bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive control in written word production
Authors: Neophytou Kyriaki , Wiley Robert W. , Rapp Brenda 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCognitive control processes have been extensively studied in spoken word production, however, relevant investigations of written word production are scarce. Using data from a group of post-stroke individuals we studied, for the first time, the neural substrates of cognitive control in written word production. We addressed three questions: Are control mechanisms: (1) shared by language and non-language domains; (2) shared by lexical and segmental levels of word production within the word production system; (3) related to both interference and facilitation effect types?MethodsTo address these questions, for each participant we calculated cognitive control indices that reflected the interference and facilitation effects observed in written Blocked Cyclic Naming (written language production) and Simon (visuo-spatial processing) tasks. These behavioral cognitive control indices were studied both on their own, as well as in relation to the distribution of structural (gray matter) lesions.ResultsFor Question 1, we provide strong evidence of domain-specific control mechanisms used in written word production, as, among other findings, distinct regions within Broca's Area were associated with control in written word production vs. control in visuo-spatial processing. For Question 2, our results provide no strong evidence of shared control mechanisms for lexical and segmental levels of written word production, while they highlight the role of BA45 in instantiating control mechanisms that are specific to the two levels. For Question 3, we found evidence that BA45 supports distinct mechanisms associated with facilitation and interference, while orbital frontal cortex supports control process(es) associated with both.DiscussionThese findings significantly advance our understanding of the cognitive control mechanisms involved in written language production, as well as of the role of Broca's Area in cognitive control and language production more generally.
Red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid was correlated with inflammatory markers on the seventh postoperative day and all associated with the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Min Jie , Zhao Yongfeng , Lv Chenxi , Hu Hang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundExploring factors associated with the outcome of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has become a hot focus in research. We sought to investigate the associations of inflammatory markers and blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid with the outcome of aSAH patients.MethodsWe carried a retrospective study including 200 patients with aSAH and surgeries. The associations of neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), system inflammation response index (SIRI), and blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st and 7th postoperative days with the outcome of aSAH patients were investigated by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsAccording to the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, there were 147 patients with good outcome and 53 patients with poor outcome. The neutrophil, NLR, SIRI, and SII levels on the seventh postoperative day in patients with poor outcome were all significantly higher than patients with good outcome, P &lt; 0.05. The multivariate logistic regression model including inflammatory markers and blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid on the 1st postoperative day confirmed that red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (≥177 × 109/L; OR: 7.227, 95% CI: 1.160–45.050, P = 0.034) was possibly associated with poor outcome of aSAH patients, surgical duration (≥169 min), Fisher grade (III–IV), hypertension, and infections were also possibly associated with the poor outcome. The model including inflammatory markers and blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid on the 7th postoperative day confirmed that red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (≥54 × 109/L; OR: 39.787, 95% CI: 6.799–232.836, P &lt; 0.001) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (≥8.16; OR: 6.362, 95% CI: 1.424–28.428, P = 0.015) were all possibly associated with poor outcome of aSAH patients. The NLR (r = 0.297, P = 0.007) and SIRI (r = 0.325, P = 0.003) levels were all correlated with the count of red blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid.DiscussionHigher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and higher red blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid were all possibly associated with poor outcome of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, we need a larger sample study.
A non-antibiotic antimicrobial drug, a biological bacteriostatic agent, is useful for treating aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Zeng Zhen , Li Pei , Lu Jiayi , Li Xiaoqi , Li Meng , Wu Yifan , Zheng Minzi , Cao Yang , Liao Qinping , Ge Zhaojia , Zhang Lei 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundVaginitis is a common infection in women, with approximately 75% of women experiencing at least one episode during their lifetime. Although antimicrobial agents are widely used to treat vaginitis, recurrent vaginitis occurs in some patients. Resistance to these agents is the major cause of recurrent vaginitis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs.MethodsWe investigated the efficacy of a new biological bacteriostatic agent (BBA), composed of lysozyme, phytoalexin, chitosan oligosaccharide, sinensetin, 18β/20α-glycyrrhizin, and betaine, against vaginitis using in vitro and in vivo studies. First, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of BBA against 13 microbial strains commonly present in aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, and healthy vaginas. Second, we assessed the safety of various doses of BBA administered orally for 4 weeks in female mice. Third, we examined the in vivo anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of BBA in Candida albicans-, Candida glabrata-, and Gardnerella-induced vaginitis models. Finally, we evaluated the anti-vaginitis effect of a BBA gel prepared with 0.5% (w/v) ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp copolymer.ResultsBBA effectively suppressed the growth of the main causative pathogens of vaginitis in vitro. BBA, either undiluted or diluted two-fold, inhibited all microorganisms cultured for 8 h. No obvious organ damage was detected when BBA was administered to mice. Both BBA alone and 70% BBA in a gel formulation effectively inhibited the proliferation of C. albicans, C. glabrata, and Gardnerella in vaginal lavage samples and alleviated tissue inflammation in mice with vaginitis. The 70% BBA gel performed better than BBA alone at treating vaginitis in mice infected with Gardnerella vaginalis.ConclusionBBA alone and a 70% BBA gel inhibited the growth of pathogens and effectively alleviated inflammation caused by C. albicans, C. glabrata, and G. vaginalis.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated effects of varenicline on LPS-elevated prostaglandin and cyclooxygenase levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages
Authors: Baris Elif , Arici Mualla Aylin , Tosun Metiner 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to delineate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of varenicline, a cigarette smoking cessation aid, on decreasing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-elevated proinflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cultures which we showed earlier to occur via cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) activation. To this end, we investigated the possible suppressive capacity of varenicline on LPS-regulated cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) activation using the same in vitro model.Materials and Methods: In order to test anti-inflammatory effectiveness of varenicline, the levels of COX isoforms and products (PGE2, 6-keto PGF1α, a stable analog of PGI2, and TXA2) altered after LPS administration were determined by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The antioxidant effects of varenicline were assessed by measuring reductions in reactive oxygen species (ROS) using a fluorometric intracellular ROS assay kit. We further investigated the contribution of nAChR subtypes by using non-selective and/or selective α7nAChR antagonists. The results were compared with that of conventional anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, celecoxib and dexamethasone.Results: Varenicline significantly reduced LPS-induced COX-1, COX-2 and prostaglandin levels and ROS to an extent similar to that observed with anti-inflammatory agents used.Discussion: Significant downregulation in LPS-induced COX isoforms and associated decreases in PGE2, 6-keto PGF1α, and TXA2 levels along with reduction in ROS may be partly mediated via varenicline-activated α7nAChRs.
MRI parameters predict central lumbar spinal stenosis combined with redundant nerve roots: a prospective MRI study
Authors: Qian Jingli , Liang Kaiwen , Luo Xianping , Ying Caiyun 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundTo observe changes in the cauda equina nerve on lumbar MRI in patients with central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).Methods878 patients diagnosed with LSS by clinical and MRI were divided into the redundant group (204 patients) and the nonredundant group (674 patients) according to the presence or absence of redundant nerve roots (RNRs). The anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal (APDS) and the presence of multiple level stenosis, disc herniation, thickening of ligamentum flavum (LF) and increased epidural fat were assessed on MRI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the predictors of LSS combined with RNRs.ResultsPatients with LSS combined with RNRs had thicker epidural fat, smaller APDS and more combined multifaceted stenosis. Female patients and older LSS patients were more likely to develop RNRs; there was no difference between two groups in terms of disc herniation (p &gt; 0. 05). Age, APDS, multiple level stenosis, and increased epidural fat were significantly correlated with the formation of LSS combined with RNRs (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionA smaller APDS and the presence of multiple level stenosis, thickening of LF, and increased epidural fat may be manifestations of anatomical differences in patients with LSS combined with RNRs. Age, APDS, multiple level stenosis, and increased epidural fat play important roles. The lumbar spine was measured and its anatomy was observed using multiple methods, and cauda equina changes were assessed to identify the best anatomical predictors and provide new therapeutic strategies for the management of LSS combined with RNRs.
Metacognitive accuracy differences in Parkinson’s disease and REM sleep behavioral disorder relative to healthy controls
Authors: Bălăeţ Maria , Alhajraf Falah , Bourke Niall J. , Welch Jessica , Razzaque Jamil , Malhotra Paresh , Hu Michele T. , Hampshire Adam 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundMetacognition is the ability to monitor and self-assess cognitive performance. It can be impaired in neurodegenerative diseases, with implications for daily function, and the ability of patients to reliably report their symptoms to health professionals. However, metacognition has not been systematically assessed in early-mid stage Parkinson’s disease (PD) and REM sleep behavioral disorder (RBD), a prodrome of PD.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate metacognitive accuracy and self-confidence in PD and RBD patients across various cognitive tasks.MethodsWe conducted detailed computerized cognitive assessments with 19 cognitive tasks within an established PD and RBD cohort. Participants self-rated their performance post-task. Metacognitive accuracy was calculated by comparing these ratings against objective performance and further analyzed against clinical and mental health factors.ResultsPD and RBD patients’ metacognitive accuracy aligned with control subjects. However, they exhibited lower confidence across cognitive domains, reflecting their reduced cognitive performance. A notable inverse correlation was observed between their confidence and MDS-UPDRS I and II scales and HADS anxiety and depression scores.ConclusionOur findings indicate that patients with early to mid-stage PD and RBD are generally aware of their cognitive status, differing from other neurological disorders. The inverse relationship between patient confidence and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and daily life challenges underscores the impact of emotional and functional difficulties on their self-perception of cognitive abilities. This insight could be significant for understanding how these conditions affect mental health, aiding clinicians in developing more effective patient care strategies.
Association between blood pressure control during aneurysm clipping and functional outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Han Xiangning , Luo Guogang , Li Jiahao , Liu Rui , Zhu Ning , Jiang Shiliang , Ma Wenlong , Cheng Yawen , Liu Fude 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesWe explored the relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) during craniotomy aneurysm clipping and short-term prognosis in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage to provide a new method to improve prognosis of these patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the differences between patient groups with favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS ≤ 2) and unfavorable (mRS &gt; 2) prognosis, and examined the association between intraoperative BPV and short-term prognosis.ResultsThe intraoperative maximum systolic blood pressure (SBPmax, p = 0.005) and the coefficient of variation of diastolic blood pressure (DBPCV, p = 0.029) were significantly higher in the favorable prognosis group. SBPmax (OR 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.98) and Neu% (OR 1.22, 95%CI 1.03–1.46) were independent influence factors on prognosis. Patients with higher standard deviations of SBP (82.7% vs. 56.7%; p = 0.030), DBP (82.7% vs. 56.7%; p = 0.030), and DBPCV (82.7% vs. 56.7%; p = 0.030) had more favorable prognosis.ConclusionHigher SBPmax (≤180 mmHg) during the clipping is an independent protective factor for a 90-day prognosis. These results highlight the importance of blood pressure (BP) control for improved prognosis; higher short-term BPV during clipping may be a precondition for a favorable prognosis.
High sodium intake and fluid overhydration predict cardiac structural and functional impairments in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Duan Suyan , Ma Yuchen , Lu Fang , Zhang Chengning , Guo Honglei , Zeng Ming , Sun Bin , Yuan Yanggang , Xing Changying , Mao Huijuan , Zhang Bo 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundHigh sodium intake and fluid overhydration are common factors of and strongly associated with adverse outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Yet, their effects on cardiac dysfunction remain unclear.AimsThe study aimed to explore the impact of salt and volume overload on cardiac alterations in non-dialysis CKD.MethodsIn all, 409 patients with CKD stages 1–4 (G1–G4) were enrolled. Daily salt intake (DSI) was estimated by 24-h urinary sodium excretion. Volume status was evaluated by the ratio of extracellular water (ECW) to total body water (TBW) measured by body composition monitor. Recruited patients were categorized into four groups according to DSI (6 g/day) and median ECW/TBW (0.439). Echocardiographic and body composition parameters and clinical indicators were compared. Associations between echocardiographic findings and basic characteristics were performed by Spearman’s correlations. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the associations between DSI and ECW/TBW in the study groups and the incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and elevated left ventricular filling pressure (ELVFP). In addition, the subgroup effects of DSI and ECW/TBW on cardiac abnormalities were estimated using Cox regression.ResultsOf the enrolled patients with CKD, the median urinary protein was 0.94 (0.28–3.14) g/d and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 92.05 (IQR: 64.52–110.99) mL/min/1.73 m2. The distributions of CKD stages G1–G4 in the four groups was significantly different (p = 0.020). Furthermore, compared to group 1 (low DSI and low ECW/TBW), group 4 (high DSI and high ECW/TBW) showed a 2.396-fold (95%CI: 1.171–4.902; p = 0.017) excess risk of LVH and/or ELVFP incidence after adjusting for important CKD and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Moreover, combined with eGFR, DSI and ECW/TBW could identify patients with higher cardiac dysfunction risk estimates with an AUC of 0.704 (sensitivity: 75.2%, specificity: 61.0%). The specificity increased to 85.7% in those with nephrotic proteinuria (AUC = 0.713). The magnitude of these associations was consistent across subgroups analyses.ConclusionThe combination of high DSI (&gt;6 g/d) and high ECW/TBW (&gt;0.439) independently predicted a greater risk of LVH or ELVFP incidence in non-dialysis CKD patients. Moreover, the inclusion of eGFR and proteinuria improved the risk stratification ability of DSI and ECW/TBW in cardiac impairments in CKD.
Exploring the clinical complexity of cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome: insights from a pediatric case series
Authors: Ou Yuexu , Cao Jie , Duan Yuanhui , Chen FengHua , Zhou Jiwei , Li Jieling , Gan Xiaoming 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCardio-Facio-Cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by BRAF gene mutations, posing diagnostic challenges due to its multifaceted clinical presentation.ObjectiveTo elucidate the clinical characteristics of pediatric CFCS patients, expanding the phenotypic spectrum to enhance early diagnostic capabilities, while also presenting the relationship between genotye and corresponding phenotype severity.MethodsFrom January 2015 to March 2022, four children diagnosed with CFCS in Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were included for analysis. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted to identify the types and locations of possible gene mutations. Neurological development was assessed using electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Gesell developmental evaluation.ResultsAll four CFCS patients exhibited de novo BRAF gene mutations, manifesting with cardiac malformations, distinctive facial features, skin and hair changes, and neurological abnormalities. WES revealed that the specific BRAF mutations were closely linked to their clinical severity. Three patients displayed milder symptoms (case 1–3, genotype I or II), demonstrating stability or slight improvement, whereas one patient (case 4, genotype III) suffered from a severe phenotype characterized by profound neurological and digestive system impairments, leading to a significantly reduced quality of life and a grim prognosis.ConclusionIn CFCS patients, severe developmental delay and seizures are predominant neurological features, possibly accompanied by continuous spike-and-wave during sleep (CSWS) and severe sleep disturbances. CFCS generally carries a poor prognosis, underscoring the importance of disease awareness and early genetic testing.
Cardiac sympathetic overdrive, M2 macrophage activation and fibroblast heterogeneity are associated with cardiac remodeling in a chronic pressure overload rat model of HFpEF
Authors: Sun Fengjiao , Yuan Ling , Wang Zi , Cui Xiaoxue , Lv Nan , Zhang Ting , Zhang Yan , Cai Jun 
Published: May 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a multifaceted pathogenesis disease and the exact mechanisms driving HFpEF have not been completely elucidated. Pressure overload hypertrophy (POH) related fibroblasts and M2 macrophages in HFpEF myocardium have been recently identified and are now of great interest. Sympathetic overdrive has also been implicated in HFpEF. This study is designed to dynamically observe the potential roles of aforementioned mechanisms in pathological remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in chronic PO rats. Surgical constriction of the abdominal aorta was used for induction of HFpEF. Echocardiography, electrocardiogram, hemodynamic measurement, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to assess the changes in heart dysfunction, cardiac remodeling and driving mechanisms at different time points (2, 18, 24 weeks). The PO induced HFpEF model was well established, which was confirmed by the persistent increase in carotid artery systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and left ventricle hypertrophy at the corresponding postoperative stage. Meanwhile, PO hypertrophy gradually developed into HFpEF, associated with QT and QTc intervals prolongation, normal systolic (EF was maintained at &gt;50%) but impaired diastolic function (increasing LVEDP and LV -dP/dtmin, abnormal E/A ratio), increased myocytes size, and observed relatively slight inflammatory infiltration but robust reactive fibrosis. IHC staining further confirmed that macrophages (CD68) but not neutrophils (MPO) or T cells (CD3) accounted for a predominant proportion of infiltrating cells. Mechanistically, we found that the infiltrating macrophages in the heart expressed high levels of CD206 which was simultaneously adjacent to POH fibroblasts appeared to overexpression of α-SMA in PO rats at late stages. Interestingly, we distinguished two different POHF sub-populations during PO induced HFpEF development, according to non overlapping signals of α-SMA and PDGFRα/β proteins. Additionally, PO led to a pronounced exaggeration in sympathetic fibers at all time points. These findings suggest that the establishing model here begins with cardiac sympathetic overdrive, subsequently along with immune cells especially M2 macrophage accumulation and fibroblast heterogeneity at later stages is associated with the development of cardiac maladaptive remodeling and diastolic dysfunction thus further progression to HFpEF.