bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments in improving cognitive function and prefrontal cortex activity in older individuals with mild cognitive impairment: retrospective observational study
Authors: Choi Yujin , Lee Kyungseok , Yang Changsop , Kwon Chan-Young , Keum Jongchul , Jang Jung-Hee 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a growing concern among older adults, with limited effective pharmacological treatments available. Despite the potential of herbal medicine and acupuncture in managing MCI, there is a lack of research on their long-term effects on cognitive function and brain activity in clinical practice settings. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the effects of a community-based program integrating herbal medicine and acupuncture on cognitive function and neural responses in older individuals with MCI.MethodsNineteen individuals were enrolled from a pool of 250 individuals registered in the 2021 Busan Dementia Prevention &amp; Care Program. Participants with MCI received herbal medicine, acupuncture, and pharmacopuncture treatments over a 6-month period. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was administered at baseline and after 3 and 6 months to evaluate cognitive function. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure prefrontal cortex activity during cognitive task performance, including verbal fluency, Stroop color and word, and digit span backward tests.ResultsSeventeen participants (13 female; mean age, 69.5 years) with MCI completed the study. Following the 6-month intervention, they exhibited a significant increase in the MoCA total score over time [F(2.32) =10.59, p &lt; 0.0001]. Additionally, the deoxygenated hemoglobin beta coefficient in the left frontopolar prefrontal cortex significantly decreased during the Stroop task after the intervention.ConclusionThe Dementia Prevention &amp; Care Program, which integrates herbal medicine and acupuncture, may enhance cognitive function in individuals with MCI. Moreover, the observed changes in prefrontal cortex activity after completion of the program suggest a need for further investigation of the underlying mechanisms.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of acute symptomatic seizures secondary to autoimmune encephalitis
Authors: Li Mengyun , Zhang Qing , Wang Xu , Tan Bofei , Liu Qiang 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (PWAE) who experienced seizures during the acute phase.MethodsClinical data were collected from 84 patients diagnosed with AE at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between January 2015 and January 2023. Patients were divided into seizure and non-seizure groups. Clinical characteristics of both groups were compared, including differences between anti-NMDAR and anti-LGI1 encephalitis within the seizure group. Due to the limited sample size and to avoid overfitting, we focused on univariate logistic regression analysis to identify individual prognostic factors.ResultsA total of 84 patients were enrolled, with 76.19% (64/84) in the seizure group and 23.81% (20/84) in the non-seizure group. The seizure group had a longer hospital stay (p = 0.013), higher rates of impaired consciousness (p = 0.001), and more frequent intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p = 0.011). They also had higher peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), leukocyte count, and uric acid levels (p = 0.038, p = 0.006, p = 0.020), and were more likely to show slow-wave rhythms on electroencephalography (EEG) (p = 0.031). At 2-year follow-up, there was no significant difference in prognosis between the seizure and non-seizure groups (p = 0.653), with 35.94% (23/64) of the seizure group having a poor prognosis. Status epilepticus (SE), complications, endotracheal intubation, mRS score at discharge, APE2, and RITE2 scores increased the risk of poor prognosis (OR &gt; 1), while intensive care and albumin reduced the risk (OR &lt; 1).ConclusionSeizures are common in the early stages of AE, with faciobrachial dystonic seizures (FBDS) characteristic of anti-LGI1 encephalitis and SE and super-refractory status epilepticus (Sup-RSE) frequently observed in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Seizure semiology across AE subtypes lacks specificity, and no symptoms clearly distinguish immune-mediated from non-immune causes. While seizures are linked to AE severity, particularly in anti-NMDAR encephalitis, they do not appear to impact overall prognosis. SE, complications, endotracheal intubation, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge, Antibody-Prevalence in Epilepsy and Encephalopathy (APE2) score, Response to Immunotherapy in Epilepsy and Encephalopathy (RITE2) score, intensive care, and albumin were identified as significant prognostic factors.
Can ischemic stroke patients with mTICI of 2b achieve similar outcomes compared to those with complete recanalization following endovascular therapy?
Authors: Xu Zunbao , Grewal Sahibjot , Mofatteh Mohammad , Dmytriw Adam A. , Zhao Dongqing , Chen Baikeng , Chen Haoyang , He Wanyi , Luo Rixin , Li Zhenzhang , Li Qiaowei 
Published: October 2024

Background and purposeEndovascular therapy (EVT) has been used as a standard treatment method for patients with large vessel ischemic stroke within 24 h of the onset. The extent of recanalization after EVT can be assessed using the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) scale as an accepted angiographic grading system. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether patients with a mTICI grade of 2b achieve similar outcomes compared to those with complete recanalization (mTICI of 3) following EVT for acute ischemic stroke.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 196 consecutive patients who underwent EVT in a comprehensive stroke center. In the final study, 176 patients were included based on the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 0–2 considered as a favorable outcome, while excellent outcomes were defined as mRS scores of 0–1.ResultsOur data showed that 59.46% of patients in the mTICI 2b group achieved a favorable outcome, comparable to 58.99% observed in the mTICI 3 group (p = 0.959). Additionally, 54.05% (n = 37) of patients with mTICI 2b achieved an excellent outcome, compared to 51.80% (n = 139) in the mTICI 3 group (p = 0.807). The case fatality rates were also comparable between the groups, with 8.11% in the mTICI 2b group and 10.79% in the mTICI 3 group (p = 0.632). Overall, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of 3-month favorable outcomes, excellent outcomes, or mortality.ConclusionSimilar 3-month outcomes can be achieved for ischemic stroke patients undergoing EVT with a mTICI grade of 2b compared to those with a mTICI grade of 3. These data can help clinicians in setting realistic expectations and making informed decisions during EVT procedures.
Knowledge mapping and research trends of brain-computer interface technology in rehabilitation: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Liu Mingyue , Fang Mingzhu , Liu Mengya , Jin Shasha , Liu Bin , Wu Liang , Li Zhe 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAlthough the application of brain-computer interface (BCI) technology in rehabilitation has been extensively studied, a systematic and comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this area remains lacking. Thus, this study aims to analyze the research progress of BCI technology in rehabilitation through bibliometric methods.MethodsThe study retrieved relevant publications on BCI technology in rehabilitation from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) between January 1, 2004, and June 30, 2024. The search was conducted using thematic queries, and the document types included “original articles” and “review articles.” Bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping were performed using the Bibliometrix package in R software and CiteSpace software.ResultsDuring the study period, a total of 1,431 publications on BCI technology in rehabilitation were published by 4,932 authors from 1,281 institutions across 79 countries in 386 academic journals. The volume of research literature in this field has shown a steady upward trend. The United States of America (USA) and China are the primary contributors, with Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen being the most active research institution. The journal Frontiers in Neuroscience published the most articles, while the Journal of Neural Engineering was the most cited. Niels Birbaumer not only authored the most articles but also received the highest number of citations. The main research areas include neurology, sports medicine, and ophthalmology. The diverse applications of BCI technology in stroke and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, as well as the evaluation of BCI performance, are current research hotspots. Moreover, deep learning has demonstrated significant potential in BCI technology rehabilitation applications.ConclusionThis bibliometric study provides an overview of the research landscape and developmental trends of BCI technology in rehabilitation, offering valuable reference points for researchers in formulating future research strategies.
Association of body roundness index with female infertility: 2013–2018 NHANES
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Hou Shengdi , Wang Kun , Ling Bin , Yu Huan 
Published: October 2024

AimThis study aims to understand the association between body roundness index (BRI) and female infertility prevalence. Infertility is a public health concern with significant implications for individuals’ well-being and rights.MethodsAll individuals who completed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2013 and 2018 were initially included in this cross-sectional study. Following the screening, 2,777 eligible participants were selected for analysis from the original pool of 10,375 participants. Trained operators conducted anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and waist circumference. The BRI was then calculated based on established research. Data from infertility status questionnaires were gathered from the NHANES database for all participants, with self-reported infertility serving as the study outcome. Multivariable logistic regression and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were employed to investigate the relationship between BRI and infertility. Subgroup analyses were also conducted to further explore the association between BRI and infertility.ResultsUpon analyzing the baseline characteristics of all women in the study, notable distinctions were identified in the clinical and demographic features between fertile and infertile women. Our investigation revealed a positive correlation between BRI and the likelihood of infertility in both weighted and unweighted multiple logistic regression models. Additionally, BRI exhibited a significant association with infertility in both continuous and categorical forms. Utilizing RCS curves, we noted a linear escalation in the prevalence of infertility with rising BRI values. Subgroup analyses provided further clarity on these observations.ConclusionOur study demonstrates a statistically significant positive correlation between BRI and the prevalence of infertility across diverse populations, suggesting potential implications for infertility prevention and treatment. Future prospective cohort studies will explore this association and understand the underlying mechanisms.
The causal relationship between trace element status and upper gastrointestinal ulcers: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Feng Gege 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the bidirectional causal relationships between trace elements (such as zinc, magnesium, phosphate, and folate) and upper gastrointestinal ulcers (including gastric and duodenal ulcers). We utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to achieve this.MethodsWe conducted a two-sample MR analysis using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) obtained from public genomics repositories. We utilized a range of MR methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, and weighted median methods, and conducted a meta-analysis to synthesize results across different datasets. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we performed extensive sensitivity analyses, including pleiotropy assessment, heterogeneity tests, and leave-one-out analysis.ResultsOur findings are significant, indicating a positive causal relationship between increased zinc levels and the risk of gastric ulcers. Moreover, magnesium and folate appear to offer potential protective effects against gastroduodenal ulcers (p &lt; 0.05). The meta-analysis further supports the causal relationship between zinc and gastric ulcers (p &lt; 0.05), confirming zinc’s significant causal impact on this condition.ConclusionThe study confirms a positive causal relationship between zinc and gastric ulcers and highlights the complexity of how trace elements regulate the progression of upper gastrointestinal ulcers. These results provide a scientific basis for dietary recommendations regarding trace element intake in clinical and public health practices. They also offer new insights into effective prevention and treatment strategies for gastric and duodenal ulcers.
U-shaped association of serum vitamin A concentrations with all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Hui , Ye Jiayuan , Dong Yitian , Kong Weiliang , Qian Guoqing , Xie Yilian 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated a significant association between serum vitamin A concentration and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) development. However, the long-term prognostic implications of serum vitamin A in patients with NAFLD remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate whether there exists a correlation between serum vitamin A concentrations and overall mortality among subjects diagnosed with NAFLD.MethodsTo investigate the association between serum vitamin A concentrations and NAFLD outcomes, we conducted prospective cohort studies using data from the 1999–2006 and 2017–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We utilized a multivariate Cox regression model to explore the relationship between serum vitamin A levels and all-cause mortality. Survival curves related to serum vitamin A were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Additionally, the restricted cubic splines (RCS) method was applied to examine potential nonlinear relationships between serum vitamin A concentrations and all-cause mortality of NAFLD.ResultsOver a median follow-up period of 10.3 years, a total of 1,399 all-cause deaths were recorded. The weighted average concentration of serum vitamin A was 61.48 ± 0.37 μg/dL. After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant U-shaped relationship was identified between serum vitamin A concentrations and the risk of all-cause mortality in NAFLD patients. This relationship was particularly pronounced in men and elderly individuals aged 60 to 85.ConclusionOur study reveals a significant non-linear relationship between serum vitamin A concentrations and the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with NAFLD. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and maintaining optimal serum vitamin A levels to potentially improve survival outcomes in NAFLD patients.
The capture of circulating tumor cells by Labyrinth system as a tool for early stage lung cancer detection
Authors: Jin Peipei , Li Hong , Xie Mingran , Tang Jie , Zou Siming , Wang Ruiting , Yu Bin , Chen Tao , Zhang Ju 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesWe focus on utilizing the Labyrinth system for the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with lung nodules. Our aim is to evaluate CTCs isolated through the Labyrinth system as a biomarker for early-stage lung cancer (LC) detection.Methods167 patients with low dose computed tomography (LDCT) diagnostic results for lung nodules and 31 healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled. Blood samples were processed for CTC detection. LDCT positive (LDCT+) patients underwent surgery and were categorized into those with LC and those with benign lung diseases (BLD) based on their biopsy results. BLD Patients, LDCT negative (LDCT-) patients and HV served as controls. The correlation of CTC counts with LC, BLD, LDCT- and HV was investigated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the Labyrinth system’s diagnostic potential for early-stage LC.ResultsMedian CTC counts for LC, BLD, LDCT- and HV were 2.7 CTC/mL, 0.6 CTC/mL, 0.4 CTC/mL, 0 CTC/mL, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated CTC counts could distinguish LC from BLD, LDCT- and HV (p-Values &lt; 0.001). Using a cut-off of 1 CTC/mL, the study showed 84.4% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity for LDCT+ patients. Specificity increased to 85.9% for patients with lung nodules and 88.2% for all participants. In conclusion, CTCs detected by the Labyrinth system can serve as a biomarker for early-stage LC detection for patients with lung nodules.ConclusionsCTCs identified by the Labyrinth system are a promising biomarker for early-stage LC detection in clinical practice.
Novel N-phenyl-2-(aniline) benzamide hydrochloride salt development for colon cancer therapy
Authors: Peng Yan , Peng Ying , Zhang Wei , Zhang Siyi , Peng Huiqian , Li Zhen , Li Bo , Liu Linyi , Zhuo Linsheng , Wang Zhen , Wu Junbo , Jiang Weifan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionN-phenyl-2-(aniline) analog N53 is a previously discovered dual inhibitor of Topo I and COX-2, which exhibited significant anti-colon cancer activity in vitro, but the poor solubility and moderate anti-cancer activity in vivo hindered its further development.MethodsTo rectify the suboptimal drug properties of N53, a series of salt forms were developed and further evaluated through in vivo and in vitro experiments.ResultsThe hydrochloride (N53·HCl) has a well-characterized crystal structure and its solubility reached 540.1 μg/mL, which is nearly 1,700 times higher than that of N53 (0.32 μg/mL). Increasing the N53 solubility consistently promotes its effective concentration, further enhancing the COX-2/Topo I inhibitory activity and the anti-tumor activity in vitro (IC50 values of 2.95 ± 0.08 μM for HT29 cells, 7.99 ± 0.85 μM for RKO cells, 10.94 ± 1.30 μM for HCT116 cells), as well as the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity. Meanwhile, its oral pharmacokinetic property in vivo is also improved. The elimination half-life (T1/2) is prolonged from 10.78 to 22.29 h, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) is increased 2-fold, and the area under the plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC0–∞) is increased 3-fold. In colon cancer xenograft mouse models, the tumor inhibition rate of N53·HCl was 53.7%, superior to that of N53 (34.7%). Moreover, the results of HE staining showed that N53·HCl had no obvious toxic effects and side effects on other organs, indicating that it was safe in vivo.DiscussionThis study demonstrated that N53·HCl exhibits superior pharmacokinetic properties, anti-colon cancer efficacy, and safety, providing a promising drug candidate for colon cancer therapy.
Riluzole attenuates acute neural injury and reactive gliosis, hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairments and spontaneous recurrent generalized seizures in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Kyllo Thomas , Allocco Dominic , Hei Laine Vande , Wulff Heike , Erickson Jeffrey D. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundRiluzole exhibits neuroprotective and therapeutic effects in several neurological disease models associated with excessive synaptic glutamate (Glu) release. We recently showed riluzole prevents acute excitotoxic hippocampal neural injury at 3 days in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Currently, it is unknown if preventing acute neural injury and the neuroinflammatory response is sufficient to suppress epileptogenesis.MethodsThe KA rat model of TLE was used to determine if riluzole attenuates acute hippocampal neural injury and reactive gliosis. KA was administered to adult male Sprague-Dawley (250 g) rats at 5 mg/kg/hr until status epilepticus (SE) was observed, and riluzole was administered at 10 mg/kg 1 h and 4 h after SE and once per day for the next 2 days. Immunostaining was used to assess neural injury (FJC and NeuN), microglial activation (Iba1 and ED-1/CD68) and astrogliosis (GFAP and vimentin) at day 7 and day 14 after KA-induced SE. Learning and memory tests (Y-maze, Novel object recognition test, Barnes maze), behavioral hyperexcitability tests, and spontaneous generalized recurrent seizure (SRS) activity (24-hour video monitoring) were assessed at 11–15 weeks.ResultsHere we show that KA-induced hippocampal neural injury precedes the neuroimmune response and that riluzole attenuates acute neural injury, microglial activation, and astrogliosis at 7 and 14 days. We find that reducing acute hippocampal injury and the associated neuroimmune response following KA-induced SE by riluzole attenuates hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairment, behavioral hyperexcitability, and tonic/clonic generalized SRS activity after 3 months. We also show that riluzole attenuates SE-associated body weight loss during the first week after KA-induced SE.DiscussionRiluzole acts on multiple targets that are involved to prevent excessive synaptic Glu transmission and excitotoxic neuronal injury. Attenuating KA-induced neural injury and subsequent microglia/astrocyte activation in the hippocampus and extralimbic regions with riluzole reduces TLE-associated cognitive deficits and generalized SRS and suggests that riluzole could be a potential antiepileptogenic drug.
Physiological and perceptual demands of singles and doubles beach tennis in women of different competition levels
Authors: Jung Nathalia , Carpes Leandro , Domingues Lucas , Abreu Rodrigo , Mohr Magni , Ferrari Rodrigo 
Published: October 2024

PurposeTo analyze and compare the physiological responses of women during singles and doubles beach tennis sessions.MethodsIn this crossover trial, twenty-two women with previous participation in amateur beach tennis tournaments randomly performed two experimental sessions: singles and doubles beach tennis. The routine for both sessions consisted of 10-min of seated rest, followed by 45-min of beach tennis and 30-min of post-exercise recovery. Participants were matched against opponents of the same competition level, defined according to their local beach tennis ranking (advanced or intermediate level). They warmed up with basic techniques for 5-min and played 3 matches lasting 12-min, interspersed with 2-min recovery intervals. Heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), number of steps (STEPS), handgrip strength (HS), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment were assessed throughout the sessions. Generalized estimating equations were employed to examine the main effects between experimental sessions over the time and in relation to competition level.ResultsHRmean and HRmax (Δ: HRmean = 13 ± 3 bpm; HRmax = 11 ± 3 bpm) as well as EE and Steps (Δ: EE = 66 ± 22 kcal; RPE = 2 ± 0 A.U.; Steps = 250 ± 52 A.U.) were higher in singles than doubles (p &lt; 0.05). The percentage of total time spent in the highest HR zone (91–100%HRmax) was significantly greater in singles than in doubles (39% ± 22% vs. 15% ± 18%; p &lt; 0.05). Differences were found in the percentage of total time spent in each HR zone, recovery HR, and HS between competition levels (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSingles beach tennis resulted in higher physiological demands than doubles in women, and players’ competition level partly affects the training responses.