bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Task-oriented exercise effects on walking and corticospinal excitability in multiple sclerosis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moslemi Zahra , Toledo-Aldana Eduardo A. , Baldwin Bruce , Donkers Sarah J. , Eng Janice J. , Mondal Prosanta , de Zepetnek Julia O. Totosy , Buttigieg Josef , Levin Michael C. , Mang Cameron S. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that disrupts walking function and results in other debilitating symptoms. This study compares the effects of ‘task-oriented exercise’ against ‘generalized resistance and aerobic exercise’ and a ‘stretching control’ on walking and CNS function in people with MS (PwMS). We hypothesize that task-oriented exercise will enhance walking speed and related neural changes to a greater extent than other exercise approaches.

Methods
This study is a single-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada. Eligible participants are those older than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of MS and an expanded Patient-Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) score between 3 (‘gait disability’) and 6 (‘bilateral support’). Exercise interventions are delivered for 12 weeks (3 × 60-min per week) in-person under the supervision of a qualified exercise professional. Interventions differ in exercise approach, such that task-oriented exercise involves weight-bearing, walking-specific activities, while generalized resistance and aerobic exercise uses seated machine-based resistance training of major upper and lower body muscle groups and recumbent cycling, and the stretching control exercise involves seated flexibility and relaxation activities. Participants are allocated to interventions using blocked randomization that stratifies by PDDS (mild: 3–4; moderate: 5–6). Assessments are conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at a six-week retention time point. The primary and secondary outcome measures are the Timed 25-Foot Walk Test and corticospinal excitability for the tibialis anterior muscles determined using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), respectively. Tertiary outcomes include assessments of balance, additional TMS measures, blood biomarkers of neural health and inflammation, and measures of cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness.

Discussion
A paradigm shift in MS healthcare towards the use of “exercise as medicine” was recently proposed to improve outcomes and alleviate the economic burden of MS. Findings will support this shift by informing the development of specialized exercise programming that targets walking and changes in corticospinal excitability in PwMS.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05496881, Registered August 11, 2022. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05496881. Protocol amendment number: 01; Issue date: August 1, 2023; Primary reason for amendment: Expand eligibility to include people with all forms of MS rather than progressive forms of MS only.
The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on bilateral asymmetry and joint angles of the lower limb for females when crossing obstacles
Authors: Wang I-Lin , Gu Chin-Yi , Lei Tze-Huan , Chen Che-Hsiu , Chiu Chih-Hui , Su Yu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Gait asymmetry is often accompanied by the bilateral asymmetry of the lower limbs. The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) technique is widely used in different populations and scenarios as a potential tool to improve lower limb postural control. However, whether cerebral cortex bilateral tDCS has an interventional effect on postural control as well as bilateral symmetry when crossing obstacles in healthy female remains unknown.

Methods
Twenty healthy females were recruited in this prospective study. Each participant walked and crossed a height-adjustable obstacle. Two-way repeated ANOVA was used to evaluate the effect of group (tDCS and sham-tDCS) and height (30%, 20%, and 10% leg length) on the spatiotemporal and maximum joint angle parameters for lower limb crossing obstacles. The Bonferroni post-hoc test and paired t-test were used to determine the significance of the interaction effect or main effect. The statistically significant differences were set at p < 0.05.

Results
The Swing time (SW) gait asymmetry (GA), Stance time (ST) GA, leading limb hip-knee-ankle maximum joint angles and trailing limb hip-knee maximum joint angles decreased in the tDCS condition compared to the sham-tDCS condition at 30%, 20% leg’s length crossing height except for 10% leg’s length, whereas there was a significant decrease in SW/ST GA between the tDCS condition and the sham-tDCS condition at 30%, 20%, 10% leg’s length crossing height (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
We conclude that tDCS intervention is effective to reduce bilateral asymmetry in spatio-temporal parameters and enhance dynamic balance in female participants during obstacle crossing when the heights of the obstacles were above 10% of the leg’s length.

Trial registration No
ChiCTR2100053942 (date of registration on December 04, 2021). Prospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.
Recurrent malignant ventricular arrhythmias and paresthesia—a mystery revealed as aconitine poisoning: a case report
Authors: Mjølstad Ole Christian , Radtke Maria , Brodtkorb Eylert , Edvardsen Frode , Brede Wenche Rødseth , Aamo Trond Oskar , Jacobsen Dag , Stokke Mathis Korseberg , Helland Arne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
We report a case of a clinical challenge lasting for 12 months, with severe and unresolved clinical features involving several medical disciplines.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old Caucasian male, who had been previously healthy apart from a moderate renal impairment, was hospitalized 12 times during a 1-year period for a recurrent complex of neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal symptoms and signs, without any apparent etiology. On two occasions, he suffered a cardiac arrest and was successfully resuscitated. Following the first cardiac arrest, a cardiac defibrillator was inserted. During the 12th admission to our hospital, aconitine poisoning was suspected after a comprehensive multidisciplinary evaluation and confirmed by serum and urine analyses. Later, aconitine was also detected in a hair segment, indicating exposure within the symptomatic period. After the diagnosis was made, no further episodes occurred. His cardiac defibrillator was later removed, and he returned to work. A former diagnosis of epilepsy was also abandoned. Criminal intent was suspected, and his wife was sentenced to 11 years in prison for attempted murder. To make standardized assessments of the probability for aconitine poisoning as the cause of the eleven prior admissions, an “aconitine score” was established. The score is based on neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and other clinical features reported in the literature. We also make a case for the use of hair analysis to confirm suspected poisoning cases evaluated after the resolution of clinical features.

Conclusion
This report illustrates the medical challenge raised by cases of covert poisoning. In patients presenting with symptoms and signs from several organ systems without apparent cause, poisoning should always be suspected. To solve such cases, insight into the effects of specific toxic agents is needed. We present an “aconitine score” that may be useful in cases of suspected aconitine poisoning.
Effect of miR-21 in mesenchymal stem cells-derived extracellular vesicles behavior
Authors: Morente-López Miriam , Mato-Basalo Rocio , Lucio-Gallego Sergio , Gil Concha , Carrera Mónica , Fafián-Labora Juan A. , Mateos Jesús , Arufe María C. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
A challenging new branch of research related to aging-associated diseases is the identification of miRNAs capable of modulating the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) which characterizes senescent cells and contributes to driving inflammation.

Methods
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from human umbilical cord stroma were stable modified using lentivirus transduction to inhibit miR-21-5p and shotgun proteomic analysis was performed in the MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) to check the effect of miR-21 inhibition in their protein cargo. Besides, we studied the paracrine effect of those modified extracellular vesicles and also their effect on SASP.

Results
Syndecan-1 (SDC1) was the most decreased protein in MSC-miR21−-derived EV, and it was involved in inflammation and EV production. MSC-miR21−-derived EV were found to produce a statistically significant inhibitory effect on SASP and inflammaging markers expression in receptor cells, and in the opposite way, these receptor cells increased their SASP and inflammaging expression statistically significantly when treated with MSC-miR-21+-derived EV.

Conclusion
This work demonstrates the importance of miR-21 in inflammaging and its role in SASP through SDC1.

Graphical abstract
Enhancing medical image object detection with collaborative multi-agent deep Q-networks and multi-scale representation
Authors: Wang Qinghui , Liu Fenglin , Zou Ruirui , Wang Ying , Zheng Chenyang , Tian Zhiqiang , Du Shaoyi , Zeng Wei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObject detection holds a crucial role in medical diagnostics. Tasks like organ segmentation and malignancy diagnosis typically necessitate preliminary localization of corresponding anatomical structures. Precise positioning ensures that only pertinent regions require processing, leading to a potential reduction in computational and storage demands. Conventional image detection approaches necessitate numerous candidate boxes, resulting in redundant computations. Developing techniques capable of accurately detecting medical image objects without reliance on candidate boxes holds substantial practical significance. This paper introduces a 2D method for detecting medical image objects, which leverages multi-agent deep Q-network reinforcement learning and a multi-scale image representation. The method constructs a collaborative environment for multiple agents. These agents individually govern the upper-right corner and lower-left corner positions of the object detection frame, progressively converging toward the actual endpoint through iterative interactions. To expedite the detection process, a multi-scale image representation technique is employed. This method segments the process into three scales. Initially, within the coarse-scale space, the agent approximates the region containing the true endpoint, subsequently executing oscillatory movements. Progressively, it refines its approach within the fine-scale space, advancing toward the genuine endpoint with smaller iterative steps. The detection results demonstrate that collaborative detection among agents yields a 2.45$$\%$$
%
higher intersection over union compared to non-collaborative detection. Agents exhibit varying step sizes and fields of view in different scale spaces, leading to a reduction in detection time by 0.12 s compared to single-scale comparison. Experimental outcomes demonstrate the superiority of the medical image target detection method proposed in this study over prevailing mainstream detection algorithms.
Two-Ways thinking and Two-Eyed Seeing as ways of implementing Indigenous perspectives in the science education curriculum
Authors: Michie Michael , Hogue Michelle , Rioux Joёl 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA groundswell to include Indigenous Knowledge in the school science curriculum has led to the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures (generally known as Indigenous perspectives) in the overall Australian Curriculum (AC) and the Australian Curriculum: Science (ACS). However, the experiences in other countries, their states and provinces are quite different and diverse, particularly when it comes to incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in resistant disciplines such as science. The AC and ACS are examined and compared with similar curriculum from elsewhere. The causes of resistance to the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives are identified, as well as other structural impediments. Strategies such as the Two-Ways or Two-Eyed Seeing approaches with epistemic insight are seen as a functional way of bridging Indigenous and Western cultures for policy makers, curriculum developers, educators and teachers, and ultimately students.
Cognitive impairment in beta thalassemia major and intermedia pediatric patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elderini Esraa Elmorsi Abdelaziz , ELTohamy Amira Mohamed , EL-Tagui Mona Hassan , Nassim Mariam Saad 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Thalassemia is a commonly occurring genetic hemoglobinopathy worldwide. Periodic and routine blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy and splenectomy procedures are all required for the treatment of thalassemia. Numerous organs and bodily systems could be impacted by thalassemia, particularly the nervous system, which could impede cognitive performance. The study aimed to assess cognitive abilities of pediatric patients diagnosed with beta thalassemia major and intermedia.

Patients and methods
A total of 168 participants [54 β-thalassemic major children, 51 with β-thalassemia intermedia and 63 age-matched healthy controls from both genders (85 girls and 83 boys)] with age ranging from 8 to 16 years were participated in a cross-sectional study. Cognitive function was evaluated for all children by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale For Children 4th edition.

Results
Compared with control group, a significant decline was found in all Wechsler Intelligence Scale subtests as well as in verbal comprehension index, perceptual reasoning index, working memory index, processing speed index and full scale index scores of thalassemia major and intermedia patients (p < 0.001). When compared to children with thalassemia intermedia, the beta thalassemic major children showed a significant decrease in all Wechsler Scale subtests as well as in all its five index scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The study concluded that thalassemia negatively affects and impairs cognition and intellectual capacities.
Trust in the chatbot: a semi-human relationship
Authors: Ltifi Moez 
Published: December 2023

AbstractToday, the use of chatbots for different functions in various industries has become a very interesting business for companies. Chatbots are promising types of interfaces. It is therefore necessary to understand how customers interact with retailers' interfaces in order to provide them with a better experience. In this study, we mobilise two theories, such as Stimilus-Organism-Response and Social Presence Theory, to formulate our research hypotheses. We have made major contributions to the interactive marketing and artificial intelligence literature by focusing on an emerging interactive technology: text chatbots. Our aim is to test the hedonic attributes of consumer trust in text chatbots by integrating the social and emotional aspects of this interaction. We also want to look at the moderating effects of text chatbot disclosure and task complexity. Based on the responses, we ran a questionnaire survey. A total of 353 people were polled for data. Participants were chosen at random. The structural equation modelling technique was used. First, the findings revealed that empathy and friendliness are major hedonic predictors of consumers' confidence in text chatbots. Second, the results demonstrate that the chatbot's task complexity and disclosure partially affect the empathy-trust relationship and the usability-trust relationship. We have made significant contributions to the field of interactive marketing research and artificial intelligence by focusing on new interactive technologies such as text-based chatbots. Our study is one of the first to look at the hedonic determinants of customer belief in text-based chatbots (1). All previous research has concentrated on the practical application of chatbots for digital customer service. The moderating effects of human-chatbot contact are investigated in our study (2). These two contributions make our research original. The findings give additional information that e-service providers and chatbot developers may utilise to improve their services, understand their effects on user experience, and provide a guide for strategy development and relationship building.
Nano-calcium incorporated piscean collagen scaffolds: potential wound dressing material
Authors: TJ Chaitra Shree , Abraham Sindhu , Furtado Sharon , Ramesh Darshan , Desai Kesha , Srinivasan Bharath 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Collagen proteins extracted from piscean sources are alternatives to bovine and porcine collagen because of their abundance, low price, and skin compatibility and are being explored as suitable wound dressing materials. Intracellular calcium ions are crucial for wound healing, and studies have shown that calcium ion supplementation via an external medium is equally beneficial for speedy recovery. This study explores the wound healing potential of dressing materials that encompass the benefits of nano-calcium and piscean collagen. Nano-calcium sulphate (NCS)-integrated scaffolds were prepared with 100 ppm of NCS and varying concentrations of piscean collagen and HPMC E15 LV. The thickness, tensile strength, folding endurance, pH, expansion profile, and moisture vapour transmission properties of the scaffolds were determined. An in vitro scratch assay and an excision rat wound model were employed to evaluate the wound healing properties of the scaffolds.

Results
The NCS particles had a mean particle size of 220.7 nm. The scaffolds demonstrated an acceptable thickness, mechanical strength, and flexibility. The scratch assay results revealed that at the end of 24 h of the study, there was an increased wound closure rate with collagen scaffolds in contrast to the control group. In the vivo wound healing studies, formulation CS6 showed 100.0% healing on day 12 as compared to other formulations.

Conclusions
Wounds treated with scaffolds contracted faster than those treated with a commercial collagen dressing and the control group. The current study thus demonstrates the wound healing ability of nano-calcium sulphate-incorporated piscean collagen scaffolds.
Marchenko imaging assisted by vertical seismic profiling data for land seismic data in the Middle East
Authors: Cheng Liwei , Tura Ali , Simmons James , Snieder Roel , Angelov Petar Vladov , Narhari Srinivasa Rao , Akther Shamima 
Published: December 2023

Attenuating interference from internal multiples has challenged seismic data imaging in the Middle East basins. The challenge results from the strong short-period internal multiples that exhibit nearly indistinguishable characteristics from the primaries reflected from the underlying reservoirs due to predominantly horizontal strata and occasional low-relief structures, as indicated in the Jurassic formations in Kuwait. To address the internal-multiple issues, multiple prediction followed by adaptive subtraction is the most common approach in the industry. However, due to the similarities between primaries and multiples, applying adaptive subtraction poses a high risk of primary-amplitude damage, preventing quantitative seismic data interpretation. Therefore, we examine the Marchenko method that retrieves Green’s functions from surface seismic data for target-oriented imaging without applying adaptive subtraction. Marchenko imaging has produced promising results on several offshore seismic data sets, but an onshore application is still needed. To better understand the effects of internal multiples and implement Marchenko imaging, we perform integrated analysis through well-log, vertical seismic profiling (VSP), and seismic data from a hydrocarbon field in Kuwait. In addition, we use VSP data to cross-check the retrieved Green’s functions and estimate the scaling factor of the Marchenko method. The results indicate that (1) the poor imaging at the center of the field is due to the destructive interference of internal multiples, (2) the reverberation of internal multiples between the evaporite formations of the overburden is the most likely candidate that affects the seismic images of the Jurassic reservoirs, (3) the retrieved Green’s functions conform to the recorded Green’s functions from VSP data, and (4) Marchenko imaging provides a means to improve the seismic images of the Jurassic formations in Kuwait.
The crustal structure of the southwestern South China Sea from seismic reflection and refraction data: Implications to continental breakup, slow-spreading ridges, and subsequent mantle activity
Authors: Jiang Wenbin , Wang Lijie , Li Fuyuan , Liu Bin , Zhao Jiabin 
Published: December 2023

The crustal structures of the continent-ocean transition (COT) zone and oceanic domain are key to revealing the tectono-magmatic evolution from rift to drift and the following seafloor spreading. We develop a comprehensive study of the deep seismic reflection imaging and tomographic inversion of a wide-angle seismic line that runs across the COT and extinct spreading center of the Southwest Subbasin (SWSB) in the South China Sea. We reveal a low-velocity (<3 km/s) region in the shallow upper crust of the Longmen Seamount, which may represent serpentinized mud or volcanoclastic. The mature oceanic crust is approximately 4–6 km thick with high-velocity bodies (7.2–7.5 km/s) overlapping the Moho, reflecting relatively rich magmatic additions during seafloor spreading. The northern and southern COT segments exhibit a prominent long-wavelength high magnetic anomaly and synbreakup volcano, indicating magmatic additions in the lower crust and lava flows with magma ascending along faults to the surfaces. However, the COT in the south is wider than that in the north. In addition, the southern COT is characterized by limited PmP reflections, well-developed rotated fault blocks and ocean-ward synrifting faults, and a low-velocity (7.5–7.8 km/s) upper mantle, suggesting that the southern COT is probably underlain by a local serpentinized mantle during continental lithosphere breakup. The differences between the southern and northern COTs on the origin of high-velocity lower crustal layers and faulting styles imply asymmetric continental breakup processes in the SWSB.