bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity syndrome caused by Streptococcus intermedius meningoencephalitis in children: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Qiuling , Zhou Ruoyi , Zhang Yean , Li Jie , Yu Feng 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and importanceParoxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH) syndrome often occurs with severe traumatic brain injury. However, it can also occur during infections, such as severe bacterial meningoencephalitis in children. Streptococcus intermedius is an aggressive, virulent, opportunistic pathogen. This species can cause meningoencephalitis in children, as reported in a few cases.Case informationA five-year-old boy with no relevant past medical history was admitted to a hospital because of a fever and progressive disturbance of consciousness. His head computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging revealed extensive brain damage and an intraventricular abscess. A next-generation sequencing technology test performed on his cerebrospinal fluid revealed that the child's meningoencephalitis was caused by S. intermedius. During treatment, the child had clinical manifestations such as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, diaphoresis, and hypertension. Changes in muscle tone and abnormal posture, which were misdiagnosed as epilepsy at the early treatment stage, were also observed; however, anti-epileptic treatment was ineffective. The child was diagnosed with PSH and received the appropriate treatment, and his symptoms eventually improved.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first case report on PSH induced by S. intermedius meningoencephalitis. Early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of PSH are crucial.
Bibliometric analysis of nanotechnology in spinal cord injury: current status and emerging frontiers
Authors: Gu XiaoPeng , Zhang SongOu , Ma WeiHu 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the impact of nanotechnology on the treatment and recovery of spinal cord injury (SCI), a condition that has profound global effects on physical and psychological health.MethodsWe utilized the Web of Science Core Collection to obtain bibliometric data. With the tools such as VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we conducted a comprehensive review of 422 relevant publications to identify research trends and influential works in the field of nanotechnology applied to SCI.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant contributions from both China, Sweden and the United States, and pinpointed inflammation, apoptosis, and nano-drug delivery as the primary areas of focus in current research, with emerging trends evident in recent literature.ConclusionNanotechnology hold great potential to revolutionize the treatment of SCI through targeted therapeutics and modulation of pathological processes. This study provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of SCI research, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Exploratory review on the effect of Astragalus mongholicus on signaling pathways
Authors: Xu Lou Inmaculada , Yu Xinyi , Chen Qilan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAstragalus mongholicus Bunge [Fabaceae; Astragali radix] (AM), a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) botanical drug, has been used for centuries and is gaining growing recognition in medical research for its therapeutic potential. The currently accepted scientific name is Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, with Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge recognized as a taxonomic synonym. This review explores the most relevant scientific studies on AM, focusing on its chemical composition, mechanisms of action, and associated health benefits.Main bodyAM is commonly used in clinical practice to treat diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, oncological processes, lipid metabolism disorders, and ulcerative colitis. Recent research has investigated its potential as a product for anti-aging purposes. These therapeutic effects are attributed to the interactions of bioactive metabolites such as Astragaloside IV, Formononetin, and polysaccharides, with various signaling pathways, leading to the activation or inhibition of gene expression. This review aims to map the signaling pathways affected by these metabolites and their effects on different pathologies. Studies suggest that these metabolites act on signaling pathways such as TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, RNA expression, and tumor receptors. However, further research is necessary to validate the findings in human trials with better methodological quality.ConclusionAM is rich in bioactive metabolites that interact with various signaling pathways, modulating diseases such as diabetes mellitus type 2, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, lipid metabolism disorders, and ulcerative colitis. Although promising, the majority of the studies are conducted in vitro and animal models, and more rigorous human trials are needed to determine the therapeutic potential of AM.
Safety of ACEI/ARB use in the early (<3 months) post kidney transplant period: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Dahai , Li Jin , Zeng Guanglan , Tang Maozhi 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundData about the safety of ACEI/ARB use in early (&lt;3 months) posttransplant period are restricted and remain controversial.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis included searches of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to 31 November 2023, for studies to compare the safety (transplant outcomes and postoperative complications) of ACEI/ARB with non-ACEI/ARB (other antihypertensive medications) initiation in early post kidney transplant period.ResultsOf 1,247 citations identified, 13 eligible studies involving 1919 patients were enrolled for analyses. In short- or long-term observations, there were no differences on pooled serum creatinine between ACEI/ARB and non-ACEI/ARB groups whether initiated within 1 or 1–3 months posttransplant, however, initiation of ACEI/ARB within the first month posttransplant had an advantage effect on the mean creatinine clearance. Early initiation of ACEI/ARB posttransplant reduced the risks of patient death (RR 0.60, p = 0.009) and graft loss (RR 0.54, p = 0.0002). For postoperative complications, there were no significant differences in acute rejection risk (RR 0.87, p = 0.58), delayed graft function risk (RR 1.00, p = 0.93), hemoglobin level (MD -0.32 mg/Dl, p = 0.46) or urinary protein excretion (MD -0.10 g/24 h, p = 0.16) between two groups. However, the ACEI/ARB group had higher incidence of hyperkalemia (RR 2.43, p = 0.02).ConclusionEarly initiation of ACEI/ARB within 3 months posttransplant proved to be basically safe and has renal function recovery benefits, however, hyperkalemia needs to be noted.
Toward workforce integration: enhancements in adaptive behaviors and social communication skills among autistic young adults following vocational training course
Authors: Lousky Yael , Selanikyo Efrat , Tubul-Lavy Gila , Ben-Itzchak Esther 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCognitively able autistic adults demonstrate low rates of employment due to social and vocational challenges. The current study aimed to examine changes in various areas among autistic young adults who participated in the ‘Roim Rachok’ (‘Looking Ahead’ in Hebrew) Training Course (RRTC). The course prepares young autistic adults for integration into military service as vocational soldiers.MethodsThe study included 49 autistic participants who completed the RRTC in one of three vocational fields: Digital (n = 19), Technical (n = 9), and Visual (n = 21). Evaluations at the beginning and end of the course included adaptive behavior (Adaptive Behavior Assessment Scale 2nd Edition [ABAS-II]), autism symptom severity (Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd Edition [SRS-II]), and communication skills (Faux Pas; Empathy Quotient [EQ]; Friendship Quality Scale; Conversation task based on Yale in vivo Pragmatic Protocol [YiPP]).ResultsThe results revealed a significant Time effect for the self-reported ABAS-II conceptual, social, and practical subdomains, EQ empathy quotient subdomain, Faux Pas, and SRS-II social communication interaction scores. Accordingly, participants reported increasing their adaptive skills, emotional empathy, and the ability to detect and interpret awkward statements, and decreased in their social communication interaction symptoms, following the RRTC. No significant Time x Group interaction was found for any of the examined measures, meaning similar trends were observed in all three vocational groups.ConclusionFollowing the RRTC, participants reported significant improvements in areas essential for their future integration as soldiers in the military and as employees in the vocational world. Implications of the study findings are discussed.
Psychiatric disorders in patients with benign and malignant sinonasal tumors: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhan Guang-Ye , Wang Hui-Fang , Wang Dong-Fang , Wen Yi-Hui , Zhong Hua , Wen Wei-Ping , Li Jian , Peng Liang 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in patients with benign and malignant sinonasal tumors.Materials and methodsPretreatment patients with sinonasal tumors were prospectively recruited on the rhinology ward of a tertiary hospital from July 2021 to March 2022. The electronic questionnaire which contains the rhinological symptom scale, the 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) was filled out by patients at admission. The associations between the scores of symptom/SNOT-22 and psychometric tests were assessed by the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) and simple linear regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the SNOT-22 score in predicting psychiatric disorders.ResultsThirteen patients with benign sinonasal tumors and 15 patients with malignant sinonasal tumors were recruited. The benign and malignant groups did not differ significantly regarding symptomatology and mental wellbeing. Of the total patients, 9 were at risk of depression (PHQ-9 &gt; 4), 10 were at risk of anxiety (GAD-7 &gt; 4), 11 were at risk of insomnia (ISI &gt; 7), and 11 were at risk of SSD (PHQ-15 &gt; 4). The overall symptom, facial pain/pressure, postnasal drip, and SNOT-22 scores were positively associated with scores of psychometric tests. Patients with a high SNOT-22 score (&gt;18) are likely to be affected by comorbid psychiatric disorders. When interpreting the results of this study, it should be noted that screening tools, not diagnostic tools, were used to identify psychiatric risk.ConclusionDepression, anxiety, insomnia, and SSD are prevalent in patients with sinonasal tumors. Otolaryngologists should have a low threshold to ask the patient about psychiatric symptoms, especially for patients with an SNOT-22 score &gt; 18.
Overcoming mental health challenges in higher education: a narrative review
Authors: Hyseni Duraku Zamira , Davis Holly , Arënliu Aliriza , Uka Fitim , Behluli Vigan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundMental health among higher education students is a critical public health concern, with numerous studies documenting its impact on student well-being and academic performance. However, comprehensive research on the factors contributing to mental health deterioration, including barriers to seeking psychological help, remains insufficient. Gathering evidence on this topic is crucial to advancing policies, advocacy, and improving mental health services in higher education.ObjectiveThis review explores the unique challenges faced by vulnerable student groups and highlights the factors influencing student well-being and academic engagement, including those exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The review also addresses barriers to accessing mental health services across various regions and provides evidence-informed recommendations for improving mental health policies and services in higher education, covering both well-researched and underexplored contexts.MethodsThis narrative review synthesizes findings from over 50 studies on mental health in higher education. A targeted search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus for studies published between 2013 and 2023. Data were analyzed through a deductive thematic content analysis approach, focusing on key predetermined themes related to student well-being, barriers to mental health services, and recommendations for policy improvements.ResultsSeveral factors influence the mental health of higher education students, with vulnerable groups—including women, minorities, socioeconomically disadvantaged, international, and first-year students—experiencing higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors that impact students’ well-being and academic performance include academic pressure, financial stress, lack of social support, isolation, trauma, lack of inclusive practices, and pandemic-related stressors. Institutional barriers, inconsistent well-being measures, data-sharing issues, and regulatory limitations hinder students’ access to mental health services, while stigma and lack of trust in mental health professionals impede care.ConclusionImproving mental health strategies in higher education requires enhancing mental health services, addressing socioeconomic inequalities, improving digital literacy, standardizing services, involving youth in service design, and strengthening research and collaboration. Future research should prioritize detailed intervention reports, cost analyses, diverse data integration, and standardized indicators to improve research quality and applicability.
Validation of the Turkish version of the Chronic Stress Scale: assessing social role-related stressors and their impact on psychopathology
Authors: Yapici Eser Hale , Ertuna Defne , Yalcinay-Inan Merve , Kurt Sabitay Imren , Balli Muhammed , Kilciksiz Can Misel , Kucuker Mehmet Utku , Kilic Ozge , Ercan A. Cenk , Guclu Oya , Aydemir Ömer 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionChronic social-role-related stress plays a crucial role in the development and progression of mental and medical disorders, making it an important factor to consider. This study aimed to translate and validate The Chronic Stress Scale (CSS) adapted by Turner for a Turkish population and explore its role in depression, anxiety, and perceived stress.MethodsA total of 524 participants (mean age 31.59 years, 68% women) were recruited from Koç University and Basaksehir Cam Sakura City Hospitals, including 260 from the general population and 264 with depressive or anxiety disorders. The 51-item CSS was translated into Turkish and validated through reliability and validity analyses, including Cronbach’s alpha, exploratory factor analysis, and correlations with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14).ResultsThe Turkish CSS showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.90) and identified 13 dimensions of chronic stress (partner, children, work, loneliness, finances, workload, debt, relationship inoccupancy, family health, residence, family, ex-partner, and others). Dimensions were named based on the content of the items included. Significant correlations were found between CSS and BDI (r = 0.611, p &lt; 0.001), BAI (r = 0.558, p &lt; 0.001), and PSS-14 (r = 0.222, p &lt; 0.001). Discriminant validity revealed significant score differences between clinical and general populations.ConclusionThe Turkish CSS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing chronic social role-related stressors, supporting its use for both research and practice.
Retrospective evaluation of novel serum inflammatory biomarkers in first-episode psychiatric disorders: diagnostic potential and immune dysregulation
Authors: Qiu Min , Zhang Chenkai , Zhang Haiqing , Chen Hao , Lei Yingjia , Li Ping , Zhang Shaochuan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study assessed the diagnostic capabilities of eight inflammatory biomarkers in first-episode schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and depression (D), examining their differential expression across these psychiatric disorders. The markers studied include neutrophils/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), lymphocytes/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (LHR), monocytes/HDL ratio (MHR), neutrophils/HDL ratio (NHR), and platelets/HDL ratio (PHR).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study involving 335 individuals with SCZ, 68 with BD, 202 with D, and 282 healthy controls (C) to evaluate hematologic parameters from untreated patients and controls.ResultsSignificant differences in biomarker levels were found between patient groups and controls. Logistic regression analysis indicated that NHR and MHR (p &lt; 0.001), as well as LHR and NLR (p &lt; 0.01), were predictive factors for SCZ. MHR was a predictive factor for BD (p &lt; 0.05). NHR (p &lt; 0.01) and MHR (p &lt; 0.001) were predictive factors for distinguishing between D and C. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the NHR + MHR + NLR composite index model for the SCZ group was 0.846 (p &lt; 0.001). In the BD group, the AUC value for the MHR was 0.816 (p &lt; 0.001). The D group’s combined AUC value of NHR + MHR was 0.824 (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study highlights the diagnostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in distinguishing SCZ, BD, and D based on their differential expression.
New eye tracking metrics system: the value in early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Raymond Kong , Kwong Kenneth , Liu Kevin , Kong Xue-Jun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundEye tracking (ET) is emerging as a promising early and objective screening method for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but it requires more reliable metrics with enhanced sensitivity and specificity for clinical use.MethodsThis study introduces a suite of novel ET metrics: Area of Interest (AOI) Switch Counts (ASC), Favorable AOI Shifts (FAS) along self-determined pathways, and AOI Vacancy Counts (AVC), applied to toddlers and preschoolers diagnosed with ASD. The correlation between these new ET metrics and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) scores via linear regression and sensitivity and specificity of the cut-off scores were assessed to predict diagnosis.ResultsOur findings indicate significantly lower FAS and ASC and higher AVC (P&lt;0.05) in children with ASD compared to their non-ASD counterparts within this high-risk cohort; the significance was not seen in total fixation time neither pupil size (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, FAS was negatively correlated with ADOS-2 total scores and social affect (SA) subscale (p &lt; 0.05). Among these new ET metrics, AVC yielded the best sensitivity 88-100% and specificity 80-88% with cut off score 0.305-0.306, followed by FAS and ASC to separate ASD from non-ASD for diagnosis.ConclusionsThis study confirms the utility of innovative ET metrics—FAS, AVC, and ASC—which exhibit markedly improved sensitivity and specificity, enhancing ASD screening and diagnostic processes.
Effects of smoking cessation on individuals with COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zihan , Qiu Yifan , Ji Xiang , Dong Liang 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveDespite smoking being a significant risk factor in the occurrence and progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), no comprehensive analysis has been conducted to determine the potential benefits of smoking cessation for patients with established COPD or identify specific indicators that may be improved. The aim of our meta-analysis was to elucidate the positive impact of smoking cessation on COPD.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wan Fang and VIP databases to identify studies that met our eligibility criteria from inception up to 1, May 2024. Data were extracted independently by two authors and pooled using a random-effects model. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).ResultsPreliminary screening of publications gave a total of 13,460 documents after which the repetitive and non-compliant studies were removed. Eventually, 11 studies were included for follow-up analysis. The pooled results showed that cessation of smoking produced significant improvements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)% predicted (MD = 6.72, 95% CI, 4.55–8.89, P &lt; 0.001; I2 = 53%), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) (MD = 6.82, 95% CI, 5.09-8.54, P &lt; 0.001; I2 = 0%), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) (MD = −0.49, 95% CI, −0.95–−0.02, P = 0.040; I2 = 73%), 6-minute walk test (6-MWT) (MD = 64.46, 95% CI 14.60-114.32, P = 0.010; I2 = 94%), partial oxygen pressure (MD = 1.96, 95% CI, 1.03-2.89, P &lt; 0.001; I2 = 0%), mortality (RR = 0.75, 95% CI, 0.56-1.00, P = 0.05; I2 = 44%).ConclusionOur meta-analysis presented suggestive evidence that smoking cessation offered significant benefits to COPD patients, notably in the improvement of specific key indicators of pulmonary function (FEV1% predicted, FEV1/FVC), alleviating symptoms, enhancing exercise tolerance, and could reduce mortality.PROSPERO registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022384123.
Depression in middle-aged and older adults with hearing loss: the use and construction of a nomogram tool
Authors: Liu Qiankun , Zhou Zhongtao , Xu Yang , Pang Jiaxue , Zeng Chunlu , Ma Xiaoqing , Li Pengyao , Li Ma , Huang Juju , Xie Hui 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the influencing factors of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adult patients with hearing loss and to construct a nomogram risk prediction model.MethodsA total of 2,729 middle-aged and older adult patients with hearing loss from the community were selected as the study subjects. Single-factor and multifactorial stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to screen influencing factors. Based on these predictive factors, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The model’s efficacy was validated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and 1,000 bootstrap resamples.ResultsMultifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that age, gender, pain, cognitive abilities, daily living abilities, sleep duration, and self-rated health status are the main influencing factors for depressive symptoms. Based on these factors, the constructed nomogram model demonstrated good calibration (χ2 = 3.367, p = 0.909), with an AUC value of 0.741 (95% CI: 0.723–0.759), and a sensitivity of 0.683, showing good discriminative ability and accuracy.ConclusionThe incidence of depressive symptoms is relatively high among middle-aged and older adult individuals with hearing loss. The model developed in this study can effectively identify middle-aged and older adult patients with hearing loss who are at risk of depressive symptoms. This provides strong empirical support for the early detection, diagnosis, and intervention of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adult patients with hearing loss.