bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lifestyle Habits of Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Cyprus: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kolokotroni Ourania , Mosquera Maria , Quattrocchi Annalisa , Heraclides Alexandros , Demetriou Christiana , Elena Philippou 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and widespread control measures disrupted efforts to address lifestyle risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCD). This study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 lockdown on all lifestyle medicine pillars.Methods This was a cross-sectional study on a convenient sample of adults residing in Cyprus during the Spring 2020 lockdown. Participants completed an anonymous online questionnaire incorporating six validated tools regarding the following lifestyle behaviours before and during lockdown: adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, stress and social support levels, sleep pattern and use of risky substances such as smoking and alcohol. Median total scores for each lifestyle pillar before and during lockdown were compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and stratified analyses for sociodemographic characteristics were performed.Results Of 745 participants, 74% were female and median age was 39 years. Overall participants reported significantly higher perceived stress score (22 v 25, p<0.01), lower social support score (71 v 68, p<0.001), and worse sleep quality score (4 v 5, p<0.01) during lockdown. Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence was moderate and increased significantly only in those practicing religious fasting (score of 6 v 7, p<0.01). Total minutes spent sitting increased (120 v 180, p<0.01) although overall physical activity score did not significantly change. Smoking intensity increased during lockdown whilst frequency of alcohol consumption decreased (ptrend=0.03 and <0.01, respectively). ConclusionLifestyle was adversely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown in Cyprus. Evidence from this study supports development of holistic lifestyle interventions during and following the pandemic to reduce short and long-term NCD risks by building on lifestyle behaviour strengths and addressing longstanding and emerging gaps and needs.
Gender Differences in the Psychometric Characteristics of the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury in A Community Adolescent Sample
Authors: Reinhardt Melinda , Kökönyei Gyöngyi , Drubina Boglárka , Urbán Róbert 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) is a psychometrically valid tool to evaluate the motives of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), but there is a lack of investigations which could test gender differences in the factor structure of the measurement. However, several differences across gender were identified in self-harm (e.g., in prevalence, methods, functions). Therefore, our study focused on further analyses of the dimensionality of the ISAS functions. Methods: On a Hungarian adolescent sample (N=1015; 66.1% girl; mean age was 16.81, SD=1.42; 41.2% had a history of NSSI) confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling frameworks were used to test the factor structure of the ISAS part II. Results: Results support the two-factor structure of the questionnaire. Intrapersonal and interpersonal motivation factors emerged in the whole sample, but this factor structure varied across gender. Furthermore, among girls, intrapersonal motivation of NSSI associated with higher loneliness, more inflexible emotion regulation, as well as more pronounced level of internalizing and externalizing mental illness symptoms. Conclusions: Our findings are sufficiently strong arguments to the need of separate examination of NSSI functionality among adolescent girls and boys. It can be assumed that there is a gender difference in the motives underlying in NSSI. In addition, precise scanning of patterns of NSSI functions may further help us to identify the most at-risk adolescents regarding self-harm.
A Randomised Computer-assisted Rehabilitation Trial of Attention in Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: A Post-hoc Analysis.
Authors: Simone Marta , Viterbo Rosa Gemma , Margari Lucia , Iaffaldano Pietro 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cognitive decline is one of the most remarkable features of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and particularly in pediatric onset MS (POMS). The Simbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), a simple, brief measure of information processing speed (IPS) has been proposed and it is increasingly used to explore cognitive functions in MS clinical trials. Recently a 4-point worsening on the SDMT score has been demonstrated to significantly correlate with a clinically meaningful cognitive decline.Methods: The primary objective of this post-hoc analysis of a randomised computer-assisted rehabilitation trial for attention impairment in POMS was to test the clinical meaningfulness of the changes of SDMT scores by applying a 4-point SDMT cut-off. POMS exposed to specific computer training (ST) and nonspecific training (nST) were compared. All analyses were post hoc and not pre-specified. To evaluate the clinical meaningfulness of longitudinal changes over time of the SDMT in the ST and nST groups we applied a categorization of the delta SDMT scores (delta SDMT: SDMT score at T1 – SDMT score at T0) as follow: between -3 and 3 = not clinically significant; ≤ - 4 = clinically significant worsening; ≥ 4 = clinically significant improvement. The proportion of patients reporting a clinically significant SMDT improvement were compared between the 2 groups by using the chi-square test.Results: Twenty-five % of POMS reported no clinically significant changes, 12.5% a clinically significant worsening and 62.5% patients a clinically significant improvement in the SDMT score at the end of the training program. The proportion of patients reporting a clinically significant improvement of the SDMT was significantly (p=0.008) higher (100%) in patients exposed to the ST in comparison to that (25%) in nST group. Conclusions: In our RCT the use of the 4-point SDMT cut-off allows us to demonstrate the clinical meaningfulness of the results obtained by a home-based computerized program for retraining attention dysfunction in POMS patients with attention impairment. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical validity of this cut-off and its applicability in the routine clinical practice setting
A Facilitated Gas Transport Strategy: 3D Porous Hyper-crosslinked Polymers Incorporating 6FDA-based Polyimide Matrix for the Design and Fabrication of Mixed Matrix Membranes with High Permeability
Authors: Chen Zan , Peng Longfei , Li Yinhui , Li Weixin , Duan Cuijia , Yuan Biao , Yan Shuo 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Economic membrane technologies are a perennial hot topic in the field of natural gas purification and O2 enrichment. In this work, novel hyper cross-linked polymers (HCPs) incorporating 6-FDA based polyimide (PI) MMMs were prepared via a casting method for enhancing different gas transport (CO2, CH4, O2, and N2). The gas permeation experiments showed that compared with pure PI films, adding HCPs effectively promotes gas transport, increases gas permeability, and maintains ideal selectivity. The permeability of HCPs/PI MMMs toward CO2 and O2 was as high as 105.85 barrer and 24.03 barrer, respectively, and the ideal selectivity of CO2/CH4 and O2/N2 was 15.67 and 3.00, respectively. Molecular dynamic simulations further verified that adding HCPs was beneficial to gas transport thanks to large FFV of MMMs. Thus, HCPs have potential utility in the fabrication of MMMs for facilitating gas transport in the field of natural gas purification and O2 enrichment.
Birthweight Percentiles for Twins Based on Sex and Chorionicity in the South of China
Authors: Liu Qian , Wen Jiying , Fang Liyuan , Huang Yanlin , Rao Tengzi , Shi Xiaomei , Wu Jing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Birthweight percentile chart for different gestational age was served as an essential tool in the appropriate evaluation of neonates. Such percentile chart for twins based on different chrionicity were less reported. The aim of this study was to construct up-to-data sex specific twin neonates birth weight references by gestational ages based on different chorionicity in South of China. We retrospectively analysis 3431 twins birthweight born between 25 weeks and 40 weeks gestational age based on sex and chrionicity between 2015 to 2020 in local hospital. The smoothed birthweight percentile curves were conducted through the method, Generalized Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) .The mean birth weight of monochorionic twins were significantly lower than that of dichorionic twins , and the gestational week of delivery were earlier. The calculated 50th percentile birthweight values of twin boys were higher than those for girls based on the same chorionicity, except male monochorionic twins who were born before 31 weeks gestational age. Neonates birthweight percentile chart based on sex and chrionicity provide a tool for assessing the well being of twin infants. Use twin growth charts based on chrionicity is likely to prevent the over-diagnosis of SGA in normal growth twins.
MRI-based Assessment of Masticatory Muscle Changes in TMD Patients After Whiplash Injury&nbsp;
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Lee Kyung Mi , Auh Q-Schick 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the change in volume and signal in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of patients with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) after whiplash injury based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate them with other clinical parameters. Methods: Ninety patients (64 women, 26 men; mean age: 39.36±15.40 years), including 45 patients with symptoms of TMD after whiplash injury (wTMD), and 45 age- and sex-matched controls with TMD due to idiopathic causes (iTMD) were included. TMD was diagnosed using the study diagnostic criteria for TMD Axis I, and MRI findings of the TMJ and masticatory muscles were investigated. To evaluate the severity of TMD pain and muscle tenderness, we used a visual analog scale (VAS), palpation index (PI), and neck PI. Results: TMD indexes, including VAS, PI, and neck PI were significantly higher in the wTMD group. In the wTMD group, muscle tenderness was highest in the masseter muscle (71.1%), and muscle tenderness in the temporalis (60.0%), lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) (22.2%), and medial pterygoid muscle (15.6%) was significantly more frequent than that in the iTMD group (all p<0.05). The most noticeable structural changes in the masticatory muscles occurred in the LPM with whiplash injury. Volume (57.8% vs. 17.8%) and signal changes (42.2% vs. 15.6%) of LPM were significantly more frequent in the wTMD group than in the iTMD group. The presence of signal changes in the LPM was positively correlated with the increased VAS scores only in the wTMD group (r=0.346, p=0.020). The prevalence of anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR) (53.3% vs. 28.9%) and disc deformity (57.8% vs. 40.0%) were significantly higher in the wTMD group (p<0.05). The presence of headache, sleep problems, and psychological distress was significantly higher in the wTMD group than in the iTMD group. Conclusion: Abnormal MRI findings and their correlations with clinical characteristics of the wTMD group were different from those of the iTMD group. The underlying neuropathophysiology may differ depending on the cause of TMD, raising the need for a treatment strategy accordingly.
Evaluation of an Amharic-Language translation of Continuity of Care Satisfaction Tool among Postnatal Mothers in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemeskel Solomon , Alemu Kassahun , Christensson Kyllike , Tesfahun Esubalew , Lindgren Helena 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Beginning in the 1990s, women’s dissatisfaction with maternity services has been widely reported in the literature. However, there is a lack of consistency in the studies published over the three decades since then. The nature and availability of maternity services vary widely from country to country and even in single countries, the United States for example, there is no such thing as nationally uniform maternal care. We need cross cultural validated tools to measure women’s satisfaction with maternity care. The study reported here aimed to develop a valid and reliable continuity of care satisfaction scale for use in Ethiopia, first by finding an appropriate English-language model and then translating that into an Amharic language version that in an appropriately modified form could be used for studies of postnatal mothers in Ethiopia. Methods: An Amharic-language translation of a satisfaction with continuity of care tool was prepared based on an English-language questionnaire and this was then back translated. A team of experts analyzed the Amharic-language questionnaire as concerns the following elements: Face and content validity; quality of the forward and back translations; expert panel and pre-testing of the tool. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 329 postnatal mothers in Debre Berhan town health facilities, Ethiopia using the Amharic version of the questionna ire. Internal consistency of the tool (reliability) was checked by using Cronbach’s alpha. We extracted a new factor structure by carrying out exploratory factor analysis (EFA). For the extracted factor structure, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted, and the model fit was assessed. Results: The translated tool was found to be acceptable by the experts and target groups. EFA yielded two subscales for each component of maternity care: “information provision and relationship with care providers” and “women’s self-assessment on quality of care”. The extracted factor structure had good convergent and discriminant validity. The tool has overall Cronbach’s α value of 0.94. All three domains have acceptable internal consistency with α value of >0.70. CFA 3 revealed a satisfactory fit between the questionnaire data and the model which provides support for the suggested factor structure identified by EFA. Conclusion: This study confirmed that the Amharic-language continuity of care satisfactio n evaluation tool is a valid tool for in future studies evaluating Ethiopian women’s satisfaction with maternity care. The results from such studies could be used to aid in a trial of the continuity of care model in Ethiopia.
A Comparison of Three Interactive Examination Designs in Active Learning Classrooms for Nursing Students
Authors: Ahlstrom Linda , Holmberg Christopher 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite the advantages of using active learning strategies in nursing education, researchers have rarely investigated how such pedagogic approaches can be used to assess students or how interactive examinations can be modified depending on circumstances of practice (e.g., in online education). Aims: The aim was to compare three interactive examination designs, all based on active learning pedagogy, in terms of nursing students’ engagement and preparedness, their learning achievement, and instructional aspects.Methods: A comparative research design was used including final-year undergraduate nursing students. All students were enrolled in a quality improvement course at a metropolitan university in Sweden. In this comparative study to evaluate three course layouts, participants (Cohort 1, n = 89; Cohort 2, n = 97; Cohort 3, n = 60) completed different examinations assessing the same course content and learning objectives, after which they evaluated the examinations on a questionnaire in numerical and free-text responses. Chi-squared tests were conducted to compare background variables between the cohorts and Kruskal–Wallis H tests to assess numerical differences in experiences between cohorts. Following the guidelines of the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS), a sequential mixed-methods analysis was performed on the quantitative findings, and the qualitative findings were used complementary to support the interpretation of the quantitative results. Results: The 246 students who completed the questionnaire generally appreciated the interactive examination in active learning classrooms. Among significant differences in the results, Cohort 2 (e.g., conducted the examination on campus) scored highest for overall positive experience and engagement, whereas Cohort 3 (e.g., conducted the examination online) scored the lowest. Students in Cohort 3 generally commended the online examination’s chat function available for use during the examination. Conclusions: Interactive examinations for nursing students succeed when they are campus-based, focus on student preparation, and provide the necessary time to be completed.
Tissue-specific Nutrient Metabolism in the Liver and Muscle of Juvenile Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama Amblycephala) in Response to Dietary Methionine Levels
Authors: Ji Ke , Liang Hualiang , Ren Mingchun , Ge Xianping , Zhang Lu , Pan Liangkun , Yu Heng 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundMethionine is an essential amino acid, that affects the metabolism of protein, lipid and glucose. However, the metabolic polytrophic response in the liver and muscle of juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala to dietary methionine levels is unclear.ResultsThe 0.84% methionine diet significantly improved the growth performance compared with the 0.40% diet. Dietary methionine levels had no marked effects on plasma parameters or whole body composition of juveniles. The protein levels of phospho-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, protein kinase B, phospho-eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein-1 (p-4E-BP1), 4E-BP1 and ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1, in the liver of fish fed the 0.84% diet were higher than those in fish fed the 0.40% diet. While in muscle, these proteins showed the opposite trend. The mRNA levels of the muscular lipid synthesis associated genes: sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), were significantly upregulated by the 1.28% methionine diet; while hepatic SREBP1, FAS and ACC mRNA expression levels were increased by 0.40% methionine. In addition, 1.28% dietary methionine significantly induced fatty acid β-oxidation and lipolysis of the liver and muscle via increased carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha, lipoprotein lipase and lipase expression levels. Compared with 0.40% dietary methionine, 1.28% methionine enhanced the mRNA levels of the hepatic gluconeogenesis related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase, and the muscular glycolysis related genes phosphofructokinase (PFK) and pyruvate kinase (PK). The mRNA expression levels of hepatic PFK, PK and glucokinase were markedly upregulated by the 0.84% methionine diet compared with the 1.28% diet. In addition, muscular PEPCK and glycogen synthase, and hepatic glucose transporters 2 mRNA levels were induced by 1.28% methionine. ConclusionThe study showed that optimal methionine levels could enhance the growth of juvenile Megalobrama amblycephala, and the nutrient metabolism response to dietary methionine in the liver and muscle was tissue-specific.
Dietary Daidzein Supplementation Improved Growth Performance and Antioxidant Properties in Weaned and Growing Pigs
Authors: Li Yanpin , Jiang Xianren , Cai Long , Zhang Yanli , Ding Hongbiao , Yin Jingdong , Li Xilong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: In previous study, we found that soybean isoflavones in soybean meal play important roles in improving growth performance and antioxidant properties in pigs. However, it is still not known whether long-term supplementation with daidzein, an active molecule deglycosylated from daidzin, in a corn-soybean meal diet can enhance growth performance in pigs. Thus, in the present study, an animal trial was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with daidzein on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of pigs. Porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were also used as an in vitro model to explore the underlying antioxidant mechanisms of daidzein. Weanling pigs were fed a diet supplemented with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg daidzein, and IPEC-J2 cells were treated with 0.6 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the presence or absence of 40 μM daidzein. Results: Adding 50 mg/kg daidzein to the diet significantly improved body weight on day 72, average daily gain during days 0-72 and plasma superoxide dismutase activity on day 42 (P < 0.05). Treatment with 0.6 mM H2O2 for 1 h significantly decreased cell viability and catalase (CAT) activities and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05), while pretreatment with 40 μM daidzein prevented the decrease in cell viability and CAT activities and the increase in intracellular ROS levels and MDA content caused by H2O2 (P < 0.05). In addition, H2O2 stimulation significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor erythoid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), CAT, occludin and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), while pretreatment with daidzein preserved the expression of Nrf2, CAT, occludin and ZO-1 in H2O2-stimulated IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Long-term dietary supplementation with 50 mg/kg daidzein improved growth performance and antioxidative properties in pigs. Daidzein exerted protective effects against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nrf2/antioxidant response element signaling pathway.
Between viral targets and differentially expressed genes in COVID-19: the sweet spot for therapeutic intervention.
Authors: Zambrana Carme , Xenos Alexandros , Böttcher René , Malod-Dognin Noel , Przulj Natasa 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is raging. It revealed the importance of rapid scientific advancement towards understanding and treating new diseases. To address this challenge, we adapt an explainable artificial intelligence algorithm for data fusion and utilize it on new omics data on viral-host interactions, human protein interactions, and drugs to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and predict new drug-target interactions for COVID-19. We discover that in the human interactome, the human proteins targeted by SARS-CoV-2 proteins and the genes that are differentially expressed after the infection have common neighbors central in the interactome that may be key to the disease mechanisms. We uncover 185 new drug-target interactions targeting 49 of these key genes and suggest re-purposing of 149 FDA-approved drugs, including drugs targeting VEGF and nitric oxide signaling, whose pathways coincide with the observed COVID-19 symptoms. Our integrative methodology is universal and can enable insight into this and other serious diseases.