bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction and evaluation of a neurofeedback system using finger tapping and near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Takahashi Shingo , Takahashi Daishi , Kuroiwa Yuki , Sakurai Noriko , Kodama Naoki 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionNeurofeedback using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been used in patients with stroke and other patients, but few studies have included older people or patients with cognitive impairment.MethodsWe constructed a NIRS-based neurofeedback system and used finger tapping to investigate whether neurofeedback can be implemented in older adults while finger tapping and whether brain activity improves in older adults and healthy participants. Our simple neurofeedback system was constructed using a portable wearable optical topography (WOT-HS) device. Brain activity was evaluated in 10 older and 31 healthy young individuals by measuring oxygenated hemoglobin concentration during finger tapping and neurofeedback implementation.ResultsDuring neurofeedback, the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin increased in the prefrontal regions in both the young and older participants.DiscussionThe results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of neurofeedback using simple NIRS devices for older adults and its potential to mitigate cognitive decline.
Clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Feng Limei , Xiang Dingchao , Wu Youping 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundEnteral nutrition is a very important form of treatment for critically ill patients. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients.MethodsTwo researchers searched PubMed, clinical trials, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the clinical effects and safety of semi-solid feeds in tube-fed patients until 10 October 2023. The quality evaluation tool recommended by the Cochrane Library was used to evaluate the quality of included RCTs. RevMan 5.4 software was used for data analysis.ResultsA total of eight RCTs involving 823 tube-fed patients were included in this meta-analysis. A synthesized outcome indicated that semi-solid feeds reduced the incidence of diarrhea (RR = 0.32, 95%CI:0.20–0.50, P &lt; 0.001), vomiting (RR = 0.31, 95%CI:0.15–0.64, P = 0.002), abdominal distension (RR = 0.41, 95%CI:0.22–0.76, P = 0.005), length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD = −3.61, 95%CI: −6.74 to −0.48, P = 0.02), and length of hospital stay (MD = −7.14, 95%CI: −10.31 to −3.97, P &lt; 0.01) in tube-fed patients. Enteric feeding had no effect on the 30-day mortality (RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.19−1.56, P = 0.26). No publication bias was detected by the Egger's test results (all P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionSemi-solid feeds are beneficial in reducing the incidence of diarrhea, abdominal distension, vomiting, and hospital stay. More high-quality studies are needed in the future to verify the effects of semi-solid feeds on mortality.
Case Report: Phantom limb pain relief after cognitive multisensory rehabilitation
Authors: Zernitz Marina , Rizzello Carla , Rigoni Marco , Van de Winckel Ann 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionRelieving phantom limb pain (PLP) after amputation in patients resistant to conventional therapy remains a challenge. While the causes for PLP are unclear, one model suggests that maladaptive plasticity related to cortical remapping following amputation leads to altered mental body representations (MBR) and contributes to PLP. Cognitive Multisensory Rehabilitation (CMR) has led to reduced pain in other neurologic conditions by restoring MBR. This is the first study using CMR to relieve PLP.MethodsA 26-year-old woman experienced excruciating PLP after amputation of the third proximal part of the leg, performed after several unsuccessful treatments (i.e., epidural stimulator, surgeries, analgesics) for debilitating neuropathic pain in the left foot for six years with foot deformities resulting from herniated discs. The PLP was resistant to pain medication and mirror therapy. PLP rendered donning a prosthesis impossible. The patient received 35 CMR sessions (2×/day during weekdays, October–December 2012). CMR provides multisensory discrimination exercises on the healthy side and multisensory motor imagery exercises of present and past actions in both limbs to restore MBR and reduce PLP.ResultsAfter CMR, PLP reduced from 6.5–9.5/10 to 0/10 for neuropathic pain with only 4–5.5/10 for muscular pain after exercising on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. McGill Pain Questionnaire scores reduced from 39/78 to 5/78, and Identity (ID)-Pain scores reduced from 5/5 to 0/5. Her pain medication was reduced by at least 50% after discharge. At 10-month follow-up (9/2013), she no longer took Methadone or Fentanyl. After discharge, receiving CMR as outpatient, she learned to walk with a prosthesis, and gradually did not need crutches anymore to walk independently indoors and outdoors (9/2013). At present (3/2024), she no longer takes pain medication and walks independently with the prosthesis without assistive devices. PLP is under control. She addresses flare-ups with CMR exercises on her own, using multisensory motor imagery, bringing the pain down within 10–15 min.ConclusionThe case study seems to support the hypothesis that CMR restores MBR which may lead to long-term (12-year) PLP reduction. MBR restoration may be linked to restoring accurate multisensory motor imagery of the remaining and amputated limb regarding present and past actions.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers at 2 weeks of life
Authors: Jan Sophia , Katz Robert , Fagan David , Santos Telmo , Beachy Joanna C. , Steinway Caren , Chen Jack , Tsouristakis Alina , Mancenido Briana , Leung Christy , Moore Emily , Wilson Estelle , Lin Lorna , Harte Michael , Katzow Michelle , Rubin Lorry G. 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionLimited evidence exists on management recommendations for neonates born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers. This study looked at transmission risk of neonates presenting for primary care in a large regional health system within New York during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis was a prospective, observational study of newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers presenting at any of the 19 Northwell Health-Cohen Children's Medical Center primary care practices who underwent another oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swab for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by day of life (DOL) 14.ResultsAmong 293 newborns born to SARS-CoV-2-positive mothers who were negative at birth, 222 were retested at DOL 14, corresponding to times with different predominant strains. Of these, seven tested positive but had no symptoms.ConclusionThe overall low transmission rates and absence of symptomatic infection support the safety of direct breastfeeding after hospital discharge with appropriate hand and breast hygiene.
A predictive model for patent ductus arteriosus seven days postpartum in preterm infants: an ultrasound-based assessment of ductus arteriosus intimal thickness within 24 h after birth
Authors: Hu Xin-Lu , Zhu Ting-Ting , Wang Hui , Hou Cui , Ni Jun-Cheng , Zhang Zhuo-Fan , Li Xiao-Chen , Peng Hao , Li Hong , Sun Ling , Xu Qiu-Qin 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo develop a predictive model for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants at seven days postpartum. The model employs ultrasound measurements of the ductus arteriosus (DA) intimal thickness (IT) obtained within 24 h after birth.MethodsOne hundred and five preterm infants with gestational ages ranging from 27.0 to 36.7 weeks admitted within 24 h following birth were prospectively enrolled. Echocardiographic assessments were performed to measure DA IT within 24 h after birth, and DA status was evaluated through echocardiography on the seventh day postpartum. Potential predictors were considered, including traditional clinical risk factors, M-mode ultrasound parameters, lumen diameter of the DA (LD), and DA flow metrics. A final prediction model was formulated through bidirectional stepwise regression analysis and subsequently subjected to internal validation. The model's discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical applicability were also assessed.ResultsThe final predictive model included birth weight, application of mechanical ventilation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), LD, and the logarithm of IT (logIT). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the model, predicated on logIT, exhibited excellent discriminative power with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 (95% CI: 0.966–1.000), sensitivity of 1.000, and specificity of 0.909. Moreover, the model demonstrated robust calibration and goodness-of-fit (χ2 value = 0.560, p &gt; 0.05), as well as strong reproducibility (accuracy: 0.935, Kappa: 0.773), as evidenced by 10-fold cross-validation. A decision curve analysis confirmed the model's broad clinical utility.ConclusionsOur study successfully establishes a predictive model for PDA in preterm infants at seven days postpartum, leveraging the measurement of DA IT. This model enables identifying, within the first 24 h of life, infants who are likely to benefit from timely DA closure, thereby informing treatment decisions.
Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise for 9 months on serum free light chains in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kim Youyoung , Campbell John P. , Johannsen Neil M. , Church Timothy S. , Cho Eunhan , Heaney Jennifer , Spielmann Guillaume 
Published: April 2024

Background and aims: Serum polyclonal free light chains (FLCs) levels are associated with overall survival in the general population, reflecting their utility as a biomarker of underlying immune activation and inflammation. Regular exercise is known to ameliorate low-grade inflammation in chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes; however, the effects of different exercise training modalities on FLCs in adults with type 2 diabetes is unknown. This study investigated the effects of 9-month of aerobic, resistance or combined supervised exercise on serum FLCs in 164 patients with type 2 diabetes (age 58 ± 8 years; 63% female).Methods: 164 participants from the Health Benefits of Aerobic and Resistance Training in individuals with type 2 diabetes trial (HART-D) were randomly assigned to no exercise (n = 27), aerobic exercise alone (n = 41), resistance exercise alone (n = 49), or a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise (n = 47). Fasting serum samples were collected before and after completion of the intervention to quantify changes in kappa and lambda FLCs, and serum creatinine, using commercially-available ELISAs.Results: At baseline, combined kappa and lambda FLCs (FLC sum; calculated as kappa + lambda FLCs) were positively correlated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (r = 0.237, p &lt; 0.05) and fat mass (r = 0.162, p &lt; 0.05), and negatively associated with aerobic fitness (r = −0.238, p &lt; 0.05). While non-exercise controls exhibited an increase in FLCs over the 9-month study, exercise training blunted this increase (Δ FLC sum control arm: 3.25 ± 5.07 mg∙L-1 vs. all exercise arms: -0.252 ± 6.60 mg∙L-1, p &lt; 0.05), regardless of exercise modality.Conclusion: Serum FLCs were associated with physical fitness and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes. 9-month of exercise training prevented the accumulation of FLCs, regardless of exercise modality. Unlike hs-CRP—which did not change during the trial—serum FLCs may serve as a more sensitive biomarker of chronic low-grade inflammation in this population.
Fitness promotion in college: the relationships among students’ perceived physical literacy, knowledge, and physical fitness
Authors: Long Bin , Liu Yang , Chen Senlin , Yang Yiwu , Tang Suna , Yang Jimei , Wang Yuhuai 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among perceived physical literacy (PPL), knowledge of physical activity and fitness (PAF knowledge), and physical fitness.MethodsUndergraduates (N = 968, female = 414; Mage = 18.64) from a public university in central China completed a simplified Chinese version of the PPL instrument, an online test for PAF knowledge, and seven health-related physical fitness tests. The PPL includes three dimensions: (a) confidence and physical competence, (b) motivation, and (c) interaction with the environment. The fitness tests measured lung capacity, body mass index (BMI), and performances in 800 (female)/1000 (male) meters run, 50 meters dash (50 M), sit-up (female) / pull-up (male), standing long jump (SLJ), and sit-and-reach.ResultsPPL and its dimensions significantly predicted six fitness test performances both in male (β: −0.42 – 0.37; p &lt; 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.01–0.13) and female (β: −0.59 – 0.49; p &lt; 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.03–0.13) students. PAF knowledge (β: −0.17 – 0.18; p &lt; 0.01–0.05; R2: 0.01–0.05) significantly predicted BMI (males) and performances in 50 M (females) and SLJ (females) tests.ConclusionTo support college students’ fitness development and maintenance, tailored physical activity and fitness promotion programs are needed to strengthen students’ PPL and PAF knowledge.
Immersive virtual reality for learning about ecosystems: effect of two signaling levels and feedback on action decisions
Authors: Porte Laurie , Boucheix Jean-Michel , Rapet Louis , Drai-Zerbib Véronique , Martinez Jean-Luc 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe goal of the present study was to test the effect of signaling associated with feed-back in learning forest ecosystems in the context of realistic living forest simulator, in IVR conditions for students in agriculture. Two signaling modalities, corresponding to two signaling levels, were investigated: visual flashing of forest elements (tree species, plants, flowers, fungi, wet-areas etc.) and marker-stones, both with text in pop-up windows, in a 2x2 experimental plan.MethodsNinety-three pupils of an agricultural technological high school had to explore (including physically), interrogate (search for) and select (using the joysticks) relevant elements of the forest in three living forest areas (visually delimited inside of a broader forest area) in order to choose (and justify) the best area, among the three, in which an equipped public-tourist reception site (picnic, resting, reception site) could be built. The chosen site must have the least possible negative impact on the ecosystem of the forest and its development over time. After their decision (and justification) they were provided a feed-back with a series of VR desktop multimedia slides showing the effect of this choice on the ecosystem of the chosen area. After the feed-back they had to decide and justify again whether they would change or maintain their first decision. Finally, subjective scales were also used in order to investigate presence, cognitive complexity, sickness and overall enjoyment.Results and discussionResults showed significant positive effects of both signaling levels, and of the feed-back on the correct decision answers. Further, the combination, and interaction, between signaling and feedback seemed to enhance, the activation and retrieval from memory, of the task-relevant concepts. In addition, the results indicated a significant positive effect (medium size) of presence on decision performances, a finding which is consistent with the immersion principle.
“There’s room to do more”: a mixed-methods study of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) diversion program and intimate partner violence in Georgia
Authors: Jahangir Tasfia , Dahn Conjay , Devakottai Ria , Livingston Melvin D. , Woods-Jaeger Briana 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for homicides and suicides. As poverty is both a predictor and a consequence of IPV, interventions that alleviate poverty-related stressors could mitigate IPV-related harms. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a monthly cash assistance program, is one such potential intervention. In the state of Georgia, the TANF diversion program, which provides a non-recurrent lump-sum payment to deter individuals from monthly TANF benefits, is an understudied component of TANF that may influence the effectiveness of state TANF programs in supporting IPV survivors.AimThis study quantifies and qualifies the role of Georgia’s TANF diversion program in shaping IPV-related mortality.MethodsThis study relies on a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. Using data from the Georgia Violent Death Reporting System (GA-VDRS), an interrupted time series analysis was conducted to estimate the effect of TANF diversion on IPV-related homicides and suicides. Semi-structured interviews were then administered with TANF policy experts and advocates, welfare caseworkers, and benefit recipients (n = 20) to contextualize the quantitative findings.ResultsThe interrupted time series analysis revealed three fewer IPV-related deaths per month after implementing TANF diversion, compared to pre-diversion forecasts (coefficient = −3.003, 95%CI [−5.474, −0.532]). However, the qualitative interviews illustrated three themes regarding TANF diversion: (1) it is a “band-aid” solution to the access barriers associated with TANF, (2) it provides short-term relief to recipients making hard choices, and (3) its limitations reveal avenues for policy change.DiscussionWhile diversion has the potential to reduce deaths from IPV, it may be an insufficient means of mitigating the poverty-related contributors to IPV harms. Its limitations unveil the need for improved programs to better support IPV survivors.
The phenomenon of anticipation in fencing. An applicability approach
Authors: Borysiuk Zbigniew , Konieczny Mariusz , Błaszczyszyn Monika , Błach Wiesław , Obmiński Zbigniew 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to determine the structure of muscular activity and ground reaction forces during the preparatory period and the execution of a fencing lunge at the opponent's torso. The analysis focused on the correlations between three phases of a fencing technical action in the context of factors of temporal anticipation.MethodsSix female épée fencers from the Polish National Fencing Team participated in the study. The research tools included electromyography (EMG), ground reaction force (GRF) platforms, and the OptiTrack motion capture system. The fencers performed the lunge three times in response to visual cues from the coach. By integrating the testing system, the EMG signal indices of the fencers' upper and lower limbs and the vertical force values of the fencers' front and rear leg muscles were obtained simultaneously.ResultsThe results of the study demonstrated the key role of five muscles: BICEPS BRACHII, LAT TRICEPS, EXTCARP RAD, BICEPS FEMORIS and MED GAS in influencing the speed of lunge execution. In addition, a significant correlation was found between the EMG signal of the gastrocnemius muscle of the rear leg and the movement time (MT) phase of the lunge execution.DiscussionThe anticipatory activation of the EMG signal in relation to the vertical force waveforms generated by the ground forces response platform in the 15–30 ms interval was demonstrated. Finally, the importance of the preparatory period for the effectiveness of the fencing lunge was highlighted based on the phenomenon of anticipation.
Evaluating the Integration of Patient Safety in Medical Training in Spain
Authors: Aranaz Andrés Jesús María , Espinel Ruiz Marco Antonio , Manzano Luis , De Jesus Franco Fernando 
Published: April 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the degree of integration of patient safety in the training of medical faculties at universities in Spain.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. An assessment was made of the curse syllabi of Spanish medical schools, summarizing the proportion of faculties that present each of the topics recommended in the WHO’s curriculum guide.Results: Of the 49 faculties, access to the curse syllabus of the subjects for the academic year 2023-2024 was obtained from 38 (78%). Although 82% of the faculties integrated some patient safety topic, only 56% included between 1 and 3 of the 11 topics recommended by WHO. The maximum number of integrated topics was 7, and this was only achieved by 1 faculty.Conclusion: There is progress in the incorporation of fundamental concepts in patient safety, but the comprehensive implementation of all topics recommended by the WHO in Spanish medical schools is insufficient.
Examination of the Bactericidal and Fungicidal Activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M Isolated from Spring Waters in Bulgaria
Authors: Goranov Bogdan , Gaytanska Yordanka , Denkova-Kostova Rositsa , Ivanova Petya , Denkova Zapryana , Kostov Georgi 
Published: April 2024

In order for a strain to be considered a probiotic or suitable plant bioprotective agent, it must have proven antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M exhibited significantly high antifungal activity against pathogenic fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, and Sclerotinia; yeasts of the genera Candida and Saccharomyces; as well as high antibacterial activity against pathogens of the genera Escherichia, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Listeria, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus. The manifested antimicrobial activity was influenced by the composition of the growth medium. The antifungal activity of the strain was investigated at growth temperatures of 30 °C and 37 °C, and at different pH values in aerobic and anaerobic cultivation, under static and dynamic culturing conditions. High antifungal activity was observed at the 24th h on both growth media (LBG broth and MPB broth) at pH = 6 and pH = 7 in aerobic and anaerobic cultivation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M produced antibiotic substances at pH > 5.0, and the antibiotic substances were either secreted into the medium or associated with the cell surface. Four compounds with different antifungal activity and different Rf values were registered through thin-layer chromatography (Rf1 = 0.47; Rf2 = 0.55; Rf3 = 0.67; and Rf4 = 0.75), two of the compounds were ninhydrin-positive. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M was cultured in a bioreactor with stirring, and the parameters of the growth kinetics and the sporulation kinetics have been modeled. A spore concentrate of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M has been obtained. In further research, the efficiency of the concentrate as a plant bioactive agent will be tested.
A history of the visualisation of the Hunters’ Palette and a tentative reconstruction of its missing part
Authors: Hendrickx Stan , Förster Frank , Piquette Kathryn E , Eyckerman Merel , Goffin Louise , Meyers Lisa 
Published: April 2024

The so-called Hunters’ Palette, one of the iconic objects of late Predynastic times, has attracted much scholarly attention since its discovery in the late 19 th century. The visualisation of the palette, which is preserved in three fragments dispersed over two museums (the British Museum and the musée du Louvre), has been a long and winding road with many poor and only a few high quality drawings and photos. This has had a strong impact on the appraisal and interpretation of the palette and its figural decoration. Although it seems obvious that detailed observation and documentation is of utmost importance for any in-depth study, this was nevertheless often neglected. Besides an overview of the visualisation history of the Hunters’ Palette, two variants for the possible reconstruction of its missing fragment are also presented.