bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Participation of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Online Support Groups is Correlated to Lower Levels of Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Herrero Noelia , Guerrero-Solé Frederic , Mas-Manchón Lluís 
Published: March 2020

Background: Support groups play an important role in diabetes understanding and education. This study aims to find connections between participating in diabetes-related online communities (groups and forums) and the self-reported degree of self-care management and health problems associated with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted and 307 participants were recruited. Participants were asked about diabetes self-care management (glucose management, healthcare, dietary restrictions, and physical activity) and complications related to the disease, as well as their participation in online social groups and forums (duration, time, and intensity). Results: Belonging to diabetes-related online support groups (OSGs) was associated with lower scores in healthcare and self-management of diabetes ( M = 2.98, SD = 1.07, n = 207, for belonging to OSGs; and M = 4.22, SD = 0.59, n = 97, for not belonging to OSGs). These differences were not statistically significant for type 1 diabetes individuals ( M = 4.33, SD = 0.47, n = 28, for belonging to OSGs, and M = 4.29, SD = 0.48, n = 52, for not belonging to OSGs), but were highly significant for type 2 diabetes (T2D) individuals ( M = 2.41, SD = 0.68, n = 144, for belonging to OSGs; and M = 4.14, SD = 0.64, n = 61, for not belonging to OSGs). People with both type 1 and 2 diabetes reported to have suffered more complications derived from diabetes when they belonged to an OSG, but greater statistically significant differences were found in type 2 individuals. Conclusion: Patients with T2D who participate in OSGs show a higher correlation with having lower levels of diabetes self-care management as well as health complications related to the disease.
Bending properties of dimension lumber produced from Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) in Mongolia
Authors: Tumenjargal Bayasaa , Ishiguri Futoshi , Takahashi Yusuke , Nezu Ikumi , Baasan Bayartsetseg , Chultem Ganbaatar , Aiso-Sanada Haruna , Ohshima Jyunichi , Yokota Shinso 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were evaluated for 190 pieces of dimension lumber (2 by 4 lumber, 38 by 89 mm in cross-section) produced fromLarix sibiricatrees grown in Mongolia. The 5% tolerance limits of the MOE and MOR were 5.70 GPa and 15.1 MPa, respectively. The value of the 5% tolerance limit of the MOR exceeded the characteristic value of 2 by 4 lumber in visual grading class No. 3 of the Japanese Agricultural Standard for the D. fir-L, Hem-Tam, JS-III and S-P-F softwood species groups. A significant positive correlation was found between the MOE and MOR, although air-dry density was weakly correlated with bending properties inL. sibirica.
Detection and visualization of encoded local features as anatomical predictors in cross-sectional images of Lauraceae
Authors: Hwang Sung-Wook , Kobayashi Kayoko , Sugiyama Junji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper describes computer vision-based quantitative microscopy and its application toward better understanding species specificity. An image dataset of the Lauraceae family that consists of nine species across six genera was investigated, and structural features were quantified using encoded local features implemented in a bag-of-features framework. Of the algorithms used for feature detection, the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) achieved the best performance in species discrimination. In the bag-of-features framework with the SIFT features, each image is represented by a histogram of codewords. The codewords were further analyzed by mapping them to each image to visualize the corresponding anatomical elements. From this analysis, we were able to classify and quantify the modes of aggregation of different combinations of cell elements based on clustered codewords. An analysis of the term frequency–inverse document frequency weights revealed that blob-based codewords are generally shared by all species, whereas corner-based codewords are more species specific.
Sensor-based systems for early detection of dementia (SENDA): a study protocol for a prospective cohort sequential study
Authors: Müller Katrin , Fröhlich Stephanie , Germano Andresa M. C. , Kondragunta Jyothsna , Agoitia Hurtado Maria Fernanda del Carmen , Rudisch Julian , Schmidt Daniel , Hirtz Gangolf , Stollmann Peter , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundDementia and cognitive decline are serious social and economic burdens. An increase in the population of older people, as well as longer lifespans mean that numbers of dementia cases are exponentially rising. Neuropathological changes associated with dementia are thought to appear before the clinical manifestation of cognitive symptoms, i.e., memory impairments. Further, some older adults (OA) experience cognitive decline before it can be objectively diagnosed. For optimal care of these patients, it is necessary to detect cognitive decline and dementia at an early stage. In this vein, motor, sensory, and neurophysiological declines could be promising factors if found to be present before the onset of cognitive impairment. Hence, the objective of the SENDA study is to develop a multi-dimensional sensor-based instrument that allows early detection of cognitive decline or dementia in OA with the help of cognitive, sensory, motor, and neurophysiological parameters before its clinical manifestation.Methods/designIn the cohort sequential study, participants are assigned to one of three study groups depending on their cognitive status: 1. cognitively healthy individuals (CHI), 2. subjectively cognitively impaired persons (SCI), or 3. (possible) mildly cognitively impaired persons (pMCI, MCI). All groups take part in the same cognitive (e.g., executive function tests), motor (e.g., gait analyses, balance tests), sensory (e.g., vibration perception threshold test, proprioception tests), and neurophysiological (e.g., electroencephalograms) measurements. Depending on the time at which participants are included into the study, all measurements are repeated up to four times in intervals of 8 months within 3 years to identify associations with cognitive changes over time.DiscussionThis study aims to detect possible motor, sensory, neurophysiological, and cognitive predictors to develop an early screening tool for dementia and its pre-stages in OA. Thus, affected persons could receive optimal health care at an earlier time point to maintain their health resources.Trial statusThe study is ongoing. The recruitment of participants will be continued until May 2020.
Nutritional status of school age children in Abakaliki metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Authors: Umeokonkwo Adanna Anthonia , Ibekwe Maryann Ugochi , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David , Okike Clifford Onuorah , Ezeanosike Obumneme Benaiah , Ibe Bede Chidozie 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Malnutrition is a major public health problem with short and long-term adverse effects on children particularly in middle and low-income countries. Three out of every ten under-five children are said to be stunted and 19.4% underweight in Nigeria. In Ebonyi State, between 2013 and 2015, the proportion of preschool children with chronic undernutrition rose from 16.2 to 20.6%. Little is documented about the nutritional status of school-age children in Ebonyi State and Nigeria.

Methods
We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among 780 children aged 6 to 12 years from 10 primary schools in Abakaliki metropolis. A multistage sampling method was used to select the participants. A pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the children and their parents. Body Mass Index (BMI), Z scores of the weight for age, BMI for age and height for age were obtained using the WHO AnthroPlus software. We estimated the prevalence of undernutrition, over-nutrition, underweight, thinness, stunting, overweight and obesity.

Result
Out of 751 pupils that participated, 397 (52.9%) were females and 595 (79.2%) were in public schools. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was 15.7% and that of over-nutrition was 2.1%. The prevalence of underweight, thinness and stunting, overweight and obesity were 8, 7.2, 9.9, 1.4 and 0.7% respectively. The proportion of pupils who were thin was higher among males (8.7%), those attending public schools (8.6%) and those dwelling in rural parts of the metropolis (14.3%) compared to females (5.8%) private school attendees (1.9%) and urban dwellers (4.6%). Stunting was found to be higher among pupils attending public schools (11.8%) compared to those attending private schools (2.5%). The prevalence of stunting was 19.3% among the pupils residing in rural areas and 5% among the pupils living in urban areas of the metropolis. No pupil in private schools was underweight. Over-nutrition was not found among the pupils in rural areas.

Conclusion
Both under and over nutrition exist in Abakaliki metropolis. Undernutrition is the more prevalent form of malnutrition among school age children in the metropolis.
Adolescent Interventions to Manage Self-Regulation in Type 1 Diabetes (AIMS-T1D): randomized control trial study protocol
Authors: Miller Alison L. , Lo Sharon L. , Albright Dana , Lee Joyce M. , Hunter Christine M. , Bauer Katherine W. , King Rosalind , Clark Katy M. , Chaudhry Kiren , Kaciroti Niko , Katz Benjamin , Fredericks Emily M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Self-regulation (SR), or the capacity to control one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve a desired goal, shapes health outcomes through many pathways, including supporting adherence to medical treatment regimens. Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is one specific condition that requires SR to ensure adherence to daily treatment regimens that can be arduous and effortful (e.g., monitoring blood glucose). Adolescents, in particular, have poor adherence to T1D treatment regimens, yet it is essential that they assume increased responsibility for managing their T1D as they approach young adulthood. Adolescence is also a time of rapid changes in SR capacity and thus a compelling period for intervention. Promoting SR among adolescents with T1D may thus be a novel method to improve treatment regimen adherence. The current study tests a behavioral intervention to enhance SR among adolescents with T1D. SR and T1D medical regimen adherence will be examined as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively.

Methods
We will use a randomized control trial design to test the impact of a behavioral intervention on three SR targets: Executive Functioning (EF), Emotion Regulation (ER), and Future Orientation (FO); and T1D medical regimen adherence. Adolescents with T1D (n = 94) will be recruited from pediatric endocrinology clinics and randomly assigned to treatment or control group. The behavioral intervention consists of working memory training (to enhance EF), biofeedback and relaxation training (to enhance ER), and episodic future thinking training (to enhance FO) across an 8-week period. SR and treatment regimen adherence will be assessed at pre- and post-test using multiple methods (behavioral tasks, diabetes device downloads, self- and parent-report). We will use an intent-to-treat framework using generalized linear mixed models to test our hypotheses that: 1) the treatment group will demonstrate greater improvements in SR than the control group, and 2) the treatment group will demonstrate better treatment regimen adherence outcomes than the control group.

Discussion
If successful, SR-focused behavioral interventions could improve health outcomes among adolescents with T1D and have transdiagnostic implications across multiple chronic conditions requiring treatment regimen adherence.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03688919; registered September 28, 2018.
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Romanian knee disability and osteoarthritis outcome score for joint replacement (KOOSJR)
Authors: Florescu Sorin , Vermesan Dinu , Haragus Horia , Patrascu Jenel M. , Timar Bogdan , Todor Adrian 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Aim
To perform validation of the Romanian Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOSJR).

Method
Ninety-six patients (101 knees) with advanced osteoarthritis (OA) scheduled for total knee replacement completed Romanian translations of KOOSJR and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee – subjective knee form) and Euroqol EQ-5D-5 L, and the treating physician completed the original knee society score (KSS).

Results
Average age was 66.4 (range 50–83) years and male to female ratio 1:3.76. There was moderate correlation between the test-retest (average 4 days) KOOSJR (r = 0.618, n = 45) and IKDC (r = − 0.671, n = 99), weak between KOOSJR and EQ-5D-5 L Index (r = − 0.431, n = 100) and VAS (r = − 0.364, n = 99) and very weak to KSS score (r = − 0.133, n = 98) and function (r = − 0.072, n = 97) For the first KOOSJR, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.816 and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.816 (95% CI 0.755–0.866) for average measures. For the retest, Cronbach’s alpha was 0.841 (95% CI 0.760–0.903) for averages.

Conclusion
The Romanian Knee disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOSJR) is a valid, reliable, consistent and reproducible clinical score for patients with OA requiring arthroplasty.
Acute and chronic diabetes complications associated with self-reported oral health: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kaura Parbhakar Kamini , Rosella Laura C. , Singhal Sonica , Quiñonez Carlos R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Oral health is associated with diabetes, but the chances of experiencing acute or chronic diabetes complications as per this association is unknown in Canada’s most populous province, Ontario. This study assesses the impact of self-reported oral health on the likelihood of experiencing acute and chronic complications among a cohort of previously diagnosed diabetics.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted of diabetics (n = 5183) who participated in the Canadian Community Health Survey 2003 and 2007–08. Self-reported oral health status was linked to health encounters in electronic medical records until March 31, 2016. Multinomial regression models determined the odds of the first acute or chronic complication after self-report of oral health status.

Results
Thirty-eight percent of diabetics reporting “poor to fair” oral health experienced a diabetes complication, in comparison to 34% of those reporting “good to excellent” oral health. The odds of an acute or chronic complication among participants reporting “poor to fair” oral health status was 10% (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.81, 1.51) and 34% (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.11, 1.61) greater respectively, than among participants experiencing no complications and reporting “good to excellent” oral health.

Conclusion
Self-reporting “poor to fair” oral health status is associated with a greater likelihood of chronic complications than acute complications. Further research regarding the underlying causal mechanisms linking oral health and diabetes complications is needed.
Germacrone protects against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion injury by inhibiting autophagy processes in PC12 cells
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Yuan Li , Wang Sujie , Liu Jiang , Bi Huiqin , Chen Guojuan , Li Jingjing , Chen Lili 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Germacrone is an anti-inflammatory ingredient in the Chinese medicine zedoary turmeric. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective mechanism of germacrone against PC12 cells injury caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R).

Methods
OGD/R injury model of PC12 cells was established by using OGD/R (2 h/24 h). The cell viability was assessed by MTT assay and LDH release. The ultrastructure of cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The expression of autophagy related proteins in cells was determined by Western Blot.

Results
The results of ultrastructural observation showed that PC12 cells damaged by OGD/R showed typical autophagy characteristics. In addition, OGD/R observably up-regulated the expression of autophagy related proteins: the class III type phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K III), light chain 3(LC3), and Beclin-1 in PC12 cells, and inhibited the expression of the class I type phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K I), Protein kinase B (Akt), the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and B-cell lymphoma 2(Bcl-2) proteins. Furthermore, germacrone increased the cell viability of OGD/R-damaged PC12 cells by down-regulating the expression of LC3 protein in cells in a concentration-dependent manner. More importantly, germacrone significantly inhibited the expression of PI3K III, LC3, and Beclin-1 in OGD/R-injured PC12 cells, and up-regulated the expressionof PI3K I, Akt, mTOR, and Bcl-2 proteins in cells, and this inhibited or up-regulated effect was reversed by PI3K I inhibitor (ZSTK474).

Conclusion
The above results indicated that germacrone could inhibit the autophagy effect in OGD/R injury model of PC12 cells, the mechanism of inhibition was regulated by PI3K III/Beclin-1/Bcl-2 and PI3K I/Akt/mTOR pathways, thereby improving the cell viability of PC12 cells and playing a neuroprotective role, which provided a new drug for the treatment of OGD/R.
Acceptability and appropriateness of a perinatal depression preventive group intervention: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Diebold Alicia , Segovia Melissa , Johnson Jessica K. , Degillio Aria , Zakieh Dana , Park Hee Jin , Lim Kenneth , Tandon S. Darius 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundPerinatal depression is a prevalent public health concern. Although preventive interventions exist, there is limited literature on the acceptability and appropriateness of these interventions, especially those delivered by paraprofessionals. The Mothers and Babies Program (MB) is a group-based perinatal depression preventive intervention delivered prenatally. A cluster-randomized controlled trial examined the acceptability, appropriateness, and effectiveness of MB delivered by mental health professionals compared to paraprofessional staff from home visiting programs.MethodsThe full study enrolled 874 pregnant women. Fifty-three facilitators were trained and delivered the MB intervention to women in one of seven states in the United States. Semi-structured interviews were attempted with a randomly-selected subset of the full sample of pregnant women who received the MB intervention and with all facilitators. Specifically, interviews were conducted with 88 women who received the MB group intervention (45 in the paraprofessional-led arm and 43 in the mental health professional-led arm) and 46 women who facilitated the groups (27 home visiting staff and 19 mental health professionals). Interviews were conducted over the phone in English or Spanish and audio recorded. The recordings were translated into English, as needed, and transcribed. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVIVO to identify key themes related to intervention acceptability and appropriateness. Similarities and differences between study arms were explored.ResultsClients and facilitators found the MB content and group format acceptable. Challenges included maintaining group attendance, transportation issues, and managing group discussion. Overall, facilitators found the intervention appropriate for pregnant clients with some challenges presented for clients in crisis situations, experiencing housing instability, and with literacy and learning challenges. Participants provided suggestions for improvement, both for the course content and implementation. There were no significant differences found between study arms.ConclusionsOverall, clients and facilitators enjoyed MB irrespective of study arm, and facilitators found the intervention appropriate for the population. These findings add to the qualitative literature on perinatal depression preventive interventions, specifically those delivered by paraprofessionals.Trial registrationThis trial is registered onClinicalTrials.gov(Initial post: December 1, 2016; identifier:NCT02979444).
PAN RNA: transcriptional exhaust from a viral engine
Authors: Campbell Mel , Izumiya Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2020

AbstractKaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also designated human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), has been linked to Kaposi’s sarcoma, as well as to primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and a subset of multicentric Castleman’s disease. KSHV genomes are maintained as episomes within infected cells and the virus exhibits a biphasic life cycle consisting of a life-long latent phase during which only a few viral genes are expressed and no viral progeny are produced and a transient lytic reactivation phase, in which a full repertoire of ~ 80 lytic genes are activated in a temporally regulated manner culminating in the release of new virions. Lytic replication is initiated by a single viral protein, K-Rta (ORF50), which activates more than 80 viral genes from multiple resident viral episomes (i.e., viral chromosomes). One of the major targets of K-Rta is a long non-coding nuclear RNA, PAN RNA (polyadenylated nuclear RNA), a lncRNA that accumulates to exceedingly high levels in the nucleus during viral reactivation. K-Rta directly binds to the PAN RNA promoter and robustly activates PAN RNA expression. Although PAN RNA has been known for over 20 years, its role in viral replication is still incompletely understood. In this perspective, we will briefly review the current understanding of PAN RNA and then describe our current working model of this RNA. The model is based on our observations concerning events that occur during KSHV lytic reactivation including (i) a marked accumulation of RNA Pol II at the PAN promoter, (ii) genomic looping emanating from the PAN locus, (iii) interaction of a second viral lytic protein (ORF57) with K-Rta, PAN RNA and RNA Pol II, (iv) the essential requirement for PAN RNA expression in cis for optimal transcriptional execution needed for the entire lytic program, and (v) ORF57 recruitment of RNA Pol II to the PAN genomic locus. Together our results generate a model in which the PAN locus serves as a hub for sequestration/trapping of the cellular transcriptional machinery proximal to viral episomes. Sequestration at the PAN locus facilitates high levels of viral transcription throughout the viral genome during lytic replication. ORF57 acts as a transcription-dependent transactivator at the PAN locus by binding to both Rta and PAN to locally trap RNA Pol II. The resulting accumulation of high levels of nuclear PAN RNA created by this process is an inducible enhancer-derived (eRNA) by-product that litters the infected cell nucleus.