bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and content validity of the Abilitator: A self-report questionnaire on work ability and functioning aimed at the population in a weak labour market position
Authors: Wikström Miia , Anttila Heidi , Savinainen Minna , Kouvonen Anne , Joensuu Matti 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The unemployed have lower work ability and poorer health than the employed. This situation deteriorates when unemployment continues. The long-term unemployed often have co-morbidities and face many other challenges. This increases the need for a multidimensional assessment of work ability and functioning in different service settings. In this study, we describe the development and analyse the content validity of the Abilitator, a self-report questionnaire on work ability and functioning for those in a weak labour market position. Methods: The Abilitator was developed in 2014–2017. Its construct was assessed by members of academic expert panels (n=30), practical expert panels of professionals (n=700) and target group clients (n=28). The structure and the content of the questionnaire was co-developed in 29 workshops and adjusted twice based on the expert panels’ feedback. The Abilitator was also implemented among target group clients (n=3360) in different services and projects. During its development the Abilitator was linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The content validation process followed the guidelines recommended by the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) panel. Results: The construct of the Abilitator combines the multidimensional and biopsychosocial models of work ability and functioning. It also includes aspects of social inclusion and employability. It evaluates social, psychological, cognitive and physical functioning, and the ability to cope with everyday life. The content of these concepts was validated by the academic and practical expert panels. The Abilitator’s 79 ICF codes covered 57% of the Generic, 77% of the Brief Vocational Rehabilitation, and 8% of the Minimal Environmental ICF Core Sets. When compared with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), the direct equivalences of the ICF codes were 36% and 44%, respectively. Conclusion: The Abilitator sufficiently comprehensively covers the relevant aspects to enable the assessment of the overall work ability and functioning of the population in a weak labour market position.
Enabling routine β-Thalassemia Prevention and Patient Management by Scalable, Combined Thalassemia and Hemochromatosis Mutation Analysis
Authors: Hashmi Ghazala , Qidwai Asim , Fernandes Kristopher , Seul Michael 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background : Beta (β)-thalassemia is one of the most common inherited disorders worldwide, with high prevalence in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and South Asia. Over the past 40 years, many countries have implemented awareness and prevention campaigns that have greatly reduced the incidence of affected child births. In contrast, much remains to be done in South-Asia. Thus, for Pakistan, current estimates of the number of children born with thalassemia are at ~7,000 per annum, with no sign of improvement. Although there is good agreement that intermarriage of carriers is a principal source of the high prevalence of the disorder, effective tools for screening and diagnosis on which to base prevention programs are not readily available. Methods : Here, we present results for a novel “LeanSequencing” process to identify 18 β-thalassemia and related sickle cell anemia, and simultaneously a set of 3 hemochromatosis mutations in a multi-ethnic population of 274 pediatric and adolescent patients treated at Afzaal Memorial Thalassemia Foundation hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Results : We found substantial differences in the abundance of disease-causing mutations among the principal ethnic groups in our cohort. We also found the hemochromatosis mutation H63D C > G in 61 (or 22.1%) of our patients including 7 (or 2.6%) homozygotes. Conclusions : To our knowledge, this is the first screen combining β-thalassemia and hemochromatosis mutations in a single test, so as to facilitate the early identification of patients who may be at increased potential risk for complications from iron overload and thereby to improve the prospective management of thalassemia patients.
Supporting perinatal anxiety in the digital age; A qualitative exploration of stressors and support strategies.
Authors: Harrison Virginia , Moore Donna , Lazard Lisa 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: The period surrounding childbirth is one of profound change, which can often be experienced as stressful and overwhelming. Indeed, around 20% of women may experience significant levels of anxiety in the perinatal period. However, most women experiencing perinatal anxiety (PNA) go unrecognised and untreated. The Internet offers a potentially scalable solution to improve access to support, however a dearth of research is area means that work is needed to better understand women’s experience of PNA, so that potential targets for intervention can be identified, and possible barriers to support overcome. This study aimed to qualitatively explore women’s experience of anxiety triggers and support in the perinatal period; and gain insight into what online support is acceptable for women with PNA.
Methods: Women who were either pregnant or within one year post-partum were invited to participate in focus groups across the UK. Focus groups were used to allow a diversity of perspectives to be heard, while simultaneously promoting the identification and prioritisation of important support needs and solutions. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed.
Results: Five key themes emerged in relation to women’s experience with PNA: holding unrealistic expectations of birth and motherhood; stigma; the importance of peer support; uncertainty and poor maternal confidence; and a lack of mental health support and knowledge. Perinatal women felt under-supported and poorly prepared for motherhood. A mismatch between their expectations and the reality of their experience, alongside a pressure to be the ‘perfect mum’ was the primary source of their anxiety. Furthermore, stigma associated with PNA may have exacerbated these issues and led to help-seeking avoidance. Overall, women felt these issues could be addressed via online support, through the delivery of more realistic information, providing psychoeducation about PNA symptoms and management, and the inclusion of authentic peer experiences. Thus, delivering evidence-based information and interventions online may provide a solution that is acceptable to this cohort.
Conclusions: This work provides unique insight into potential sources of anxiety for women in the PNA, while also offering potential internet-based support solutions that are likely to be acceptable and helpful for women with PNA.
The Median Effective Dose (ED50) of cis-Atracurium for Laryngeal Mask Airway Insertion during General Anaesthesia for Patients Undergoing Urinary Surgery
Authors: Wang Xiaohua , Huang Ke , Yan Hao , Lan Fei , Yao Dongxu , Li Yanhong , Xue Jixiu , Wang Tianlong 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background
In clinical practice, the laryngeal mask airway is an easy-to-use supraglottic airway device. However, the cis- atracurium dosage for laryngeal mask insertion is not standardised. We aimed to determine the optimal dose of cis- atracurium using a sequential method for successful laryngeal mask insertion.
Method s :
The cohort study protocol is registered at clinicaltrial.gov (NCT-03668262). Twenty-three patients undergoing elective urinary surgery were sequentially administered doses (μg· kg -1 ) of cis- atracurium as follows: 150, 100, 70, 50, 30, and 20. The main outcome was the response to laryngeal mask airway insertion: ≥16 points and <16 points indicated “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses, respectively. The median effective dose was estimated using the mean of the seven crossovers from “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory” responses. The primary outcome was to determine the median effective dose (ED50) of cis- atracurium for laryngeal mask airway insertion.
Result s :
The median effective dose of cis- atracurium was 26.5 μg·kg -1 (95% CI 23.6-29.8) using the sequential method. The heart rate was decreased in the 50μg·kg -1 group compared to the 30μg·kg -1 group at timepoints T7, T8, and T10 ( P = 0.0482, P = 0.0460, and P = 0.0236, respectively), but no difference with 20 μg·kg -1 group. The systolic blood pressure was decreased in the 50 μg·kg -1 group compared to the 20 μg·kg -1 group at timepoints T2, T3, T4 ( P = 0.0159, P = 0.0233, and P = 0.0428, respectively). The train-of-four value was significantly lower in the 50 μg·kg -1 group than in the 30 μg·kg -1 group at timepoint T3( P = 0.0326).
Conclusion s :
The ED50 of cis- atracurium was 26.5 μg·kg -1 for laryngeal mask airway insertion.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) controls T-cell motility andinteractions with antigen presenting cells
Authors: Taylor Alison , Rudd Christopher E. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Objective: The threonine/serine kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) targets multiple substrates in T-cells and regulates the expression of Tbet and PD-1. However, it has been unclear whether GSK-3 has any effect on T-cell motility or their interactions with antigen presenting cells.
Results: Here, we show that GSK-3 controls T-cell motilityand interactions with other cells. Inhibition of GSK-3, using structurally distinct inhibitors, reduced T-cell motility in terms of speed and distance travelled. Furthermore, SB415286 reduced the number of cell to cell contacts, however the duration of these established contacts with other cells did not differ in the presence of SB415286. This inhibition of motility did not affect the ability of GSK-3 inhibitors to enhance cytolytic T-cell (CTL) function in killing tumor targets. These data show that the inhibition of GSK-3 has differential effects on T-cell motility and CTL function where the negative effects on cell-cell interactions is overridden by the increased cytolytic potential of CTLs.
Pilot test of an online training module on near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) for the randomised clinical trial SafeBoosC III
Authors: Hansen Mathias , Rasmussen Marie Isabel , Rubin Snorre , Pellicer Adelina , Cheng Guoqiang , Xu Xin , Zhaoqing Yin , Zoffmann Vibeke , Greisen Gorm 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background

SafeBoosC-III is an international randomised clinical trial, to evaluate the effect of treatment of extremely preterm infants during the first three days of life based on cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring (NIRS) versus treatment and monitoring as usual. To ensure high quality of the trial intervention as well as of patient care, we have developed a multilingual web-based training program, to train relevant staff and test their competence. As we enter an under-explored area of e-learning, we have conducted a pilot study on the first of the five modules comprising the web-based training program, to test the feasibility of developing such a program for an international trial with limited resources.

Methods

The module in this study focuses on the principles and practice of NIRS monitoring. The pedagogical idea was to integrate training and certification. One-hundred doctors and nurses from five Neonatal Intensive Care Units across China, Spain and Denmark were invited to participate in the piloting. Upon completion of the NIRS module, participants were invited to evaluate their experience by completing an online survey. Data from close-ended questions were analysed using descriptive statistics while data from open-ended questions underwent thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 81 of 100 invited staff members entered the training module and completed the online survey. The median time and the number of questions to pass the module was fifteen minutes and seven questions, respectively. Most staff found the academic level of the learning material and quiz appropriate (85% and 93% of all staff members, respectively), as well as agreeing that the module was relevant to prepare them to ‘use the NIRS device’ (90%). Thematic analysis revealed issues such as a discrepancy between learning material and quiz questions, lack of clarity and technical issues.

Conclusion

We provide evidence of the feasibility of developing a multilingual web-based training program for an international trial, despite challenges such as low budget, language barriers and possibly differences in the clinical training of staff. Exploring the integration of training and certification for international trials, the positive results of this study motivate further developments.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT03770741 (registered 10/12-2018), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03770741?recrs=b&cond=cerebral+near+infrared+spectroscopy&rank=3
Cytokine Dysregulation Persists in Childhood Post Neonatal Encephalopathy
Authors: Zareen Zunera , Strickland Tammy , Eneaney Victoria Mc , Kelly Lynne A. , McDonald Denise , Sweetman Deirdre , Molloy Eleanor J. 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Cytokines are possible mediators of neuroinflammation and associated with adverse outcome in neonatal encephalopathy (NE) . Our aim was to explore cytokine response in children with Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) at school age compared to age-matched controls.
Method: Follow up at school age, children who had NE and age-matched controls were assessed for their cytokine responses and neurodevelopment outcome. Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, [Interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF β, Interferon (IFN)-γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), erythropoietin (EPO), IL-10 & IL-1RA] were measured at baseline and in response to in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS: endotoxin).
Results: GM­-CSF, TNF-β, IL-2 IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated at school age following NE (n=40) compared to controls (n=37). A rise in GM-CSF, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, & IL-6 were seen in NE group following LPS stimulation. Relative LPS hypo-responsiveness was also noted in children with severe NE with IL-10, VEGF, EPO and TNF-β. Elevated TNF-β was associated with low gross motor scores on assessment at school age.

Conclusion: School-age children post-NE had significantly altered cytokine responses to endotoxin compared to controls. TNF-β was associated with adverse developmental outcomes. This suggests the inflammatory process may persist into childhood and a longer therapeutic window may be available for neuroprotection therapies.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of EEG features during sleep in major depressive disorder after treatment with escitalopram: A pilot study
Authors: Wu Li , Wang Xue-Qin , Yang Yong , Dong Teng-Fei , Lei Ling , Cheng Qi-Qi , Li Su-Xia 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown escitalopram is related to sleep quality. However, effects of escitalopram on dynamics of electroencephalogram (EEG) features especially during different sleep stages have not been reported. This study may help to reveal pharmacological mechanism underlying escitalopram treatment.Methods: The spatial and temporal responses of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) to escitalopram treatment were analyzed in this study. Eleven MDD patients and eleven healthy control subjects who completed eight weeks’ treatment of escitalopram were included in the final statistics. Six-channel sleep EEG signals were acquired during sleep. Power spectrum and nonlinear dynamics were used to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics features of the sleep EEG after escitalopram treatment. Results: For temporal dynamics: after treatment, there was a significant increase in the relative energy (RE) ofA band (0.5 - 2Hz), accompanied by a significant decrease in the RE ofb band (20 - 30Hz). Lempel-Ziv complexity and Co - complexity values were significantly lower. EEG changes at different sleep stages also showed the same regulation as throughout the night sleep. For spatio dynamics: after treatment, the EEG response of the left and right hemisphere showed asymmetry. Regarding band-specific EEG complexity estimations, δ1 and β2 in stage-1 and δ1 in stage-2 sleep stage in frontal cortex is found to be much more sensitive to escitalopram treatment in comparison to central and occipital cortices.Conclusions: The sleep quality of MDD patients improved, EEG response occurred asymmetry in left and right hemispheres due to escitalopram treatment, and frontal cortex is found to be much more sensitive to escitalopram treatment. These findings may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacological mechanism of escitalopram in the treatment of depression.
Value of digital mammography in predicting lymphovascular invasion of breast cancer
Authors: Liu Zhuangsheng , Li Ruqiong , Liang Keming , Chen Junhao , Chen Xiangmeng , Li Xiaoping , Li Ronggang , Zhang Xin , Yi Lilei , Long Wansheng 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) has never been revealed by preoperative scans. It is necessary to use digital mammography in predicting LVI in patients with breast cancer preoperatively. Methods: Overall 122 cases of invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosed between May 2017 and September 2018 were enrolled and assigned into the LVI positive group (n = 42) and the LVI negative group (n = 80). Independent t-test and χ2 test were performed. Results: Difference in Ki-67 between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.012). Differences in interstitial edema (P=0.013) and skin thickening (P=0.000) were statistically significant between the two groups. Multiple factor analysis showed that there were three independent risk factors for LVI: interstitial edema (odds ratio [OR] = 12.610; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.061-149.922; P=0.045), blurring of subcutaneous fat (OR = 0.081; 95% CI: 0.012-0.645; P = 0.017) and skin thickening (OR = 9.041; 95% CI: 2.553-32.022; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Interstitial edema, blurring of subcutaneous fat, and skin thickening are independent risk factors for LVI. The specificity of LVI prediction is as high as 98.8% when the three are used together.
Telomere Length in Patients with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia
Authors: Nanthatanti Nithita , Tantiworawit Adisak , Piriyakhuntorn Pokpong , Rattanathammethee Thanawat , Hantrakool Sasinee , Chai-Adisaksopha Chatree , Rattarittamrong Eakarat , Norasetthada Lalita , Tuntiwechapikul Wirote , Fanhchaksai Kanda , Charoenkwan Pimlak , Kumfu Sirinart , Chattipakorn Nipon 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Thalassemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia with a severity ranging from mild, non-transfusion dependent to severe chronic anemia requiring lifelong transfusion. Transfusional iron overload is a major complication in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Telomeres are sequences of nucleotides forming the end caps of chromosomes that act as a DNA repair system. Iron overload in thalassemia can cause increased oxidative stress which leads to cellular damage and senescence. This may result in telomere length shortening. The degree of telomere length shortening may reflect the severity of thalassemia. Methods: This research aimed to study the telomere length in patients with TDT in comparison to non-thalassemic individuals and to identify the clinical and laboratory parameters that are associated with telomere length. We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with TDT aged ³18 years. Telomere length was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Sixty-five patients with TDT were enrolled onto the study. There were 37 female patients (54.4%). The median age was 27 (18-57) years, and mean pre-transfusion hemoglobin (Hb) was 7.1 (± 1.07) g/dL. The mean telomere terminal restriction fragment (TRF) length of patients with TDT and the controls was 6.11 (± 0.61) kb and 6.79 (± 0.84) kb, respectively (p <0.0001). There was a significant correlation between telomere TRF length and age (p =0.0002), and Hb (p=0.044). There was no correlation of telomere length with other factors. Conclusions: Our study showed that TDT patients had shorter telomere length compared with controls. Telomere shortening in TDT was an aging-dependent process and associated with lower hemoglobin level.
Identification of the regulatory networks and hub genes controlling alfalfa floral pigmentation variation using RNA-sequencing analysis
Authors: Duan Hui-Rong , Wang Li-Rong , Cui Guang-Xin , Zhou Xue-Hui , Duan Xiao-Rong , Yang Hongshan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: To understand the gene expression networks controlling flower color formation in alfalfa, flowers anthocyanins were identified using two materials with contrasting flower colors, namely Defu and Zhongtian No. 3, and transcriptome analyses of PacBio full-length sequencing combined with RNA sequencing were performed, across four flower developmental stages.
Results: Malvidin and petunidin glycoside derivatives were the major anthocyanins in the flowers of Defu, which were lacking in the flowers of Zhongtian No. 3. The two transcriptomic datasets provided a comprehensive and systems-level view on the dynamic gene expression networks underpinning alfalfa flower color formation. By weighted gene coexpression network analyses, we identified candidate genes and hub genes from the modules closely related to floral developmental stages. PAL , 4CL , CHS , CHR , F3’H , DFR , and UFGT were enriched in the important modules. Additionally, PAL6 , PAL9 , 4CL18 , CHS2 , 4 and 8 were identified as hub genes. Thus, a hypothesis explaining the lack of purple color in the flower of Zhongtian No. 3 was proposed.
Conclusions: These analyses identified a large number of potential key regulators controlling flower color pigmentation, thereby providing new insights into the molecular networks underlying alfalfa flower development.
Lentivirus expressing shRNAs inhibit the replication of Contagious Ecthyma virus by targeting DNA polymerase gene
Authors: Samani Leila Asadi , saffar behnaz , Mokhtari Azam , Arefian Ehsan 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Background: Contagious ecthyma or Orf is known as a zoonotic disease remains prevalently worldwide despite the application of some control strategies against it. RNAi particularly shRNA provides us with the chance to tackle this obstacle by an encouraging new approach. The current study indicates the design and experiment of third-generation lentivirus packaging systems delivering shRNAs to inhibit Orf virus (ORFV) replication and infection. Given the importance of DNA-pol gene in virus replication, in this study, three shRNAs against this gene were designed and cloned into lentiviral vectors to stabilize the expression of shRNAs. After producing lentivectors expressing ORFV-DNA– pol in HEK293T cells, the synthesized shRNAs were applied to downregulate viral replication and gene expression. The reduction in viral titer and RNA was evaluated by TCID50 test as well as real-time RT-PCR. The results were then analyzed in comparison with the control group. Results: Designed shRNAs significantly reduced virus yield approximately 90% to 97% and 96.8% to 99.4%, respectively compared to the control groups (cells infected with ORFV and infected with ORFV and scrambled vector) by TCID50 test. Real-time RT-PCR revealed a dramatic reduction in the expression of viral RNA approximately 99% compared to cells infected with ORFV and from 92.6% to 99%, respectively compared to cells infected with ORFV and scrambled vector. Conclusions: Therefore, it can be stated that RNAi is capable of being used as a potent therapeutically option against viruses like ORFV.