bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of a short version of Lee Fatigue Scale used as a generic PROM in persons with stroke or osteoarthritis: assessment using a Rasch analysis approach
Authors: Bragstad Line Kildal , Lerdal Anners , Gay Caryl L. , Kirkevold Marit , Lee Kathryn A. , Lindberg Maren Falch , Skogestad Ingrid Johansen , Hjelle Ellen Gabrielsen , Sveen Unni , Kottorp Anders 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Fatigue is a common symptom associated with a wide range of diseases and needs to be more thoroughly studied. To minimise patient burden and to enhance response rates in research studies, patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) need to be as short as possible, without sacrificing reliability and validity. It is also important to have a generic measure that can be used for comparisons across different patient populations. Thus, the aim of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian 5-item version of the Lee Fatigue Scale (LFS) in two distinct patient populations.

Methods
The sample was obtained from two different Norwegian studies and included patients 4–6 weeks after stroke (n = 322) and patients with osteoarthritis on a waiting list for total knee arthroplasty (n = 203). Fatigue severity was rated by five items from the Norwegian version of the LFS, rating each item on a numeric rating scale from 1 to 10. Rasch analysis was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 5-item scale across the two patient samples.

Results
Three of the five LFS items (“tired”, “fatigued” and “worn out”) showed acceptable internal scale validity as they met the set criterion for goodness-of-fit after removal of two items with unacceptable goodness-of-fit to the Rasch model. The 3-item LFS explained 81.6% of the variance, demonstrated acceptable unidimensionality, could separate the fatigue responses into three distinct severity groups and had no differential functioning with regard to disease group. The 3-item version of the LFS had a higher separation index and better internal consistency reliability than the 5-item version.

Conclusions
A 3-item version of the LFS demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties in two distinct samples of patients, suggesting it may be useful as a brief generic measure of fatigue severity.

Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02338869; registered 10/04/2014 (stroke study).
Identification of drug targets and potential molecular mechanisms for Wantong Jingu Tablet extract in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: bioinformatics analysis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Qi Fangyuan , Li Fan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis-fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs) play important roles in pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Wantong Jingu Tablet (WJT), a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, is a potentially effective therapy for RA, but its underlying mechanism is unclear. In this study, we explore the effects of WJT on human RA-FLSs and the underlying molecular mechanism.

Methods
The major components of WJT were determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS). Cell proliferative ability was evaluated by CCK-8, colony formation assay, and EdU incorporation assay. Cell apoptotic capacity was examined by caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity test. Protein levels of Bax and Bcl-2 were investigated by western blotting. High-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted to screen and identify targeted genes, followed by identification by qRT-PCR and western blotting.

Results
In this study, we have identified 346 compounds in WJT. Our results showed that WJT inhibited the RA-FLSs proliferation, and promoted apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. More importantly, 184 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) has been screened after WJT treatment based on DEGSeq2 and 278 DEGs was identified by DEGSeq2 combined with WGCNA. Then, 10 hub genes were identified based on two different analyses, while the expression levels of only SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 were decreased after WJT treatment, which was identical to the sequencing profiles.

Conclusions
WJT exerted its anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effects possibly through suppressing the expression of SMC3, THOC1, BUB1, and STAG2 in RA-FLSs. Thus, therapeutics targeting these genes may be a promising strategy for rescuing RA.
Diurnal adult resting sites and breeding habitats of phlebotomine sand flies in cutaneous leishmaniasis endemic areas of Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijerathna Tharaka , Gunathilaka Nayana 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Sand flies are responsible for the transmission of several disease pathogens including Leishmania. Sand flies breed in habitats with high levels of humidity and organic matter. They are nocturnal in nature and peak activity ranges from dusk to dawn. The scientific evidence on breeding ecology and diurnal resting sites of sand fly fauna are important aspects of planning and implementing vector control activities. However, such fundamental information is grossly inadequate in Sri Lanka to support the control efforts in the country. Therefore, the present study addresses some of the important aspects of sand fly breeding ecology and diurnal resting sites.

Methods
Potential resting sites were thoroughly observed, and sand flies were collected using a battery-operated aspirator and sticky papers when appropriate from three selected Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas (Polpithigama, Maho and Galgamuwa) in Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka. Soil samples were collected from each potential breeding site. Half of each soil sample was incubated for 45 days. The other half was screened for immature stages. Adult sand flies collected from field and emerged adults at the insectary under confined incubation were identified using morphological characteristics.

Results
Pepper bushes and termite mounds were the most notable resting sites while, betel bushes, cattle huts, piles of coconut shells, latrines, manna bushes and tree holes were also positive for sand fly adults. Only two species, Phlebotomus argentipes and Sergentomyia punjabensis, were reported. Soil samples were collected from a total of 432 sites and 7 of them were positive for immature stages. Predominant breeding habitats identified during the present study were mud flats and moist soils of rice paddies, the soil below decaying hay, drying irrigational tank bottom moist soil, and the floors of cattle huts.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the potential adult resting sites and breeding habitats are abundant in the Polpithigama, Maho and Galgamuwa MOH areas. Therefore, vector control activities targeting both adult and immature stages of sand flies are recommended.
The regulation and pharmacological modulation of immune complex induced type III IFN production by plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Hjorton Karin , Hagberg Niklas , Pucholt Pascal , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Rönnblom Lars 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Objective
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an ongoing interferon (IFN) production due to an activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which can be triggered to type I IFN synthesis by RNA containing immune complexes (RNA-IC). Considering emerging data suggesting a role of type III IFN in the SLE disease process, we asked if RNA-IC can induce type III IFN production in pDC and how this production can be regulated.

Methods
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or immune cell subsets were isolated from healthy blood donors or SLE patients and stimulated with IC containing U1 snRNP and SLE-IgG (RNA-IC). Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and an interleukin receptor 1-associated kinase 4 inhibitor (IRAK4i) were added to cell cultures. Cytokine mRNA levels were determined with a microarray and protein levels with immunoassays. Single-cell RNA sequencing of pDCs using ddSEQ technology was performed.

Results
Type III IFN mRNA and protein was induced in RNA-IC-stimulated pDC-NK and pDC-B cell co-cultures. A subset of activated pDCs (3%) expressed both type III and type I IFN mRNA. IFN-λ2, IFN-α2b, interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) enhanced IFN-λ1/3 production 2–5-fold. HCQ and an IRAK4i blocked the RNA-IC-triggered IFN-λ1/3 production (p < 0.01). IFN-α2b and GM-CSF increased the proportion of SLE patients producing IFN-λ1/3 in response to RNA-IC from 11 to 33%.

Conclusions
Type III IFN production is triggered by RNA-IC in pDCs in a TLR-MyD88-dependent manner, enhanced by NK and B cells as well as several pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results support a contributing role for both type I and type III IFNs in SLE, which needs to be considered when targeting the IFN system in this disease.
Involvement of the pulmonary arteries in patients with Takayasu arteritis: a prospective study from a single centre in China
Authors: Kong Xiufang , Ma Lili , Lv Peng , Cui Xiaomeng , Chen Rongyi , Ji Zongfei , Chen Huiyong , Lin Jiang , Jiang Lindi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Takayasu arteritis (TA) is a large vessel vasculitis that can involve pulmonary arteries (PAs). We studied multiple clinical characteristics related to pulmonary artery involvement (PAI) in TA patients.

Methods
We enrolled 216 patients with TA from a large prospective cohort. PAI was assessed in each patient based on data from magnetic resonance angiography/computed tomography angiography. Pulmonary hypertension, cardiac function, and pulmonary parenchymal lesions were evaluated further in patients with PAI based on echocardiography, the New York Heart Association Functional Classification, and pulmonary computed tomography, respectively. These abnormalities related to PAI were followed up to evaluate treatment effects.

Results
PAI was detected in 56/216 (25.93%) patients, which involved the pulmonary trunk, main PAs, and small vessels in the lungs. Among patients with PAI, 28 (50%) patients were accompanied by pulmonary hypertension, which was graded as ‘severe’ in 9 (16.07%), ‘moderate’ in 10 (17.86%), and mild in 9 (16.07%). Twenty-six (46.43%) patients showed advanced NYHA function (III, 20, 35.71%; IV, 6, 10.71%). Furthermore, 21 (37.50%) patients presented with abnormal pulmonary parenchymal lesions in the area corresponding to PAI (e.g. the mosaic sign, infarction, bronchiectasis). During follow-up, two patients died due to heart failure and pulmonary thrombosis. In the remaining patients, the abnormalities mentioned above improved partially after routine treatment.

Conclusions
PAI is common in TA patients. PAI can cause pulmonary hypertension, cardiac insufficiency, and pulmonary parenchymal lesions, which worsen patients’ prognosis.
Research on DV-Hop improved algorithm based on dual communication radius
Authors: Li Tuochen , Wang Changzhu , Na Qi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn order to solve the problem that the traditional DV-Hop location algorithm has a large error in locating unknown nodes, this paper proposes an improved DV-Hop algorithm based on dual communication radius. By adding a communication radius, the algorithm updates the minimum hop number obtained by the unknown node closer to the beacon node to a smaller hop value and keeps the minimum hop number information of unknown nodes farther away. This method reflects the gap between the actual distances in terms of hop number, which solves the problem of the large difference between the actual distances of the same hops to a certain extent. Therefore, it is more advantageous to estimate the more accurate average jump distance and can calculate the more precise distance between them and obtain the more precise coordinates of unknown nodes. MATLAB simulation results show that the improved algorithm based on dual communication radius DV-Hop can effectively reduce the location error and improve the location accuracy and stability compared with the traditional DV-Hop location algorithm.
Periodic solution for prescribed mean curvature Rayleigh equation with a singularity
Authors: Xin Yun , Hu Guixin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the existence of a periodic solution for a prescribed mean curvature Rayleigh equation with singularity (weak and strong singularities of attractive type or weak and strong singularities of repulsive type). Our proof is based on an extension of Mawhin’s continuation theorem.
‘I took care of my kids’: mothering while incarcerated
Authors: Kennedy Stephanie C. , Mennicke Annelise M. , Allen Chelsea 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about how incarcerated mothers make meaning of their parenting role and relationship with their children prior to incarceration and during custody. The aims of this project were to explore the experiences of mothering prior to incarceration and during custody using the Gendered Pathways Perspective and to examine how mothering intersects with incarcerated women’s health and health outcomes to facilitate prevention and intervention strategies. This secondary data analysis used qualitative methods and grounded theory to identify themes related to mothering from 41 incarcerated mothers. Analyses were conducted by two independent coders, each of whom interviewed women as part of the primary study.ResultsIdentified themes highlight how mothers sacrificed their own health and wellness in order to parent their children, sometimes foregoing substance use disorder treatment because they had no childcare options. Additionally, incarcerated mothers described the psychological distress of family separation and asked for additional parenting programs to increase mother-child connection. Finally, mothers suggested that capitalizing on the mothering role might be a potent mechanism for change, especially as related to substance use disorder treatment.ConclusionsResearch on incarcerated parents often focuses on their children, which obscures incarcerated mothers’ needs related to health and wellness. The prison environment offers few opportunities to foster mother-child connection; most mothers never receive even one visit from their children. Incarcerated mothers contextually framed crime as protecting and providing for children and identified community-based and in-prison service gaps. Recommendations include infusing mothering and caretaking responsibilities into the sentencing process and exploring the intersection of race, gender, class, and mothering status on criminalized behavior. Additionally, there is an urgent need to expand the availability of community-based and in-prison programs that allow women to address health concerns while mothering their children.
Overexpression of bHLH domain of HIF-1 failed to inhibit the HIF-1 transcriptional activity in hypoxia
Authors: Sadeghi Fatemeh , Kardar Gholam Ali , Bolouri Mohammad Reza , Nasri Farzad , Sadri Maryam , Falak Reza 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is considered as the most activated transcriptional factor in response to low oxygen level or hypoxia. HIF-1 binds the hypoxia response element (HRE) sequence in the promoter of different genes, mainly through the bHLH domain and activates the transcription of genes, especially those involved in angiogenesis and EMT. Considering the critical role of bHLH in binding HIF-1 to the HRE sequence, we hypothesized that bHLH could be a promising candidate to be targeted in hypoxia condition.

Methods
We inserted an inhibitory bHLH (ibHLH) domain in a pIRES2-EGFP vector and transfected HEK293T cells with either the control vector or the designed construct. The ibHLH domain consisted of bHLH domains of both HIF-1a and Arnt, capable of competing with HIF-1 in binding to HRE sequences. The transfected cells were then treated with 200 µM of cobalt chloride (CoCl2) for 48 h to induce hypoxia. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to evaluate the effect of ibHLH on the genes and proteins involved in angiogenesis and EMT.

Results
Hypoxia was successfully induced in the HEK293T cell line as the gene expression of VEGF, vimentin, and β-catenin were significantly increased after treatment of untransfected HEK293T cells with 200 µM CoCl2. The gene expression of VEGF, vimentin, and β-catenin and protein level of β-catenin were significantly decreased in the cells transfected with either control or ibHLH vectors in hypoxia. However, ibHLH failed to be effective on these genes and the protein level of β-catenin, when compared to the control vector. We also observed that overexpression of ibHLH had more inhibitory effect on gene and protein expression of N-cadherin compared to the control vector. However, it was not statistically significant.

Conclusion
bHLH has been reported to be an important domain involved in the DNA binding activity of HIF. However, we found that targeting this domain is not sufficient to inhibit the endogenous HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Further studies about the function of critical domains of HIF-1 are necessary for developing a specific HIF-1 inhibitor.
Salinity tolerance improvement of in vitro propagated Paulownia tomentosa using proline
Authors: Youssef Nora Muhammad , Hashish Khaled Ismail , Taha Lobna Salah 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background
Paulownia tomentosa has been used as an ornamental plant and is still vastly used for this objective and can be utilized for the production of energy, wooden building materials, and paper pulp. The aim was to improve the in vitro propagation ability under salinity stress.

Methodology
This experiment was conducted on Paulownia tomentosa at Tissue Culture Technique Lab., Central Laboratories, Department of Ornamental Plants and Woody Trees, National Research Centre (NRC), Egypt, to examine the micropropagation behavior using different plant growth regulators (BA, Kin, and IBA) and improve the in vitro propagation ability of plant under the effect of salinity levels (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 ppm) using two concentrations of proline (0.2 and 0.4 g/l).

Results
For in vitro propagation behavior, the best results for both shooting and rooting behaviors were obtained when MS culture medium was supplemented with BA at 0.2 mg/l, and Kin and IBA at 0.1 mg/l. For the improvement of the in vitro propagation ability under salinity stress, the survival was 100% when the shootlets of Paulownia grown on MS culture medium supplemented with 0.5 g NaCl plus 0.2 or 0.4 g/l proline and 1 g NaCl plus 0.2 g/l proline which were similar to control treatment.

Conclusion
Micropropagation ability of Paulownia tomentosa under salinity stress was optimized when the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with BA at 0.2 mg/l, and Kin and IBA at 0.1 mg/l using proline at 0.2 g/l. This study will help the producers to cultivate Paulownia trees in saline soils up to 1000 ppm such as some new lands which are not suitable for growing other crops.
Does contralateral knee range of motion predict postoperative knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Burnham Robert R. , Bialek Samantha E. , Wozniak Amy , Brown Nicholas M. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine if contralateral knee range of motion is associated with postoperative range of motion in the operative knee after total knee arthroplasty.

Methods
Contralateral (nonoperative) knee range of motion was compared to postoperative knee range of motion after total knee arthroplasty using linear regression models in 59 patients who had undergone primary total knee arthroplasty with a minimum of 4 months postoperative follow-up data (range 4–13 months).

Results
A strong linear relationship was observed between contralateral knee ranges of motion of 115° or greater and postoperative knee ranges of motion after total knee arthroplasty (slope 0.93, 95% CI 0.58–1.29, P < 0.0001), with a mean difference of −7.44° (95% CI −10.3 to −4.63, P < 0.0001). However, there was no association between contralateral knee range of motion and postoperative knee range of motion when contralateral knee range of motion was less than 115°.

Conclusion
Contralateral knee range of motion of 115° or greater correlates linearly with postoperative range of motion after total knee arthroplasty, and thus may be predictive in such cases.
Effects of Proximal and Distal Enteral Glucose Infusion on Cardiovascular Response in Health and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Jones Karen L , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K , Wu Tongzhi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractContextExposure of the small intestine to nutrients frequently leads to marked reductions in blood pressure (BP) in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It remains unclear whether the region of the gut exposed to nutrients influences postprandial cardiovascular responses.ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardiovascular responses to proximal and distal small intestinal glucose infusion in health and T2DM.DesignDouble-blind, randomized, crossover design.SettingSingle center in Australia.Patients10 healthy subjects and 10 T2DM patients.InterventionsVolunteers were studied on 2 occasions, when a transnasal catheter was positioned with infusion ports opening 13 cm and 190 cm beyond the pylorus. A 30-g bolus of glucose was infused into either site and 0.9% saline into the alternate site over 60 minutes.Main Outcome MeasuresBP, heart rate (HR), and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) blood flow were measured over 180 minutes.ResultsSystolic BP was unchanged in response to both infusions in health, but decreased in T2DM, with a greater reduction after proximal versus distal infusion (all P ≤ .01). The increment in HR did not differ between treatments in health, but was greater after distal versus proximal infusion in T2DM (P = .02). The increases in SMA blood flow were initially greater, but less sustained, with proximal versus distal infusion in health (P &lt; .001), a pattern less evident in T2DM.ConclusionsIn T2DM, postprandial hypotension may be mitigated by diversion of nutrients from the proximal to the distal small intestine.
Huddling under the Imperial Umbrella: A Korean Approach to Ming China in the Early 1500s
Authors: Kye Seung B. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
By examining the frequency and purpose of voluntary missions of congratulations to Beijing in the early 1500s, this article explores the changing Chosŏn attitude towards Ming China and interprets the close and mutually beneficial relationship between King Chungjong (r. 1506–45) and the Jiajing Emperor (r. 1521–66). Installed as a nominal king by coup leaders under the situation in which the Korean elites’ view of “serving Ming China” was in transition from conditional and practical to unconditional and ideological, and threatened by both the merit subjects’ arbitrariness and Confucian moralists’ fundamentalism, Chungjong was very eager to link himself more intimately with the Ming emperor, the higher authority, from which he received investiture. To the Jiajing Emperor, who frequently provoked his officials with a variety of ritual controversies, the congratulatory missions from Chosŏn, the Eastern Land of Propriety, were welcome guests. The emperor and the king became intimate with each other in this way for the sake of their own political purposes, and their relationship inevitably influenced the relations between the two countries.