bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of a new stabilization device for measurement of muscle strength using a hand‐held dynamometer
Authors: Yasacı Zeynal , Argut Sezen Karaborklu , Celik Derya 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe hand‐held dynamometer (HHD) is a reliable and portable tool for quantitatively assessing muscle strength. However, a number of variables, including the strength of the tester, the adequacy of stabilization, and the selected testing position, can affect the reliability of the device. The objective of the present study was to examine the reproducibility and inter‐rater reliability of strength assessments using HHD with and without a stabilization device.MethodsStrength assessments were conducted with and without the stabilization device by two independent raters. Healthy volunteers with no history of musculoskeletal disorders were included in the study. The strength of the shoulder flexion, scapula elevation, knee extension, and hip abduction muscle groups was evaluated using HHD. The reliability of the measurements was evaluated using intra‐class correlation (ICC), standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change.ResultsFifty‐two healthy volunteers (age 21.51 ± 2.02 years) participated in the study. The reproducibility was found to be excellent (ICC = 0.89–0.99). While reliability between the assessors was good to excellent (ICC = 0.85–0.93), reliability between assessors and device was found moderate to good (ICC = 0.48–0.78).DiscussionThe strength values obtained for all directions of movement with the stabilization device were found to be significantly higher than those obtained without fixation of the HHD. It can be concluded that the data obtained from the assessors and HHD with stabilization device are not comparable. Moreover, the utilization of a stabilization device may serve to enhance the reliability of the measurements by eliminating the rater effect.
Influence of echo time on pulmonary ventilation and perfusion derived by phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI using multi‐echo ultrashort echo time acquisition
Authors: Behrendt Lea , Gutberlet Marcel , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Klimeš Filip , Obert Arnd J. , Kern Agilo L. , Horstmann Dominik , Wernz Marius M. , Müller Robin A. , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNon‐contrast enhanced 1H magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is promising for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) assessment of the lung but the influence of the echo time (TE) on V/Q parameters is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different TEs on pulmonary V/Q parameters derived by phase‐resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI using a multi‐echo ultrashort TE (UTE) acquisition. A 2D multi‐echo UTE sequence with radial center out readout and tiny golden angle increment was developed. Forty‐eight participants were enrolled in this study: 25 healthy subjects, six patients with asthma, and 17 patients with pulmonary fibrosis. Participants underwent two acquisitions of 2D multi‐echo UTE MRI with three TEs per acquisition (TE1–6: 0.07, 0.82, 1.72, 2.47, 3.37, and 4.12 ms). Regional ventilation (RVent), flow‐volume loop cross‐correlation metric (FVL‐CM), and normalized perfusion‐weighted signal (QN) maps were calculated. V/Q defect percentages (VDP/QDP) were determined. To assess repeatability, the measurement was repeated in healthy subjects. Median and interquartile range of RVent, FVL‐CM, QN, VDP, and QDP were calculated. To assess significant differences between parameters obtained at different TEs, Friedman's test and Dunnett's test were performed. Pearson correlation coefficients between RVent derived at TE1 and the difference in RVent between TE2,3 and TE1 were calculated. For repeatability assessment, coefficient of variation (CoV) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were determined. Significant differences were found comparing V/Q parameters obtained at TE3–6 compared to TE1. CoV increased with TE. For ICC, values between 0.35 (QDP at TE1) and 0.83 (VDPRVent at TE2) were obtained for T1,2. Statistically significant differences for ventilation and perfusion parameters derived by PREFUL were found for TE3–6 compared to TE1. All V/Q parameters were well repeatable for TE1–2. With increasing TE and respiratory volume, RVent shows a T2*‐dependency leading to biased ventilation assessment compared to TE1.
Measuring cerebral enzymatic activity, brain pH and extracranial muscle metabolism with hyperpolarized 13C‐pyruvate
Authors: Khan Alixander S. , McLean Mary A. , Kaggie Joshua D. , Horvat‐Menih Ines , Matys Tomasz , Schulte Rolf F. , Locke Matthew J. , Grimmer Ashley , Wodtke Pascal , Latimer Elizabeth , Frary Amy , Graves Martin J. , Gallagher Ferdia A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHyperpolarized carbon‐13 (13C) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown promise for non‐invasive assessment of the cerebral metabolism of [1‐13C]pyruvate in both healthy volunteers and patients. The exchange of pyruvate to lactate catalysed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and that of pyruvate flux to bicarbonate through pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) are the most widely studied reactions in vivo. Here we show the potential of the technique to probe additional enzymatic activity within the brain. Approximately 50 s after intravenous injection of hyperpolarized pyruvate, high‐flip‐angle pulses were used to detect cerebral 13C‐labelled carbon dioxide (13CO2), in addition to the 13C‐bicarbonate (H13CO3−) subsequently formed by carbonic anhydrase (CA). Brain pH measurements, which were weighted towards the extracellular compartment, were calculated from the ratio of H13CO3− to 13CO2 in seven volunteers using the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation, demonstrating an average pH ± SD of 7.40 ± 0.02, with inter‐observer reproducibility of 0.04. In addition, hyperpolarized [1‐13C]aspartate was also detected, demonstrating irreversible pyruvate carboxylation to oxaloacetate by pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and subsequent transamination by aspartate aminotransferase (AST), with the average flux being on average 11% ± 3% of that through PDH. A hyperpolarized [1‐13C]alanine signal was also detected, but this was localized to extracranial muscle tissue in keeping with skeletal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. The results demonstrate the potential of hyperpolarized 13C‐MRI to assess cerebral and extracerebral [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism in addition to LDH and PDH activity. Non‐invasive measurements of brain pH could be particularly important in assessing cerebral pathology given the wide range of disease processes that alter acid–base balance.
Creating Space for Africa: Revisiting China's Call for Co‐Construction of the Belt and Road Initiative With African Countries
Authors: Edeh Emmanuel Chidiebere 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTChina's call for the co‐construction of the belt and road initiative (BRI) with African countries has drawn scholarly attention to issues such as China's interest in Africa, Africa's interests in participating in the BRI, potential areas of synergy for complementary development, and Africa's strategy for engaging in the BRI. The paper revealed that there is a possible nexus for synergies between the BRI and Africa's development agenda, Agenda 2063. Nevertheless, the paper argued that despite the many promising potentials present in the BRI, without a better management strategy for engagement, the desired meaningful partnership will be far from actualization. As a result, it proposes engaging in BRI at the multilateral level. The paper submits that engagements at the multilateral level with AU and AUDA‐NEPAD other than bilateral engagement are critical for achieving the desired partnership.
CHIEF: A retrospective self‐control study of children with severe hemophilia A without inhibitors comparing emicizumab to FVIII prophylaxis
Authors: Mashiach Daniel , Mead Patrice , Carneiro Kendall , Malvar Jemily , Knight Susan , Young Guy 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundHemophilia A (HA) is an X‐linked bleeding disorder diagnosed by a deficiency in factor VIII (FVIII). For severe HA (SHA), prophylaxis clotting factor concentrates (CFC) has become the standard of care; however, it imparts a high treatment burden and typically results in an annualized bleeding rate (ABR) of 2–6. Emicizumab, a subcutaneously administered FVIII substitute, has become the de facto standard‐of‐care prophylaxis for children with SHA in many countries. Previous clinical trials of emicizumab have assessed ABR in patients greater than 12 years without inhibitors, and in children less than 12 years with inhibitors; however, there is little information published regarding the ABR of emicizumab compared to CFC in non‐inhibitor SHA children.MethodsUsing a retrospective electronic medical record chart review, we conducted a self‐control analysis of 15 patients less than 12 years of age during equivalent periods of CFC versus emicizumab prophylaxis.ResultsThe mean ABR on CFC and emicizumab was 1.79 and 1.13 (p = .092), respectively, with a substantially decreased rate of joint bleeds (CFC 0.94; emicizumab 0.33; p = .001) and spontaneous bleeds (CFC 0.79; emicizumab 0.23; p = .008). No safety events were recorded for patients while administering emicizumab. The mean annual cost of CFC prophylaxis was $515,340 (SD $199,540), compared to $328,410 (SD $137,230) for emicizumab prophylaxis (p < .001).ConclusionEmicizumab resulted in an improved ABR compared to CFC, especially for joint and spontaneous bleeds, had fewer administration complications, and was substantially less expensive compared to CFC prophylaxis; however, more research is necessary for a complete understanding of the effect of emicizumab on joint health and muscle bleeds.
Immune or inherited thrombocytopenia? A population‐based cohort study on children and adolescents presenting with a low platelet count
Authors: Kulmala Lauri‐Matti , Aarnivala Henri , Pokka Tytti , Huurre Anu , Järvelä Liisa , Palmu Sauli , Pöyhönen Tuuli , Niinimäki Riitta 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThrombocytopenia is a common hematologic finding in children and adolescents. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is the most common cause of this finding, but the differential diagnosis includes a growing list of genetic disorders. We aimed to report differences in phenotypes of patients with ITP, inherited platelet disorder (IPD)/primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID), and other causes, with a focus on differentiating ITP from inherited thrombocytopenia.ProcedureThis retrospective, population‐based observational cohort from 2006 to 2020 involved 506 Finnish children under 16 years of age presenting with isolated thrombocytopenia.ResultsOf the 506 participants, 79.7% had ITP, 6.7% had IPD/PID, and 13.6% had other causes of thrombocytopenia. A platelet count of ≤12 × 109/L best distinguished between ITP and other reasons with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 80%. Among patients with the lowest platelet count of less than 10 × 109/L, 95.9% had ITP, 3.3% had IPD/PID, and 0.8% had other causes. Severe bleeding events were reported in 20 patients (4.0%), but there were no cases of intracranial or fatal bleeding due to thrombocytopenia. Up to 50% of patients with a high suspicion of inherited thrombocytopenia remained without a specific diagnosis despite genetic testing.ConclusionsITP remains the most common cause of thrombocytopenia. A platelet count of ≤12 × 109/L often leads to an ITP diagnosis. Genetic disorders are rare but should be suspected in patients with persisting thrombocytopenia, especially with platelet counts constantly above 12 × 109/L, a positive family history, or atypical clinical features.
Burden of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection prior to vaccine eligibility among immunocompromised children aged 1–11 years at a pediatric tertiary referral hospital in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Petel Dara , Ali Mohsin , Wright James , Campigotto Aaron , Science Michelle , Gupta Sumit , Bolotin Shelly 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence reflects the efficacy of pandemic infection prevention and control measures. We performed anti‐spike IgG serological testing on residual sera of children 1–11 years old at a tertiary care referral center between October and November 2021. Immunocompromised patients had the highest SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence, at 40.5%, compared to 19.3% in non‐immunocompromised patients. Targeted infection prevention and public health interventions are warranted for pediatric immunocompromised patients in future pandemics.
Fetal Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Measured Global Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate in Congenital Heart Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: van den Wildenberg Sarah , van Beynum Ingrid M. , Havermans Malou E. C. , Boersma Eric , DeVore Greggory R. , Simpson John M. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Go Attie T. J. I. , Cornette Jérôme M. J. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTFetal two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) is a novel technique that provides information on fetal heart function by measuring global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal strain rate (GLSR). These features assess the longitudinal deformity of the fetal cardiac wall. 2D‐STE is shown to be of prognostic value in children and adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Therefore, its importance in fetal life should also be considered. This systematic review and meta‐analysis provides an overview of the literature on 2D‐STE (GLS/GLSR) in fetuses with CHD, focusing on the left and right ventricles (LV/RV). Findings indicated that LV‐GLS was significantly lower in fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) and Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) compared to controls. Conversely, fetuses with a single left ventricle exhibited higher LV‐GLS. RV‐GLS was significantly lower in fetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and ToF compared to controls. LV‐GLSR was significantly lower in fetuses with CoA. Overall, considerable heterogeneity was observed, possibly due to differences in study design. More prospective longitudinal studies on 2D‐STE in fetuses with CHD, considering heterogeneity parameters, could offer better insights into this promising technique.
Intravenous ketamine successfully treats treatment‐resistant catatonia in schizophrenia: A case report
Authors: Siddiqui Atif 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundBenzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are mainstay treatments for catatonia, a potentially life‐threatening psychomotor syndrome characterized by a range of symptoms, including immobility, mutism, stupor, posturing, and sometimes even agitation. It can be a manifestation of various underlying psychiatric or medical conditions, such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, or neurological disorders. When conventional treatments fail to alleviate symptoms, ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic, has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for catatonia. However, its precise mechanism of action in treating catatonia remains to be fully elucidated. The use of ketamine in treating treatment‐resistant catatonia in patients with schizophrenia has not been described.MethodsWe describe a unique case of a 77‐year‐old female with schizophrenia for 15 years who presented with hallucinations, generalized weakness, immobility, stupor, and mutism consistent with severe catatonia. The electroencephalogram did not show seizures, and brain imaging was negative for stroke. Her catatonia was resistant to treatment with benzodiazepines and haloperidol. However, ECT was unavailable due to the COVID‐19 pandemic. She was successfully treated with a single intravenous infusion of ketamine administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg over 40 min with complete rapid recovery and remained stable as an outpatient.ResultsIntravenous ketamine single infusion may be a safe and feasible option in schizophrenia patients with drug‐resistant catatonia, particularly in patients for whom standard therapies are ineffective. However, its use should be approached cautiously due to the risk of exacerbation of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia.ConclusionsFurther research is warranted to better understand the role of ketamine in the management of catatonia in this patient population.
Effect of Ga Variation on the Bulk and Grain‐Boundary Properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Absorbers in Thin‐Film Solar Cells and Their Impacts on Open‐Circuit Voltage Losses
Authors: Thomas Sinju , Witte Wolfram , Hariskos Dimitrios , Paetel Stefan , Song Chang‐Yun , Kempa Heiko , Maiberg Matthias , El‐Ganainy Nora , Abou‐Ras Daniel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPolycrystalline widegap Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorbers for top cells in photovoltaic tandem devices can be synthesized via [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) (GGI) ratios of > 0.5. However, the power conversion efficiencies of such high‐GGI devices are smaller than those of the record cells with GGI < 0.5. In the present work, the effects of the GGI ratio on various CIGSe material properties were studied and correlated with the radiative and nonradiative open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficits of the thin‐film solar cells. Average grain sizes, grain boundary (GB) recombination velocities, fluctuations in luminescence energy distribution, barrier heights at GBs, effective electron lifetimes, and Urbach energies were investigated in five solar cells with GGI ratios from 0.13 to 0.83. It was found that the GGI variation affects GB recombination velocities, fluctuations in spatial luminescence distributions, the average grain size, the electron lifetime, and the Urbach energy. In contrast, the detected ranges of barrier heights at GBs are independent of the GGI ratio. Mainly Ga/In gradients give rise to substantial radiative VOC losses in all solar cells. Nonradiative VOC deficits are dominant especially for solar cells with GGI > 0.5, which can be attributed to low bulk lifetimes and enhanced recombination at GBs in CIGSe absorbers in this compositional range.
Effectiveness and efficiency of aquatic therapy on independence in activities of daily living and mobility in post‐acute spinal cord injury: A matched case‐control study
Authors: García‐Rudolph Alejandro , Finestres Jordi , Wright Mark Andrew , Casanovas Josep Medina , Opisso Eloy 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeAquatic therapy (AT), though potentially effective, lacks studies on clinical efficacy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). A recent study analyzing interviews with rehabilitation professionals on its clinical application reported that the scarce evidence of AT benefits was one of the actual barriers to its successful integration into clinical practice. We seek to provide evidence by comparing independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and functional ambulation capacity in patients following rehabilitation which included AT and matched controls who followed rehabilitation without AT (non‐AT).MethodsFunctional Independence Measure (FIM), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM‐III), Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI‐II) and its minimal clinically important difference (WISCI‐II/MCID) were assessed. The AT group followed the Halliwick concept. We performed nonparametric nearest‐neighbor k:1 matching for age, time since injury to admission, FIM at admission, level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness and cause of injury (traumatic, non‐traumatic). The rehabilitation program comprised four daily hours of intensive treatment from the multidisciplinary team. Both groups received the same total number of rehabilitation hours at the same specialized clinical center and were admitted to follow inpatient rehabilitation within 2 months after injury.ResultsA total of 29 patients with SCI who followed AT (admitted between 2017 and 2023) were compared to historical matches selected from 551 inpatients with SCI (admitted between 2014 and 2023). For k = 1, the groups showed no significant differences in gains, efficiency, or effectiveness in FIM and SCIM‐III; significant differences were observed in WISCI‐II gain (p = 0.018) and WISCI‐II efficiency (p = 0.046) in favor of the AT group; the proportion of patients achieving WISCI‐II/MCID was significantly higher for the AT group (75.9% vs. 48.3%) (p = 0.030). These results were confirmed for k = 2.ConclusionThe AT group performed similarly in independence for performing ADLs and significantly better in ambulation than the matched historical controls.
Unveiling the Complexity of cis‐Regulation Mechanisms in Kinases: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Navarro Alvaro M. , Alonso Macarena , Martínez‐Pérez Elizabeth , Lazar Tamas , Gibson Toby J. , Iserte Javier A. , Tompa Peter , Marino‐Buslje Cristina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProtein cis‐regulatory elements (CREs) are regions that modulate the activity of a protein through intramolecular interactions. Kinases, pivotal enzymes in numerous biological processes, often undergo regulatory control via inhibitory interactions in cis. This study delves into the mechanisms of cis regulation in kinases mediated by CREs, employing a combined structural and sequence analysis. To accomplish this, we curated an extensive dataset of kinases featuring annotated CREs, organized into homolog families through multiple sequence alignments. Key molecular attributes, including disorder and secondary structure content, active and ATP‐binding sites, post‐translational modifications, and disease‐associated mutations, were systematically mapped onto all sequences. Additionally, we explored the potential for conformational changes between active and inactive states. Finally, we explored the presence of these kinases within membraneless organelles and elucidated their functional roles therein. CREs display a continuum of structures, ranging from short disordered stretches to fully folded domains. The adaptability demonstrated by CREs in achieving the common goal of kinase inhibition spans from direct autoinhibitory interaction with the active site within the kinase domain, to CREs binding to an alternative site, inducing allosteric regulation revealing distinct types of inhibitory mechanisms, which we exemplify by archetypical representative systems. While this study provides a systematic approach to comprehend kinase CREs, further experimental investigations are imperative to unravel the complexity within distinct kinase families. The insights gleaned from this research lay the foundation for future studies aiming to decipher the molecular basis of kinase dysregulation, and explore potential therapeutic interventions.
Alkylsulfones: novel chemical scaffolds targeting the vesicular acetylcholine transporter usher in a new generation of insecticides
Authors: Holland Robert A. , Crossthwaite Andrew 
Published: October 2024

AbstractInsecticides targeting the nervous system have been the most widely used to control arthropod pests due to their fast onset of action leading to efficient crop protection. With their continued use, resistance has and will become an inevitable challenge that demands continued efforts in identifying and developing new insecticidal chemistries acting on novel targets. In a recent publication, the results of a comprehensive study investigating the mode of action of novel chemical scaffolds based on the 2‐(3‐ethylsulfonyl‐2‐pyridyl)‐heterocycles, alkylsulfones, was presented, concluding that their primary target is the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.