bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effects of excitatory and inhibitory somatosensory rTMS on somatosensory functioning in the acute and subacute phases of stroke: a preliminary double-blind and randomized trial
Authors: Gao Jingtian , Wang Helin , Hu Zhouyao , He Jiqing , Yang Jing , Lou Xiaokun , You Zhiyuan , Li Jie , Wang Jinghua , Gao Zhongming 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) has a potential effect on somatosensory functioning following a stroke. However, S1-rTMS was combined with peripheral therapies in previous trials. Moreover, these studies have commonly targeted the ipsilesional S1 with excitatory rTMS paradigms.MethodsThis double-blind, randomized trial (registration number: ChiCTR2200059098) investigated two forms of paradigms, that is ipsilesional excitatory and contralesional inhibitory rTMS, as a stand-alone treatment in post-stroke somatosensation. Patients in the acute and subacute phases of stroke were randomly assigned to either contralesional 1-Hz or ipsilesional 10-Hz rTMS group and received 10 daily sessions of treatment in two consecutive weeks.ResultsResults indicate that the contralesional inhibitory and ipsilesional excitatory stimulation were equally effective in improving somatosensory functioning. Moreover, this effect was most prominent in deep sensations and subjective sensations. Using single-pulse EMG recordings, our data also revealed an increased MEP amplitude in the ipsilesional motor cortex following ipsilesional excitatory treatment.ConclusionThis preliminary study demonstrates the primary somatosensory cortex as an effective rTMS target in somatosensory recovery following stroke.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=166474, ChiCTR2200059098.
Specialized gray matter segmentation via a generative adversarial network: application on brain white matter hyperintensities classification
Authors: Bawil Mahdi Bashiri , Shamsi Mousa , Bavil Abolhassan Shakeri , Danishvar Sebelan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMH) observed in T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images have emerged as potential markers of neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Lacking comprehensive automated WMH classification systems in current research, there is a need to develop accurate detection and classification methods for WMH that will benefit the diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases.ObjectiveJuxtacortical WMH (JCWMH) is a less explored subtype of WMH, primarily due to the hard definition of the cortex in FLAIR images, which is escalated by the presence of lesions to obtain appropriate gray matter (GM) masks.MethodsIn this study, we present a method to perform a specialized GM segmentation developed for the classification of WMH, especially JCWMH. Using T1 and FLAIR images, we propose a pipeline to integrate masks of white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, ventricles, and WMH to create a unique mask to refine the primary GM map. Subsequently, we utilize this pipeline to generate paired data for training a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) to substitute the pipeline and reduce the inputs to only FLAIR images. The classification of WMH is then based on the distances between WMH and ventricular and GM masks. Due to the lack of multi-class labeled WMH datasets and the need for extensive data for training deep learning models, we attempted to collect a large local dataset and manually segment and label some data for WMH and ventricles.ResultsIn JCWMH classification, the proposed method exhibited a Dice similarity coefficient, precision, and sensitivity of 0.76, 0.69, and 0.84, respectively. With values of 0.66, 0.55, and 0.81, the proposed method clearly outperformed the approach commonly used in the literature, which uses extracted GM masks from registered T1 images on FLAIR.ConclusionAfter training, the method proves its efficiency by providing results in less than one second. In contrast, the usual approach would require at least two minutes for registration and segmentation alone. The proposed method is automated and fast and requires no initialization as it works exclusively with FLAIR images. Such innovative methods will undoubtedly facilitate accurate and meaningful analysis of WMH in clinical practice by reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.
Initial implicit association between whole grains and taste does not predict consumption of whole grains in low-whole grain consumers: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: De Leon Angela , Burnett Dustin J. , Rust Bret , Lyly Marika , Keim Nancy L. 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundHealth benefits of whole grain (WG) consumption are well documented. Current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least half of total grains consumed be WG; however, Americans consume less than one serving of WG per day. Inferior taste of whole grain products as compared with refined grain products has been reported as one of the main barriers to acceptability and consumption of whole grains. In this pilot study, we aimed to determine if mere exposure to WG foods in self-reported low WG consumers would improve their implicit associations between WG and pleasant taste.MethodsHealthy adults (n=45) were provided a variety of WG or refined grain (RG) products for home use for 6 weeks. Intake was measured by calculating disappearance and verified by a daily log. At the beginning and end of the intervention, we administered an Implicit Association Test (IAT), a computer test designed to measure indirectly the strength of association between pairs of concepts: (a) two contrasted target categories (WG and RG food images) and (b) two contrasted attribute categories (words relating to pleasant or unpleasant taste) via a classification task. Response time was used to calculate IAT D scores, indicating the strength of implicit associations between WG and RG and positive or negative taste.ResultsANCOVA showed that average D scores at the end of the study shifted significantly toward a positive implicit association between WG and good taste (p&lt;0.05) in participants whose baseline D scores indicated an initial preference for RG over WG. No significant differences were found between the WG and RG groups in overall consumption of provided grain products.ConclusionThese findings suggest that mere exposure to WG products over an extended period of time in a free-living situation can improve automatic attitudes toward WG, potentially leading to increased consumption of WG foods.Clinical trial registrationClinicaltrials.Gov, identifier NCT01403857.
Higher oxidative balance score is linearly associated with reduced prevalence of chronic kidney disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome: evidence from NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Zhu Linying , Ruan Xiaoyi , Wang Jianqi , Yan Yongxing , Tang Chunyuan , Xu Yuanwen 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundOxidative stress is a key contributor to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The oxidative balance score (OBS) is an emerging composite assessment tool for dietary and lifestyle oxidative balance. We aimed to explore the association of OBS with CKD prevalence in MetS in this national cross-sectional analysis.MethodsThis was a national cross-sectional analysis. Eligible MetS participants ≥20 years of age from NHANES 1999–2018 were included. OBS was assessed according to previous well-validated methods and consisted of 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle components. MetS was diagnosed by NCEP-ATP III criteria, while CKD was diagnosed by KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association of OBS with CKD in MetS in this national cross-sectional analysis.ResultsA total of 8,095 MetS participants were included, with a CKD prevalence of 24.8%. In fully adjusted models, each score increases in OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS was associated with a 2, 1.7, and 7.3% reduction in the prevalence of CKD, respectively. Higher OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were all associated with significantly lower odds of CKD (p for trend all &lt;0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that these associations all exhibited inverse dose–response. Interaction analyses indicated that cardiovascular disease (CVD) status significantly influenced the impact of OBS and dietary OBS, and these associations were only present in CVD-free subjects. Defining MetS using the IDF criteria did not significantly change the results.ConclusionOBS was inversely associated with the prevalence of CKD in MetS, especially in CVD-free settings. These findings emphasize that adherence to an antioxidant diet and lifestyle contributes to the early prevention of CKD in the MetS population and necessitates attention to CVD interactions. Future prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.
Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Lijuan , Yang Fei , Guo Wentao , Tang Shufang , Ling Yarui 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundInflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor growth, with the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) emerging as a promising serum biomarker for prognostic assessment in patients with cancer. However, its specific role in rectal cancer remains controversial.MethodsA comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from their inception to March 2024, was conducted. The systematic review and meta-analysis strictly adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). This study aimed to assess the available literature on the association of PLR with both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection.ResultsTwenty-three observational studies, encompassing 7577 patients, were included in the analysis. These comprised 20 retrospective and 3 prospective cohort studies, with NOS scores ranging from 5 to 8. A significant association was found between high PLR and worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.01; P = 0.01). Conversely, no significant association was observed between PLR and DFS (HR 1.14; 95% CI 0.98–1.32; P = 0.09).ConclusionsPLR serves as an independent clinical predictor of OS in patients with rectal cancer treated with curative surgery, but not of DFS. This easily accessible biomarker appears to be an optimal prognostic index and may aid clinicians in predicting the prognosis of rectal cancer, facilitating the development of individualized treatment strategies.
Surgical aspects of pediatric abdominal pain in the era of COVID-19: clinical consideration and outcomes
Authors: Abo-Halawa Nezar , Negm Mohamed A. , Arafa Mohamed , Fathy Mohamed 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAcute abdominal pain in pediatrics is a medical emergency that requires special attention. During COVID-19 pandemic, this disease presented in pediatric age by different presentations including abdominal presentations.The affected children are presented with abdominal pain, which may be caused by surgical causes or by the virus itself that necessitate surgical consultation.PurposeThis study highlights the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain regarding the presentation, clinical evaluation, and surgical management.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was done through the collection of data from medical records and authors’ data repositories of pediatric patients presented with acute abdomen from March 2020 to March 2022, in three pediatric surgery tertiary centers.ResultsEighty-four pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain were included in this study. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis was found in 31 patients (36.9%). Generalized abdominal pain was noted in 17 patients (20.2%) and presentation mimicked acute cholecystitis was occured in 14 patients (16.7%). ultrasonography revealed intussusception in 12 cases (14.3%). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was present in 9 cases (10.7%) and only one case of pancreatitis (1.2%). Conservative management was successful in 66 cases (78.6%), while operative intervention was needed in18 cases (21.4%).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, acute abdominal pain in children was frequently observed. Careful follow up is critically important as most cases do not necessitate surgical intervention. It is crucial to consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with acute abdominal pain, particularly in cases of atypical appendicitis and intussusception to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.
Liver tissue changes during and post 6-month spaceflight as measured by ultrasound radio frequency signal processing
Authors: Arbeille Philippe , Zuj Kathryn , Guillon Laurent 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAnalysis of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signals allows for the determination of the index of reflectivity (IR), which is a new measure that is dependent on tissue properties. Previous work has shown differences in the IR of the carotid artery wall with long-duration spaceflight; therefore, it was hypothesized that liver tissue would also show differences in this measure with spaceflight.MethodsThe RF signal of a liver tissue region of interest (ROI) was displayed and processed along six different lines covering a surface of approximately 2 cm × 2 cm. The IR was calculated as the energy backscattered by the liver ROI divided by the total energy returned to the ultrasound probe.ResultsSeven astronauts were investigated preflight, inflight on day 150, and postflight 4 days and 6 months after rerunning to Earth. Compared to preflight (63% ± 18%), the liver tissue ROI IR was significantly lower on flight day 150 (46% ± 14%; p = 0.027) and 4 days postflight (46% ± 19%; p = 0.025). At 6 months postflight, the IR returned to preflight values (59% ± 13%; p = 0.919).ConclusionThe significant decrease in the coefficient of reflectivity inflight and 4 days postflight indicates an alteration in the liver tissue that reduces the reflection of ultrasound waves. This change in tissue properties could either be due to the addition of particles that do not reflect ultrasound waves or structural or cellular changes that alter the reflectivity of the tissue.
Internet addiction, social phobia, substance abuse, and depression in the university setting: a cross-sectional study in the southern region of Morocco
Authors: Ramdani Fatima Zahra , Lahlou Laila , Merzouki Mohamed , Doufik Jalal , El Oumary Omar , Akebour Khadija , Hamri Saliha , Mouhadi Khalid , Boujraf Said , Rahioui Hassan , Rammouz Ismail 
Published: September 2024

AimInternet addiction is a mental health issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual’s life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Internet Addiction and identify the risk factors associated with this behavioral addiction.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 universities in southern Morocco, involving 1,690 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and information on substance use, and included validated tools to assess Internet addiction (Young’s IADQ), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire. PHQ-9), and social phobia (Mini Neuropsychiatric International Interview. M.I.N.I).ResultsThe findings of our study indicate that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 30.60% (95% CI), depressive symptoms were present in 44.10% of participants, and the prevalence of social Phobia was 30.20%. A significant correlation was identified between early initiation of tobacco and Internet addiction (p = 0.05). The multivariate regression model revealed a possible association between cocaine use and Internet Addiction (OR = 5.67, IC 95%: 0.45 to 10.80) (p = 0.03), as well as a significant association between social phobia and a higher internet addiction score (OR = 3.45, IC 95%: 1.70–5.02) (p &lt; 0.001). However, depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with internet addiction (p = 0.38).ConclusionThese results highlight the urgent need to address internet addiction in the coming years. Implementing Multidisciplinary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and follow-up measures are essential to mitigate the physical, psychosocial, and academic impacts of this addiction on students.
Psychological risk factors and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Carola Valeria , Vincenzo Cristina , Di Vincenzo Giulia , Morale Chiara , Cecchi Valentina , Nicolais Giampaolo 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, emerging from a combination of several factors. The aim of this review is to define the psychological factors that are significant in the development and progression of these disorders.MethodsStudies published through 2023 concerning adults with psychological vulnerability factors and/or cardiovascular disease were selected through searches of PubMed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.ResultsPsychological stress may influence CVD, in combination with other risk factors, or it can act independently, as in cases of workplace stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, Takotsubo syndrome and bereavement. Coping strategies, anxiety and depression have also been identified as relevant psychological factors in cardiac patients. Adverse childhood experiences are linked to a reduced quality of life and have been identified as significant risk factors for the development of acquired CVDs.ConclusionThis review demonstrates that several psychological factors affect cardiovascular function. An in-depth study of the psychological correlates of CVDs would allow healthcare professionals to design more effective prevention and intervention programs.
Prevalence and correlates of post-stroke anxiety in Changde, China during 2023 following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
Authors: Luo Shangyu , Hong Yunjun , Wen Jun , Zhang Xiaobo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundStudies on post-stroke anxiety (PSA) following the lifting of COVID-19 restriction measures are currently lacking. We investigated the factors affecting PSA after full release of COVID-19 epidemic in China.MethodsPatients with stroke admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Changde City from March 2023 to September 2023 participated in a questionnaire survey comprising a general demographic questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7. Additionally, data on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), homocysteine, TOAST classification, and the stroke site were collected, and the correlations between these indices and the mental health conditions of the patients were evaluated.ResultsAmong 947 patients, the incidence of PSA was 14.57%.PSA was not linked to prior COVID-19 infection. This study found that Sleep duration (P=0.01), hyperlipidemia (P=0.01), migraine (P=0.02), and family history of stroke (P=0.01) were associated with PSA.ConclusionsOur study found that the prevalence of PSA was 14.57%. In addition, sleep duration, hyperlipidemia, migraine and family history of stroke were independent risk factors for PSA following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
Occupational stress profiles of prehospital and clinical staff in emergency medicine—a cross-sectional baseline study
Authors: Meyer Christine , Chiapponi Costanza , von Kaufmann Florentin , Kanz Karl-Georg , Hinzmann Dominik 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundOccupational stress among emergency medical staff remains a central problem. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies were focused on the working conditions of clinical emergency staff, but few examined the occupational stress profiles of prehospital emergency dispatchers (ED). The aim of this study is therefore to provide baseline data on the differences in occupational stress profiles between prehospital and clinical emergency medical staff.MethodsED, emergency nurses (EN), and trauma surgeons on duty (TS) were questioned using the established and validated standardized short version of the instrument for stress-related job analysis for hospital physicians (ISAK-K). Differences between occupational groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.ResultsOur data indicate significant differences in perception of stressors between professional groups (p &lt; 0.05), with ED showing the highest psychological stress, followed by EN. Social stressors and emotional dissonance were significantly higher in ED and EN compared to TS (p &lt; 0.05). Time pressure was identified as major stressor for ED and TS, but not for EN (p &lt; 0.01). All professions showed moderate high levels of uncertainty and frustration (p = n.s.). Support from colleagues and supervisors was the greatest positive resource for all professional groups (p = n.s.).ConclusionIn accordance with current literature, our results advocate for a re-evaluation of the identified stressors, as ED, EN, and TS continue to show high levels of occupational stress. Training programs for coping with emotional dissonance and social stressors are likely to be crucial for reducing job stress among ED and EN.
A New Approach for Phage Cocktail Design in the Example of Anti-Mastitis Solution
Authors: Królikowska Daria , Szymańska Marta , Krzyżaniak Marta , Guziński Arkadiusz , Matusiak Rafał , Kajdanek Agnieszka , Kaczorek-Łukowska Edyta , Maszewska Agnieszka , Wójcik Ewelina A. , Dastych Jarosław 
Published: September 2024

The studies on phage therapy have shown an overall protective effect of phages in bacterial infections, thus providing an optimistic outlook on the future benefits of phage-based technologies for treating bacterial diseases. However, the therapeutic effect is highly affected by the proper composition of phage cocktails. The rational approach to the design of bacteriophage cocktails, which is the subject of this study, allowed for development of an effective anti-mastitis solution, composed of virulent bacteriophages acting on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Based on the in-depth bioinformatic characterization of bacteriophages and their in vitro evaluation, the cocktail of five phages against E. coli and three against S. aureus strains was composed. Its testing in the milk model experiment revealed a reduction in the number of S. aureus of 45% and 30% for E. coli strains, and in the study of biofilm prevention, it demonstrated 99% inhibition of biofilm formation for all tested S. aureus strains and a minimum of 50% for 50% of E. coli strains. Such insights justify the need for rational design of cocktails for phage therapy and indicate the potential of the developed cocktail in the treatment of diseased animals, but this requires further investigations to evaluate its in vivo efficacy.