bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital participation in traumatic brain injury: scoping review about assessment tools for computer-mediated communication
Authors: Büttner-Kunert Julia , Royko Julia , Resch Katharina , Heider Nathalie , Falkowska Zofia 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often affected by communication disorders which might have an impact on their social participation. Due to possible cognitive and communicative disabilities, as well as impairments of social cognitive skills, individuals with TBI have been observed to exhibit difficulties in maintaining and establishing social relationships, resulting in a greater risk of social isolation. This applies to both in-person as well as computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is considered an integral part of everyday life. Research on digital participation in the TBI population has focused on the possible challenges and barriers, but also on the benefits of CMC for social interactions. Guidelines from professional societies recommend questionnaires and checklists for assessing restrictions of communicative participation (e.g., ASHA, INCOG). However, there is no overview of whether the available instruments can capture digital aspects of participation or social media use in TBI.AimIn this scoping review, following the PRISMA criteria, we aimed to provide an overview over currently available instruments that help assess CMC use as a measure of digital participation in the TBI population.MethodThe databases Web of Science Core Collection, Ovid, PsycInfo and Psyndex were screened for publications between the years 2013 and 2023 with relevant search terms referring to social participation, assessment tools, CMC and the target group, in order to find suitable tools to assess digital participation in individuals with TBI. In a multistage selection process following the PRISMA criteria, the instruments found were examined in terms of items that assess digital participation. The outcome of the review is an overview of the status quo of potentially available instruments that capture aspects of CMC.ResultsFollowing a screening on title/abstract and full-text level, a total of 10 studies could be identified that present assessment tools that evaluate CMC use as a measure of digital participation in the TBI population. Said studies were analyzed and compared in terms of content according to the selected parameters.ConclusionDigital participation is an important aspect of everyday lives for individuals with TBI. Therefore, CMC should be an integral part of rehabilitation. The existing appropriate questionnaires uncovered in the current study should therefore be applied routinely to detect impairments in CMC and digital participation. Overall, however, there is still a great need for research in the field of CMC, both regarding methods for measuring digital participation disorders as well as resources.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.germanistik.uni-muenchen.de/forschung/proj_gl/review_participation_tbi.pdf.
The association of lipid metabolism with bone metabolism and the role of human traits: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Kang Jian , Zhao Shuangli , Wu Xize , Wang Can , Jiang Zongkun , Wang Shixuan 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe impact of lipid metabolism on bone metabolism remains controversial, and the extent to which human traits mediate the effects of lipid metabolism on bone metabolism remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study utilized mendelian randomization to investigate the effects of blood lipids on bone mineral density (BMD) at various skeletal sites and examined the mediating role of human traits in this process.MethodsWe leveraged genetic data from large-scale genome-wide association studies on blood lipids (n=1,320,016), forearm bone mineral density (FA-BMD) (n=10,805), lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS-BMD) (n=44,731), and femoral neck bone mineral density (FN-BMD) (n=49,988) to infer causal relationships between lipid and bone metabolism. The coefficient product method was employed to calculate the indirect effects of human traits and the proportion of mediating effects.ResultsThe results showed that a 1 standard deviation(SD) increase in HDL-C, LDL-C and TC was associated with a decrease in LS-BMD of 0.039 g/cm2, 0.045 g/cm2 and 0.054 g/cm2, respectively. The proportion of mediating effects of systolic blood pressure (SBP) on HDL-C to LS-BMD was 3.17%, but suppression effects occurred in the causal relationship of LDL-C and TC to LS-BMD. Additionally, the proportion of mediating effects of hand grip strength (HGS) on the TC to LS-BMD pathway were 6.90% and 4.60% for the left and right hands, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, a negative causal relationship was established between lipid metabolism and bone metabolism. Our results indicated that SBP and HGS served as mediators for the effects of lipid metabolism on bone metabolism.
Correlation between visceral adiposity index and erectile dysfunction in American adult males: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Xu Mingming , Zhou Hang , Zhang Ruihao , Pan Yang , Liu Xiaoqiang 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe risk of visceral obesity on erectile function has recently attracted much attention. The visceral adiposity index (VAI) is a brief and reliable indicator of visceral obesity measurement. Nevertheless, the association between VAI and erectile dysfunction (ED) is not completely clarified.MethodsData from NHANES 2001–2004 were enrolled in this study. Erectile function was assessed by a database-self-administered questionnaire. VAI was calculated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The weighted logistic regression model was performed to evaluate the association between VAI and ED.ResultsUltimately, 3380 participants were enrolled in the study, including 900 with ED and 2480 without ED. Compared to participants without ED, those with ED generally had higher levels of VAI (1.76 vs. 1.53). The weighted logistic regression analyses demonstrated increased odds of developing ED in participants within the 4th quartile (Q4) of VAI compared to the 1st quartile (Q1) of VAI (OR = 2.023; 95% CI, 1.534–2.669; P &lt; 0.001). Similar results were still obtained after adjusting for the relevant covariates (OR = 1.404; 95% CI, 1.008–1.954; P = 0.044). In subgroup analyses grouped by smoking status, higher VAI was associated with increased odds of developing ED only in the current smoking group (OR = 1.092; 95% CI, 1.021–1.167; P = 0.010).ConclusionThis study indicated that higher VAI is independently related to ED risk and that early intervention is necessary to reduce the progression of ED with high VAI levels.
Optimal sizing and technical assessment of a hybrid renewable energy solution for off-grid community center power
Authors: Tamoor Muhammad , Bhatti Abdul Rauf , Hussain Muhammad Imtiaz , Miran Sajjad , Kiren Tayybah , Ali Asma , Lee Gwi Hyun 
Published: December 2023

Decentralized energy generation systems based on renewable sources have significant potential to assist in the sustainable development of developing countries. The small-scale integration of hybrid renewable energy systems in off-grid communities has not been thoroughly researched. The primary objective is to develop a preliminary design for a PV/biogas hybrid system that can meet the energy needs of an off-grid community center. A survey was conducted to calculate the energy demands of an off-grid community center and a hybrid renewable system has been designed to supply the electricity. The optimum designed system is evaluated by the PVSYST simulation software and SuperPro Designer software. The annual production of the PV system is 34428 kWh/year, specific production is 1118 kWh/kWp/year, and the performance ratio is 81.72%. All the factors that contribute to energy loss are considered in designing a PV system. The average operating efficiency of the inverter is 92.6%, and global inverter losses are 2752.4 kWh. The biogas simulation findings show an adequate match with the composition of conventional biogas and contains 89.64% methane and 5.99% carbon dioxide content. Two sensitivity analyses of biogas based on hydraulic retention time and moisture content have been performed. Measurements readings of hourly data are used to analyse the performance of PV, biogas system as well as the hybrid system performance. At day time, the maximum power generation of the hybrid PV/Biogas and the maximum load demand of the community at that time are 25.2 kW and 24.31 kW, respectively. At night time, the maximum power generation of the hybrid system and the maximum load demand are 9 kW and 8.3 kW, respectively. The power factor (PF) of the system fluctuates between 0.92 and 0.98 and the frequency of the system is constant at 50 HZ.
Type-I interferon pathway and DNA damage accumulation in peripheral blood of patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Fragoulis George E. , Ntouros Panagiotis A. , Nezos Adrianos , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos I. , McInnes Iain B. , Tektonidou Maria G. , Skarlis Charalampos , Souliotis Vassilis L. , Mavragani Clio P. , Sfikakis Petros P. 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivesThe abnormal DNA damage response is associated with upregulation of the type-1 interferon (IFN-I) pathway in certain rheumatic diseases. We investigated whether such aberrant mechanisms operate in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsDNA damage levels were measured by alkaline comet assay in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 52 PsA patients and age-sex-matched healthy individuals. RNA expression of IFIT1, MX1 and IFI44, which are selectively induced by IFN-I, was quantitated by real-time polymerase chain reaction and their composite normalized expression resulted in IFN-I score calculation. RNA expression of IL1β, IL6, TNF, IL17A and IL23A was also assessed in PsA and control subgroups.ResultsIn PsA, DNA damage accumulation was increased by almost two-fold compared to healthy individuals (olive tail moment arbitrary units, mean ± SD; 9.42 ± 2.71 vs 4.88 ± 1.98, p&lt;0.0001). DNA damage levels significantly correlated with serum C-Reactive-protein and IL6 RNA expression in PBMCs. Despite increased DNA damage, the IFN-I score was strikingly lower in PsA patients compared to controls (-0.49 ± 6.99 vs 4.24 ± 4.26; p&lt;0.0001). No correlation was found between IFN-I pathway downregulation and DNA damage. However, the IFN-I score in a PsA subgroup was lower in those patients with higher IL1β expression, as well as in those with higher TNF/IL23A PBMCs expression.ConclusionDNA damage in PsA correlates with measures of inflammation but is not associated with the IFN-I pathway induction. The unexpected IFN-I downregulation, albeit reminiscent to findings in experimental models of spondyloarthritis, may be implicated in PsA pathogenesis and explained by operation of other cytokines.
Immunogenicity of PE18, PE31, and PPE26 proteins from Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans and mice
Authors: García-Bengoa María , Vergara Emil Joseph , Tran Andy C. , Bossi Lorenzo , Cooper Andrea M. , Pearl John E. , Mussá Tufária , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Singh Mahavir , Reljic Rajko 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThe large family of PE and PPE proteins accounts for as much as 10% of the genome of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this study, we explored the immunogenicity of three proteins from this family, PE18, PE31, and PPE26, in humans and mice.MethodsThe investigation involved analyzing the immunoreactivity of the selected proteins using sera from TB patients, IGRA-positive household contacts, and IGRA-negative BCG vaccinated healthy donors from the TB endemic country Mozambique. Antigen-recall responses were examined in PBMC from these groups, including the evaluation of cellular responses in healthy unexposed individuals. Moreover, systemic priming and intranasal boosting with each protein, combined with the Quil-A adjuvant, were conducted in mice.ResultsWe found that all three proteins are immunoreactive with sera from TB patients, IGRA-positive household contacts, and IGRA-negative BCG vaccinated healthy controls. Likewise, antigen-recall responses were induced in PBMC from all groups, and the proteins stimulated proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy unexposed individuals. In mice, all three antigens induced IgG antibody responses in sera and predominantly IgG, rather than IgA, responses in bronchoalveolar lavage. Additionally, CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cell responses were observed in the spleen, with PE18 demonstrating the ability to induce tissue-resident memory T cells in the lungs.DiscussionHaving demonstrated immunogenicity in both humans and mice, the protective capacity of these antigens was evaluated by challenging immunized mice with low-dose aerosol of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. The in vitro Mycobacterial Growth Inhibition Assay (MGIA) and assessment of viable bacteria in the lung did not demonstrate any ability of the vaccination protocol to reduce bacterial growth. We therefore concluded that these three specific PE/PPE proteins, while immunogenic in both humans and mice, were unable to confer protective immunity under these conditions.
Fluid mud induced by periodic tidal advection and fine-grained sediment settling in the Yangtze estuary
Authors: Wu Hao , Tang Jieping , Li Weihua , Xing Fei , Yang Haifei , Zhang Fan , Wang Ya Ping 
Published: December 2023

This study presents in-situ observations of fluid mud in the Yangtze Estuary via a bottom tripod. Six occurrences of periodic fluid muds (F1-F6) were observed at high slack water, with suspended sediment concentration (SSC) exceeding 10 kg/m3. The thickness of the fluid mud varied across the six occurrences, reaching a maximum of 0.32m. Notably, temperature and salinity anomalies were observed within the fluid mud. The formation of fluid mud was found to be influenced by turbulence, with turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) below 5×10-4 m2/s2 favoring settling as the primary cause of formation. The critical shear stress (τcw) for fluid mud formation was estimated to be approximately 0.09 Pa. The formation of fluid muds during early tidal cycles was attributed to liquefaction and bed erosion resulting from strong waves. However, in most cases, the wave energy was insufficient for erosion, suggesting that advection played a role in sediment supply during the subsequent tide cycles. The increased cross-channel current velocity during flood facilitated the lateral transport of a significant amount of eroded sediment from shallow water into the channel. Due to its short duration, the fluid mud layer was entrained by the current before consolidation. Enhanced turbulence led to the breakdown of fluid mud at the early ebb. The critical τcw for fluid mud breakdown depended on the density and duration of the fluid mud, with a maximum value of up to 0.70 Pa. The absence of the fluid mud layer during low slack water and neap tide was associated with a reduction in advection and tidal pumping, disrupting the original sediment balance between supply and demand. These data provide valuable insights into the formation and breakdown of fluid mud, contributing to estuarine hydrodynamic modeling studies and enhancing the understanding of estuary dynamics.
Case report: One case of umbilical vein thrombosis in the second trimester with associated portal vein thrombosis after childbirth
Authors: Dai Wei-Wei , Hou Qi-Shu , Yang Lian-Hua , Chen Shang-Qin , Ye Ji-Feng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundUmbilical vein thrombosis is a rare pregnancy complication, that is difficult to detect prenatally but can lead to poor fetal outcomes.Case presentationWe described a 33-year-old primiparae who was identified as having umbilical vein thrombosis by ultrasound at 21 weeks gestation, and the neonate was found to have a portal vein thrombus after delivery. Following enoxaparin anticoagulant therapy, the thrombus disappeared within 4 weeks. No thrombus formation occured during the 10-month follow-up, and the baby was in excellent clinical condition.ConclusionOwing to the poor fetal outcomes related to umbilical thrombosis, pay attention to abnormal clinical signs during prenatal ultrasound, fetal heart monitoring and counting fetal movements can help in the early identification of umbilical cord thrombosis.The findings highlight the importance of regular prenatal ultrasound evaluation, enabling early detection and monitoring of any anomalies or vascular abnormalities related to the fetal umbilical vein. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications and long-term outcomes associated with these findings.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for poststroke dysphagia
Authors: Li Xuezheng , Lu Lijun , Fu Xuefeng , Li Hao , Yang Wen , Guo Hua , Guo Kaifeng , Huang Zhen 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionOptimal treatment strategies for post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) remain to be explored. Electroacupuncture (EA) has attracted widespread attention due to its simplicity, cheapness, and safety. However, the efficacy of EA in the treatment of PSD lacks high-level evidence-based medical support. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical value of EA in the treatment of PSD.MethodsA total of seven databases were searched for relevant literature. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on EA alone or EA combined with other interventions for the treatment of PSD were assessed using the modified Jadad scale. The studies with a score of ≥4 were included. The quality of the included studies was then assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool. The meta-analysis was performed using Rev. Man 5.3 software.ResultsTwelve studies involving 1,358 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that the EA group was superior to the control group in terms of clinical response rate (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.97 to 3.53) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) score (MD = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.29 to 1.16). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA) score (MD = -3.11, 95% CI = -6.45 to 0.23), Rosenbek penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score (MD = -0.68, 95% CI = -2.78 to 1.41), Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) score (MD = 13.24, 95% CI = -7.74 to 34.21), or incidence of adverse events (OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 0.73 to 3.38).ConclusionThis study shows that EA combined with conventional treatment or other interventions can significantly improve the clinical response rate and VFSS score in patients with PSD without increasing adverse reactions.Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=396840.
Prospective evaluation of NGS-based sequencing in epilepsy patients: results of seven NASGE-associated diagnostic laboratories
Authors: Witzel Maximilian G. W. , Gebhard Christian , Wenzel Sören , Kleier Saskia , Eichhorn Birgit , Lorenz Peter , Heyden Laura von der , Kuhn Marius , Luedeke Manuel , Döcker Miriam , Jüngling Jerome , Schulte Björn , Hörtnagel Konstanze , Glaubitz Ralf , Knippenberger Sarah , Teubert Anna , Abicht Angela , Neuhann Teresa M. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundEpilepsy is one of the most common and disabling neurological disorders. It is highly prevalent in children with neurodevelopmental delay and syndromic diseases. However, epilepsy can also be the only disease-determining symptom. The exact molecular diagnosis is essential to determine prognosis, comorbidity, and probability of recurrence, and to inform therapeutic decisions.Methods and materialsHere, we describe a prospective cohort study of patients with epilepsy evaluated in seven diagnostic outpatient centers in Germany. Over a period of 2 months, 07/2022 through 08/2022, 304 patients (317 returned result) with seizure-related human phenotype ontology (HPO) were analyzed. Evaluated data included molecular results, phenotype (syndromic and non-syndromic), and sequencing methods.ResultsSingle exome sequencing (SE) was applied in half of all patients, followed by panel (P) testing (36%) and trio exome sequencing (TE) (14%). Overall, a pathogenic variant (PV) (ACMG cl. 4/5) was identified in 22%; furthermore, a significant number of patients (12%) carried a reported clinically meaningful variant of unknown significance (VUS). The average diagnostic yield in patients ≤ 12 y was higher compared to patients &gt;12 y cf. Figure 2B vs. Figure 3B. This effect was more pronounced in cases, where TE was applied in patients ≤ 12 vs. &gt;12 y [PV (PV + VUS): patients ≤ 12 y: 35% (47%), patients &gt; 12 y: 20% (40%)]. The highest diagnostic yield was achieved by TE in syndromic patients within the age group ≤ 12 y (ACMG classes 4/5 40%). In addition, TE vs. SE had a tendency to result in less VUS in patients ≤ 12 y [SE: 19% (22/117) VUS; TE: 17% (6/36) VUS] but not in patients &gt;12 y [SE: 19% (8/42) VUS; TE: 20% (2/10) VUS]. Finally, diagnostic findings in patients with syndromic vs. non-syndromic symptoms revealed a significant overlap of frequent causes of monogenic epilepsies, including SCN1A, CACNA1A, and SETD1B, confirming the heterogeneity of the associated conditions.ConclusionIn patients with seizures—regardless of the detailed phenotype—a monogenic cause can be frequently identified, often implying a possible change in therapeutic action (36.7% (37/109) of PV/VUS variants); this justifies early and broad application of genetic testing. Our data suggest that the diagnostic yield is highest in exome or trio-exome-based testing, resulting in a molecular diagnosis within 3 weeks, with profound implications for therapeutic strategies and for counseling families and patients regarding prognosis and recurrence risk.
Combined exposure to multiple essential elements and cadmium at early pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Deng Guifang , Chen Hengying , Liu Yao , Zhou Yingyu , Lin Xiaoping , Wei Yuanhuan , Sun Ruifang , Zhang Zheqing , Huang Zhenhe 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundMinerals and trace elements were involved in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes. However, the association of mixed exposure to essential elements and toxic elements with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is poorly understood.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the associations between serum calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in early pregnancy and GDM risk in Chinese pregnant women.MethodA total of 1,168 pregnant women were included in this prospective cohort study. The concentrations of serum elements were measured using the polarography method before 14 gestational weeks and an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted at 24–28 gestational weeks to diagnose GDM. Binary logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were applied to evaluate the association between serum individual element and GDM. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were used to assess the associations between mixed essential elements and Cd exposure and GDM risk.ResultsThe mean concentrations of Zn (124.65 vs. 120.12 μmol/L), Fe (135.26 vs. 132.21 μmol/L) and Cu (23.33 vs. 23.03 μmol/L) in the GDM group were significantly higher than those in the control group. Single-element modeling results suggested that second and fourth-quartile maternal Zn and Fe concentration, third and fourth-quartile Cu concentration and fourth-quartile Ca concentration were associated with an increased risk of GDM compared to first-quartile values. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed U-shaped and non-linear relationships between Cd and GDM. According to the BKMR models and WQS analyses, a six-element mixture was significantly and positively associated with the risk of GDM. Additionally, Cd, Zn, and Cu contributed the most strongly to the association.ConclusionSerum Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ca exposure during early pregnancy showed a positive association with GDM in the individual evaluation. The multiple-evaluation showed that high levels of elements mixture, particularly Cd, Zn, and Cu, may promote the development of GDM.