bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A population-based analysis of the global burden of epilepsy across all age groups (1990–2021): utilizing the Global Burden of Disease 2021 data
Authors: Yang Ling-zhi , Guo Yi , Wang Zhi-qiang , Zhang Chen-qi 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the trends in epilepsy prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in all ages, with risk factors for epilepsy - associated death, from 1990 to 2021.MethodsUsing the standardized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) methodologies, we evaluated the burden of epilepsy in 204 countries and regions from 1990 to 2021, aiming to derive a more precise representation of the health burden posed by epilepsy by considering four distinct types of epidemiological data, namely the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and DALYs. The presented data were meticulously estimated and displayed both as numerical counts and as age-standardized rates per 100,000 persons of the population. All estimates were calculated with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI).FindingIn 2021, there were 24,220,856 (95% UI: 18,476,943–30,677,995) patients with epilepsy, with an age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of 307.38 per 100,000 persons (95% UI: 234.71–389.02) and an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 42.821 per 100,000 persons (95% UI: 31.24–53.72).The global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of epilepsy was 1.74 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1.46–1.92); The age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR) were 177.85 per 100,000 population (95% UI: 137.66–225.90); 154.25 per 100,000 population for females [114.73–201.76], and 201.29 per 100,000 population for males [157.93–252.74]. All of the ASPR, ASIR, ASMR and ASDR of males were higher than those of females, and the ASIR of epilepsy was the highest in children aged 0–14, at 61.00(95% UI: 39.09–86.21), while the older adult group aged 70+ has the highest ASMR of 5.67(95% UI: 4.76–6.18). From 1990 to 2021, the number of epilepsy-related deaths and DALYs both decreased. However, the ASPR of epilepsy increased by about 6.9% (95% UI: −0.10–0.26), and the ASIR increased by almost 12% (95% UI: 0.05–0.33). The trends in ASPR, ASIR, ASMR and ASDR exhibited notable variations across different regions.ConclusionEpilepsy is an increasing global health challenge with rising prevalence and incidence. Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that despite the global decline in deaths and DALYs, Epilepsy remains an important cause of disability and death, especially in low SDI regions. An improved understanding of the epidemiology of epilepsy may potentially have considerable benefits in reducing the global burden of epilepsy, by aiding in policy-making in low-income countries, provide data support for research on epilepsy medications and treatment methods.
The importance of recovering body awareness in post-stroke rehabilitation: insights from clinical case reports
Authors: Cardile Davide , Lo Buono Viviana , Corallo Francesco , Cammaroto Simona , Formica Caterina , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionBody awareness (BA) is the process of gaining sensory awareness based on the physiological states and actions of the body. It is influenced by an individual’s attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and experiences within the social and cultural contexts. Following a stroke, impairments in BA are thought to be widespread and could have a significant impact on recovery results. Regaining body awareness, however, is often neglected in the neurorehabilitation field. This study aimed to assess body image perception in two stroke patients and the potential effect of motor and cognitive rehabilitative treatments on possible improvement of BA.MethodsPatients were evaluated through a multidimensional neuropsychological assessment before and after a 3-month motor and cognitive rehabilitative training. Sessions were scheduled 6 times per week with a total duration of 3 h per session.ResultsAfter the neurorehabilitative treatment, both patients showed an improvement in BA, cognition, mood, and motor skills. Differences emerged related to the progression and improvement of their respective performances.DiscussionThe causes of these differences could include the following: different brain areas affected, the ischemic or hemorrhagic nature of the stroke, age, and sex. Further research is needed to better understand the differences and similarities in the correlations between deficit and lesional sites. Structured and early multidisciplinary intervention can certainly guarantee a better functional recovery for patients after a stroke. However, in this study we show how complementary assessment methods (such as human figure drawing) may be highly informative in choosing treatment modalities and verifying rehabilitation outcomes.
Current research trends and hotspots of boron neutron capture therapy: a bibliometric and visualization analysis
Authors: Cong Yuyang , Abulimiti Muyasha , Matsumoto Yoshitaka , Jin Jing 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to describe the trends, current hotspots, and future directions in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) through a bibliometric analysis.MethodsArticles related to BNCT published before 2023-12-31 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewer, R, and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric analysis and visualization.ResultsA total of 3347 related publications from 1975 to 2023 were retrieved. Since a burst of published documents in 1992, the past three decades have witnessed continuous investigations into BNCT-related studies. Japan was the most productive country (794, 23.72%), followed by the USA (792, 23.66%), while the latter had the most citations. Kyoto University was the most influential institution. Ono K was the most prolific author, and Applied Radiation and Isotopes was the most popular journal. Ono K was the author that had the most total citations, followed by Barth RF. “Carborane”, “boronophenylalanine”, “glioblastoma”, “sodium borocaptate”, “cancer” and “drug delivery” were the most frequent keywords. The article “Dendrimers and dendritic polymers in drug delivery” had the most citations, whereas “Boron delivery agents for neutron capture therapy of cancer” had the highest outbreak value.ConclusionOver the past three decades, research on BNCT has expanded significantly, with the development of novel boron carriers with improved medicinal characteristics being the most extensively investigated area. Future research will likely focus on the validation and modification of current BNCT treatment modalities using conventional boron agents in brain tumors, accelerator-based neutron sources and the application of BNCT in more clinical scenarios.
Smaller babies at risk: birth weight impacts neonatal survival status in Silte zone, Central Ethiopia. A survival analysis of prospective cohort study
Authors: Jemal Musa , Kemal Abdurezak , Mohammed Bekri , Bedru Delwana , Kedir Shemsu 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionGlobally, 2.4 million neonates died in their first month of life in 2019 with approximately 6,700 neonatal deaths every day. Ethiopia is 4th among the top 10 countries with the highest number of neonatal deaths. Yet, there are few prospective studies on neonatal mortality in the central region of Ethiopia. Hence, to develop evidence-based, locally tailored intervention strategies, it is necessary to evaluate neonatal survival status and mortality predictors, including birth weight. Therefore, the current study aims to assess survival status and factors predicting the survival of neonates in the Silt’e zone, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based prospective cohort study design was employed from 1 May to 30 July 2022. Data were collected from term neonates who were enrolled according to their order of health facility visit and then followed by data collectors in their homes. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14.1. Neonatal survival was presented using the Kaplan–Meier survival curve. The crude and adjusted associations were evaluated using the Cox proportional-hazards model, presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI), and a P-value &lt;0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.ResultIn total, 1,080 term neonates were followed for a total of 27,643.6 neonatal days. The study showed a 95% cumulative probability of surviving the neonatal period. The incidence rate of neonatal death was 2.02 per 1,000 neonatal days. Maternal history of neonatal death [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 4.03; 95% CI: 2.28–9.52], complication during pregnancy (AHR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.12–8.25), female sex (AHR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.25–0.84), birth weight (AHR = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.11–0.63), and a low or intermediate APGAR score at 1 min (AHR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.23–7.82 and AHR = 5.34; 95% CI: 1.63–17.51, respectively) were independent predictors of neonatal death.ConclusionIt has been noted that neonatal mortality in this area is higher than results from national studies and other study areas and thus requires strict attention and interventions targeting both the pre and postnatal periods. Babies with low birth weight were found to struggle to survive the neonatal period. Promoting maternal nutrition for normal birth weight of the newborn would thereby improve neonatal survival, and should be followed as a strategy.
Pulmonary consequences of experimentally induced stroke: differences between global and focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Somogyi Petra , Tóth Ibolya , Ballók Bence , Hammad Zaid , Hussein Ramez A. , Kun-Szabó Fruzsina , Tolnai József , Danis Judit , Kecskés Szilvia , Fodor Gergely H. , Farkas Eszter , Peták Ferenc 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionCerebral ischemia leads to multiple organ dysfunctions, with the lungs among the most severely affected. Although adverse pulmonary consequences contribute significantly to reduced life expectancy after stroke, the impact of global or focal cerebral ischemia on respiratory mechanical parameters remains poorly understood.MethodsRats were randomly assigned to undergo surgery to induce permanent global cerebral ischemia (2VO) or focal cerebral ischemia (MCAO), or to receive a sham operation (SHAM). Three days later, end-expiratory lung volume, airway and respiratory tissue mechanics were measured at positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels of 0, 3 and 6 cmH2O. Bronchial responsiveness to methacholine, lung cytokine levels, wet-to-dry ratio, blood gas parameters and cerebral stroke markers were also evaluated.ResultsGlobal and focal cerebral ischemia had no significant effect on end-expiratory lung volume, bronchial responsiveness, and arterial blood gas levels. No change in respiratory mechanics and inflammatory response was evident after 2VO. Conversely, MCAO decreased airway resistance at PEEP 0, deteriorated respiratory tissue damping and elastance at all PEEP levels, and elevated Hct and Hgb. MCAO also caused lung edema and augmented IL-1β and TNF-α in the lung tissue without affecting IL-6 and IL-8 levels.DiscussionOur findings suggest that global cerebral ischemia has no major pulmonary consequences. However, deteriorations in the respiratory tissue mechanics develop after permanent focal ischemia due to pulmonary edema formation, hemoconcentration and cytokine production. This respiratory mechanical defect can compromise lung distension at all PEEP levels, which warrants consideration in optimizing mechanical ventilation.
Associations of adolescent obesity with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and polycystic ovaries in Arabs and Jews in Israel—a nationwide study
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Nemet Dan , Menashe Idan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies on the association of adolescent obesity with comorbid diseases in Israel were conducted predominantly in the Israeli Jewish population.GoalTo compare associations of adolescent obesity with Hypertension (HTN), Diabetes Mellitus type 2 (DM2), and Polycystic ovaries (PCO), singly or in combination, between Arabs and Jews in Israel.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 313,936 Arab adolescents aged 14–19 years between the years 2007–2022, and 289,616 adolescents in a matched Jewish comparison group.ResultsThe crude prevalence of comorbidities increased consistently from the ‘underweight’ to the ‘class 3 obesity’ category (from 0.24 to 6.41%, from 0.32 to 4.59%, and from 0.49 to 5.35% for HTN, DM2 and PCO, respectively). Compared to the reference ‘normal weight’ category, an incremental increase of aOR was observed by increasing weight category. The aORs for the ‘class 3 obesity’ category (95% CIs) were 26.00 (21.62–31.10), 10.82 (8.83–13.14), and 6.06 (95% CI 4.57–7.87) for HTN, DM2, and PCO, respectively. In the Jewish comparison group, lower aORs for HTN and DM2 were observed in the ‘class 3 obesity’ category. The increase in aORs with the increase in weight categories was more striking in cases of multiple comorbidities.ConclusionThe finding of a strong association of obesity severity with major cardiometabolic consequences in adolescence, as well as the unique ethnic features of these associations, can help focus national health initiatives on vulnerable adolescent groups.
Geographical variation in high-impact chronic pain and psychological associations at the regional level: a multilevel analysis of a large-scale internet-based cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wakaizumi Kenta , Tanaka Chisato , Shinohara Yuta , Wu Yihuan , Takaoka Saki , Kawate Morihiko , Oka Hiroyuki , Matsudaira Ko 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundA geographical analysis could be employed to uncover social risk factors and interventions linked to chronic pain. Nonetheless, geographical variation in chronic pain across different regions of Japan have not been well explored. This study aims to investigate geographical variation in high-impact chronic pain (HICP), defined as moderate to severe chronic pain, and examine the associated psychological factors at the prefecture level.MethodsA cross-sectional Internet-based survey involving 52,353 participants was conducted to assess chronic pain conditions, stress levels, mood states, educational levels, living status, regions, sleep duration, and exercise habits. A geographical analysis evaluated the prevalence of HICP at the prefecture level, and a multilevel analysis explored the risk factors for HICP at both individual and prefecture levels.ResultsThe geographical analysis revealed that Fukushima exhibited the highest HICP prevalence (23.2%; z-score = 2.11), Oita ranked second (23.0%; z-score = 2.00), and Okinawa showed the lowest prevalence (14.9%; z-score = −2.45). Geographical maps of Japan indicated that regional-level subjective stress, negative emotions, and short sleep were associated with higher HICP prevalence. In contrast, positive emotions, such as vigor, were associated with lower prevalence. Multilevel analysis revealed a significant improvement in model fit after incorporating psychological factors at the prefecture level (p &lt; 0.001) and identified significant associations between high subjective stress and low vigor at the prefecture level with HICP prevalence (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThere are regional differences in HICP prevalence, and at the prefecture level, subjective stress and vigor are associated with HICP.
Optimizing active recovery strategies for finger flexor fatigue
Authors: Krupková Dominika , Tufano James J. , Baláš Jiří 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionActive recovery (AR) is used during exercise training; however, it is unclear whether the AR should involve the whole body, only the upper extremities, or only the lower extremities when aiming to maintain localized upper body performance. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of different AR strategies on repeated intermittent finger flexor performance leading to exhaustion.MethodsA crossover trial involving a familiarization session and three laboratory visits, each including three exhaustive intermittent isometric tests at 60% of finger flexor maximal voluntary contraction separated by 22 min of randomly assigned AR: walking, intermittent hanging, and climbing.ResultsThe impulse (Nꞏs) significantly decreased from the first to third trials after walking (−18.4%, P = 0.002, d = 0.78), climbing (−29.5%, P &lt; 0.001, d = 1.48), and hanging (−27.2%, P &lt; 0.001, d = 1.22). In the third trial, the impulse from the intermittent test was significantly higher after walking (21,253 ± 5,650 Nꞏs) than after hanging (18,618 ± 5,174 Nꞏs, P = 0.013, d = 0.49) and after climbing (18,508 ± 4,435 Nꞏs, P = 0.009, d = 0.54).ConclusionsThe results show that easy climbing or intermittent isolated forearm contractions should not be used as AR strategies to maintain subsequent performance in comparison to walking, indicating that using the same muscle group for AR should be avoided between exhaustive isometric contractions.
Clinical Outcomes and Characteristics of COVID-19 in Neonates: A Single-Center Study in Romania
Authors: Cocuz Maria Elena , Cocuz Iuliu-Gabriel , Rodina Ligia , Filip Ruxandra , Filip Florin 
Published: December 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is generally associated with less severe forms of disease in children, where most cases only require symptomatic treatment. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the impact and clinical course of COVID-19 in neonate patients. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical aspects of COVID-19 in this particular age group who were patients treated in our department. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective observational study that includes neonates (aged less than 1 month) who were diagnosed with COVID-19. The patients were admitted between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023, to the Infectious Diseases Pediatric Department of the Hospital Clinic of Pneumophthisiology and Infectious Diseases in Brașov, Romania. All the patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission, using either a real-time PCR (RT-PCR) or rapid antigen testing, according to the national COVID-19 protocol in use at the time. We collected the following data: demographic data, clinical picture and laboratory values at presentation, clinical course, complications, and other significant data. All the data were extracted from existing hospital administrative databases or electronic medical records. Results: Nine neonates were hospitalized with COVID-19, of which five were boys, and four were girls; the mean age was 18.89 days (ranging between 6 and 28 days). The clinical picture at admission mainly consisted of fever (eight cases) and nasal obstruction and cough (five cases each). Only one patient required oxygen support. Co-infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (one case), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, one case), and rotavirus (one case) were identified. Complications were represented by acute bronchiolitis in three patients. Biologically, lymphopenia was found in three cases, monocytosis in five cases, and increased ferritin values in five cases. The clinical outcome was favorable in all the cases. The patients were discharged in improved condition after an average stay of 5.11 days (ranging between 3 and 10 days). Conclusions: Our data support the observation that infection with SARS-CoV-2 in neonates is a relatively benign condition with a good prognosis. Our study has several limitations and establishes a foundation for future studies on a larger sample of term and premature neonates with different comorbidities.
Antibacterial and Anti-Influenza Activities of N-Heterocyclic Carbene–Gold Complexes
Authors: Pellegrino Michele , Checconi Paola , Ceramella Jessica , Prezioso Carla , Limongi Dolores , Marra Maria , Mariconda Annaluisa , Catalano Alessia , De Angelis Marta , Nencioni Lucia , Sinicropi Maria Stefania , Longo Pasquale , Aquaro Stefano 
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Infectious diseases represent a serious threat due to rising antimicrobial resistance, particularly among multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza viruses. Metal-based complexes, such as N-heterocyclic carbene–gold (NHC–gold) complexes, show promising therapeutic potential due to their ability to inhibit various pathogens. Methods: Eight NHC–gold complexes were synthesized and tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and for anti-influenza activity in lung and bronchial epithelial cells infected with influenza virus A/H1N1. Antibacterial activity was assessed through the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), while the viral load was quantified using qRT-PCR. Results: Complexes 3, 4, and 6 showed significant antibacterial activity at concentrations of 10–20 µg/mL. Additionally, these complexes significantly reduced viral load, with complexes 3 and 4 markedly inhibiting replication. Conclusions: These findings support the potential use of NHC–gold complexes in combined antimicrobial and antiviral therapies, representing an attractive option for fighting resistant infections.
Cross-Resistance to Pyrethroids and Neonicotinoids in Malaria Vectors from Vegetable Farms in the Northern Benin
Authors: Koto Yérima Gounou Boukari Massioudou , Djègbè Innocent , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Hessou-Djossou Donald , Tchigossou Genevieve , Tossou Eric , Lontsi-Demano Michel , Adanzounon Danahé , Gbankoto Adam , Djogbénou Luc , Djouaka Rousseau 
Published: December 2024

Agricultural pesticides may play a crucial role in the selection of resistance in field populations of mosquito vectors. This study aimed to determine the susceptibility level of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and neonicotinoids in vegetable farms in northern Benin, in West Africa, and the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms. A survey on agricultural practices was carried out on 85 market gardeners chosen randomly in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles gambiae s.l. larvae were collected, reared to adult stages, and identified to species level. Susceptibility was tested with impregnated papers (WHO bioassays) or CDC bottles according to the insecticides. Synergists (PBO, DEM, and DEF) were used to screen resistance mechanisms. Allelic frequencies of the kdr (L1014F), kdr (L1014S), N1575Y, and ace-1R G119S mutations were determined in mosquitoes using Taqman PCR. Fertilizers and pesticides were the agrochemicals most used with a rate of 97.78% and 100%, respectively, in Malanville and Parakou. Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant species in Malanville, while An. gambiae was the only species found in Parakou. Bioassays revealed a high resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to pyrethroids and DDT, while a susceptibility to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin was recorded. Resistance to acetamiprid was suspected in mosquitoes from both localities. A lower resistance level was observed when mosquitoes were pre-treated with synergists, then exposed to insecticides. The kdr L1014F mutation was observed in both locations at moderate frequencies (0.50 in Malanville and 0.55 in Parakou). The allelic frequencies of N1575Y and G119S were low in both study sites. This study confirmed the resistance of An. gambiae s.l. to insecticides used in agriculture and public health. It reveals a susceptibility of vectors to bendiocarb, pyrimiphos-methyl, malathion, and clothianidin, thus indicating that these insecticides can be used as an alternative in Benin to control malaria vectors.