bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of a Robotic Walking Device for Home and Community Mobility in Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kegelmeyer Deb A. , Minarsch Raquel , Kostyk Sandra K. , Kline David , Smith Rachel , Kloos Anne D. 
Published: March 2024

Background/Purpose:
Gait impairments in Parkinson disease (PD) contribute to decreased quality of life. This randomized controlled trial examined immediate- and longer-term effects of a single joint robotic exoskeleton device (EXOD), the Honda Walking Assist device, on gait.

Methods:
Participants (n = 45) with PD (Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3) were randomized to a robotic-assisted gait training (RAGT) group (n = 23) or control (CON) group (n = 22). The RAGT group was tested with and without the EXOD at baseline and then received supervised in-home and community training with the EXOD twice weekly for 8 weeks. The CON group received no interventions. Outcome measures included gait speed (primary), gait endurance (6-minute walk test), perceived ease of walking, and questionnaires and logs assessing performance of daily activities, freezing of gait, and daily activity levels.

Results:
Forty participants completed the study. No significant immediate impact of EXOD usage on participants’ gait measures was found. Differences in gait speed and secondary outcome measures postintervention were not significantly different between the RAGT and CON groups. Participants with greater disease severity (worse baseline motor scores) had greater improvements in stride length during unassisted walking after the intervention than those with lower severity (mean difference: 3.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.05-6.40; P = 0.04).

Discussion and Conclusions:
All RAGT participants could use the EXOD safely. The RAGT treatment used in this mostly low impairment population of people with PD may be ineffective and/or was insufficiently dosed to see a positive treatment effect. Our findings suggest that RAGT interventions in PD may be more effective in individuals with greater motor impairments.

Video Abstract available
for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1 available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A459).
Six Square Miles of Urban America: Association Between Firearm Discharge, Injury, and Fatality
Authors: Risinger William B , Uma Chinweotuto V , Benns Matthew V , Ruther Matthew H , Nash Nicholas A , Bozeman Matthew C , Coleman Jamie J , Smith Jason W , Harbrecht Brian G , Miller Keith R 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
Despite the increase in firearm injury observed across the country, significant gaps remain relevant to our understanding of how firearm exposure translates to injury. Using acoustic gunshot detection and a collaborative hospital and law enforcement firearm injury database, we sought to identify the relationship between firearm discharge and injury over time.

STUDY DESIGN:
From 2018 to 2021, instances of firearm discharge captured via acoustic detection in 6 square miles of Louisville, KY, were merged with data from the collaborative firearm injury database. Key outcomes included the total number of rounds fired, injury and fatality rates per round, and the percentage of rounds discharged from automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines.

RESULTS:
During the study period, 54,397 rounds of ammunition were discharged resulting in 914 injuries, 435 hospital admissions, 2,442 hospital days, 155 emergent operations, and 180 fatalities. For each round of ammunition fired, the risk of injury and fatality was 1.7% and 0.3%, respectively. The total number of rounds fired per month nearly tripled (614 vs 1,623, p < 0.001) leading to increased injury (15 vs 37, p < 0.001) and fatality (3 vs 7, p < 0.001). The percentage of rounds fired from automatic weapons (0 vs 6.8%, p < 0.001) and high-capacity magazines (7.6 vs 28.9%, p < 0.001) increased over time.

CONCLUSIONS:
The increased burden of firearm injury is related to an overall increase in firearm exposure as measured by the total number of rounds discharged. High-capacity magazines and automatic weaponry are being used with increasing frequency in urban America.
Statistical methods for chemical mixtures: a roadmap for practitioners
Authors: Hao Wei , Cathey Amber L. , Aung Max M. , Boss Jonathan , Meeker John D. , Mukherjee Bhramar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractQuantitative characterization of the health impacts associated with exposure to chemical mixtures has received considerable attention in current environmental and epidemiological studies. With many existing statistical methods and emerging approaches, it is important for practitioners to understand when each method is best suited for their inferential goals. In this study, we conduct a review and comparison of 11 analytical methods available for use in mixtures research, through extensive simulation studies for continuous and binary outcomes. These methods fall in three different classes: identifying important components of a mixture, identifying interactions and creating a summary score for risk stratification and prediction. We carry out an illustrative data analysis in the PROTECT birth cohort from Puerto Rico. Most importantly we develop an integrated package “CompMix” that provides a platform for mixtures analysis where the practitioner can implement a pipeline for several types of mixtures analysis.Our simulation results suggest that the choice of methods depends on the goal of analysis and there is no clear winner across the board. For selection of important toxicants in the mixture and for identifying interactions, Elastic net by Zou et al. (Enet), Lasso for Hierarchical Interactions by Bien et al (HierNet), Selection of nonlinear interactions by a forward stepwise algorithm by Narisetty et al. (SNIF) have the most stable performance across simulation settings. Additionally, the predictive performance of the Super Learner ensembling method by Van de Laan et al. and HierNet are found to be superior to the rest of the methods. For overall summary or a cumulative measure, we find that using the Super Learner to combine multiple Environmental Risk Scores can lead to improved risk stratification properties. We have developed an R package “CompMix: A comprehensive toolkit for environmental mixtures analysis”, allowing users to implement a variety of tasks under different settings and compare the findings.In summary, our study offers guidelines for selecting appropriate statistical methods for addressing specific scientific questions related to mixtures research. We identify critical gaps where new and better methods are needed.
Ethnic variation and structure-function analysis of tauopathy-associatedPERKalleles
Authors: Park Goonho , Galdamez Angela , Song Keon-Hyoung , Le Masako , Kim Kyle , Lin Jonathan H. 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARYEIF2AK3, also known as PERK, plays a pivotal role in cellular proteostasis, orchestrating the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and Integrated Stress Response (ISR) pathways. In addition to its central position in intracellular stress regulation, human GWAS identify EIF2AK3 as a risk factor in tauopathies, neurodegenerative diseases caused by aberrant tau protein accumulation. Guided by these genomic indicators, our investigation systematically analyzed human PERK variants, focusing on those with potential tauopathy linkages. We assembled a comprehensive data set of human PERK variants associated with Wolcott Rallison Syndrome (WRS), tauopathies, and bioinformatically predicted loss-of-function, referencing the gnomAD, Ensembl, and NCBI databases. We found extensive racial/ethnic variation in the prevalence of commonPERKpolymorphisms linked to tauopathies. Using SWISS-MODEL, we identified structural perturbations in the ER stress-sensing luminal domain dimers/oligomers of tauopathy-associated PERK variants, Haplotypes A and B, in combination with another tauopathy-linked R240H mutation. Recombinant expression of disease-associated variantsin vitrorevealed altered PERK signal transduction kinetics in response to ER stress compared to the predominant non-disease variant. In summary, our data further substantiates that human PERK variants identified in tauopathy genetic studies negatively impact PERK structure, function, and downstream signaling with significant variations in prevalence among different racial and ethnic groups.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Automated Methods for Quantifying Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Brain
Authors: Waymont Jennifer M.J. , Valdés Hernández Maria C. , Bernal Jose , Coello Roberto Duarte , Brown Rosalind , Chappell Francesca M. , Ballerini Lucia , Wardlaw Joanna M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractResearch into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- visible perivascular spaces (PVS) has recently increased, as results from studies in different diseases and populations are cementing their association with sleep, disease phenotypes, and overall health indicators. With the establishment of worldwide consortia and the availability of large databases, computational methods that allow to automatically process all this wealth of information are becoming increasingly relevant. Several computational approaches have been proposed to assess PVS from MRI, and efforts have been made to summarise and appraise the most widely applied ones. We systematically reviewed and meta-analysed all publications available up to September 2023 describing the development, improvement, or application of computational PVS quantification methods from MRI. We analysed 67 approaches and 60 applications of their implementation, from 112 publications. The two most widely applied were the use of a morphological filter to enhance PVS-like structures, with Frangi being the choice preferred by most, and the use of a U-Net configuration with or without residual connections. Older adults or population studies comprising adults from 18 years old onwards were, overall, more frequent than studies using clinical samples. PVS were mainly assessed from T2-weighted MRI acquired in 1.5T and/or 3T scanners, although combinations using it with T1-weighted and FLAIR images were also abundant. Common associations researched included age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, white matter hyperintensities, sleep and cognition, with occupation-related, ethnicity, and genetic/hereditable traits being also explored. Despite promising improvements to overcome barriers such as noise and differentiation from other confounds, a need for joined efforts for a wider testing and increasing availability of the most promising methods is now paramount.
Simulation of phase change during the freezing of unsaturated porous media by using a coupled lattice Boltzmann model
Authors: Xu Fei , Wang Zheng , Hu Wei , Yang Caihao , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Yaning , Li Bingxi , Xie Gongnan 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a coupled lattice Boltzmann model for the simulation of the freezing process in unsaturated porous media.

Design/methodology/approach
In the developed model, the porous structure with complexity and disorder was generated by using a stochastic growth method, and then the Shan-Chen multiphase model and enthalpy-based phase change model were coupled by introducing a freezing interface force to describe the variation of phase interface. The pore size of porous media in freezing process was considered as an influential factor to phase transition temperature, and the variation of the interfacial force formed with phase change on the interface was described.

Findings
The larger porosity (0.2 and 0.8) will enlarge the unfrozen area from 42 mm to 70 mm, and the rest space of porous medium was occupied by the solid particles. The larger specific surface area (0.168 and 0.315) has a more fluctuated volume fraction distribution.

Originality/value
The concept of interfacial force was first introduced in the solid–liquid phase transition to describe the freezing process of frozen soil, enabling the formulation of a distribution equation based on enthalpy to depict the changes in the water film. The increased interfacial force serves to diminish ice formation and effectively absorb air during the freezing process. A greater surface area enhances the ability to counteract liquid migration.
Sensor fusion-based virtual reality for enhanced physical training
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Fan Dongfang , Deng Yi , Lei Yu , Omalley Owen 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This study aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of the potential and challenges associated with sensor fusion-based virtual reality (VR) applications in the context of enhanced physical training. The main objective is to identify key advancements in sensor fusion technology, evaluate its application in VR systems and understand its impact on physical training.

Design/methodology/approach
The research initiates by providing context to the physical training environment in today’s technology-driven world, followed by an in-depth overview of VR. This overview includes a concise discussion on the advancements in sensor fusion technology and its application in VR systems for physical training. A systematic review of literature then follows, examining VR’s application in various facets of physical training: from exercise, skill development and technique enhancement to injury prevention, rehabilitation and psychological preparation.

Findings
Sensor fusion-based VR presents tangible advantages in the sphere of physical training, offering immersive experiences that could redefine traditional training methodologies. While the advantages are evident in domains such as exercise optimization, skill acquisition and mental preparation, challenges persist. The current research suggests there is a need for further studies to address these limitations to fully harness VR’s potential in physical training.

Originality/value
The integration of sensor fusion technology with VR in the domain of physical training remains a rapidly evolving field. Highlighting the advancements and challenges, this review makes a significant contribution by addressing gaps in knowledge and offering directions for future research.
Obstacle detection and obstacle-surmounting planning for a wheel-legged robot based on Lidar
Authors: Wang Ruoxing , Wang Shoukun , Xue Junfeng , Chen Zhihua , Si Jinge 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate an autonomous obstacle-surmounting method based on a hybrid gait for the problem of crossing low-height obstacles autonomously by a six wheel-legged robot. The autonomy of obstacle-surmounting is reflected in obstacle recognition based on multi-frame point cloud fusion.

Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, first, for the problem that the lidar on the robot cannot scan the point cloud of low-height obstacles, the lidar is driven to rotate by a 2D turntable to obtain the point cloud of low-height obstacles under the robot. Tightly-coupled Lidar Inertial Odometry via Smoothing and Mapping algorithm, fast ground segmentation algorithm and Euclidean clustering algorithm are used to recognize the point cloud of low-height obstacles and obtain low-height obstacle in-formation. Then, combined with the structural characteristics of the robot, the obstacle-surmounting action planning is carried out for two types of obstacle scenes. A segmented approach is used for action planning. Gait units are designed to describe each segment of the action. A gait matrix is used to describe the overall action. The paper also analyzes the stability and surmounting capability of the robot’s key pose and determines the robot’s surmounting capability and the value scheme of the surmounting control variables.

Findings
The experimental verification is carried out on the robot laboratory platform (BIT-6NAZA). The obstacle recognition method can accurately detect low-height obstacles. The robot can maintain a smooth posture to cross low-height obstacles, which verifies the feasibility of the adaptive obstacle-surmounting method.

Originality/value
The study can provide the theory and engineering foundation for the environmental perception of the unmanned platform. It provides environmental information to support follow-up work, for example, on the planning of obstacles and obstacles.
Cutting propagation of Bornmuellera tymphaea, a nickel hyperaccumulator for use in agromining: Effects of rooting media and auxins on stem cuttings
Authors: Kyrkas Dimitrios , Mantzos Nikolaos , Patakioutas George , Lampraki Eleni , Filis Evangelos , Dimitrakopoulos Panayiotis G. , Echevarria Guillaume , Konstantinou Maria 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe nickel hyperaccumulator Bornmuellera tymphaea has been evaluated for use in agromining in Greece with very promising results. This study examines propagation of this species based on cuttings, which provides rapid multiplication and clonal propagation of genotypes with useful genetic traits and offers obvious advantages over propagation by seed. Apical cuttings, 10 cm long, obtained from plants in the field, were propagated on mist benches under greenhouse conditions. Four treatments based on the rooting medium were evaluated: (a) perlite, (b) perlite + peat 1:1 (v/v), (c) ultramafic soil, and (d) ultramafic soil + perlite 1:1 (v/v). Completely randomized blocks were used in a 4 × 2 factorial design, using 4 different propagation rooting media and 2 levels of auxins (with or without the use of indole‐3‐butyric acid [IBA]), with 3 replicates of 28 cuttings. The response to perlite medium was best in terms of rooting: 75% without IBA and 71.33% with IBA, and the dry weight of roots was 0.18 g and of shoots 0.34 g. Perlite + peat 1:1 (v/v) medium also resulted in rooting in more than 55% of cuttings whereas cuttings grown in ultramafic soil showed very low rooting (<27%). Based on the findings, B. tymphaea has an aptitude for vegetative propagation by cuttings with survival values and rooting greater than 70%. Perlite combined with the application of auxin (ΙΒΑ) is recommended.
Integrating space syntax and CPTED in assessing outdoor physical activity
Authors: Safizadeh Mina , Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh , Abdullah Aldrin , Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe relationship between the spatial configuration of the built environment and outdoor physical activity is supported in the literature. However, the role of crime prevention elements and safety is neglected in that relationship. Using structural equation modelling and considering the effect of demographic factors, this study combined concepts of space syntax for analysis of spatial configuration and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) at property and street scales to investigate the direct and indirect relationships between neighbourhoods’ environments and levels of outdoor physical activity. The theoretical purposes have been to measure CPTED elements in two scales and each as a second‐order construct and to gauge pedestrians’ feeling of safety as mediators in the relationship between space syntax measures and physical activity. The results of structural equation modelling suggest that streets’ CPTED elements mediate the relationship between space syntax measures and feelings of safety. The mediation role of feelings of safety in the relationship between CPTED at the street scale and physical activity is also supported. Thus, the study shows that space syntax measures cannot be considered in relation to physical activity without also thinking about its consequent effects on neighbourhoods’ physical environments andalso provides novel insights into the effects of demographic variables on outdoor physical activity.
Suppressed IgG4 class switching in dupilumab‐ and TNF inhibitor‐treated patients after mRNA vaccination
Authors: Valk Anika M. , Keijser Jim B. D. , van Dam Koos P. J. , Stalman Eileen W. , Wieske Luuk , Steenhuis Maurice , Kummer Laura Y. L. , Spuls Phyllis I. , Bekkenk Marcel W. , Musters Annelie H. , Post Nicoline F. , Bosma Angela L. , Horváth Barbara , Hijnen Dirk‐Jan , Schreurs Corine R. G. , van Kempen Zoé L. E. , Killestein Joep , Volkers Adriaan G. , Tas Sander W. , Boekel Laura , Wolbink Gerrit J. , Keijzer Sofie , Derksen Ninotska I. L. , van Deelen Melanie , van Mierlo Gerard , Kuijpers Taco W. , Eftimov Filip , van Ham S. Marieke , ten Brinke Anja , Rispens Theo ,   T2B! Immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 study group
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe noninflammatory immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) is linked to tolerance and is unique to humans. Although poorly understood, prolonged antigenic stimulation and IL‐4‐signaling along the T helper 2‐axis may be instrumental in IgG4 class switching. Recently, repeated SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination has been linked to IgG4 skewing. Although widely used immunosuppressive drugs have been shown to only moderately affect humoral responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination, the effect on IgG4 switching has not been investigated.MethodsHere we study the impact of such immunosuppressive drugs, including the IL‐4 receptor‐blocking antibody dupilumab, on IgG4 skewing upon repeated SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination. Receptor‐binding domain (RBD) specific antibody responses were longitudinally measured in 600 individuals, including patients with immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases treated with a TNF inhibitor (TNFi) and/or methotrexate (MTX), dupilumab, and healthy/untreated controls, after repeated mRNA vaccination.ResultsWe observed a substantial increase in the proportion of RBD‐specific IgG4 antibodies (median 21%) in healthy/untreated controls after third vaccination. This IgG4 skewing was profoundly reduced in dupilumab‐treated patients (<1%). Unexpectedly, an equally strong suppression of IgG4 skewing was observed in TNFi‐treated patients (<1%), whereas MTX caused a modest reduction (7%). RBD‐specific total IgG levels were hardly affected by these immunosuppressive drugs. Minimal skewing was observed, when primary vaccination was adenoviral vector‐based.ConclusionsOur results imply a critical role for IL‐4/IL‐13 as well as TNF in vivo IgG4 class switching. These novel findings advance our understanding of IgG4 class switch dynamics, and may benefit humoral tolerance induction strategies, treatment of IgG4 pathologies and mRNA vaccine optimization.