs and rodents to be a sensitive and specific biomarker for liver injury. To explore the potential diagnostic utility of measuring serum concentrations of miR-122 in cats, miR-122 was measured in a cohort of ill, hospitalised cats with known serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Methods In this retrospective study, cats were grouped into those with an ALT activity within the reference interval (0–83 U/l; n = 38) and those with an abnormal ALT activity (>84 U/l; n = 25). Serum concentrations of miR-122 were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and the relationship between miR-122 and ALT was examined. Results miR-122 was significantly higher in the group with high ALT activity than the ALT group, within normal reference limits ( P <0.0004). There was also a moderately positive correlation between serum ALT activity and miR-122 concentrations ( P <0.001; r = 0.52). Conclusions and relevance Concentrations of miR-122 were reliably quantified in feline serum and were higher in a cohort of cats with increased ALT activity than in cats with normal ALT activity. This work highlights the potential diagnostic utility of miR-122 as a biomarker of liver damage in cats and encourages further investigation to determine the sensitivity and specificity of miR-122 as a biomarker of hepatocellular injury in this species.
Building a Covid-19 secure intensive care unit: A human-centred design approach
Authors: Ede Jody , Garry David , Barker Graham , Gustafson Owen , King Elizabeth , Routley Hannah , Biggs Christopher , Lumley Cherry , Bennett Lyn , Payne Stephanie , Ellis Andrew , Green Clinton , Smith Nathan , Vincent Laura , Holdaway Matthew , Watkinson Peter 
Published: June 2022

Background The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted weaknesses in the National Health Service critical care provision including both capacity and infrastructure. Traditionally, healthcare workspaces have failed to fully incorporate Human-Centred Design principles resulting in environments that negatively affect the efficacy of task completion, patient safety and staff wellbeing. In the summer of 2020, we received funds for the urgent construction of a Covid-19 secure critical care facility. The aim of this project was to design a pandemic resilient facility centred around both staff and patient requirements and safety, within the available footprint. Methods We developed a simulation exercise, underpinned by Human-Centred Design principles, to evaluate intensive care designs through Build Mapping, Tasks Analysis and Qualitative data. Build Mapping involved taping out sections of the design and mocking up with equipment. Task Analysis and qualitative data were collected following task completion. Results 56 participants completed the build simulation exercise generating 141 design suggestions (69 task related, 56 patient and relative related, 16 staff related). Suggestions translated to 18 multilevel design improvements; five significant structural changes (Macro level) including wall moves and lift size change. Minor improvements were made at a Meso and Micro design level. Critical care design drivers identified included functional drivers (visibility, Covid-19 secure environment, workflow, and task efficiency) and behavioural drivers (learning and development, light, humanising intensive care and design consistency). Conclusion Success of clinical tasks, infection control, patient safety and staff/patient wellbeing are highly dependent on clinical environments. Primarily, we have improved clinical design by focusing on user requirements. Secondly, we developed a replicable approach to exploring healthcare build plans revealing significant design changes, that may have only been identified once built.
Staff training to improve participant recruitment into surgical randomised controlled trials: A feasibility study within a trial (SWAT) across four host trials simultaneously
Authors: Parker Adwoa , Arundel Catherine , Mills Nicola , Rooshenas Leila , Jepson Marcus , Donovan Jenny L , Blazeby Jane M , Coleman Elizabeth , Clark Laura , Doherty Laura , Hewitt Catherine E , Partha Sarathy Prasanna , Beard David , Bower Peter , Brealey Stephen , Brocklehurst Paul , Cooper Cindy , Croft Julie , Culliford Lucy , Dias Joseph , Devane Declan , Eldridge Sandra , Emsley Richard , Galvin Sandra , Gemperle-Mannion Elke , Jayne David G , Metcalfe Andrew J , Montgomery Alan , Rangan Amar , Sutton Christopher J , Tharmanathan Puvanendran , Treweek Shaun , Torgerson David 
Published: June 2022

Objective To test the feasibility of undertaking a simultaneous Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to train staff who recruit participants into surgical randomised controlled trials (RCTs), by assessing key uncertainties around recruitment, randomisation, intervention delivery and data collection. Study design and setting Twelve surgical RCTs were eligible. Interested sites (clusters) were randomised 1:1, with recruiting staff (surgeons and nurses) offered training or no training. The primary outcome was the feasibility of recruiting sites across multiple surgical trials simultaneously. Secondary outcomes included numbers/types of staff enrolled, attendance at training, training acceptability, confidence in recruiting and participant recruitment rates six months later. Results Four RCTs (33%) comprising 91 sites participated. Of these, 29 sites agreed to participate (32%) and were randomised to intervention (15 sites, 29 staff) or control (14 sites, 29 staff). Research nurses attended and found the training to be acceptable; no surgeons attended. In the intervention group, there was evidence of increased confidence when pre- and post- training scores were compared (mean difference in change 1.42; 95% CI 0.56, 2.27; p = 0.002). There was no effect on recruitment rate. Conclusion It was feasible to randomise sites across four surgical RCTs in a simultaneous SWAT design. However, as small numbers of trials and sites participated, and no surgeons attended training, strategies to improve these aspects are needed for future evaluations.
Metformin inhibits melanoma cell metastasis by suppressing the miR-5100/SPINK5/STAT3 axis
Authors: Suwei Dong , Yanbin Xiao , Jianqiang Wang , Xiang Ma , Zhuohui Peng , Jianping Kang , Yunqing Wang , Zhen Li 
Published: June 2022

AbstractMelanoma is the most lethal skin cancer characterized by its high metastatic potential. It is urgent to find novel therapy strategies to overcome this feature. Metformin has been confirmed to suppress invasion and migration of various types of cancer. However, additional mechanisms underlying the antimetastatic effect of metformin on melanoma require further investigation. Here, we performed microarray analysis and uncovered an altered mRNA and miRNA expression profile between melanoma and nevus. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-5100 targets SPINK5 to activate STAT3 phosphorylation. Migration and wound healing assays showed that the miR-5100/SPINK5/STAT3 axis promotes melanoma cell metastasis; the mechanism was proven by initiation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) further confirmed an indirect interaction between SPINK5 and STAT3. Furthermore, metformin dramatically inhibited miR-5100/SPINK5/STAT3 pathway, and decreased B16-F10 cell metastasis to lung in C57 mouse module. Intriguingly, pretreatment of metformin before melanoma cell injection improved this effect further. These findings exposed the underlying mechanisms of action of metformin and update the use of this drug to prevent metastasis in melanoma.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia morphological parameters for assessing risk of acute urinary retention
Authors: Gabr Ahmed H. , Abdelatif Ahmed , sharkawy Mostafa S. El , Ismail Ahmed H. , Batnanonuy Ahmed El , Eissawy Mohamed Gaber , Ali Ahmed Issam 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Aim of the study
To evaluate objective measurements of morphological changes of the prostate in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) as predictors of acute urinary retention (AUR).

Methods
Overall 169 consecutive patients older than 50 years of age were prospectively divided into group A (n = 61); men with acute urinary retention (AUR), or group B (n = 108); men with different degrees of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) measurements of total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume (TZV), ratio of TZV to TPV (TZV/TPV), and vesico-urethral angle (VUA) were recorded. Group B patients also had post-void residual (PVR) and maximum flow rate (Q-max) recorded. TZV/TPV and VUA were correlated with Q-max and PVR, and a comparison was made between the two groups.

Results
Group A had significantly larger TPV (p = 0.03) and TZV/TPV (p = 0.04) compared to Group B. VUA in Group A had a significant correlation with AUR (p = 0.02). In Group B, both TZV/TPV and VUA had significant correlation with PVR and Q-max. A TZV/TPV cutoff ratio of 0.67 as a predictor of AUR had a 68% overall accuracy with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 88%, 53%, 44%, and 97%, respectively. VUA of < 90º as a predictor factor of AUR had a 67% overall accuracy with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 88%, 50%, 44%, and 97%, respectively.

Conclusion
Morphological changes in BPH can be objectively quantified using ultrasound by TZV/TPV and VUA. These parameters may potentially serve as predictors of AUR in patients with BPH.
The power of local research to inform adverse childhood experiences in substance use prevention in adolescents and adults
Authors: Wu Shiyou , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , Wolfersteig Wendy , Diaz Marisol Juarez , Aguilar-Amaya Maria 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
The impact of adverse childhood experiences on substance use has been well reported, however, less well documented is looking at the comparison of youth and adult substance use and their respective adverse childhood experiences. This study leveraged local data sources to support prevention efforts inside a state-level working group and examined research questions that explored the relationship between reported adverse childhood experiences and substance use for youth and adult samples at the state level.

Methods
This study conducted a series of logistic regression models (95% CI) between substance use outcomes with different age group populations to investigate the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and substance use for each group. Adverse childhood experiences scores and substance use were examined using two Arizona datasets: 1) Arizona Youth Survey (n = 42,009) and 2) the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n = 5328).

Results
The results of youth and adult datasets were consistent: users with adverse childhood experiences scores of 4 to 6 had a positive association with more substance use. When the variables were examined, showing the entire sample of youth and adult groups compared to those subgroups with a score of zero, a score of 1 to 3, and a score of 4 to 6, the overall pattern was the same; the more frequent use of substances was directly associated to the group with higher scores. Additionally, findings support increased attention on prevention and intervention efforts with higher reports of adverse childhood experiences as well as substance use.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate how local research can help prioritize prevention resources and increase the value of data-based decision-making. Policy-makers and providers can examine youth and adult data to compare priorities and assess for planning purposes. Specifically, it is possible to replicate known research findings, identify the most impacted subpopulations, and forecast the community’s future needs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis on the preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic among children and adolescents
Authors: Li Feifei , Liang Wei , Rhodes Ryan E. , Duan Yanping , Wang Xiang , Shang Borui , Yang Yide , Jiao Jiao , Yang Min , Supriya Rashmi , Baker Julien S. , Yi Longyan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this review was to synthesize the empirical evidence of relevant studies related to preventive behaviors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic among children and adolescents. Further to this, we aimed to identify the demographic, psychological, and social and environmental correlates of such behaviors.MethodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, eligible literature was identified by searching seven databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PROSPERO registry platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov website) and reference list of included studies and relevant review papers from 1stJan 2020 to 28thFeb 2021. The standardized mean difference and correlation coefficientsrwere extracted to estimate the effect sizes. Analyses were conducted using R software.ResultsOf the 35,271 original papers, 23 eligible studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and all these studies were of moderate-to-high quality, of which 17 studies were further included into the quantitative analysis. Children and adolescents (6–20 yrs.) showed a poorer practice of COVID-19 preventive behaviors compared to younger adults (21–59 yrs.) with a small-to-medium effect size (SMD = -.25, 95%CI = -.41 to -.09). For the demographic correlates, children and adolescents’ COVID-19 preventive practice was found to be significantly associated with gender (r = .14, 95%CI = .10 to .18), while not with age (r = -.02, 95%CI = -.14 to .10). Narratively, knowledge was found to be consistently and significantly correlated. For the psychological correlates, small-to-medium overall effects were identified for the association with attitudes (r = .26, 95%CI = .21 to .31) and perceived severity (r = .16, 95%CI = .01 to .30). For the family and social correlates, a non-significant association was identified between family economic status and COVID-19 preventive behaviors (r = .004, 95%CI = -.12 to .12).ConclusionsInterventions and relevant policies of promoting children and adolescent’s preventive measures should be a priority. Further, empirical studies identifying the demographic, psychological, and family and social correlates of children and adolescents’ preventive behaviors are needed.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of active surveillance in prostate cancer among urologists: a real-life survey from Brazil
Authors: Wroclawski Marcelo Langer , Amaral Breno Santos , Kayano Paulo Priante , Busato Wilson Francisco Schreiner , Westphal Sebastião José , Montagna Erik , Bianco Bianca , Soares Andrey , Maluf Fernando Cotait , Lemos Gustavo Caserta , Carneiro Arie 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Active surveillance (AS) is the preferred treatment for patients with very low-and low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), but it is underperformed worldwide. This study aimed to report knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of AS for PCa among urologists in Brazil.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used a questionnaire with 50 questions divided into participant characteristics, knowledge regarding inclusion criteria for AS, follow-up, intervention triggers, acceptance, and practice for an index patient. Data analysis comprises absolute and relative frequencies of the variables. After that, a logistic regression was performed in order to verify possible patterns of answers provided by the respondents in the index patient questionnaire.

Results
Questionnaires were sent through the SurveyMonkey® platform to 5,015 urologists using email addresses and through social media. A total of 600 (12%) questionnaires returned and 413 (8.2%) were completed and included in the analysis. Only 53% of urologists adopt AS for low- and very-low-risk PCa. Inclusion criteria were patients with age > 50 years (32.2%), prostate specific antigen (PSA) < 10 ng/mL (87.2%), T1 clinical stage (80.4%), Biopsy Gleason score ≤ 6, positive cores ≤ 2 (44.3%), positive core involvement < 50% (45.3%), and magnetic resonance imaging findings (38.7%). The PSA doubling time was still used by 60.3%. Confirmatory biopsy (55.9%), PSA level (36.6%), and digital rectal examination (34.4%) were considered by most urologists for follow-ups. Patient preference (85.7%), upgrade of Gleason score (73.4%), and increased number of positive cores (66.8%) were associated with conversion to definitive treatment. In an index patient, non-acceptance and active treatment request were the most cited reasons for not performing AS.

Conclusion
There is significant variability in the KAP of AS in Brazil, which indicates the need to reinforce AS, its inclusion and follow-up criteria, and the benefits for physicians and the general population.
Trial registration: Not applicable.
Investigation of two different human d-dimer assays in the horse
Authors: Honoré Marie Louise , Pihl Tina H. , Busk-Anderson Tanne M. , Flintrup Laura L. , Nielsen Lise N. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundD-dimer has value as a marker of thrombosis in critically ill horses and can provide additional information about prognosis. However, there are currently no equine species-specific d-dimer assays available, nor has there been any formal investigation of the applicability of human d-dimer assays in horses, so it is unknown, which assay performs best in this species. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate and compare two human d-dimer assays for their applicability in horses.The study included four groups of horses: clinically healthy horses, horses with gastrointestinal (GI) disease and mild systemic inflammation based on low serum amyloid A (SAA) (low SAA group), horses with GI disease and strong systemic inflammation based on high SAA (high SAA group) and, horses with thrombotic GI disease caused byStrongylus vulgaris(also called non-strangulating intestinal infarction (NSII)) (NSII group). The assays evaluated were the STAGO STA-Liatest D-di + (Stago) and NycoCard™ D-dimer (NycoCard). Intra- and inter-coefficients of variation (CV) were assessed on two d-dimer concentrations, and linearity under dilution was evaluated. A group comparison was performed for both assays across the four groups of horses. A Spaghetti plot, Spearman Correlation, Passing Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plot were used to compare methods in terms of agreement.ResultsTen horses were included in the clinically healthy group, eight in the low SAA group, eight in the high SAA group, and seven in the NSII group. For the Stago assay, intra- and inter-CVs were below the accepted level except for one inter-CV. The NycoCard assay did not meet the accepted level for any of the CVs. The linearity under dilution was acceptable for both the Stago and NycoCard. In the group comparison, both methods detected a significantly higher d-dimer concentration in the high SAA and NSII groups compared to the clinically healthy group. Method agreement showed slightly higher d-dimer concentrations with NycoCard compared to Stago. The overall agreement was stronger for the lower d-dimer concentrations.ConclusionBoth the Stago and the NycoCard were found to be applicable for use in horses but were not directly comparable.
Proteome analysis of urinary biomarkers in a cigarette smoke-induced COPD rat model
Authors: Qin Weiwei , Huang He , Dai Yuting , Han Wei , Gao Youhe 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease caused by inhalation of cigarette smoke (CS) and other harmful gases and particles.

Methods
This study aimed to explore potential urinary biomarkers for CS-induced COPD based on LC–MS/MS analysis.

Results
A total of 340 urinary proteins were identified, of which 79 were significantly changed (30, 31, and 37 at week 2, 4 and 8, respectively). GO annotation of the differential urinary proteins revealed that acute-phase response, response to organic cyclic compounds, complement activation classical pathway, and response to lead ion were significantly enriched at week 2 and 4. Another four processes were only enriched at week 8, namely response to oxidative stress, positive regulation of cell proliferation, thyroid hormone generation, and positive regulation of apoptotic process. The PPI network indicated that these differential proteins were biologically connected in CS-exposed rats. Of the 79 differential proteins in CS-exposed rats, 56 had human orthologs. Seven proteins that had changed at week 2 and 4 when there were no changes of pulmonary function and pathological morphology were verified as potential biomarkers for early screening of CS-induced COPD by proteomic analysis. Another six proteins that changed at week 8 when obvious airflow obstruction was detected were verified as potential biomarkers for prognostic assessment of CS-induced COPD.

Conclusions
These results reveal that the urinary proteome could sensitively reflect pathological changes in CS-exposed rats, and provide valuable clues for exploring COPD biomarkers.