bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of care in dysphagia patients: adaptation and validation of the Swedish SWAL-CARE questionnaire
Authors: Hedström Johanna , Johansson Mia , Olsson Caroline , Tuomi Lisa , Finizia Caterina 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to adapt the instrument and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the Swallowing Quality of Care questionnaire (S-SWAL-CARE) in patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Methods
Translation and adaptation of the original SWAL-CARE into Swedish was performed according to established international guidelines. Field testing was performed using 100 patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia due to multiple reasons such as head and neck cancer and neurologic/neuromuscular disease, who had undergone swallowing evaluation within 6 months prior to the study. The patients answered the S-SWAL-CARE, the Quality from the Patient’s Perspective (QPP) and the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL). Test–retest was performed in 20% of the participants. The reliability and validity of the S-SWAL-CARE were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha as well as convergent and discriminative validity, respectively.

Results
The field testing of the S-SWAL-CARE resulted in sufficient reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.90 for all domains. All items correlated strongly to their own domain, with weaker correlations to the other domains, indicating proper scale structure. Results also indicate sufficient convergent and discriminant validity when tested for association to the QPP domains and the SWAL-QOL Total score. The test–retest reliability of the S-SWAL-CARE demonstrated sufficient intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the General advice domain (0.73) and Clinical advice domain (0.82). The ICC for the Patient satisfaction domain was lower (0.44).

Conclusion
The S-SWAL-CARE can be considered a reliable and valid tool to assess the dysphagia-related quality of care in a mixed Swedish dysphagia patient population.
Technology-aided assessment of functionally relevant sensorimotor impairments in arm and hand of post-stroke individuals
Authors: Kanzler Christoph M. , Schwarz Anne , Held Jeremia P. O. , Luft Andreas R. , Gassert Roger , Lambercy Olivier 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Assessing arm and hand sensorimotor impairments that are functionally relevant is essential to optimize the impact of neurorehabilitation interventions. Technology-aided assessments should provide a sensitive and objective characterization of upper limb impairments, but often provide arm weight support and neglect the importance of the hand, thereby questioning their functional relevance. The Virtual Peg Insertion Test (VPIT) addresses these limitations by quantifying arm and hand movements as well as grip forces during a goal-directed manipulation task requiring active lifting of the upper limb against gravity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the ability of the VPIT metrics to characterize arm and hand sensorimotor impairments that are relevant for performing functional tasks.

Methods
Arm and hand sensorimotor impairments were systematically characterized in 30 chronic stroke patients using conventional clinical scales and the VPIT. For the latter, ten previously established kinematic and kinetic core metrics were extracted. The validity and robustness of these metrics was investigated by analyzing their clinimetric properties (test-retest reliability, measurement error, learning effects, concurrent validity).

Results
Twenty-three of the participants, the ones with mild to moderate sensorimotor impairments and without strong cognitive deficits, were able to successfully complete the VPIT protocol (duration 16.6 min). The VPIT metrics detected impairments in arm and hand in 90.0% of the participants, and were sensitive to increased muscle tone and pathological joint coupling. Most importantly, significant moderate to high correlations between conventional scales of activity limitations and the VPIT metrics were found, thereby indicating their functional relevance when grasping and transporting objects, and when performing dexterous finger manipulations. Lastly, the robustness of three out of the ten VPIT core metrics in post-stroke individuals was confirmed.

Conclusions
This work provides evidence that technology-aided assessments requiring goal-directed manipulations without arm weight support can provide an objective, robust, and clinically feasible way to assess functionally relevant sensorimotor impairments in arm and hand in chronic post-stroke individuals with mild to moderate deficits. This allows for a better identification of impairments with high functional relevance and can contribute to optimizing the functional benefits of neurorehabilitation interventions.
Challenges to peer support in low- and middle-income countries during COVID-19
Authors: Mpango Richard , Kalha Jasmine , Shamba Donat , Ramesh Mary , Ngakongwa Fileuka , Kulkarni Arti , Korde Palak , Nakku Juliet , Ryan Grace K. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
A recent editorial urged those working in global mental health to “change the conversation” on coronavirus disease (Covid-19) by putting more focus on the needs of people with severe mental health conditions. UPSIDES (Using Peer Support In Developing Empowering mental health Services) is a six-country consortium carrying out implementation research on peer support for people with severe mental health conditions in high- (Germany, Israel), lower middle- (India) and low-income (Tanzania, Uganda) settings. This commentary briefly outlines some of the key challenges faced by UPSIDES sites in low- and middle-income countries as a result of Covid-19, sharing early lessons that may also apply to other services seeking to address the needs of people with severe mental health conditions in similar contexts.

Challenges and lessons learned
The key take-away from experiences in India, Tanzania and Uganda is that inequalities in terms of access to mobile technologies, as well as to secure employment and benefits, put peer support workers in particularly vulnerable situations precisely when they and their peers are also at their most isolated. Establishing more resilient peer support services requires attention to the already precarious situation of people with severe mental health conditions in low-resource settings, even before a crisis like Covid-19 occurs. While it is essential to maintain contact with peer support workers and peers to whatever extent is possible remotely, alternatives to face-to-face delivery of psychosocial interventions are not always straightforward to implement and can make it more difficult to observe individuals’ reactions, talk about emotional issues and offer appropriate support.

Conclusions
In environments where mental health care was already heavily medicalized and mostly limited to medications issued by psychiatric institutions, Covid-19 threatens burgeoning efforts to pursue a more holistic and person-centered model of care for people with severe mental health conditions. As countries emerge from lockdown, those working in global mental health will need to redouble their efforts not only to make up for lost time and help individuals cope with the added stressors of Covid-19 in their communities, but also to regain lost ground in mental health care reform and in broader conversations about mental health in low-resource settings.
The therapeutic effects of methylphenidate and matrix-methylphenidate on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in the methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Aryan Nazanin , Banafshe Hamid Reza , Farnia Vahid , Shakeri Jalal , Alikhani Mostafa , Rahimi Habibollah , Sehat Mojtaba , Mamsharifi Peyman , Ghaderi Amir , Omidi Abdollah 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Little evidence has examined the therapeutic effects of methylphenidate (MPH) and Matrix Model treatment on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in people who use methamphetamine (PWUM). This study was conducted to determine the effects of MPH, Matrix Model treatment, and Matrix-MPH on addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental health in PWUM.

Methods
This clinical trial was conducted among 100 patients with METH users. Participants were randomly divided into four groups who received: 1) 22 sessions of 45-min, twice a week for Matrix Model treatment (n = 25); 2) MPH 10 mg/day in the first month, 7.5 mg/day in the second month and 5 mg/day in the third month (n = 25); 3) Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH (n = 25); 4) control group (n = 25) for 12 weeks. Addiction severity, craving, relapse and mental status were evaluated at baseline and end-of-trial.

Results
Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH significantly reduced MA craving (P < 0.001) and addiction severity (P < 0.001). In addition, Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH resulted in a significant increase of mental health (P = 0.001), compared with Matrix Model treatment, MPH, and control group. Also, negative METH urine test significantly increased in the Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH group compared with the other groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
In conclusion, Matrix Model treatment combined with MPH for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on addiction severity, craving, relapse, and mental health in PWUM, compared with Matrix Model treatment, MPH, and control group.

Trial registration
This study was retrospectively registered in the Iranian website (www.irct.ir) for clinical trials registration (http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20171105037245N1). Registration date: 9 December 2017.
Larval ecology and infestation indices of two major arbovirus vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), in Brazzaville, the capital city of the Republic of the Congo
Authors: Wilson-Bahun Theodel A. , Kamgang Basile , Lenga Arsène , Wondji Charles S. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus in Congo can affect the distribution of native species, changing the vector composition and pattern of disease transmission. Here, we comparatively establish the geographical distribution and larval habitat preference of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and the risk of arbovirus disease outbreaks using Stegomyia indices in the city of Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo.

Methods
Human dwelling surveys of water-holding containers for immature stages of Aedes was carried out in December 2017 in Brazzaville through a random cluster sampling method. A total of 268 human dwellings distributed in 9 boroughs and 27 neighbourhoods were surveyed across the city.

Results
Overall, 455 potential larval habitats were surveyed. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus were collected across the city with an overall high prevalence of Ae. aegypti (53.1%) compared to Ae. albopictus (46.9%). Geographical distribution analysis showed that Ae. aegypti was more abundant (mean = 6.6 ± 1.4) in neighbourhoods located in downtown, while the abundance of Ae. albopictus was low (mean = 3.5 ± 0.6) in suburbs. Peridomestic containers, especially discarded tanks, were the most strongly colonized productive larval habitat for both mosquito species with the prevalence of 56.4% and 53.1% for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. Globally, the house index (HI), Breteau index (BI) and container index (CI) were high for Ae. aegypti (26.6%, 38.4% and 22.6%) and Ae. albopictus (33.3%, 49.6% and 26.6%) compared to the transmission risk threshold (5%, 5% and 20%) established by the WHO/PAHO. Overall, pupae-based indices (the pupae index and the pupae per person index) were not significantly different between Ae. aegypti (273.4% and 23.2%) and Ae. albopictus (228.8% and 19.5%).

Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest a high risk for transmission of arbovirus diseases in Brazzaville and call for an urgent need to implement vector control strategies against these vectors in the Republic of the Congo.
Psychosocial and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy
Authors: Acaster Sarah , Gallop Katy , de Vries Jane , Marciniak Anne , Ryan Robert , Vereda Andrea , Knibb Rebecca 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Limited previous research has assessed the psychosocial burden and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy and factors associated with burden. The objective of this research was to explore caregiver burden in terms of psychosocial and productivity impact of caring for a child with peanut allergy, the influence of caregiver and child gender on caregiver burden, and factors predicting caregiver burden in peanut allergy.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children with peanut allergy was conducted in the United Kingdom, and included sociodemographic and clinical questions, EQ-5D, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Food Allergy Quality of Life-Parental Burden, Food Allergy Independent Measure, and productivity questions.

Results
One hundred caregivers (55% female) of children with peanut allergy (aged 4–15 years) completed the survey. Male and female caregivers reported mean levels of anxiety significantly higher than United Kingdom population norms. Caregivers of children with severe peanut allergy reported significant impacts on their careers and health-related quality of life. Neither caregiver nor child gender impacted burden, indicating that male and female caregivers are equally anxious and suffer the same level of negative career, productivity, and health-related quality-of-life impact due to their child’s peanut allergy. Caregivers’ perceived risk of outcomes related to their child’s peanut allergy (e.g., death or severe reaction) as measured by the Food Allergy Independent Measure independently predicted burden.

Conclusions
Caregivers of children with peanut allergy in the United Kingdom experience health-related quality-of-life, psychosocial, and productivity burden; this study demonstrates the high levels of anxiety reported by both male and female caregivers.
Long noncoding RNA H19 regulates the therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p
Authors: Song Guodong , Zhou Jia , Song Ruimei , Liu Dalu , Yu Weidi , Xie Wangcheng , Ma Zhilong , Gong Jian , Meng Hongbo , Yang Tingsong , Song Zhenshun 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
Patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, account for an increasing medical burden worldwide. We previously found that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could attenuate SAP and that expression of long noncoding RNA H19 (LncRNA H19) was upregulated in rats receiving MSCs. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of LncRNA H19 regulating the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in the alleviation of SAP.

Methods
MSCs transfected with LncRNA H19 overexpression and knockdown plasmids were intravenously injected into rats 12 h after sodium taurocholate (NaT) administration to induce SAP.

Results
Overexpressing LncRNA H19 in MSCs significantly enhanced the anti-inflammatory capacity of the MSCs, inhibited autophagy via promotion of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-associated pathways, and facilitated cell proliferation by increasing the level of β-catenin in rats with SAP. LncRNA H19 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA by sponging miR-138-5p and miR-141-3p. Knocking down miR-138-5p in MSCs increased the expression of protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2, encoding FAK) to suppress autophagy, while downregulating miR-141-3p enhanced the level of β-catenin to promote cell proliferation.

Conclusions
In conclusion, LncRNA H19 effectively increased the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in rats with SAP via the miR-138-5p/PTK2/FAK and miR-141-3p/β-catenin pathways.
Differential expression of microRNA between normally developed and underdeveloped female worms of Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Han Yu , Feng Jintao , Ren Yuqi , Wu Luobin , Li Hao , Liu Jinming , Jin Yamei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractEggs produced by bisexual infected mature female worms (MF) of Schistosoma japonicum are important in the transmission of the parasite and responsible for the pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The single-sex infected female worms (SF) cannot mature and do not produce normal eggs; also they do not induce severe damage to the host. In this study, the microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of 25d MF and 25d SF were investigated through Solexa deep-sequencing technology to explore the developmental mechanisms of schistosome female worms. There were 36 differentially expressed miRNA, 20 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated found in MF/SF worms, including some development related miRNA such as bantam (ban), let-7, miR-124, miR-8, miR-1, miR-7. There were 166 target genes of up-regulated miRNA and 201 target genes of down-regulated miRNA after comparing the target gene prediction software results with RNA-Seq transcriptome results. Analysis of the target genes shows that different ones are involved in MF and SF worms in Gene Ontology terms, with a similar situation in KEGG. This observation indicates that different genes regulated by differentially expressed miRNA take part in MF and SF and lead to differential sexual status. This means that the sexual status of female worms is regulated by miRNA.
On entrepreneurial decision logics under conditions of uncertainty: an attempt to advance the current debate
Authors: Rapp David J. , Olbrich Michael 
Published: September 2020

AbstractUncertainty plays a crucial role for most entrepreneurship theories and is thus at the core of entrepreneurship research. Despite decades of research efforts, the notion of uncertainty is still somewhat vague and elusive, however. Consequently, desirable improvement of our understanding of uncertainty requires further considerations. Fortunately, in a recent paper published in the Academy of Management Review, Packard and Clark (Academy of Management Review, 2019) contribute their ideas on the subject. The study in question offers a novel dichotomy of uncertainty types and normatively prescribes entrepreneurial strategies associated with those different settings. The remarks of Packard and Clark have attracted opposition, however, and while appreciating the study’s efforts to refine the uncertainty construct, the present paper aims to advance the current debate. One stance adopted in the current paper to do so is to suggest supplementing research on uncertainty itself with the notion of ill-structuredness affecting decision problems. That approach makes it possible to theorize about entrepreneurial decision-making in a broader yet more nuanced way.
Little Akaki River sediment enrichment with heavy metals, pollution load and potential ecological risks in downstream, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Mekuria Deshu Mamo , Kassegne Alemnew Berhanu , Asfaw Seyoum Leta 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAddis Ababa City’s river ecosystem is under extreme pressure as a result of inappropriate practices of dumping domestic and industrial wastes; thus, threatening its ability to maintain basic ecological, social and economic functions. Little Akaki River which drains through Addis Ababa City receives inorganic and organic pollutants from various anthropogenic sources. Most of inorganic pollutants such as toxic heavy metals released into the river are eventually adsorbed and settle in the sediment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the enrichment levels, pollution load and ecological risks of selected heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb) using various indices. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in Little Akaki River sediment were: Zn (78.96 ± 0.021–235.2 ± 0.001 mg/kg); Cr (2.19 ± 0.014–440.8 ± 0.003 mg/kg); Cd (2.09 ± 0.001–4.16 ± 0.0001 mg/kg) and Pb (30.92 ± 0.018–596.4 ± 0.066 mg/kg). Enrichment factor values indicated that sediments were moderate to significantly enriched with Zn and Cr; moderate to very highly enriched with Pb, and very highly enriched in all sampled sites with Cd. Geo-accumulation index and contamination factor values indicated that the sediments were moderate to very highly contaminated with toxic Cd and Pb. The decreasing order of pollution load index (PLI) in downstream was: (S9) > (S4) > (S8) > (S3) > (S6) > (S10) > (S5) > (S2) > (S7) > (S1). PLI and hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the highest pollution load occurred in the lower course of the river (S9) which may be due to metals inputs from anthropogenic sources. The ecological risk (RI = 350.62) suggested that the contaminated Little Akaki River sediment can pose considerable ecological risks of pollution. The concentrations of Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb in Little Akaki River sediment surpassed eco-toxicological guideline limits of USEPA (threshold effect concentration) and CCME (Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines). Thus, the contaminated sediments can pose adverse biological effects on sediment dwelling organisms.
Body mass index-associated molecular characteristics involved in tumor immune and metabolic pathways
Authors: Hu Chao , Chen Xiong , Yao Chengyun , Liu Yu , Xu Haojun , Zhou Guoren , Xia Hongping , Xia Jinglin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundOverweight or obesity has been evidenced as an important risk factor involved in the incidence, mortality, and therapy response of multiple malignancies. However, the differences between healthy and obesity tumor patients at the molecular and multi-omics levels remain unclear.MethodsOur study performed a comprehensive and multidimensional analysis in fourteen tumor types of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and found body mass index (BMI)-related genes in multiple tumor types. Furthermore, we compared composite expression between normal, overweight, and obese patients of each immune cell subpopulation and metabolism gene subset. Statistical significance was calculated via the Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test.ResultsOur analysis revealed that BMI-related genes are enriched in multiple tumor-related biological pathways involved in intracellular signaling, immune response, and metabolism. We also found the different relationships between BMI and different immune cell infiltration and metabolic pathway activity. Importantly, we found that many clinically actionable genes were BMI-affect genes.ConclusionOverall, our data indicated that BMI-associated molecular characteristics involved in tumor immune and metabolic pathways, which may highlight the clinical importance of considering BMI-associated molecular signatures in cancer precision medicine.