bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity and adiposity promote the development of non-suppurative otitis media: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yan Xin , Chen Suhua 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundObservational studies have found that obesity is associated with the development of non-suppurative otitis media (NSOM), but the causality and pathogenesis are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity, lipid metabolism, and NSOM at the genetic level.MethodsWe performed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to examine the causal relationship between obesity, lipid metabolism-related factors, and NSOM by using the datasets obtained from the IEU Open genome-wide association studies (GWAS) Project. Furthermore, a multivariate MR (MVMR) analysis on lipid indicators was conducted to validate the results. We then used obesity or body mass index (BMI) as the exposure and NSOM as the outcome to search for possible mediators in lipids and adipokines.ResultsUsing NSOM as the outcome, we found nine positive exposure results related to obesity and lipid metabolism. Among them, obesity, BMI, body fat percentage, waist circumference, hip circumference, and resistin were risk factors, while apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were protective factors. Then, we used the obesity and lipid metabolism-related factors as outcomes and NSOM as the exposure to perform the MR analysis, which failed to obtain positive results. In the MVMR analysis, we found that HDL cholesterol and apoA1 remained causally associated with NSOM after correction for other potential confounders. Simultaneously, when obesity or BMI was used as the exposure and NSOM as the outcome, HDL cholesterol or apoA1 served as mediators through a two-step MR analysis. The MR analysis for mediation, obesity, and BMI reduced the production of HDL or apoA1, which served as protective factors affecting the development of NSOM.ConclusionAt the genetic level, obesity and adiposity may promote the development of NSOM, while NSOM has no effect on obesity and adiposity. Obesity can also encourage the progress of NSOM by reducing HDL cholesterol/apoA1. Resistin may be a potential risk factor for NSOM, whereas NGF may be a potential protective factor.
Bifid triple viable preparation combined with enteral nutrition as a supportive treatment for acute ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kong Yumeng , Yu Yunfeng , Deng Juan , Yu Rong , Liu Xiu 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe benefits and risks of bifid triple viable preparations in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are still controversial. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bifid triple viable preparations in combination with enteral nutrition for the management of AIS.MethodsEight public databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine, VIP, WanFang, EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for relevant clinical literature, published through January 2024. These data were then used in the present meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 15 studies involving 1,544 patients were included in the meta-analysis. In terms of nutritional status, the results showed that compared with enteral nutrition alone, the bifid triple viable preparation combination group increased the levels of total protein (mean difference [MD], 5.53; 95%confidence interval [CI], 1.94–9.12; p = 0.003), albumin (MD, 4.01; 95%CI, 2.96–5.06; p &lt; 0.00001), prealbumin (MD, 23.08; 95%CI, 16.22–29.95; p &lt; 0.00001), hemoglobin (MD, 9.31; 95%CI, 6.34–12.27; p &lt; 0.00001), and transferrin (MD, 0.64; 95%CI, 0.23–1.05; p = 0.002); in terms of neurological function, it improved the Glasgow Coma Scale (MD, 2.09; 95%CI, 0.69–3.49; p = 0.003), National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (MD, −3.07; 95%CI, −3.73 to −2.40; p &lt; 0.00001), and Neurological Disability Score (MD, −6.68; 95%CI, -7.29 to −6.08; p &lt; 0.00001); in terms of intestinal barrier function, it reduced the levels of endotoxin (MD, −0.55; 95%CI, −0.71 to −0.39; p &lt; 0.00001), D-lactic acid (MD, −3.17; 95%CI, −4.07 to −2.26; p &lt; 0.00001), diamine oxidase (MD, −4.39; 95%CI, −6.20 to −2.57; p &lt; 0.00001), and endothelin (MD, −21.35; 95%CI, −27.86 to −14.83; p &lt; 0.00001); in terms of immune function, it increased the levels of immunoglobulin G (MD, 1.01; 95%CI, 0.20–1.82; p = 0.01) and immunoglobulin M (MD, 0.16; 95%CI, 0.02–0.30; p = 0.03). Additionally, it reduced the incidence of pulmonary infection, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea, while there were no significant differences in total adverse events, abdominal distension, anorexia, reflux, gastrointestinal bleeding, or electrolyte disturbance.ConclusionThe addition of bifid triple viable preparation to enteral nutrition improved the nutritional status, neurological function, intestinal barrier function, and immune function of patients with AIS, and reduced the risk of infection and gastrointestinal events.
Genetic markers associated with host status and clonal expansion of Group B Streptococcus in the Netherlands
Authors: Khan Uzma Basit , Dyster Victoria , Chaguza Chrispin , van Sorge Nina M. , van de Beek Diederik , Man Wing Kit , Bentley Stephen D. , Bijlsma Merijn W. , Jamrozy Dorota 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesCertain Group B Streptococcus (GBS) genotypes are associated with invasive disease in neonates. We conducted a comparative genomic analysis of GBS isolates from neonatal disease and maternal carriage in the Netherlands to determine distribution of genetic markers between the two host groups.MethodsWhole genome sequencing was used to characterise 685 neonatal invasive isolates (2006–2021) and 733 maternal carriage isolates (2017–2021) collected in the Netherlands.ResultsClonal complex (CC) 17 and serotype III were significantly more common in disease while carriage isolates were associated with serotypes II, IV, V as well as CC1. Previously reported CC17-A1 sub-lineage was dominant among disease isolates and significantly less common in carriage. The phiStag1 phage, previously associated with expansion of invasive CC17 isolates in the Netherlands, was more common among disease isolates compared to carriage isolates overall, however it was equally distributed between CC17 isolates from carriage and disease. Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes was overall lower in disease compared to carriage isolates, but increased significantly over time, mediated by rise in prevalence of a multidrug resistance element ICESag37 among disease isolates.ConclusionThere is a stable association between certain GBS genotypes and invasive disease, which suggests opportunities for developing more precise disease prevention strategies based on GBS targeted screening. In contrast, GBS mobile genetic elements appear less likely to be correlated with carriage or disease, and instead are associated with clonal expansion events across the GBS population.
Surveillance of fluoroquinolones resistance in rifampicin-susceptible tuberculosis in eastern China with whole-genome sequencing-based approach
Authors: Che Yang , Lu Yewei , Zhu Yelei , He Tianfeng , Li Xiangchen , Gao Junli , Gao Junshun , Wang Xiaomeng , Liu Zhengwei , Tong Feng 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundLeveraging well-established DNA-level drug resistance mechanisms, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has emerged as a valuable methodology for predicting drug resistance. As the most effective second-line anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) drugs, fluoroquinoloness (FQs) are generally used to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, defined as being resistant to resistant to rifampicin and isoniazid) or rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). However, FQs are also commonly used in the management of other bacterial infections. There are few published data on the rates of FQs resistance among rifampicin-susceptible TB. The prevalence of FQs resistance among TB patients who are rifampicin-susceptible has not been studied in Zhejiang Province, China. The goal of this study was to provide a baseline characterization of the prevalence of FQs resistance, particularly among rifampicin-susceptible TB in Zhejiang Province, China.MethodsBased on WGS, we have investigated the prevalence of FQs resistance among rifampicin-susceptible TB in Zhejiang Province. All pulmonary TB patients with positive cultures who were identified in Zhejiang area during TB drug resistance surveillance from 2018 to 2019 have enrolled in this population-based retrospective study.ResultsThe rate of FQs resistance was 4.6% (32/698) among TB, 4.0% (27/676) among rifampicin-susceptible TB, and 22.7% (5/22) among RR-TB. According to WGS, strains that differ within 12 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were considered to be transmission of FQ-resistant strains. Specifically, 3.7% (1/27) of FQs resistance was caused by the transmission of FQs-resistant strains among the rifampicin-susceptible TB and 40.7% (11/27) of FQs resistance was identified as hetero-resistance.ConclusionThe prevalence of FQs resistance among TB patients who were rifampicin-susceptible was severe in Zhejiang. The emergence of FQs resistance in TB isolates that are rifampicin-susceptible was mainly caused by the selection of drug-resistant strains. In order to prevent the emergence of FQs resistance, the WGS-based surveillance system for TB should be urgently established, and clinical awareness of the responsible use of FQs for respiratory infections should be enhanced.
Hospital outcomes of acute COVID-19 infection among patients with neurological conditions: a single-center study
Authors: Desouky Adam , Fuentes Venessa , Tiwari Chhitij , Usui Hikari , Smith Ayala Arthor H. , Wilson Susan E. , Diaz Monica M. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has been associated with severe neurological consequences, including stroke or seizures, and less severe neurological sequelae, including headaches, dizziness, and anosmia. Earlier COVID-19 variants were associated with high morbidity and mortality; however, knowledge of the impact of neurological conditions in the setting of COVID-19 on healthcare outcomes is limited. We sought to determine the impact of acute neurological conditions and acute COVID-19 infection on inpatient hospitalization outcomes.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational study of adult patients who were admitted to a large academic medical center in the Southeastern US between April 2020 and December 2021 with acute COVID-19 infection and a neurological diagnosis. Patient demographics, medical history, neurological diagnoses, and hospitalization outcomes were obtained from the medical record. Descriptive statistics and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsOf the 1,387 patients included in this study, 27% died and 23% were kept under ventilation during hospitalization. The mean +/− standard deviation (SD) age was 64.6+/−16.9 years, with 52.8% women and 30.1% identifying as Black/African American. The most common neurological conditions included ischemic stroke (35.0%), movement disorder (12.0%), and hemorrhagic stroke (10.7%). In-hospital death was most common among those with epilepsy (p = 0.024), headache (p = 0.026), and dementia (p &lt; 0.0001) compared to individuals without those conditions. Ventilation support was given more commonly to dementia patients (p = 0.020). Age was a significant risk factor for death (p &lt; 0.001) and hospital length of stay (LOS) for ventilation (p &lt; 0.001), but no neurological condition was a significant factor in adjusted logistic regression analyses.DiscussionMortality was high in this study, with more than one-quarter of patients dying in the hospital. Death was the most common among those with epilepsy, headache, or dementia, but no neurological condition increased the risk of in-hospital mortality or ventilation. Future studies would determine the long-term neurological sequelae of those discharged from the hospital with COVID-19 and a neurological condition.
Efficacy of shock wave therapy and ultrasound therapy in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Stania Magdalena , Słomka Kajetan J. , Juras Grzegorz , Król Tomasz , Król Piotr 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivePhysiotherapists and physicians continue to seek effective conservative treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. This study aimed to subjectively and objectively determine the therapeutic efficacy of radial shock wave therapy (RSWT) and ultrasound therapy in non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.Materials and methodsThirty-nine patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, i.e., RSWT (group A), ultrasound therapy (group B), and placebo ultrasound (group C) groups. Before the intervention and at weeks 1 and 6 after the treatment, the patients were assessed using the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire and posturographic measurements of step initiation performed on the force platforms under two different conditions (non-perturbed transit and perturbed transit).ResultsSix weeks after therapy, all groups exhibited significantly increased VISA-A scores against the measurement at week 1 after therapy. The post-therapy percentage changes in VISA-A scores were significantly greater in group A compared to group B. The three-way ANOVA demonstrated that treatment type affected sway range in the frontal plane and mean velocity of the centre of foot pressure displacements in the sagittal and frontal planes during quiet standing before step initiation. The Bonferroni post-hoc test showed that the means of all those variables were significantly smaller for group A than for group B patients. The three-way ANOVA revealed an effect of the platform arrangement on transit time and double-support period. The Bonferroni post-hoc test revealed statistically longer transit time for the perturbed vs. non-perturbed trials; a reverse relationship was observed for the double-support period.ConclusionThe VISA-A showed that RSWT was significantly more effective than sonotherapy for alleviation of pain intensity as well as function and activity improvement in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Therefore, RSWT therapy can be used in clinical practice by physiotherapists to alleviate the symptoms of non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Objective data registered by force platforms during quiet standing before and after step initiation did not prove useful for monitoring the progress of treatment applied to patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy between consecutive therapy interventions.Clinical trial registration:https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12617000860369, identifier (ACTRN12617000860369).
Case report: First experience with stimulating anterior thalamic nuclei in pharmacoresistant epilepsy in Kazakhstan
Authors: Abzalova Veronika , Kauynbekova Sholpan , Makhambaev Gabit , Dmitriev Alexander , Tuleubaev Berik 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionPharmacoresistant epilepsy is a multicomponent disease that can be successfully treated surgically if the surgical tactics are properly defined. We present the first case of stimulation of anterior thalamic nuclei in pharmacoresistant epilepsy in Kazakhstan. This will be a new opportunity for Kazakhstanis diagnosed with epilepsy to achieve stable epilepsy remission.MaterialsThe patient was born in 2000. The first episode of tonic clonic seizures with loss of consciousness occurred in 2014. Repeatedly underwent therapeutic and diagnostic measures in the neurological department. The frequency of seizures increased in dynamics. The results of instrumental examination revealed the following morphological changes: Morphological changes: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in the left cingulate gyrus, hypometabolism in the left thalamus and forehead, signs of hippocampal sclerosis on both sides. Electroencephalogram (EEG) shows activity in frontal areas on both sides, more on the right. Based on clinical and instrumental data according to the 2017 ILAE classification, the diagnosis was Structural focal frontal lobe epilepsy with bilateral tonic-clonic seizures. FCD of the left cingulate gyrus. Resistance to antiepileptic therapy.MethodsThe patient was hospitalized in the department of neurosurgery. In light of the evidence indicating structural changes in the brain substance and ambiguous EEG findings, the indications for deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the anterior nucleus (ANT) were made. Electrode implantation was performed under general anesthesia, and preoperative computer tomography (CT) scans were performed using the CRW® stereotactic system in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans using Brainlab Neuronavigation with 3D Atlas to identify the anterior thalamic nuclei.ConclusionThe observed structural changes in the brain substance and the ambiguous EEG results call into question the efficacy of surgical procedures aimed at removing existing foci or destroying them. Based on the above, as well as the experience of foreign colleagues, the choice of neurosurgeons was DBS ANT. Although the selection of ideal candidates for thalamic stimulation is still controversial, in the described case we were able to achieve control of seizure activity. The patient was seizure free for 2 months after surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 7.
Investigating spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson’s disease with a history of freezing of gait and exploring the effects of dopaminergic therapy on freezing of gait subtypes
Authors: Lin Po-Hsi , Lai Yun-Ru , Lien Chia-Yi , Huang Chih-Cheng , Chiang Yi-Fang , Kung Chien-Feng , Chen Chih-Jui , Lu Cheng-Hsien 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionFreezing of Gait (FOG) is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study evaluated spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in individuals with PD with a history of FOG and explored the effects of dopaminergic therapy on FOG subtypes.MethodsOne hundred and nine individuals with PD underwent clinical assessments and quantitative biomechanical measures during walking cycles before and after dopaminergic therapy. Individuals with FOG were classified into levodopa-responsive and levodopa-unresponsive groups.ResultsIndividuals with FOG displayed longer disease duration and higher Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II, III, IV scores, and total scores and levodopa equivalent dose, than those without FOG (all p &lt; 0.0001). Following propensity score matching of 15 pairs based on UPDRS total score and disease duration during the off-medication state, the analysis comparing the FOG and non-FOG groups revealed no significant differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters. In 39 cases of FOG, dopaminergic therapy improved gait performance in individuals with PD, enhancing spatiotemporal parameters (speed, stride length, step length, step variability) and kinematic parameters (shoulder and elbow flexion/extension range of motion (ROM), pelvic rotation, and hip abduction/adduction ROM) regardless of FOG responsiveness to dopaminergic therapy. A significant difference in trunk sway ROM (p = 0.029) remained before and after dopaminergic therapy, even after adjusting for disease duration and clinical severity.DiscussionDopaminergic therapy had varying effects on PD with FOG, improving several spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters but being less effective in levodopa-unresponsive cases. Quantitative biomechanical measures offer detailed insights into gait performance, aiding personalized fall risk assessment and guiding individualized rehabilitation programs.
Nighttime eating during pregnancy and infant adiposity at 6 months of life
Authors: Rodríguez-Cano Ameyalli M. , Medel-Canchola Berenice , González-Ludlow Isabel , Rodríguez-Hernández Carolina , Reyes-Muñoz Enrique , Schiffman-Selechnik Esther , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Perichart-Perera Otilia 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionChrononutrition studies the relation between diet, circadian rhythms and metabolism, which may alter the metabolic intrauterine environment, influencing infant fat-mass (FM) development and possibly increasing obesity risk.AimTo evaluate the association of chrononutrition in pregnancy and infant FM at 6 months.MethodsHealthy pregnant women and term-babies (n = 100pairs) from the OBESO cohort (2017–2023) were studied. Maternal registries included pregestational body-mass-index (BMI), gestational complications/medications, weight gain. Diet (three 24 h-recalls, 1 each trimester) and sleep-schedule (first and third trimesters) were evaluated computing fasting (hours from last–first meal), breakfast and dinner latencies (minutes between wake up-breakfast and dinner-sleep, respectively), number of main meals/day, meal skipping (≥1 main meal/d on three recalls) and nighttime eating (from 9:00 pm–5:59 am on three recalls). Neonatal weight, length, BMI/age were assessed. At 6 months, infant FM (kg, %; air-displacement plethysmography) was measured, and FM index (FMI—kgFM/length2) computed. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was recorded. Multiple linear regression models evaluated the association between chrononutrition and 6 month infant FM.ResultsMean fasting was 11.7 ± 1.3 h; breakfast, dinner latency were 87.3 ± 75.2, 99.6 ± 65.6 min, respectively. Average meals/day were 3.0 ± 0.5. Meal skipping was reported in 3% (n = 3) of women and nighttime eating in 35% (n = 35). Most neonates had normal BMI/age (88%, n = 88). Compared to those who did not, mothers engaged in nighttime-eating had infants with higher %FM (p = 0.019). Regression models (R2 ≥ 0.308, p ≤ 0.001) showed that nighttime eating was positively associated with %FM (B: 2.7, 95%CI: 0.32–5.16). When analyzing women without complications/medications (n = 80), nighttime eating was associated with higher FM [%FM, B: 3.24 (95%CI: 0.59–5.88); kgFM, B: 0.20 (95%CI: 0.003–0.40); FMI, B: 0.54 (95%CI: 0.03–1.05)]. Infant sex and weight (6 months) were significant, while maternal obesity, pregnancy complications/medications, parity, energy intake, birth-BMI/age, and EBF were not.ConclusionMaternal nighttime eating is associated with higher adiposity in 6 month infants.
Study on the relationship between berry, grape, red wine consumption and cognitive impairment in middle-aged and elderly people in China
Authors: Jiang Xinting , Chen Meirong , Cui Liang , Guo Qihao , Huang Lin 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionSome evidence suggests that fruit and alcohol consumption may be related to cognitive impairment.MethodsThis study conducted a cross-sectional study on the “correlation between eating habits and cognitive function of the middle-aged and elderly population in China.” The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between fruit consumption, drinking habits and cognitive impairment in Chinese people over 50 years old.ResultsThe results show that the protective factors of cognitive impairment are the preference for berries and the daily intake of 100-200 grams grapes in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people with objective cognitive unimpaired. The habit of drinking red wine is a protective factor for cognitive impairment in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, this study did not find the relationship between white wine, beer, yellow rice wine, liquor and cognitive impairment.DiscussionTherefore, we believe that berries, grapes and red wine consumption can protect the cognitive function of the middle-aged and elderly people in China, and the protective function is related to the basic cognitive state.