bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EEG Decoding of Conscious versus Unconscious Representations during Binocular Rivalry
Authors: Krisst Lara C. , Luck Steven J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Theories of visual awareness often fall into two general categories, those assuming that awareness arises rapidly within visual cortex and those assuming that awareness arises more slowly as a result of interactions between visual cortex and frontoparietal regions. To test the plausibility of early theories of consciousness, we combined the temporal resolution of the EEG technique with multivariate pattern classification techniques to assess the latency at which decodable information about consciously perceived stimuli is enhanced relative to information about stimuli that are not consciously perceived. Competing red and green gratings were presented simultaneously to the two eyes, creating rivalry, and observers reported which one of the two colors was perceived on each trial. We then used the pattern of EEG over the scalp to decode the orientation of the grating that was perceived and the orientation of the grating that was suppressed by the rivalry and not perceived. This allowed us to determine when the content of the neural representations differed between the consciously perceived grating and the unconscious grating. Early theories predict that the difference between conscious and unconscious processing would occur within ∼200 msec of stimulus onset (e.g., at the time of the visual awareness negativity). We found that decoding accuracy was significantly greater for the consciously perceived orientation than for the unperceived orientation beginning 160 msec after stimulus onset, as predicted by theories that propose a rapid onset of visual awareness.
The Role of School Climate in School Turnaround
Authors: Harbatkin Erica , Burns Jason , Cullum Samantha 
Published: February 2025

Background or Context: Although a positive school climate is critical to school effectiveness, little is known about whether a focus on school climate may facilitate successful turnaround in the nation’s lowest performing schools. The research suggests two distinct but overlapping ways in which climate may explain a turnaround intervention’s effectiveness. First, schools with a more positive climate at the outset of reform may be better equipped to enact change under turnaround. Second, a turnaround model that explicitly targets climate may improve school outcomes through improvements to climate, such as by setting a clear mission, clarifying staff roles, and prioritizing working conditions. Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study: We examine whether school climate appeared to play a role in the effects of a state-level school turnaround intervention implemented in about 100 schools over two implementation cohorts in Michigan. Research Design: Drawing on statewide administrative data linked with unique teacher survey data in Michigan, we carry out two sets of analyses. First, we use comparative interrupted time series (CITS) models to examine whether turnaround schools with a more positive climate fared better under turnaround than schools with a more negative climate. Second, we conduct a mediation analysis to explicitly test whether dimensions of climate mediated the relationship between turnaround and student achievement. Conclusions or Recommendations: In our CITS analysis, we find that students in schools with a more positive school climate appeared to fare better than their peers in schools with a less positive climate, particularly in math. Our mediation analysis findings suggest that certain elements of climate—relationships and school leadership—also mediated the relationship between turnaround and student achievement. Our findings have implications for school improvement planning, for the design of evaluations of school turnaround initiatives, and for data collection by states aiming to improve their lowest performing schools.
Hand Coordination Comparison in Adolescents with ADHD: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Amiri Shahrokh , MohammadiBina Zahra , Sadeghi-Bazargani Homayoun , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Abdi Salman , Azizi Hosein 
Published: February 2025

Background: Impairments in hand coordination and fine motor skills are common among children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly when faced with complex and speedy tasks. The assessment of hand coordination and performance difficulties in adolescents with ADHD compared to healthy children is poorly understood. Aim: This study aimed to assess the level of hand coordination and performance difficulty of adolescents with ADHD in comparison with healthy controls. Methods: This case-control study included 60 adolescents (30 with ADHD in the case group and 30 healthy individuals in the control group) recruited from patients attending specialized psychiatric clinics in Tabriz, Iran, in 2021. The Conner’s Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R) questionnaire and semi-structured diagnostic interview (PL SADS-K) were used to diagnose ADHD. The Vienna Test System (VTS) was utilized to evaluate hand coordination performance. The study groups were compared regarding hand coordination, duration, difficulty level, and error rate. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the mean age of the participants, the age of their parents, or any other demographic or baseline variables between the two groups ( P > .05). The difference between the mean times of hand coordination in the case group (31.4) and the healthy group (29.4) was not statistically significant ( P > .05). However, the case group exhibited a considerably higher mean and level of performance error than the control group (3.48 vs. 1.77), which was statistically significant ( P = .007). In terms of coordination difficulty, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (2.4 vs. 2.29). Conclusion: Findings showed no significant statistical differences between the two groups regarding the duration and difficulty of hand coordination tasks. However, the error duration was higher in adolescents with ADHD than in healthy adolescents. Results suggest the potential presence of errors in the hand coordination task among adolescents with ADHD.
Low Back Pain Management Through Bowel Lavage (Panchaprasrutik Basti)—A Single Arm Clinical Trial
Authors: Singh Bhashanjali , Nakade Mamata , Sharma Sidhi 
Published: February 2025

Background Low back pain is a pervasive and often debilitating musculoskeletal condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Low back pain affects 619 million globally (10%) and may rise to 843 million by 2050. It causes 8% years lived with disability and 4.6% disability-adjusted life years in India, with a 1.2%–2.3%. Ayurvedic interventions offer potential relief, specifically Panchaprasrutik Basti (bowel lavage/enema). This study investigates Basti’s therapeutic effects on low back pain. Purpose To assess Panchaprasrutik Basti’s efficacy in reducing Katishula (low back pain) using the visual analog scale (VAS). Also, the efficacy of Panchaprasrutik Basti in the restriction of movement and tenderness of Katishula will be assessed using the coin test. Materials and Methods This was an interventional, open-label, single-arm, single-center, prospective study of a sample size of 35 patients. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients having symptoms of Katishula (lumbar pain), Katigraha (restriction of movement), Sparshasahatva (tenderness), and ages between 18 and 70 years. Therapeutic intervention in the study compromised Panchaprasrutik Basti (enema) for 7 days. Outcome measures included the VAS for pain severity and the coin test for restriction of movement and tenderness, comparing baseline and post-treatment data. Results Thirty-five participants completed the study. Statistical analysis showed significant improvement ( p < 0.05) in low back pain symptoms. Conclusion This study evaluated the effectiveness of Panchaprasrutik Basti (480 mL, 7 days) in managing low back pain. Results show significant symptom improvement and enhanced quality of life, validating Ayurvedic medicine as a safe and effective alternative therapy.
Does dynamic taping affect pain, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance in semiconductor engineers with repetitive low back pain?
Authors: Wang Tian-Hong , Chu I-Hua , Huang Ing-Jer , Liang Jing-Min , Wu Wen-Lan 
Published: February 2025

Background Engineers in the semiconductor industry frequently experience recurrent low back pain (LBP) due to prolonged, repetitive work postures. The operation of machinery in this industry requires a high level of muscle endurance. Dynamic taping can help reduce stress on joints and soft tissues during movement. Objectives This study investigated the effect of dynamic taping in workers with recurrent LBP, focusing on pain levels, muscle strength, work-related endurance, and fear avoidance behaviors. Methods This crossover study recruited 28 engineers with repetitive LBP from the semiconductor industry. Each participant underwent two interventions: dynamic taping and no taping. Participants completed a maximal isometric back extensor strength test, three muscle endurance tests (Biering–Sorensen, kneeling forward lean, and repetitive lifting), and two LBP questionnaires (visual analog scale [VAS] and Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire 2 [FABQ2]) in each scenario. MicroFET2 was used to assess back extensor strength. Electromyography (EMG) was performed to determine peak or mean values and median frequencies of the erector spinae muscle before and after endurance tests. Total endurance test durations and posttest VAS scores were recorded. FABQ2 scores were evaluated again 3 days after taping. Results The results of the paired t test revealed that dynamic taping significantly improved performance in the kneeling forward lean test (p < 0.01) and increased maximum isometric strength (p < 0.01). Furthermore, dynamic taping reduced VAS scores after three endurance tests (all p < 0.01) and FABQ2 score (p = 0.03). Two-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant time effects in the Biering–Sorensen on average EMG activation (p < 0.01) and median frequencies during fatigue monitoring (p < 0.01). Significant time effects were also found in the kneeling forward lean test on median frequencies (p < 0.01). In addition, significant interaction effects were found in the Biering–Sorensen test on average EMG activation (p < 0.01) and in the kneeling forward lean test on median frequencies (p < 0.01). Compared with the no-taping group, the taping group exhibited a more significant decrease in erector spinae muscle activity and maintained median frequencies during fatigue tests. Conclusion The use of dynamic tape significantly enhanced maximum isometric strength, improved performance in work-related endurance tests without increasing muscle activity, and reduced FABQ2 scores among semiconductor engineers with recurrent LBP.
A Comparative Study of Physical Activity Levels Between Rural and Urban Settings in Zimbabwe
Authors: Manyeruke Norman , Vermaak Kerry , Mudonhi Nicholas , Nunu Wilfred Njabulo 
Published: February 2025

Background: Zimbabwe lacks information on physical activity levels, the available information is based on estimates. Aim: This study compared physical activity levels in rural and urban settings. The relationship between the level of physical activity and metabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases was also analysed. Setting: The study took place in Bulawayo city (urban) and Mashonaland East province (rural). Methods: Multi-stage probability-based sampling was used to select 200 male respondents from Bulawayo Province (urban) and 200 male respondents from Mashonaland East Province (rural). The study used the enumeration areas (EAs) used during the 2012 census and represented wards. In total, 10 enumeration areas were randomly selected, and 40 households were randomly selected in each of these enumeration areas. Logistic regression was used for all statistical analyses. Results: Rural respondents were 62% more likely to meet the World Health Organisation (WHO) required physical activity level than urban respondents. The rural group was 158% more likely to have intermediate physical activity levels (600-2999 METs) than the urban group. Those meeting the WHO recommended physical activity level were 51% less likely to have elevated blood glucose. Facilities to promote physical health are not being used. Conclusions: The rural group was more physically active than the urban group. High physical activity reduces the risk of metabolic risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as diabetes. Contribution: Promotion of good health by reducing risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
Impact of Different Metabolic Indicators on Ventricular Repolarization Indices in Obese Children: A Case Control Study
Authors: El Sehmawy Asmaa A , Fawaz Rasha Abd El Samad , Agiba Nadia Ahmed , Elsherbiny Eman Aziz , Agaba Nglaa Fathi , Sayed Mohammed Doaa , Mahmoud Nasr Haidy , Diab Fatma Elzhraa AE , Ahmed Amal M , Issa Mahfouz Shorouk , Okda Heba T , Ahmed Doaa Sadek 
Published: February 2025

Background: Obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia may impact ventricular repolarization in children. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the relationship between various metabolic indicators and ventricular repolarization indices among obese children compared to healthy ones. Methods: A case-control study included 90 children, divided into two groups: 45 obese children (cases) and 45 children with normal weight (controls). Electrocardiogram (ECG) readings were analyzed to calculate several parameters, including corrected QT (QTc), QTc dispersion (QTcd), JTc dispersion, and the TpTe interval, using 12-lead surface ECGs. Both groups were also assessed for lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and serum insulin to calculate the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: Obese children had significantly higher serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR compared to controls. Also, they significantly had longer mean values of QTcd and JTcd with no significant difference in TpTe interval between both groups. A significant positive correlation was detected between QTc and JTc dispersion and the following variables: waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR index, and LDL. Additionally, no significant difference was revealed between obese children with and without metabolic syndrome regarding ventricular repolarization ECG parameters. Conclusion: Greater JTc dispersion (ms) and QTc dispersion (ms) were observed in obese children with a positive correlation to waist circumference, BMI, and insulin resistance.
Association Between Nature Attitudes and Physical Activity in Youth From Low-Income Families
Authors: Zarr Robert , Chan Wing Yi , Han Bing , Estrada Erika , Zhong Haoyuan , Cohen Deborah A. 
Published: February 2025

We conducted a clinical trial on nature prescriptions measuring baseline moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). 433 children between 6-16 years old completed baseline measures (49.2% female, 50.8% male). Participants self-identified as Latino (88.2%), African-American (9.7%), Asian (0.5%), and other or unknown (1.6%). The mean BMI% was 94.9 (SD 6.2), and mean age is 10.4 years (SD 2.7). The mean MVPA was 16.6 minutes, the mean daily accelerometer wear time was 728.8 minutes (SD 126.6), and the average number of days the participant wore the accelerometer for >8 hours (per day) was 6.8 (SD 3.8). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age was not associated with MVPA. However, boys engaged in 38 more minutes of MVPA per week than girls ( P < .0001). Season was associated with MVPA with 5.4 more minutes of MVPA/day in the Fall ( P < .01) and 4.8 more minutes in Spring ( P < .01) as compared to winter and summer. Participant attitude toward nature was significantly associated with MVPA. One unit of positive increase in individual attitude toward nature was associated with 3 additional minutes of MVPA per day (β = 3.1, P < .001), or 21.7 minutes per week.
Predicting cytomegalovirus infection and graft-versus-host disease using QuantiFERON-CMV and Monitor in pediatric transplants: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Souan Lina , Rihani Rawad , Sughayer Maher A. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Early detection of CMV infection is crucial for managing its impact. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of QuantiFERON-CMV® (QF-CMV) and QuantiFERON-Monitor® (QFM) tests in predicting CMV infection and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients to enhance patient outcomes and support personalized prevention strategies. Methods: The QF-CMV and QFM tests were used to predict CMV pp65 antigen and GvHD in 24 pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Results: Data showed that positive CMV antigenemia (CMV-Ag) increased the risk of GvHD by 21.2%. QF-CMV and QFM were associated with CMV-Ag, with QF-CMV inversely predicting GvHD. Lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were positively linked to both tests. Conclusion: The findings suggest that QF-CMV and QFM tests could predict GvHD and CMV infection risk and help identify high-risk patients, contributing to personalized prevention strategies and improving CMV treatment. Despite the small sample size, this study is an essential proof of concept due to the unique patient population of pediatric bone marrow stem cell transplant recipients. Further multicenter studies are needed to validate these results.
Recent Trends in Quadriceps Tendon and Patellar Tendon Injuries in the National Football League
Authors: Baumann John R. , Garlapaty Ashwin R. , Cook James L. , DeFroda Steven F. 
Published: February 2025

Background: While quadriceps tendon (QT) and patellar tendon (PT) tears are relatively rare in the National Football League (NFL), the impact they can have on a player’s season and career is significant. Despite the importance of extensor tendon injuries within the NFL, there is a lack of recent literature describing their risk factors, incidence, and impact on performance. Purposes: To determine the incidence and impact of QT and PT injuries in the NFL between the 2009-2010 and 2022-2023 seasons and to explore the impact that player and injury characteristics have on injury risk, return to play (RTP), and player performance. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Publicly available data were reviewed to capture all PT and QT tears reported in the NFL between the 2009-2010 and 2022-2023 seasons. RTP and performance metrics were recorded for each player during the season before injury and the first 2 seasons postinjury. Data were analyzed to determine statistically significant differences in proportions using chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, or McNemar tests. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results: A total of 80 extensor tendon tears (24 QT tears, 56 PT tears) were identified between the 2009-2010 and 2022-2023 NFL seasons. Risk factors for QT injury included body mass index ≥31, age ≥26 years, and >4 years of NFL experience. The risk for QT injury was higher in offensive and defensive linemen compared with skill players. The risk for PT injury was higher for offensive linemen compared with other position groups. Overall, 96.3% of extensor tendon injuries were season ending. The RTP rate for QT injuries was greater (58.3%) than that for PT injuries (55.4%). QT injuries resulted in a greater rate of return to prior performance level and a quicker return to performance compared with PT injuries. Conclusion: The rates of QT and PT injury were higher in this study compared with those found in prior NFL studies. This study found similar RTP rates after QT injury but significantly lower RTP rates after PT injury compared with the previous literature. This highlights the significant, devastating, and increasing impact that extensor tendon injuries have on NFL players.
Using Wearable Sensor Technology to Analyze Running Technique and Prospective Running-Related Injuries During United States Military Cadet Basic Training
Authors: Weart Amy N. , Brown Lauren C. , Florkiewicz Erin M. , Freisinger Gregory M. , East Kyle H. , Reilly Nicholas , Song Jinsup , Goss Donald L. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Running biomechanics have been linked to the development of running-related injuries in recreational and military runners. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine if personal characteristics or running biomechanical variables are associated with running-related injury incidence or time to injury in military cadets undergoing training. It was hypothesized that a rearfoot strike pattern, greater rate of impact, or a lower step rate would be related to a greater running-related injury incidence and a decreased time to injury. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Military cadets wore an on-shoe wearable sensor that analyzed biomechanical variables of foot strike pattern, rate of impact, running pace, step rate, step length, and contact time during cadet basic training (60 days). Running-related injuries during cadet basic training were determined by medical record review. Personal and running variables between the injured and uninjured cadets were compared using independent t tests and chi-square analyses. Time to injury and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazard regression models, respectively. Results: Of the 674 cadets who completed the study, 11% sustained a running-related injury. A significantly greater proportion of the injured participants were female (χ2 = 7.95; P = .005) and had a prior history of injury (χ2 = 7.36; P = .007). Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression models revealed greater injury risk in females (HR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.22-3.16; P = .005) and cadets with a prior injury history (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.18-2.93; P = .008). After adjusting Cox models for prior injury, females were found to be at a 1.89 times (95% CI, 1.17-3.04; P = .009) greater risk of injury. Running biomechanical variables were not associated with injury risk. Conclusion: Study results indicated that non-modifiable risk factors such as female sex and prior injury history increased the risk of running-related injury in cadets undergoing military training. Running biomechanical variables measured by the wearable sensor were not associated with injury in this study.