bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower corticospinal excitability and greater fatigue among people with multiple sclerosis experiencing pain
Authors: Murphy Hannah M. , Fetter Christopher M. , Snow Nicholas J. , Chaves Arthur R. , Downer Matthew B. , Ploughman Michelle 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionPersons with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report pain that negatively affects their quality of life. Evidence linking pain and corticospinal excitability in MS is sparse. We aimed to (1) examine differences in corticospinal excitability in MS participants with and without pain and (2) explore predictors of pain.MethodsSixty-four participants rated their pain severity on a visual analog scale (VAS). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and validated clinical instruments characterized corticospinal excitability and subjective disease features like mood and fatigue. We retrieved information on participants' prescriptions and disability status from their clinical records.ResultsFifty-five percent of participants reported pain that affected their daily functioning. Persons with pain had significantly greater fatigue and lower area under the excitatory motor evoked potential (MEP) recruitment curve (eREC AUC), a measure of total corticospinal excitability. After controlling for age, disability status, and pain medications, increased fatigue and decreased eREC AUC together explained 40% of the variance in pain.DiscussionPain in MS is multifactorial and relates to both greater fatigue and lesser corticospinal excitability. Future work should better characterize relationships between these outcomes to develop targeted pain interventions such as neuromodulation.SummaryWe examined pain in MS. Individuals with pain had higher fatigue and lower corticospinal excitability than those without pain. These outcomes significantly predicted self-reported pain.
Effects of dietary variation on lignocellulose degradation and physiological properties of Nicobium hirtum larvae
Authors: Krishanti Ni Putu Ratna Ayu , Tobimatsu Yuki , Afifi Osama Ahmed , Tarmadi Didi , Himmi Setiawan Khoirul , Umezawa Toshiaki , Ohmura Wakako , Yoshimura Tsuyoshi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe investigated the feeding behavior of larvae of the wood-destroying beetle Nicobium hirtum (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), an important wood pest in Japan, to determine the effects of dietary variation on lignocellulose degradation and larval growth and survival. Cultured colonies of N. hirtum larvae were fed artificial diets containing various amounts of starch (20, 50, and 80 wt%) mixed with hardwood (Shorea) lignocellulose. The polysaccharide degradation by N. hirtum was determined by chemical analyses of the initial artificial diets and fecal residues collected during the feeding experiment. Starch was preferentially decomposed when the larvae were fed the high-starch diet, whereas the decompositions of cellulose and hemicelluloses were more prominent when the larvae were fed medium- or low-starch diets. The larvae’s size and survival were recorded periodically to determine the diets’ effects on larval development. The survival rates ranged from 60 to 87% and were highest for the larvae fed the medium-starch diet and lowest for those fed the high-starch diet. Body size was highest in the larvae fed the high-starch diet. Fecal size increased along with the larval size increase. Overall, these results suggest that although starch is an essential carbon source for N. hirtum larval growth, lignocellulose also plays a key role as a nutrient that maintains the physiological activities of N. hirtum larvae and enhances their survival.
Investigation on the mechanisms of human sperm DNA damage based on the proteomics analysis by SWATH-MS
Authors: Zhu Chun-Hui , Wei Ye , Chen Fang , Li Feng , Zhang Sheng-Min , Dong Nai-Jun , Xue Tong-Min , Liu Kai-Feng , Cui Heng-Mi , Lu Jin-Chun 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Spermatozoa have the task of delivering an intact paternal genome to the oocyte and supporting successful embryo development. The detection of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been emerging as a complementary test to conventional semen analysis for male infertility evaluation, but the mechanism leading to SDF and its impact on assisted reproduction remain unclear. Therefore, the study identified and analyzed the differentially expressed proteins of sperm with high and low SDF.

Methods
Semen samples from men attended the infertility clinic during June 2020 and August 2020 were analyzed, and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was detected by the sperm chromatin structure assay. Semen samples with low DFI (< 30%, control group) and high DFI (≥ 30%, experimental group) were optimized by density gradient centrifugation (DGC), and the differentially expressed proteins of obtained sperm were identified by the Sequential Window Acquisition of All Theoretical Mass Spectra Mass Spectrometry (SWATH-MS) and performed GO and KEGG analysis.

Results
A total of 2186 proteins were identified and 1591 proteins were quantified, of which 252 proteins were identified as differentially expressed proteins, including 124 upregulated and 128 downregulated. These differentially expressed proteins were involved in metabolic pathways, replication/recombination/repair, acrosomal vesicles, kinase regulators, fertilization, tyrosine metabolism, etc. Western blotting results showed that the expression levels of RAD23B and DFFA proteins and the levels of posttranslational ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, which was consistent with the results of proteomics analysis.

Conclusions
Proteomic markers of sperm with high DNA fragmentation can be identified by the SWATH-MS and bioinformatic analysis, and new protein markers and posttranslational modifications related to sperm DNA damage are expected to be intensively explored. Our findings may improve our understanding of the basic molecular mechanism of sperm DNA damage.
Distribution, health risk assessment, and water quality criteria of phthalate esters in Poyang Lake, China
Authors: Ai Shunhao , Wang Xiaonan , Gao Xiangyun , Xu Qianyun , Li Ji , Liu Zhengtao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough China has been the main manufacturer and consumer of phthalate esters (PAEs), human health ambient water quality criteria (AWQCs) have not been proposed for these chemicals. In this study, the distribution and bioaccumulation of six PAEs (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP)) were investigated in 11 edible fish species collected from Poyang Lake, China. The results showed that the total concentrations of the six PAEs in the fish ranged between 118.63 and 819.84 μg/kg wet weight (mean of 327.50 ± 190.44 μg/kg). DMP, DEP, DBP, and DEHP were detected in all samples, of which DEHP and DBP were two of the most predominant phthalates, accounting for more than 90% of the total PAEs. The DEHP concentrations in fish with different habitat preferences were different, demersal species were significantly higher than pelagic species (p < 0.05). The mean natural logarithmic bioaccumulation factors (log BAFs) of PAEs increased with increasing lipophilicity of the substances, which yielded the following regression equation: log BAF (L/kg) = 0.103 log Kow + 2.158 (r2 = 0.940, p < 0.05, n = 4). Using this quantitative structure–activity relationship to calculate BAFs for the remaining undetected substances (BBP and DnOP) to derive AWQCs. According to the natural parameters, the human health AWQCs relating to PAE concentrations for water and fish consumption were derived as 9.4 × 103 (DMP), 5.0 × 102 (DEP), 4.2 × 101 (DBP), 1.1 (BBP), 8.6 × 10− 2 (DEHP), and 2.0 (DnOP) μg/L. Human health risk assessment indicated that the dietary intake of DEHP may exert a carcinogenic effect on residents of the Poyang Lake region. The results provide important input to assess the health risk posed by PAEs contaminated surface water.
The dynamics of wage dispersion between firms: the role of firm entry and exit
Authors: Schröpf Benedikt 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough wage inequality is an important and widely studied issue, the literature is vastly silent on the relationship between firm entry and exit and the wage dispersion between firms. Using a 50% random administrative sample of West German establishments over the period 1976–2017, I study wage dispersion dynamics between and within the groups of entering, exiting, and incumbent establishments by examining the distribution of average wages across establishments. The results show that entering establishments became increasingly unequal over time, thereby contributing to the rise in wage dispersion between establishments. However, exit rates of young and low-wage establishments have dampened this effect. These findings suggest considering the consequences for wage inequality when designing and assessing policy instruments for firm entry and exit.
Cognitive function in older patients and their stress challenge using different anesthesia regimes: a single center observational study
Authors: Wagner Soeren , Breitkopf Martin , Ahrens Elena , Ma Haobo , Kuester Olivia , Thomas Christine , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Walther Andreas 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
With increasing age older patients are at higher risk for cognitive decline after surgery. Even tailored anesthesia procedures in older patients remain a high risk for postoperative cognitive disorder. Additional stress derived from anxiety and anesthesia itself can negatively impact postoperative cognitive outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of general versus regional anesthesia on postoperative cognitive disorder and indicators of perioperative stress in elderly undergoing surgery.

Methods
In this single center prospective study between December 2014 and November 2015, 46 patients aged 50 to 85 years undergoing dermatology surgery were enrolled. Patients were stratified by receiving general versus regional nerve anesthesia. On three consecutive days, saliva cortisol levels were analyzed three times per day. Cognitive function was assessed on the day before and the day after surgery using comprehensive neuropsychological testing of multiple cognitive functions including memory, executive function, attention and processing speed.

Results
Comparing the regional anesthesia group (RAG, n = 28) with the general anesthesia group (GAG, n = 18) no significant difference in the postoperative cognitive function was observed. However, patients in the GAG had significantly higher postoperative cortisol levels when compared to patients in the RAG. In both groups, a peak of cortisol value was detected on the day of surgery, which was higher in the GAG in comparison to the RAG.

Conclusions
We did not observe a difference in postoperative cognitive function between patients undergoing regional or general anesthesia for dermatology surgery. However, we found lower cortisol level in the RAG. Based on these findings, future studies should investigate alternatives to reduce stress in a general anesthesia setting.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02505815.
How do individual, social, environmental, and resilience factors shape self-reported health among community-dwelling older adults: a qualitative case study
Authors: Whitmore Carly , Markle-Reid Maureen , McAiney Carrie , Fisher Kathryn , Ploeg Jenny 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
While older adults are living longer, they often face health challenges, including living with multiple chronic conditions. How older adults respond and adapt to the challenges of multimorbidity to maintain health and wellness is of increasing research interest. Self-reported health, emerging as an important measure of health status, has broad clinical and research applications, and has been described as a predictor of future morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited understanding of how individual, social, and environmental factors, including those related to multimorbidity resilience, influence self-reported health among community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years).

Methods
Informed by the Lifecourse Model of Multimorbidity Resilience, this explanatory case study research explored older adults’ perceptions of how these factors influence self-reported health. Data were generated through semi-structured telephone interviews with community-dwelling older adults.

Results
Fifteen older adults participated in this study. Four key themes, specific to how these older adults describe individual, social, environmental, and multimorbidity resilience factors as shaping their self-reported health, were identified: 1) health is a responsibility – “What I have to do”; 2) health is doing what you want to do despite health-related limitations – “I do what I want to do”; 3) the application and activation of personal strengths – “The way you think”, and; 4) through comparison and learning from others – “Looking around at other people”. These themes, while distinct, were found to be highly interconnected with recurring concepts such as independence, control, and psychological health and well-being, demonstrating the nuance and complexity of self-reported health.

Conclusions
Findings from this study advance understanding of the factors that influence assessments of health among community-dwelling older adults. Self-reported health remains a highly predictive measure of future morbidity and mortality in this population, however, there is a need for future research to contribute additional understanding in order to shape policy and practice.
Effects of contact tracing and nucleic acid testing on the COVID-19 outbreak in Zunyi, China: data-driven study using a branching process model
Authors: Feng Jun , Zhu Wenlong , Ye Xingui , Liu Zhixi , Zhu Yue , Wu Qinyi , Yang Guanghong , Wang Weibing 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
During October 2021, China experienced localized outbreaks of COVID-19 in many cities. We analyzed the small local outbreak in Zunyi (Guizhou Province), a major city in southwestern China, and modeled the effects of different interventions on this outbreak.

Methods
Data on infections and contacts, provided by the Health Commission of Guizhou Province, were used to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak and calculate the effectiveness of vaccination. A branching process model was used to simulate the outbreak. This model considered the time interval from exposure of the initial case to confirmation, the number of potential infections caused by the initial case, and the effects of the different interventions.

Results
From 18 to 25 October 2021, there were 12 patients with COVID-19 in Zunyi. Overall, the average age was 67.17 years-old, 8 patients were females, and 1 patient had an asymptomatic infection. The effectiveness of two-dose inactivated vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 infection was 16.7% (95% CI: 2.8% to 99.7%). The initial case was infected on 11 or 12 October 2021, 6.40 (95% CI: 6.37, 6.42; IQR: 4.92, 7.63) days before confirmation while the travelling in Lanzhou (Gansu Province). There were 10.07 (95% CI: 10.04, 10.09; IQR: 7.86, 11.93) potential secondary cases. When the effective vaccine coverage reached 60%, the probability of cumulative cases exceeding 20 was less than 8.77%, even if contact tracing was relaxed or eliminated. However, if the probability of tracing contacts decreased, earlier initiation of nucleic acid testing was necessary to control the outbreak.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 outbreak in Zunyi was controlled quickly due to moderately effective vaccine coverage and rapid contact tracing. For controlling localized outbreaks, vaccination and contact tracing seemed to be more effective than massive nucleic acid testing in the initial phase of transmission. However, if there is low effective vaccine coverage or insufficient contact tracing, nucleic acid testing should start earlier.
Temporal discrepancies in “rapid” HIV testing: explaining misdiagnoses at the point-of-care in Zimbabwe
Authors: Skovdal Morten , Jensen Frederik Jacob Brainin , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Beckmann Nadine , Nyamukapa Constance , Gregson Simon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Rapid diagnostic tests have revolutionized the HIV response in low resource and high HIV prevalence settings. However, disconcerting levels of misdiagnosis at the point-of-care call for research into their root causes. As rapid HIV tests are technologies that cross borders and have inscribed within them assumptions about the context of implementation, we set out to explore the (mis)match between intended and actual HIV testing practices in Zimbabwe.

Methods
We examined actual HIV testing practices through participant observations in four health facilities and interviews with 28 rapid HIV testers. As time was identified as a key sphere of influence in thematic analyses of the qualitative data, a further layer of analysis juxtaposed intended (as scripted in operating procedures) and actual HIV testing practices from a temporal perspective.

Results
We uncover substantial discrepancies between the temporal flows assumed and inscribed into rapid HIV test kits (their intended use) and those presented by the high frequency testing and low resource and staffing realities of healthcare settings in Zimbabwe. Aside from pointing to temporal root causes of misdiagnosis, such as the premature reading of test results, our findings indicate that the rapidity of rapid diagnostic technologies is contingent on a slow, steady, and controlled environment. This not only adds a different dimension to the meaning of “rapid” HIV testing, but suggests that errors are embedded in the design of the diagnostic tests and testing strategies from the outset, by inscribing unrealistic assumptions about the context within which they used.

Conclusion
Temporal analyses can usefully uncover difficulties in attuning rapid diagnostic test technologies to local contexts. Such insight can help explain potential misdiagnosis ‘crisis points’ in point-of-care testing, and the need for public health initiatives to identify and challenge the underlying temporal root causes of misdiagnosis.
Sonographic prediction of intraductal papillary carcinoma with partially cystic breast lesions
Authors: Gao Luying , Lai Xingjian , Zhang Jing , Jiang Yuxin , Li Jianchu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Intraductal papillary carcinoma (IDPC) is a rare but fatal disease. Preoperative ultrasound diagnosis of IDPC remains challenging and meaningful. The aim of the study was to determine an effective ultrasound model to predict intraductal papillary carcinoma (IDPC) in patients with partially cystic breast lesions on ultrasound.

Methods
We reviewed female patients with breast nodules who underwent biopsy or surgery between 2004 and 2019, and pathological results were used as the reference standard. We finally included 21 IDPC patients with partially cystic lesions on preoperative ultrasound matched to 40 patients with intraductal papilloma. The association of ultrasound features with IDPC was analysed.

Results
Posterior echo enhancement (P < 0.001), tumour size (P = 0.002), irregular shape (P = 0.003), wide base (P = 0.003), solid-mainly component (P = 0.013), rich Doppler flow (P < 0.001) and multiple lesions (P = 0.044) were associated with IDPC by univariate analysis. Based on univariate analysis, variables were included in the regression analysis to obtain independent factors. The regression analysis showed that microcalcification, multiple lesions, posterior echo enhancement, wide base of solid components and rich colour Doppler flow were predictors for IDPC (P < 0.001). The collective model of the independent factors (microcalcification, multiple lesions, posterior echo enhancement, wide base of solid components and rich colour Doppler flow) could predict IDPC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.99 (95% CI 0.95–1.00). The collective model had a better net benefit demonstrated by the decision curve.

Conclusion
Ultrasonic features may be an applicable model for predicting IDPC with partially cystic breast lesions on ultrasound and has a better potential to facilitate decision-making preoperatively.
Short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on low back pain: data from the PAMPA Cohort, Brazil
Authors: Caputo Eduardo L. , Ferreira Paulo H. , Feter Natan , Doring Igor R. , Leite Jayne S. , Alt Ricardo , Cassuriaga Júlia , Reichert Felipe F. , Rombaldi Airton J. , da Silva Marcelo C. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the short-term impact of COVID-19 pandemic on low back pain (LBP) outcomes in southern Brazil.

Methods
Data from the PAMPA Cohort were analyzed. Adults were recruited between June and July 2020 in the Rio Grande do Sul state using online-based strategies. Participants responded a self-reported, online questionnaire on LBP with two timepoints: before (retrospectively) and during COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed LBP experience, LBP-related activity limitation (no/yes), and LBP intensity (0 to 10 [strongest pain]).

Results
From a total sample of 2,321 respondents (mean age: 37.6 ± 13.5; 75.4% women), the prevalence of LBP did not change significantly from before (74.7% [95%CI 72.3; 76.9]) to the first months of pandemic (74.2% [95%CI 71.9; 76.3]). However, an increased pain levels (β: 0.40; 95%CI 0.22; 0.58) and a higher likelihood for activity limitation due to LBP was observed (PR 1.14; 95%CI 1.01; 1.29). Longitudinal analyzes showed that age, gender, BMI, chronic diseases, physical activity, and anxiety and depression symptoms, were associated with LBP in the first pandemic months.

Conclusion
Although the prevalence of LBP did not change at the first months of COVID-19 pandemic, LBP-induced impairment in daily activities and pain intensity was higher when compared to before the pandemic.
Impact of ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy on adverse birth outcomes: generalized structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Mitku Aweke A. , Zewotir Temesgen , North Delia , Jeena Prakash , Asharam Kareshma , Muttoo Sheena , Tularam Hasheel , Naidoo Rajen N. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAir pollution and several prenatal factors, such as socio-demographic, behavioural, physical activity and clinical factors influence adverse birth outcomes. The study aimed to investigate the impact of ambient air pollution exposure during pregnancy adjusting prenatal risk factors on adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women in MACE birth cohort.MethodsData for the study was obtained from the Mother and Child in the Environment (MACE) birth cohort study in Durban, South Africa from 2013 to 2017. Land use regression models were used to determine household level prenatal exposure to PM2.5, SO2and NOx. Six hundred and fifty-six births of pregnant females were selected from public sector antenatal clinics in low socio-economic neighbourhoods. We employed a Generalised Structural Equation Model with a complementary log–log-link specification.ResultsAfter adjustment for potential prenatal factors, the results indicated that exposure to PM2.5was found to have both significant direct and indirect effects on the risk of all adverse birth outcomes. Similarly, an increased level of maternal exposure to SO2during pregnancy was associated with an increased probability of being small for gestational age. Moreover, preterm birth act a mediating role in the relationship of exposure to PM2.5, and SO2with low birthweight and SGA.ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to PM2.5and SO2pollution adversely affected birth outcomes after controlling for other prenatal risk factors. This suggests that local government officials have a responsibility for better control of air pollution and health care providers need to advise pregnant females about the risks of air pollution during pregnancy.