bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of CReatine supplementation on mUScle mass and strength after stroke (ICaRUS Stroke Trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Souza Juli Thomaz , Minicucci Marcos F. , Ferreira Natália C. , Polegato Bertha F. , Okoshi Marina Politi , Modolo Gabriel P. , Phillips Bethan E. , Atherton Philip J. , Smith Kenneth , Wilkinson Daniel , Gordon Adam , Tanni Suzana E. , Costa Vladimir Eliodoro , Fernandes Maria Fernanda P. , Bazan Silméia G. Zanati , Zornoff Leonardo A. M. , Bazan Rodrigo , de Paiva Sérgio A. Rupp , Azevedo Paula Schmidt 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability, and its sequelae are associated with inadequate food intake which can lead to sarcopenia. The aim of this study is to verify the effectiveness of creatine supplementation on functional capacity, strength, and changes in muscle mass during hospitalization for stroke compared to usual care. An exploratory subanalysis will be performed to assess the inflammatory profiles of all participants, in addition to a follow-up 90 days after stroke, to verify functional capacity, muscle strength, mortality, and quality of life.

Methods
Randomized, double-blind, unicenter, parallel-group trial including individuals with ischemic stroke in the acute phase. The duration of the trial for the individual subject will be approximately 90 days, and each subject will attend a maximum of three visits. Clinical, biochemical, anthropometric, body composition, muscle strength, functional capacity, degree of dependence, and quality of life assessments will be performed. Thirty participants will be divided into two groups: intervention (patients will intake one sachet containing 10g of creatine twice a day) and control (patients will intake one sachet containing 10g of placebo [maltodextrin] twice a day). Both groups will receive supplementation with powdered milk protein serum isolate to achieve the goal of 1.5g of protein/kg of body weight/day and daily physiotherapy according to the current rehabilitation guidelines for patients with stroke. Supplementation will be offered during the 7-day hospitalization. The primary outcomes will be functional capacity, strength, and changes in muscle mass after the intervention as assessed by the Modified Rankin Scale, Timed Up and Go test, handgrip strength, 30-s chair stand test, muscle ultrasonography, electrical bioimpedance, and identification of muscle degradation markers by D3-methylhistidine. Follow-up will be performed 90 days after stroke to verify functional capacity, muscle strength, mortality, and quality of life.

Discussion
The older population has specific nutrient needs, especially for muscle mass and function maintenance. Considering that stroke is a potentially disabling event that can lead the affected individual to present with numerous sequelae, it is crucial to study the mechanisms of muscle mass loss and understand how adequate supplementation can help these patients to better recover.

Trial registration
The Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) RBR-9q7gg4. Registered on 21 January 2019.
A proposed framework for point of care musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound image-guided interventions by physiotherapists: scope of practice, education and governance
Authors: Smith Mike , Innes Sue , Wildman Stuart , Baker David 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The use of point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) in the management of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders is a diverse area of PoCUS practice. Its use by clinicians, such as physiotherapists, can occur across a wide range of roles and care pathway configurations; however, professional, educational and regulatory uncertainties can leave clinicians, managers and patients at risk.

Main body
A PoCUS framework approach (previously applied to support PoCUS consolidation and expansion) is used to frame these proposals. Central to this is the defining of (clinical and sonographic) scope of practice (ScoP). A number of indicative ScoPs are described to both (i) illustrate application of the principles and (ii) provide templates for ScoP derivations for individual services or clinicians. Image-guided MSK interventions are increasingly an aspect of MSK physiotherapy PoCUS. Given the utility of physiotherapists drawing upon their imaging to fully inform the selection (and performance) of such techniques, we present a rationale for competency in undertaking sonographic differentials as a pre-cursor to performing ultrasound image-guided MSK interventions. Alignment of ScoP with the relevant education and formal competency assessments are a cornerstone of the PoCUS framework approach; as such, key aspects of MSK PoCUS education and competency assessment are outlined. Strategies for addressing such requirements in healthcare settings where formal provision is not accessible, are also presented. Governance considerations are aligned with the regulatory environment, including those pertaining to professional guidance and insurance considerations. In addition, generic quality assurance elements are emphasised, as core aspects of high-quality service provision. Whilst the paper clarifies the situation for MSK physiotherapists using PoCUS in the UK, prompts are provided to support other professional groups working in MSK services in the United Kingdom (UK) and MSK physiotherapists/physical therapists in other countries—to facilitate their application of the principles.

Conclusion
Acknowledging the breadth of MSK physiotherapy PoCUS practice, this paper draws upon a framework approach to provide integrated ScoP, education/competency and governance solutions, along with mechanisms for other professions working with MSK PoCUS—and physiotherapists/physical therapists outside of the UK—to consolidate and expand their practice.
Same same but different: dopamine transporter SPECT on scanners with CZT vs. NaI detectors
Authors: Thiele Felix , Schau Franziska , Rogasch Julian M. M. , Wetz Christoph , Bluemel Stephanie , Brenner Winfried , Amthauer Holger , Lange Catharina , Schatka Imke 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The aims of this study were to establish a normal database (NDB) for semiquantification of dopamine transporter (DAT) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with [123I]FP-CIT on a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) camera, test the preexisting NaI-derived NDB for use in CZT scans, and compare the diagnostic findings in subjects imaged with a CZT scanner with either the preexisting NaI-based NDB or our newly defined CZT NDB.

Methods
The sample comprised 73 subjects with clinically uncertain parkinsonian syndrome (PS) who prospectively underwent [123I]FP-CIT SPECT on a CZT camera according to standard guidelines with identical acquisition and reconstruction protocols (DaTQUANT). Two experienced readers visually assessed the images and binarized the subjects into “non-neurodegenerative PS” and “neurodegenerative PS”. Twenty-five subjects from the “non-neurodegenerative PS” subgroup were randomly selected to establish a CZT NDB. The remaining 48 subjects were defined as “test group”. DaTQUANT was used to determine the specific binding ratio (SBR). For the test group, SBR values were transformed to z-scores for the putamen utilizing both the CZT NDB and the manufacturer-provided NaI-based NDB (GE NDB). A predefined fixed cut-off of -2 was used for dichotomization of z-scores to classify neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative PS. Performance of semiquantification using the two NDB to identify subjects with neurodegenerative PS was assessed in comparison with the visual rating. Furthermore, a randomized head-to-head comparison of both detector systems was performed semiquantitatively in a subset of 32 out of all 73 subjects.

Results
Compared to the visual rating as reference, semiquantification based on the dedicated CZT NDB led to fewer discordant ratings than the GE NDB in CZT scans (3 vs. 8 out of 48 subjects). This can be attributed to the putaminal z-scores being consistently higher with the GE NDB on a CZT camera (median absolute difference of 1.68), suggesting an optimal cut-off of -0.5 for the GE NDB instead of -2.0. Average binding ratios and z-scores were significantly lower in CZT compared to NaI data.

Conclusions
Use of a dedicated, CZT-derived NDB is recommended in [123I]FP-CIT SPECT with a CZT camera since it improves agreement between semiquantification and visual assessment.
Spatial distribution of invasive large fever berry trees (Croton megalobotrys) in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area: Gokwe, Zimbabwe
Authors: Matsa Mark , Mugogo Kudzai Andrew , Mahakata Innocent , Dzawanda Beauty , Mavugara Roberta 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The invasion of rangelands by invasive plant species is a major threat to biodiversity in most parts of Zimbabwe posing not only an ecological challenge but a growing management and eradication challenge as well. However, there is sparse information relating to the spatial distribution of these species and the conditions promoting their growth and development particularly in Sothern Africa. The study assessed the spatial distribution of the invasive large fever berry tree and associated soil type in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. A mixed methods research design triangulating qualitative and quantitative methods was utilized. All known sites occupied by large fever berry trees were obtained from the Sengwa Wildlife Research Institute’s records on invasive plant species. Ground truthing was done for all sites and global positioning system coordinates of occupied areas were collected. Mapping of invaded areas by the large fever berry tree was done using Quantum GIS software. Coordinates were imported to show points with the large fever berry tree. Altitude of invaded areas and soil samples were also collected for soil analysis and a soil texture triangle was used to come up with the soil type associated with the growth and spread of the large fever berry trees.

Results
The results show that the large fever berry tree occupied areas along major rivers and streams on loam soils. An area of 16.5km2 which is 4.4% of the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area is invaded by the large fever berry tree. Results further indicated that sandy- loam soils were associated with the growth and development of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. Veld fires were also identified as a factor influencing the spread of the large fever berry tree species in the Sengwa Wildlife Research Area.

Conclusion
In conclusion, a holistic framework was developed to curb the invasion of the large fever berry tree in Sengwa Wildlife Research Area. It is recommended that further studies be conducted outside the protected area to establish soil characteristics and invasion rates in order to fully understand drivers of its invasion.
Realising respiratory microbiomic meta-analyses: time for a standardised framework
Authors: Broderick David , Marsh Robyn , Waite David , Pillarisetti Naveen , Chang Anne B. , Taylor Michael W. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn microbiome fields of study, meta-analyses have proven to be a valuable tool for identifying the technical drivers of variation among studies and results of investigations in several diseases, such as those of the gut and sinuses. Meta-analyses also represent a powerful and efficient approach to leverage existing scientific data to both reaffirm existing findings and generate new hypotheses within the field. However, there are currently limited data in other fields, such as the paediatric respiratory tract, where extension of original data becomes even more critical due to samples often being difficult to obtain and process for a range of both technical and ethical reasons. Performing such analyses in an evolving field comes with challenges related to data accessibility and heterogeneity. This is particularly the case in paediatric respiratory microbiomics — a field in which best microbiome-related practices are not yet firmly established, clinical heterogeneity abounds and ethical challenges can complicate sharing of patient data. Having recently conducted a large-scale, individual participant data meta-analysis of the paediatric respiratory microbiota (n = 2624 children from 20 studies), we discuss here some of the unique barriers facing these studies and open and invite a dialogue towards future opportunities.
A study on improving turnover intention forecasting by solving imbalanced data problems: focusing on SMOTE and generative adversarial networks
Authors: Park Jungryeol , Kwon Sundong , Jeong Seon-Phil 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study aims to improve the accuracy of forecasting the turnover intention of new college graduates by solving the imbalance data problem. For this purpose, data from the Korea Employment Information Service's Job Mobility Survey (Graduates Occupations Mobility Survey: GOMS) for college graduates were used. This data includes various items such as turnover intention, personal characteristics, and job characteristics of new college graduates, and the class ratio of turnover intention is imbalanced. For solving the imbalance data problem, the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) and generative adversarial networks (GAN) were used to balance class variables to examine the improvement of turnover intention prediction accuracy. After deriving the factors affecting the turnover intention by referring to previous studies, a turnover intention prediction model was constructed, and the model's prediction accuracy was analyzed by reflecting each data. As a result of the analysis, the highest predictive accuracy was found in class balanced data through generative adversarial networks rather than class imbalanced original data and class balanced data through SMOTE. The academic implication of this study is that first, the diversity of data sampling methods was presented by expanding and applying GAN, which are widely used in unstructured data sampling fields such as images and images, to structured data in business administration fields such as this study. Second, two refining processes were performed on data generated using generative adversarial networks to suggest a method for refining only data corresponding to a more minority class. The practical implication of this study is that it suggested a plan to predict the turnover intention of new college graduates early through the establishment of a predictive model using public data and machine learning.
QuantImage v2: a comprehensive and integrated physician-centered cloud platform for radiomics and machine learning research
Authors: Abler Daniel , Schaer Roger , Oreiller Valentin , Verma Himanshu , Reichenbach Julien , Aidonopoulos Orfeas , Evéquoz Florian , Jreige Mario , Prior John O. , Depeursinge Adrien 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Radiomics, the field of image-based computational medical biomarker research, has experienced rapid growth over the past decade due to its potential to revolutionize the development of personalized decision support models. However, despite its research momentum and important advances toward methodological standardization, the translation of radiomics prediction models into clinical practice only progresses slowly. The lack of physicians leading the development of radiomics models and insufficient integration of radiomics tools in the clinical workflow contributes to this slow uptake.

Methods
We propose a physician-centered vision of radiomics research and derive minimal functional requirements for radiomics research software to support this vision. Free-to-access radiomics tools and frameworks were reviewed to identify best practices and reveal the shortcomings of existing software solutions to optimally support physician-driven radiomics research in a clinical environment.

Results
Support for user-friendly development and evaluation of radiomics prediction models via machine learning was found to be missing in most tools. QuantImage v2 (QI2) was designed and implemented to address these shortcomings. QI2 relies on well-established existing tools and open-source libraries to realize and concretely demonstrate the potential of a one-stop tool for physician-driven radiomics research. It provides web-based access to cohort management, feature extraction, and visualization and supports “no-code” development and evaluation of machine learning models against patient-specific outcome data.

Conclusions
QI2 fills a gap in the radiomics software landscape by enabling “no-code” radiomics research, including model validation, in a clinical environment. Further information about QI2, a public instance of the system, and its source code is available at https://medgift.github.io/quantimage-v2-info/.
Key points

As domain experts, physicians play a key role in the development of radiomics models.

Existing software solutions do not support physician-driven research optimally.

QuantImage v2 implements a physician-centered vision for radiomics research.

QuantImage v2 is a web-based, “no-code” radiomics research platform.
The role of proteasome in muscle wasting of experimental arthritis
Authors: Teixeira Vivian Oliveira Nunes , Bartikoski Bárbara Jonson , do Espirito Santo Rafaela Cavalheiro , Alabarse Paulo Vinícius Gil , Ghannan Khetam , Silva Jordana Miranda Souza , Filippin Lidiane Isabel , Visioli Fernanda , Martinez-Gamboa Lorena , Feist Eugen , Xavier Ricardo Machado 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that often leads patients to muscle impairment and physical disability. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the activity of proteasome system in skeletal muscles of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and treated with etanercept or methotrexate.

Methods
Male DBA1/J mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): CIA-Vehicle (treated with saline), CIA-ETN (treated with etanercept, 5.5 mg/kg), CIA-MTX (treated with methotrexate, 35 mg/kg) and CO (healthy control group). Mice were treated two times a week for 6 weeks. Clinical score and hind paw edema were measured. Muscles were weighted after euthanasia and used to quantify proteasome activity, gene (MuRF-1, PMSα4, PSMβ5, PMSβ6, PSMβ7, PSMβ8, PSMβ9, and PSMβ10), and protein (PSMβ1, PSMβ5, PSMβ1i, PSMβ5i) expression of proteasome subunits.

Results
Both treatments slowed disease development, but only CIA-ETN maintained muscle weight compared to CIA-MTX and CIA-Vehicle groups. Etanercept treatment showed caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome similar to CO group, while CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX had higher activity compared to CO group (p: 0.0057). MuRF-1 mRNA expression was decreased after etanercept administration compared to CIA-Vehicle and CO groups (p: 0.002, p: 0.007, respectively). PSMβ8 and PSMβ9 mRNA levels were increased in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX compared to CO group, while CIA-ETN presented no difference from CO. PMSβ6 mRNA expression was higher in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX groups than in CO group. Protein levels of the PSMβ5 subunit were increased in CO group compared to CIA-Vehicle; after both etanercept and methotrexate treatments, PSMβ5 expression was higher than in CIA-Vehicle group and did not differ from CO group expression (p: 0.0025, p: 0.001, respectively). The inflammation-induced subunit β1 (LMP2) was enhanced after methotrexate treatment compared to CO group (p: 0.043).

Conclusions
The results of CIA-Vehicle show that arthritis increases muscle proteasome activation by enhanced caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome and increased PSMβ8 and PSMβ9 mRNA levels. Etanercept treatment was able to maintain the muscle weight and to modulate proteasome so that its activity and gene expression were compared to CO after TNF inhibition. The protein expression of inflammation-induced proteasome subunit was increased in muscle of CIA-MTX group but not following etanercept treatment. Thus, anti-TNF treatment may be an interesting approach to attenuate the arthritis-related muscle wasting.
Preemptive Impunity: The Constituent Power of Trump's Make America Great Again Movement
Authors: Pease Donald E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHow and why have freedom and social hierarchies and exclusions become fused in Trump's America? What causative factors can explain the emergence within twenty-first century US political culture of a movement notorious for its attacks on basic norms of tolerance, civility, and human decency? In their efforts to respond to such questions, prominent historians, political commentators, and theorists have correlated Trump's rise to political power in terms of his transmogrification of a large segment of the American populace into US liberal democracy's fascist totalitarian Other. While Trump's illiberal pronouncements and actions do indeed bear a resemblance to the political behavior of European fascists, the Americanness of Trump's conquest disposition might be better understood as his resurrection of an archaic variant of liberalism practiced by American settler colonists throughout the expansionist era of US history. How did President Trump persuade or provoke a broad swath of US citizens, who were for the most part accustomed to consider the principles and institutions of liberal democracy essential components of American democracy, to regard his settler conquest disposition as representatively American? What enabled Trump to advocate with preemptive impunity the demolition of liberal institutions and principles? How could he serve simultaneously as the president of the world's most powerful liberal democracy and leader of an insurrectionary movement of latter-day settler colonists? In an effort to address these questions, this essay engages Trump's March 23, 2011, endorsement of Birtherism; Trump's unauthorized transfer of power at the January 20, 2017, inauguration; Trump's August 12–15, 2017, statements about the Charlottesville protest; and Trump's role in the January 6, 2021, insurrection as distinct but interrelated moments in Trump's production of this settler-colonist conquest disposition.
The Grannies of Shaheen Bagh: Hindutva Power and the Poetics of Dissent in Contemporary India
Authors: Mufti Aamir R. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis essay focuses on contemporary India and the rise to near hegemony of “Hindutva power,” which works through both the transformation of the exercise of sovereign power and the inculcation of a distinct habitus, or structure of predispositions, in more and more sectors of society. This Hindu supremacist and nationalist habitus marks a far-reaching transformation not only of democratic political culture but of religious belief and practice as well. But despite their sense of inevitability, these developments are part of a scene of contestation and the staging of prodemocracy and anti-fascist dissent.
Western lifestyle as a driver of dysbiosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Foegeding Nora J. , Jones Zachary S. , Byndloss Mariana X. 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACT
Landmark discoveries in the gut microbiome field have paved the way for new research aimed at illuminating the influence of microbiota in colorectal cancer. A major challenge is to account for the effect of inherently variable environmental factors on the host and the gut microbiome, while concurrently determining their contribution to carcinogenesis. Here, we briefly discuss the role of the gut microbial community in colorectal cancer and elaborate on the recent insight that environmental factors related to a Western diet and lifestyle may drive the bloom of tumorigenic members of the gut microbiota. We also discuss how future research focused on untangling host-microbe interactions in the colon may influence medical insights that relate to the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.