bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the role of gut microbiota in acute pancreatitis: integrating Mendelian randomization with a nested case–control study
Authors: Qu Chang , Lu Jiongdi , Chen Yongyan , Li Jia , Xu Xiaoqing , Li Fei 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundGut microbiota may influence the development of acute pancreatitis (AP), a serious gastrointestinal disease with high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify a causal link by investigating the relationship between gut microbiota and AP.MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) and a nested case–control study were used to explore associations between gut microbiota composition and AP. 16S rRNA sequencing, random forest modelling (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was applied to identify significant gut microbiota and their correlation with hospitalization duration in AP patients.ResultsBidirectional MR results confirmed a causal link between specific gut microbiota and AP (15 and 8 microbial taxa identified via forward and reverse MR, respectively). The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated a pronounced difference in gut microbiota composition between cases and controls. Notably, after a comprehensive evaluation of the results of RF and SVM, Bacteroides plebeius (B. plebeius) was found to play a significant role in influencing the hospital status. Using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the predictive power (0.757) of B. plebeius. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis offered further insight that patients with an elevated abundance of B. plebeius experienced prolonged hospital stays.ConclusionCombining MR with nested case–control studies provided a detailed characterization of interactions between gut microbiota and AP. B. plebeius was identified as a significant contributor, suggesting its role as both a precursor and consequence of AP dynamics. The findings highlight the multifactorial nature of AP and its complex relationship with the gut microbiota. This study lays the groundwork for future therapeutic interventions targeting microbial dynamics in AP treatment.
Dissecting causal relationships between gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and glioblastoma multiforme: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Xuan , Han Lihui , Xu Wenzhe 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundGiven the increasing interest in the role of gut microbiota in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), our objective was to examine the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and GBM, as well as the mediating effects of specific metabolites.MethodsA bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to investigate the associations between 196 microbial taxa and GBM. A two-step MR technique was used to identify significant mediators in this relationship. Subsequently, a mediation analysis was performed to explore and quantify the mediating effects of specific metabolites on the causal relationship between gut microbiota and GBM.ResultsFive taxa showed significant associations with GBM. Among them, family Victivallaceae [odds ratio (OR): 1.95; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21, 3.13; p = 0.005] and genus Lactococcus (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.15; p = 0.036) were positively correlated with the risk of GBM, while phylum Cyanobacteria had a protective effect against GBM (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.89; p = 0.021). The mediation analysis revealed that the connections among family Victivallaceae, genus Lactococcus, phylum Cyanobacteria and GBM were mediated by Methyl-4-hydroxybenzoate sulfate, phosphoethanolamine and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Each of these accounted for 7.27, 7.98, and 8.65%, respectively.ConclusionOur study provides evidence supporting a potential causal association between certain gut microbiota taxa and GBM. The study highlights the central role of gut microbiota in GBM pathogenesis and their interactions with vital serum metabolites. This paves the way for potential novel therapeutic interventions in GBM management.
Anti-staphylococcal activity of a polyphenol-rich citrus extract: synergy with β-lactams and low proficiency to induce resistance
Authors: Mazzantini Diletta , Massimino Mariacristina , Calvigioni Marco , Rossi Virginia , Celandroni Francesco , Lupetti Antonella , Batoni Giovanna , Ghelardi Emilia 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAntibiotic resistance represents one of the most significant threats to public health in the 21st century. Polyphenols, natural molecules with antibacterial activity produced by plants, are being considered as alternative antimicrobial strategies to manage infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of a polyphenol mixture extracted from citrus fruits, against both antibiotic-susceptible and resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.MethodsBroth microdilution and time-kill curve experiments were used to test the extract anti-staphylococcal activity. Cytotoxicity was assessed by the hemolysis assay. The interaction between the mixture and antibiotics was investigated by the checkerboard assay. The effect of B alone and in combination with oxacillin on the membrane potential was investigated by the 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide assay. The ability of the extract to induce the development of resistance was verified by propagating S. aureus for 10 transfers in the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations.ResultsThe citrus extract was found to be active against all Staphylococcus strains at remarkably low concentrations (0.0031 and 0.0063%), displaying rapid bactericidal effects without being toxic on erythrocytes. In particular, B was found to rapidly cause membrane depolarization. When combined with methicillin, meropenem, and oxacillin, the mixture displayed synergistic activity exclusively against methicillin-resistant strains. We additionally show that the sequential exposure of S. aureus to sub-inhibitory concentrations did not induce the development of resistance against the extract.DiscussionOverall, these findings support the potential use of the citrus extract as promising option to manage staphylococcal infections and suggest that it may counteract the mechanism behind methicillin-resistance.
A nomogram for individualized prediction of mild cognitive impairment in patients with subjective cognitive decline during physical examinations: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhong Tangsheng , Dou Le , Liu Peiqi , Huang Kexin , Wang Yonghong , Chen Li 
Published: July 2024

Background and objectivesTo develop a nomogram for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) undergoing physical examinations in China.MethodsWe enrolled 370 patients undergoing physical examinations at the Medical Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin Province, China, from October 2022 to March 2023. Of the participants, 256 were placed in the SCD group, and 74 were placed in the MCI group. The population was randomly divided into a training set and a validation set at a 7:3 ratio. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model was applied to optimize feature selection for the model. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to construct a predictive model. The performance and clinical utility of the nomogram were determined using Harrell’s concordance index, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsCognitive reserve (CR), age, and a family history of hypertension were associated with the occurrence of MCI. The predictive nomogram showed satisfactory performance, with a concordance index of 0.755 (95% CI: 0.681–0.830) in internal verification. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test results suggested that the model exhibited good fit (p = 0.824). In addition, DCA demonstrated that the predictive nomogram had a good clinical net benefit.DiscussionWe developed a simple nomogram that could help secondary preventive health care workers to identify elderly individuals with SCD at high risk of MCI during physical examinations to enable early intervention.
Vortioxetine treatment for neuropathic pain in major depressive disorder: a three-month prospective study
Authors: Eliaçık Sinan , Erdogan Kaya Ayse 
Published: July 2024

Introduction and objectiveSeveral studies revealed the therapeutic potential of vortioxetine (Vo) for pain. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Vo as a safe and tolerable novel pharmacologic agent in treating neuropathic pain (NP) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).Materials and methodsThe population of this cross-sectional prospective study consisted of all consecutive patients who were newly diagnosed with MDD by a neurology doctor at a psychiatric clinic and had NP for at least 6 months. All patients included in the sample were started on Vo treatment at 10 mg/day. They were assessed with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Self-Reported Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS), Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN4), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life (NePIQoL) at the beginning of treatment and during the follow visits conducted at the end of the first, second and third months of the treatment. During these follow-up visits, patients were also queried about any side effects of Vo.ResultsThe mean age of 50 patients included in the sample, 76% of whom were female, was 45.8 ± 11.2 years. There was a significant reduction in patients’ NP complaints based on DN4 and S-LANNS, the subscales of NePIQoL, and significant improvement in MoCA. There was a significant reduction in patients’ NP complaints based on DN4 and S-LANNS scores and a significant improvement in scores of the subscales of NePIQoL and MoCA.ConclusionThe study’s findings indicate that Vo, with its multiple mechanisms of action, can effectively treat NP independently of its mood-stabilizing effect. Future indication studies for Vo are needed to establish Vo’s efficacy in treating NP.
HR-MRI-based nomogram network calculator to predict stroke recurrence in high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events patients
Authors: Li Zi-ang , Gao Yu , Han Lin , Xie Bei-chen , Sun Yan-cong , Zhai Xiao-yang , Zhang Ping , Li Yong-dong , Yue Jun-yan , Yan Rui-fang , Cui Hong-Kai 
Published: July 2024

Background and objectiveTo investigate the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) to identify the characteristics of culprit plaques in intracranial arteries, and to evaluate the predictive value of the characteristics of culprit plaques combined with the modified Essen score for the recurrence risk of high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (HR-NICE) patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 180 patients with HR-NICE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, including 128 patients with no recurrence (non-recurrence group) and 52 patients with recurrence (recurrence group). A total of 65 patients with HR-NICE were collected from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University as a validation group, and their modified Essen scores, high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall images, and clinical data were collected. The culprit plaques were analyzed using VesselExplorer2 software. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for recurrence, and a nomogram was constructed using R software to evaluate the discrimination of the model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the model performance. Calibration curves and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model efficacy.ResultsIntra-plaque hemorrhage (OR = 3.592, 95% CI = 1.474–9.104, p = 0.006), homocysteine (OR = 1.098, 95% CI = 1.025–1.179, p = 0.007), and normalized wall index (OR = 1.114, 95% CI = 1.027–1.222, p = 0.015) were significantly higher in the recurrent stroke group than in the non-recurrent stroke group, and were independent risk factors for recurrent stroke. The performance of the nomogram model (AUC = 0.830, 95% CI: 0.769–0.891; PR-AUC = 0.628) was better than that of the modified Essen scoring model (AUC = 0.660, 95% CI: 0.583–0.738) and the independent risk factor combination model (AUC = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.765–0.889). The nomogram model still had good model performance in the validation group (AUC = 0.785, 95% CI: 0.671–0.899), with a well-fitting calibration curve and a DCA curve indicating good net benefit efficacy for patients.ConclusionHigh-resolution vessel wall imaging combined with a modified Essen score can effectively assess the recurrence risk of HR-NICE patients, and the nomogram model can provide a reference for identifying high-risk populations with good clinical application prospects.
Usefulness of bioelectrical impedance analysis in multiple sclerosis patients—the interrelationship to the body mass index
Authors: Matusik Edyta 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) have many potential factors (disease duration, spasticity, immobilization, or glucocorticoid use) that can deteriorate their nutritional status and impact both the progression and prognosis of the disease. Body mass index (BMI), the most widely used nutritional status assessment tool, has important limitations because it does not provide any data on body composition.AimThis study aimed to assess the interrelationship between nutritional status assessment by both body mass index (BMI) and body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and the consistency of diagnosis for underweight/underfat, normal weight/healthy, overweight/overfat, and obesity/obese MS patients.MethodsAnthropometric [BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR)] and body composition (BIA) data were evaluated in 176 patients with MS. Patients were categorized into four nutritional status subgroups (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese according to BMI, and underfat, healthy, overfat, and obese according to fat mass% by BIA). The median Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 4.5. Patients were then divided according to EDSS score as mild (EDSS 1.0–4.0) or moderate (EDSS 4.5–6.5) disability subgroups.ResultsBased on BIA assessment, there was a significantly higher prevalence of overfat than of overweight based on BMI [n = 50 (28.41%) vs. n = 38 (21.59%); p &lt; 0.05]. However, the prevalence of obesity did not differ significantly regardless of the mode of diagnosis and was not significantly lower when assessed using BIA [n = 26 (14.77%) vs. n = 30 (17.05%), respectively]. The overall compatibility rates (CR) of diagnoses made using both BMI and BIA were 75.6, 77.0, and 70.1% for all patients with MS and the mild and moderate subgroups, respectively. The lowest CR was observed in the overweight group. Adiposity significantly underestimated BMI in all subgroups. In the moderate MS subgroup, BMI significantly overcategorized patients with MS as having a normal weight (p &lt; 0.05). Stratification for abdominal obesity (WHtR &gt; 0.5) showed that BMI significantly underestimated the prevalence of MS in overweight and obese vs. overfat and obese patients, as assessed using BIA (60.5 vs. 67%; p &lt; 0.05). Clinical status (EDSS and ΔEDSS) was more closely related to the nutritional status categorized by FAT% assessed using BIA than using BMI cutoff points. However, the relationship was not statistically significant.ConclusionUsing the BMI cutoff point for nutritional status assessment in patients with MS is associated with a significant underestimation of excess fat mass. BIA-based FAT% based on BIA have a better relationship with abdominal obesity and disability status than with BMI in patients with MS. The highest rate of false-negative diagnoses was based on the BMI in patients with MS and moderate disability. Adiposity assessment using BIA appears to be a useful method for proper nutritional status assessment in the patients group.
Evaluation of the nutritional quality of French children breakfasts according to the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS)
Authors: Poinsot Romane , Hopkins Sinead , Maillot Matthieu 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundBreakfast meals provide essential nutrients and energy to children and adolescents. Based on recommendations from the International Breakfast Research Initiative (IBRI), the Breakfast Quality Score (BQS) was developed to assess breakfast nutritional value among the French adult population. However, its application to children remains unexplored.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the BQS in assessing the nutritional quality of breakfasts consumed by French children aged 4–17 years.MethodsA total of 4,015 breakfasts, obtained from dietary recalls provided by 1,448 children participating in the French representative dietary survey (INCA3), were analyzed. As for adults, the performance of the BQS was tested through correlations with other nutritional indicators and comparison of nutrients and dietary components between tertiles of scores. The study examined the regularity of breakfast consumption and compared the BQS of children’s breakfasts across socio-demographic modalities and breakfast categories distinguished by their primary grain component. Additionally, a predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression identified influential INCA3 food groups.ResultsThe majority of children consumed solid breakfasts regularly. Socio-professional category, household income and food insecurity influenced BQS, revealing contradictory disparities. Ready-to-eat cereal (RTEC) breakfasts had the highest BQS (73.5% for children and 73.1% for adolescent), while biscuits and viennoiseries scored the lowest (52% for children and 49.1% for adolescent). PLS highlighted RTECs, milk, and hot beverages (mainly containing chocolate milk) as being positively associated with BQS, while sweet beverages and viennoiseries were negatively associated.ConclusionThe study demonstrates the effectiveness of the BQS in assessing children’s breakfast quality, with RTEC breakfasts showing the highest nutritional value. The findings provide insights into factors influencing breakfast nutritional quality and underscore the importance of promoting healthier breakfast choices among all children.
Case report: Magnetic resonance imaging findings of patients with diffuse uterine leiomyomatosis
Authors: Zhang Zanhua , Lin Xianhui , Wang Xue , He Fang , Cai Weiwei , Min Xiaoyan , Xiang Fei 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundDiffuse uterine leiomyomatosis (DUL) is a seldom-seen condition, with only a handful of cases of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings documented. In clinical settings, it is often mistaken for multiple uterine leiomyomas due to a lack of adequate recognition of DUL.ObjectiveThis study shows two instances of DUL, underscoring their MRI findings to improve preoperative diagnostic precision.ConclusionFor patients exhibiting multiple uterine leiomyomas with masses present in the parametrial and abdominal cavities, consideration should be given to diagnosing DUL with DPL. The discoveries outlined in this paper furnish insights that can assist in directing treatment choices.
Falls in hospitalized older adults and the use of fall risk-increasing drugs and anticholinergic medications in Colombia: a case‒control study
Authors: Machado-Duque Manuel E. , Camacho-Arteaga Lina , Sabaté Mónica , Vidal-Guitart Xavier , Machado-Alba Jorge E. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionIn-hospital falls are multicausal in older hospitalized patients. Drugs with anticholinergic load and psychotropic effects can increase the risk of falling.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the associations between fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) and the anticholinergic risk score (ARS) with falls in hospitalized older hospitalized patients.MethodsThis was a case‒control study of patients ≥65 years of age of either sex treated in four clinics in Colombia between 2018 and 2020. Each patient who suffered a fall during hospitalization was matched with four hospitalized patients who did not. Sociodemographic, clinical, and pharmacologic variables and the use of the ARS and FRIDs were evaluated. The risk associated with FRIDs was estimated using conditional logistic regression.ResultsThere were 250 patients and 1,000 controls (ratio of 1:4), with a mean age of 77.4 ± 7.4 years and a predominance of men (n = 800, 64.0%). The majority of falls occurred during hospitalization (n = 192 patients, 76.8%). Polypharmacy, calcium channel blockers, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, sodium–glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were associated with falls during hospitalization. With an ARS score of 3, the probability of falling during the hospital stay increased (aOR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.64–3.32).ConclusionThere is an association between suffering a fall and the use of drugs with anticholinergic load or FRIDs in hospitalized adults more than 65 years of age in Colombia.
Efficacy and safety of ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil hydrochloride in the treatment of Chinese patients with vascular dementia: A systematic review meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Liangyi , Tang Jie , Tan Huizhong , Xie Yao , Wang Shiliang , Xie Le , Wu Dahua 
Published: July 2024

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of the effectiveness and safety of ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of vascular dementia (VaD).Methods: Four English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) and four Chinese databases [the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Wanfang DATA, the Chongqing VIP Database (VIP), China Biomedical Database (CBM)] were manually searched for literature published from dates of the inception of the databases to September 2023. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ginkgo biloba extract with donepezil hydrochloride vs. donepezil for the treatment of VaD were included. Relevant literature was screened, and the data in the included studies were extracted for quality assessment according to the Risk of bias tool.Results: A total of 1,309 participants were enrolled in the 15 RCTs. Of these, 656 participants were in the experimental group (ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil) and 653 participants were in the control group (donepezil).The results showed that combination therapy was superior to donepezil alone, and there were statistically significant differences in several outcomes including RR in change for total effective rate (1.28, 95% confidence intervals 1.20, 1.38, p &lt; 0.001), MD in change for Mini-Mental State Examination score (2.98, 95%CI 2.31, 3.65, p &lt; 0.001), Barthel Index score (8.55,95%CI 1.11, 15.99, p = 0.024), Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL)score (10.11,95% CI 7.16,13.07,p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: Ginkgo biloba extract combined with donepezil dramatically improved the total effective rate, MMSE, BI and ADL scores, and decreased homocysteine (HCY), plasma viscosity (PV), whole blood viscosity at high cut (BVH) and whole blood viscosity at low cut (BVL) in VaD patients, while the effect on mean flow velocity and pulse index (PI) of middle cerebral artery (MCA) is not obvious. However, more relevant high-quality RCTs are needed to validate these results.Systematic Review Registration: Identifier CRD42023474678.