bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of gut microbiota alterations in patients with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Li Xiaxi , Li Xiaoling , Xiao Haowei , Xu Jiaying , He Jianquan , Xiao Chuanxing , Zhang Bangzhou , Cao Man , Hong Wenxin 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic disorder of gastrointestinal function with a high prevalence worldwide. Due to its complex pathogenesis and heterogeneity, there is urrently no consensus in IBS research.MethodsWe collected and uniformly reanalyzed 1167 fecal 16S rRNA gene sequencing samples (623 from IBS patients and 544 from healthy subjects) from 9 studies. Using both a random effects (RE) model and a fixed effects (FE) model, we calculated the odds ratios for metrics including bacterial alpha diversity, beta diversity, common genera and pathways between the IBS and control groups.ResultsSignificantly lower alpha-diversity indexes were observed in IBS patients by random effects model. Twenty-six bacterial genera and twelve predicted pathways were identified with significant odds ratios and classification potentials for IBS patients. Based on these feature, we used transfer learning to enhance the predictive capabilities of our model, which improved model performance by approximately 10%. Moreover, through correlation network analysis, we found that Ruminococcaceae and Christensenellaceae were negatively correlated with vitamin B6 metabolism, which was decreased in the patients with IBS. Ruminococcaceae was also negatively correlated with tyrosine metabolism, which was decreased in the patients with IBS.DiscussionThis study revealed the dysbiosis of fecal bacterial diversity, composition, and predicted pathways of patients with IBS by meta-analysis and identified universal biomarkers for IBS prediction and therapeutic targets.
Environmental enrichment is associated with favorable memory-related functional brain activity patterns in older adults
Authors: Hass Simon , Liebscher Maxie , Richter Anni , Fliessbach Klaus , Laske Christoph , Sodenkamp Sebastian , Peters Oliver , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Ersözlü Ersin , Priller Josef , Spruth Eike Jakob , Altenstein Slawek , Röske Sandra , Schneider Anja , Schütze Hartmut , Spottke Annika , Esser Anna , Teipel Stefan , Kilimann Ingo , Wiltfang Jens , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Glanz Wenzel , Incesoy Enise I. , Lüsebrink Falk , Dechent Peter , Hetzer Stefan , Scheffler Klaus , Wagner Michael , Jessen Frank , Düzel Emrah , Glöckner Franka , Schott Björn Hendrik , Wirth Miranka , Klimecki Olga ,   for DELCODE study group
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIn humans, environmental enrichment (EE), as measured by the engagement in a variety of leisure activities, has been associated with larger hippocampal structure and better memory function. The present cross-sectional study assessed whether EE during early life (13–30 years) and midlife (30–65 years) is associated with better preserved memory-related brain activity patterns in older age.MethodsIn total, 372 cognitively unimpaired older adults (aged ≥60 years old) of the DZNE-Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (DELCODE; DRKS00007966) were investigated. EE was operationalized using items of the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire (LEQ), which measures the self-reported participation in a variety of leisure activities in early life and midlife. The preservation of memory-related functional brain activity was assessed using single-value scores, which relate older adults’ brain activity patterns in the temporo-parieto-occipital memory network to those of young adults during visual memory encoding (FADE and SAME scores).ResultsEE during early life and midlife was significantly associated with higher SAME scores during novelty processing (n = 372, β = 0.13, p = 0.011). Thus, older participants with higher EE showed greater similarity of functional brain activity patterns during novelty processing with young adults. This positive association was observed most strongly in participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n = 199, β = 0.20, p = 0.006).ConclusionMore frequent participation in a variety of leisure activities in early life and midlife is associated with more successful aging of functional brain activity patterns in the memory network of older adults, including participants at increased risk for dementia. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether higher EE during life could help preserve memory network function in later life.
Research on the application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in differentiating subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Zheng , Niu Chaojie , Duan Yong , Yang Hao , Mi Jinpeng , Liu Chao , Chen Guodong , Guo Qihao 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurological disorder. Based on clinical characteristics, it can be categorized into normal cognition (NC), subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia (AD). Once the condition begins to progress, the process is usually irreversible. Therefore, early identification and intervention are crucial for patients. This study aims to explore the sensitivity of fNIRS in distinguishing between SCD and MCI.MethodsAn in-depth analysis of the Functional Connectivity (FC) and oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) characteristics during resting state and different memory cognitive tasks is conducted on two patient groups to search for potential biomarkers. The 33 participants were divided into two groups: SCD and MCI.ResultsFunctional connectivity strength during the resting state and hemodynamic changes during the execution of Verbal Fluency Tasks (VFT) and MemTrax tasks were measured using fNIRS. The results showed that compared to individuals with MCI, patients with SCD exhibited higher average FC levels between different channels in the frontal lobe during resting state, with two channels’ FC demonstrating significant ability to distinguish between SCD and MCI. During the VFT task, the overall average HbO concentration in the frontal lobe of SCD patients was higher than that of MCI patients from 5 experimental paradigm. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the accuracy of the above features in distinguishing SCD from MCI was 78.8%, 72.7%, 75.8%, and 66.7%, respectively.DiscussionfNIRS could potentially serve as a non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of dementia.
Evaluating a 12-week aerobic exercise intervention in adults with persisting post-concussive symptoms
Authors: Mercier Leah J. , McIntosh Samantha J. , Boucher Chloe , Joyce Julie M. , Batycky Julia , Galarneau Jean-Michel , Burma Joel S. , Smirl Jonathan D. , Esser Michael J. , Schneider Kathryn J. , Dukelow Sean P. , Harris Ashley D. , Debert Chantel T. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAlthough guidelines support aerobic exercise in sub-acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), evidence for adults with persisting post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) after mTBI is lacking. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise intervention on overall symptom burden and quality of life in adults with PPCS.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was nested within the ACTBI Trial (Aerobic Exercise for treatment of Chronic symptoms following mild Traumatic Brain Injury). A total of 50 adults with a diagnosis of mTBI, PPCS and exercise intolerance completed a 12-week sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise intervention either immediately after enrollment (i-AEP group; n = 27) or following 6-weeks of stretching (d-AEP group; n = 23). Data from all participants (n = 50) were included in the combined AEP (c-AEP) group. The primary outcome was symptom burden on the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ). Secondary outcomes included measures of quality of life and specific post-concussive symptoms (depressive and anxiety symptoms, functional impact of headache, fatigue, sleep, dizziness and exercise tolerance). Heart rate, blood pressure and heart rate variability were also assessed to understand autonomic function response to intervention.ResultsParticipants were a mean (SD) of 42.6 (10.9) years old (74% female) and 25.1 (14.1) months post-mTBI. Following 12-weeks of intervention participants had a significant improvement in symptom burden on the RPQ (i-AEP: mean change = −9.415, p &lt; 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = −3.478, p = 0.034; c-AEP: mean change = −6.446, p &lt; 0.001). Participants also had significant improvement in quality of life (i-AEP: mean change = 9.879, p &lt; 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = 7.994, p &lt; 0.001, c-AEP: mean change = 8.937, p &lt; 0.001), dizziness (i-AEP: mean change = −11.159, p = 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = −6.516, p = 0.019; c-AEP: −8.837, p &lt; 0.001) and exercise tolerance (i-AEP: mean change = 5.987, p &lt; 0.001; d-AEP: mean change = 3.421, p &lt; 0.001; c-AEP: mean change = 4.703, p &lt; 0.001). Headache (mean change = −5.522, p &lt; 0.001) and depressive symptoms (mean change = −3.032, p = 0.001) improved in the i-AEP group. There was no change in measures of autonomic function.ConclusionA 12-week aerobic exercise intervention improves overall symptom burden, quality of life and specific symptom domains in adults with PPCS. Clinicians should consider prescription of progressive, individualized, sub-symptom threshold aerobic exercise for adults with PPCS even if presenting with exercise intolerance and months-to-years of symptoms.
Selective otolithic dysfunction in patients presenting with acute spontaneous vertigo: consideration based on MRI
Authors: Kim Keun-Tae , Park Sangeun , Lee Sun-Uk , Park Euyhyun , Kim Byungjun , Kim Ji-Soo 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveAcute unilateral peripheral vestibulopathy or vestibular neuritis (AUPV/VN) manifests as acute onset vertigo, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and moderate gait instability. It is suspected when vestibular hypofunction is documented on video-head impulse (video-HITs) and caloric tests in the presence of contralesionally beating horizontal-torsional nystagmus. Herein, we report patients presenting with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) showing selective otolithic dysfunction in the presence of normal caloric and video-HITs and abnormal enhancement of the peripheral vestibular structures on MRI.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients presenting with AVS between September 2019 and April 2024 at a tertiary referral hospital in South Korea. All patients underwent extensive neurotologic evaluation, including cervical and ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP and oVEMP, respectively), subjective visual vertical, video-oculography, video-HITs, caloric tests, and audiometry. Patients also underwent MRI according to a standard protocol for the inner ear and internal acoustic canal with an additional 3D-fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence acquired 4 h after intravenous gadolinium injection.ResultsWe identified four patients with selective otolith dysfunction. Video-HITs and caloric test results were normal in all patients, except one with a canal paresis on the opposite side of otolithic dysfunction. Patients usually showed abnormal oVEMP (n = 3) and cVEMP (n = 2) or subjective visual vertical (n = 3). Gadolinium enhancements were found in the vestibule (n = 3), inferior (n = 2) or superior (n = 1) vestibular nerves on dedicated inner ear MRI.DiscussionSelective otolithic dysfunction can present with AVS, which can be easily overlooked. A thorough neurotologic evaluation and MRI dedicated to the inner ear can help detect selective otolithic dysfunction, expanding the clinical spectrum of AVS.
Structural equation modeling of dietary patterns and association with vitamin D levels in children aged 9–16 years in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Guo Jiaying , Huang Jie , Luo Shiyun , Zeng Chunzi , Su Zheng , Fu Jinhan , Zhang Weiwei , Bai Zhijun , Zhang Zhoubin , Zhu Huilian , Li Yan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundVitamin D deficiency and insufficiency represent critical public health concerns on a global scale. Due to the increase in indoor activities, the role of dietary intake of vitamin D has become increasingly prominent. However, previous studies have focused solely on a single food item.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify dietary patterns among school-aged children in rural areas of Guangzhou, China, and to explore their association with vitamin D levels.MethodsA total of 2,346 children aged 6–17 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, lifestyle, and dietary data were collected through structured questionnaires. Dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis, while linear regression and structural equation modeling were employed to analyze the relationship between these patterns and vitamin D levels.ResultsThree distinct dietary patterns emerged: a fruits and vegetables pattern, high-protein pattern, and snack pattern. Analysis revealed that a higher adherence to the fruits and vegetables dietary pattern was associated with lower vitamin D levels. Conversely, among girls, a stronger preference for the high-protein dietary pattern was positively correlated with higher vitamin D levels.ConclusionThe fruits and vegetables pattern emerged as a risk factor for inadequate internal vitamin D levels. In girls, the high-protein pattern functioned as a protective factor. These findings offer valuable insights and policy recommendations for enhancing the health status of children in rural communities.
The role of preoperative serum thyroglobulin in the diagnosis and treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Ying , Zhao Hao , Liu ChunHao , Kuang ZiFeng , Li XiaoYi 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSerum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a critical marker for monitoring tumor recurrence and metastasis in patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While the definitive role of preoperative serum Tg in DTC is not yet established, studies suggest its importance in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology, as well as in predicting distant metastasis (DM) in patients with DTC.MethodsA thorough literature review was conducted on the use of preoperative serum Tg in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and in evaluating the extent of DTC lesions. Relevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials databases. A meta-analysis was performed on studies where the ratios between serum Tg diagnostic thresholds and the upper limit of the reference range were similar.ResultsRecent studies showed significantly elevated preoperative serum Tg levels in patients with DTC compared with normal individuals. However, there are inconsistencies in the serum Tg levels between patients with preoperative DTC and benign thyroid nodules across different studies. In patients with thyroid nodules who had indeterminate cytology (negative Tg antibody), the preoperative serum Tg levels were significantly higher in malignant nodules than in benign ones (meta-analysis: odds ratio: 2.59, 95% confidence intervals: 1.59–4.21, P = 0.0001). Although the meta-analysis indicated that high preoperative serum Tg is a risk factor for central lymph node metastasis in patients with DTC (meta-analysis: odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.32–2.14, P &lt; 0.0001), some studies suggest that high preoperative serum Tg in patients with DTC does not necessarily lead to central lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, preoperative serum Tg might possess a suggestive value regarding the likelihood of DTC patients developing DM.ConclusionPreoperative serum Tg shows promise in differentiating between benign and malignant nodules in thyroid nodule patients with indeterminate cytology. However, further research is necessary to determine its predictive significance for lymph node metastasis and DM in patients with DTC.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#searchadvanced, identifier CRD42024472074.
Factors associated with knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female governmental school teachers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Yazew Birhaneslasie Gebeyehu , Alemu Biresaw Wassihun , Walle Tarkie Abebe 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, and early detection through breast self-examination can improve survival rates. However, this practice is limited in developing countries like Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the factors influencing knowledge and practices related to breast self-examination among female governmental school teachers in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 30, 2019, with 422 female teachers in Gondar metropolis governmental schools selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using EPI INFO version 7 and SPSS version 20.ResultA total of 415 female teachers participated in the study, with a response rate of 98.3%. The mean age of respondents was 38.64 years. Only 41.9% had good knowledge of breast self-examination, while 14.5% reported good practice. Factors associated with knowledge included secondary education, higher degrees, and exposure to information. Factors influencing practice included having a degree or higher education and prior experience with breast self-examination.Conclusion and recommendationThe study revealed low levels of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among female teachers. Educational level was significantly associated with both knowledge and practice. Recommendations include implementing health education campaigns, organizing events like breast cancer awareness days, and forming support groups in schools to promote awareness and encourage regular breast self-examination among female teachers in Ethiopia.
Total neoadjuvant therapy based on short-course radiotherapy versus standard long-course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pu Wenji , Chen Wenqi , Jing Haiman , Li Jishi , Jiang Yong , Li Shasha , Wen Weijie , Xu Zhiyuan , Jin Jing 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundWe conducted the meta-analysis to compare the therapeutic effects of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) based on short-course radiotherapy followed by consolidation chemotherapy (SCRT/CCT) and long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) according to certain significant randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsThe researchers retrieved several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, to collect all the relevant literature published since the establishment of the databases until July 30, 2024, and then screened to determine the qualified literature and extracted the relevant information. Finally, RevMan 5.4 software was utilized to conduct the meta-analysis for determining the 95% confidence interval (CI) and pooled risk ratio (RR). There were 9 study indicators, including the pathologic complete remission (pCR) rate, tumor downstaging rate, R0 resection rate, sphincter preservation rate, disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), acute ≥3 grade toxicity rate, surgery complication rate, and distant recurrence rate. When moderate, even severe, heterogeneity was found, a random-effect model was applied; otherwise, a fixed-effect model was used for the analysis.ResultsA total of 6 eligible RCTs and 2259 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with the standard LCCRT, TNT treatment on the basis of SCRT/CCT increased the pCR rate significantly [RR = 1.67, 95% CI (1.36, 2.04), P &lt; 0.00001], especially in ≥ 4 cycles of the CCT arm [RR = 1.77, 95% CI: (1.41–2.23), p &lt; 0.00001], and led to a similar tumor downstaging rate [RR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.85, 1.15), P = 0.92]. Moreover, survival outcomes, distant recurrence rate, and surgical indicators were comparable between the two groups.ConclusionFor LARC patients, the SCRT/CCT regimen not only has a higher pCR rate, equivalent OS, and comparable additional indicators versus standard LCCRT but also shortens the treatment time, costs less, and improves patients’ adherence to the innovative anti-tumor therapy; hence, with the concept of acute toxicity control, it could be further widely and safely utilized, especially in resource-limited settings.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024600180.
Exploring the role of Epstein-Barr virus infection on the clinical features and survival in locally advanced cervical cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Castro-Uriol Denisse , Vera Juana , Valcarcel Bryan , López-Ilasaca Marco , Yabar Alejandro , Cámara Anaís , Malpica Luis , Beltrán Brady 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been linked to cervical cancer (CC), but few have described the clinical and outcome features of patients with CC and EBV infection.MethodsWe conducted a single-center matched cohort study on 94 patients with CC. Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect EBNA-1 (Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1) and LMP-1 (Latent membrane protein 1). We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the effect of EBV infection on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Females with a positive EBV status were matched to those without infection using a propensity score.ResultsOf the 94 patients in our cohort, 21 (22%) had a positive EBV status. Before and after matching, there were no differences in baseline clinical and sociodemographic features between patients diagnosed with CC with and without EBV infection. Most patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy (73%) as frontline treatment. With a median follow-up of 67 months, the 5-year OS was 42% (95% CI: 33–55%) and the 5-year PFS was 37% (95% CI: 37–49%) in the entire population. Patients with EBV-positive status had comparable 5-year OS (50% vs. 37%, p-value=0.490; Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.36-1.62) and 5-year PFS (44% vs. 37%, p-value=0.750; HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.43-1.83) to those with EBV-negative CC, respectively.ConclusionFemales with CC and EBV infection have similar clinical features and outcomes compared to those without EBV infection.