bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel electrotactile brain-computer interface with somatosensory event-related potential based control
Authors: Savić Andrej M. , Novičić Marija , Ðorđević Olivera , Konstantinović Ljubica , Miler-Jerković Vera 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveA brain computer interface (BCI) allows users to control external devices using non-invasive brain recordings, such as electroencephalography (EEG). We developed and tested a novel electrotactile BCI prototype based on somatosensory event-related potentials (sERP) as control signals, paired with a tactile attention task as a control paradigm.ApproachA novel electrotactile BCI comprises commercial EEG device, an electrical stimulator and custom software for EEG recordings, electrical stimulation control, synchronization between devices, signal processing, feature extraction, selection, and classification. We tested a novel BCI control paradigm based on tactile attention on a sensation at a target stimulation location on the forearm. Tactile stimuli were electrical pulses delivered at two proximal locations on the user’s forearm for stimulating branches of radial and median nerves, with equal probability of the target and distractor stimuli occurrence, unlike in any other ERP-based BCI design. We proposed a compact electrical stimulation electrodes configuration for delivering electrotactile stimuli (target and distractor) using 2 stimulation channels and 3 stimulation electrodes. We tested the feasibility of a single EEG channel BCI control, to determine pseudo-online BCI performance, in ten healthy subjects. For optimizing the BCI performance we compared the results for two classifiers, sERP averaging approaches, and novel dedicated feature extraction/selection methods via cross-validation procedures.Main resultsWe achieved a single EEG channel BCI classification accuracy in the range of 75.1 to 88.1% for all subjects. We have established an optimal combination of: single trial averaging to obtain sERP, feature extraction/selection methods and classification approach.SignificanceThe obtained results demonstrate that a novel electrotactile BCI paradigm with equal probability of attended (target) and unattended (distractor) stimuli and proximal stimulation sites is feasible. This method may be used to drive restorative BCIs for sensory retraining in stroke or brain injury, or assistive BCIs for communication in severely disabled users.
Altered isotropic volume fraction in gray matter after sleep deprivation and its association with visuospatial memory: A neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging study
Authors: Lin Jia-Hui , Chen Xu-Hui , Wu Ye , Cao Yun-Bin , Chen Hua-Jun , Huang Nao-Xin 
Published: March 2023

Background and aimsDiffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) studies have revealed microstructural abnormalities in white matter resulting from sleep deprivation (SD). This study aimed to adopt neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate the effect of SD on gray matter (GM) microstructural properties and its association to visuospatial memory (VSM).MethodsTwenty-four healthy women underwent two sessions of dMRI scanning and visuospatial ability assessment by Complex Figure Test (CFT), once during rested wakefulness (RW) and once after 24 h of SD. We calculated NODDI metrics, including intracellular volume fraction (ICVF), orientation dispersion index (ODI), and isotropic volume fraction (ISO). Differences in NODDI-related metrics between RW and SD were determined using a voxel-wise paired t-test. We identified an association between NODDI metrics and CFT results using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.ResultsSleep deprivation worsened subjects’ performance in the delayed-CFT trial. We observed no significant difference in ICVF and ODI between RW and SD. After SD, subjects showed decreases in ISO, primarily in the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe, while exhibiting ISO increases in the anterior and posterior cerebellar lobe and cerebellar vermis. Furthermore, ISO change in the left superior, middle and inferior frontal gyrus was significantly correlated with completion time change in delayed-CFT trial performance.ConclusionOur results suggested that SD hardly affected the density and spatial organization of neurites in GM, but the extra-neurite water molecule diffusion process was affected (perhaps resulting from neuroinflammation), which contributed to VSM dysfunction.
Telemedicine efficacy and satisfaction of patients and headache specialists in migraine management
Authors: Liu Qinlin , Liu Fang , Yu Xiran , Zang Jiali , Tan Ge 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMigraine follow-up is difficult for outpatients, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, we tried to identify the most appropriate telemedicine methods for migraine in terms of efficacy, safety, patient compliance, and patient and physician satisfaction.MethodsMigraine patients were screened from the Headache Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September 2019 to December 2021 and randomly classified into an outpatient group and four telemedicine groups: social software, telephone, E-mail, and short message. Headache specialists followed up with the patients 3 and 6 months after their visit and asked about their satisfaction with the follow-up in each instance, as were the headache specialists.ResultsA total of 147 migraine patients were included, of whom 65 completed the follow-up. After 3 and 6 months of follow-up, the proportion of patients whose monthly headache frequency decreased by over 50% in the social-software, telephone, and E-mail groups was no different from that in the outpatient group. A similar result was obtained from evaluations with the Visual Analog Scale, the Headache Impact Test and the Migraine Disability Assessment compared with baseline in social software and telephone groups. The compliance in social-software group was not worse than that in the outpatient group. The proportion of patients in the E-mail group who completed the follow-up and the proportion of patients in the telephone group who consistently took preventive medication were significantly lower than those in the outpatient group. After 6 months, the majority of patients in the outpatient, social-software, and telephone groups and headache specialists in the outpatient, social-software groups were satisfied with the follow-up, while fewer patients in the E-mail group and fewer specialists in the telephone and E-mail group showed their satisfaction.ConclusionCompared with outpatient visits, it is safe and effective to use social software and telephone to follow up on migraine patients, and E-mail and short-message follow-up have lower feasibility. Migraine patients prefer social-software and telephone follow-up, while specialists prefer social-software follow-up.
Effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on the nutritional status of patients in a persistent vegetative state: A pilot study
Authors: Liu Xuan-Wei , Zhao Na-Na , Pang Tao , Wen Qiong , Xiao Peng , Zeng Ke-Xue , Wang Dan-Ning , Chen Jia-Min , Wang Yu-Long , Yu Hai-Bo 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis paper presents a preliminary study on whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can modulate the nutritional status of persistent vegetative state (PVS) patients (the primary endpoint) by regulating the intestinal flora and the metabolites, with the correlation between them also investigated.MethodsSeventy-six patients with PVS were selected and divided into the observation group (n = 38) and the control group (n = 38) by random numerical grouping. All subjects’ stool samples were examined for metabolites and analyzed regarding the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. All subjects’ serum albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin levels were measured before and after the treatment. Nutrition risk screening 2002 was performed on all the subjects before and after the treatment and on the 30th and 90th days of the follow-up.Results(1) Intestinal flora structure: the Chao index, Ace index, and Shannon index of the observation group and the control group were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05), while the Simpson index was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) following the treatment. (2) Metabolites of the intestinal flora: the observation group had significantly higher levels of acetic acid, butyric acid, and valeric acid (p &lt; 0.05), as well as lower levels of propionic acid (p &lt; 0.05) following the treatment. (3) Nutritional status (the primary endpoint): following the treatment, the above serum nutritional indices were significantly higher in both groups (p &lt; 0.05), while the indices of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe rTMS method may improve the nutritional status of patients with PVS by regulating the structure of the intestinal flora and affecting the level of SCFAs through the microbiota–gut–brain axis. The possible mechanism involves how high-frequency rTMS can cause increased excitation in the frontal lobe of the right side of the brain, thus regulating the 5-hydroxytryptamine and norepinephrine levels.
Prognostic value of inflammatory markers and clinical features for survival in advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving anti-programmed death 1 treatment
Authors: Da Liangshan , Qu Ziting , Zhang Congjun , Shen Yuanyuan , Huang Wei , Zhang Yiyin , Gu Kangsheng 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to assess the prognostic value of inflammatory markers and clinical features in advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients receiving anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) treatment.MethodsBased on receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, Youden’s indexes were applied to determine the cut-off values for inflammatory markers, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocye ratio (dNLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Wilcoxon test was conducted to evaluate the changes in above inflammatory markers. Kaplan-Meier method was utilized to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the Log-rank test was used to compare the different survival between groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of inflammatory markers and clinical features.Results162 advanced or metastatic ESCC patients receiving anti-PD-1 treatment were enrolled in this retrospective study. The cut-off values of NLR, dNLR, MLR, PLR, and SII were 4.748, 2.214, 0.309, 250.505, and 887.895, respectively. NLR, dNLR, PLR, and SII declined significantly among the partial response (PR) (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001, P=0.036, P&lt;0.001), objective response rate (ORR) (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001, P=0.036, P&lt;0.001), and disease control rate (DCR) (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001, P=0.038, P&lt;0.001) groups, respectively. Significant increases were found in NLR (P&lt;0.001), dNLR (P&lt;0.001), MLR (P=0.001), and SII (P=0.024) when anti-PD-1 treatment failed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that NLR (P&lt;0.001, P=0.002), lymph node metastasis (P=0.013, P=0.001), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG PS) (P=0.008, P=0.002), and treatment lines (P=0.037, P=0.048) were significant prognostic indicators of PFS and OS. Additionally, SII (P=0.016) was also significantly related to OS in ESCC patients. The risk score model showed that low risk patients prolonged PFS and OS than those with middle or high risk (P&lt;0.001, P&lt;0.001).ConclusionInflammatory markers can reflect short-term outcomes of anti-PD-1 treatment for ESCC patients. NLR, lymph node metastases, ECOG PS, and treatment lines are significant prognostic indicators for PFS and OS. And the risk score model constructed based on the above factors has favourable prognostic predictive value.
Clinical features of renal damage associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection in children
Authors: Yang Xiaoqing , Lin Baohua , Shen Tong 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo understand the renal damage and clinical features of pediatric patients with acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infectionMethodsIn this retrospective observational study, 548 pediatric patients who were admitted to and treated at the Xiamen Women and Children Health Center between January 2017 and December 2021 and who met the criteria of acute EBV infection were selected as participants. The sociodemographic and clinical data of these patients were collected for statistical analysis. The study population was divided into a renal damage group (41 patients) and a non-renal damage group (507 patients), and the characteristics of the two groups were compared.Results(1) Of the 548 enrolled patients, 340 and 208 were boys and girls, respectively. Among them, 41 patients showed renal damage (renal damage group), including 26 boys and 15 girls, and the incidence rate of renal damage was 7.48%. (2) The major renal involvements in the 41 pediatric patients with acute EBV infection in the renal damage group manifested as hematuria (56.1%), proteinuria (37.71%), hematuria + proteinuria (12.9%), edema (51.22%), hypertension (17.07%), oliguria (4.88%), and acute renal failure (2.44%). (3) The pediatric patients in the renal damage group had statistically significantly longer fever durations, higher blood EBV-DNA loads, and lower blood CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratios than those in the non-renal damage group.ConclusionIn pediatric patients, the incidence rate of acute EBV-induced renal damage is not low. The clinical manifestations are mostly hematuria or proteinuria, with an overall good prognosis, but occasionally severe renal damage such as acute renal failure. The possibility of secondary renal damage is high when pediatric patients with acute EBV have prolonged fever, high blood EBV-DNA loads, and decreased blood CD4+/CD8+ ratios.
The incidence and determinants of the meconium-aspiration syndrome among mothers with meconium-stained amniotic fluid after emergency cesarean section: A prospective cross-sectional study in a specialized hospital, south Ethiopia
Authors: Tantu Temesgen , Zewdu Dereje , Degemu Fikretsion , Yehualeshet Tsiyon 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundMeconium aspiration syndrome is respiratory distress diagnosed in neonates delivered with meconium-stained amniotic fluid that is unexplained by other pathologies. It has severe neonatal respiratory complications and a significant impact on the prevalence of neonatal mortality.ObjectiveTo identify the incidence and determinants associated with meconium aspiration syndrome among mothers with meconium-stained amniotic fluid after emergency cesarean section in Wolkite University specialized hospitals in Ethiopia from September 1, 2021, to August 30, 2022.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was done prospectively through meticulous chart review and interviews with 275 mothers with meconium-stained amniotic fluid who gave birth with an emergency cesarean section. Data were entered using EpiData 7 and analyzed with SPSS 26. The association between independent variables and the meconium-aspiration syndrome was estimated using an odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. The statistical significance of the association was declared at a p-value of 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of the meconium-aspiration syndrome is 28.7%. The factors associated are: latent phase (AOR: 2.580; 95% CI: 1.126, 5.913), low 1st minute APGAR score (AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 0.892, 6.625), and thick meconium (AOR: 31.018; 95% CI: 9.982, 96.390). The neonatal death rate associated with meconium aspiration syndrome is 1.8%, and thick meconium contributed to 65% of admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit and all deaths.ConclusionThe incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome is high, and thick meconium, meconium at early labor, and low APGAR scores all contributed to this. Thick meconium has a substantial effect on neonatal mortality and morbidity. Therefore, an improvement in the quality of obstetric and neonatal care through early intervention in the case of thick meconium and meconium in the early phase of labor is recommended.
Development, testing, parameterisation, and calibration of a human PBK model for the plasticiser, di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) using in silico, in vitro and human biomonitoring data
Authors: McNally Kevin , Sams Craig , Loizou George 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: A physiologically based biokinetic model for di (2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) based on a refined model for di-(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) was developed to interpret the metabolism and biokinetics of DEHA following a single oral dosage of 50 mg to two male and two female volunteers.Methods: The model was parameterized using in vitro and in silico methods such as, measured intrinsic hepatic clearance scaled from in vitro to in vivo and algorithmically predicted parameters such as plasma unbound fraction and tissue:blood partition coefficients (PCs). Calibration of the DEHA model was achieved using concentrations of specific downstream metabolites of DEHA excreted in urine. The total fractions of ingested DEHA eliminated as specific metabolites were estimated and were sufficient for interpreting the human biomonitoring data.Results: The specific metabolites of DEHA, mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl adipate (5OH-MEHA), mono-2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl adipate (5oxo-MEHA), mono-5-carboxy-2-ethylpentyl adipate (5cx-MEPA) only accounted for ∼0.45% of the ingested DEHA. Importantly, the measurements of adipic acid, a non-specific metabolite of DEHA, proved to be important in model calibration.Discussion: The very prominent trends in the urinary excretion of the metabolites, 5cx-MEPA and 5OH-MEHA allowed the important absorption mechanisms of DEHA to be modelled. The model should be useful for the study of exposure to DEHA of the general human population.
Effects of supplemental fulvic acid on survival, growth performance, digestive ability and immunity of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae
Authors: Zhang Chenxiang , Liu Yongtao , Yao Chuanwei , Zhang Jianmin , Wang Yuntao , Liu Jiahui , Hong Yucong , Mai Kangsen , Ai Qinghui 
Published: March 2023

A 30-day feeding trial was designed to evaluate the effect of supplemental fulvic acid (FA) on survival, growth performance, digestive ability and immunity of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) larvae (initial body weight 11.33 ± 0.57 mg). Four isonitrogenous and isolipids diets containing 0.00%, 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.04% FA were formulated, respectively. Results showed that the supplementation of 0.04% FA significantly improved survival rate of large yellow croaker larvae. Meanwhile, supplemental FA significantly increased final body weight and specific growth rate. Based on the specific growth rate, the optimal supplementation was 0.0135% FA. Larvae fed the diet with 0.01% FA had significantly higher villus height than the control. The supplementation of 0.01%–0.02% FA significantly increased the muscular thickness of intestine. Moreover, supplementation of FA significantly increased mRNA expression of intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier genes (pcna, zo-1 and zo-2). Diets supplemented with 0.02%–0.04% FA significantly increased the activity of trypsin in the intestinal segment, while 0.01%–0.02% FA significantly increased the activity of trypsin in the pancreatic segment. Compared with the control, supplementation of FA remarkably increased activities of alkaline phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase in the brush border membrane of intestine. Larvae fed the diet with 0.01% FA significantly increased activities of lysozyme and total nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, the supplementation of 0.01% to 0.02% FA significantly decreased the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tnf-α and il-6). Concurrently, supplemental FA significantly increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (il-10) mRNA expression level. In conclusion, this study indicated that the supplementation of FA could improve the survival rate and growth performance of larvae by promoting intestinal development, digestive enzymes activities and innate immunity.
A cross-sectional study of sleep, mood, well-being, motivations, and perceived support in Ukrainian veterans and active-duty military personnel with disability, and their supporters, preparing for a sporting event
Authors: Castle Claire L. , Heinze Nikki , Gomes Renata S. M. 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe benefits of sports and exercise to the lives and rehabilitative journeys of military veterans with disabilities is increasingly well-documented but veteran sporting events remain underexplored. Addressing this topic, the current article seeks to provide insight into the health and well-being of Team Ukraine during a 5-week preparatory camp in the UK before attendance at the 2022 Warrior Games.Materials and methodsTwo surveys were run, one toward the beginning and one toward the end of the camp. Eighteen of the 55 veterans and serving personnel (with disability), support staff, and family members in attendance responded to both surveys. Data on sleep, mood, and competition-related emotions, motivations for participation and perceived support were gathered. Data were analysed descriptively, and sleep, mood, and competition-related emotion responses were categorised to explore improvements, maintenance, or worsening in these areas.Results and conclusionSleep, mood, and competition-related emotions were relatively stable, although sleep duration was low, and there were some increases in daytime dysfunction, anxiety, nervousness, and feeling tense. Family was the most important source of support and representation of one’s country and raising awareness of Ukraine’s circumstances were the most important motivational factors. Findings offer insight into not only the health and well-being experiences associated with participation in this disabled veteran sporting event, but also the important role played by this event in meeting collective goals relating to this unique time in Ukraine’s history.