bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platycodin D and voluntary running synergistically ameliorate memory deficits in 5 × FAD mice via mediating neuromodulation and neuroinflammation
Authors: Liu Junxin , Jiang Jiahui , He Chuantong , Zhou Longjian , Zhang Yi , Zhao Shuai , Yang Zhiyou 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, and currently, no effective treatments are available to reverse or halt its progression in clinical practice. Although a plethora of studies have highlighted the benefits of physical exercise in combating AD, elder individuals often have limited exercise capacity. Therefore, mild physical exercise and nutritional interventions represent potential strategies for preventing and mitigating neurodegenerative diseases. Our research, along with other studies, have demonstrated that platycodin D (PD) or its metabolite, platycodigenin, derived from the medicinal plant Platycodon grandiflorus, exerts neuroprotective effects against amyloid β (Aβ)-induced neuroinflammation. However, the combined effects of PD and physical exercise on alleviating AD have yet to be explored. The current study aimed to investigate whether combined therapy could synergistically ameliorate memory deficits and AD pathology in 5 × FAD mice.MethodsFive-month-old 5 × FAD mice were randomly assigned to four groups, and received either PD (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.), voluntary running, or a combination of both for 47 days. Nest building test, locomotion test, and Morris water maze test were used to evaluate the cognitive function. Immunohistochemical and ELISA analysis was performed to determine Aβ build-up, microglia and astrocytes hyperactivation, and survival neurons in the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to assess the polarization of microglia and astrocytes. HPLC analysis was performed to measure monoamine neurotransmitters in the hippocampus.Results and discussionThe combination of PD and voluntary running synergistically restored nest-building behavior, alleviated recognition and spatial memory deficits, and showed superior effects compared to monotherapy. In addition, the PD and voluntary running combination reduced Aβ build-up, decreased hyperactivation of microglia and astrocytes in the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex, promoted the polarization of inflammatory M1 microglia and reactive astrocytes toward beneficial phenotypes, and lowered systemic circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines in 5 × FAD mice. Furthermore, combined therapy effectively protected neurons and increased levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) in the hippocampus of 5 × FAD mice. In conclusion, the combination of PD and voluntary running holds great potential as a treatment for AD, offering promise for delaying onset or progression of AD.
Neural effects of acupuncture on stroke patients with motor dysfunction: an activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis
Authors: Li Dongxia , Wang Dongyan , Zhou Yihao , Zhang Yuan , Yang Siyu , Dong Xu , Cai Shaojie , Zhang Ruiting 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundFunctional magnetic resonance imaging has been used in many studies to explore the neural mechanism of acupuncture in patients with post-stroke motor dysfunction. Inconsistent results have been found in these studies, however. This activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis was designed to quantitatively integrate changes in brain activity and the neurological effects of acupuncture on patients with motor dysfunction after stroke.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Science and Technology Journal Database, the China Biology Medicine, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform for literature from the establishment of the database until March 21, 2024. Research papers were selected, data extracted, and quality assessment was done independently by two researchers. The GingerALE software was used for meta-analysis, and Jackknife sensitivity analysis was employed to assess result robustness.ResultsWe ended up analyzing 14 studies that included 235 patients and 100 healthy people. ALE meta-analysis showed that Compared with healthy people, the enhanced brain region in poststroke patients with motor dysfunction was located in the left posterior lobe of the cerebellum, the left inferior frontal gyrus, and the left precuneus (p &lt; 0.001). After acupuncture, the activated regions were mainly located in the left posterior lobe of the cerebellum, the right lentiform nucleus putamen, the right medial frontal gyrus, the right inferior frontal gyrus, the left precuneus, the right middle temporal gyrus, the left claustrum, the left cerebellar tonsil, the right superior marginal gyrus, the inactivated area is located in the right medial frontal gyrus the left precentral gyrus and the right precuneus (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionAcupuncture can reestablish motor function by causing extensive changes in the brain function of patients with stroke, which may be the neurological effect of acupuncture therapy on stroke patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024526263.
Effects of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on lipid profile in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sadeghi Behrad , Bahari Hossein , Jozi Hannane , Hasanzadeh Mohammad-Ali , Hashemi Dorna , Bideshki Mohammad Vesal 
Published: September 2024

Background and aimThe regulation of lipid metabolism is crucial for preventing cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) has garnered attention for its potential role in modulating lipid profiles. However, the magnitude of these effects are unclear due to the heterogeneity of the studies. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have examined the effects of HMB on lipid profiles in adults.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched for relevant studies through January 2024. The study protocol was also registered at Prospero (no. CRD42024528549). Based on a random-effects model, we calculated WMDs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The outcomes assessed included total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Sensitivity, subgroup and meta-regression analyses were also conducted.ResultsOur analysis included a total of 10 RCTs comprising 421 participants. The pooled data revealed no significant effect of HMB supplementation on TC (WMD: −2.26 mg/dL; 95%CI: −6.11 to 1.58; p = 0.25), TG (WMD: −2.83 mg/dL 95% CI: −12.93 to 7.27; p = 0.58), LDL-C (WMD: 0.13 mg/dL; 95%CI: −3.02 to 3.28; mg; p = 0.94), and HDL-C (WMD: −0.78 mg/dL; 95%CI: −2.04 to 0.48; p = 0.22). The quality of evidence was rated as moderate to low for all outcomes.ConclusionThe current evidence from RCTs suggests that HMB supplementation does not significantly alter lipid profiles, including TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. Further research is warranted to confirm these results and explore the potential mechanisms of action of HMB.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=528549, CRD42024528549.
Cocoa bean metabolomics reveals polyphenols as potential markers relating to fine dark chocolate color shades
Authors: de Sousa Dias Aécio Luís , Meudec Emmanuelle , Verbaere Arnaud , Lair Sophie , Boulet Jean-Claude , Sommerer Nicolas 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate the color and the discriminating compounds for two types of cocoa beans (black and brown beans) related to 70% dark chocolates of black and brown colors from a previous work of our group.MethodsColor analysis and untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomic analysis were performed on eight beans of each type. Mass spectral data processing, univariate and multivariate statistical methods were conducted for classification of beans and selection of discriminant features.Results and discussionThe results showed that the color difference already observed for black and brown chocolates preexists in the beans. Black and brown beans had 45 and 50 discriminant features, respectively, of which 16 and 41 were phenolic compounds. Most of them were also previously identified as discriminating compounds for black and brown chocolates. Black beans predominantly contained glycosylated flavanols, ranging from monomers to trimers, with dimers and trimers being A-type procyanidins, along with a phenolic acid (protocatechuic acid), and an O-glycosylated flavonol (quercetin-3-O-glucoside). In contrast, brown beans mostly contained non-glycosylated B-type procyanidins ranging from dimers to decamers, but also dimers and trimers of A-type procyanidins, and a glycosylated and sulfated flavanol ((epi) catechin hexoside-sulfate). These markers may be useful for quality control purposes and may contribute to the selection of beans that yield black or brown dark chocolates.
Changes in unhealthy food consumption among vulnerable elementary-aged children in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a serial cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Parthasarathy Nivedhitha , Ranjit Nalini , Chuang Ru-Jye , Markham Christine , Pomeroy Mike , Noyola Jacqueline , Ernest Deepali K. , Sharma Shreela V. 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveSeveral studies suggest that during the early pandemic, amidst socioeconomic instability, children from underserved families were more likely to resort to consuming cheaper, lower-quality foods with longer shelf lives. This study investigated the change in unhealthy food consumption across different phases (pre, early, mid) of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether the strength of association between unhealthy food consumption and household socioeconomic disadvantage (HSED) varied across phases of the pandemic.MethodsThis study utilized serial cross-sectional data collected from low-income families enrolled in a school-based food co-op, Brighter Bites. Secondary data analysis included 5,384 surveys from families who had complete data: 3422 pre-pandemic, 944 from the early pandemic, and 1,018 mid-pandemic. Outcome measures included sugary food intake and convenience/fast food intake, each of which was operationalized as a scale using pre-validated items from the surveys. HSED was operationalized as a composite of parent employment, parent education, food insecurity, and participation in government programs; responses were categorized into low, medium, and high HSED groups for analysis. We examined the interaction between HSED and time period to explore how HSED and its association with dietary measures changed over the course of the pandemic.ResultsA significant linear negative trend, i.e., a decrease in consumption from pre-to-mid-pandemic period was seen in sugary food intake (p &lt; 0.001), but not in convenience food intake. In data pooled across time-periods, both sugary food and convenience/fast food consumption were inversely associated with HSED, and low unhealthy food consumption was observed among high-disadvantage groups. No significant interaction between time period and HSED was observed on either scale. However, the post-regression estimates from the adjusted interaction model showed a significant association between convenience/fast food consumption and HSED in pre- and mid-pandemic periods.ConclusionThe study highlights the nuances of socioeconomic dynamics on the diet behaviors of children from low-income families during a natural disaster.
Understanding the importance of therapeutic alliance during physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain in children: a scoping review
Authors: Joslin Rhiannon , Allen Eve , Carter Bernie 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMusculoskeletal pain affecting children is common. Rehabilitation and treatment effectiveness can be influenced by multiple individual and contextual factors. The need for more rigorous evaluation of physiotherapy treatment for children's pain, identification of the role of specific techniques, and exploration of the influence of the therapeutic alliance is needed. This scoping review of research aimed to examine: (1) What are the perceptions of children, parents, and physiotherapists about the importance of therapeutic alliance during musculoskeletal pain treatment? (2) What are the key characteristics of therapeutic alliance during a child's musculoskeletal pain treatment from the perspectives of children, parents, and physiotherapists? and (3) What are the perceived impacts of therapeutic alliance (positive and negative) during a child's physiotherapy treatment for musculoskeletal pain?MethodsThe scoping review, based on Arksey and O'Malley's framework and reporting was guided by PRISMA-ScR. The search strategy was based on three concept blocks: (1) Study population: Children (&lt;18 years); (2) Medical condition: Any musculoskeletal pain (acute, chronic primary, chronic secondary); (3) Intervention: Qualitative exploration of experience of physiotherapy treatment delivered by a physiotherapist from the perspective of a child, parent, or physiotherapist. The search (no date limit) was conducted in February 2024 across Medline, AMED and CINAHL.ResultsFollowing duplicate removal and assessment of eligibility of the initial 236 articles, nine articles were included; of these, only one specifically aimed to explore therapeutic alliance and it was the only paper to directly mention therapeutic alliance. All nine articles presented the child's experience. One overarching theme “Finding resilience within me through therapeutic alliance” and three main themes: “A trusted guide through the ups and the downs of rehabilitation”; “Having a route map”; and “Take me seriously but make it fun” were identified.DiscussionTherapeutic alliance was considered important by children, parents and physiotherapist and it influenced child and parent perceptions of physiotherapy and overall treatment outcomes. Physiotherapists can foster the children's resilience when experiencing musculoskeletal pain by providing disciplinary expertise, connecting and collaborating with the child by becoming their trusted guide, and co-creating a route map for rehabilitation by helping them to learn about their body, pain and recovery timeline.
Systematic review of Janus kinases inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis: methodology, reporting, and quality of evidence evaluation
Authors: Shen Xiaolan , Liu Xiaoman , Guo Xiang , Hou Xiaoqiang , Huang Huiliang , Feng Zhitao 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo evaluate the methodological, reporting and evidence quality of systematic reviews or meta-analyses of Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsOur study systematically retrieved reviews from various databases, spanning from inception to June 2024. Two evaluators independently assessed the methodological, reporting, and evidence quality of each review using the AMSTAR-2 and PRIAMA2020 tools. The evidence quality was evaluated according to GRADE criteria. Six aspects were evaluated: publication year, study type, homogeneity, risk of publication bias, AMSTAR-2 methodology, and PRIAMA2020 reporting quality. Excel 2016 facilitated conversion of scores into radar plots.ResultsFollowing stringent selection criteria, a total of 18 relevant studies were identified. The AMSTAR-2 scores ranged from 4 to 13 points, with five studies rated as low quality and the remaining 13 as critically low quality. All studies encompassed populations, interventions, controls, and outcome measures, demonstrating commendable integrity. However, there is room for improvement in study protocol development and registration, comprehensive search strategies, inclusion and exclusion criteria, conflict of interest disclosure, and discussion of heterogeneity. PRIAMA2020 assessments ranged from 14.5 to 21 points, with two studies scoring below 15 points due to increased bias risk from data transformation and sensitivity analysis. Notably, all reviews (100%) adhered to PRIAMA2020 guidelines for certain items but none met all criteria. GRADE evaluation included 446 outcome measures, with 158 of moderate, 156 of low, and 132 of very low quality, indicating JAK inhibitors is effective in improving RA. According to radar chart, the average rank score was 13.13. One study achieved a balanced score across all dimensions, while 11 exceeded the average, five showed significant differences in PRIAMA2020 scores, and four in AMSTAR two scores.ConclusionDespite summarizing the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in treating RA, the included studies exhibited poor methodological and reporting quality, along with low-quality evidence overall. Therefore, caution is warranted among decision-makers regarding the use of JAK inhibitors in RA treatment. Urgent requirements include high-quality, multicenter studies investigating JAK inhibitors for RA.Systematic Review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier 413415.
Association between phthalates exposure and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease under different diagnostic criteria: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES 2017 to 2018
Authors: Zou Jiazhen , Gu Qingdan , Gu Dayong 
Published: September 2024

PurposeNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. Phthalates have been suggested to influence the development of NAFLD due to their endocrine-disrupting properties, but studies based on nationally representative populations are insufficient, and existing studies seem to have reached conflicting conclusions. Due to changes in legislation, the use of traditional phthalates has gradually decreased, and the phthalates substitutes is getting more attention. This study aims to delve deeper into how the choice of diagnostic approach influences observed correlations and concern about more alternatives of phthalates, thereby offering more precise references for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.MethodsA cohort of 641 participants, sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018 database, was evaluated for NAFLD using three diagnostic methods: the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), the US Fatty Liver Indicator (US.FLI), and Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE). The urinary metabolite concentrations of Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Di-isononyl phthalate (DINP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), Di-isobutyl phthalate (DIBP), Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP) and Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) were detected. The association between NAFLD and urinary phthalate metabolites was evaluated through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, considering different concentration gradients of urinary phthalates.ResultsUnivariate logistic regression analysis found significant correlations between NAFLD and specific urinary phthalate metabolites, such as Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), Mono-2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl phthalate (MECPP), and Mono-(carboxyisoctyl) phthalate (MCiOP), across different diagnostic criteria. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting only for demographic data, MEOHP (OR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.19–8.94, p = 0.029), MEHHP (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 1.43–11.1, p = 0.016), MECPP (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.01–12.2, p = 0.049), and MCiOP (OR = 4.55, 95% CI = 1.93–10.7, p = 0.005) were positively related to NAFLD defined by HSI and VCTE. The correlation strength varied with the concentration of phthalates, indicating a potential dose–response relationship. Adjusting for all covariates in multivariate logistic regression, only MCiOP (OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 1.10–16.2, p = 0.044), as an oxidative metabolite of DINP, remained significantly associated with NAFLD under the VCTE criterion, suggesting its potential role as a risk factor for NAFLD.ConclusionThis research highlights a significant association between DINP and NAFLD. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into the role of the phthalates substitutes in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the importance of considering different diagnostic criteria in research.
Health care service utilization among elderly in rural setting of Gandaki province, Nepal: a mixed method study
Authors: Poudel Kamal , Malla Dinesh Kumar , Thapa Kanchan 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionGlobally, one in every six people will be elderly by 2030. In Nepal, there has been a notable rise in the aging and elderly. Addressing the healthcare needs of them is crucial. Despite the different efforts to advocate for healthy aging, various factors continue to limit this process. This paper aims to explore the utilization of healthcare services among the elderly population and uncover influences on the ability to access these services.MethodA mixed-method community-based study was conducted in Bihadi Rural Municipality of Parbat, Nepal. The quantitative segment involved interviews with 355 individuals aged ≥60 years, while 18 respondents were enlisted for in-depth interviews. We used descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression in quantitative analysis. Similarly, content and thematic analysis were performed in the qualitative component.ResultsThis study reported that health service utilization among the respondents was 65.4%. Among the factors ethnicity (OR 3.728, 95% CI 1.062–15.887), not good health status (OR 2.943, 95% CI 1.15–8.046), bus as means of transportation (OR 8.397, 95% CI 1.587–55.091) had higher odds whereas government hospital (OR 0.046, 95% CI 0.009–0.193), not always available health staffs (OR 0.375, 95% CI 0.147–0.931), not sufficient medicine (OR 0.372, 95% CI 0.143–0.924), not available medicine (OR 0.014, 95% CI 0.002–0.068) had lower odds for health service utilization. Other factors identified from qualitative components include long waiting times, insufficient medicine, lack of trained health personnel, financial capacity, low utilization of health insurance, distance, and support from family members.ConclusionsNonetheless, a portion of the elderly remained excluded from mainstream of healthcare services. A combination of social, healthcare-related, and individual factors influences the utilization of healthcare services. To ensure elderly-friendly services, prioritize geriatric care training, secure medication availability, and establish a dedicated health insurance program for them. In the current federal context, localizing evidence-based, innovative strategies to address the healthcare needs of the elderly is crucial.