bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The brain integrates proprioceptive information to ensure robust locomotion
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Laflamme Olivier D. , Akay Turgay 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRobust locomotion relies on information from proprioceptors: sensory organs that communicate the position of body parts to the spinal cord and brain. Proprioceptive circuits in the spinal cord are known to coarsely regulate locomotion in the presence of perturbations. Yet, the regulatory importance of the brain in maintaining robust locomotion remains less clear. Here, through mouse genetic studies and in vivo electrophysiology, we examined the role of the brain in integrating proprioceptive information during perturbed locomotion. The systemic removal of proprioceptors left the mice in a constantly perturbed state, similar to that observed during mechanically perturbed locomotion in wild‐type mice and characterised by longer and less accurate synergistic activation patterns. By contrast, after surgically interrupting the ascending proprioceptive projection to the brain through the dorsal column of the spinal cord, wild‐type mice showed normal walking behaviour, yet lost the ability to respond to external perturbations. Our findings provide direct evidence of a pivotal role for ascending proprioceptive information in achieving robust, safe locomotion.
imageKey points
Whether brain integration of proprioceptive feedback is crucial for coping with perturbed locomotion is not clear.
We showed a crucial role of the brain for responding to external perturbations and ensure robust locomotion.
We used mouse genetics to remove proprioceptors and a spinal lesion model to interrupt the flow of proprioceptive information to the brain through the dorsal column in wild‐type animals.
Using a custom‐built treadmill, we administered sudden and random mechanical perturbations to mice during walking.
External perturbations affected locomotion in wild‐type mice similar to the absence of proprioceptors in genetically modified mice.
Proprioceptive feedback from muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs contributed to locomotor robustness.
Wild‐type mice lost the ability to respond to external perturbations after interruption of the ascending proprioceptive projection to the brainstem.
A novel wide-angle Compton Scanner setup to study bulk events in germanium detectors
Authors: Abt Iris , Gooch Chris , Hagemann Felix , Hauertmann Lukas , Hervas Aguilar David , Liu Xiang , Schulz Oliver , Schuster Martin , Zsigmond Anna Julia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA novel Compton Scanner setup has been built, commissioned and operated at the Max-Planck-Institute for Physics in Munich to collect pulses from bulk events in high-purity germanium detectors for pulse shape studies. In this fully automated setup, the detector under test is irradiated from the top with 661.660 keV gammas, some of which Compton scatter inside the detector. The interaction points in the detector can be reconstructed when the scattered gammas are detected with a pixelated camera placed at the side of the detector. The wide range of accepted Compton angles results in shorter measurement times in comparison to similar setups where only perpendicularly scattered gammas are selected by slit collimators. In this paper, the construction of the Compton Scanner, its alignment and the procedure to reconstruct interaction points in the germanium detector are described in detail. The creation of a first pulse shape library for an n-type segmented point-contact germanium detector is described. The spatial reconstruction along the beam axis is validated by a comparison to measured surface pulses. A first comparison of Compton Scanner pulses to simulated pulses is presented to demonstrate the power of the Compton Scanner to test simulation inputs and models.
Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for mammary nodules: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhang Xin , Chen Zhen-Lin , Zhang Pu , Wang Miao , Wang Hong-Yan , Zhang Jing-Ming 
Published: October 2022

Background: Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is often used in China to treat patients with mammary nodules (MMND), and treating them by CHM can not only achieve good efficacy, but also reduce adverse reactions in clinic. However, the efficacy of CHM in the treatment of MMND has not been systematically assessed right now.Methods: From the establishment of 11 electronic databases to February 1, 2022, a comprehensive literature search was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM in the treatment of MMND. Relevant trials were screened in NoteExpress, and the risks of bias were assessed with Cochrane Collaboration’s tool.Results: This study included 22 randomized controlled trials involving 3839 participants. Meta-analysis revealed that CHM had a significant clinical effect in treating MMND. Compared with chemical drugs, CHM had certain advantages in alleviating the size, range, hardness and pain of the lump, decreasing the TCM syndrome score and reducing the packed cell volume and whole blood viscosity. And it could obviously reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. In combination with chemical drugs, CHM could significantly improve the level of sex hormone secretion and ultrasound indicators. Ru-pi-xiao was the most commonly used formula for the treatment of MMND, and Bupleuri Radix was the most frequently used single Chinese herb.Conclusion: CHM had certain advantages in treating MMND without obvious adverse reactions. However, due to the poor methodological quality of the included trials, well-designed, long-term follow-up randomized controlled trials will be required in future to provide strong clinical evidence for the CHM treatment of MMND. (PROSPERO No. CRD42020170939.)
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Sling for Reconstruction of Chronic Seroma Pocket in the Axillary Fossa
Authors: Kim Jae Won , Jeon Hui Hyung , Lee Jun Yong 
Published: October 2022

Managing chronic axillary seroma after breast cancer surgery is troublesome because of the challenges in obliterating the seroma pocket and the possible injury to the axillary neurovascular bundles during the procedure. Using the muscle sling technique, we successfully managed an axillary chronic seroma patient after mastectomy with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDMC) flap. A 64-year-old woman with right breast cancer underwent radical mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection 17 years ago. A mass of chronic seroma was observed in the right axilla 1 year postoperatively and gradually increased in size. The refractory seroma was excised. The LDMC flap was designed to obliterate the pocket, rotated counterclockwise, and fixed to the upper boundary of the pectoralis major in a U-shaped sling. In this way, the direct suture of the flap to the vessels-crossing axillary apex could be avoided, and the flap’s lymphatic-rich fat tissue promoted alternative lymphatic drainage that improved lymphedema.
Homogeneous dispersion and mechanical performance of aluminum reinforced with high graphene content
Authors: Yehia Hossam M , Nouh Fathei , El-Kady Omayma A , Abdelwahed Khaled , El-Bitar Taher 
Published: October 2022

In this research, trials were performed to improve the mechanical properties of pure aluminum, maintain its lightweight, and enhance the distribution of graphene with high content up to 1.5 wt%. Aluminum composites reinforced with 10% copper, 2.5% alumina, and different ratios of graphene up to 1.5% were manufactured by powder metallurgy followed by hot rolling. The suitable sintering conditions were 565°C for 60 min under a vacuum atmosphere. The powder metallurgy method showed a general improvement in aluminum’s microstructure. An excellent distribution of the different reinforcements was achieved up to 1.5 wt% GNs due to the long mixing time in the hexane solution. However, some aggregations of the GNs layers were observed at 1.5 GNs percent. The mapping analysis detected the nano-alumina distribution. The 1 wt% GNs sample exhibit the greatest improvement in hardness with 2.4 times and yield strength increment with 76% compared to pure aluminum. Also, the wear rate decreased significantly at 1 wt% GNs percent. By conducting the hot rolling process, all results exceeded their counterparts by the powder metallurgy method up to 1.5% GNS content. The accumulated GNs at 1.5 GNs percent were spread due to slipping them over each other as a result of the rolling process. Eliminating the internal pores and improving the distribution of graphene in that sample improved its hardness, yield resistance, and mechanical wear. After the rolling process, the hardness at 1.5 wt% GNs increased from 218 HV to 389 HV, and the yield strength from 203 MPa to 280 MPa.
Spatial proximity in relationships research methods: The effect of partner’s presence during survey completion on shared reality in romantic couples’ daily lives
Authors: Enestrom M Catalina , Bar-Kalifa Eran , Bar-Shachar Yael , Lydon John E 
Published: October 2022

Spatial proximity may be an artifact of relationships research methodology; however, little work has explored how this feature of research designs influences perceptions of one’s relationship, particularly shared reality (i.e., experiencing a commonality of inner states). The present research tested whether spatial proximity would independently contribute to shared reality in couples’ daily lives. In 2 daily diary studies, each across 3–4 weeks (N1 = 76 couples, 3694 observations; N2 = 84 couples, 3073 observations), participants indicated whether or not their partner was spatially proximal, and also completed measures of shared reality and relationship satisfaction. Spatial proximity to one’s partner resulted in higher shared reality on the day of the survey completion and predicted increases in shared reality from the previous day, but this effect did not spillover into the following day. These findings held controlling for conflict, shared daily experiences (e.g., cooking together), and shared survey experiences (i.e., whether they completed the survey at the same time). In addition, this effect was unique to shared reality, whereby spatial proximity did not predict relationship satisfaction. However, shared reality was associated with increases in relationship satisfaction across the daily diary period. Thus, researchers should consider spatial proximity when developing their research design as it may influence shared reality, which has implications for relationship well-being.
Researching minoritised communities in palliative care: An agenda for change
Authors: Koffman Jonathan , Bajwah Sabrina , Davies Joanna M , Hussain Jamilla Akhter 
Published: October 2022

Background: Palliative care access, experiences and outcomes of care disadvantage those from ethnically diverse, Indigenous, First nation and First people communities. Research into this field of inquiry raises unique theoretical, methodological, and moral issues. Without the critical reflection of methods of study and reporting of findings, researchers may inadvertently compromise their contribution to reducing injustices and perpetuating racism. Aim: To examine key evidence of the place of minoritised communities in palliative care research to devise recommendations that improve the precision and rigour of research and reporting of findings. Methods: Narrative review of articles identified from PubMed, CINAHL and Google Scholar for 10 years augmented with supplementary searches. Results: We identified and appraised 109 relevant articles. Four main themes were identified (i) Lack of precision when working with a difference; (ii) ‘black box epidemiology’ and its presence in palliative care research; (iii) the inclusion of minoritised communities in palliative care research; and (iv) the potential to cause harm. All stymie opportunities to ‘level up’ health experiences and outcomes across the palliative care spectrum. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this review palliative care research must reflect on and justify the classification of minoritised communities, explore and understand intersectionality, optimise data quality, decolonise research teams and methods, and focus on reducing inequities to level up end-of-life care experiences and outcomes. Palliative care research must be forthright in explicitly indentifying instances of structural and systemic racism in palliative care research and engaging in non-judgemental debate on changes required.
Fasting blood glucose as a predictor of progressive infarction in men with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yu Qiulong , Mao Xiaocheng , Fu Zhihui , Luo Si , Huang Qin , Chen Qianxi , Li Shumeng , Zhang Jinchong , Qiu Yuexin , Wu Yuhang , Fang Pu , Hong Daojun , Lin Jing 
Published: October 2022

Objective Blood glucose is related to early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke, but multiple mechanisms are involved in early neurological deterioration, such as progressive infarction. This study aimed to determine whether fasting blood glucose (FBG) is an independent predictor of progressive infarction. Methods From April 2017 to December 2020, we retrospectively enrolled 477 patients with acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset. Demographic characteristics, clinical information, neuroimaging characteristics, and laboratory data were collected after admission. Results We found that 147 (30.8%) patients had progressive infarction. Multiple regression analysis showed that high FBG concentrations (>7.66 mmol/L) were independently associated with progressive infarction. Sex subgroup analysis showed that high FBG concentrations were an independent predictor of progressive infarction in male patients (odds ratio, 2.559; 95% confidence interval, 1.279–5.121). In a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, FBG concentrations were a predictor of progressive infarction in all cases, especially in male patients. The cutoff value of FBG in all patients and men was 7.155 mmol/L. Conclusions FBG is an independent predictor of progressive infarction in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours of onset, especially in men. Patients with FBG concentrations ≥7.155 mmol/L are more likely to develop progressive infarction.
The (Silk) Road Less Travelled: East Asian Studies and National Identity Formation in Modern Turkey
Authors: Ergenç Ceren 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRegional studies in Turkey have long focused on Europe and the Middle East, with which Turkey has traditionally been associated. East Asian studies seem to remain out of the spotlight. This study claims firstly that different phases of Asian studies scholarship in Turkey have all been geared towards confirmation and validation of the process of Turkish national identity formation. Secondly, this process also reflects the Western-centrism of Turkish academic knowledge production.This paper presents a periodization of Asian Studies in Turkey in three phases to contextualize and demonstrate these claims. During the first phase of the early republican years, the first Sinology departments were expected to actively contribute to writing Turkish national history. Throughout the second phase of the Cold War years, Turkey found itself in both political and intellectual isolation. In the final phase of post-Cold War globalization, the scope of regional studies scholarship expanded to include East Asia. Despite this development, academic scholarship in Turkey still suffers from Western-centrism and it is not able to directly communicate with East Asia. Knowledge production on East Asia in Turkey is still filtered through the theoretical framework of the Western Anglophone academic world.
Diplomatic Relations on the Tang Frontier: Pugu Yitu Tomb Inscription
Authors: Tezel Aybike Şeyma 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Tang period (618–907) stands out as one of the most important chapters of the history of early Inner Asia, where bilateral diplomatic interactions on the Chinese – Inner Asian frontier reached a high point. Since its establishment, the Tang pursued close relations with the neighboring Türk Qaghanate and various other Turkic and Mongolic speaking groups in the Inner Asian steppes. These relations, sometimes friendly, other times hostile, were to a great extent recorded in the official histories, a genre of historical writing that was systematized with the establishment of Historiography Office at the Tang court. As political texts written with particular agendas, official histories present certain limitations. Recent archaeological research in both China and Inner Asia provide a different line of evidence for the study of diplomatic relations between China and Inner Asia. This paper aims to discuss the history of Pugu, a Turkic speaking Inner Asian group who had submitted to the Tang in the seventh century, through an analysis of the tomb inscription of Pugu Yitu, then leader of the Pugu, and an army general and court official of the Tang.
High frequency of Depressive Disorders and Suicidal Phenomena in Late-Stage Parkinson´s Disease – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chendo Inês , Fabbri Margherita , Godinho Catarina , Simões Rita Moiron , Sousa Catarina Severiano , Coelho Miguel , Voon Valerie , Ferreira Joaquim J. 
Published: October 2022

Background Depressive disorders (DD) are widely recognized as one of the most frequent neuropsychiatric disorders in Parkinson´s disease. Patients with late-stage Parkinson´s disease (LSPD) continue to be a neglected population, and little is known about DD frequency in LSPD. Objectives To determine the frequency of DD in LSPD patients through a clinical diagnostic interview (CDI) and according to diagnostic DSM- 5 criteria. Secondary objectives were to determine the predictive ability of depressive scales to detect DD, to identify potential predictors of DD in LSPD and, to evaluate suicidal phenomena in LSPD. Methods A cross-sectional study including LSPD patients (≥7 years from symptom onset and Hoehn and Yahr scale score >3 or a Schwab and England scale score <50% in the ON condition) was conducted. Patients were subjected to psychiatric, neurological, and neuropsychological evaluations. Six depression scales were applied. Results 92 LSPD patients were included. 59.78% of LSPD patients had a current diagnosis of DD according to CDI, 38.04% patients had a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and 21.72% non-major depressive disorder. Suicidal ideation was present in 36.96% of patients. All applied scales were able to detect depressive disorders. Conclusions More than half of LSPD patients met DD diagnostic criteria and over one-third were diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Overall, the LSPD population seem to have a unique clinical phenotype regarding the frequency and features of DD, whose early identification and treatment could improve the quality of life of patients and caregivers.
A Case of Daratumumab-Induced Significant Decrease in Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies and Remission Induction Before Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation in a Refractory B-ALL Patient
Authors: Li Xin , Zhu Haibo , Sui Tao , Zhao Xingli , Deng Qi 
Published: October 2022

Objective: To explore the method of eliminating donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) in haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT). Methods: We present a refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patient who had strongly positive DSA, but had no human leukocyte antigen–matched donor. Although CD38 expression on leukemia cells was negative, daratumumab combined with etoposide and venetoclax therapy was chosen for her. Results: She achieved a significant decrease in DSA levels and complete remission on the combination therapy with daratumumab. She then received a haplo-SCT from a daughter as a donor and had a successful engraftment of donor stem cell. In haplo-SCT, strongly positive DSA levels, directed against donor HLA antigens, could be significantly reduced by daratumumab therapy before transplantation and successfully bridge subsequent haplo-SCT. Conclusion: Although CD38 expression is negative in leukemia cells, refractory B-ALL patients may still benefit from combination therapy with daratumumab. We need further clinical observation.
Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Hospital Wastewater of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Addae-Nuku Daisy S , Kotey Fleischer CN , Dayie Nicholas TKD , Osei Mary-Magdalene , Tette Edem MA , Debrah Philip , Donkor Eric S 
Published: October 2022

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top 10 public health threats. One approach to tackling the AMR menace could involve expanding the range of AMR surveillance domains to include hospital wastewater (HWW), a domain that has largely been overlooked by researchers. Aim: To evaluate the occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospital wastewater of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). Methodology: This was a longitudinal study involving 288 HWW samples consecutively collected across 12 weeks from the pool of wastewater emanating from 2 critical care units of KBTH—The Child Health Unit and the Maternity Unit—on Mondays and Thursdays, each week. The samples were cultured for bacteria, which were identified using the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) technique and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing via the Kirby-Bauer method. Results: In total, 294 bacteria of 23 different types, all being Gram-negative, were isolated from the 288 samples. The predominant ones were Escherichia coli (30.6%, n = 90), Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.2%, n = 33), Citrobacter freundii (10.9%, n = 32), Alcaligenes faecalis (5.8%, n = 17), and Pseudomonas mendocina (5.4%, n = 16). The prevalence of multidrug resistance among the isolates was 55.4% (n = 163). Moreover, the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers was 15.6% (n = 46). E. coli accounted for the most ESBL-producing organisms (28.9%, n = 26). Conclusion: The wastewater generated by the Maternity and Child Health Units of KBTH harbored a wide range of multidrug resistant bacteria, with a good proportion of these being ESBL producers, and the predominant one being E. coli. The study thus identifies the wastewater of KBTH as an important source of multidrug resistant organisms, and underscores the significance of appropriate treatment of wastewater of the hospital and other clinical, and related settings prior to its discharge.
Cladribine and pregnancy in women with multiple sclerosis: The first cohort study
Authors: Dost-Kovalsky Karen , Thiel Sandra , Ciplea Andrea I , Gold Ralf , Hellwig Kerstin 
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cladribine use, in the last 6 months prior (56.4%) to or after (43.6%) the last menstrual period in a population of women with multiple sclerosis, on pregnancy outcomes and relapse rate during pregnancy and postpartum. Data were collected in regular interviews. Of 39 pregnancies, 27 babies have been born so far and one major congenital malformation occurred. Disease control was excellent among the cohort both during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with only one relapse recorded in each time period. Although most newborns are healthy, reinforced counselling on effective contraception 6 months after last cladribine dosing is necessary. Background: As cladribine is contraindicated in pregnancy, data to pregnancy outcomes and disease control are scarce. Objective: To investigate the effects of Cladribine use, in the last 6 months prior (56.4%) to or after (43.6%) the last menstrual period in a population of women with multiple sclerosis, on pregnancy outcomes and relapse rate during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: Data were collected prospectively in regular telephone interviews. Results: Of 39 pregnancies, 27 babies have been born so far and one major congenital malformation occurred. Disease control was excellent among the cohort both during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with only one relapse recorded in each time period. Conclusions: Although most newborns are healthy, reinforced councelling on effective contraception 6 months after the last cladribine dosing is necessary.