bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the Cellular Mechanism for E2-induced Dermal Fibrosis
Authors: Frost DeAnna Baker , Savchenko Alisa , Ogunleye Adeyemi , Armstrong Milton , Feghali-Bostwick Carol 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Both TGFb and estradiol (E2), a form of estrogen, are pro-fibrotic in the skin. In the connective tissue disease, systemic sclerosis (SSc), both TGFb and E2 are likely pathogenic. Yet, the regulation of TGFb in E2-induced dermal fibrosis remains ill-defined. Elucidating those regulatory mechanisms will improve the understanding of fibrotic disease pathogenesis and set the stage for developing potential therapeutics. Using E2-stimulated primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo, we identified the important regulatory proteins for TGFb and investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) components that are directly stimulated by E2-induced TGFb signaling.Methods: We used primary human dermal fibroblasts in vitro and human skin tissue ex vivo stimulated with E2 or vehicle (ethanol) to measure TGFb1, TGFb2 levels using quantitative PCR (qPCR). To identify the necessary cell signaling proteins in E2-induced TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription, human dermal fibroblasts were pre-treated with an inhibitor of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/ mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway, U0126. Finally, human skin tissue ex vivo was pre-treated with SB-431542, a TGFb receptor inhibitor, to establish the effects of TGFb signaling on E2-induced collagen 22A1 (Col22A1) transcription. Statistical tests used included parametric and non-parametric ANOVA, student’s T-test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Significance was defined as p-value ≤ 0.05.Results: We found that TGFb1, TGFb2, and collagen 22A1 (Col22A1), a TGFb-responsive gene, are induced in response to E2 stimulation. Mechanistically, Col22A1 induction is blocked by the TGFb receptor inhibitor SB-431542, despite E2 stimulation. Additionally, inhibiting E2-induced ERK/MAPK activation and early growth response 1 (EGR1) transcription prevents E2-induced increase in TGFb1 and TGFb2 transcription and translation. Conclusions: We conclude that E2-induced dermal fibrosis occurs in part through induction of TGFb1, 2 and Col22A1, which is regulated through EGR1 and the MAPK pathway. Thus, blocking estrogen signaling and/or production may be a novel therapeutic option in pro-fibrotic diseases.
Persian Version of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF): A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Lamyian Minoor , Ansariniaki Mehri , Ahmadi Fazlollah , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Curry Carolann L. , Barkin Jennifer L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background Postpartum maternal functioning has the potential to affect the quality of interaction between mother and child. A proper assessment of maternal functioning requires a comprehensive and accurate tool. The objective of this study was to prepare a Persian version of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF) and evaluate its psychometric properties in order to determine its applicability in Iranian mothers.Methods The BIMF was translated into Persian and then culturally adapted for Iranian women. After evaluating face and content validity, a cross-sectional study was conducted using the Persian version of BIMF. The data was collected from two unique groups of 250 mothers (in all 500 mothers); the women had infants who were 2 to 12-months old and were selected using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach’s alpha were employed in order to evaluate structural validity and reliability.Results Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a five-factor structure consisting of 20 items. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis (X ²/ df= 1.61, RMSEA = 0.050, GFI = 0.91, CFI = 0.91) confirmed that the Persian version had satisfactory goodness of fit. Reliability and internal consistency were confirmed with a CR of 0.77, an ICC of 0.87 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. Conclusions The findings indicated that the Persian version of the BIMF is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing maternal functioning among Iranian mothers.
WITHDRAWN: A Survey on Local Transport Mode Detection on The Edge
Authors: Kamalian Mahdieh , Ferreira Paulo 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
We present a survey of solutions for smartphone-based transport mode detection. These are divided into local and remote approaches being the first ones addressed in this article. A local approach performs the following steps in the smartphone (and not in some far away cloud server): 1) data collection or sensing, 2) preprocessing, 3) feature extraction, and 4) classification (with a previous machine learning based training phase). Solutions are presented taking into account the above mentioned four steps, and analyzed according to the most relevant requirements (accuracy, delay taken to detect a transport mode, resources consumption, and generalization).
Notch Signaling Slows Down the Progression of Embryonic Myogenic Differentiation in Landrace
Authors: Cai Shufang , Zhu Qi , Hu Bin , Luo Xiaorong , Yuan Renqiang , Liang Feng , Duo Tianqi , Chen Keren , Chen Yaosheng , Mo Delin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
BackgroundDelving into porcine embryonic myogenesis is the key to elucidating the complex regulation of breed-specific differences in growth performance and meat production. Increasing evidence proved that pigs with less meat production showed more intense embryonic myogenesis, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. ResultsIn this study, we confirmed that the differentiation process of myogenic progenitors in Lantang pig (LT, fat) was faster than that in Landrace pig (LR, lean), which resulted in more differentiated myoblasts (Pax7-/MyoD+) but less myogenic progenitors (Pax7+/MyoD-) in LT at 35 days post-conception (35dpc). Additionally, in vitro, embryonic myogenic progenitors isolated from LT showed stronger differentiation capacity with earlier expression of MyoD. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes related to Notch signaling in LR progenitor cells were significantly higher than that of LT, while there was no significant difference between the two breeds in gene expression levels of Wnt and Akt/mTOR pathway. Inhibition of Notch signaling or knockdown of Pax7 promotes myogenic differentiation of primary progenitor cells or myoblasts, while activation of Notch signaling or overexpression of Pax7 has the opposite effects.ConclusionsMyogenic differentiation is more rapid in LT than that in LR at 35dpc. Mechanically, Notch signaling facilitates maintenance of myogenic progenitor cells and antagonizes myogenic differentiation by promoting Pax7 expression but preventing MyoD expression in LR.
Evaluating the Evidence from Molecular Structure and Population Studies for Cross-Resistance to the Pyrethroids Used in Malaria Vector Control
Authors: Moyes Catherine L. , Lees Rosemary S. , Yunta Cristina , Walker Kyle J. , Hemmings Kay , Oladepo Folasade , Hancock Penelope A. , Weetman David , Paine Mark J.I. , Ismail Hanafy M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The primary malaria control intervention in high burden countries is the deployment of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) treated with pyrethroids, alone or in combination with a second active ingredient or synergist. It is essential to understand whether the impact of pyrethroid resistance can be mitigated by switching between different pyrethroids or whether cross-resistance precludes this. Structural diversity within the pyrethroids could mean some compounds are better able to counteract the resistance mechanisms that have evolved in malaria vectors. Here we consider variation in vulnerability to the P450 enzymes that confer metabolic pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Anopheles funestus. We assess the relationships among pyrethroids in terms of their binding affinity to key P450s and the percent dep­letion by these P450s, in order to identify which pyrethroids diverge from the others. We then investigate whether these same pyrethroids also diverge from the others in terms of resistance in vector populations. We found that etofenprox, which lacks the common structural moiety of other pyrethroids, potentially diverges from the commonly deployed pyrethroids in terms of P450 binding affinity and resistance in malaria vector populations, but not depletion by the P450s tested. These results are supplemented by an analysis of resistance to the same pyrethroids in Aedes aegypti populations, which also found etofenprox diverges from the other pyrethroids in terms of resistance in wild populations. In addition, we found that bifenthrin, which also lacks the common structural moiety of most pyrethroids, diverges from the commonly deployed pyrethroids in terms of P450 binding affinity and depletion by P450s. However, resistance to bifenthrin in vector populations is largely untested. The prevalence of resistance to the pyrethroids α-cypermethrin, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and permethrin was correlated across malaria vector populations and switching between these compounds as a tool to mitigate against pyrethroid resistance is not advised without strong evidence supporting a true difference in resistance.
Validation and Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Evidence Based Practice Attitudes Scale (EBPAS-36D)
Authors: Szota Katharina , Thielemann Jonathan , Christiansen Hanna , Rye Marte , Aarons Gregory A. , Barke Antonia 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP) in mental health care confers many benefits to patients, and research into factors facilitating the implementation of EBP is needed. As an important factor affecting the implementation of EBP, service providers’ attitudes towards EBP emerged. The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS-36) is an instrument with good psychometric characteristics that measures positive and ambivalent attitudes towards EBP. However, a German version is missing. The present study therefore aims to provide a validated German translation of the EBPAS-36.Methods: The scale was translated and back-translated as recommended by standard procedures. To evaluate the psychometric properties of the translated version, German psychotherapists (N = 599) were recruited to participate in an online survey. They provided demographic and professional information, completed the EBPAS-36, the Implementation Climate Scale (ICS) and the Intention Scale for Providers (ISP). Standard item and reliability analyses and exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) in two subsamples (random split) were conducted and correlations with demographic and professional characteristics calculated.Results: The item analyses showed a mean item difficulty of pi = .64, a mean inter-item correlation of r = .18, and a mean item-total correlation of ritc = .40. The internal consistency was very good for the total score (α = .89) and ranged from adequate to very good for the subscales (.65 – .89), indicating high reliability. The original factor structure showed an acceptable model fit (RMSEA = .064 (90% CI = .059–.068); SRMR = .0922; AIC = 1400.77), confirming the 12-factor structure of the EBPAS-36. However, a second-order factor structure derived by the EFA had an even better model fit (RMSEA = .057 (90% CI = .052–.062); SRMR = .0822; AIC = 1274.56). When the EBPAS-36 was entered in a hierarchical regression model with the criterion Intention to use EBP, the EBPAS-36 contributed significantly to the prediction (Change in R2 = .28, p < .001) over and above gender, age and working in science.Conclusions: The present study confirms good psychometric properties and validity of a German version of the EBPAS-36 in a sample of psychotherapists.
Clinical severity of COVID-19 and general characteristics of Koreans
Authors: Paik Jean Kyung , Kwak Jung Hyun 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations between clinical severity of COVID-19 and general characteristics of the subjects using epidemiological data of 5,601 patients with confirmed COVID-19 in Korea. The subjects of this study were diagnosed with COVID-19 from January 20 to April 30, 2020. The subjects of this study acquired information on patients with confirmed COVID-19 from the Korea Disease Control & Prevention Agency, National Medical Center and the Health Information Manager in hospitals. We found that severity of COVID-19 was greater among patients aged > 60 years, with obesity, clinical symptoms, respiratory diseases, kidney disease, and other diseases (chronic liver disease, rheumatism/autoimmune disease, and dementia). Among the variables, women had reduced clinical severity of COVID-19. Therefore, people with these factors are more susceptible to COVID-19, and they require special attention.
Preoperative positive voided urine cytology predicts poor clinical outcomes in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing nephroureterectomy
Authors: Liu Wen , Wang Zhankun , Liu Shuai , Yao Yu , Liu Yong , Zhang Guiming 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: Performance of urinary cytology is recommended as the part of a standard diagnostic workup and base surveillance regimens in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). However, the effect of positive voided urine cytology (VUC) on UTUC prognosis, compared with negative VUC, has not been fully demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative VUC on predicting intravesical recurrence, disease recurrence, and mortality in patients with UTUC who underwent nephroureterectomy (RNU).Methods: Clinicopathological information was collected from 315 UTUC patients treated with RNU. The association between VUC and oncological outcomes was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influence of VUC on tumor grade.Results: Preoperative positive VUC, presenting in 101 patients (32%), was significantly associated with tumor multifocality (P = 0.017) and higher tumor grade (P = 0.010). On multivariable Cox regression analyses, preoperative positive VUC was an independent prognostic factor of intravesical recurrence-free survival (RFS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–4.64; P = 0.035), RFS (HR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.08–2.99; P = 0.023), and cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.10–3.18; P = 0.020), but not overall survival (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 0.80–2.18; P = 0.28). Logistic regression analysis revealed that VUC was related to high tumor grade in UTUC (odds ratio = 2.23, 95%CI 1.15–4.52).Conclusion: Preoperative positive VUC significantly increases the risk of intravesical recurrence in UTUC patients undergoing RNU. In addition, positive VUC is an adverse predictor of RFS and CSS, which might be due to the association between positive VUC and high tumor grade.
Giving women WOICE postpartum: Prevalence of maternal morbidity in high-risk pregnancies using the WHO-WOICE instrument
Authors: Lamus Martha Narvaez , Lozano Stephanie , MPoca Charles , Guida Jose Paulo , Parpinelli Mary Angela , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Vidarte Maria Escobar , Say Lale , Chou Doris , Costa Maria Laura 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: There are no accurate estimates of the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities. Given the lack of instruments to fully assess these morbidities, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed an instrument called WOICE. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of non-severe maternal morbidities in puerperal women and factors associated to impaired clinical, social and mental health conditions. Method: A cross-sectional study with postpartum women at a high-risk outpatient clinic in southeast Brazil, from November 2017 to December 2018. The WOICE questionnaire included three sections: the first with maternal and obstetric history, sociodemographic data, risk and environment factors, violence and sexual health; the second considers functionality and disability, general symptoms and mental health; and the third includes data on physical and laboratory tests. Data collection was supported by Tablets with REDCAP software. Initially, a descriptive analysis was performed, with general prevalence of all variables contained in the WOICE, including scales on anxiety and depression (GAD-7 and PHQ-9- altered if ≥10), functionality (WHODAS- altered when ≥37.4) and data on violence and substance use. Subsequently, an evaluation of cases with positive findings was performed, with a Poisson regression to investigate factors associated to impaired non-clinical and clinical conditions. Results: 517 women were included, majority (54.3%) multiparous, between 20 and 34 years (65.4%) and with a partner (75,6%). Over a quarter had (26.2%) preterm birth. Around a third (30.2%) reported health problems informed by the physician, although more than 80% considered having good or very good health. About 10% reported any substance use and 5.9% reported exposure to violence. Anxiety was identified in 19.8% of cases, depression in 36.9% and altered functioning in 4.4% of women. Poisson regression identified that poor overall health rating was associated to increased anxiety/depression and impaired functioning. Having a partner reduced perception of women on the presence of clinical morbidities. Conclusion: During postpartum care of a high-risk population, over one third of the considered women presented anxiety and depression; 10% reported substance use and around 6% exposure to violence. These aspects of women´s health need further evaluation and specific interventions to improve quality of care.
Accuracy of telephone triage in patients suspected of transient ischaemic attack or stroke: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Erkelens Daphne Carmen , Rutten Frans H. , Wouters Loes T. , Dolmans L. Servaas , de Groot Esther , Damoiseaux Roger A. , Zwart Dorien L. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background: The Netherlands Triage Standard (NTS) is a widely used decision support tool for telephone triage at Dutch out-of-hours primary care services (OHS-PC), which, however, has never been validated against clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the accuracy of the NTS urgency allocation for patients with neurological symptoms suggestive of a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke, with the clinical outcomes TIA, stroke, and other (neurologic) life-threatening events (LTEs) as the reference.Method: A cross-sectional study of telephone triage recordings of patients with neurological symptoms calling the OHS-PC between 2014 and 2016.The allocated NTS urgencies were derived from the electronic medical records of the OHS-PC. The clinical outcomes were retrieved from the electronic medical records of the patients’ own general practitioners. The accuracy of a high NTS urgency allocation (medical help within three hours) was calculated in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) with the clinical outcomes TIA/stroke/other LTEs as the reference.Results: Of 1,269 patients, 635 (50.0%) received the diagnosis TIA/stroke (34.2% TIA/minor stroke, 15.8% major ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke), and 4.8% other LTEs. For TIA/stroke/other LTEs, the sensitivity and specificity of the NTS urgency allocation were 0.72 (95%CI 0.68-0.75) and 0.48 (95%CI 0.43-0.52), and the PPV and NPV were 0.62 (95%CI 0.60-0.64) and 0.58 (95%CI 0.54-0.62).Conclusions: The NTS decision support tool used in Dutch OHS-PC performed poor to moderately regarding safety (sensitivity) and efficiency (specificity) in allocating adequate urgencies to patients with and without TIA/stroke/other LTEs.
Improving the transition process to independent living for adolescents with profound intellectual disabilities. Experiences of parents and employees.
Authors: Roos Eirik , Sondenaa Erik 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Background

The transition process from the family home to independent living for young adults with profound intellectual disability (PID) becomes delayed. Those families face challenges that exceed those of typical families such as higher objective and subjective burden, more frequent psychological distress and lower social support. The aim of this study was to explore the collaboration process between parents and employees and identify factors that improve the transition with less burden.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 18 persons (9 parents and 9 employees) interviewed individually and in groups. In accordance with the municipality`s guidelines, families with a child with PID should apply for housing, when the child turns 16. The purpose is to ensure interdisciplinary collaboration, information flow and coordinated services according to family’s needs. The main question in the interviews was ‘What was your experience with cooperation in the transition process, and what would you do to improve this process?’ The interviews were analysed with a thematic approach using systematic text-condensation.

Results

The parents experienced a lack of general information about the ‘housing waiting list’, level of services, and the plan for time of moving from the family home, and how to choose where and whom to live with. Parents described that they had an unsustainable burden of care during the waiting period, and a family crisis caused the allocation of an apartment in a group house. Employees shared challenges to meet families’ wishes, as there were too few group homes. They experienced good collaboration with families and said they offered respite care, due to reduce parents’ burden of care. Employees experienced that PID children developed skills, mastery and degrees of independence after completing a residency at the Folk High School.

Conclusions

To improve the transition process from family home to independent living for young adults with PID, the informants highlighted some factors to reduce the burden of care on families: 1) Systematic follow-up program for families to observe their needs at an early stage; 2) More available group houses; 3) Information about the housing priorities of the services and; 4) Educational preparation programs for families.