bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Slovenian version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for Low back pain
Authors: Topolovec Matevž , Vozlič David , Plohl Nejc , Vengust Rok , Vodičar Miha , Mannion Anne Frances 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To conduct a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) in the Slovenian language, for use in patients with low back pain. Methods: The English version of COMI was translated into Slovene following established guidelines. 353 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited from the Orthopaedic clinic department of a tertiary care teaching institution. Data quality, construct validity, responsiveness, and test-retest reliability of the COMI were assessed. Results: The questionnaire was generally well accepted with no missing values. The majority of items exhibited only mild floor and ceiling effects. Correlations with Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were high (ρ = 0.76 between overall COMI and ODI scores), suggesting that the Slovene version of COMI had high construct validity. Additionally, the Slovene version of COMI successfully captured surgical patients’ improvement in their low back problem (indicator of responsiveness) and showed acceptable test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.86). Conclusions: The Slovene version of COMI showed good psychometric properties, comparable to those of previously tested language versions. It represents a valuable instrument for the use in future domestic and multicenter clinical studies.
Increasing soil pH enhances the network interactions among bacterial and archaeal microbiota in alpine grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Chen Beibei , Luo Shuaiwei , Ma Beibei , Qi Wei , Cao Changdong , Zhao Zhigang , Jiao Shuo , Du Guozhen , Ma Xiaojun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The authors have withdrawn this preprint from Research Square
Examining correlations between opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, 2007 - 2016
Authors: Jones Wayne , Kurdyak Paul , Fischer Benedikt 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: High levels of opioid-related mortality, as well as morbidity, contribute to the excessive opioid-related disease burden in North America, induced by high availability of opioids. While correlations between opioid dispensing levels and mortality outcomes are well-established, fewer evidence exists on correlations with morbidity (e.g., hospitalizations). Methods: We examined possible overtime correlations between medical opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations in Canada, by province, 2007 – 2016. For dispensing, we examined annual volumes of medical opioid dispensing from a representative, stratified sample of retail pharmacies across Canada. Raw dispensing information for ‘strong opioids’ was converted into Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/per 1,000 population/year. Opioid-related hospitalization rates referred to opioid poisoning-related admissions by province, for fiscal years 2007-08 to 2016-17, drawn from the national Hospital Morbidity Database. We assessed possible correlations between opioid dispensing and hospitalizations by province using the Pearson product moment correlation; correlation values (r) and confidence intervals were reported. Results: Significant correlations for overtime correlations between population-levels of opioid dispensing and opioid-related hospitalizations were observed for three provinces: Quebec (r=0.87, CI: 0.49–0.97; p=0.002); New Brunswick (r=0.85;CI: 0.43–0.97; p=0.004) and Nova Scotia (r=0.78; CI:0.25–0.95; p=0.012), with Saskatchewan (r=0.073; CI:-0.07–0.91;p=0.073) featuring borderline significance. Conclusions: The correlations observed further contribute to evidence on opioid dispensing levels as a systemic driver of population-level harms. Notably, correlations were not identified principally in provinces with reported high contribution levels (>50%) of illicit opioids to mortality, which are not captured by dispensing data and so may have distorted potential effects due to contamination.
Autophagy suppression of trophoblast cells induces pregnancy loss by activating decidual NK cytotoxicity and inhibiting trophoblast invasion
Authors: Tan¹ Haixia , Yang¹ Shangliang , Wang¹´⁴ haiyan , Li¹´³´⁴ Mingqing 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: The crosstalk between trophoblast cells and decidual NK cells plays an important role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Recent studies have reported autophagy can induce immune tolerance at the maternal fetal interface, but the mechanism is largely unclear. Methods: Autophagy levels in the villi of normal and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) patients were detected by transmission electron microscopy. In vivo and in vitro, the expression of killer molecules in NK cells was analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). And the invasiveness of trophoblasts was tested by Cell invasion assay. Results: Compared with normal abortion patients, the level of autophagy in the villi of RSA patients was significantly decreased. In vitro experiments indicated that co-culture with autophagy suppression of trophoblasts (3-MA-pretreated trophoblasts) increased cytotoxicity of NK cell, which was mediated by the upregulation of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2). Meanwhile, autophagy suppression of trophoblasts led to a low level of Paternally Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10), leading to impaired cell invasion. In addition, NK cells educated by autophagy-inhibited trophoblasts further decreased the proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts. Injection with 3-MA in vivo , the cytotoxicity of uterine NK cells in pregnant mice and the embryo absorption rate were significantly increased. Conclusion: Autophagy suppression of trophoblasts should increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells and damage the trophoblasts invasion possibly by targeting IGF-2 and PEG10, respectively, which ultimately leads to miscarriage.
Relationship between internet addiction and sleep disturbance in high school students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tokiya Mikiko , Itani Osamu , Otsuka Yuichiro , Kaneita Yoshitaka 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: As the number of Internet users around the world increases, so does the dependency on the Internet. In adolescents this dependence interferes with sleep, which is important for the development of their psychophysiological capabilities. However, few large-scale surveys have examined the relationship between internet addiction (IA) and sleep disturbance in detail using standardized questionnaires. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sleep disturbance in adolescents and IA according to the categories of the Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) through a complete survey of one prefecture in Japan. Methods: In 2016, a self-administered questionnaire was used to survey high school students (n=10,405) in all 54 daytime high schools in one prefecture. In this study, “sleep disturbance” was defined as achieving over 5.5 points on the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. IA was evaluated using the YDQ: “IA,” when 5 of the 8 YDQ items were applied; “at-risk,” when either 3 or 4 YDQ items were applied; and “non-IA,” when less than 2 YDQ items were applied. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, with sleep disturbance as the dependent variable, IA as the explanatory variable, and adjustments made for 8 items, including the frequency of skipped meals. Results: High YDQ scores were associated with high prevalence rates of sleep disturbance in both male and female participants; the higher the score, higher was the rate. On multiple logistic regression analysis for both male and female participants, higher YDQ scores showed higher adjusted odds ratios for sleep disturbances. Conclusions: For high school students within one prefecture in Japan, higher YDQ scores, which indicate internet dependency, were significantly related to sleep disturbance, suggesting that the likelihood of sleep disturbance increases with YDQ scores.
Risk Factors of Malnutrition in Chinese Children with Congenital Heart Defect
Authors: Zhang Mingjie , Wang Liping , Huang Rui , Sun Chongrui , Xu Zhuoming 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the risk factors of malnutrition in children with congenital heart defect (CHD) in China. MethodsThis cohort study was performed at the biggest pediatric heart center in China; 3252 patients with CHD who underwent cardiac surgeries in 2014 were included. Anthropometric measurements included weight for age Z score (WAZ), weight for height Z score (WHZ), and height for age Z score (HAZ). The patients were classified as normal nutritional status and malnutrition, based on a cut-off Z score of <-2. Factors associated with malnutrition were determined using logistic regression analysis. ResultsThe prevalence of preoperative WAZ <-2 (underweight), HAZ <-2 (stunting), and WHZ<-2 (wasting) was 23.3%, 23.3%, and 14.3%, respectively. The multivariable analysis of preoperative malnutrition showed that hospitalization, age at surgery, risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery-1 >3, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary hypertension, and acyanotic heart disease were associated with underweight. Parents’ height, single ventricle, and cyanotic heart disease were associated with stunting. Hospitalization and pulmonary hypertension were associated with wasting. After surgery, the patients presented a significant improvement in growth within the first year in all three parameters and grew to the normal range of WAZ (-0.3±0.9, P<0.001), HAZ (0.2±0.8, P=0.001), and WHZ (0.03±0.6, P<0.001) at two years after surgery. The prevalence of underweight, stunted, and wasting declined to 3.2%, 2.7%, and 1.9% three years after surgery. Malnutrition after surgery was associated with cardiac residual cardiac abnormalities (OR=35.3, p<0.0001), high Ross classiﬁcation of heart function (OR=27.1, p<0.0001), and long-term taking oral diuretics (OR=20.5, P=0.001).ConclusionsMalnutrition is still a problem in children with CHD in China, especially before the surgery. There is need to strengthen the nutrition support for children with CHD before surgery. Hemodynamic factors were found to be the risk factors associated with malnutrition after operation.
Stable isotope analysis spills the beans about spatial variance in trophic structure in a fish host – parasite system from the Vaal River System, South Africa
Authors: Gilbert Beric M. , Nachev Milen , Jochmann Maik A. , Schmidt Torsten C. , Köster Daniel , Sures Bernd , Avenant-Oldewage Annemarie 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
BackgroundStable isotope analysis offers a unique tool for comparing trophic interactions and food web architecture in ecosystems. This approach is based on analysis of the stable isotope ratios of carbon (13 C/ 12 C) and nitrogen (15 N/ 14 N) in organisms. Studies comparing stable isotope enrichment in hosts and parasites have shown that parasites are variably enriched in stable isotopes relative to the host.MethodsSharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were collected from six sites along the Vaal River, South Africa and were assessed for ectoparasites and endoparasites. Lamproglena clariae (Copepoda), Tetracampus ciliotheca and Proteocephalus glanduligerus (Cestoda), and larval Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) were collected from the gills, intestine and mesenteries, respectively. Signatures of δ 13 C and δ 15 N were analysed in host muscle tissue and parasites using bulk stable isotope analysis.ResultsStable isotope enrichment was variable between parasites and the host fish, with L. clariae and the host sharing similar δ 15 N signatures and the endoparasites being depleted in both δ 13 C and δ 15 N relative to the host. Spatial differences in enrichment of stable isotopes were also identified. Fish and parasites collected from below the Vaal River Barrage were more enriched in the 15 N isotope than hosts and parasites collected from other sites. The opposite was identified for 13 C isotope fractionation.ConclusionDifferences in stable isotope enrichment in parasites infecting C. gariepinus could be related to the feeding strategy of each parasite species collected. Enrichment of δ 15 N in L. clariae would relate to the micropredatory nature of this parasite, which feeds on whole blood of the host fish. Depleted isotope levels in endoparasites could relate to their absorptive feeding strategy on metabolic by-products of the host. Spatial differences in both host and parasite tissues identified likely resulted from differences in the diet of the host and related with availability of prey items for the host fish.
De novo transcriptome sequencing of Rhododendron molle and identification of genes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites
Authors: Zhou Guolin , Zhu Ping 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Rhododendron molle (Ericaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, its flower and root have been widely used to treat rheumatism and relieve pain for thousands of years in China. Chemical studies have revealed that R. molle contains abundant secondary metabolites such as terpenoinds, flavonoids and lignans, some of which have exhibited various bioactivities including analgesia and hypotension. In despite of immense pharmaceutical importance, the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites remains unknown and the genomic information is unavailable.Results To gain molecular insight into the R. molle , we conducted deep transcriptome sequencing for R. molle flower and root using the Illumina Hiseq platform. In total, 100,603 unigenes were generated through de novo assembly with mean length of 778 bp, 57.1% of these unigenes were annotated in public databases and 17,906 of those unigenes showed significant match in the KEGG database. Unigenes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were annotated. Moreover, 3,376 transcription factors and 10,828 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were also identified. Additionally, we further performed differential gene expression (DEG) analysis of the flower and root transcriptome libraries and identified numerous genes that were specifically expressed or up-regulated in flower.Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to generate and thoroughly analyze the transcriptome data of both R. molle flower and root. This study provided an important genetic resource which will shed light on elucidating various secondary metabolite biosynthetic pathways in R. molle , especially for those with medicinal value and allow for drug development in this herb.
Haemosporidioses in wild Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos): an in situ hybridization study with emphasis on exo-erythrocytic parasite burden
Authors: Himmel Tanja , Harl Josef , Pfanner Simone , Nedorost Nora , Nowotny Norbert , Weissenböck Herbert 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Passerine birds are frequently infected with diverse haemosporidian parasites. While infections are traditionally considered benign in wild birds, recent studies demonstrated mortalities of passerine species due to exo-erythrocytic development of the parasites, which can damage organs in affected hosts. However, exo-erythrocytic development remains insufficiently investigated for most haemosporidian species and thus little is known about the virulence of tissue stages in wild passerine birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural haemosporidian infections in deceased Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos) and to determine parasite burden and associated histological effects.Methods For molecular analysis, blood and tissue samples from 306 thrushes were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR. For the detection of parasite stages in organ samples, tissue sections were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus- and species-specific probes targeting the rRNAs of parasites. Exo-erythrocytic parasite load was semi-quantitatively assessed and histological lesions were evaluated in haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections.Results 179 of 277 Eurasian blackbirds and 15 of 29 song thrushes were positive for haemosporidians. Parasites of all three genera were detected, with Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and P. vaughani SYAT05 showing the highest prevalences. CISH revealed significant differences in exo-erythrocytic parasite burden between lineages in Eurasian blackbirds, with P. matutinum LINN1 frequently causing high parasite loads in various organs that were associated with histological alterations. Song thrushes infected with P. matutinum LINN1 and birds infected with other haemosporidian lineages showed mostly low parasite burdens. Two Eurasian blackbirds infected with Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 showed megalomeronts in various organs that were associated with inflammatory reactions and necroses.Conclusion This study suggests that P. matutinum LINN1, a common lineage among native thrushes, regularly causes high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in Eurasian blackbirds, which may result in disease and mortalities, indicating its high pathogenic potential. The findings further illustrate that the same parasite lineage may show different levels of virulence in related bird species which should be considered when assessing the pathogenicity of haemosporidian parasite species. Finally, the study provides evidence of virulent Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 infections in two Eurasian blackbirds caused by megalomeront formation.
Biological Potential Alterations of Migratory Chondrogenic Progenitor Cells during Knee Osteoarthritic Progression
Authors: Wang Yu-Xing , Zhao Zhi-Dong , Wang Qian , Li Zhong-Li , Huang Ya , Zhao Sen , Hu Wei , Liang Jia-Wu , Li Pei-Lin , Wang Hua , Mao Ning , Wu Chu-Tse , Zhu Heng 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Although studies have demonstrated that chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPCs) remain present in human osteoarthritic cartilage, the heterogeneity of CPCs subpopulations, the biological alterations of CPCs, and their contributions to the progression of osteoarthritis remain to be investigated. Methods: CPCs were isolated from paired grade 1-2 and grade 3-4 osteoarthritic cartilage by virtue of cell migratory capacities. The cell morphology, immunophenotype, self-renewal, multidifferentiation, and cell migration of these CPCs were evaluated. Additionally, the distributions of CPCs in articular cartilage were determined by immuno-histochemical staining. Furthermore, a high-through mRNA sequencing was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: Migratory CPCs (mCPCs) robustly outgrew from collagenases-digested osteoarthritic cartilages for 2 weeks after the initial culture. The mCPCs from grade 3-4 cartilages (mCPCs, grade 3-4) harbored morphological characteristics, cell proliferation and colony formation capacity that were similar to those of the mCPCs from the grade 1-2 cartilages (mCPCs, grade 1-2). However, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) highly expressed CD271. In addition, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) showed enhanced osteo-adipogenic activities and decreased chondrogenic capacity. Furthermore, the mCPCs (grade 3-4) exhibited stronger cell migration in response to osteoarthritis synovial fluids. More CD105+ cells resided in grade 3-4 superficial articular cartilages. Moreover, the results of mRNA sequencing showed that mCPCs (grade 3-4) expressed higher migratory molecules. Conclusions: Our data suggest that more mCPCs (grade 3-4) migrate to injured articular cartilages but with decreased cartilage-repairing capacity, which might accelerate cartilage degradation. Thus, these dysfunctional mCPCs might be a novel cell target to alleviate cartilage lesions.
“You can be blind because of loving them so much”: The impact on owners in the United Kingdom of living with a dog with osteoarthritis
Authors: Belshaw Zoe , Asher Lucy , Dean Rachel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background There is a growing awareness that caring for a chronically ill pet may have a detrimental impact on their owner’s quality of life. Companion animal orthopaedic disease has received little research interest in this context. Canine osteoarthritis is known to negatively affect the welfare of many dogs in the United Kingdom, but its consequences for their owners has not previously been described. The aim of this study was to use a qualitative methodology to explore the impacts on a dog owner that occur following their dog’s diagnosis with osteoarthritis. Owners of osteoarthritic dogs based in the United Kingdom (UK) were recruited through veterinary practices to participate in semi-structured interview about life with their dog. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was used to construct key themes. This publication describes the theme that focused on the impact(s) that the dog’s condition had had on the life of their owner.Results Forty owners of 35 dogs of a range of breeds and ages were interviewed. A wide range of negative impacts on the physical, mental and financial health of owners were described. Owners detailed increasing worry over time about their pet’s condition, frequently combined with a growing need to physically assist their dog, as osteoarthritis severity increased. Their dog’s reduced mobility and need for medications progressively limited their own lifestyles and ability to have time away from their pet. Owners typically described a strong bond with their dog as a motivator to provide ongoing care.Conclusions The impacts on owners of caring for an osteoarthritic dog appear multi-faceted and may be sustained over multiple years. Veterinary surgeons may be unaware of the challenges faced these owners. The negative consequences for owners of arthritic dogs may be buffered by access to quality information about their pet’s condition, and improved support from both veterinary surgeons and other owners, enabling them to provide the best possible care.