bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation and Shortening Questionnaires Used in Surveys and Trials on Populations with Substance use Disorders: A Method using the Fatigue Severity Scale
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Gjestad Rolf , Aas Christer , Meland Eivind , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundPrecise and valid measurements of health outcomes and exposures among people with substance use disorders (SUDs) is essential to improve health services and health within this group. Unfortunately, many of the standardized questionnaires are validated on other populations and are often too comprehensive, and insufficiently adapted to the group. This may introduce limitations on several aspects that can be assessed but also biases due to research participation fatigue. New methods are needed to validate shortened and adapted questionnaires for this population. This study aims to present a method on how to shorten validated questionnaires and assure a construct validity when applied to SUD populations. MethodsWe used the data from a nested cohort with responses on a nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9), and Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS) collected from 655 people with SUD in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway, in the period 2016-2020. A total of 225 people filled out FSS-9 and VAFS at least twice. We defined baseline as the first measurement of FSS and VAFS when the measurements were sorted chronologically per participant. A three-step method was used for validation and shortening: Checking of internal consistency; longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis; linear mixed model analysis.ResultsThe internal consistency of FSS-9 was excellent with a Cronbach’s coefficient α on 0.94 at baseline and 0.92 at the second measurement. When shortening FSS-9 to a three-item FSS (FSS-3) (items 5-7), the Cronbach’s coefficient α was 0.87 at baseline and 0.85 at the second measurement. The internal consistency was not affected when VAFS was added to FSS-9 and FSS-3, respectively. The longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis model between baseline and second measurement showed a well-fitted model for FSS-3 (χ2 = 13.33, degree of freedom = 8, P = 0.101) with a correlation on r = 0.52, P < 0.001 between the measurements. The linear mixed model analysis showed equal linear changes at individual level for FSS-3 (slope: 0.00, P > 0.05) and FSS-9 (slope: 0.01, P > 0.05) between the measurements.ConclusionThe ten items could be shortened to a three-item version with excellent validity and reliability. This method could be useful for validating and shortening other questionnaires among patients with SUD and other populations.
Report about the clinical meaning of patients with pathologic metastasis of lateral lymph nodes but no metastasis of mesenteric lymph nodes after lateral lymph node dissection in low rectal cancer
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Zhichun , Zhou Yuanda , Zeng Qingsheng , Zhang Xipeng , Sun Yi 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical significance of lateral lymph node metastasis with no mesenteric lymph node metastasis after lateral lymph node dissection in middle and low rectal cancer .Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 5 consecutive patients who were pathologically diagnosed with lateral lymph node metastasis, while mesenteric lymph node metastasis was not observed after laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection underwent for advanced low rectal cancer from July 2017 to August 2019.Results All the 5 patients were successfully completed laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection, and no cases were transferred to laparotomy.The mean age was 58.80±6.53 years, Two Miles surgeries and three Dixson surgeries were performed.Conclusion We found that some patients had lateral lymph node metastasis, while mesenteric lymph nodes had no metastasis after lateral lymph node dissection.This phenomenon suggests that lateral lymph nodes are one of the important metastasis pathways of low rectal cancer,a new N stage is needed to distinguish it from other types of lymph node metastasis.In addition, LLND is of great significance for the pathological diagnosis of lateral lymph nodes.
A protein interaction map identifies existing drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cava Claudia , Bertoli Gloria , Castiglioni Isabella 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging Betacoronavirus, is the causative agent of COVID-19. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), being the main cell receptor of SARS-CoV-2, plays a role in the entry of the virus into the cell. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs for the treatment and neither preventive drugs such as vaccines. Results: We proposed a bioinformatics analysis in order to test in silico existing drugs as a fast way to identify an efficient therapy. We found differentially expressed genes in COVID-19 patients correlated with ACE-2 and we explored their direct relations with a network approach. Conclusions: In this network we integrated drug-gene interactions and we proposed several drugs with antiviral activity that, alone or in combination with other treatment options, could be considered as therapeutic approaches against COVID-19.
The Clinicopathological Characteristics of Androgen Receptor Splicing Variant 7 (AR-V7) Expression in Patients with Castration Resistance Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhize , Li Qinchen , Shen Haixiang , Wang Chaojun , Xie Liping 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating studies indicate AR-V7 may be related to the poor prognosis of castration resistance prostate cancer (CRPC), while the evidence of the clinicopathological characteristics of AR-V7 is rare. METHODS To evaluate the clinicopathological features of AR-V7 in CRPC patients. A search of PubMed, Embase, and the Web of Science was performed using the keywords prostate cancer, prostate tumor, prostate neoplasm, prostate carcinoma; AR-V7, AR3, androgen receptor splicing variant-7, or androgen receptor-3. Twenty-four trials published due February 2020 were enrolled. RESULTS The proportion of Gleason score ≥ 8 was significantly higher in AR-V7-positive CRPC (69.5%) than negative (54.9%) (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.25–2.25, P<0.001), while the rate of T3/T4 stage (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.60–2.24, P=0.65) and N1 stage (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.65–1.51, P=0.96) were not statistically related to AR-V7 status. AR-V7-ositive patients had a significantly higher proportion of any site metastasis (61.3% versus 35.0%) (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.57–3.05, P<0.001) and bone metastasis (81.7% versus 69.0%) (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.44–2.69, P<0.001), and a trend close to significance was expected in visceral metastasis (28.8% versus 22.1%) (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.96–1.74, P=0.09). The percentage of pain presence in AR-V7-positive CRPC (54.6%) was prominently higher than negative (28.1%) (OR 4.23, 95% CI 2.52–7.10, P<0.001), line with worse ECOG performance status (56.7% versus 35.0%, OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.51–3.16, P<0.001). Limitations of the study include the differences in study sample size and design, AR-V7 detection assay, and disease characteristics. CONCLUSIONS AR-V7 positivity was associated with higher Gleason score, bone or any site metastasis, presence of pain and worse ECOG performance score in CRPC, but not related to tumor stage or lymph node metastasis. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Evaluation of Preventive, Supportive and Awareness Building Measures among International Students in China in Response to COVID-19: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Sarker Tanwne , Sarkar Apurbo , Rabbany Md. Ghulam , Barmon Milon , Roy Rana , Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Hossain Kh Zulfikar , Hoque Fazlul , Asaduzzaman Muhammad 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) with its high mortality, stigma and panic has compelled many cities and countries to complete lockdown. The worldwide student group is one of the most affected and vulnerable communities in this situation. Our current study aimed to assess the impact of the behavior change communication among international students in China in current COVID-19 crisis.Methods In this paper, we have utilized partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to understand the health behaviour changes of international students in China in response to novel Coronavirus outbreak. We mainly analyzed the relationship among the three selected latent variables (preventive, supportive and awareness building) based on a survey among the international students (n=467) in China in February 2020. We obtained their valuable responses regarding level of awareness, satisfaction and trust in authorities (i.e., government, local authorities and institutions) during this emergency period. Results We utilized 22 indicators in the conceptual framework model with the help of Smart PLS 2.0 version software. The lowest average variance extracted (AVE) for all the constructs of our paper exceeded the minimum accepted value of 0.5, representing the adequate convergent validity. Prediction of students’ satisfaction, the key outcome degree of the model, was nearly moderate, with an R2 = 0.507 whereas the prediction of trust in authorities was above substantial, with an R2 = 0.797. Therefore, our PLS-SEM model showed a strong and significant positive association between preventive and supportive measures taken for the study population and gaining trust, awareness and satisfaction in authorities. Conclusions Integrated partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) can be a great way to measure the satisfaction and trust level of various population groups over government, local authorities, and institutions in public health emergency like COVID-19 crisis. We believe that our findings are important for travel and global health perspectives. Other countries can learn and take necessary initiatives for their international students and general public to halt this deadly epidemic with gaining their satisfaction and trust as well.
Motivational nondirective resonance breathing versus transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of fibromyalgia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paccione Charles Ethan , Diep Lien My , Stubhaug Audun , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
BackgroundChronic widespread pain (CWP), including fibromyalgia (FM), affects one in every ten adults and is one of the leading causes of sick leave and emotional distress. Due to an unclear etiology and a complex pathophysiology, FM is a condition with few, if any, effective and safe treatments. However, current research within the field of vagal nerve innervation suggests psychophysiological and electrical means by which FM may be treated. This study will investigate the efficacy of two different non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation techniques for the treatment of FM.MethodsThe study will use a randomized, single blind, sham-controlled design to investigate the treatment efficacy of motivational nondirective resonance breathing (MNRBTM) and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (Nemos® tVNS) on patients diagnosed with FM. Consenting FM patients (N=112) who are referred to the Department of Pain Management and Research at Oslo University Hospital, in Oslo, Norway, will be randomized into one of four independent groups. Half of these participants (N=56) will be randomized to either an experimental tVNS group or a sham tVNS group. The other half (N=56) will be randomized to either an experimental MNRB group or a sham MNRB group. Both active and sham treatment interventions will be delivered twice per day at home, 15 min/morning and 15 min/evening, for a total duration of 2 weeks (14 days). Participants are invited to the clinic twice, once for pre- and once for post-intervention data collection. The primary outcome is changes in photoplethysmography measured heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes include self-reported pain intensity on a numeric rating scale, changes in pain detection threshold, pain tolerance threshold, and pain-pressure limit determined by computerized pressure cuff algometry, blood pressure, and health related quality of life.DiscussionThe described randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of two vagal nerve innervation interventions, MNRB and tVNS, on heart rate variability and pain intensity in patients suffering from FM. This project tests a new and potentially effective means of treating a major public and global health concern where prevalence is high, disability is severe, and treatment options are limited.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03180554; Date of Registration: 08/06/2017
Identification of Drug Targets and Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Wantong Jingu Tablet in Treatment of Rats with Collagen-Induced Arthritis based on 16S rDNA High-Throughput Sequencing and Metabolomic Analysis
Authors: Li Zhaodong , Qi Fangyuan , Li Fan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Wantong Jingu Tablet (WJT), a mixture of traditional Chinese medicine, can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its pharmacological mechanism is unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of WJT for RA in vivo.Methods: The effects of WJT on the joint pathology, and the levels of Bax, Bcl-2,caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, ERK1/2, pERK1/2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were demonstrated based on several experiments in the model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the effect of WJT on the overall structure and composition of gut microbiota. Meanwhile, metabolite changes in faeces were analyzed by metabolomics techniques. Results: The results showed that WJT restored the joint pathology in CIA rats, upregulated Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, downregulated Bcl-2, caspase-3, and pERK1/2, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The overall gut microbial structure in CIA rats was altered after WJT treatment. Three bacterial phyla were prominently restored: Bacteroidetes,Tenericutes and Deferribacteres, and three bacterial genera were significantly reversed: Vibrio, Macrococcus and Vagococcus. Furthermore, five specific metabolites associated with these specific bacterial genera were identified by correlation analysis. In addition, WJT supplement trended to down-regulate the other five metabolites according to metabolomic analyses. Conclusions: These results revealed that WJT restored the pathological changes of RA might through activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, inhibited MEK/ERK signaling, and modulating the special bacteria and the special metabolites.
Effects of Yinzhihuang Granules on Serum Liver Enzymes in Jaundice Patients: A Real-World Study Based on HIS Data
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhang Lidan , Lyu Jian , Xie Yanming , Xie Yuting 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Yinzhihuang granule is a proprietary Chinese medicine to treat jaundice. The formula was derived from Yinchenhao decoction in Zhongjing Zhang’s “Treatise on Febrile Diseases,” which has been used to treat jaundice for more than two thousand years. Yinzhihuang granule has been widely used in China to treat neonatal jaundice; its effectiveness has been confirmed by randomized controlled trials, but there have been only few real-world studies. Electronic medical record is an important source of data for the real-world studies. We previously constructed a data warehouse which integrates real-world electronic medical records from the hospital information system of multiple 3A hospitals in China and then performed a series of beneficial real-world exploratory researches. Our aim was to analyze the influence of yinzhihuang granule on serum liver enzymes in jaundice patients and to provide real-world evidence for the efficacy evaluation of yinzhihuang granule in treating jaundice.Methods: We used a descriptive statistical method to analyze the changes in the serum liver enzymes of the jaundice patients treated with yinzhihuang granules and then used Wilcoxon signed-rank to test the changes in the indicators caused by the treatment.Results: After being treated with yinzhihuang granules, the jaundice patients had a decrease in the average serum levels of total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), but had no significant changes in the average serum levels of direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The data analysis on the real-world electronic medical records demonstrate that yinzhihuang granules help to reduce jaundice patients’ serum levels of total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, but there is no evidence that yinzhihuang granules help to reduce the jaundice patients’ serum levels of direct bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase.
Chinese Formula Ganji Fang Inhibits Tumor Growth Through Regulating Cell Mitosis by Reducing ARPP-19 Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Tang Kaiyue , Yang Lili , Liu Yang , Zhang Yifan , Yang Jinzu , Zheng Peiyong , Song Haiyan 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with high rate of mortality worldwide. Rare effective treatment is available for HCC patients especially at advanced stage. Ganji Fang (GJF), one formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has shown therapeutic effect on HCC in clinical application. This study aims at evaluating the anti-HCC effect and safety of GJF treatment, as well as exploring the potential underlying molecular mechanism by using HCC mouse model. Methods: HepG2 cells were subcutaneously injected into the upper flank of male BALB/c nude mice to establish the HCC Xenograft model. Mice were randomly assigned to three groups, treated respectively with high (GJF-H group) or low dose (GJF-L group) of GJF or vehicle (Control group) via gavage. The tumor volume was detected dynamically. Four weeks later, the weight and proliferation activity of tumors were measured. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 19 (ARPP-19) and the regulated molecules. H&E staining of tissue section of liver and kidney was used to assess the toxicity of the formula. Foe investigation of survival time, SMMC 7721 cells were injected subcutaneously to the BALB/c-nude mice. The tumor-bearing mice were allocated into two groups (Control and GJF-H) and treated as above description. The death number of mice was recorded and the survival time was analyzed.Results: Compared with control, the body weight and activity of GJF-treated mice were improved obviously. No toxic change was observed in tissues of liver and kidney. The tumor volume and weight was significantly down-regulated by GJF dose-dependently. The mice with GJF treatment showed the tendency of prolonging survival time. The proliferation index and PCNA expression in the tumor of GJF group were lower than in control. Furthermore, GJF down-regulated levels of ARPP-19 and phospho-(Ser) CDKs substrates, up-regulated level of inactivated cyclin division cycle 2 (Cdc2). Conclusion: GJF can effectively inhibit tumor growth of HCC and improve the general condition of the nude mouse xenograft model. The mechanism of inhibiting tumor growth is partially related to down-regulating ARPP-19 to inhibit mitosis and cell proliferation of HCC.
Prognostic Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test, Pulmonary Function Test , and Questionnaires on Mortality in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Cheng Yuan-Yang , Lin Shih-Yi , Chang Shin-Tsu , Lin Chu-Hsing , Fu Pin-Kuei 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background and Objective: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung disease with a high mortality rate. Finding an effective predictor of survival is therefore important for clinicians and patients. Several parameters have been established to predict mortality, but none of these have been validated in the Asian population. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of the parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), pulmonary function test (PFT), 6-min walk test (6MWT), and certain questionnaires on mortality in Asian patients with IPF. Methods: This prospective observational study analysed patient data, including age, gender, height, and body weight; scores of Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) for dyspnoea, and Short Form-36 (SF-36); and parameters of PFT, 6MWT, and CPET. Results: In total, 24 patients diagnosed as having IPF were followed up for 14 months, during which 3 patients died. The nonsurvivors had significantly lower body weight; lower forced vital capacity (FVC); higher ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC); higher gender, age, and pulmonary physiology (GAP) index; shorter walk distance in 6MWT; lower end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide (DLCO); higher functional aerobic impairment (FAI) during exercise; and higher mMRC score. FEV1/FVC, FAI, GAP index, and mMRC dyspnoea score demonstrated an area under curve (AUC) of >0.7, and the corresponding cut-off values were 89%, 54%, 7, and 3. Conclusions: The predictive abilities of PFT, CPET, and mMRC scores were validated successfully in the study cohort of Asian patients with IPF.
Effect of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion On Treg And Foxp3 In Patients With Digestive Tract Malignancies And Different Abo Blood Types
Authors: Liu Yajun , Sun Junzhi , Xia Yun , Lyaker Michael R. , Yu Jianshe 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background

Blood transfusion can cause immunosuppression and lead to worse outcomes in patients with digestive tract malignancies; however, the specific mechanism behind this is not completely understood. One theory is that increased numbers of regulatory CD3 + CD4 + CD25 + FOXP3 + T cells (Tregs) and forkhead box protein-3 mRNA (FOXP3) expression in the blood after transfusion contribute to these outcomes. The effect of blood transfusion on immune function in patients with different ABO blood types is variable. This study investigates the effect of intraoperative blood transfusion on the number of Tregs and the expression of FOXP3 in the blood of patients with different ABO blood types and digestive tract malignancies.

Methods

Patients with digestive tract malignancies who underwent radical resection and received intraoperative blood transfusion were divided into four groups according to their blood types:blood group A, B, O and AB (n=20 ). Blood was collected before surgery, immediately after transfusion, 1 day after transfusion, and 5 days after transfusion. The number of Tregs was measured by flow cytometry. The expression of FOXP3 was detected by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results

There was no significant difference in the number of Tregs or expression of FOXP3 mRNA among patients with different blood types before surgery. However, the number of Tregs and the expression of FOXP3 increased after blood transfusion in all blood type groups. This increase was especially evident and statistically significant on the first day after blood transfusion when compared with measures obtained before the surgery. Measures returned to the preoperative level five days after surgery. There were significant differences in the increase of Tregs and expression of FOXP3 among patients with different blood types. The greatest increase was seen in patients with blood group B and the least in blood group A.

Conclusions

Intraoperative blood transfusion can lead to an increase in blood Tregs and FOXP3 expression in patients with digestive tract malignancies. Increases were greatest on the first day after surgery and differed among patients with different blood types. Increases were greatest in blood type B and least in blood type A.