bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive assessment during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Leeuwen Christel van , Post Marcel , Stolwijk-Swüste Janneke , Welkamp Anneke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Cognitive assessment during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury
Anneke A.W. Welkamp1 MSc, Christel C. M v. Leeuwen1 PhD, Marcel W.M. Post1,2 PhD and Janneke M. Stolwijk-Swüste1 MD, PhD.
1 Centre of Excellence for Rehabilitation Medicine, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
2 University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, the Netherlands
Study design
Cross-sectional study
Objectives
1) to evaluate cognitive functioning of rehabilitation inpatients with recently acquired spinal cord injury (SCI) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); 2) to compare the MoCA with the cognitive domain of the Utrecht scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation (USER)
Setting
First inpatient rehabilitation in a specialized rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands.
Methods
MOCA and USER data of inpatients between November 2020 and December 2021 were used. The correlation coefficient between MoCA and USER scores and regression analysis determined the associations between MoCA and demographic and injury-related variables.
Results
Included were 99 adults aged (median) 59.1 years (range 19.5-84.4), 67% male, 26% traumatic SCI, 64% paraplegic. MoCA and USER scores were available for 83 and 92 individuals, respectively. In 44.6 % of the participants, the MoCA score was below the cut-off. Age (r = 0.31, p = 0.005) and educational level (r = 0.54 P < 0.00) were significantly correlated to the MoCA score. The MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER were moderately correlated (r = 0.25, p = 0.03).
Conclusions
Almost half of the inpatients scored below the cut-off score on the MoCA. Since the MoCA is a validated cognitive screening tool, the moderate correlation of the MoCA and the cognitive domain of the USER suggests that the USER alone is not sufficient in detecting cognitive deficits. We recommend to screen for cognitive deficits in all people with new SCI.
Sponsorship
None
Revisiting the dry-to-wet shift of summer precipitation over the Three-River Headwaters region, hinterland of the Tibetan Plateau: A perspective of moisture sources changes
Authors: Zhao Ruiyu , Chen Bin , Zhang Wei , Ren Honeli , Zhao Yang , Xu Xiangde 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The Three-Rivers Headwater (TRH) region has experienced notable dry-to-wet shift in summer precipitation in recent decades. Despite the widespread efforts of scientific community, the causes of such climate shift remain not well-understood. Building upon an ensemble of high-resolution Lagrangian simulations and moisture source diagnostic, this study investigated the long-term changes in moisture sources with the ERA-Interim reanalysis from 1980 to 2017, particularly aiming to pose a complimentary understanding on this shift from a perspective of moisture source changes. The results show that the variability of moisture sources for the water vapor reaching the TRH region is closely and quantitatively linked to its regional summer precipitation. The dry-to-wet shift in summer precipitation in TRH is regulated by the changes in moisture sources across multiple transport time scales (from 1 to 10 days), and could be attributed to the enhanced contribution by the moisture sources originated from the Tibetan Plateau (TP), the Central Eastern Asian region (CEA), and the Arabian Peninsula (ARP), of which regional accumulative moisture contribution increase by 11.3 (0.41%), 8.61 (0.52%) and 8.63 (0.33%) mm per year, respectively. This result implies that the terrestrial source ranks the leading role in regulating the decadal shift of TRH summer precipitation, rather than that directly from the oceanic regions. Although the moisture sources are across multiple transport timescales, the relatively shorter transport distance and steady contribution (lasting 1 to 10 days) from the TP highlight the significance of strengthened local precipitation recycling process in this dry-to-wet shift. Further analysis indicates the variations in mid-latitudinal meridional winds and the low-latitudinal SST, which are represented by Silk Road Index (SRI) and Indo-Pacific Warm Pool Index (WPI), respectively, play a role of ‘bridge’ connecting the changes in moisture sources to enhanced precipitation during the summer season.
Analysis of voice features of people with cervical spinal cord injuries with voice user interfaces
Authors: Hayashi Tetsuo , Terashi Yoshiteru , Fujiwara Yuichi , Kobayashi Hiromitsu , Ehara Yoshito , Katamoto Ryuji , Maeda Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Study design: A comparative study
Objectives: To evaluate respiratory function, voice intensity, self-assessment of voice problems, and recordings in individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries (CSCIs), compare these parameters with a control group, and identify factors influencing speech intelligibility.
Setting: Clinical setting at the Spinal Injuries Center
Methods: Twenty individuals with CSCIs and 20 healthy participants were recruited for this study. Their respiratory function was assessed using an electric diagnostic spirometer, and voice intensity and recordings were measured using a smartphone sound analysis application. Self-assessed voice problems were evaluated using the Voice Handicap Index. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the measurement data between the two groups. A simple regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between speech intelligibility and various vocal parameters.
Results: Vital capacity was 60% lower in the CSCI group. Maximum voice intensity in the CSCI group (mean 78.8 dB) was significantly lower than that in the control group (mean 96.2 dB) (P<0.001). In the CSCI group, significant correlations between speech intelligibility and maximum phonation time (R2=0.298, P=0.013), maximum vocalization voice intensity (R2=0.673, P<0.001), reading voice intensity (R2=0.664, P<0.001), and the smoothed cepstral peak prominence value (R2=0.437, P=0.002) were observed. A weak correlation between vital capacity and speech intelligibility was also noted.
Conclusions: Clinically, individuals with CSCIs were not consciously aware of their voice problems, despite exhibiting low speech intelligibility in voice user interfaces. Voice recognition performance could be improved through voice conversion techniques that increase voice intensity and speech rate.
Sponsorship: not applicable
Post Sterilization of Intraoral Scan Body and the Effect it has on the Axes and Distances between Three Adjacent Implants: In-Vitro Study
Authors: Ben-Izhack Gil , Lugassy Diva , Rosner Ophir , Nissan Joseph , Rachmiel Shir , Khoury Yara , Shely Asaf 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this pilot in-vitro study was to assess the effect of sterilization on the intra-implant axis, intra-implant distance, inter-implant distance and inter-implant axis of three implants in a straight line by using laboratory scanner (LBS) versus intra-oral scanner (IOS) with intra-oral scan bodies (ISB).
Methods: A printed 3D model with three internal hex analogs in the positions 15#,16#,17# was used. Zirkonzhan (ZZ) intra-oral scan body (ISB), two-piece titanium was used. The ZZ ISBs were scanned by 7 Series dental wings (LBS) and 30 times by Primescan (IOS) pre sterilization and 30 times post sterilization. For each scan (pre and post) stereolithography (STL) file was created and a comparison between all the scans pre sterilization and post sterilization were superimposed on the laboratory scan by using a 3D analyzing software. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test performed followed by Wilcoxon Signed Ranks tests. (p <0.05)
Results: Poststerilization of the ZZ ISB, the mean errors were significantly increased for the inter-implant distances (p <0.0005), intra-implant distances 1,2,3 (p <0.0005), intra-implant axis 1,3 (p <0.0005) and inter-implant axes 13,23 (p <0.05). In contrast, the mean errors for intra-implant axis 2 (p <0.0005) and inter-implant axis 12 (p <0.0005) were significantly reduced.
Conclusions: ZZ ISB showed changes in all four parameters after sterilization. The middle ISB had the largest changes in mean error regarding all four parameters. Sterilization process may affect the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the ZZ ISB after three cycles. There is a lack in the literature in this field and there is a need for further studies to explore the effect of sterilization (multiple cycles) on ISB and for creating an approved guidelines regarding the amount of sterilization for each ISB in the industry.
Circulating Tumor Reactive KIR+CD8+ T cells Suppress Anti-Tumor Immunity in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Hafler David , Lu Benjamin , Lucca Liliana , Lewis Wesley , Wang Jiping , Nogeuira Catarina , Heer Sebastian , Axisa Pierre-Paul , Buitrago-Pocasangre Nicholas , Pham Giang , Kojima Mina , Wei Wei , Aizenbud Lilach , Bacchiocchi Antonietta , Zhang Lin , Walewski Joseph , Chiang Veronica , Olino Kelly , Clune James , Halaban Ruth , Kluger Yuval , Coyle Anthony , Kisielow Jan , Obermair Franz-Josef , Kluger Harriet 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Effective anti-tumor immunity is largely driven by cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that can specifically recognize tumor antigens. However, the factors which ultimately dictate successful tumor rejection remain poorly understood. Here we identify a subpopulation of CD8+ T cells which are tumor antigen-specific in patients with melanoma but resemble KIR+CD8+ T cells with a regulatory function (Tregs). These tumor antigen-specific KIR+CD8+ T cells are detectable in both the tumor and the blood, and higher levels of this population are associated with worse overall survival. Our findings therefore suggest that KIR+CD8+ Tregs are tumor antigen-specific but uniquely suppress anti-tumor immunity in patients with melanoma.
Psychometric validation of an Arabic translation of the Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6)
Authors: Hemade Ali , Hallit Rabih , Malaeb Diana , Dine Abir Sarray El , Moawad Mira , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The Impact of Event Scale-6 (IES-6) is a reduced version of the Impact of Event Scale – Revised, and has been developed to rapidly screen for PTSD. This study aimed to psychometrically evaluate and validate a new Arabic translation of the Impact of Event Scale − 6 on a sample of adults from the general population of Lebanon.
Methods
Participants (n = 601) were Arabic-speaking adults from the general population of Lebanon who completed our Arabic translation of the IES–6, along with measures of psychological distress and death anxiety.
Results
Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed and showed that the fit of a one-factor model of the Arabic translation of the IES–6 was acceptable. Total scores were found to have adequate reliability (ω = .94; α = .94). Adequate patterns of concurrent validity were also demonstrated, with IES-6 scores significantly and positively correlating with psychological distress (r = .41; p < .001) and death anxiety (r = .53; p < .001). Finally, sex invariance was established at the configural, metric, and scalar levels, with females scoring significantly higher than males.
Conclusion
Our study suggests that the Arabic translation of the IES–6 is valid and reliable for assessment of PTSD symptoms. The availability of this scale should help improve research on PTSD and also evaluate the effectiveness of PTSD treatments.
Association between augmented levels of the gut pro-hormone Proneurotensin and subclinical vascular damage
Authors: Vito Francesca , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Facciolo Antonio , Cassano Velia , Natale Maria Resilde , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Succurro Elena , Arturi Franco , Sciacqua Angela , Sesti Giorgio , Andreozzi Francesco 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Elevated levels of the gut pro-hormone Proneurotensin (proNT) have been found to predict development of cardiovascular disease. However, it is still unknown whether higher proNT levels are associated with subclinical vascular damage. Herein, we investigated the relationship between higher proNT concentrations and augmented pulse pressure (PP) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), indicators of increased arterial stiffness and subclinical atherosclerosis, respectively. Clinical characteristics, PP and cIMT were evaluated in 154 non-diabetic individuals stratified into tertiles according to fasting serum proNT concentrations. We found that, subjects with higher proNT levels exhibited a worse lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, increased C-reactive protein levels, along with higher values of PP and cIMT as compared to the lowest proNT tertile. Prevalence of elevated PP (≥ 60 mmHg) and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (IMT > 0.9 mm) was increased in the highest tertile of proNT. In a logistic regression analysis adjusted for several confounders, subjects with higher proNT levels displayed a 5-fold raised risk of having elevated PP values (OR:5.36; 95%CI 1.04–27.28; P = 0.05) and early carotid atherosclerosis (OR:4.81; 95%CI 1.39–16.57; P = 0.01) as compared to the lowest proNT tertile. In conclusion, higher circulating levels of proNT are a biomarker of subclinical vascular damage independent of other atherosclerotic risk factors.
Barycentric rational collocation method for solving viscoelastic equation
Authors: Li Jin , Ren Ruibo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Barycentric rational interpolation collocation method (BRICM) is presented to solve viscoelastic equation. The matrix form of the collocation method is derived based on the barycentric rational interpolation technique, enabling easy implementation in programming. By leveraging the convergence rate of linear barycentric rational interpolation , we establish the convergence rate of the linear barycentric rational collocation method for solving viscoelastic equation. Finally, several numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the convergence rate and validate the theoretical analysis.
Signature Inflammatory Cytokine panel: IL-10, IL-6, VEGF and IL-8 in Covid-19
Authors: Iqra Iqra Farooq , Eachkoti Rafiqa Eachkoti , Inaam Inaamul Haq , Saleem Saleem Hussain , Tanvir Masood Tanvir , Sanah Sanah Farooq , Sadaf Sadaf Saleem , Sabhiya Sabhiya Majid 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
We aimed to assess a battery of inflammatory cytokines in SARS-CoV-2 patients to determine the cytokines of prognostic and/ predictive relevance in Covid-19.
Methods
In a cohort of total 100 SARS-CoV-2 patients (RT-PCR confirmed) hospitalized in associated SMHS hospital of GMC Srinagar, Kashmir (North India), the level of a battery of cytokines IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1α and VEGF, TNF-α and ferritin, were estimated by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ( ELISA) on Multimode Microplate reader.
Result
The deranged levels of these cytokines were mostly found in patients > 60 years of age with cough and pneumonia as the most common symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed significant association between interleukin's IL-6, IL-8 and disease severity (p = 0.002) (p = 0.007) and poor disease outcome (p = 0.04), (p = 0.009) respectively. Similar association was also found between decreased levels of VEGF and poor disease outcome (p = 0.02). Further ROC analysis, univariant and multivariant (after adjusting for age, gender and other inflammatory markers), revealed increased IL-10 (AUC = 0.72) and IL-6 (AUC = 0.70) as independent markers of both disease severity(p = 0.02) (p = 0.01) and disease outcome (P = 0.03) (p = 0.02) and decreased VEGF (AUC = 0.69) as independent marker of disease outcome only (p = 0.03). Significant association of cough with IL-8 levels (p = 0.01) and of diabetes with raised ferritin levels (p = 0.01) with very high ferritin levels (> 1500ng/ml) as indicator of those that are likely to develop hyperinflammatory phenotype was found in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
Conclusion
We conclude ‘IL-6, IL10, VEGF and IL-8’ as the signature inflammatory cytokine panel in Covid-19. An increased IL-10, IL-6 levels proved to be equally significant independent prognosticators of Covid − 19 severity and predictors of poor disease outcome and decreased VEGF level as predictors of poor disease outcome in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Testing of the signature inflammatory cytokine panel is, therefore, recommended for optimal clinical decision making in Covid-19.
Intraesophageal pressure is involved in patients’ quality of life after total gastrectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saeki Yoshihiro , Tanabe Kazuaki , Ota Hiroshi , Chikuie Emi , Takemoto Yuki , Karakuchi Nozomi , Kohata Akihiro , Miura Osamu , Toyama Eiichiro , Kugimiya Naruji , Ohdan Hideki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The usefulness of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) in patients who underwent total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y (R-Y) anastomosis has never been well validated. This study aimed to investigate whether intraesophageal pressure affects quality of life in patients who underwent total gastrectomy with R-Y anastomosis.
Methods
The subjects comprised 12 patients who underwent total gastrectomy for gastric cancer between October 2014 and July 2022 and underwent a postsurgical HRIM examination. The association between the HRIM data and Postgastrectomy Syndrome Assessment Scale-37 (PGSAS-37) questionnaires was analyzed.
Results
Esophageal corpus movement was normal in almost all patients. The anastomosis shape (circular stapler and overlap method with linear stapler) did not influence intraesophageal pressure. The integrated relaxation pressure and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure during swallowing-induced relaxation were involved in “Diarrhea subscale” scores (p = 0.0244 and p = 0.0244, respectively). The higher the amplitude of the distal esophageal peristaltic waves, the better the “constipation subscale” scores (p = 0.0091). The contractile front velocity correlated with the “indigestion subscale”, “diarrhea subscale”, and “constipation subscale” (p = 0.0408, p = 0.0143, and p = 0.0060, respectively). The distal latency, i.e., the time from upper esophageal sphincter relaxation to contractile deceleration, was also associated with the “abdominal pain subscale” (p = 0.0399). LES pressure and esophageal corpus movement affected patients’ quality of life after total gastrectomy.
Conclusions
HRIM for the evaluation of intraesophageal pressure is useful for the functional assessment of esophagojejunostomy with the R-Y reconstruction after total gastrectomy.
Case report: a case of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria with ischemic stroke as the first symptom
Authors: Feng Danyu , Dai Yijie , Tang Bo , Zhu Jiahui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare and acquired hemolytic disease caused by mutations in hematopoietic stem cell genes. The illness encompasses a cascade of clinical presentations marked by intravascular hemolysis, potential hematopoietic failure and thrombophilia. Here, we introduce a case of PNH in which ischemic stroke was the initial and noticeable complaint. Case presentation A 78-year-old female presented to our hospital with sudden headache, right visual field defect, and right upper limb weakness. The blood routine suggested pancytopenia. The coagulation function test showed elevated D-dimer. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suggested hemorrhagic cerebral infarction in her left temporal parietal occipital lobe. Brain magnetic resonance venography (MRV) suggested right transverse sinus and superior sagittal sinus occlusion. Lumbar puncture showed intracranial pressure 200 mmH2O, while the cerebrospinal fluid presented normal cell counts, negative next-generation sequencing and relevant antibodies of autoimmune encephalitis. The patient relieved after receiving therapy for reducing intracranial pressure and stabilizing plaques. Incredibly, during the next 2 years, the patient suffered repeatedly fever, multi-site thrombosis, intestinal mucosal lesions and pancytopenia and she had 2 episodes of obscure dark tea urine. Peripheral blood high sensitivity detection of PNH clones showed positive results. Intravenous methylprednisolone and subcutaneous injection of low molecular weight heparin followed by rivaroxaban and methylprednisolone tablets were administered to the patient. Her physical condition reached basic stability without having a relapse during the 1-year follow-up. Conclusions PNH is a rare cause of ischemic stroke. The case is characterized by atypical initial symptoms, diverse clinical features and a prolonged course, which emphasizes the challenges of providing the detailed medical history and integrating the overall situation to make differential diagnosis.
Benefits of the Bus Rapid Transit System on the Reduction of Road TravelCrashes
Authors: Calvo Jorge Andrés Perdomo , Ospina Carol Dahiana Torres 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In various cities worldwide, numerous studies have extensively documented the factors contributing to road accidents as a negative externality resulting from transportation activities. These factors have led to a rise in road fatalities and injuries in urban areas. However, existing literature has indicated a decline in road accidents attributed to the maintenance, construction, or expansion of innovative transportation infrastructure, effective regulation (surveillance and control), public policies, educational programmes, or advancements in vehicle safety technology. Despite this, the literature is limited in its analysis of the economic benefits arising from the reduction in urban road fatalities and injuries, and the quantitative methods used to estimate corresponding monetary values are also constrained. In accordance, the contribution of this study is to propose a quantitative approach to demonstrating economic value by means of the integration between the results of a time series model (Two-Stage ARIMAX—Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous and Endogenous Variables), the value of statistical life (fatalities and injuries) and avoided costs. Considering the social benefits derived from the reduction of road fatalities and injuries occasioned by the operation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), TransMilenio (2000–2019), in Bogotá (Colombia), the positive impact has been in the short and long run (over a period of three years for the road fatalities and over a period of six years for the traffic injuries).
JEL Classification Codes: R4; R41; D62.