bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracted step parameters during the Timed Up and Go test discriminate between groups with different levels of cognitive ability - A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Löfgren Niklas , Berglund Lars , Giedraitis Vilmantas , Halvorsen Kjartan , Rosendahl Erik , McKee Kevin J. , Åberg Anna Cristina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Identifying cognitive impairment at an early stage is important to enable preventive treatment and lifestyle changes. As gait deviations precede cognitive impairment, the aim of this study was to investigate if step parameters during different Timed Up and Go (TUG) conditions could discriminate between people with different cognitive ability.
Methods
Participants (N = 304) were divided into the following groups: (1) controls, n = 50, mean age:73, 44% women; (2) Subjective cognitive Impairment (SCI), n = 71, mean age:67, 45% women; (3) Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), n = 126, mean age: 73, 42% women; and (4) dementia disorders, n = 57, mean age: 78, 51% women. Participants conducted TUG and two motor-cognitive TUG-conditions: TUG while naming animals (TUGdt-NA) and reciting months in reverse order (TUGdt-MB). Tests were video recorded for data extraction of valid spatiotemporal parameters: step length, step width, step duration, single step duration and double step duration. Step length was investigated with the step length/body height ratio (step length divided by body height). Logistic regression models (adjusted for age, sex and education) investigated associations between step parameters and dichotomous variables of groups adjacent in cognitive ability: dementia disorders vs. MCI, MCI vs. SCI, and SCI vs. controls. Results were presented as standardized odds ratios (sORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI95) and p-values (significance level: p < 0.05). The areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were presented for the step parameters/conditions with the highest sORs and, where relevant, optimal cutoff values were calculated.
Results
Step length showed greatest overall ability to significantly discriminate between adjacent groups (sOR≤. 67, CI95: .45-.99, p=≤. 047) during all group comparisons/conditions except three. The highest sOR for step-length was obtained when discriminating between SCI vs controls during TUGdt-MB (sOR = .51, CI95:.29- .87, p = .014), whereby the area under the curve was calculated (c-statistics = .700). The optimal cut-off indicated a step length of less than 32.9% (CI95 = 22.1–43.0) of body height to identify SCI compared with controls.
Conclusions
The results indicate that step length may be important to assess during TUG, for discrimination between groups with different cognitive ability; and that the presented cut-off has potential to aid early detection of cognitive impairment.
Trial registration number:
NCT05893524 (retrospectively registered 08/06/23).
The effect of promoting factors on learning by four teaching methods
Authors: Tolonen Marko Tapani , Arvonen Miika , Renko Marjo , Paakkonen Heikki , Piippo-Savolainen Eija 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In the digital era, developing effective teaching methods is crucial due to the challenges of sustaining student concentration amidst distractions. This study assessed the effects of learning promoting factors both across group boundaries and within RCT groups from our previously study on effectiveness of online versus live teaching(1).
Methods
The participants’ experience on Concentration, Anticipation, Repeatability, Liking, and effect of Baseline Trigger were evaluated online immediately after the lesson on diagnosing pediatric respiratory issues given either in Live, Live-stream, Vodcast or Podcast setting. The answers were given on 1–10 scale with scores above a median of 8 indicating high experience levels in each factor. Learning was evaluated via a Webropol e-Test immediately and five weeks after the teaching. The 15-minute test, comprising 10 multiple-choice questions and real-life video scenarios, measured both theoretical and diagnostic skills. The test score scale was from − 26 to 28 points.
Results
High concentration was experienced in 70/ 72 students in Live, in 41/ 75 students in Live-stream, in 53/ 72 students in Vodcast and in 36/ 79 students in Podcast teaching groups (P < 0.01). High concentration promoted teaching best, resulting in 1.93 score improvement in short-term test and 1.65 score improvement in long-term test. Among those who could concentrate well, the average test scores were in short-term 23.0 (3.8) in Live, 21.9 (5.1) in Live-streamed, 23.4 (5.2) in Vodcast and 22.1 (4.2) Podcast groups. The results of students with low concentration were 19.0 (2.8), 17.6 (8.2), 20.0 (5.3) and 18.3 (6.1) in the Live, Live-streamed, Vodcast and Podcast groups, respectively.
Conclusion
Concentration is the key to learning. Live teaching method results in the highest levels of concentration, but regardless of the method, good concentration leads to good learning. Therefore, there is a need for diverse strategies to enhance concentration in lessons.
The Effects of Anesthesia Methods on the Prognosis of Elderly Patients Undergoing Upper Limb Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yin Ning , Wally Elijah , OLAGUNJU Mobolaji Timothy , Swapnil-Zaman Ashraful Haque 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The geriatric population presents unique challenges in the perioperative setting due to age-related physiological changes, comorbidities, and altered drug responses. Adapting anesthesia to the particular requirements of elderly patients is crucial for maximizing the success of surgical procedures and reducing the risk of complications and death during the perioperative period; this systematic review aims to assess the selection of anesthetic methods and medications used in upper limb surgeries for elderly patients. By compiling and analyzing data from existing published research, the review seeks to clarify the relative effectiveness, safety, and potential outcomes of various anesthesia techniques used in older individuals undergoing surgeries on the upper extremities.
Methods
Our study employed a systematic review methodology following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The study evaluated anesthesia techniques and drugs for upper limb surgery in older adults. Articles were identified through WEB of SCIENCE, MEDLINE, PUBMED, CINAHL searches, and Hand-Searching from January 2000 to January 2024, with eligibility criteria targeting studies on anesthesia for upper extremity surgeries only in older adults ≥ 65 years. Data extraction included study characteristics and outcomes related to anesthesia techniques and drugs. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the ROBINS-I tool for non-randomized studies of interventions.
Results
18 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. The effectiveness of regional anesthesia is influenced by several factors. The addition of upper-extremity peripheral nerve blocks to general anesthesia during total shoulder arthroplasty has been shown not to increase the risk of complications or resource utilization. In arteriovenous fistula surgery, the application of a brachial plexus block for anesthesia has been shown to increase tissue oxygenation, as indicated by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy. Rotator cuff surgery pain management now favors continuous supraclavicular block, offering comparable pain relief to interscalene block but with fewer side effects
Conclusion
The review emphasizes the significance of selecting appropriate anesthesia techniques and drugs for upper limb surgery in elderly patients to enhance surgical outcomes and reduce perioperative complications.
Factors influencing nest site selection in Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) in an urban landscape in Karaj, Iran
Authors: Banisaffar Morteza , Shabani Afshin Alizadeh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Urban habitats, such as natural ones, are rapidly changing. Thus, conservation and management of species adapted to urban environments can be challenging. Nest site selection is a pivotal point in the process of habitat selection and breeding in bird species. We investigated the influence of several spatial and structural factors on the nest site selection of Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) in an urban landscape in Karaj, Iran. We also surveyed the feasibility of occupying artificial nest boxes (n = 17) by Laughing Doves between February and September 2019. We recorded 32 nest presence sites and 64 random nest absence sites. To model nest site selection, we conducted a spline binary logistic regression analysis. Three variables were identified as significant factors influencing the nest site selection of Laughing Dove: Nest height from the ground (p = 0.04), with an optimal range of 290–350 cm; nest detection chance (p = 0.06), invisible places from the front and sides were most favorable; and distance to opposite building (p = 0.07), with an optimal range of 15–38 m. The occupancy rate of the artificial nest boxes was 35.3%. This study showed that nest site selection of the urban-adapted Laughing Dove is highly dependent on the security and food provided by humans.
LncRNA-H19 Promotes Adipogenic Differentiation Disorder by Regulating miR-130b-3p/PPARγ Axis in Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Authors: Lin Feifei , Yi Min , Zhou Shicheng , Wang Qingyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) represents a frequent and debilitating orthopedic condition. It is widely believed that the adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation disorder of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) contributes to the development of SONFH. However, the regulatory mechanism of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the differentiation disorder of BMSCs remains elusive. The expression levels of H19 were detected in both femoral head tissues and BMSCs from patients with SONFH. The role of the lncRNA H19 in SONFH was explored through bioinformatics analysis complemented by relevant validation experiments. Our findings revealed that H19 was significantly up-regulated in SONFH tissues as well as BMSCs. Silencing H19 suppressed BMSC adipogenic differentiation in SONFH and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Furthermore, we found that H19 could interact with miR-130b-3p, and miR-130b-3p could directly inhibit PPARγ expression. In conclusion, this study uncovered that abnormally up-regulated H19 leads to abnormal lipogenic differentiation in SONFH by acting as a sponge for miR-130b-3p and upregulating PPARγ.
The Canonical Correlation between Executive Function and Social Skill and their Relationship to Physical Quality in Children with Autism
Authors: Wang Qiang , jia shuqi , Cai Zhidong , Jiang Wanting , Wang Xing , Wang Jing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between executive function and social skill and their relationship to physical quality in children with ASD.
METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was used to investigate 117 school-age children with ASD and 311 typically developing children by using the BRIEF scale, the Social Responsiveness Scale, and physical function tests. Canonical correlations were used to analyze the relationship between executive function and social skill, and analyses of variance and correlations were used to explore the relationship between physical quality and the two.
RESULTS: Children with ASD had significantly lower dimensions of executive function and social skill than typically developing children (p < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the two categories of executive function scores and social skill scores (1st canonical correlation coefficient: 0.641, P < 0.001), and 20.4% of the variance in social skill was related to executive function. Physical quality had an effect on both canonical correlated variables, but balance quality was not significantly related (P > 0.05), and grip strength had the strongest correlation (r = -0.485 to -0.535, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: There was a strong interrelationship between executive function and social skill in school-age children with ASD, and potential changes in physical quality contributed to the improvement of both symptoms.
The Association of Social Networks and Depression in Community-dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reiner Amelie , Steinhoff Paula 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background & Objective: Depression is a globally prevalent mental condition, particularly among older adults. Previous research has identified that social networks have a buffering effect on depression. Existing systematic literature reviews have either limited their research to specific geographic areas or provided evidence from over a decade ago. The vast body of recent literature particularly from the last decade emphasizes the need for a comprehensive review. This systematic literature review aims to analyze the association of structural aspects of social networks and depression in older adults.
Methods: Relevant electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, ProQuest, PSYINDEX, PubMed, Scopus, SocINDEX, and Web of Science) are systematically searched for English articles published until July 2023. Starting from 47,702 articles matching the keywords search on social networks and depression among older adults (mean ≥60 years) and adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, 128 articles are identified.
Results: The study categorizes structural network aspects into seven domains and finds that larger and more diverse networks, along with closer social ties, help mitigate depression. The literature on the relationships between depression and network density, homogeneity, and geographical proximity is scarce and inconclusive.
Discussion and Implications: Despite inconsistent findings, this review highlights the importance of quantifying complex social relations of older adults. Further research should use longitudinal approaches to further investigate the reciprocal relationship between social networks and depression. Following this review, interventions should promote the integration of older adults in larger and more diverse social settings.
Systematic review registration: This systematic review was pre-registered. The review-protocol can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6QDPK.
Reaction of Luffa spp. to Macrophomina pseudophaseolina inoculation
Authors: Viana Dariane Monteiro , Negreiros Andréia Mitsa Paiva , Silveira Lindomar Maria , Cavalcante Allinny Luzia Alves , Alves Cynthia Patricia Sousa Santos , Júnior Rui Sales 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The genus Macrophomina is responsible for causing diseases in various species of the Cucurbitaceae family. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of Luffa species when associated with M. pseudophaseolina. Initially, a prospection study was carried out to identify fungi associated with Luffa roots. Three isolates belonging to the M. pseudophaseolina species were identified and confirmed by DNA extraction and PCR amplification, using specific primers. One isolate was selected to test pathogenicity on Luffa. Twelve Luffa spp. accessions from the cucurbitaceous germplasm collection of Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido were used, along with two positive controls: melon and watermelon plants. Inoculation was performed using the infested toothpick method. The plants were maintained under greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with four replications. The trial was repeated. The following variables were assessed: disease incidence and severity, reaction class, shoot length (SL), root length (RL), fresh shoot weight (FSW), dry shoot weight (DSW), fresh root weight (FRW), and dry root weight (DRW). Accession AB39 proved to be immune to the pathogen, as well as exhibiting the highest values of SL (163.9 cm), RL (43.4 cm), FSW (24.9 g), FRW (9.8 g), DSW (3.4 g), and DRW (0.5 g). These results indicate that the immune resistance of AB39 makes this accession promising, both in terms of disease resistance and vegetative growth, standing out as the best option among the accessions evaluated. Additionally, this is the first report of Luffa spp. acting as an alternative host of M. pseudophaseolina.
Reexamination of the relationships among neurocognition, self-defeatist beliefs, experiential negative symptoms, and social functioning in chronic schizophrenia
Authors: Lee Kunhua , Yu Chuan-Hsun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study proposed and evaluated a theoretical model for exploring the relationships between neurocognition, self-defeatist beliefs, experiential negative symptoms, and social functioning in individuals with chronic schizophrenia.
Method
The study recruited 229 individuals given a diagnosis of schizophrenia from outpatient clinics and the day ward of a mental health hospital. After informed consent was obtained, the participants underwent assessments using the backward digit span, the digit symbol, and measures of self-defeatist beliefs, experiential negative symptoms, and social functioning. A structural equation model was applied to assess the fitness of the hypothesized model, with indices such as the goodness-of-fit index, comparative fit index, root mean square error of approximation, and standardized root mean square residual being used for model evaluation.
Results
The hypothesized model had an adequate fit. The study findings indicated that neurocognition might indirectly influence self-defeatist beliefs through its effect on experiential negative symptoms. Contrary to expectations, the study did not observe a direct influence of neurocognition, self-defeatist beliefs, or negative symptoms on social functioning. The revised model revealed the role of experiential negative symptoms in mediating the association between neurocognition and social functioning. However, self-defeatist beliefs did not significantly affect social functioning.
Discussion
Compared with the modification of beliefs, self-awareness training can help improve negative symptoms and thereby improve the performance of social functions. Future research should develop a hierarchical program of negative symptoms, from cognition rehabilitation to enhancement of self-awareness, and end with modifying maladaptive beliefs.
Influence of Variations of Craniovertebral Junction Anatomy on Safe C1 Lateral Mass and C2 Pedicle Screw Insertion: A Cadaveric and Radiologic Study
Authors: Karatas Derya , Dagtekin Ahmet , Uygur Saygi , Barut Irmak Tekeli , Kara Engin , Esen Kaan , Avci Emel , Baskaya Mustafa Kemal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose: The aim of the present study is to analyze the feasibility of a new optimized C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw method that has a suitable trajectory for a range of anatomical variations to decrease the risk of vertebral artery injury.
Methods: The craniovertebral junction of 17 cadavers (34 sides) were dissected after performing thin-cut computed tomography. The screw entry points, targets, angles, and lengths of the trajectories were performed for C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle. We particularly focused on the morphometric features and the safety of trajectories in cadavers with vascular and bony variations.
Results: For the C1 lateral mass, the ideal medial and cranial angles were 13.4° ± 1.0° and 14.7° ± 1.1°, respectively. For the C2 pedicle screw, the cranial and medial angles were 27.7° ± 1.4° and 20.4° ± 1.5°, respectively. High-riding vertebral arteries (HRVA) were observed in 23% of all sides. The prevalence of an arcuate foramen was 52.9% and its coexistence with an HRVA was 35.3%.
Conclusion: Preoperative pedicle-oriented radiological evaluation is crucial before C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw placement because of the high incidence of bony and vascular variations. Using our safe C2 pedicle trajectory, a longer and safer screw course that preserves the vertebral artery can be achieved with a more feasible cranial angle, even with HRVAs, with the exception of narrow pedicle anatomy.
Morphological and fruit variability in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) germplasm under Indian condition
Authors: Somkuwar R G , Nale Rutuja D , Karande Pooja , Sharma Ajay Kumar , Nikumbhe P H , Naik Sharmistha , Bhagat Anju 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the oldest and most important cultivated fruit crops. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate grape accessions that have been under cultivation in India for a long time. In the current study, ampelographic and fruit character of forty-nine accessions were investigated. A high variability was found in the evaluated grape accessions, and significant differences were found among the studied accessions for the measured parameters. Mature leaf, shoot tip, bunch parameter, berry parameter, total soluble solids (TSS), and total acidity (TA) showed a wide variation. Significant positive correlation found between bunch and berry traits and negative correlation between TSS and TA. Cluster analysis and principal component analyses showed a considerable fruit diversity in the studied grape germplasm. The obtained data revealed phenotypic and genotypic variation within studied grape accessions might be considered as characterizing gene pool and that contributed to the future breeding process of grape.
Identification of Critical Signature in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using Bioinformatics Analysis and Vitro Analyses
Authors: Liu Lifen , Liu Yang , Li Rui , Teng Yue , Zhao Shuyang , Chen Jinhong , Li Changjiang , Hu Xinyu , Sun Lin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complicated psychiatric disorder after experiencing trauma that affects people’s natural lives. As such, the objective of the study was mining related pathways and key genes of PTSD validated through vitro experiments.
Method: Retrieving RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened using GEO2R. KEGG pathway assessment was carried out for enrichment analysis. The plugin MCODE from Cytoscape software was utilized to analyze the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Assessment of anxiety and depression in a mice model of stress was carried out by the open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze test (EPMT). Subsequently, Real-Time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to verify these key genes in stress-exposed models.
Results: A total of 157 common upregulated DEGs and 53 common downregulated DEGs were identified between the amygdala (AMY) and the hippocampus (HIP). Notably enriched pathways (Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, mTOR signaling pathway, Nicotine addiction and dopaminergic synapse, etc.) were screened by Gene functional annotations and enrichment analysis. The PPI network identified the 4 hub genes , finding that the closely related pathways were Nicotine addiction and dopaminergic synapse. qRT-PCR was used to confirm these four genes and the expressing trends were consistent with the microarray analysis. The results of the OFT and the EMPT were remarkable changes.
Conclusion: Using bioinformatic analysis and in vitro experiments, we explored a variety of genes and pathways that may represent key mechanisms in the development of PTSD.