bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound in evaluating cerebral blood flow abnormalities in major depressive disorder
Authors: Gong Kailin , Li Yuting , Rong Junfei , Song Jiajia , Ren Fangfang
Published: October 2024

Previous research has shown that blood flow abnormalities affect major depressive disorder (MDD) from multiple perspectives. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow velocity parameters and clinical symptom scores (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD] and Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS]) in patients with MDD. We compared the MCA blood flow velocity parameters, including peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV), end-diastolic velocity (MCA-EDV), and mean velocity (MCA-MV), between 50 MDD patients and 50 control subjects. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between these parameters and HAMD and MADRS scores. Hemodynamic parameters such as pulsatility index and resistance index were also compared between the 2 groups. MCA-PSV, MCA-EDV, and MCA-MV were significantly lower in MDD patients compared to the control group, while pulsatility index and resistance index were significantly higher. Correlation analysis revealed that MCA-PSV, MCA-EDV, and MCA-MV were significantly negatively correlated with HAMD and MADRS scores in MDD patients, indicating that cerebral blood flow velocity decreases as depressive symptoms worsen. Furthermore, regression analysis confirmed the negative relationship between blood flow velocity parameters and clinical symptom scores. The results of this study suggest that the reduction in cerebral blood flow velocity in MDD patients may be associated with the severity of depressive symptoms. This finding provides new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of MDD and offers a potential theoretical basis for developing depression treatment strategies based on cerebral blood flow velocity parameters.
Unexplored topics in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: A review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Hu Qing , Yu Haiyan
Published: October 2024

To conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research published on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and explore the related frontiers and critical issues concerning it, we searched the Web of Science Core Collection for ICP-related publications from the beginning of 2001 until August of 2023. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to evaluate the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of various countries and regions, institutes and so on to identify new frontiers and currently exciting topics. Our bibliometric analysis scrutinized 933 articles from 59 countries/regions. China has generated the largest number of publications (31.6% of the total), whereas Germany ranked first when it came to citations per publication. The Imperial College London ranked first with respect to publication output on ICP and betweenness centrality. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine was the journal with the highest plurality of papers. Authors such as Williamson, Beuers, Ulrich, and Shao were the most influential. Pregnancy, ursodeoxycholic acid, and ICP were principally noted in publications. Cluster analysis of the references that correlated with the 933 publications showed that they clustered into mortality, ABCB11, BSEP, MRP2, bile acid, and intrahepatic cholestasis. ICP is associated with adverse clinical outcomes for both the mother and fetus. This study provides a critical analysis of the current status and future research trends regarding ICP. It can serve as a useful reference, allowing researchers to conduct in-depth investigations into this promising field.
Exploring the mechanism of Danggui Sini Decoction in the treatment of myocardial infarction: A systematic review, network pharmacology, and molecular docking
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Liu Shuang , Zhang Rui , Li Bing
Published: October 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide because of its high morbidity and mortality. Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases. Danggui Sini Decoction (DSD) is widely used clinically for cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanism, main components, and main targets of DSD in treating MI are still unclear. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology and molecular docking for exploration. MI-related genes were examined using the Genecards database, and the active ingredients of DSD were screened based on System Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine by oral bioavailability ≥ 30% and drug-likeness ≥ 0.18. The protein–protein interaction network diagram was generated using the STRING database. The DAVID web platform was used to carry out gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of gene and genome signaling pathway analysis. DSD’s screening study revealed 120 primary active ingredients and 561 putative active target genes. The main therapeutic targets were TP53, EGFR, AKT1, IL6, TNF, STAT3, IL1B, CTNNB1, SRC, MYC, JUN, and INS. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of gene and genome analyses revealed that DSD treatment of MI mainly involves the positive regulation of the ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, positive regulation of cell proliferation, inflammatory responses, aging, and the MAPK cascade, along with other biological processes. The molecular docking results indicate that DSD drugs may interact with AKT1, EGFR, TP53, and TNF through formononetin, isorhamnetin, β-Sitosterol, and kaempferol, potentially contributing to the treatment of MI. By utilizing a multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target mode of action, DSD may have the potential to prevent MI.
The effect of family posture control combined with GAME therapy on motor function in children with severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Xia Jianping , Zhou Yine , Xiao Jing
Published: October 2024

This paper has a purpose to explore the effects of home posture control combined with goal-activity-exercise-environment therapy on motor function in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP). Data of 80 children with severe CP treated from January 2022 to December 2023 were collected. They were divided into experimental group (EG) and control group according to different treatment methods, with 40 people in each group. The controlled group (CG) obtained routine treating means, including occupational therapy, electromyographic biofeedback therapy, and other treatment items. The EG received a combination of home posture control and goal-activity-exercise-environment therapy on the basis of conventional treatment. Meanwhile, parents received professional training to manage their children’s posture and received reinforcement training through goal-activity-exercise-environment therapy. The Gross motor function measure-88, Peabody developmental motor scale-fine motor, pediatric balance scale, Fugl–Meyer assessment and other scales were used to evaluate the motor function, balance ability, daily living activity ability, and developmental level of patients. After 3 months of treatment, the Gross motor function measure-88 scores of these 2 groups were 70.96 ± 18.29 and 57.42 ± 21.41, respectively. The Peabody developmental motor scale-fine motor scores were 76.48 ± 14.42 and 59.77 ± 14.89, respectively. The balance ability index, upper limb motor function index, daily living activity ability, and developmental level of the EG were significantly higher than the CG’s, and the P-values were all <.05. The combination of home posture control and GAME therapy can significantly improve the motor function and daily living activities of children with severe CP. This helps to maintain the normal growth and development of the child, and has certain clinical value.
Exosomal miRNA as biomarker in cancer diagnosis and prognosis: A review
Authors: Zhu Mingliao , Gao Yuan , Zhu Kaijun , Yuan Ying , Bai Haoyang , Meng Liwei
Published: October 2024

Exosomes, which are extracellular vesicles with a diameter ranging from 40 to 160 nm, are abundantly present in various body fluids. Exosomal microRNA (ex-miR), due to its exceptional sensitivity and specificity, has garnered significant attention. Notably, ex-miR is consistently detected in almost all bodily fluids, highlighting its potential as a reliable biomarker. This attribute of ex-miR has piqued considerable interest in its application as a diagnostic tool for the early detection, continuous monitoring, and prognosis evaluation of cancer. Given the critical role of exosomes and their cargo in cancer biology, this review explores the intricate processes of exosome biogenesis and uptake, their multifaceted roles in cancer development and progression, and the potential of ex-miRs as biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis.
Expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in Osteoblast cells exposed to a combination of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and hydroxyapatite (HAp): A prospective observational study
Authors: Bargowo Lambang , Kusumawardhani Banun , Perdana Sonny , Wijaksana I Komang Evan , Saskianti Tania , Ridwan Rini Devijanti , Setijanto Darmawan , Prahasanti Chiquita , Saquib Abullais Shahabe
Published: October 2024

The success of implant placement will depend on the ability of the implant material to integrate with the surrounding tissue. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been used as an implant material, but it has several fallback properties in its interaction with bone tissue. The addition of hydroxyapatite (HAp) to PMMA is expected to produce reinforced bioceramic polymers with better mechanical and biological properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in cultured osteoblasts when exposed to two implant candidate materials: PMMA-HApGMP, derived from bovine bone and processed under Good Manufacturing Practice by a Tissue Bank, and PMMA-HApBBK, sourced from limestone (CaCO3) and processed by Balai Besar Keramik. Twenty-four fetal rat calvariae osteoblast cell cultures were randomly divided into 6 groups: 7- and 14-day control group, 7 and 14 days PMMA-HApGMP group, 7 and 14 days PMMA-HApBBK group. The expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin was seen by immunocytochemical examination. The results showed that the average expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in the treatment group on the 7th and 14th days was higher than the control group. The expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin in the PMMA-HApGMP group increased significantly (P < .05) on day 14. The PMMA-HAp combination material can accelerate the process of osteoblast differentiation which is characterized by an increase in osteopontin and osteocalcin which are markers of bone formation. This will support in increasing osseointegration.
Associations between systemic immune-inflammation index and heart failure: A cross-sectional study
Authors: He Zhenkun , Gao Bizhen , Deng Yuzhou , Wu Juncheng , Hu Xianhui , Qin Zhongxin
Published: October 2024

The detrimental effects of inflammation on cardiovascular health have received a lot of attention. However, the relationship between heart failure (HF) and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has not been demonstrated. The authors sought to learn more about the relationship between HF and SII in US adults. Adults with complete SII and HF information from the 1999 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participated in the current cross-sectional study. The calculation for SII involved multiplying the platelet count by the neutrophil count and then dividing it by the lymphocyte count. The relationship between SII and HF was studied using multivariate logistic regression, sensitivity analysis, and smoothed curve fitting. A total of 49,471 participants were enrolled in the study, and 1625 patients (3.28%) were diagnosed with HF. In the model that took all relevant factors into account, we observed that for every 100-unit increase in SII, there was a 2% higher likelihood of developing HF (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, P < .0016). Furthermore, we discovered L-shaped associations between SII levels and HF. In subgroups stratified by smoking and diabetes, SII was found to be substantially associated with HF (P < .05). Interaction tests revealed that this positive association was not significantly influenced by gender, age, body mass index, smoking status, diabetes, or hypertension (all P for interaction > 0.05). In US adults, SII and HF had a positive association. Our study suggests that SII may be a convenient and readily available marker for identifying HF.
Causal association between hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea: A bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Lu Ning , Chen Bi , Liu Pingli , Wang Cuocuo , Lu Zhaojun , Li Shengli
Published: October 2024

Although previous epidemiological studies have investigated the correlation between hypothyroidism and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the results are controversial and conflicting. Therefore, we used a bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to infer the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and OSA. We performed a bidirectional 2-sample MR analysis to infer the causal relationship between hypothyroidism and OSA using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The hypothyroidism dataset was obtained from GWAS of the IEU database (https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). The GWAS dataset associated with OSA was obtained from the FinnGen Biobank (https://www.finngen.fi/en). MR results were estimated using the inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and leave-one-out tests. Scatter plots, forest plots, funnel plots, and leave-one-out plots were used as visualizations of MR results. According to the inverse variance weighted method, forward MR analysis showed that hypothyroidism was significantly associated with OSA (odds ratio, 1.870 [95% confidence interval, 1.055–3.315]; P = .032). There was no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between OSA and the risk of hypothyroidism in reverse MR analysis (P = .881). Furthermore, sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robust results. Our bidirectional 2-sample MR analysis revealed that hypothyroidism could increase the risk of developing OSA but did not provide evidence to support a causal relationship of OSA on hypothyroidism. Thus, patients with hypothyroidism should strengthen their sleep quality monitoring, and further research is needed to understand the role of hypothyroidism effects on OSA.
Parental Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A systematic review
Authors: Alshahrani Najim Z. , Alshahrani Jaber Abdullah , Almushari Badur Saad , Alshammri Fahad Marzooq , Alshahrani Wael Saeed , Alzabali Ahmed Ayed Hadi , Alshehri Abdulrahman Ahmed , Alduaydi Nasser Z. , Alqarni Manea , Alamri Ammar Mohammed A. , Alotaibi Khalid
Published: October 2024

Background:

This systematic review aims to synthesize existing research on parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Methods:

Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to HPV vaccination in 6 GCC countries. A comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases (Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed) was conducted, focusing on studies published between January 2010 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies in English or Arabic involving parents in GCC countries, excluding non-research publications and those not using survey techniques.

Results:

The review included 7 studies from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. No study was found in Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The findings highlighted low knowledge and awareness of HPV and the vaccine, with significant variation across studies. According to our review findings, the level of awareness in the 7 studies was found to be low to high. These studies collectively illustrate a range of awareness levels, from as low as 11% awareness of the HPV-cervical cancer link to as high as 68% general awareness of HPV. Attitudes towards vaccination were poor in Saudi Arabia but more positive in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Major barriers included safety concerns, lack of information, and cultural beliefs.

Conclusion:

Despite moderate awareness in some GCC countries, substantial knowledge gaps and vaccine hesitancy persist. Targeted educational campaigns, effective communication strategies, and involvement of community leaders are essential to improve HPV vaccination uptake.
Research progress on correlative prediction factors and prediction models of endometriosis associated ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jing , Ma Yu , Jiang Wen , Xie Ping
Published: October 2024

Background:

Endometriosis is a common benign disease in women of childbearing age, with a malignant change rate of about 1%. Endometriosis associated ovarian cancer (EAOC), which usually occurs in the ovaries, is a serious threat to women’s health. Early identification of high-risk groups of EMs malignant transformation is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of EAOC. However, there is still a lack of specific and sensitive prediction factors. In recent years, scholars at home and abroad have used traditional statistical methods and machine learning to explore EAOC related prediction factors and prediction models. This paper mainly reviews and evaluates the diagnosis and prediction model of EAOC.

Methods:

Studies were identified by searching the CNKI, PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection, (WOSCC) till 2023, Data which met the inclusion criteria of clinical studies were evaluated about the quality. This paper analyzes and summarizes the prediction factors and prediction models in the literature.

Results:

After screening, 7 relevant studies were finally obtained. Prediction factors included: age, menstruation, menopausal status, course of disease, infertility associated with endometriosis, history of single estrogen use during menopause, serological indexes: human epididymis protein 4, carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125), ovarian malignancy risk algorithm, indications for ultrasound examination: cyst shape, structure and blood flow signal, etc. Prediction models: Alignment diagram, Multivariate logistic regression model, Gail model, Gradient Boosting Decision Tree and Lasso-logistics regression.

Conclusion:

Related models were in good agreement with the actual situation, and have good sensitivity and specificity. The relevant prediction factors and prediction models were summarized to provide reference and new thinking for the research of prediction models in the field of EAOC, in order to develop standardized long-term management strategies for high-risk groups of EAOC and realize the advance of the diagnosis threshold of patients with EAOC.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy for refractory’ Crohn disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Serrano-Fernandez Victor , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , Arroyo-Rodriguez Almudena , Lopez-Gonzalez Angel , Rabanales-Sotos Joseba , Laredo-Aguilera Jose Alberto
Published: October 2024

Background:

Despite the availability of numerous treatments for Crohn disease, there are patients who do not respond to any therapy, thereby diminishing their quality of life. The aim of this review is to analyze the efficacy and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation therapy for refractory Crohn disease.

Methods:

This work is a systematic review with meta-analysis conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials were consulted. The searches were carried out in August 2024. To evaluate the efficacy of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in inducing remission, the mean and standard deviation of the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index pre- and post- treatment were used, and a fixed-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Additionally, to assess the efficacy in perianal fistulas, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed, collecting data on the number of subjects with fistulas at the beginning and end of the intervention. All 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and the I
2 statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the outcome variables.

Results:

A total of 609 records were identified from databases, with 12 studies selected for inclusion in the review. Immediate intervention proved effective in inducing a decrease in the Crohn Disease Activity Index compared to late intervention with conventional therapies. Moreover, the meta-analysis demonstrated efficacy for Crohn disease and associated fistulas with a mean decrease in the CDAI of −217.53 ± 14.3. When evaluating the efficacy of the procedure in perianal fistulas, a risk ratio of 0.47 with a 95% CI of [0.26, 0.86] was obtained. However, the procedure showed adverse effects, such as infections, acute renal failure or deaths.

Conclusion:

Systemic autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has shown efficacy in patients who fail to achieve remission of their Crohn disease with conventional therapies. This procedure has also demonstrated efficacy in treating perianal fistulas. However, it is essential to carefully evaluate de implementation of this procedure due to the associated risks.
Identification of a novel TSC1 variant in a family with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhai Jin-Xia , Chen Yong-Jun
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous syndrome resulting from mutations in the tumor suppressor genes TSC1 and TSC2. Unfortunately, the absence of accurate diagnosis has significantly impacted the well-being of both patients and their families. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of numerous variants remains unverified, which could potentially result in misinterpretation of their functional implications.

Patient concerns:

Proband 1 was a 33-year-old Chinese male, this patient presents with hamartomas in multiple organ systems, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and lipid adenoma. The patient and their family members used targeted next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing to identify the pathogenic variant.

Diagnoses:

The TSC1 (c.2923G>T, c.2924C>T) variant was identified and the patient was diagnosed with TSC disease.

Interventions:

After the definite diagnosis, the patient was treated with valproic acid, oxcarbazepine, and various organ supports.

Outcomes:

At present, the patient has intellectual decline, multiple sebaceous adenomas, multiple fiber nodules on the back, palpable mass in the right subcostal and middle upper abdomen, and percussion pain in the right kidney area, 1 to 2 times a month seizure, poor intelligence than peers.

Lessons:

This finding strengthens the significant phenotypic variability associated with TSC and expands the mutational spectrum of this rare disease.
Association between dietary vitamin K and telomere length: Based on NHANES 2001 to 2002
Authors: Dai Heng , Chen Ziyi
Published: October 2024

As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, vitamin K has the potential to reduce telomere attrition. However, the correlation between dietary vitamin K and telomere length (TL) has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the association between these 2 variables. This study included 3754 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002 database. We used multivariate linear regression and restricted cubic splines to assess the relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and TL. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were utilized to examine the stability of the results. After adjusting for all variables, each unit increase in daily dietary intake of vitamin K lengthened telomeres by 0.22 base pairs (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.36, P = .001). Individuals with the highest dietary vitamin K intake had significantly longer TL (β = 80.27, 95% CI: 20.83–139.71, P = .008). Subgroup analyses suggested that this association persisted in populations stratified by gender, age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), body mass index and total energy intake (P for interaction > .05). A linear relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and TL was observed in restricted cubic splines (P for nonlinear = .554). In conclusion, our findings suggest that dietary vitamin K intake is positively associated with TL, providing recent evidence to guide the management of healthy diets.
Acupuncture combined with opioid for treatment of lung cancer-related pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia Liting , Wang Keyi , Chen Shuquan
Published: October 2024

Background:

Many individuals diagnosed with lung cancer suffer from tremendous pain, and it is crucial to implement more effective measures to assist these patients in alleviating their pain. The present study utilizes a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture combined with opioids for treating lung cancer-related pain in patients.

Methods:

We have searched 8 electronic databases: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Database, and SinoMed. We included all randomized controlled trials of acupuncture combined with opioids for lung cancer-related pain in adults. We observed the main outcome indicators, including pain relief rates, numeric rating scale scores, and adverse events. Two researchers independently conducted literature screening, literature data extraction, and assessment of bias risk in the literature quality. Any disagreements were resolved through discussions between the 2 researchers or consultations with a third researcher. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the revised risk of bias assessment tool. The overall quality of evidence for each outcome was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

Results:

We retrieved 812 lung cancer patients from 11 trials. The study showed that compared to opioids alone, the combination of acupuncture and opioids significantly reduced numeric rating scale scores, increased pain relief rates, and decreased the occurrence of side effects.

Conclusion:

The current evidence indicates that combining acupuncture with opioid analgesics is superior to using opioid analgesics alone for managing lung cancer-related pain. Additionally, this combination therapy has fewer adverse reactions.
A case series: Three cases of Morvan’s syndrome as a rare autoimmune disorder with anti-Caspr2 antibody
Authors: Ma Dan , Xiang Qiong , Mo Zhengbo , Du Qilian , Tang Yanqing , Mei Shasha , Song Enfeng
Published: October 2024

Rationale:

Morvan syndrome (MoS) is an uncommon male-dominant autoimmune disorder marked by peripherally innervated hyperexcitability, autonomic disturbances, and encephalopathic encephalopathy, frequently with mass complaints manifesting as neuromyotonia (involuntary jerking, twitching, and stiffening of muscles), myotonia, neuropathic pain, hyperhidrosis, severe constipation, and severe sleep disturbances accompanied by dream reenactments, agrypnia agitation, and delusions, associated with autoantibodies to voltage-gated and potassium channel complexes such as anti-contactin–associated protein-like 2 (Caspr2) antibody. All this misery can be very disabling and even life-threatening. Reported cases show an unforeseeable outcome, with fatalities occurring even in those who initially responded. It has been reported that patients have reacted to immunologic therapies—corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasma exchanges, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, or carbamazepine, gabapentin, and clonazepam. However, no long-term effective cure has yet been found for this condition. Clinicians and researchers increasingly emphasize alternative and complementary medicine, with a growing trend toward traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Patient concerns:

Following glucocorticoid therapy, all 3 patients experienced a recurrence of the disease. Patients 1 and 2 observed symptomatic relief after intravenous immunoglobulin administration; however, upon discontinuation of the treatment, their conditions relapsed and worsened compared with the previous state.

Diagnoses:

The 3 patients were definitively diagnosed with serum Caspr2-positive MoS, accompanied by a constellation of neurological manifestations.

Interventions:

The 3 patients were treated under the guidance of TCM theory. According to the principles of TCM, the patients were characterized by the deficiency of Yin, so the prescriptions were as follows: Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined with Sanjia-Fumai decoction.

Outcomes:

After the application of TCM, there was a reversal of neuropsychiatric manifestations such as unintentional rippling, jerking, muscle stiffness, myokymia, hyperhidrosis, and extreme constipation. Patients’ quality of life improved significantly; to date, they have achieved Karnofsky Performance Status scores of 100, and the anti-Caspr2 antibody result in case 2 dropped from 1:32 to normal.

Lessons:

We first report the effective treatment of the MoS case series with TCM as complementary and alternative medicine.
Identification and validation of core genes associated with polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Ling Shaohua , Huang Liying , Lia Thongher , Xie Delong , Qin Xiao , Tian Chun , Qin Li
Published: October 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, affecting reproductive health, and increasing the incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the most common metabolic disorder. Although clinical studies have shown a close association between PCOS and MetS, the molecular mechanisms are unknown. In this study, datasets of PCOS and MetS were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database; differential expression analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed; and gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses also performed of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The PCOS- and MetS-coexpressed DEGs were subsequently intersected with the coexpressed genes in the WGCNA module to obtain the core genes. By constructing receiver operating characteristic curves, we verified the predictive effects of the core genes. We also validated the expression of the core genes in the datasets. Finally, we verified the expression of the core genes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in human follicular fluid granulosa cells. In addition, we used Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts to analyze the immune infiltration of immune cells in PCOS and MetS. Finally, we obtained 52 coexpressed DEGs of PCOS and MetS and 3 coexpressed genes in the WGCNA module. By taking the intersection of coexpressed DEGs and coexpressed genes of the WGCNA module, we get ELOVL fatty acid elongase 7 (ELOVL7) as the core gene. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that ELOVL7 is a reliable biological marker for PCOS and MetS. The expression level of ELOVL7 in human follicular fluid granulosa cells from PCOS patients was significantly higher than that of controls, as verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. This study provides the first evidence of the role of ELOVL7 in developing PCOS and MetS. This gene may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for both conditions.
Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication: A large-scale, real-world study
Authors: Zhou Jihai , Jia Li , Liu Zhu , Zhao Wenen , Liu Lifeng , Chen Xin , Gao Fengyu
Published: October 2024

Vonoprazan (VPZ) has been shown to have superior acid-inhibitory effects compared to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). However, there is a paucity of research examining the efficacy of vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy (VBQT) in the eradication of primary Helicobacter pylori infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VBQT as a first-line treatment for H pylori eradication. This retrospective, real-world, single-arm study included consecutive treatment-naive patients who received VBQT (VPZ 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg, all administered twice daily for 14 days) for H pylori eradication between March 1, 2021, and May 30, 2023. The study included both outpatients and inpatients. Eradication rates were assessed using 13C-urea breath tests or 14C-urea breath tests performed 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. The primary outcomes included eradication rates, adverse events, and treatment compliance. A total of 612 H pylori-infected patients were included in the study. The intention-to-treat (ITT), modified ITT (MITT), and per-protocol analyses showed H pylori eradication rates of 84.3% (95% CI: 812% to 87.1%), 95.9% (95% CI: 93.9% to 97.4%), and 96.4% (95% CI: 94.4% to 97.8%), respectively. In the ITT analysis, the adverse event rate was 12.7%, and the treatment compliance rate was 96.9%. In real-world practice, the VBQT regimen demonstrates excellent efficacy and favorable tolerability as a first-line therapy for H pylori eradication.
Quantifying Parental Perceptions of Their Experiences With Their Young Children’s Use of Power Mobility Devices
Authors: Aldrich Naomi J. , Kenyon Lisa K. , Lambert Rachel , Marsman Kristen , Vasseur Malorie , Sloane Bethany , Logan Samuel W. , Feldner Heather A.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

To quantify and explore parental perceptions of their experiences with their child’s use of the Explorer Mini (EM) and a modified ride-on car (mROC) in young children with cerebral palsy.

Method:

Data were gathered throughout a multisite, randomized, counterbalanced AB crossover 16-week clinical trial, wherein all participants used device A (EM) and device B (mROC) for 8-weeks each. Semistructured parent interviews were conducted at baseline (T0), post-intervention period 1 (T1), and post-intervention period 2 (T2). The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program was used to objectively analyze the transcribed interviews.

Results:

Twenty-four child-parent dyads participated in the study. Parental perceptions were related to children’s gross motor abilities, cognitive development scores, and device use order (EM-mROC or mROC-EM).

Conclusions:

Parents were positive about a potential means of helping their children. While most preferred the EM, opinions were contingent on the PM device, device use order, and child-centered factors.
Feasibility of a Home-Based Developmental Behavioral Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Underserved Taiwanese Families
Authors: Cheong Pou-Leng , Wu Yen-Tzu , Lin Chia-Wei , Huang Fang-Yi , Pan Yi-Ling , Kuo Hsiao-I , Sun Jia-Ling , Huang Cheng-Yi
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the home-based parent- mediated intervention Naturalistic developmental behavioral intervention (HB-NDBI) in underserved Taiwanese families of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and explore its effects on children’s developmental skills and parents’ parenting stress.

Method:

24 underserved Taiwanese families of children with ASD (mean age = 46.5 months) received 12-week HB-NDBI programs. Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS-2), Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/1.5-5), and Parenting Stress Index (PSI) were administered before and after the HB-NDBI programs.

Results:

Following the HB-NDBI programs, significant improvements in social cognition, social communication subscales, receptive language subscale, internalizing, externalizing, and total behavioral problems scales of children, and release of parenting stress were observed.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated the feasibility of home-based parent-mediated intervention for underserved families in Taiwan. These promising results might facilitate the development of such interventions for underserved families.
High-Intensity Gait Training Intervention for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Case Series
Authors: Sanjiv Megha , Bloyer Martha H. , Gimenez Cheryl , Moore James G.
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this pilot case series was to describe participation in high-intensity gait training (HIGT) and changes in (1) gait speed/endurance, (2) aerobic capacity, and (3) walking ability in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods:

Three children with CP participated in HIGT for 5weeks in lieu of their routine physical therapy. Outcome measures were collected at baseline and post-intervention.

Results:

Post-intervention, all had at or above the minimal clinically important difference for 10-m walk test speed and 6-minute walk test distance. Two participants performed above the minimal clinically important difference in 7.5-m shuttle run test level and Gross Motor Function Measure—88 Dimension E score.

Conclusion:

This case series demonstrates short-term improvements in the walking outcome measures with participation in HIGT. Further research is needed with a larger and more diverse randomized controlled trial to determine parameters and long-term effects of HIGT in this population.
Assessment of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program for Enhancing Clinical Knowledge in Neonatal Care Settings With High Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Iqbal Faiza , Siva N. , Lewis Leslie Edward S. , Purkayastha Jayashree , Bharadwaj Shruthi K. , Nayak Baby S. , Shenoy Padmaja A. , Ranjan Deepshri , Vandana K. E.
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem, which is particularly challenging in developing countries like India. This study attempts to determine the competencies of health care professionals and to update evidence-based policies to address AMR.

Method:

A survey-based educational interventional study was conducted using a validated structured survey and knowledge questionnaire under 3 domains through an antimicrobial stewardship program. Pooled data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.

Results:

Out of 58 participants, 53 (91%) have observed an increasing trend of multidrug-resistant infections over the last 5 years. There is a significant difference between the overall pretest mean scores (8.12 ± 2.10) and posttest mean scores (12.5 ± 1.49) of clinicians’ knowledge with a mean difference of 4.38 ± 0.61, 95% CI of 5.003-3.92, t
(57) = 16.62, P < .001).

Discussion:

The antimicrobial stewardship program was effective in improving the competencies of clinical physicians to improve antimicrobial prescribing and reduce AMR. Moreover, improving the knowledge and competencies among health care professionals will minimize neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Potential Reinforcement of Health Misconceptions in YouTube Videos: Example of Elbow Enthesopathy (Tennis Elbow)
Authors: Zaidi Zohair , Goyal Ria , Ring David , Fatehi Amirreza
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives:

We evaluated the prevalence of potential reinforcement of common unhealthy misinterpretations of bodily sensations in social media (YouTube videos) addressing elbow enthesopathy (eECRB, enthesopathy of the extensor carpi radialis brevis, tennis elbow).

Methods:

We recorded video metric data on 139 unique YouTube videos when searching “lateral epicondylitis” and “tennis elbow.” We designed a rubric to assess the level of potential reinforcement of unhelpful thinking in videos about eECRB. Informational quality was scored with an adapted version of the DISCERN instrument. We then assessed the factors associated with these scores.

Results:

Sixty-five percent (91 of 139) of videos contained information reinforcing at least one common misconception regarding eECRB. Potential reinforcement of misconceptions was associated with longer video duration, higher likes per day, and higher likes per view. No factors were associated with information quality scores.

Conclusions:

These findings of a high prevalence of potential reinforcement of misconceptions in YouTube videos, in combination with the known associations of misconceptions with greater discomfort and incapability, point to the potential of such videos to harm health. Producers of patient facing health material can add avoidance of reinforcement of unhelpful thinking along with readability, accuracy, and relevance as a guiding principle.
Rare Combination of Congenital Microtia and Limb Malformations: Analysis of Etiology and Treatment
Authors: Gao Dejin , Luo Pan , Guo Rui , He Bei , Liu Tun , Wang Bingqing , Zhang Qingguo
Published: October 2024

Congenital microtia is the second most common congenital craniofacial deformity, and limb malformation is the most common birth defect. The combination of the 2 deformities is rare. In this study, the authors present 3 cases with a rare combination of congenital microtia and limb malformations and analyze the etiology and treatment of the malformations. There may be genetic homology between these two malformations, and they can be associated with abnormal ectodermal migration.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—case study.
More social species live longer, have longer generation times and longer reproductive windows
Authors: Salguero-Gómez Roberto
Published: October 2024

The role of sociality in the demography of animals has become an intense focus of research in recent decades. However, efforts to understand the sociality–demography nexus have hitherto focused on single species or isolated taxonomic groups. Consequently, we lack generality regarding how sociality associates with demographic traits within the Animal Kingdom. Here, I propose a continuum of sociality, from solitary to tightly social, and test whether this continuum correlates with the key demographic properties of 152 species, from jellyfish to humans. After correction for body mass and phylogenetic relationships, I show that the sociality continuum is associated with key life history traits: more social species live longer, postpone maturity, have longer generation time and greater probability of achieving reproduction than solitary, gregarious, communal or colonial species. Contrary to the social buffering hypothesis, sociality does not result in more buffered populations. While more social species have a lower ability to benefit from disturbances, they display greater resistance than more solitary species. Finally, I also show that sociality does not shape reproductive or actuarial senescence rates. This cross-taxonomic examination of sociality across the demography of 13 taxonomic classes highlights key ways in which individual interactions shape most aspects of animal demography.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Understanding age and society using natural populations’.
Social ageing and higher-order interactions: social selectiveness can enhance older individuals’ capacity to transmit knowledge
Authors: Hasenjager Matthew J. , Fefferman Nina H.
Published: October 2024

In long-lived organisms, experience can accumulate with age, such that older individuals may act as repositories of ecological and social knowledge. Such knowledge is often beneficial and can spread via social transmission, leading to the expectation that ageing individuals will remain socially well-integrated. However, social ageing involves multiple processes that modulate the relationship between age and social connectivity in complex ways. We developed a generative model to explore how social ageing may drive changes in social network position and shape older individuals’ capacity to transmit knowledge to others. We further employ novel hypernetwork analyses that capture higher-order interactions (i.e. involving ≥ 3 participants) to reveal potential relationships between age and sociality that conventional dyadic networks may overlook. We find that older individuals in our simulations effectively facilitate transmission across a range of scenarios, especially when transmission resembles a complex contagion or when social selectivity (i.e. prioritization of key relationships) rapidly emerges with age. These patterns result from the formation of tight-knit sets of older associates that co-occur in multiple groups, thereby reinforcing one another’s capacity to transmit knowledge. Our findings suggest key avenues for future empirical work and illustrate the use of hypernetworks in advancing the study of social behaviour.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Understanding age and society using natural populations’.
The ecology of ageing in wild societies: linking age structure and social behaviour
Authors: Woodman Joe P. , Gokcekus Samin , Beck Kristina B. , Green Jonathan P. , Nussey Dan H. , Firth Josh A.
Published: October 2024

The age of individuals has consequences not only for their fitness and behaviour but also for the functioning of the groups they form. Because social behaviour often changes with age, population age structure is expected to shape the social organization, the social environments individuals experience and the operation of social processes within populations. Although research has explored changes in individual social behaviour with age, particularly in controlled settings, there is limited understanding of how age structure governs sociality in wild populations. Here, we synthesize previous research into age-related effects on social processes in natural populations, and discuss the links between age structure, sociality and ecology, specifically focusing on how population age structure might influence social structure and functioning. We highlight the potential for using empirical data from natural populations in combination with social network approaches to uncover pathways linking individual social ageing, population age structure and societal functioning. We discuss the broader implications of these insights for understanding the social impacts of anthropogenic effects on animal population demography and for building a deeper understanding of societal ageing in general.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Understanding age and society using natural populations’.
Linking energy availability, movement and sociality in a wild primate (
Papio ursinus
)
Authors: Fürtbauer Ines , Shergold Chloe , Christensen Charlotte , Bracken Anna M. , Heistermann Michael , Papadopoulou Marina , O'Riain M. Justin , King Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

Proximate mechanisms of ‘social ageing’, i.e. shifts in social activity and narrowing of social networks, are understudied. It is proposed that energetic deficiencies (which are often seen in older individuals) may restrict movement and, in turn, sociality, but empirical tests of these intermediary mechanisms are lacking. Here, we study wild chacma baboons (
Papio ursinus
), combining measures of faecal triiodothyronine (fT3), a non-invasive proxy for energy availability, high-resolution GPS data (movement and social proximity) and accelerometry (social grooming durations). Higher (individual mean-centred) fT3 was associated with increased residency time (i.e. remaining in the same area longer), which, in turn, was positively related to social opportunities (i.e. close physical proximity). Individuals with more frequent social opportunities received more grooming, whereas for grooming given, fT3 moderated this effect, suggesting an energetic cost of giving grooming. While our results support the spirit of the energetic deficiencies hypothesis, the directionality of the relationship between energy availability and movement is unexpected and suggests that lower-energy individuals may use strategies to reduce the costs of intermittent locomotion. Thus, future work should consider whether age-related declines in sociality may be a by-product of a strategy to conserve energy.

This article is part of the discussion meeting issue ‘Understanding age and society using natural populations’.