bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle strength and its association with health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity
Authors: Yang Sen , Chen Can , Du Shiyu , Tang Yong , Li Kai , Yu Xueke , Tan Jiulin , Zhang Chengmin , Rong Zhigang , Xu Jianzhong , Wu Wenjie , Luo Fei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: A considerable portion of the elderly population are increasingly afflicted by degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), which seriously affects patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL index is used across many studies to show correlations between radio-graphical alignment, disability, and pain in patients with DSD. However, imaged structural deformity represents only one aspect for consideration, namely, the disability effect of DSD. We assessed the isokinetic strength of trunk muscle in patients with degenerative spinal deformity (DSD), and investigated its relationship with HRQoL.Methods: In total, 38 patients with DSD (DSD group) and 32 healthy individuals (control group) were recruited. Both groups were homogeneous for age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI). Assessments were performed using the isokinetic dynamometer IsoMed-2000; trunk extensor, flexor strength and flexion/extension (F/E) ratios were explored concentrically at speeds of 30°, 60° and 120° per second. The grip strength of both hands was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a Roland-Morris disability questionnaire (RDQ), and a 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) evaluated patient HRQoL. Correlations between trunk strength and HRQoL were analyzed.Results: When compared with the control group, the DSD group showed lower trunk extensor strength at three velocity movements, and higher F/E ratios at 60° and 120°/s (p < 0.05). Both groups exhibited similar trunk flexor strength and grip strength (p > 0.05). In DSD group，trunk extensor strength at 60°/s was negatively associated with ODI and RDQ (p < 0.05). A negative relationship between trunk flexor strength at 120°/s and ODI was also recorded (p < 0.05). In addition, trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s were positively correlated with physical functioning and role-physical scores according to the SF-36 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We identified isolated trunk extensor myopathy in DSD, which causes an imbalance in trunk muscle strength. Isokinetic trunk extensor strength at 60°/s and trunk flexor strength at 120°/s can predict disability, and decrease physical HRQoL in DSD patients.
Accelerated fetal growth in early pregnancy and risk of preterm birth: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Elenis Evangelia , Wikström Anna-Karin , Simic Marija 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Preterm birth (occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation) affects 15 million infants annually, 7.5% of which die due to related complications. The detection and early diagnosis are therefore paramount in order to prevent the development of prematurity and its consequences. So far, focus has been laid on the association between reduced intrauterine fetal growth during late gestation and prematurity. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association between accelerated fetal growth in early pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 69 617 singleton pregnancies without congenital malformations and with available biometric measurements during the first and second trimester. Estimation of fetal growth was based on measurements of biparietal diameter (BPD) at first and second trimester scan. We investigated the association between accelerated fetal growth and preterm birth prior to 37 weeks of gestation. The outcome was further stratified into very preterm birth (before 32 weeks of gestation) or moderate preterm birth (between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation) and medically induced or spontaneous preterm birth and was further explored. Results: The odds of prematurity were increased among fetuses with accelerated BPD growth (> 90th centile) estimated between first and second ultrasound scan, even after adjustment for possible confounders (aOR 1.36; 95% CI 1.20-1.54). The findings remained significant what regards moderate preterm births but not very preterm births. Regarding medically induced preterm birth, the odds were found to be elevated in the group of fetuses with accelerated growth in early pregnancy (aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.11-1.63). On the contrary, fetuses with delayed fetal growth exhibited lower odds for both overall and spontaneous preterm birth.Conclusions: Fetuses with accelerated BPD growth in early pregnancy, detected by ultrasound examination during the second trimester, exhibited increased odds of being born preterm. The findings of the current study suggest that fetal growth in early pregnancy should be taken into account when assessing the risk for preterm birth.
Dust storm activity in Tianwen-1 mission’s tentative landing area (Chryse) ： MGS-MOC observations from Mars year 24-28
Authors: Li Bo , Yao Peiwen , Zhang Jiang , Yue Zongyu , Li Chenfan , Wang Biao , Fu Xiaohui , Ling Zongcheng , Chen Shengbo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Dust storms, observed in all seasons, are among the most momentous Mars atmosphere activities. The Entry-Descent-Landing (EDL) activity of a Martian landing mission is influenced by local atmospheric conditions, especially the dust storm activity probability. It is of great significance to know well the dust storm situation that China's first Mars mission (Tianwen-1) may encounter in EDL season in the Chryse landing area, one of the tentative landing areas. Firstly, based on four Martian years’ Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC) Mars Daily Global Maps (MDGMs), 1172 dust storms were identified within Chryse’s 1600 km radius ring with their shape parameters extracted, including center, range and area. Secondly, the daily mean dust storm probability was calculated binned by 1° of solar longitude in the Chryse landing area during EDL season. Dust storm activity frequency was closely interrelated with the seasonal ebb and flow of the arctic polar ice cap, consequently, most of dust storms occurring in either the cap’s grow or the recession phase. The dust storm activity in the Chryse landing area mainly came from the northern polar cap region, Acidalia and Chryse, with some contribution from the southern hemisphere (Argyre and Bosporos) northward. Thirdly, we divided the Chryse landing area into many square grids of 0.5° and computed the average occurrence probability of dust storm in each grid during EDL season. The dust storm activity probability in space was also in-homogeneous, low in the west and south but high in the east and north, which was mainly affected by the origin and the path of dust storm sequence. Finally, according to the temporal and spatial probability of dust storm activity in the Chryse landing area during EDL season, we held that the preferred landing time of the Tianwen-1 mission in 2021 was in Ls=18°-65° and three preferred landing areas were selected with low dust storm probability.
Validation of Living with Chronic Illness Scale in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus population
Authors: Caro-Bautista Jorge , Rodriguez-Blazquez Carmen , Perez-Manchon David , Timonet Eva , Carvajal Gloria , Fuentes-Ramirez Alejandra , Corchon Silvia , Aranda-Gallardo Marta , Ambrosio Leire 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Worldwide, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases and one of those producing greatest impact on patients’ day-to-day quality of life. Our study aim is to validate the “Living with Chronic Illness Scale” for a Spanish-speaking T2DM population.Methods: In this observational, international, cross-sectional study, 582 persons with T2DM were recruited in primary care and outpatient hospital consultations, in Spain and Colombia, during the period from May 2018 to June 2019. The properties analysed were feasibility/acceptability, internal consistency, reliability, precision and (structural) content-construct validity including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The COSMIN checklist was used to assess the methodological/psychometric quality of the instrument.Results: The scale had an adequate internal consistency and test retest reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90; intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96, respectively). In addition, the instrument is precise (standard error of measurement = 3.34, with values <½SD = 8.52) and correlates positively with social support (DUFSS) (rs = 0.56), quality of life (WHOQOL) (rs = 0.51-0.30) and satisfaction (SLS-6) (rs = 0.50-0.38). The original 26-items version of the scale did not support totally the CFA. The COSMIN checklist is favourable for all the properties analysed, although weaknesses are detected for structural validity.Conclusions: The LW-CI-T2DM is a valid, reliable and accurate instrument for use in clinical practice to determine how a person’s life is affected by the presence of diabetes. This instrument correlates well with the associated constructs of social support, quality of life and satisfaction. Additional research is needed to determine how well the questionnaire structure performs when robust factor analysis methods are applied.
Exploring natural allelic variations of the β-triketone herbicide resistance gene HIS1 for application in indica rice and particularly in two-line hybrid rice
Authors: Lv Qiming , Zhang Xiuli , Yuan Dingyang , Huang Zhiyuan , Peng Rui , Peng Jiming , Li Zuren , Tang Li , Liu Ducai , Zhou Xiaomao , Wang Lifeng , Pan Lang , Shao Ye , Mao Bigang , Xin Yeyun , Zhu Lihuang , Zhao Bingran , Bai Lianyang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Benzobicyclon (BBC) is a β-triketone herbicide (bTH) used in rice paddy fields. It has the advantages of high efficiency, low toxicity, high crop safety, and good environmental compatibility, and shows efficacy against paddy weeds resistant to other types of herbicides. However, as some important indica rice varieties are susceptible to BBC, BBC is currently only registered and applied in japonica rice cultivation areas.Results: By analyzing haplotypes of the bTHs broad-spectrum resistance gene HIS1 and phenotypes for BBC in 493 major indica rice accessions in China, we identified a novel non-functional allelic variant of HIS1 in addition to the previously reported 28-bp deletion. Through detection with markers specific to the two non-functional mutations, it was clear that 25.4% of indica conventional varieties, 59.9% of fertility restorers, and 15.9% of sterile lines were susceptible to BBC. In addition, due to natural allelic variations of the HIS1 gene in the sterile and restorer lines, some two-line hybrid sterile lines were sensitive to bTHs, and the corresponding restorers were resistant. We showed the potential effectiveness of using bTHs to address the issue of two-line hybrid rice seed purity stemming from the self-crossing of sterile lines during hybrid rice seed production. Finally, allelic variations of the HIS1 gene may also play an important role in the mechanized seed production of hybrid rice.Conclusions: Our findings offer guidance for the application of BBC in indica rice areas and provide a non-transgenic approach to address the seed purity issue of two-line hybrid rice.
Shotgun Metagenomic Analysis Reveals New Insights into Bacterial Community Profiles in Tempeh
Authors: Yulandi Adi , Suwanto Antonius , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Wahyudi Aris Tri 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Amplicon sequencing targeting 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has been widely used to profile the microbial community from fermented food samples. However, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) steps on amplicon sequencing analysis and intragenomic heterogeneity within 16S rRNA are believed to contribute to bias in estimating microbial community composition. As potential paraprobiotics sources, a comprehensive profiling study of tempeh microbial ecology could contribute to tempeh product development. This study employed a shotgun metagenomic approach, where metagenome fragments from tempeh samples were sequenced directly for taxonomic and functional profiling analysis.Results: Taxonomic profiling showed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were the dominant phyla from the shotgun metagenomic analysis in all tempeh samples. In terms of composition, this shotgun metagenomic study revealed that Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum. Functional profiling showed that iron complex outer-membrane recepter protein (KEGG ID: K02014) was the most transcribed gene based on this metagenomic analysis. The metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) results from the binning pipeline could reveal almost complete whole genome sequence of Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterococcus cecorum, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
On Jones et al.’s method for extending Bland-Altman plots to limits of agreement with the mean for multiple observers
Authors: Christensen Heidi S. , Borgbjerg Jens , Børty Lars , Bøgsted Martin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background To assess the agreement of continuous measurements between a number of observers, Jones et al. introduced limits of agreement with the mean (LOAM) for multiple observers, representing how much an individual observer can deviate from the mean measurement of all observers. Besides the graphical visualisation of LOAM, suggested by Jones et al., it is desirable to supply LOAM with confidence intervals and to extend the method to the case of multiple measurements per observer.Methods We reformulate LOAM under the assumption the measurements follow an additive two-way random effects model. Assuming this model, we provide estimates and confidence intervals for the proposed LOAM. Further, this approach is easily extended to the case of multiple measurements per observer.Results The proposed method is applied on two data sets to illustrate its use. Specifically, we consider agreement between measurements regarding tumour size and aortic diameter. For the latter study, three measurement methods are considered. Conclusions The proposed LOAM and the associated confidence intervals are useful for assessing agreement between continuous measurements.
Scaling-up community self-reporting rate for COVID-19: Implication for assessing the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Babatunde Olaniyan Akintunde , Amifofun Owoicho Samuel , Sola Sunday Thomas , Akande Abayomi , Besong Mathias , Yesufu Baqiah Morenike , Akanbi Ibukun Mary , Dairo Magbagbeola David 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging public health problem with over forty-four million confirmed infections globally. Previous studies showed that stigma impedes response activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the perceived stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors among residents of Agege local government, Lagos State, Nigeria. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 333 consenting residents recruited from Agege local government using a multi-stage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on perceived stigmatization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done using Chi-square and logistic regression respectively.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 35.7 ± 13.6 years. The proportion of respondents with poor knowledge was 50.5% and awareness for COVID-19 was 95.2%. Television and radio were the two major sources of awareness for COVID-19. A higher likelihood of perceived stigmatization was found among those aged 25 – 49 years (aOR= 3.1, 95% CI = 1.4 – 6.7), ≥ 50 years (aOR= 2.1, 95% CI = 1.1 – 3.9) and married respondents (aOR= 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1 – 2.9). To reduce the effect of stigmatization, we recommend a holistic response plan designed with basic facts about COVID-19 using programmes targeting married respondents as well as the adults.
Patient preferences on rheumatoid arthritis second-line treatment: A discrete choice experiment of Swedish patients
Authors: Bywall Karin Schölin , Kihlbom Ulrik , Hansson Mats , Falahee Marie , Raza Karim , Baecklund Eva , Veldwijk Jorien 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: Preference assessments of patients with rheumatoid arthritis can support clinical therapeutic decisions for including biologic and targeted synthetic medicines to use. This study assesses patient preferences for attributes of second-line therapies and heterogeneity within these preferences to estimate the relative importance of treatment characteristics and to calculate the minimum benefit levels patients require to accept higher levels of side effects.Methods: Between November 2018 to August 2019, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were recruited to a survey containing demographic and disease-related questions as well as a discrete choice experiment to measure their preferences for second-line therapies using biologics or Janus kinases inhibitors. Treatment characteristics included were route of administration, frequency of use, probability of mild short-term side effects, probability of side effects changing appearance, probability of psychological side effects, probability of severe side effects, and effectiveness of treatment.Results: A total of 358 patients were included in the analysis. A latent class analysis revealed three preference patterns. 1) Treatment effectiveness as the single most important attribute. 2) Route of administration as the most important attribute, closely followed by frequency of use and psychological side effects. 3) Severe side effects as the most important attribute followed by psychological side effects. In addition, disease duration and mild side effects influenced the patients’ choices.Conclusion: Respondents found either effectiveness, route of administration or severe side effects as the most important attribute. Patients noting effectiveness as most important were more willing than other patients to accept higher risks of side effects.
Associations of dietary inflammatory index, serum levels of MCP-1 and body composition in Iranian overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atieh , Rashidbeygi Elahe , Badrooj Negin , Sajjadi Seyedeh Forough , Setayesh Leila , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Keshavarz Seyed Ali , Shiraseb Farideh , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective: Although, several studies have illustrated that there is a relation between dietary inflammatory index (DII) with obesity-related parameters, and inflammation, their results were controversial. This study aimed to investigate this relationship among Iranian women.Results: Multivariable linear regression showed that fat mass was 0.14 kg lower in the anti-inflammatory diet group, with respect to the pro-inflammatory group, after adjusting covariates such as age, physical activity, economic and job status (β = -0.142, 95% CI -4.44, -1.71, P = 0.03). Fat-free mass (FFM) was 1.5 kg more in the anti-inflammatory diet group, compared to the pro-inflammatory diet group, after adjusting for potentials cofounders (β = 1.50, 95% CI 0, 3.01, p = 0.05). Furthermore, after adjusting for potentials cofounders, it was revealed that the subjects with lower DII had lower monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in serum (β = -18.81, 95% CI -35.84, -1.79, p = 0.03). These findings suggest an inverse and significant relationship between DII and FFM and also DII is directly related to Fat mass and the level of MCP-1. This finding can be used for developing interventions that aim to promote healthy eating to prevent inflammation and non-communicable disease development among obese females.
Guangzhou Tongcao painting in late China Qing Dynasty（1840—1912 AD）: technology revealed by Analytical Approaches
Authors: Zhang Chan , Huang Jianbin , Zhu Tiequan , Zhang Ronglin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Guangzhou Tongcao painting in Qing Dynasty of China witnessed the exchange of economy, culture, art and technology between China and foreign countries, which was an important exported product in historical China. In this paper, by using Optical Stereo Microscope, Polarized Light Microscope, Scanning Electron Microscope attached Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy and micro confocal laser Raman Spectroscope, a Qing Dynasty Tongcao painting with the subject of family life of an official's female relative was analyzed. Our study revealed that: 1) the hexagonal cell morphology which was easily observed in the Tongcao pith could contain more pigments and increase the stereo sense of painting, and the cell of historical Tongcao pith had started to degrade, which indicated an urgent requirement on conservation of Tongcao painting; 2) alum was needed as the fixing agent in the preparation of pigments and the painting process; 3) both the China domestic pigments including red lead, calcite, lead white, carbon black and gamboge, and the synthetic pigments imported from Europe (synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green) were applied in this painting, which reflected the bi-directional communication of culture and technology between China and western world. Meanwhile, the existence of synthetic ultramarine, prussian blue and emerald green was helpful to further identify the production date of this painting to late Qing Dynasty, mainly the mid-late 19th century.
Restoration of non-structural damaged murals in Shenzhen Bao’an based on a generator–discriminator network
Authors: Li Jiao , Wang Huan , Deng Zhiqin , Pan Mingtao , Chen Honghai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Shenzhen is a modern metropolis, but it hides a variety of valuable cultural heritage, such as ancient murals. How to effectively preserve and repair the murals is a worthy of discussion question. Here, we propose a generation-discriminator network model based on artificial intelligence algorithms to perform digital image restoration of ancient damaged murals. In adversarial learning, this study optimizes the discriminative network model. First, the real mural images and damaged images are spliced together as input to the discriminator network. The network uses a 5-layer encoder unit to down-sample the 1024 x 1024 x 3 image to 32 x 32 x 256. Then, we connect a layer of ZeroPadding2D to expand the image to 34 x 34 x 256, and pass the Conv2D layer, down-sample to 31 x 31 x 256, perform batch normalization, and repeat the above steps to get a 30 x 30 x 1 matrix. Finally, this part of the loss is emphasized in the loss function as needed to improve the texture detail information of the image generated by the Generator. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional algorithm, the PSNR value of the algorithm proposed in this paper can be increased by 5.86 db at most. The SSIM value increased by 0.13. Judging from subjective vision. The proposed algorithm can effectively repair damaged murals with dot-like damage and complex texture structures. The algorithm we proposed may be helpful for the digital restoration of ancient murals, and may also provide reference for mural restoration workers.