bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Convergent validity and responsiveness of The Standing and Walking Assessment Tool (SWAT) among individuals with non-traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Alavinia Mohammad , Farahani Farnoosh , Musselman Kristin , Plourde Kristina , Omidvar Maryam , Verrier Molly C. , Aliabadi Saina , Craven B. Catharine 
Published: January 2024

AimThis study aimed to (1) describe the use of the Standing and Walking Assessment Tool (SWAT) among individuals with non-traumatic spinal cord injury or disease (NT-SCI/D); (2) evaluate the convergent validity of SWAT for use among inpatients with NT-SCI/D; (3) describe SWAT responsiveness; and (4) explore the relationship between hours of walking therapy and SWAT change.MethodsA quality improvement project was conducted at the University Health Network between 2019 and 2022. Participants’ demographics and impairments data, rehabilitation length of stay, and FIM scores were obtained from the National Rehabilitation Reporting System. The walking measure data were collected by therapists as part of routine practice. Hours of part- or whole-gait practice were abstracted from medical records. To determine convergent validity, Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated between SWAT stages (admission and discharge) and the walking measures. The change in SWAT levels was calculated to determine responsiveness. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was calculated between SWAT change and hours of walking therapy.ResultsAmong adult NT-SCI/D participants with potential walking capacity (SWAT≥1B), the majority were classified as American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale D (AIS D) at admission. The SWAT category of 1C (N = 100, 18%) was the most frequent at admission. The most frequent SWAT stage at discharge was 3C among participants with NT-SCI/D, with positive conversions in SWAT stages from admission to discharge (N = 276, 33%). The mean change in SWAT score was 3 for participants with T-SCI and NT-SCI/D. Moderate correlations between SWAT stages and walking measures were observed. The correlation of hours of gait therapy with the SWAT change (admission to discharge) was 0.44 (p &lt; 0001).ConclusionThe SWAT has sufficient convergent validity and responsiveness for describing standing and walking recovery and communicating/monitoring rehabilitation progress among patients with NT-SCI/D.
Intracranial electrophysiology of spectrally degraded speech in the human cortex
Authors: Nourski Kirill V. , Steinschneider Mitchell , Rhone Ariane E. , Berger Joel I. , Dappen Emily R. , Kawasaki Hiroto , Howard III Matthew A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCochlear implants (CIs) are the treatment of choice for severe to profound hearing loss. Variability in CI outcomes remains despite advances in technology and is attributed in part to differences in cortical processing. Studying these differences in CI users is technically challenging. Spectrally degraded stimuli presented to normal-hearing individuals approximate input to the central auditory system in CI users. This study used intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) to investigate cortical processing of spectrally degraded speech.MethodsParticipants were adult neurosurgical epilepsy patients. Stimuli were utterances /aba/ and /ada/, spectrally degraded using a noise vocoder (1–4 bands) or presented without vocoding. The stimuli were presented in a two-alternative forced choice task. Cortical activity was recorded using depth and subdural iEEG electrodes. Electrode coverage included auditory core in posteromedial Heschl’s gyrus (HGPM), superior temporal gyrus (STG), ventral and dorsal auditory-related areas, and prefrontal and sensorimotor cortex. Analysis focused on high gamma (70–150 Hz) power augmentation and alpha (8–14 Hz) suppression.ResultsChance task performance occurred with 1–2 spectral bands and was near-ceiling for clear stimuli. Performance was variable with 3–4 bands, permitting identification of good and poor performers. There was no relationship between task performance and participants demographic, audiometric, neuropsychological, or clinical profiles. Several response patterns were identified based on magnitude and differences between stimulus conditions. HGPM responded strongly to all stimuli. A preference for clear speech emerged within non-core auditory cortex. Good performers typically had strong responses to all stimuli along the dorsal stream, including posterior STG, supramarginal, and precentral gyrus; a minority of sites in STG and supramarginal gyrus had a preference for vocoded stimuli. In poor performers, responses were typically restricted to clear speech. Alpha suppression was more pronounced in good performers. In contrast, poor performers exhibited a greater involvement of posterior middle temporal gyrus when listening to clear speech.DiscussionResponses to noise-vocoded speech provide insights into potential factors underlying CI outcome variability. The results emphasize differences in the balance of neural processing along the dorsal and ventral stream between good and poor performers, identify specific cortical regions that may have diagnostic and prognostic utility, and suggest potential targets for neuromodulation-based CI rehabilitation strategies.
The prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in Gulf War veterans: a follow-up study
Authors: Chao Linda L. , Sullivan Kimberly , Krengel Maxine H. , Killiany Ronald J. , Steele Lea , Klimas Nancy G. , Koo Bang-Bong 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionGulf War Illness (GWI), also called Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI), is a multi-faceted condition that plagues an estimated 250,000 Gulf War (GW) veterans. Symptoms of GWI/CMI include fatigue, pain, and cognitive dysfunction. We previously reported that 12% of a convenience sample of middle aged (median age 52 years) GW veterans met criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a clinical syndrome most prevalent in older adults (e.g., ≥70 years). The current study sought to replicate and extend this finding.MethodsWe used the actuarial neuropsychological criteria and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to assess the cognitive status of 952 GW veterans. We also examined regional brain volumes in a subset of GW veterans (n = 368) who had three Tesla magnetic resonance images (MRIs).ResultsWe replicated our previous finding of a greater than 10% rate of MCI in four additional cohorts of GW veterans. In the combined sample of 952 GW veterans (median age 51 years at time of cognitive testing), 17% met criteria for MCI. Veterans classified as MCI were more likely to have CMI, history of depression, and prolonged (≥31 days) deployment-related exposures to smoke from oil well fires and chemical nerve agents compared to veterans with unimpaired and intermediate cognitive status. We also replicated our previous finding of hippocampal atrophy in veterans with MCI, and found significant group differences in lateral ventricle volumes.DiscussionBecause MCI increases the risk for late-life dementia and impacts quality of life, it may be prudent to counsel GW veterans with cognitive dysfunction, CMI, history of depression, and high levels of exposures to deployment-related toxicants to adopt lifestyle habits that have been associated with lowering dementia risk. With the Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of and the VA’s decision to cover the cost for anti-amyloid β (Aβ) therapies, a logical next step for this research is to determine if GW veterans with MCI have elevated Aβ in their brains.
Investigating the thermal and irradiation stability of chemical vapor deposited erbium oxide tritium barrier coatings for Li breeder blanket applications
Authors: Gardner Hazel M. , Zilahi Gyula , Wade-Zhu James 
Published: January 2024

Two-micron thick erbium oxide tritium barrier coatings have been prepared by aerosol injection chemical vapor deposition and subsequently irradiated with 33 MeV Au 6+ ions at fluences up to 2.1 × 1016 Au/m2 at 550°C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate the coating surface morphologies, phase structures and cross-sectional microstructures as a function of irradiation and thermal treatment. XRD data was also used to extract information about the evolution of lattice strain in the coating. Some of the cubic erbia transformed to the monoclinic phase in the sample that was ion irradiated at temperature, and this was accompanied by a change from columnar to a more equiaxed grain structure. All coatings were found to experience out-of-plane tensile strain, thought to originate from thermal stresses created during coating manufacture. Thermal treatment reduced microstrains present in the as-deposited sample, whilst the cubic-to-monoclinic phase transformation reduced strain in the cubic phase but increased strain in the monoclinic phase.
Beverage consumption in patients with metabolic syndrome and its association with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kositamongkol Chayanis , Ngaohirunpat Sorawis , Samchusri Supawit , Chaisathaphol Thanet , Srivanichakorn Weerachai , Washirasaksiri Chaiwat , Auesomwang Chonticha , Sitasuwan Tullaya , Tinmanee Rungsima , Sayabovorn Naruemit , Charatcharoenwitthaya Phunchai , Phisalprapa Pochamana 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPrevious research has examined the association between coffee and tea consumption and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Preclinical studies have indicated the potential hepatoprotective properties of cocoa/chocolate. However, clinical research on the consumption of cocoa/chocolate and soft drinks and their relation to NAFLD, particularly among individuals with metabolic syndrome, is limited. This study primarily aimed to assess the association between beverage consumption and NAFLD in these patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled adult patients with metabolic syndrome visited the Medicine Outpatient Department at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand, from November 2011 to January 2013. The exclusion criteria were secondary causes of hepatic steatosis, such as excessive alcohol use, viral hepatitis, or drug-induced hepatitis. Participants completed a 23-item self-administered questionnaire covering their beverage consumption habits, including type, frequency, volume, duration, and additives in drinks, namely, coffee, tea, cocoa/chocolate, and soft drinks. To ensure accurate responses, these questionnaires were supplemented by face-to-face interviews. Ultrasonography was employed early in the methodology to diagnose NAFLD. Univariable analyses were used to compare the beverage consumption behaviors of participants with and without NAFLD. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders, including total beverage energy intake, age, anthropometric data, laboratory results, and comorbidities.ResultsThis study included 505 patients with metabolic syndrome. Of these, 341 (67.5%, 95%CI: 63.2–71.6%) were diagnosed with NAFLD. The consumption rates of coffee, cocoa/chocolate, and soft drinks were similar between the two groups. However, tea consumption was significantly more common in patients with NAFLD (68.3% vs. 51.8%, p &lt; 0.001). The groups had no significant differences in caffeine intake or total energy intake from beverages. Notably, daily intake of three or more cups of coffee was correlated with a reduced prevalence of NAFLD, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.35 (95%CI: 0.14–0.89).ConclusionThis study revealed that patients with metabolic syndrome, irrespective of NAFLD status, exhibited similar patterns of beverage consumption. While no definitive associations were identified between the intake of coffee, tea, cocoa/chocolate, or soft drinks and NAFLD, a notable exception was observed. A higher consumption of coffee (≥3 cups daily) was associated with a lower prevalence of NAFLD.
Serum levels of trimethylamine N-oxide and kynurenine novel biomarkers are associated with adult metabolic syndrome and its components: a case-control study from the TEC cohort
Authors: Mirzababaei Atieh , Mahmoodi Maryam , Keshtkar Abbasali , Ashraf Haleh , Abaj Faezeh , Soveid Neda , Hajmir Mahya Mehri , Radmehr Mina , Khalili Pardis , Mirzaei Khadijeh 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundEpidemiologic research suggests that gut microbiota alteration (dysbiosis) may play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dysbiosis can influence Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) a gut microbiota-derived metabolite, as well as kynurenine pathways (KP), which are known as a new marker for an early predictor of chronic diseases. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the association between KYN and TMAO with MetS and its components.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on 250 adults aged 18 years or over of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) Employee’s Cohort study (TEC) in the baseline phase. Data on the dietary intakes were collected using a validated dish-based food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and dietary intakes of nitrite and nitrate were estimated using FFQ with 144 items. MetS was defined according to the NCEP ATP criteria. Serum profiles TMAO and KYN were measured by standard protocol.ResultThe mean level of TMAO and KYN in subjects with MetS was 51.49 pg/mL and 417.56 nmol/l. High levels of TMAO (≥30.39 pg/mL) with MetS were directly correlated, after adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of MetS in individuals 2.37 times increased (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.31–4.28, P-value = 0.004), also, high levels of KYN (≥297.18 nmol/L) increased odds of Mets+ 1.48 times, which is statistically significant (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 0.83–2.63, P-value = 0.04). High levels of TMAO compared with the reference group increased the odds of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL in crude and adjusted models (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, there was a statistically significant high level of KYN increased odds of abdominal obesity (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionOur study revealed a positive association between serum TMAO and KYN levels and MetS and some of its components. For underlying mechanisms and possible clinical implications of the differences. Prospective studies in healthy individuals are necessary.
Outcomes of transforaminal epidural injection of amniotic membrane/umbilical cord particulate for lumbar radiculopathy: a case series
Authors: Miedema Mark , Anderson Angela 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRadiculopathy can be a debilitating condition. Amniotic membrane/umbilical cord (AM/UC) particulate is a relatively new injectable treatment modality. Herein we report the outcomes of epidural injection of AM/UC particulate in managing lumbar radiculopathy.MethodsConsecutive patients with lumbar radiculopathy who received epidural injection of AM/UC particulate for lumbar radiculopathy were included. Primary outcome was change in pain as measured by the 11-point numerical rating scale. Safety was assessed by AM/UC- and procedure-related complications. Paired t-tests were used to determine statistical significance.ResultsA total of 12 patients with a mean age of 56.7 ± 21.0 years were included in the analysis. The patients were previously treated with physical therapy (91.7%), chiropractic corrective measures (16.7%), epidural steroid injection (83.3%), and radiofrequency ablation (8.3%). Two patients (16.7%) were taking opioids for chronic pain syndrome. After AM/UC injection, the average pain score decreased from 6.6 ± 1.5 to 5.2 ± 1.9 at 1–3 months, 2.0 ± 1.4 at 6 months, and 2.9 ± 1.4 at last mean follow-up of 21.3 ± 11.1 months (p &lt; 0.001). No patients required subsequent treatment or surgery. There were also no complications.ConclusionThis case series supports the preliminary safety and shows potential benefit of epidural AM/UC particulate injection in this cohort of patients with lumbar radiculopathy pain.
J-2156, a small molecule somatostatin type 4 receptor agonist, alleviated hindpaw hypersensitivity in the streptozotocin-induced rat model of painful diabetic neuropathy but with a 2-fold decrease in potency at an advanced stage in the model, mimicking morphine
Authors: Kuo A. , Imam M. Z. , Li R. , Lin L. , Raboczyj A. , Bohmer A. E. , Nicholson J. R. , Corradini L. , Smith M. T. 
Published: January 2024

There is a large unmet need for novel pain-killers to improve relief of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Herein, we assessed the efficacy of the somatostatin type 4 (SST4) receptor agonist, J-2156, for relief of PDN in rats. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ; 70 mg/kg) and bilateral hindpaw hypersensitivity was fully developed by 8-week post-STZ. In the intervals, 8–12-weeks (morphine-sensitive phase; Phase 1) and 16–18-weeks (morphine-hyposensitive phase; Phase 2) post-STZ, rats received a single dose of intraperitoneal (i.p.) J-2156 (10, 20, 30 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg i.p.), subcutaneous morphine (1 mg/kg) or vehicle. Hindpaw withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) were assessed using von Frey filaments pre-dose and at regular intervals over 3-h post-dose. In Phase 1, J-2156 at 30 mg/kg evoked significant anti-allodynia in the hindpaws with maximal effect at 1.5 h compared with 1 h for gabapentin and morphine. The durations of action for all three compounds were greater than 3 h. The corresponding mean (±SEM) extent and duration of anti-allodynia (ΔPWT AUC) for gabapentin did not differ significantly from that for J-2156 (30 mg/kg) or morphine. However, in Phase 2, the ΔPWT AUC for morphine was reduced to approximately 25% of that in Phase 1, mirroring our previous work. Similarly, the mean (±SEM) ΔPWT AUC for J-2156 (30 mg/kg) in Phase 2 was approximately 45% of that for Phase 1 whereas for gabapentin the mean (±SEM) ΔPWT AUCs did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) between the two phases. Our findings further describe the preclinical pain relief profile of J-2156 and complement previous work in rat models of inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain and low back pain. SST4 receptor agonists hold promise as novel therapeutics for the relief of PDN, a type of peripheral neuropathic pain that is often intractable to relief with clinically used drug treatment options.
β2-Adrenoceptors activation regulates muscle trophic-related genes following acute resistance exercise in mice
Authors: Abdalla-Silva Ronaldo L. , Zanetti Gustavo O. , Lautherbach Natalia , Schavinski Aline Zanatta , Heck Lilian C. , Gonçalves Dawit A. P. , Kettelhut Isis C. , Navegantes Luiz C. C. , Silveira Wilian A. 
Published: January 2024

Resistance exercise (RE) training and pharmacological stimulation of β2-Adrenoceptors (β2-ARs) alone can promote muscle hypertrophy and prevent muscle atrophy. Although the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is a well-established response during RE, the physiological contribution of the endogenous catecholamines and β2-ARs to the RE-induced changes on skeletal muscle protein metabolism remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of the β2-ARs blockade on the acute molecular responses induced by a single bout of RE in rodent skeletal muscles. Male C57BL6/J mice were subjected to a single bout of progressive RE (until exhaustion) on a vertical ladder under β2-AR blockade with ICI 118,551 (ICI; 10 mg kg-1, i. p.), or vehicle (sterile saline; 0.9%, i. p.), and the gene expression was analyzed in gastrocnemius (GAS) muscles by qPCR. We demonstrated that a single bout of RE acutely increased the circulating levels of stress-associated hormones norepinephrine (NE) and corticosterone (CORT), as well as the muscle phosphorylation levels of AMPK, p38 MAPK and CREB, immediately after the session. The acute increase in the phosphorylation levels of CREB was followed by the upregulation of CREB-target genes Sik1, Ppargc1a and Nr4a3 (a central regulator of the acute RE response), 3 h after the RE session. Conversely, β2-AR blockade reduced significantly the Sik1 and Nr4a3 mRNA levels in muscles of exercised mice. Furthermore, a single bout of RE stimulated the mRNA levels of the atrophic genes Map1lc3b and Gabarapl1 (autophagy-related genes) and Mstn (a well-known negative regulator of muscle growth). Unexpectedly, the gene expression of Igf-1 or Il-6 were not affected by RE, while the atrophic genes Murf1/Trim63 and Atrogin-1/Mafbx32 (ubiquitin-ligases) were increased only in muscles of exercised mice under β2-AR blockade. Interestingly, performing a single bout of RE under β2-AR blockade increased the mRNA levels of Mstn in muscles of exercised mice. These data suggest that β2-ARs stimulation during acute RE stimulates the hypertrophic gene Nr4a3 and prevents the overexpression of atrophic genes such as Mstn, Murf1/Trim63, and Atrogin-1/Mafbx32 in the first hours of postexercise recovery, indicating that he SNS may be physiologically important to muscle adaptations in response to resistance training.
Legacy of culture heritage building revitalization: place attachment and culture identity
Authors: Chan Suk Ha Grace , Lee Wing Han Helen , Tang Binglin Martin , Chen Ziyi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCultural heritage buildings are revitalized to promote culture instead of being neglected or demolished. For locals, the revitalization of heritage buildings symbolizes a commitment to the community and a taste of collective memory. The study attempts to test the effectiveness of heritage cultural building on visitors’ post-experience behavior through cultural identity and place attachment. “Cultural activities engagement” and “knowledge transfer” serves as moderating attributes. Their moderating the effects on cultural identity and place attachment are examined, respectively.MethodA valid sample size of 348 from four heritage buildings located in Hong Kong: Tai Kwun, Police Married Quarters (PMQ), Mei Ho House and The Mills. A data analysis platform for PLSSEM is chosen for this study.ResultsResults demonstrate that the effectiveness of heritage building revitalization on visitors’ local cultural identity and emotions leading to place attachment.DiscussionIn our study, the effectiveness of heritage building encompasses three elements which includes appearance and components; technology and planning as well as contribution. Knowledge transfer positively moderates the effectiveness of heritage building revitalization and cultural identity. However, cultural activity engagement negatively moderates place attachment. Findings also exhibit that place attachment in heritage building revitalization leads to a positive experience extension. For the practical contribution, the study provides insights to policy makers and planners for historic building design such as appearance and components, technology in facilitating local visitors’ local identity.