bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotics combined with prebiotics alleviated seasonal allergic rhinitis by altering the composition and metabolic function of intestinal microbiota: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Hou Yangfan , Wang Dan , Zhou Shuru , Huo Caifang , Chen Haijuan , Li Fangxia , Ding Minjuan , Li Hongxin , Zhao Hongyan , He Jin , Da Hongju , Ma Yu , Qiang Zhihui , Chen Xiushan , Bai Cairong , Cui Jing , Gao Na , Liu Yun 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundNumerous studies have established that probiotics or prebiotics can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR), but their mechanism of action remain underexplored. This study aimed to observe the clinical efficacy of probiotics combined with prebiotics in seasonal AR patients and explore their underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The test group was given probiotics combined with prebiotics, whereas the placebo group was administered simulated preparation for 90 days. Outcome measures included total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analog scale, rhinitis quality of life questionnaire, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and the rate and intensity of Loratadine use. Serum TNF-α, INF-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and IgE levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intestinal microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR. Short-chain fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.Results106 participants (N = 53 for both test group and placebo group) completed the study. From baseline to day 91, mean difference between groups (MDBG) in the reduction of TNSS was -1.1 (-2.2, -0.1) (P = 0.04); MDBG in the increment of TNF-α was 7.1 pg/ml (95% CI: 0.8, 13.4, P = 0.03); the INF-γ level was significantly increased (P = 0.01), whereas that of IL-17 (P = 0.005) was significantly decreased in the test group, whilst mean difference within groups was not statistically significant in the placebo group; MDBG in the increment of acetate was 12.4% (95% CI: 7.1%, 17.6%, P &lt;0.001). After the administration of probiotics and prebiotics, the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota were significantly altered and positively related to the beneficial effect on seasonal AR patients.ConclusionProbiotics combined with prebiotics administered for 90 days significantly attenuated the symptoms of seasonal AR patients, which may related to fluctuations in the composition and metabolic function of the intestinal microbiota and further ameliorating host immunity.
Cross-sectional assessment of perception and attitude of pharmacy students towards pharmaceutical promotion: a study from developing country, Pakistan
Authors: Gillani Ali Hassan , Arshad Hafsa , Arshed Muhammad , Jairoun Ammar , Shukar Sundus , Akbar Jamshaid , Hussain Azzah Khadim , Malik Hafiz Muhammad Abbas , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Fang Yu 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe pharmaceutical promotion is “all informational and persuasive activities by manufacturers and distributors, the effect of which is to induce the prescription, supply, purchase and/or use of medicinal drugs. These promotional activities affect the dispensing behavior of physicians and pharmacists and influence begins from educational institutes.ObjectiveOur study’s main aim was to evaluate opinion and attitude of pharmacy students towards pharmaceutical promotion.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 3rd, 4th and final year pharmacy students of 3 public and 3 private sector universities in Punjab Pakistan. A modified version of pre available questionnaire was used to collect data from students between June 2020 and December 2020. The tool was made available through a Google Form, assessable to students via provided link. We utilized the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the demographics, while Chi-square and t-test were used to analyze associations between demographics and items. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.ResultsA total of 1,195 students participated in the survey with an average age of 22.2 ± 1.2 years. Nearly 2/3rd of the students were males (62.2%) and a significant proportion (87.3%) of pharmacy students had never taken part in any training provided by pharmaceutical company. Among all, 51.9% confirmed that pharmacists who frequently interact with medical representatives tend to dispense more antibiotics. Additionally, 42.1% indicated they may dispense antibiotics under the influence of promotion. Pharmacy students in senior college years and those with lower parental exhibited significantly more perception and attitude scores (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionA significant number of students concurred with the notion that promotional activities could impact dispensing practices and they also believed that such activities contribute to the growing issue of irrational antibiotic use. This study underscores the necessity for a heightened emphasis on the educational needs of pharmacy students.
Hypothyroidism correlates with osteoporosis: potential involvement of lipid mediators
Authors: Leng Pengyuan , Qiu Ying , Zhou Mengxue , Zhu Yuhang , Yin Na , Zhou Mingming , Wu Weili , Liu Min 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundObservational studies have demonstrated a correlation between thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis (OP); however, the underlying causality has yet to be fully elucidated.MethodsThe necessary dataset was sourced from public databases. Initially, instrumental variables (IVs) were selected based on three primary hypotheses. Subsequently, Cochran’s Q test was employed to exclude IVs exhibiting heterogeneity. The MR-PRESSO test and the leave-one-out sensitivity test were further applied to detect potential pleiotropy. Inverse variance was utilized for the analysis. This study primarily utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) model for Mendelian analysis. Since Type 1 diabetes mellitus can also contribute to the development of osteoporosis, this study additionally employed multivariate Mendelian analysis. Furthermore, 249 circulating metabolites were selected for mediation analysis in the Mendelian randomization framework.ResultsIn this study, the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis primarily employed the random-effects IVW model and demonstrated a causal relationship between hypothyroidism (OR = 1.092, 95% CI: 1.049–1.137, p &lt; 0.001) and hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.080, 95% CI: 1.026–1.137, p = 0.003) with the risk of OP. No causal relationships were identified between FT3, FT4, TSH, and the risk of OP (p &gt; 0.05). The results of the multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) analysis indicated that hyperthyroidism was no longer a risk factor for OP (OR = 0.984, 95% CI: 0.918–1.055, p = 0.657), whereas hypothyroidism persisted as a risk factor (OR = 1.082, 95% CI: 1.021–1.147, p = 0.008). The mediated Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that hypothyroidism may exert an indirect effect on OP via triglycerides in large VLDL, mediating approximately 2.47% of the effect.ConclusionThis study identifies a potential link between hypothyroidism and OP, possibly mediated indirectly via triglyceride levels in large VLDL. Further investigations are required to elucidate the direct or indirect causal mechanisms underlying this association.
RIG012 assists in the treatment of pneumonia by inhibiting the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Shi , Chen Hanbing , Xie Jianfeng , Huang Lili 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivePneumonia is a common clinical condition primarily treated with antibiotics and organ support. Exploring the pathogenesis to identify therapeutic targets may aid in the adjunct treatment of pneumonia and improve survival rates.MethodsTranscriptomic data from peripheral blood of 183 pneumonia patients were analyzed using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and univariate Cox regression analysis to identify signaling pathways associated with pneumonia mortality. A pneumonia mouse model was established via airway injection of Klebsiella pneumoniae, and pathway-specific blockers were administered via tail vein infusion to assess whether the identified signaling pathways impact the mortality in pneumonia.ResultsThe combination of GSVA and Cox analysis revealed 17 signaling pathways significantly associated with 28-day mortality in pneumonia patients (P &lt; 0.05). Notably, the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway exhibited the highest hazard ratio of 2.501 with a 95% confidence interval of [1.223–5.114]. Infusion of RIG012 via the tail vein effectively inhibited the RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, significantly ameliorated lung injury in pneumonia mice, reduced pulmonary inflammatory responses, and showed a trend toward improved survival rates.ConclusionRIG012 may represent a novel adjunctive therapeutic agent for pneumonia.
Risk factors and clinical prediction models for low-level viremia in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy: an 11-year retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Wenhui , Shi Jinchuan , Wang Ying , Li Er , Yan Dingyan , Zhang Zhongdong , Zhu Mingli , Yu Jianhua , Wang Yi 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThis study explores the risk factors for low-level viremia (LLV) occurrence after ART and develops a risk prediction model.MethodClinical data and laboratory indicators of people living with HIV (PLWH) at Hangzhou Xixi Hospital from 5 April 2011 to 29 December 2022 were collected. LASSO Cox regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to identify laboratory indicators and establish a nomogram for predicting LLV occurrence. The nomogram’s discrimination and calibration were assessed via ROC curve and calibration plots. The concordance index (C-index) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate its effectiveness.ResultPredictive factors, namely, age, ART delay time, white blood cell (WBC) count, baseline CD4+ T-cell count (baseline CD4), baseline viral load (baseline VL), and total bilirubin (TBIL), were incorporated into the nomogram to develop a risk prediction model. The optimal model (which includes 6 variables) had an AUC for LLV after 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year of listing of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.61–0.69), 0.69 (95% CI, 0.65–0.70), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.66–0.71), respectively. The calibration curve showed high consistency between predicted and actual observations. The C-index and DCA indicated superior prediction performance of the nomogram. There was a significant difference in CD4 levels between LLV and non-LLV groups during the follow-up time. The dynamic SCR, ALT, TG and BG levels and occurrence of complications differed significantly between the high- and low-risk groups.ConclusionA simple-to-use nomogram containing 6 routinely detected variables was developed for predicting LLV occurrence in PLWH after ART.
Sensory reweighting and self-motion perception for postural control under single-sensory and multisensory perturbations in older Tai Chi practitioners
Authors: Liu Xiao-xia , Wang Guozheng , Zhang Ruixuan , Ren Zhuying , Wang Di , Liu Jun , Wang Jian , Gao Ying 
Published: November 2024

PurposeImpairment in perception and sensory reweighting could predispose older adults to falls. This exploratory study aimed to investigate the differences in sensory reweighting and self-motion perception for postural control under single-sensory and multisensory perturbations between older Tai Chi (TC) practitioners and healthy active older controls.MethodsTwenty-four TC practitioners and 23 age-matched non-practitioners were recruited in this observational study. Participants stood on a force plate with or without a foam surface (baseline), followed by 36 s of visual rotation stimuli, vestibular rotation stimuli, or reduced somatosensory input (adaptation), and then continued standing for 44 s (reintegration). The center-of-pressure (COP) trajectories and self-motion perception were recorded. COP signals were analyzed using traditional sway, multiscale entropy, and wavelet analysis methods and the time-window-of-integration model to examine the postural balance performance and the flexibility and speed of sensory reweighting.ResultsSignificant interaction effects of group with sensory perturbation and group with time window on COP parameters were observed (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with non-practitioners, TC practitioners exhibited higher postural stability and complexity as the difficulty of standing tasks increased and smaller time windows to return to baseline levels as disturbance time evolved. Moreover, TC practitioners exhibited significantly greater weighting on unperturbed sensory systems, lower weighting on perturbed sensory systems for postural control, and higher self-motion perception ability under visual, vestibular, and visual-vestibular perturbations (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionLong-term TC practitioners exhibited superior postural stability and adaptability under challenging sensory perturbations, and smaller amplitudes and shorter durations of postural aftereffects over time during adaptation and reintegration. These improvements may be partly attributed to more rapid and flexible sensory reweighting and improved self-motion perception for postural control.
Objective assessment of cognitive fatigue: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Han Jia-Cheng , Bai Ke , Zhang Chi , Liu Na , Yang Guan , Shang Yu-Xuan , Song Jia-Jie , Su Dan , Hao Yan , Feng Xiu-Long , Li Si-Rui , Wang Wen 
Published: November 2024

AimThe objective of this study was to gain insight into the nature of cognitive fatigue and to identify future trends of objective assessment techniques in this field.MethodsOne thousand and eighty-five articles were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. R version 4.3.1, VOSviewer 1.6.20, CiteSpace 6.2.R4, and Microsoft Excel 2019 were used to perform the analysis.ResultsA total of 704 institutes from 56 countries participated in the relevant research, while the People’s Republic of China contributed 126 articles and was the leading country. The most productive institute was the University of Gothenburg. Johansson Birgitta from the University of Gothenburg has posted the most articles (n = 13). The PLOS ONE published most papers (n = 38). The Neurosciences covered the most citations (n = 1,094). A total of 3,116 keywords were extracted and those with high frequency were mental fatigue, performance, quality-of-life, etc. Keywords mapping analysis indicated that cognitive fatigue caused by continuous work and traumatic brain injury, as well as its rehabilitation, have become the current research trend. The most co-cited literature was published in Sports Medicine. The strongest citation burst was related to electroencephalogram (EEG) event-related potential and spectral power analysis.ConclusionPublication information of related literature on the objective assessment of cognitive fatigue from 2007 to 2024 was summarized, including country and institute of origin, authors, and published journal, offering the current hotspots and novel directions in this field.
Analysis of the correlation and influencing factors between delirium, sleep, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression in patients with traumatic brain injury: a cohort study
Authors: Fu Zhongmin , Miao Xiaoju , Luo Xian , Yuan Lili , Xie Yan , Huang Shiming 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPatients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often experience post-injury anxiety and depression, which can persist over time. However, the relationships between anxiety and depression in TBI patients and delirium, sleep quality, self-efficacy, and serum inflammatory markers require further investigation.ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the associations of delirium, sleep quality, self-efficacy, and serum inflammatory markers with anxiety and depression in TBI patients, and to examine potential influencing factors.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study involving 127 patients with TBI. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM-ICU, while anxiety, depression, sleep quality, self-efficacy, and pain were evaluated using the appropriate tools, respectively. Serum inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6) were collected within 1 day post-injury. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the relationships between delirium, sleep, self-efficacy, and anxiety/depression.ResultsThe study identified 56 patients with delirium. Patients with delirium differed significantly from those without delirium in age, TBI classification, sleep duration, CRP levels, TNF-α levels, pain, self-efficacy, and insomnia (P &lt; 0.05). The GEE analysis revealed that delirium, CRP levels, self-efficacy, underlying diseases, insomnia, TBI classification, age, and sleep duration were associated with anxiety symptoms in TBI patients at 6 months post-discharge (P &lt; 0.05). Depression in TBI patients at 6 months post-discharge was not associated with delirium or insomnia but correlated with CRP levels, TBI classification, and self-efficacy (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionTBI patients who experience delirium, insomnia, and low self-efficacy during the acute phase are likely to exhibit more anxiety at the 6-month follow-up. Depression in TBI patients is not associated with delirium or insomnia but is negatively correlated with self-efficacy. CRP levels post-TBI may serve as a biomarker to identify patients at risk of emotional symptoms and potentially accelerate patient recovery.
Dietary patterns and diabetic microvascular complications risk: a Mendelian randomization study of European ancestry
Authors: Zhou Xin , Zheng Wenbin , Kong Wen , Zeng Tianshu 
Published: November 2024

PurposePrevious observational studies about the link between dietary factors and diabetic microvascular complications (DMCs) is controversial. Thus, we systemically assessed the potential causal relationship between diet and DMCs risk using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods.MethodsWe used genome-wide association studies (GWAS) statistics to estimate the causal effects of 17 dietary patterns on three common DMCs in European. Summary statistics on dietary intakes were obtained from the UK biobank, and data on DMCs [diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic neuropathy (DNP)] were obtained from the FinnGen Consortium. A two-sample MR (TSMR) was conducted to explore the causal relationships of dietary habits with DMCs. In addition, multivariable MR analysis (MVMR) was performed to adjust for traditional risk factors for eating habits, and evaluated the direct or indirect effects of diet on DMCs.ResultsTSMR analysis revealed that salad/raw vegetable intake (odd ratio [OR]: 2.830; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.102–7.267; p = 0.0306) and fresh fruit intake (OR: 2.735; 95% CI: 1.622–4.611; p = 0.0002; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.0082) increased the risk of DR, whereas cheese intake (OR: 0.742; 95% CI: 0.563–0.978; p = 0.0339) and cereal intake (OR: 0.658; 95% CI: 0.444–0.976; p = 0.0374) decreased the risk of DR. Salad/raw vegetable (OR: 6.540; 95% CI: 1.061–40.300; p = 0.0430) and fresh fruit consumption (OR: 3.573; 95% CI: 1.263–10.107; p = 0.0164) are risk factors for DN, while cereal consumption (OR: 0.380; 95% CI: 0.174–0.833; p = 0.0156) is the opposite. And genetically predicted higher pork intake increased the risk of DNP (OR: 160.971; 95% CI: 8.832–2933.974; p = 0.0006; FDR = 0.0153). The MVMR analysis revealed that cheese intake may act as an independent protective factor for DR development. Moreover, fresh fruit intake, salad/raw vegetable intake and pork intake may be independent risk factors for DR, DN and DNP, respectively. Other causal associations between dietary habits and DMCs risk may be mediated by intermediate factors.ConclusionThis causal relationship study supports that specific dietary interventions may reduce the risk of DMCs.
Complementary food hygiene practice and associated factors among mothers with children aged 6–23 months in Dessie Zuria, South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Addis Alemayehu Tesfaye , Dawed Yeshimebet Ali , Yimer Geleta Mussa , Adem Yonas Fissha 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundImplementing appropriate complementary food hygiene practices is essential to lower the incidence of food-borne disease and malnutrition in children. However, this aspect is often overlooked in resource-limited settings, and information regarding these practices is not fully available and is not assessed enough. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complementary food hygiene practices and their associated factors in Dessie Zuria, South Wollo Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, in 2023.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from 17 April to 18 May 2023, among 366 mothers with children aged 6–23 months. Dessie Zuria was purposively selected, and a systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires. Finally, the data were entered using EPI-info and then exported to SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with complementary feeding hygiene practices. Both crude odds ratios (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence level (CI) were computed, and a p-value of &lt;0.05, in the final model, was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe proportion of households practicing complementary food hygiene was 22.22%. Factors associated with these practices included access to media such as television or radio (AOR = 10.51, 95% CI: 2.8, 39.28), starting complementary feeding before 6 months (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.84), and the child’s age being 6 to 11 months (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.7).ConclusionThe prevalence of complementary food hygiene practices was poor. Healthcare professionals should promote starting breastfeeding at the age of 6 months. In addition, media companies ought to make an effort to create a positive social and cultural environment that encourages complementary feeding practices for young children.