bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of the Rheumatoid Arthritis Distress Scale (RADS) – A New Tool to Identify Disease-Specific Distress in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Silke Linda , Kirresh Othman , Sturt Jackie , Lempp Heidi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may experience psychological distress (depression, anxiety) in addition to their physical symptoms. People with RA may also experience disease-specific distress (DSD), related to the specific burden of living with their life-long condition. DSD is a patient reported outcome in several long-term conditions, including type 1 and 2 diabetes. The aims of this study were to determine whether DSD is experienced by people with RA, and if so, develop a Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) to assess for DSD in people with RA.Methods. A five-phased qualitative study was conducted which consisted of a secondary data analysis of 61 interviews of people with rheumatological disease (Phase 1), validation of findings via a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group of people with RA (n=4) (Phase 2), item generation for a PROM (Phase 3) and establishing face and content validity of the PROM via PPI group (n=4) and individual cognitive interviews (n=9) of people with RA respectively (Phase 4 and 5).The final PROM was presented at a Patient Education Evening for patients with long-term rheumatological conditions, including RA, and carers.Results. Five themes of rheumatological disease distress emerged from Phase 1, which were validated in the Phase 2 PPI group. After Phases 3-5, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Distress Scale (RADS) was formed of 39 items and 3 supplementary questions. Overall participants reported the content of the RADS to be clear and relevant, and that DSD is a valid concept in RA, distinct from other entities like clinical depression or anxiety.Conclusions. DSD appears to be an important concept in RA. The 39-item RADS demonstrates acceptable face and content validity in this patient group. Further psychometric testing is needed. The RADS may be a useful tool for healthcare professionals to identify RA distress.
Rock Slope Stability and Water tightness Assessment of Arjo Didesa Dam site, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Asfaw Legesse , Meten Matebie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Arjo Didesa dam is an earth and rock fill dam which is under construction on the Didesa River in western Ethiopia. However, the dam encountered engineering geological problems that affected the water tightness and slope stability of the dam abutments and reservoir area. To solve these problems, different methods such as discontinuity survey, packer test, sampling and laboratory tests were applied to evaluate the engineering geological conditions of materials along the dam abutments and reservoir area on slope stability and water tightness. Slope stability analyses were performed by kinematic, limit equilibrium and finite element methods using laboratory and in-situ tests. Kinematic analyses revealed that both the left abutment slope 1(LAS1) and the right abutment slope 1(RAS1) sections were unstable for planar mode of failures. Further stability analyses using deterministic methods indicated that both sections were unstable only during saturated conditions. Similarly, stability analysis using limit equilibrium and finite element method revealed that both the left abutment slope 2(LAS2) and the right abutment slope 2(RAS2) sections were unstable under saturated conditions. This study also analyzed the permeability of soils and rock masses and the result showed that the permeability values range from 2.693*10− 7cm/s − 6.687*10− 5cm/s and 3.19*10− 5cm/s − 1.3*10+ 1cm/s for soils and rock masses respectively. Integration of surface hydraulic conductivity and subsurface packer permeability tests showed the presence of potential leakage through the dam abutments. Remedial measures such as rock bolts, anchors and shotcrete for slope stabilization and grouting and clay blanketing are recommended to control this leakage.
Ivermectin in mild and moderate COVID-19 (RIVET-COV): a randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mohan Anant , Tiwari Pawan , Suri Tejas , Mittal Saurabh , Patel Ankit , Jain Avinash , T. Velpandian , Das Ujjwal Kumar , Bopanna Tarun K. , Pandey RM , Shelke Sushil , Singh Angel Rajan , Bhatnagar Sushma , Masih Shet , Mahajan Shelly , Dwivedi Tanima , Sahoo Biswajeet , Pandit Anuja , Bhopale Shweta , Vig Saurabh , Gupta Ritu , Madan Karan , Hadda Vijay , Gupta Nishkarsh , Garg Rakesh , Meena Ved Prakash , Guleria Randeep 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Till date, no drug has shown definite benefit in non-severe COVID-19. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug which has in-vitro efficacy in reducing coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) load in severe disease. Objectives: To determine if a single oral administration of Ivermectin to patients with mild and moderate COVID-19 is effective in converting SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR to negative result and in reducing viral load.Methods: In this double-blind trial, patients were randomized to elixir formulation of Ivermectin in 24 mg, 12 mg or placebo in 1:1:1 ratio. The co-primary outcomes were conversion of RT-PCR to negative result and the decline of viral load at day 5 of enrolment and were assessed in patients with positive RT-PCR at enrolment (modified intention-to-treat population). Safety outcomes included total and serious adverse events and were assessed in all patients who received the trial drug (intention-to-treat population). Results: Among 157 patients randomized, 125 patients were included in mITT analysis. Forty patients each were assigned to Ivermectin 24 mg and 12 mg, and 45 patients to placebo. The RT-PCR negativity at day 5 was higher in the two Ivermectin arms but failed to attain statistical significance (Ivermectin 24 mg, 47.5%; 12 mg, 35.0%; and placebo, 31.1%; p= 0.30). The decline of viral load at day 5 was similar in the three arms. No serious adverse events were encountered.Conclusion: In patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, a single administration of Ivermectin elixir (either 24 mg or 12 mg) demonstrated a trend towards higher proportion of RT-PCR negativity at day 5 of enrolment. The protocol was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry – India (CTRI) vide ref No CTRI/2020/06/026001.
Physiological adaptation and transcriptome changes in the plateau plant common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in response to the plain environment
Authors: He Jinglei , Kong Lingzelai , Yu Jinqiu , Li Bing , Hou Xiangyin , Yuan Yuying , Yin Hang , Cui Guowen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Light and temperature are among the most important factors in plant growth. The annual forage variety common vetch was grown under the special environment of high light intensity and low temperature on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. In the seedling stage, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau adapted variety common vetch was airlifted to the inland plain. Its response to the plain environment and its regulatory mechanism are not clear.
Results

The samples collected the day before transportation were used as a control. After being transported back to the plain, the morphological structure and physiological indexes were determined on days one, three, five and seven. Compared with the control group, the chlorophyll content in the experimental group changed significantly. Chlorophyll fluorescence increased significantly on the fifth day. The number of stomatal openings decreased significantly on the first day and then increased gradually and exceeded that of the control. Compared with the control sample, the intercellular space of the experimental sample was larger and then did not return to the control level. The physiological indexes gradually returned to the control level on the 7th day. Transcriptome analysis showed that 3251 genes were upregulated and 3317 genes were downregulated on the third day, while 1359 genes were upregulated and 1648 genes were downregulated on the seventh day. These differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in photosynthesis, photosynthetic antenna protein synthesis, carbon dioxide fixation and chlorophyll synthesis pathways, and almost all of the genes involved in these pathways were downregulated. In addition, MYB, NAC, AP2-EREBP and the Orphans family of transcription factors (TFs) regulating the light response were more abundant on day 3 and day 7 than in the control group.
Conclusion
The physiological and gene expression levels of common vetch transported to the plain environment were analyzed. To reveal the adaptation mechanism of common vetch to plain environments, the key metabolic pathways of differential gene enrichment were analyzed. These findings are helpful for introducing plateau suitable varieties into plain environments.
Standardized Mortality Analysis of Military Firefighters from 2000-2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: MANNARINO ROSANNA VILARDO , Monteiro Gina Torres Rego 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundsA military fireman’s profession is of extreme importance since they perform a wide variety of work. However, these firefighters are constantly exposed to stressful situations and hazardous substances known to harm their health. To fully perform their functions, they should have good physical and mental health, which requires them to have periodic medical examinations and constant training. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study assessing the causes of mortality of members of the military fire brigade of Rio de Janeiro despite its relevance to future projections in relation to the health of these professionals.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective mortality study on a cohort of military firefighters in the state of Rio de Janeiro from 2000 to 2016 and calculated the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) of male firefighters who served in the corporation in this period. To obtain the SMR, everyone’s participation time in years in the corporation was calculated, and the sum of the data set the person-time of this cohort. As a reference, we used the population of men over 19 years old in the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2010 according to the Demographic Census.ResultsA total of 1,816 deaths were identified, corresponding to the lowest overall mortality expected for the general population (SMR: 64.6%; 95%CI: 61.6–67.6%), cardiovascular diseases (SMR: 64.4%; 95%CI: 58.8–69.9%) and external causes of mortality (SMR: 88.5%; 95%CI: 79.9–97.0%). However, in the external causes of death, there was a statistically significant mortality excess in the age groups from 40 to 49 and 50 to 59 years.ConclusionThe firefighters’ group had the lowest overall mortality detected in both the general and the main chapters of the 10th Revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases.
Worry and Mental Health in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Vulnerability Factors in the General Norwegian Population
Authors: Blix Ines , Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Thoresen Siri 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThere is an urgent need for knowledge about the mental health consequences of the ongoing pandemic. The aim of this study was to identify vulnerability factors for psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction in the general population. Furthermore, we aimed to assess the role of COVID-related worries for psychological distress and life satisfaction. Methods A presumed representative sample for the Norwegian population (n=1041, response rate=39.9%) responded to a web-survey in May 2020. The participants were asked about potential vulnerability factors including increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (underlying illness, older age), socioeconomic disadvantage (living alone, unemployment, economic problems), and pre-existing mental health vulnerability (recent exposure to violence, previous mental health challenges). Additional measures included COVID-related worry, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. ResultsMore than one out of four reported current psychological distress over the threshold for clinically significant symptoms. Socioeconomic disadvantages, including living alone and pre-existing economic challenges, and pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities, including recent exposure to violence and previous mental health problems, were associated with a higher level of psychological distress and a lower level of life satisfaction.ConclusionThis study identified several vulnerability factors for mental health problems in the pandemic. Individuals recently exposed to violence and individuals with pre-existing mental health problems are at particular risk. Worrying about the consequences of the pandemic contributes negatively to current mental health. However, worry cannot explain the excess distress in vulnerable groups. Future research should focus on how COVID-related strains contribute to mental health problems for vulnerable groups.
miR-24 targets SARS-CoV-2 co-factor Neuropilin-1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells: Insights for COVID-19 neurological manifestations
Authors: Mone Pasquale , Gambardella Jessica , Wang Xujun , Jankauskas Stanislovas S. , Matarese Alessandro , Santulli Gaetano 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Neuropilin-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that has been implicated in several processes including angiogenesis and immunity. Recent evidence has also shown that it is implied in the cellular internalization of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We hypothesized that specific microRNAs can target Neuropilin-1. By combining bioinformatic and functional approaches, we identified miR-24 as a regulator of Neuropilin-1 transcription. Since Neuropilin-1 has been shown to play a key role in the endothelium-mediated regulation of the blood-brain barrier, we validated miR-24 as a functional modulator of Neuropilin-1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs), which are the most suitable cell line for an in vitro blood–brain barrier model.
Smoking Patterns Among Third Level Students: A latent class analysis
Authors: Igboanugo Tochukwu , Ramesh Anusha Malapati 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The psychosocial framework of adolescent transformation period is characterised by risk-taking behaviours such as the use of psychoactive substances like tobacco. Smoking initiated at this stage may lead to a lifetime nicotine-addiction. This study aims to identify and describe a typology of smoking among third level student smokers according to their pattern of smoking and to inform the designing of effective interventions in tobacco use among studentsMethods: Latent class analysis was used to characterise different smoking pattern among 361 third level students in an Irish university. The participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study by inviting them to complete an online survey.Results: Three groups were identified: (1) Late-onset, Social smokers (n=88, 41.3%). (2) late-onset, light smokers (n = 74, 34.4%). (3) Early-onset, Nicotine addicts (n = 52, 24.3%). The predominantly female Late-onset, Social smokers has a low probability of regular use of tobacco, a low number of lifetime cigarettes smoked and a high probability (83.0%) of initiating smoking in their adulthood. Nearly 100% of them had neither of the parents as smokers. The predominantly male late-onset, light smokers exhibits similar characteristics with the female-dominated class 1 but has consumed more of cigarettes in the lifetime relative to class 1. 33.8% of class 2 smokers had both parents as smokers; 42.0% had mothers and 33.8% reported their father was a smoker. 64.6% of this class reported their parents to smoke in the home and 54.3% initiated smoking in adulthood. Class 3 (Early-onset, Nicotine addicts) dominated by males has a higher probability of regular tobacco use and has smoked the largest number of cigarette in their lifetime compared to classes 1 and 2. The majority (60.0%) of those in this group had initiated smoking as a teenager. 14.9% had both parents as smokers; 10.6% had mothers who smoke and 20.6% reported their father was a smoker. 23.7% of this class reported their parents to smoke in the home.Conclusion: This study reveals the cigarette smoking behaviours among students and can further inform interventions and strategies to achieving a tobacco-free Ireland.
Recreational Drug use and Risk of HIV Infection Among Young Men Who Have Sex with men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tianjin, China
Authors: Li Changping , Yu Zeyang , Chen Yang , Zhang Honglu , Huang Huijie , Wang Chun , Peixoto Elissa , Yao Tingting , Zhang Tiantian , Song Desheng , Wang Xiaomeng , Yang Jie , Liu Yuanyuan , Yu Maohe , Cui Zhuang , Ma Jun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background- Recreational drug use among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) was a public health issue of worldwide concern. Evidence had shown the relevance between recreational drug use and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This study aimed to investigate the current prevalence state of recreational drug use among YMSM in Tianjin, discern the characteristics of YMSM who used recreational drugs or not and examine the interaction effect of recreational drug use and unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) on HIV infection.Methods- In 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Tianjin, China. The snowball sampling method was used to recruit YMSM. Participants were recruited from gay bars, gay bathhouses, social network sites (WeChat, QQ, gay chat website), gay apps and peer referrals. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data.Results- A total of 1075 YMSM met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study eventually. The overall HIV prevalence was 4.3% (46/1075). Of all the recreational drugs involved in this study (rush poppers, methamphetamine, capsule No.0), rush poppers (406/517,78.5%) were the most popular among YMSM in Tianjin. Compared with non-drug users, drug users were more likely to have first sex earlier, be bisexual, be male sex worker (MSW), have a higher education level, seek sex partners through physical venues, engage in UAI, have sexually transmitted infection (STI), and receive HIV testing. Moreover, recreational drug use and UAI were associated with the increased risk of HIV infection [adjusted OR:3.6 (95%CI: 1.7-7.6) and 4.9 (95%CI: 2.2-10.4), respectively]. There was additive interaction of recreational drug use and UAI on HIV infection [relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI): 6.949 (95%CI: 0.011‐13.887); attributable proportion due to interaction (AP): 0.809 (95%CI: 0.578‐1.039)].Conclusions- Recreational drug use was common and correlated with HIV infection among YMSM in Tianjin. There was an urgent need to build novel targeted HIV prevention strategies to discern and reduce recreational drug use among YMSM in China.
Spinometric analysis of patient affected by scoliosis, treated with acupressure
Authors: Palandri Sergio 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Introduction Much has been written about how the Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridians (TCMs) are closely related to Myofascial Chains (MCs) and then, as a logic consequence, to the Posture. However, there are still few studies that operatively verify these concepts by performing acupressure treatments (like Shiatsu) on subjects groups, of which is performed a postural analysis, before and after.The aim of the present work is to promote these studies, starting from a pilot one and analyzing results thereof.Materials and Methods The study, intended as a case report, enrolled a single, 12 year-old, female subject affected by double curve, low degree scoliosis for just a clinic confirmation, for 10 consecutive modules spaced about a week (range 5-10 days) from each other and consisting of a postural analysis before and after an acupressure treatment (Shiatsu) without time gaps between analysis and treatment. The analysis was made with a DIERS Formetric 4D.Results While observing selected parameters relating their pre- and post-treatment values, is is possible to understand how the lumbar arrow (LA) is systemically reduced, the cervical arrow (CA) is progressively ameliorated, the Antero-Posterior Flexion (APF) and the Hemipelvis Torsion (HT) are progressively harmonized.After all the performed treatment, the subject refers the perception of his psycho-emotional state, better than the initial one, even though it was already good or very good.Discussion The series of treatments has shown his efficiency in the variation of morpho-structural parameters in the acute. Due to its configuration, the study didn't consider long term effects, an interesting aspect to be investigated dedicated studies with bigger sample size.Conclusions From an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary perspective, the stimulation of "tsubo" according to the Fascial Neuromodulation model can represent a treatment integrated with the manipulation of peripheral entries in the correction of postural-type morpho-structural alterations.
A structure-based mechanism for HEXIM displacement from 7SK
Authors: Pham Vincent , Gao Michael , Meagher Jennifer , Smith Janet , D'Souza Victoria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Productive transcriptional elongation of many cellular and viral mRNAs requires transcriptional factors to extract pTEFb from the 7SK snRNP by modulating the association between the HEXIM protein and the 7SK snRNA. Here we report the structure of the HEXIM arginine rich motif in complex with the apical stemloop-1 of 7SK (7SK-SL1apical) and detail how the HIV transcriptional regulator Tat from various subtypes overcome the structural constraints required to displace HEXIM. While the majority of interactions between 7SK and HEXIM and Tat are similar, critical differences exist that guide function. First, the conformational plasticity of 7SK enables the formation of three different base pair configurations at a critical remodeling site, which allows for the modulation required for HEXIM binding and its subsequent displacement by Tat. Furthermore, the specific sequence variations observed in various Tat subtypes all converge on remodeling 7SK at this region. Second, we show that HEXIM primes its own displacement by causing specific local destabilization upon binding — a feature that is then exploited by Tat to bind 7SK more efficiently. Overall, our study details the molecular environment presented by HEXIM and uncovers a destabilization-driven displacement strategy that increases the conformational sampling of 7SK-snRNP, which may allow diverse transcriptional factors to competitively regulate pTEFb.