Low Dose Rapamycin in ME/CFS, Long-COVID, and Other Infection Associated Chronic Conditions

The SF-36 consists of eight scaled scores, which are the weighted sums of the questions in their section. Each scale is directly transformed into a 0-100 scale on the assumption that each question carries equal weight. The lower the score the more disability. The higher the score the less disability i.e., a score of zero is equivalent to maximum disability and a score of 100 is equivalent to no disability.

The MFI is a 20-item scale designed to evaluate five dimensions of fatigue: general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced motivation, reduced activity, and mental fatigue.

The Bell CFIDS Disability Scale is described in the book, The Doctor's Guide to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Understanding, Treating and Living with CFIDS (Bell 1995). This scale assesses functional ability in adult ME/CFS patients. Eleven statements describe patient status such as level of symptoms at rest, level of symptoms with exercise, activity level, and ability to perform work, travel and self care.

Change in concentrations of phosphorylated autophagy-related gene proteins in blood

The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire (DSQ) Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) items are scored based on both frequency and severity ratings for each symptom Frequency is rated on a 5-point scale from 0 (none of the time) to 4 (all of the time), and severity is rated on a 5-point scale from 0 (symptom not present) to 4 (very severe). These ratings are combined to produce composite scores for each symptom or across items. Higher scores indicate greater symptom burden.

The DePaul Symptom Questionnaire- COVID (DSQ-COVID) assesses symptoms using frequency and severity ratings for each item. Frequency is scored on a 5-point scale from 0 (none of the time) to 4 (all of the time, and severity is scored on a 5-point scale from 0 (symptom not present) to 4 (very severe). Higher scores indicate greater symptom burden.

The FACIT-F is a self-reported measure of fatigue and its impact on daily activities and functioning. It consists of 13 items, each scored on a 5-point scale from 0 (not at all) to 4 (very much). Item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 52. Higher scores indicate less fatigue and higher quality of life.

The Specific Symptom Severity questionnaire assesses the severity of individual symptoms using a number rating scale. Each symptom is scored from 0 (none) to 10 (very severe). Scores can be reported for individual symptoms or combined across items to produce a total score. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

The FUNCAP-55 is a self-reported measure of functional ability across a range of daily activities. It consists of 55 items. each rated on a scale reflecting the level of difficulty and limitation experienced. Item scores are summed to produce a total score, with higher scores indicating less functional impairment.

The Sleep Questionnaire assesses sleep patterns and disturbances using a combination of categorical and numerical responses. Several items are rated on a 5-point frequency scale from 0 (never) to 4 (always, 15-30 times a month), while other items require participants to report specific times or durations (e.g., hours of sleep, time to bed). Higher scores on frequency-based items indicate greater sleep difficulty.