bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying upper limb tremor in people with multiple sclerosis using Fast Fourier Transform based analysis of wrist accelerometer signals
Authors: Teufl Stefan , Preston Jenny , van Wijck Frederike , Stansfield Ben 
Published: February 2021

Introduction Tremor is a disabling symptom of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The development of objective methods of tremor characterisation to assess intervention efficacy and disease progression is therefore important. The possibility of using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) method for tremor detection was explored. Methods Acceleration from a wrist-worn device was analysed using FFTs to identify and characterise tremor magnitude and frequency. Processing parameters were explored to provide insight into the optimal algorithm. Participants wore a wrist tri-axial accelerometer during 9 tasks. The FAHN clinical assessment of tremor was used as the reference standard. Results Five people with MS and tremor (57.6 ± 15.3 years, 3 F/2M) and ten disease-free controls (42.4 ± 10.9 years, 5 M/5F) took part. Using specific algorithm settings tremor identification was possible (peak frequency 3–15Hz; magnitude greater than 0.06 g; 2 s windows with 50% overlap; using 2 of 3 axes of acceleration), giving sensitivity 0.974 and specificity 0.971 (38 tremor occurrences out of 108 tasks, 1 false positive, 2 false negatives). Tremor had frequency 3.5–13.0 Hz and amplitude 0.07–2.60g. Conclusions Upper limb tremor in people with MS can be detected using a FFT approach based on acceleration recorded at the wrist, demonstrating the possibility of using this minimally encumbering technique within clinical practice.
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Versus Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Neurologically Intact Osteoporotic Kümmell’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Baoliang , Chen Guanghui , Yang Xiaoxi , Fan Tianqi , Chen Zhongqiang 
Published: February 2021

Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective: Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) are minimally invasive techniques widely used for the treatment of neurologically intact osteoporotic Kümmell’s disease (KD), but which treatment is preferable remains controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to shed light on this issue. Methods: Six databases were searched for all relevant studies based on the PRISMA guidelines. Two investigators independently conducted a quality assessment, extracted the data and performed all statistical analyses. Results: Eight studies encompassing 438 neurologically intact osteoporotic KD patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared to PVP, PKP was associated with greater improvement in the short- and long-term Cobb angle [SMD = −0.37, P = 0.007; SMD = −0.34, P = 0.012], short-term anterior vertebral height [SMD = 0.43, P = 0.003] and long-term middle vertebral height [SMD = 0.57, P = 0.012] and a lower cement leakage rate [SMD = 0.50, P = 0.003] but produced more consumption (cement injection volume, operative time, fluoroscopy times, intraoperative blood loss and operation cost). However, there were no differences between the 2 procedures in the short- and long-term VAS and ODI scores, long-term anterior vertebral height, overall complications or new vertebral fractures. Conclusions: Both procedures are equally effective for neurologically intact KD in terms of the clinical outcomes, with the exception of a lower cement leakage risk and better radiographic improvement for PKP but greater resource consumption. Based on the evidence available, good clinical judgment should be exercised in the selection of patients for these procedures.
Anatomy of the Intermetatarsal Facets of the Fourth and Fifth Metatarsals
Authors: Qatu Mossub , Borrelli George , Traynor Christopher , Weistroffer Joseph , Jastifer James 
Published: February 2021

Background: The intermetatarsal joint between the fourth and fifth metatarsals (4-5 IM) is important in defining fifth metatarsal fractures. The purpose of the current study was to quantify this joint in order to determine the mean cartilage area, the percentage of the articulation that is cartilage, and to give the clinician data to help understand the joint anatomy as it relates to fifth metatarsal fracture classification. Methods: Twenty cadaver 4-5 IM joints were dissected. Digital images were taken and the articular cartilage was quantified by calibrated digital imaging software. Results: For the lateral fourth proximal intermetatarsal articulation, the mean area of articulation was 188 ± 49 mm2, with 49% of the area composed of articular cartilage. The shape of the articular cartilage had 3 variations: triangular, oval, and square. A triangular variant was the most common (80%, 16 of 20 specimens). For the medial fifth proximal intermetatarsal articulation, the mean area of articulation was 143 ± 30 mm2, with 48% of the joint surface being composed of articular cartilage. The shape of the articular surface was oval or triangular. An oval variant was the most common (75%, 15 of 20 specimens). Conclusion: This study supports the notion that the 4-5 IM joint is not completely articular and has both fibrous and cartilaginous components. Clinical Relevance: The clinical significance of this study is that it quantifies the articular surface area and shape. This information may be useful in understanding fifth metatarsal fracture extension into the articular surface and to inform implant design and also help guide surgeons intraoperatively in order to minimize articular damage.
ComHub: Community predictions of hubs in gene regulatory networks
Authors: Åkesson Julia , Lubovac-Pilav Zelmina , Magnusson Rasmus , Gustafsson Mika 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Hub transcription factors, regulating many target genes in gene regulatory networks (GRNs), play important roles as disease regulators and potential drug targets. However, while numerous methods have been developed to predict individual regulator-gene interactions from gene expression data, few methods focus on inferring these hubs.

Results
We have developed ComHub, a tool to predict hubs in GRNs. ComHub makes a community prediction of hubs by averaging over predictions by a compendium of network inference methods. Benchmarking ComHub against the DREAM5 challenge data and two independent gene expression datasets showed a robust performance of ComHub over all datasets.

Conclusions
In contrast to other evaluated methods, ComHub consistently scored among the top performing methods on data from different sources. Lastly, we implemented ComHub to work with both predefined networks and to perform stand-alone network inference, which will make the method generally applicable.
Family-effects in the epigenomic response of red blood cells to a challenge test in the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax, L.)
Authors: Krick Madoka Vera , Desmarais Erick , Samaras Athanasios , Guéret Elise , Dimitroglou Arkadios , Pavlidis Michalis , Tsigenopoulos Costas , Guinand Bruno 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn fish, minimally invasive blood sampling is widely used to monitor physiological stress with blood plasma biomarkers. As fish blood cells are nucleated, they might be a source a potential new markers derived from ‘omics technologies. We modified the epiGBS (epiGenotyping By Sequencing) technique to explore changes in genome-wide cytosine methylation in the red blood cells (RBCs) of challenged European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), a species widely studied in both natural and farmed environments.ResultsWe retrieved 501,108,033 sequencing reads after trimming, with a mean mapping efficiency of 73.0% (unique best hits). Minor changes in RBC methylome appeared to manifest after the challenge test and a family-effect was detected. Only fifty-seven differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) close to 51 distinct genes distributed on 17 of 24 linkage groups (LGs) were detected between RBCs of pre- and post-challenge individuals. Thirty-seven of these genes were previously reported as differentially expressed in the brain of zebrafish, most of them involved in stress coping differences. While further investigation remains necessary, few DMC-related genes associated to the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor, a protein that favors stress adaptation and fear memory, appear relevant to integrate a centrally produced stress response in RBCs.ConclusionOur modified epiGBS protocol was powerful to analyze patterns of cytosine methylation in RBCs ofD. labraxand to evaluate the impact of a challenge using minimally invasive blood samples.This study is the first approximation to identify epigenetic biomarkers of exposure to stress in fish.
Unique niche-specific adaptation of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria and proposal of three Apilactobacillus species as novel members of the group
Authors: Maeno Shintaro , Nishimura Hiroya , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Dicks Leon , Arita Masanori , Endo Akihito 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) found in D-fructose rich niches prefer D-fructose over D-glucose as a growth substrate. They need electron acceptors for growth on D-glucose. The organisms share carbohydrate metabolic properties. Fructobacillus spp., Apilactobacillus kunkeei, and Apilactobacillus apinorum are members of this unique group. Here we studied the fructophilic characteristics of recently described species Apilactobacillus micheneri, Apilactobacillus quenuiae, and Apilactobacillus timberlakei.

Results
The three species prefer D-fructose over D-glucose and only metabolize D-glucose in the presence of electron acceptors. The genomic characteristics of the three species, i.e. small genomes and thus a low number of coding DNA sequences, few genes involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism, and partial deletion of adhE gene, are characteristic of FLAB. The three species thus are novel members of FLAB. Reduction of genes involved in carbohydrate transport and metabolism in accordance with reduction of genome size were the common characteristics of the family Lactobacillaceae, but FLAB markedly reduced the gene numbers more than other species in the family. Pan-genome analysis of genes involved in metabolism displayed a lack of specific carbohydrate metabolic pathways in FLAB, leading to a unique cluster separation.

Conclusions
The present study expanded FLAB group. Fructose-rich environments have induced similar evolution in phylogenetically distant FLAB species. These are examples of convergent evolution of LAB.
Factors associated with acute myocardial infarction in older patients after hospitalization with community-acquired pneumonia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kang Yu , Fang Xiang-Yang , Wang Dong , Wang Xiao-Juan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute myocardial infarction cardiovascular (AMI) are two important health issues in older patients. Little is known regarding characteristics of AMI in older patients hospitalized for CAP. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, characteristics compared with younger patients, impact on clinical outcomes and risk factors of AMI during hospitalization for CAP in geriatric patients.

Methods
Eleven thousand nine adult inpatients consisted of 5111 patients≥65 years and 5898 patients< 65 years in respiratory ward diagnosed with CAP were retrospectively analyzed by electronic medical records.

Results
159 (3.1%) older patients in respiratory ward experienced AMI during hospitalization for CAP. AMI were more frequently seen in patients≥65 years compared with patients< 65 years (3.1% vs. 1.0%). Patients≥65 years who experienced AMI during hospitalization for CAP had higher percentage of respiratory failure (P = 0.001), hypertension (P = 0.008), dyspnea (P = 0.046), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ≥7 mmol/L (P < 0.001), serum sodium< 130 mmol/L (P = 0.005) and had higher in-hospital mortality compared to patients< 65 years (10.1% vs. 6.6%). AMI was associated with increased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, OR, with 95% confidence interval: 1.49 [1.24–1.82]; P < 0.01). Respiratory failure (OR, 1.34 [1.15–1.54]; P < 0.01), preexisting coronary artery disease (OR, 1.31[1.07–1.59]; P = 0.02), diabetes (OR, 1.26 [1.11–1.42]; P = 0.02) and BUN (OR, 1.23 [1.01–1.49]; P = 0.04) were correlated with the occurrence of AMI in the older patients after hospitalization with CAP.

Conclusions
The incidence of AMI during CAP hospitalization in geriatric patients is notable and have an impact on in-hospital mortality. Respiratory failure, preexisting coronary artery disease, diabetes and BUN was associated with the occurrence of AMI in the older patients after hospitalization with CAP. Particular attention should be paid to older patients with risk factors for AMI.
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults
Authors: Fierloos Irene N. , Tan Siok Swan , Williams Greg , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Koppelaar Elin , Bilajac Lovorka , Verma Arpana , Markaki Athina , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Vasiljev Vanja , Franse Carmen B. , Raat Hein 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness.

Methods
Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness.

Results
The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD = 5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2 and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73–2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21–2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31–2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00–1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14–2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35–2.78).

Conclusions
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.
Effect of prior cancer on survival of hepatocellular carcinoma: implications for clinical trial eligibility criteria
Authors: Sun Xuqi , Li Lingling , Xu Li , Zhou Zhongguo , Chen Jinbin , Wang Juncheng , Zhang Yaojun , Hu Dandan , Chen Minshan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Patients with cancer history are usually excluded from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) clinical trials. However, whether previous malignancy affects the oncological outcomes of HCC patients has not been fully assessed. This study aimed to evaluate whether prior cancer compromised the survival of HCC patients.

Methods
Patients with HCC were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2004 and 2015, and then they were classified into groups with and without prior cancer. The Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis were adopted to evaluate whether prior cancer impacted clinical outcomes after propensity score matching (PSM) adjusting baseline differences. Validation was performed in the cohort from our institution.

Results
We identified 2642 HCC patients with prior cancer. After PSM, the median overall survival (OS) time were 14.5 and 12.0 months respectively for groups with and without prior cancer. Prior cancer did not compromise prognosis in patients with HCC (p = 0.49). The same tendency was found in subgroups stratified by tumor stages and cancer interval period: OS was similar between groups with and without prior cancer (both p values> 0.1). In the multivariate Cox regression model, prior cancer did not adversely impact patients’ survival (HR: 1.024; 95% CI: 0.961–1.092). In the validation cohort from our institution, prior cancer had no significant association with worse outcomes (p = 0.48).

Conclusion
For HCC patients, prior cancer did not compromise their survival, regardless of tumor stage and cancer interval period. Exclusion criteria for HCC clinical trials could be reconsidered.
A meaning-centered spiritual care training program for hospice palliative care teams in South Korea: development and preliminary evaluation
Authors: Kang Kyung-Ah , Kim Shin-Jeong , Kim Do-Bong , Park Myung-Hee , Yoon Soo-Jin , Choi Sung-Eun , Choi Young-Sim , Koh Su-Jin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Spirituality is a fundamental, intrinsic aspect of human beings and should be a core component of quality palliative care. There is an urgent need to train hospice palliative care teams (HPCTs) to enhance their ability to provide spiritual care. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a meaning-centered, spiritual care training program (McSCTP) for HPCTs (McSCTP-HPCTs).

Methods
The modules’ content was informed by Viktor Frankl’s meaning-centered logotherapy with its emphasis on spiritual resources, as well as the spiritual care model of the Interprofessional Spiritual Care Education Curriculum (ISPEC). Following development, we conducted a pilot test with four nurses. We used the results to inform the final program, which we tested in an intervention involving 13 members of HPCTs. We took measurements using self-administered questionnaires at three points before and after the intervention. Using descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the Kruskal-Wallis test, we analyzed the participants’ demographic and career-related characteristics, as well as the degree of variance between three outcome variables: compassion fatigue (CF), spiritual care competencies (SCCs), and spiritual care therapeutics (SCT).

Results
We divided the McSCTP-HPCTs into five modules. Module I: The HPCTs’ SCC evaluation, understanding the major concepts of spiritual care and logotherapy; Modules II-IV: Meaning-centered interventions (MCIs) related to spiritual needs (existential, relational, and transcendental/religious); Module V: The process of meaning-centered spiritual care. The preliminary evaluation revealed significant differences in all three outcome variables at the posttest point (CF, p = 0.037; SCCs, p = 0.005; SCT, p = 0.002). At the four-week follow-up test point, we only found statistical significance with the SCCs (p = 0.006).

Conclusions
The McSCTP-HPCTs is suitable for use in clinical settings and provides evidence for assessing the SCCs of HPCTs.
Effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels: a single group clinical trial
Authors: Park SoMi , Chung ChaeWeon 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) occurs mainly through dietary intake. Due to current lifestyle trends, young people tend to consume fast food, to use disposable products, and to utilize convenient household items, all of which are major sources of EDCs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary modification intervention on menstrual pain and urinary bisphenol A (BPA) levels throughout three menstrual cycles in female college students who experienced severe menstrual pain. We also analyzed participants’ adherence to the intervention and examined whether their level of adherence was associated with differences in the effects of the intervention.

Methods
A single-group pretest and repeated posttest experimental design was employed. Thirty female college students with a score of 5 or higher on a menstrual pain scale were recruited through convenience sampling. During three menstrual cycles, menstrual pain was scored on a 10-point scale after each cycle, and urinary BPA levels were measured from the first morning urine collected after each cycle. The intervention involved three components: small-group education, follow-up monitoring, and peer support via social network communication. Statistical analyses were conducted using Friedman one-way repeated-measure analysis of variance by ranks, non-parametric two-way analysis of variance, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test as a post-hoc test.

Results
The dietary modification intervention had significant effects on menstrual pain at all three time points of menstrual cycles (χ2 = 119.64, p = 0.000) and on urinary BPA levels until the 2nd menstrual cycle (χ2 = 205.42, p = 0.000). Slightly fewer than half (43.3%) of the participants were highly adherent. Menstrual pain differed according to adherence level (F = 4.67, p = 0.032) and decreased over time through the third cycle post-intervention (F = 18.30, p = 0.000). Urinary BPA levels also decreased significantly (F = 7.94, p = 0.000), but did not differ according to adherence level.

Conclusions
The dietary modification intervention was effective and sustainable for reducing menstrual pain and urinary BPA levels. Detailed information about EDCs and dietary experiences seemed to encourage the young women to become more concerned about EDCs and to perform self-protective actions. Further experimental research is suggested to examine the relationships of EDCs with various health indicators in women.
Trial registration: KCT0005472 at 2020-9-24 retrospectively registered.
Association between body mass index and fragility fracture in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008–2009 (KNHANES IV)
Authors: Kim Jihan , Lee Sami , Kim Sung Soo , Lee Jong-Pyo , Kim Jong Sung , Jung Jin Gyu , Yoon Seok Jun , Kim Kyu Pil , Park Chan-Keol , Kim Yong-Hwan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
The present study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk for fragility fractures in postmenopausal Korean women.

Methods
Among subjects who participated in the 4th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2009), 2114 women ≥ 40 years of age were included. BMI was based on standards set by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, as follows: < 18.5 kg/m2, underweight; 18.5 ≤ to < 25 kg/m2, normal weight; and ≥ 25 kg/m2, obese. Subjects were also divided into three groups according to the location of fragility fracture: spine, hip, or wrist.

Results
The mean (± SD) rate of fragility fracture was significantly different among the three groups: 5.9 ± 2.9% (underweight), 1.1 ± 0.3% (normal weight), and 3.0 ± 0.7% (obese) (p = 0.001). After correcting for age, family history, and treatment history of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, smoking and drinking status, and level of exercise, multivariable regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio for fragility fracture in the underweight group was 5.48 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80–16.73] and 3.33 (95% CI 1.61–6.87) in the obese group. After subdividing fragility fractures into vertebral and non-vertebral, the odds ratio for vertebral fracture in the underweight group was 5.49 (95% CI 1.31–23.09) times higher than that in the normal weight group; in the obese group, the non-vertebral fracture odds ratio was 3.87 (95% CI 1.45–10.33) times higher. Analysis of non-vertebral fractures in the obese group revealed an odds ratio for fracture 22.05 (95% CI 1.33–365.31) times higher for hip fracture and 3.85 (95% CI 1.35–10.93) times higher for wrist fracture.

Conclusions
Obesity and underweight increased the risk for fragility fractures in postmenopausal Korean women.