bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the responsiveness of the WOMAC and the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 in patients with Kashin–Beck disease
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Dimiao , Li Xiuxia , Yuan Hangjing , Fang Hua , Guo Xiong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Several questionnaires have been used to assess the health status of patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in clinical trials, but the evidence regarding the responsiveness of these instruments in KBD patients is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the responsiveness of the Chinese version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in KBD patients undergoing intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid (HA).

Methods
A sample of 232 KBD patients treated with intra-articular injection of HA completed the WOMAC, 12-item WHODAS 2.0 and joint dysfunction index (JDI) both pre- and post-treatment. Responsiveness was assessed using correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses following the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist.

Results
Overall, there were significant improvements in the mean scores on the WOMAC and on the 12-item WHODAS 2.0, except for in the cognition domain. Correlation analysis showed that changes in the WOMAC and 12-item WHODAS 2.0 scores had moderate or weak positive associations with the changes in the JDI. However, acceptable areas under the ROC curve (value > 0.7) were found for all domains and for the total score on the WOMAC, but only for the mobility domain and the total score on the 12-item WHODAS 2.0.

Conclusions
These results demonstrated that the WOMAC was more responsive than the 12-item WHODAS 2.0 in KBD patients treated with intra-articular injection of HA. Our findings support the continued use of the WOMAC as an outcome measure in assessing disability in KBD patients.
Test–retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults
Authors: Li Lin , Li Yanxia , Wu Changhong , Zhang Xinyan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
No previous studies have investigated the test–retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults. The present study explores the test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense for different force levels in healthy adults during an ipsilateral force reproduction task.

Methods
Fifty-six healthy subjects were instructed to produce varying levels of reference forces (10, 30, and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)) using three types of pinches (tip pinch, palmar pinch, and key pinch) and to reproduce these forces using the same hand. The subjects were tested twice by the same experienced testers, 1 week apart.

Results
Based on the high values of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the tip pinch (0.783–0.895) and palmar pinch (0.752–0.903) force sense tests demonstrated good reliability for all the variables. The ICCs for the key pinch (0.712–0.881) indicated fair to good relative test-retest reliability.

Conclusion
1) This study demonstrates that high test-retest reliability of tip, key, and palmar pinch force sense in healthy adults can be achieved using standardized positioning and the proposed approach. 2) According to the reliability measurements, 30 and 50% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) are the most reliable pinch force sense levels.
Bioinformatics analysis of vascular RNA-seq data revealed hub genes and pathways in a novel Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis model induced by a high fat/cholesterol diet
Authors: Pan Yongming , Yu Chen , Huang Junjie , Rong Yili , Chen Jiaojiao , Chen Minli 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Atherosclerosis is a major contributor to cardiovascular events, however, its molecular mechanism remains poorly known. Animal models of atherosclerosis can be a valuable tool to provide insights into the etiology, pathophysiology, and complications of atherosclerosis. In particular, Tibetan minipigs are a feasible model for studying diet-related metabolic and atherosclerotic diseases.

Methods
We used vascular transcriptomics to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in high fat/cholesterol (HFC) diet-fed Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis models, analyzed the DEGs gene ontology (GO) terms, pathways and protein-protein interactions (PPI) networks, and identified hub genes and key modules using molecular complex detection (MCODE), Centiscape and CytoHubba plugin. The identified genes were validated using the human carotid atherosclerosis database (GSEA 43292) and RT-PCR methods.

Results
Our results showed that minipigs displayed obvious dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, atherosclerotic plaques, as well as increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and leukocyte recruitment after 24 weeks of HFC diet feeding compared to those under a regular diet. Our RNA-seq results revealed 1716 DEGs in the atherosclerotic/NC group, of which 1468 genes were up-regulated and 248 genes were down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed that the HFC diet-induced changes are related to vascular immune-inflammatory responses, lipid metabolism and muscle contraction, indicating that hypercholesterolemia caused by HFC diet can activate innate and adaptive immune responses to drive atherosclerosis development. Furthermore, we identified four modules from the major PPI network, which are implicated in cell chemotaxis, myeloid leukocyte activation, cytokine production, and lymphocyte activation. Fifteen hub genes were discovered, including TNF, PTPRC, ITGB2, ITGAM, VCAM1, CXCR4, TYROBP, TLR4, LCP2, C5AR1, CD86, MMP9, PTPN6, C3, and CXCL10, as well as two transcription factors (TF), i.e. NF-ĸB1 and SPI1. These results are consistent with the expression patterns in human carotid plaque and were validated by RT-PCR.

Conclusions
The identified DEGs and their enriched pathways provide references for the development and progression mechanism of Tibetan minipig atherosclerosis model induced by the HFC diet.
Advances in neuroprosthetic management of foot drop: a review
Authors: Gil-Castillo Javier , Alnajjar Fady , Koutsou Aikaterini , Torricelli Diego , Moreno Juan C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper reviews the technological advances and clinical results obtained in the neuroprosthetic management of foot drop. Functional electrical stimulation has been widely applied owing to its corrective abilities in patients suffering from a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury among other pathologies. This review aims at identifying the progress made in this area over the last two decades, addressing two main questions: What is the status of neuroprosthetic technology in terms of architecture, sensorization, and control algorithms?. What is the current evidence on its functional and clinical efficacy? The results reveal the importance of systems capable of self-adjustment and the need for closed-loop control systems to adequately modulate assistance in individual conditions. Other advanced strategies, such as combining variable and constant frequency pulses, could also play an important role in reducing fatigue and obtaining better therapeutic results. The field not only would benefit from a deeper understanding of the kinematic, kinetic and neuromuscular implications and effects of more promising assistance strategies, but also there is a clear lack of long-term clinical studies addressing the therapeutic potential of these systems. This review paper provides an overview of current system design and control architectures choices with regard to their clinical effectiveness. Shortcomings and recommendations for future directions are identified.
Anti-colorectal cancer effects of scutellarin revealed by genomic and proteomic analysis
Authors: Xiong Liu-Lin , Du Ruo-Lan , Xue Lu-Lu , Jiang Ya , Huang Jin , Chen Li , Liu Jia , Wang Ting-Hua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer, one of the most common digestive tumors with high mortality and morbidity worldwide, currently lacks effective therapies available to improve the prognosis. This study was aimed to investigate the potency of Scutellarin against colorectal cancers, and explore the related mechanism via genomic and proteomic analysis.MethodsCell counting kit-8 assay was employed to detect the viability of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines treated with Scutellarin. The apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cells after Scutellarin administration was determined by TUNEL staining and Caspase 3/7 activity. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry analysis. The wound healing and transwell invasion test detected the role of Scutellarin in migration and invasion of HCT-116 and RKO cells. Meanwhile, the energy metabolism and growth of tumor tissues in vivo at day 28 were observed by PET-CT after Scutellarin administration with 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg into 4-week-old nude mice. Blood routine and liver functions were also detected to evaluate the side effect of Scutellarin. Furthermore, the disease and function classifications which the differentially expressed genes and proteins involved after Scutellarin treatment were determined by genomic and proteomic analysis respectively.ResultsThe Scutellarin inhibited the migration and increased apoptosis of HCT-116 and RKO cell lines. Besides, Scutellarin treatment substantially decreased the growth and volume of colorectal tumors in nude mice without side effects on the blood routine and liver function. The differentially expressed genes in RKO cells after Scutellarin administration were mainly enriched in cell death and survival, organismal injury and abnormalities, and cancer. In addition, forty-seven upregulated and twenty-nine downregulated proteins were identified. Functional clustering analysis exhibited enriched biological processes, cellular components, molecular functions and related pathways of these proteins in cellular metabolic. Then protein–protein interactions analysis showed the regulatory relationship among these differentially expressed proteins.ConclusionsTaken together, the present findings revealed that Scutellarin exerted significant antitumor effect with no side effects in the blood and liver by regulating various important molecules in tumor proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis.
Lost and found: the posthumous portrait of Louis Agassiz by Henry Ulke (1876), and their noteworthy relationship
Authors: Mollen Frederik H. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDespite today’s controversy regarding several aspects of his legacy, Swiss-born Harvard Professor Louis Agassiz (1807–1873) was one of the most eminent scientists of his time. After his death, Washington-based photographer and amateur naturalist, Henry Ulke (1821–1910), honored his ‘esteemed friend’ which is clear from his personal letter of condolence addressed to Agassiz’s eldest son Alexander, and a posthumous portrait (oil on canvas) dated 1876. In 1877, his portrait was purchased by the United States Capitol, but it was not accepted by the Joint Committee on the Library. Thereafter, it soon went missing and remained unnoticed for nearly 150 years, until the same portrait (or at least a second, original version) was brought to auction in 2013 by heirs of the Ulke family. The painting is based on a rare carte-de-visite photograph, which bears the 1876 backstamp of Henry’s brother, Julius Ulke (1833–1910). Both the painting and the card, undoubtedly depicting Agassiz, were once mislabeled as General Francis E. Spinner, United States Treasurer (1802–1890), probably by Henry’s son, Titus Ulke (1866–1961) or another descendent. The rediscovery of the painting is of major historic and artistic importance. It is now on display in the library of Elasmobranch Research, Belgium.
Technologies, strategies and approaches for testing populations at risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review protocol to inform prevention and control in EU/EEA countries
Authors:   on behalf of the NASSTI, Francis Suzanna C. , Parajuli Arun , Mardh Otilia , Falconer Jane , Andreasen Aura , Harding-Esch Emma 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives
This protocol outlines a systematic review methodology, aiming to assess the recent evidence-base for the impact of testing strategies and approaches on access to testing, testing coverage, and linkage to care for populations at risk for specific curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium infections).

Data sources
These include MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, Cochrane Database, Epistemonikos, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science Core Collection.

Review methods
Papers reporting primary data from 1 January 2012 onwards will be included. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be reviewed for inclusion, and data will be extracted using a pre-specified and piloted data extraction form, by two independent reviewers. Experts in the field will be contacted and interviewed for further information about ongoing or unpublished studies. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be conducted.

Discussion
Outcomes of this study will inform policy makers, national and international programme coordinators, public health and clinical experts, and civil society organisations involved in STI prevention and control in EU/EEA countries and elsewhere. The review will provide a direction for future researchers and programmers seeking to improve STI testing services among key populations at high risk for STIs.

Systematic review registration
In accordance with guidelines outlined in the PRISMA-P methodology, this protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 30 January 2019: CRD42019118261.
Generalized fractional integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for harmonically convex functions
Authors: Zhao Dafang , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Kashuri Artion , Budak Hüseyin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we establish inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type for harmonically convex functions using a generalized fractional integral. The results of our paper are an extension of previously obtained results (İşcan in Hacet. J. Math. Stat. 43(6):935–942, 2014 and İşcan and Wu in Appl. Math. Comput. 238:237–244, 2014). We also discuss some special cases for our main results and obtain new inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type.
Combining spatial and economic criteria in tree-level harvest planning
Authors: Packalen Petteri , Pukkala Timo , Pascual Adrián 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundModern remote sensing methods enable the prediction of tree-level forest resource data. However, the benefits of using tree-level data in forest or harvest planning is not clear given a relative paucity of research. In particular, there is a need for tree-level methods that simultaneously account for the spatial distribution of trees and other objectives. In this study, we developed a spatial tree selection method that considers tree-level (relative value increment), neighborhood related (proximity of cut trees) and global objectives (total harvest).MethodsWe partitioned the whole surface area of the stand to trees, with the assumption that a large tree occupies a larger area than a small tree. This was implemented using a power diagram. We also utilized spatially explicit tree-level growth models that accounted for competition by neighboring trees. Optimization was conducted with a variant of cellular automata. The proposed method was tested in stone pine (Pinus pineaL.) stands in Spain where we implemented basic individual tree detection with airborne laser scanning data.ResultsWe showed how to mimic four different spatial distributions of cut trees using alternative weightings of objective variables. The Non-spatial selection did not aim at a particular spatial layout, the Single-tree selection dispersed the trees to be cut, and the Tree group and Clearcut selections clustered harvested trees at different magnitudes.ConclusionsThe proposed method can be used to control the spatial layout of trees while extracting trees that are the most economically mature.
Lifestyle counselling as secondary prevention in patients with minor stroke and transient ischemic attack: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Liljehult Jacob , Molsted Stig , Møller Tom , Overgaard Dorthe , Adamsen Lis , Jarden Mary , Christensen Thomas 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Most patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are discharged with little or no specialised follow-up. Nonetheless, these patients have a high prevalence of cognitive impairments and a considerable risk of recurrent stroke. Smoking cessation, physical activity, and adherence to antihypertensive and antithrombotic medication are highly recommended in patients with minor stroke and TIA. Evidence suggests that simple encouragement to change lifestyle is ineffective. Behavioural interventions might therefore be needed to support patients in managing their own health post-discharge.

Objectives
We aim to test the (1) feasibility of randomisation acceptance and an early initiated, client-centred lifestyle and behavioural intervention in a clinical setting, and (2) potential effect of the intervention on arterial blood pressure in patients with minor stroke or TIA and (3) explore the participants experience of barriers and facilitators for health behaviour after a stroke, including perceived needs and social support.

Methods
We will conduct a randomized controlled pilot trial: Eligible patients with acute minor stroke or TIA (n = 40) will be randomly allocated to either early initiated counselling with four weekly post-discharge follow-up sessions for 12 weeks or usual care. The primary outcome will be program feasibility and to discuss the relevance of arterial blood pressure as primary outcome after 12 weeks intervention. Selected participants will be invited to participate in semi-structured interviews, based on purposeful sampling, to evaluate the intervention and explore their experience of life after a stroke. The interviews will be analysed using a five-step thematic analysis approach.

Discussion
The study will provide evidence of the feasibility and potential effect of early initiated counselling on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with minor stroke and TIA. Qualitative interviews will contribute with a more nuanced understanding of the barriers and facilitators of health enhancing behaviour. Optimizing health behaviour counselling and providing formal support to the patients’ post-discharge may ease the transition and help more patients adhere to lifestyle and medication recommendations.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03648957
Truncus Arteriosus - modified Van Praagh’s Type 3A and Anesthesia: a case report.
Authors: Vijayakumar Vinodhadevi , Muthuramalingam Sampathkumar , Ganesamoorthi Arimanickam 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
One of the rare complex congenital anomalies is truncus arteriosus—modified Van Praagh’s type 3A. Survival of this type of truncus arteriosus child beyond infancy without surgical treatment is unreported. Anesthesiologists do anesthetize children with complex congenital heart disease during the cardiac catheterization study. The final diagnosis of such children is often made after the anesthesia and cardiac catheterization study. We report a 12-year-old with truncus arteriosus with absent right pulmonary artery and main pulmonary artery with multiple Major Aorto-Pulmonary Collateral Arteries. (MAPCAs) for the right lung, who is surviving without surgical treatment.

Case presentation
A 12-year-old girl was brought by her parents to Meenakshi Hospital at Thanjavur (India) with complaints of shortness of breath during respiratory infection. The patient was diagnosed to have congenital heart disease at 6 years of age and not on any treatment. There was no history of cyanotic spell. Her echocardiography revealed tetralogy of Fallot, situs solitus, levocardia, large mal-aligned ventricular septal defect with bidirectional shunt, VSD size 12 mm, pulmonary atresia, moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR pressure gradient, 103 mmHg), thickened aortic valve, grade II aortic regurgitation, right ventricular hypertrophy, intact interatrial septum, dilated right atrium/right ventricle, dilated coronary sinus, and persistent left superior vena cava, good biventricular function 65%, multiple MAPCAs, no coarctation of aorta, normal veno atrial, atrio-ventricular connections, normal pulmonary venous drainage, and no pericardial effusion. She underwent cardiac catheterization study for further evaluation under anesthesia. Her final diagnosis was truncus arteriosus with absent right pulmonary artery and main pulmonary artery with multiple MAPCAs for right lung, (truncus arteriosus—modified Van Praagh’s type 3A).

Conclusion
An anesthesiologist may be encountering such patients during cardiac catheterization study or emergency non-cardiac surgery, where an understanding of the complex anatomy (the aorta, left pulmonary artery, coronary artery, all arising from the common arterial trunk, the truncus arteriosus) and the physiology of their circulation would help in safe anesthesia. From our report, we conclude intra venous ketamine along with regional analgesia would be safe for sedating such patients coming for cardiac catheterization study.
Assessing the synergistic relationship of mycorrhiza and bacteria for the degradation of spent engine oil in maize grown soil
Authors: Bolaji Ayokunle Samuel , Liasu Mojeed Olaide , Ayandele Abiodun Ayanfemi , Amao John Ayobami 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Pollution by waste hydrocarbons on soil and water bodies is an endemic problem in African countries, particularly in Nigeria. This has caused untold hardship and increase in poverty level of the people, due to the pollution of water and land; which had direct impacts on the livelihood of people. Several species of bacteria that can degrade hydrocarbon had been isolated from the root of plants. The aim of this work was to determine the ability of rhizosphere bacteria to degrade spent engine oil (SPO) in the presence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus.

Results
The total aerobic count in the eight treatments ranged between 3.0 × 106 and 1.18 × 108 CFU/g. No significant difference was observed in the total aerobic count among the treatments except when compared with the control experiment (M−C−). Isolated bacteria from the polluted soil samples were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, Bacillus enecimensis, and Paraclostridium benzoelyticum. Four of the bacteria were able to utilize spent engine oil effectively to different degrees. However, Lysinibacillus fusiformis biodegraded spent engine oil by 40%, Paraclostridium benzoelyticum by 30% and Bacillus enecimensis by 20% after 28 days of incubation. The infrared analysis result revealed that Lysinibacillus fusiformis (P6) reduced the strong and band of alcohol by 44%, carboxylic acid group by 22% and carbonyl group by 27%, respectively. This study revealed that spent engine oil at a minimum value of 50 mg/kg with arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus in the soil samples resulted in better growth for maize plant and higher total aerobic count.

Conclusions
It can thus be concluded that arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus positively impacts the ability of rhizosphere bacteria in the degradation of spent engine oil and the growth of maize plant on contaminated soil.