bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gait pattern after electromechanically-assisted gait training with the Hybrid Assistive Limb and conventional gait training in sub-acute stroke rehabilitation—A subsample from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wall Anneli , Palmcrantz Susanne , Borg Jörgen , Gutierrez-Farewik Elena M. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionElectromechanically-assisted gait training has been introduced in stroke rehabilitation as a means to enable gait training with a large number of reproducible and symmetrical task repetitions, i.e. steps. However, few studies have evaluated its impact on gait pattern functions. This study includes persons with no independent ambulation function at the start of a 4-week neurorehabilitation period in the sub-acute phase after stroke. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate whether the addition of electromechanically-assisted gait training to conventional training resulted in better gait pattern function than conventional training alone. The secondary aim was to identify correlations between overall gait quality and standardized clinical assessments.Participants and methodsSeventeen patients with no independent ambulation function who participated in a Prospective Randomized Open Blinded End-point study in the sub-acute phase after stroke were randomized into two groups; one group (n = 7) to undergo conventional training only (CONV group) and the other group (n = 10) to undergo conventional training with additional electromechanically-assisted gait training (HAL group). All patients were assessed with 3D gait analysis and clinical assessments after the 4-week intervention period. Overall gait quality as per the Gait Profile Score (GPS), as well as kinematic, and kinetic and other spatiotemporal metrics were collected and compared between intervention groups. Correlations between biomechanical and clinical outcomes were evaluated.ResultsBoth the CONV and HAL groups exhibited similar gait patterns with no significant differences between groups in any kinematic, kinetic parameters or other spatiotemporal metrics. The GPS for the paretic limb had a median (IQR) of 12.9° (7.8°) and 13.4° (4.3°) for the CONV and HAL groups, respectively (p = 0.887). Overall gait quality was correlated with independence in walking, walking speed, movement function and balance. We found no added benefit in gait pattern function from the electromechanically-assisted gait training compared to the conventional training alone.DiscussionThis finding raises new questions about how to best design effective and optimal post-stroke rehabilitation programs in patients with moderate to severe gait impairments to achieve both independent walking and optimal gait pattern function, and about which patients should be in focus in further studies on the efficacy of electromechanically-assisted gait training.Clinical trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (NCT02410915) on April 2015.
Risk factors for lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in acute stroke patients following endovascular thrombectomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Han Li , Yang Jian-Miao , Qian Wei-Yang , Xu Xiao-Ping , Tung Tao-Hsin , Liu Yang , Wang Feng 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) in lower extremities as a common complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has long been studied. However, as the therapeutic options for AIS continue to advance, the pathogenic mechanisms behind DVT may change. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has replaced intravenous thrombolysis and become the preferred treatment for AIS patients with large vessel occlusions. Therefore, it is important to update our understanding of DVT and its management. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of DVT in AIS patients following EVT.MethodsIn this retrospective study, 245 AIS patients who had received EVT were recruited between January 2020 and December 2021. Within 10 days (median 4 days) of thrombectomy, DVT was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and therapeutic procedures were compared between patients with and without DVT using univariate analysis. Cutoff points were defined for EVT time and plasma D-dimer concentration. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to determine the independent risk factors for DVT and evaluate their predictive power.ResultsThe prevalence of DVT in AIS patients after EVT was 27.3%. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.036, 95% CI 1.001–1.073; P = 0.045), female sex (OR 3.015, 95% CI 1.446–6.289; P = 0.003), lower limb muscle strength less than grade three (OR 7.015, 95% CI 1.887–26.080; P = 0.004), longer EVT time (OR 1.012, 95% CI 1.004–1.020; P = 0.003), and higher D-dimer levels (OR 1.350, 95% CI 1.150–1.585; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with higher DVT risk in AIS patients following EVT. The cutoff points for operative time of EVT and plasma D-dimer were 65.5 min and 1.62 mg/L, respectively, above which the risk for DVT was dramatically increased with OR &gt; 4 in AIS patients.ConclusionAIS patients are at increased risk of developing DVT following EVT particularly if they have undergone prolonged thrombectomy procedures and exhibit high plasma levels of D-dimers. However, the results of our study need to be validated by a multicenter prospective study with a larger population of stroke patients.
The effects of olive oil consumption on cognitive performance: a systematic review
Authors: Fazlollahi Asra , Motlagh Asghari Kimia , Aslan Cynthia , Noori Maryam , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Araj-Khodaei Mostafa , Sullman Mark J. M. , Karamzad Nahid , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Safiri Saeid 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe Mediterranean diet is marked by the regular intake of olive oil, which may play a role in preventing and protecting against cognitive deterioration and dementia. The strength of these effects have been examined by several recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs), but their findings have not been consistent. In light of this inconsistency, the present study performed a systematic review to examine the relationship between the consumption of olive oil and cognition.MethodsThe Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to August 11, 2023. The review included RCTs, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies and case–control studies that explored the impact of olive oil consumption on cognitive performance among those older than 55 years old. Studies were excluded if they employed a design other than those mentioned above, involved participants under 55 years old, or did not specifically examine the cognitive effects of olive oil consumption. The quality of the included studies were measured using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale checklists.ResultsEleven studies were identified, which were comprised of four cross-sectional studies, four prospective cohort studies and three RCTs. The cohort studies and RCTs consistently found that olive oil consumption had a favorable effect on cognitive performance across a number of cognitive domains over time. Similarly, all of the cross-sectional studies reported that the consumption of olive oil was positively associated with cognitive health.ConclusionThe consumption of olive oil was found to enhance cognitive functioning and to reduce cognitive decline. Further large-scale investigations are required to strengthen this conclusion.
Analysis of insecticides in long-lasting insecticidal nets using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and correlation with bioefficacy
Authors: Koinari Melanie , Bubun Nakei , Wilson David , Anetul Evodia , Timinao Lincoln , Johnson Petrina , Daly Norelle L. , Laman Moses , Freeman Tim , Karl Stephan 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundLong-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are a key vector control tool used for the prevention of malaria. Active ingredient (AI) measurements in LLINs are essential for evaluating their quality and efficacy. The main aim of the present study was to determine the utility of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy as a suitable field-deployable tool for total AI quantification in LLINs.MethodsNew and unused LLIN samples containing deltamethrin (PermaNet® 2.0, n = 35) and alpha-cypermethrin (SafeNet®, n = 43) were obtained from batches delivered to Papua New Guinea (PNG) for mass distribution. Insecticides were extracted from the LLINs using a simple extraction technique and quantified using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The LC-MS results were correlated with XRF spectroscopy measurements on the same nets. Operators were blinded regarding the type of net. Bioefficacy of the LLIN samples was tested using WHO cone bioassays and test results were correlated with total AI content.ResultsThe results indicate correlation between quantitative XRF and LC-MS. Interestingly, the total AI content was negatively correlated with bioefficacy in PermaNet® 2.0 (especially in recently manufactured nets). In contrast, AI content was positively correlated with bioefficacy in SafeNet®. These results indicate that the chemical content analysis in predelivery inspections does not always predict bioefficacy.ConclusionXRF is a promising field-deployable tool for quantification of both deltamethrin- and alpha-cypermethrin-coated LLINs. Because total AI content is not always a predictor of the efficacy of LLINs to kill mosquitoes, bioefficacy measurements should be included in predelivery inspections.
Hypoxia releases S-nitrosocysteine from carotid body glomus cells—relevance to expression of the hypoxic ventilatory response
Authors: Seckler James M. , Getsy Paulina M. , May Walter J. , Gaston Benjamin , Baby Santhosh M. , Lewis Tristan H. J. , Bates James N. , Lewis Stephen J. 
Published: October 2023

We have provided indirect pharmacological evidence that hypoxia may trigger release of the S-nitrosothiol, S-nitroso-L-cysteine (L-CSNO), from primary carotid body glomus cells (PGCs) of rats that then activates chemosensory afferents of the carotid sinus nerve to elicit the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR). The objective of this study was to provide direct evidence, using our capacitive S-nitrosothiol sensor, that L-CSNO is stored and released from PGCs extracted from male Sprague Dawley rat carotid bodies, and thus further pharmacological evidence for the role of S-nitrosothiols in mediating the HVR. Key findings of this study were that 1) lysates of PGCs contained an S-nitrosothiol with physico-chemical properties similar to L-CSNO rather than S-nitroso-L-glutathione (L-GSNO), 2) exposure of PGCs to a hypoxic challenge caused a significant increase in S-nitrosothiol concentrations in the perfusate to levels approaching 100 fM via mechanisms that required extracellular Ca2+, 3) the dose-dependent increases in minute ventilation elicited by arterial injections of L-CSNO and L-GSNO were likely due to activation of small diameter unmyelinated C-fiber carotid body chemoafferents, 4) L-CSNO, but not L-GSNO, responses were markedly reduced in rats receiving continuous infusion (10 μmol/kg/min, IV) of both S-methyl-L-cysteine (L-SMC) and S-ethyl-L-cysteine (L-SEC), 5) ventilatory responses to hypoxic gas challenge (10% O2, 90% N2) were also due to the activation of small diameter unmyelinated C-fiber carotid body chemoafferents, and 6) the HVR was markedly diminished in rats receiving L-SMC plus L-SEC. This data provides evidence that rat PGCs synthesize an S-nitrosothiol with similar properties to L-CSNO that is released in an extracellular Ca2+-dependent manner by hypoxia.
Differences in ventricular wall composition may explain inter-patient variability in the ECG response to variations in serum potassium and calcium
Authors: Bukhari Hassaan A. , Sánchez Carlos , Laguna Pablo , Potse Mark , Pueyo Esther 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Chronic kidney disease patients have a decreased ability to maintain normal electrolyte concentrations in their blood, which increases the risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Non-invasive monitoring of serum potassium and calcium concentration, [K+] and [Ca2+], can help to prevent arrhythmias in these patients. Electrocardiogram (ECG) markers that significantly correlate with [K+] and [Ca2+] have been proposed, but these relations are highly variable between patients. We hypothesized that inter-individual differences in cell type distribution across the ventricular wall can help to explain this variability.Methods: A population of human heart-torso models were built with different proportions of endocardial, midmyocardial and epicardial cells. Propagation of ventricular electrical activity was described by a reaction-diffusion model, with modified Ten Tusscher-Panfilov dynamics. [K+] and [Ca2+] were varied individually and in combination. Twelve-lead ECGs were simulated and the width, amplitude and morphological variability of T waves and QRS complexes were quantified. Results were compared to measurements from 29 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).Results: Both simulations and patients data showed that most of the analyzed T wave and QRS complex markers correlated strongly with [K+] (absolute median Pearson correlation coefficients, r, ranging from 0.68 to 0.98) and [Ca2+] (ranging from 0.70 to 0.98). The same sign and similar magnitude of median r was observed in the simulations and the patients. Different cell type distributions in the ventricular wall led to variability in ECG markers that was accentuated at high [K+] and low [Ca2+], in agreement with the larger variability between patients measured at the onset of HD. The simulated ECG variability explained part of the measured inter-patient variability.Conclusion: Changes in ECG markers were similarly related to [K+] and [Ca2+] variations in our models and in the ESRD patients. The high inter-patient ECG variability may be explained by variations in cell type distribution across the ventricular wall, with high sensitivity to variations in the proportion of epicardial cells.Significance: Differences in ventricular wall composition help to explain inter-patient variability in ECG response to [K+] and [Ca2+]. This finding can be used to improve serum electrolyte monitoring in ESRD patients.
Effect of mechanical stimulation on tissue heterotopic ossification: an in vivo experimental study
Authors: Zhu Zhengya , He Zhongyuan , Tang Tao , Wang Fuan , Chen Hongkun , Zhou Jiaxiang , Lin Chengkai , Chen Guoliang , Wang Jianmin , Li Jianfeng , Liu Xizhe , Zhou Zhiyu , Liu Shaoyu 
Published: October 2023

Background: Heterotopic ossification of tendons and ligaments (HOTL) is a common clinical condition characterized by the absence of discernible features and a lack of effective treatment. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that mechanical stimulation can induce cell differentiation toward osteogenesis, thereby promoting heterotopic ossification. Currently, there are few experimental designs aimed at inducing ligament stretching in mice, and the mechanism of heterotopic ossification may not entirely mirror that observed in clinical cases. Therefore, there is an urgent imperative to develop a novel and feasible animal model.Methods: In this study, all the Enpp1 gene deficiency mice (a mouse model with heterotopic ossification of multiple ligaments) were divided into three groups: the control group, the spinal brake group, and the hyperactive group (treadmill training group). An external spinal fixation device was designed to restrict mice’s spinal flexion and extension at 6 weeks of age. The brace was adjusted weekly according to the changes in the size of the mice. Additionally, treadmill training was used to increase activity in the spinal ligaments and Achilles tendons of the mice. Micro-CT scanning and HE staining were performed at 12, 20, and 28 W to evaluate the degree of ossification in the spinal ligament and Achilles tendon. What’s more, As one of the mechanical stimulation transduction signals, YAP plays a crucial role in promoting osteogenic differentiation of cells. Immunofluorescence was utilized to assess YAP expression levels for the purpose of determining the extent of mechanical stimulation in tissues.Results: Our findings showed that a few ossification lesions were detected behind the vertebral space of mice at 8 weeks of age. Spinal immobilization effectively restricts the flexion and extension of cervical and thoracic vertebrae in mice, delaying spinal ligament ossification and reducing chronic secondary spinal cord injury. Running exercises not only enhance the ossification area of the posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL) and Achilles tendons but also exacerbate secondary spinal cord injury. Further immunofluorescence results revealed a notable increase in YAP expression levels in tissues with severe ossification, suggesting that these tissues may be subjected to higher mechanical stimulation.Conclusion: Mechanical stimulation plays a pivotal role in the process of heterotopic ossification in tissues. Our study provided valid animal models to further explore the pathological mechanism of mechanical stimulation in HOTL development.
The Species Diversity of the Genus Echinogorgia in Xiamen Bay and Its New Record in China
Authors: Wang Yun-Pei , Yang Jing , Chu Ta-Jen , Liu Jia-Ying 
Published: October 2023

The rapid reduction in coral reefs worldwide has led to increasing attention toward protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems. Coral reefs not only have a rich diversity of coral species, but they can also provide important products and services for human beings. One type of coral, Echinogorgia, has important scientific research value and application prospects. To understand the diversity of coral species, diving surveys were conducted in Xiamen Bay in 2017 and 2021, and a total of 928 samples were collected. Taxonomic research was conducted using methods such as morphological identification through electron microscopy. Specific phylogenetic trees of the COI gene, mtMuts gene, and ITS1 gene were analyzed. There were 47 specimens of Echinogorgia coral included among 928 samples. Fifteen species of Echinogorgia were identified, including Echinogorgia ramosa, Echinogorgia flexilis, Echinogorgia russelli, Echinogorgia ramulosa, and Echinogorgia gracilima (which represent the newly recorded species in the waters of China). This study increases the species diversity records in China and contributes to new geographical distribution information of Echinogorgia worldwide. The primary data also serve as the baseline data for long-term biomonitoring programs to estimate the status of octocorals in Xiamen Bay.
Understanding non-recreational prescription medication-sharing behaviours: a systematic review
Authors: Dawson Shoba , Johnson Hans , Huntley Alyson L , Turner Katrina M , McCahon Deborah 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundPrescription medication sharing refers to the lending or borrowing of prescription medications where the recipient is someone other than the person for whom the prescription is intended. Sharing prescription medication can cause significant harm. Adverse consequences include an increased risk of side effects, delayed health seeking, and severity of disease. Prevalence estimates vary across different populations and people’s reasons for, and perceptions of risks from, sharing are poorly understood.AimTo better understand prescription medication-sharing behaviours and practices – specifically, the prevalence, types of medications, reasons, perceived benefits and risks, and factors associated with medication sharing.Design and settingThis systematic review included primary studies in any setting, focusing on people who engage in medication sharing.MethodElectronic databases were searched from inception of databases to February 2023.ResultsIn total, 19 studies were included. Prevalence of lifetime sharing ranged from 13% to 78%. All 19 studies reported that analgesics were the most shared, followed by antibiotics (n= 12) and allergy medication (n= 9). Common reasons for sharing were running out of medication (n= 7), cost (n= 7), and emergency (n= 6). Perceived benefits included resolution of the problem and convenience. Perceived risks included adverse drug reactions and misdiagnosis. Characteristics associated with sharing included age, female sex, having asthma, and unused medicines stored at home.ConclusionFindings suggest that medication-sharing behaviour is common and involves a range of medicines for a variety of reasons. Data on the prevalence and predictors of prescription medication sharing are inconsistent. A better understanding of non-modifiable and potentially modifiable behavioural factors that contribute to sharing is needed to support development of effective interventions aimed at mitigating unsafe sharing practices.
A Novel Multi-Aperture Method for Unified Near-Field and Far-Field Localization Using UAV Swarm
Authors: Yao Yu , Fang Lili , Bao Xiue 
Published: October 2023

<p>Near-field target positioning and far-field localization are traditionally regarded as two distinct challenges. As the modified polar representation (MPR) model was proposed, the localization method based on this model has been widely studied. Several closed-form positioning solutions considering measurement noise and sensor position errors were proposed in MPR. However, the sensor position error is usually modeled as Gaussian white noise for static sensors, which is not available to motion sensors such as the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With the existence of inertial navigation errors and body vibration errors of drones, a novel position error model is built for motion sensors in this paper. In order to obtain an optimal target estimation, a two-step overlapped sub-aperture (OSA) localization method is developed to refine the final estimate by correlation of these sub-apertures. This approach can minimize the deviation of estimate caused by measurement errors and sensor position errors and optimize the target estimates. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves higher localization accuracy compared to earlier methods when the motion error of the sensor position is considered.</p>
La Educación y su complejidad: el riesgo y la incertidumbre en el acto educativo
Authors: Rosa Pérez Jeovani Joel 
Published: October 2023

PROBLEMA: el aprendizaje como parte medular de la educación a través de la enseñanza en el acto educativo es incierto, riesgoso y hasta azaroso. No se pueden garantizar los resultados, sus alcances y sobre todo, el impacto en la transformación de los involucrados en talante proceso. OBJETIVO: hacer una reflexión de la complejidad, para el entendimiento de las diversas relaciones y actores que intervienen en el proceso educativo. METODOLOGÍA: revisión de literatura con un recorrido hermenéutico en su esencia que contempla la interpretación del fenómeno de la educación y su complejidad. RESULTADOS: independientemente de la percepción epistémica que se tenga de la pedagogía, como ciencia de la educación, como arte, como saber o como práctica, de algo debemos estar seguros, cada vez más, se esfuerza y se enfoca en entender el fenómeno educativo como todo y parte a la vez, argumentando que como seres humanos aprendemos a vivir y convivir, esta es una de las premisas educativas. CONCLUSIÓN: la visión es, un más allá trascendental, donde la visión de los formuladores de políticas educativas debería transcender a los simples análisis de estadísticas y resultados de aprendizaje de acuerdo a sus métodos y modelos, es decir, vernos inmersos en un contexto vivencial que no se limita epistemológicamente a la pedagogía. Educandos como educadores somos sujetos que nos transformamos mutuamente en el acto educativo, recordemos esto y nunca lo olvidemos.