bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of polyaniline/carbon nanotube–coated thermoelectric fabric
Authors: Amirabad Reza , Ramazani Saadatabadi Ahmad , Pourjahanbakhsh Mohammad , Siadati M Hossein 
Published: October 2021

In this work, flexible thermoelectric fabrics, polyester/yarn fabrics coated with polyaniline/carbon nanotube (PANI/CNT) nanocomposite, were fabricated by sequential processing: (I) polyaniline/carbon nanotube nanocomposites preparation by a one-step in-situ polymerization and (II) dip coating of a mixture solution of CNT-doped PANI on a polyester/yarn fabric. Nanocomposites were synthesized with various CNT content (0.5, 2.5, 5, and 10 wt%) and characterized using different methods. The Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity measurements were used to determine their thermoelectric properties. The results revealed significant improvement in both electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient with the addition of CNT. The electrical conductivity increased from 0.011 to 0.1345 S/cm with the increment of CNT from 0.5 to 10 wt%. The highest Seebeck coefficient of 11.4 μV/K was observed for the sample containing 5 wt% CNT at 338 K where the maximum power factor of 1.598×10−3 μWm−1K−2 was obtained for the fabric coated with nanocomposite containing 10 wt% CNT.
Acute Cortisol Profile Associations With Cognitive Impairment After Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Barton David J. , Kumar Raj G. , Schuster Alexandria A. , Juengst Shannon B. , Oh Byung-Mo , Wagner Amy K. 
Published: October 2021

Background Cognitive impairments commonly occur after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and affect daily functioning. Cortisol levels, which are elevated during acute hospitalization for most individuals after severe TBI, can influence cognition, but this association has not been studied previously in TBI. Objective We hypothesized that serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) cortisol trajectories over days 0–5 post-injury are associated with cognition 6-month post-injury. Methods We examined 94 participants with severe TBI, collected acute serum and/or CSF samples over days 0–5 post-injury, and compared cortisol levels to those in 17 healthy controls. N = 88 participants had serum, and n = 84 had CSF samples available for cortisol measurement and had neuropsychological testing 6 months post-injury. Group based trajectory analysis (TRAJ) was used to generate temporal serum and CSF cortisol profiles which were examined for associations with neuropsychological performance. We used linear regression to examine relationships between cortisol TRAJ groups and both overall and domain-specific cognition. Results TRAJ analysis identified a high group and a decliner group for serum and a high group and low group for CSF cortisol. Multivariable analysis showed serum cortisol TRAJ group was associated with overall cognitive composites scores ( P = .024) and with executive function ( P = .039) and verbal fluency ( P = .029) domain scores. CSF cortisol TRAJ group was associated with overall cognitive composite scores ( P = .021) and domain scores for executive function ( P = .041), verbal fluency ( P = .031), and attention ( P = .034). Conclusions High acute cortisol trajectories are associated with poorer cognition 6 months post-TBI.
Association of serum neurofilament light chain levels and neuropsychiatric manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Engel Sinah , Boedecker Simone , Marczynski Paul , Bittner Stefan , Steffen Falk , Weinmann Arndt , Schwarting Andreas , Zipp Frauke , Weinmann-Menke Julia , Luessi Felix 
Published: October 2021

Background: The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic potential of serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) measurements in patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Methods: sNfL levels were determined by single molecule array assay in a retrospective cross-sectional cohort of 144 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). After log-transformation of sNfL levels, mean sNfL levels were compared between NPSLE patients and SLE patients without neuropsychiatric disease using Student’s t test. Furthermore, the association of different neuropsychiatric manifestations with sNfL levels was assessed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc analysis. Associations of sNfL with clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: NPSLE patients ( n = 69) had significantly higher sNfL levels than SLE patients without neuropsychiatric disease manifestations ( n = 75; mean difference: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.04–0.22, p = 0.006). With regard to the category of NPSLE manifestation, mean sNfL levels were only increased in NPSLE patients with focal central nervous system (CNS) involvement ( n = 45; mean difference: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.02–0.30, p = 0.019), whereas mean sNfL levels of NPSLE patients with diffuse CNS and peripheral nervous system involvement did not differ from those of SLE patients without neuropsychiatric manifestations. Age and serum creatinine concentrations were identified as relevant contributors to sNfL levels. Conclusion: sNfL is a promising, easily accessible biomarker for neuropsychiatric involvement in SLE patients and might therefore complement the diagnostic workup of SLE patients with suspected involvement of the nervous system.
Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy: Occupational Outcomes in the Military
Authors: Lausé Greg E. , Egbert Rachel A. , Ryan Paul M. 
Published: October 2021

A retrospective review of consecutive patients diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) was performed. Outcomes included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, return to run rates, and return to military duty rates. Our data analysis included 113 patients; 58 (55%) patients required surgery. Mean duration of follow-up was 42 months (range, 12-143). Mean age at the time of surgery was 37.2 years (range, 21-54). VAS scores significantly improved from 5.4 at the preoperative visit to 2.9 at 24 months. There was no significant improvement in VAS scores after the 3-month postoperative visit. Mean return to run time was 9 months (range, 4.5-16). At 1 year, 80% (46/58) of patients returned to military duty. Complications requiring return to the operating room were observed in 6 patients (9%). The high rate of return to duty and significant improvement in pain scores demonstrate that the surgical management of IAT is a viable treatment option for patients who could not otherwise remain on active duty. With that said, the complication rate of 27% is high. Patients and providers should consider the risks, benefits, and duration of therapy during their shared decision-making process. Level of Evidence: Level IV
Exploring reasons for attrition among vulnerable and under-served sub-groups across an online integrated healthy lifestyles service during COVID-19
Authors: Sanders George J , Cooke Carlton , Gately Paul 
Published: October 2021

Objectives: Reported health behaviour change intervention attrition rates vary considerably, from 10% to more than 80%, depending on the type and setting of the treatment programme. A better understanding of the determinants of programme adherence is required. Between March and August 2020, a convenience sample of 44 individual telephone interviews, as well as 42 online Qualtrics surveys took place. The objective was to explore perceived barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for participation, sustained participation as well as initial non-participation to better understand reasons for attrition in online delivery during the COVID-19 lockdown among vulnerable and under-served groups within an Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service (IHLS). Methods: A convenience sample of 44 individual telephone interviews, as well as 42 online Qualtrics surveys resulted in a total of 86 (33 male) individuals comprising intervention clients. Clients included children and young people (n = 16), manual workers (n = 7), Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (n = 19), physical disability (n = 8), learning disability (n = 6), and those from areas of high deprivation (n = 19), as well as Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service practitioners (n = 11). Results: The study revealed that more resources and support are needed for Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic; manual worker; learning disability; and high-deprivation sub-groups in order to reduce attrition rates. Specifically, a lack of technological equipment and competence of using such equipment was identified as key barriers to initial and sustained attendance among these vulnerable and under-served sub-groups during the COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion: The pattern of differences in attrition during the COVID-19 lockdown suggests that further research is required to explore how best to ensure online health behaviour change offers are scalable and accessible to all.
Necropsy findings in a cat with diabetes mellitus and heart failure
Authors: Dobromylskyj Melanie J , Little Christopher JL 
Published: October 2021

Case summary A 7-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat, previously diagnosed and treated for diabetes mellitus (DM), subsequently presented in heart failure (HF). Echocardiography revealed biatrial and biventricular dilation with poor myocardial function, and a left atrial-to-aortic ratio of 1.95:1. There was caudal vena cava dilation, hepatomegaly and ascites. The HF was treated with furosemide for 5 weeks, but thereafter the cat presented recumbent and moribund, and was euthanased. Post-mortem findings included dilation of all four cardiac chambers with an increased heart weight. Microscopic examination of the heart revealed mild, predominantly interstitial or perivascular fibrosis throughout most of the myocardium, with small-to-medium-sized foci of replacement fibrosis within the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum. There was evidence of myocyte degeneration, but myofibre disarray was mild and there was minimal evidence of inflammation. Relevance and novel information Cardiac disease is common in cats and while HF is less common, it is a frequent cause of clinical signs and death. DM is a relatively common feline endocrinopathy. This case report describes DM and HF presenting as comorbidities, including detailed ante- and post-mortem findings. The case, and the epidemiology of these conditions, raise the question of whether a form of diabetic cardiomyopathy exists in cats, as it appears to do in humans.
Effects of therapy with a free-standing robotic exoskeleton on motor function and other health indicators in people with severe mobility impairment due to chronic stroke: A quasi-controlled study
Authors: Postol Nicola , Grissell Jessica , McHugh Caitlyn , Bivard Andrew , Spratt Neil J , Marquez Jodie 
Published: October 2021

Introduction Robotic exoskeletons facilitate therapy in upright postures. This study aimed to evaluate potential health-related effects of this therapy for people with severe mobility impairment due to chronic stroke. Methods This quasi-controlled trial with 12 weeks of twice weekly therapy in a free-standing exoskeleton, and 12 weeks follow up, included people dependent for mobility, with stroke at least 3 months prior. The primary outcome was lower limb motor function. A battery of secondary outcomes was evaluated. Results Nine participants were enrolled. There was no change in motor function. There was a significant between phase difference in level of independence with activities of daily living (median post-intervention change = 5, IQR = 0, 10, p = 0.01), and grip strength (affected limb) (median post-intervention change = 1, IQR = 0, 2, p = 0.03). A significant difference was found for quadriceps strength (affected limb) (median change in wait phase = 4, IQR = 2, 7.5, p = 0.01). Participants consistently reported positive perceptions of the therapy. Conclusions Therapy with a free-standing exoskeleton is acceptable to participants and can facilitate improvements in level of independence and grip strength. Restrictions regarding eligibility to use the device, may reduce the clinical application of this therapy for people with stroke.
Implementation of a Plant-Based, Nutrition Program in a Large Integrated Health Care System: Results of a Pilot Program
Authors: Rahman Vanita J. , Horberg Michael A. , Hu Haihong , Vupputuri Suma 
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Despite the proven efficacy of plant-based diets in the management of cardiometabolic diseases, most healthcare providers do not incorporate them into treatment plans. Objective: Conduct a post-hoc evaluation of a novel plant-based nutrition program in a large integrated health care system, including the impact on health care outcomes. Methods: A large integrated health care system launched an innovative 12-week plant-based nutrition program that included weekly nutrition education, peer mentoring, and support. Plasma cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure, body weight, and healthcare utilization parameters were measured before and after the program. The current study is a pre- and post-descriptive analysis of the health metrics of individuals who participated in the program and a matched comparison group. Results: A total of 408 patients, across a wide range of weight categories, demographics, and co-morbidities, participated in a plant-based nutrition program, and program completers experienced mean reductions in total and LDL plasma cholesterol levels of 11.0 and 8.1 mg/dL, respectively, as well as reductions in medication usage, office visits, and body weight. Conclusion: Implementation of a novel plant-based, nutrition program in a large integrated health care system was associated with improvements in health outcomes.
Qualitative Evaluation of a Novel Educational Tool to Communicate Individualized Hip Fracture Prognostic Information to Patients and Surrogates: My Hip Fracture (My-HF)
Authors: Vincent Corita , Wegier Pete , Chien Vincent , Kurahashi Allison Miyoshi , Ginsburg Shiphra , Molla Ghanbari Hedieh , Wolfstadt Jesse Isaac , Cram Peter 
Published: October 2021

Introduction Mortality and morbidity are high for older adults after hip fracture (HF), but patients and surrogate decision makers (SDMs) are typically unaware of the poor prognosis. We developed a novel educational tool, My Hip Fracture (My-HF), to provide patients and SDMs of patients hospitalized with acute HF individualized estimates of their post-HF prognosis. We conducted initial usability testing of My-HF in a sample of patients with HF and SDMs. Materials and Methods My-HF provides information about: 1) anatomy and risk factors for HF; 2) Hip fracture treatment received; 3) individualized predicted risk of adverse events and 4) anticipated discharge trajectory. We conducted a qualitative usability study using a convenience sample of hospitalized, post-operative patients with acute HF or SDMs of patients who lacked decision-making capacity. We used semi-structured interviews to obtain feedback. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and concepts. Results We conducted interviews with 8 patients and 9 SDMs (mean age of interviewees 70.1 years, 41% female). My-HF was generally well received. Thematic analysis identified legibility and visual appeal, comprehension, numeracy, utility and reflection as prominent themes. Most respondents found My-HF to be useful in improving their understanding of HF and as a potential mechanism for sharing information with other care team members (including family and professionals). Suggestions for improvement of legibility, presentation of the individualized prognosis information and content were identified. Discussion Patients and SDMs are generally accepting of My-HF and found it useful for communicating individualized prognostic information. Feedback identified areas for improvement for future iterations of the tool. Conclusion My-HF presents a means of addressing the gap in understanding of prognosis post-HF as a part of patient-centered care. Further evaluation will be needed to assess the impact of My-HF on patient and SDM reported outcomes as we transition from a paper to smart-phone enabled web application.
Do Epidural Steroid Injections Affect Outcomes and Costs in Cervical Degenerative Disease? A Retrospective MarketScan Database Analysis
Authors: Wadhwa Harsh , Varshneya Kunal , Stienen Martin N. , Veeravagu Anand 
Published: October 2021

Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective To investigate the effect of preoperative epidural steroid injection (ESI) on quality outcomes and costs in patients undergoing surgery for cervical degenerative disease. Methods We queried the MarketScan database, a national administrative claims dataset, to identify patients who underwent cervical degenerative surgery from 2007 to 2016. Patients under 18 and patients with history of tumor or trauma were excluded. Patients were stratified by ESI use at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 or more months preoperative. Propensity score matched controls for these groups were obtained. Baseline demographics, postoperative complications, reoperations, readmissions, and costs were compared via univariate and multivariate analysis. Results 97 117 patients underwent cervical degenerative surgery, of which 29 963 (30.7%) had ESI use at any time preoperatively. Overall, 90-day complication rate was not significantly different between groups. The ESI cohorts had shorter length of stay, but higher 90-day readmission and reoperation rates. ESI use was associated with higher total payments through the 2-year follow-up period. Among patients who received preoperative ESI, male sex, history of cancer, obesity, PVD, rheumatoid arthritis, nonsmokers, cervical myelopathy, BMP use, anterior approach, 90-day complication, 90-day reoperation, and 90-day readmission were independently associated with increased 90-day total cost. Conclusion ESI can offer pain relief in some patients refractory to other conservative management techniques, but those who eventually undergo surgery have greater healthcare resource utilization. Certain characteristics can predispose patients who receive preoperative ESI to incur higher healthcare costs.
Identification of GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR transcription factors in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) genome and functional analysis of LsaGRF5 in leaf size regulation
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tong Yanan , Luo Kangsheng , Zhai Zhaodong , Liu Xue , Shi Zhenying , Zhang Dechun , Li Dayong 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs), a type of plant-specific transcription factors, play important roles in regulating plant growth and development. Although GRF gene family has been identified in various plant species, a genome-wide analysis of this family in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) has not been reported yet.

Results
Here we identified 15 GRF genes in lettuce and performed comprehensive analysis of them, including chromosomal locations, gene structures, and conserved motifs. Through phylogenic analysis, we divided LsaGRFs into six groups. Transactivation assays and subcellular localization of LsaGRF5 showed that this protein is likely to act as a transcriptional factor in the cell nucleus. Furthermore, transgenic lettuce lines overexpressing LsaGRF5 exhibited larger leaves, while smaller leaves were observed in LsaMIR396a overexpression lines, in which LsaGRF5 was down-regulated.

Conclusions
These results in lettuce provide insight into the molecular mechanism of GRF gene family in regulating leaf growth and development and foundational information for genetic improvement of the lettuce variations specialized in leaf character.
Is social participation associated with good self-rated health among visually impaired older adults?: the JAGES cross-sectional study
Authors: Takesue Atsuhide , Hiratsuka Yoshimune , Inoue Akira , Kondo Katsunori , Murakami Akira , Aida Jun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
While it has been recognized that visual impairment is associated with poor self-rated health (SRH), in addition to various negative health outcomes of visual impairment, the number of older adults with visual impairment is increasing due to population aging. As increasing evidence has been found for the effectiveness of social participation on good SRH, we examined whether there was an association between social participation and SRH and investigated whether the effect differed by visual status.

Methods
Questionnaire data on self-reported visual status, social participation, socioeconomic status, and SRH were obtained in 2016. A total of 24,313 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and over participated. We examined the association of social participation and SRH status among older adults with visual impairment. Stratified analysis and analysis with an interaction term between social participation and visual status were also conducted. Social participation was assessed by the number of participating groups (no participation, one, two, and three or more).

Results
Overall visual impairment prevalence was 9.3% (95% CI: 8.9–9.7). Among those with and without visual impairment, prevalence of poor SRH was 38.4 and 13.1%, respectively. However, the association between social participation with SRH was similar, especially for those who participated in one or two groups. For people with (PR = 0.54) and without visual impairment (PR = 0.50), those who participated in two groups showed lower prevalence ratios for poor SRH compared to people without social participation.

Conclusion
Social participation showed a beneficial association with SRH among older adults with visual impairment. Future interventions could focus on the potentially positive role of social participation on SRH among older adults with visual impairment.
Tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium marseillense, initially identified as Mycobacterium avium complex using AccuProbe and COBAS TaqMan
Authors: Nomura Yusuke , Okamoto Koh , Ohama Yuki , Higurashi Yoshimi , Harada Sohei , Moriya Kyoji 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background
Mycobacterium marseillense is a new species of the Mycobacterium avium complex. There has been only a few human infections caused by M. marseillense worldwide.

Case presentation
We report a case of tenosynovitis caused by M. marseillense in an immunocompetent adult in Japan. The isolate was initially identified as M. intracellulare using commercial real time polymerase chain reaction assays and later identified as M. marseillense with sequencing of the the rpoB and hsp65 regions, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Conclusions
This is the first case reporting on M. marseillense generating a positive result with commercial real time PCR assays targeting MAC. Human infections associated by M. marseillense might be underreported due to similarities with Mycobacterium intracellulare. To accurately identify M. marseillese, MALDI-TOF MS might provide a rapid and reliable method.