bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CNS involvement in myotonic dystrophy type 1: does sex play a role?
Authors: Garmendia Joana , Labayru Garazi , Aliri Jone , López de Munain Adolfo , Sistiaga Andone 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a hereditary neuromuscular disorder affecting the central nervous system (CNS). Although sex differences have been explored in other neuromuscular disorders, research on this topic in DM1 remains limited. The present study aims to analyze sex differences (both the patient’s and disease-transmitting parent’s sex) with a focus on CNS outcomes.MethodsRetrospective data from 146 non-congenital DM1 patients were analyzed, including clinical, molecular, neuropsychological, and neuroradiological data. Sex and inheritance pattern differences were analyzed using t-tests, and ANOVA analyses were conducted to address the interactions.ResultsOverall, no significant sex differences were observed except in certain cognitive domains. However, individuals with maternal inheritance showed larger CTG expansion size, lower estimated IQs, and poorer performance on visual memory, executive functions, and language domains than those with paternal inheritance. Notably, IQ performance was independently influenced by inheritance pattern and CTG expansion.DiscussionThis study is the first to delve into sex differences in DM1 with a focus on CNS outcomes. While the results revealed the absence of a sex-specific clinic-molecular profile, more substantial CNS differences were observed between patients with maternal and paternal inheritance patterns. The hypothetical existence of genomic imprinting and its potential mechanism are discussed. These findings hold potential implications for aiding clinical management by improving genetic counseling and predicting disease severity and prognosis.
The influence of smoothness and speed of stand-to-sit movement on joint kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns
Authors: Jeon Woohyoung , Dong Xuanliang Neil , Dalby Ashley , Goh Chung-Hyun 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundStand-to-sit (StandTS) is an important daily activity widely used in rehabilitation settings to improve strength, postural stability, and mobility. Modifications in movement smoothness and speed significantly influence the kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activation patterns of the movement. Understanding the impact of StandTS speed and smoothness on movement control can provide valuable insights for designing effective and personalized rehabilitation training programs.Research questionHow do the smoothness and speed of StandTS movement affect joint kinematics, kinetics, muscle activation patterns, and postural stability during StandTS?MethodsTwelve healthy younger adults participated in this study. There were two StandTS conditions. In the reference condition, participants stood in an upright position with their feet positioned shoulder-width apart on the force plate. Upon receiving a visual cue, participants performed StandTS at their preferred speed. In the smooth condition, participants were instructed to perform StandTS as smoothly as possible, aiming to minimize contact pressure on the seat. Lower leg kinetics, kinematics, and coordination patterns of muscle activation during StandTS were measured: (1) angular displacement of the trunk, knee, and hip flexion; (2) knee and hip extensor eccentric work; (3) muscle synergy pattern derived from electromyography (EMG) activity of the leg muscles; and (4) postural sway in the anterior–posterior (A-P), medio-lateral (M-L), and vertical directions.ResultsCompared to the reference condition, the smooth condition demonstrated greater eccentric knee extensor flexion and increased joint work in both the knee and hip joints. Analysis of specific muscle synergy from EMG activity revealed a significant increase in the relative contribution of hip joint muscles during the smooth condition. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between knee extensor and vertical postural sway, as well as hip extensor work and M-L postural sway.ConclusionSmooth StandTS facilitates enhanced knee eccentric control and increased joint work at both the hip and knee joints, along with increased involvement of hip joint muscles to effectively manage falling momentum during StandTS. Furthermore, the increased contributions of knee and hip joint work reduced postural sway in the vertical and M-L directions, respectively. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of targeted StandTS rehabilitation training.
Association between low birth weight and impaired glucose tolerance in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Jun , Wang Youfang , Mo Mengyan , Lian Zerong 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundA potential association between the onset of diabetes and normal birth weight (NBW) has been discovered. Diverse conclusions and study methodologies exist regarding the connection between low birth weight (LBW) and impaired glucose tolerance in children, underscoring the need for further robust research. Our institution is embarking on this study to thoroughly examine the association between LBW and impaired glucose tolerance in children.MethodsWe conducted searches on Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature data (CBM) online database, VIP full-text Database, and Wanfang Database to identify correlation analyses or case-control studies investigating the relationship between LBW and abnormal glucose tolerance in children. The search spanned from January 2010 to September 2023. The quality of observational studies was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Data synthesis was performed using the statistical software RevMan 5.3 for meta-analysis.ResultsBased on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we finally included 10 clinical control studies consisting of a total of 2971 cases. There wasn’t considerably change in blood sugar levels among LBW, NBW and high birth weight (HBW) infants (P &gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in insulin levels between LBW infants and NBW infants (P &gt; 0.05). The HOMA-IR of LBW infants was considerably higher than that of NBW infants (P &lt; 0.05). The risk of abnormal glucose tolerance in LBW infants was 0.42 times higher than that in NBW and HBW infants [Fisher's Z = 0.42, 95% CI = (0.09, 0.75), P = 0.01].ConclusionLBW is associated with an increased risk of abnormal glucose tolerance, as indicated by elevated HOMA-IR level in LBW infants compared to NBW and HBW pediatric population. Further research is needed to confirm and expand upon these findings to better understand the complex relationship between LBW and impaired glucose tolerance in children.
Clinical efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage in the treatment of small airway diseases in children
Authors: Zhou Lili , Peng Xuyun , Cao Liqin , Zhang Lin , Xiang Huazheng 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the treatment of children with small airway diseases.MethodsChildren [n = 112; boys: 76, girls: 36 (ratio 2.1:1); age range: 1 month–10 years; median age: 12 months] with small airway diseases diagnosed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were enrolled in this study. The patients were assigned to either the BAL group (BAL and conventional therapy) or the control group (conventional therapy only). The duration of cough, fever, wheezing, hospitalization duration, disease course before admission, treatment cost, HRCT recovery time, and re-hospitalization rate were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe median disease course before admission of the BAL group patients was longer than that of the controls (p = 0.006). The duration of cough and wheezing in the BAL group was significantly longer than that in the control group (p = 0.012 and p = 0.001, respectively). The recovery time of cough, the re-hospitalization rate, and the total expenditure incurred for the BAL group were lower than those for the control group (p = 0.027, p = 0.026, and p = 0.000, respectively). At 2 months after discharge, the small airway lesions were found to be absorbed in 86.2% of BAL group patients vs. 64.1% of control group patients. At 6 months after discharge, the lesions were not fully absorbed in 3.4% of the BAL group patients compared to 20.5% in the control group patients.ConclusionBAL is suitable for patients with a long disease course before admission, a long duration of coughing, and recurrent wheezing. BAL treatment of small airway diseases in children can promote the disappearance of clinical symptoms, accelerate the improvement of imaging, reduce the rate of re-hospitalization, and reduce the cost of treatment.
Effects of glycopyrrolate and atropine for oral secretions and perioperative hemodynamics in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: a prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Authors: Tao Yi-Bin , Tang Zi-Li , Lin Zhong-Lan , Lei Wei-Ping , Lu Xin-Lei , Sun Jian-Liang 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionGlycopyrrolate is commonly researched as a preoperative medication or in conjunction with cholinesterase inhibitors to counteract the lingering muscarinic effects of non-depolarizing muscarinic agents. However, studies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the superiority of glycopyrrolate over other anti-cholinergic drugs, such as atropine, particularly its effect on heart rate, blood pressure (BP), and glandular secretions. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in perioperative oral secretions, hemodynamics, and recovery quality with glycopyrrolate versus those with atropine before anesthesia induction in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.MethodsIn this prospective, single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, a total of 103 children were randomly assigned to group A (n = 51, glycopyrrolate 0.005 mg/kg) or B (n = 52, atropine 0.01 mg/kg). The follow-up anesthetic induction and maintenance protocols were the same in both groups. Vital signs, duration of surgery, extubation time, degree of wetness around the vocal cords during tracheal intubation, weight of oral secretions, and perioperative complications were recorded.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in the degree of wetness around the vocal cords during tracheal intubation, as well as in the weight of oral secretions, duration of surgery, or extubation time, between the two groups. The intraoperative and postoperative heart rates were lower in group A than in group B (110.18 ± 10.58 vs. 114.94 ± 11.14, p = 0.028; 96.96 ± 10.81 vs. 103.38 ± 10.09, p = 0.002). The differences observed in the intraoperative and preoperative heart rates were lower in group A than in group B (23.84 ± 9.62 vs. 29.65 ± 8.75, p = 0.002). The differences observed in the postoperative and preoperative heart rates were lower in group A than in group B (10.63 ± 9.97 vs. 18.09 ± 9.39, p = 0.000).ConclusionGlycopyrrolate showed a smoother change in heart rate than atropine during and after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, with no effect on BP or recovery quality, and did not increase oral secretions. The findings indicate that glycopyrrolate can serve as an alternative to atropine to prevent secretions in anesthesia induction for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children.Trial registration: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration Number: ChiCTR2200063578; Date of Registration: 12/09/2022).
Application and potential value of curcumin in prostate cancer: a meta-analysis based on animal models
Authors: Wang Shiheng , Zhang Fengxia , Chen Jing 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCurcumin is gaining recognition as an agent for cancer chemoprevention and is presently administered to humans. However, the limited number of clinical trials conducted for the treatment of prostate cancer is noteworthy. Animal models serve as valuable tools for enhancing our understanding of disease mechanisms and etiology in humans. The objective of this study was to examine the anti-prostate cancer effects of curcumin in vivo for comprehending its current research status and potential clinical applicability.MethodsOur methodology involved a systematic exploration of animal studies pertaining to curcumin and prostate cancer, as documented in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang database, Vip database, and SinoMed, up to 03 September 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE Animal Study Risk of Bias tool. The results were combined using the RevMan 5.3.ResultsA comprehensive analysis was conducted on 17 studies encompassing 263 mouse transplantation tumor models. The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrated that curcumin exhibited a superior inhibitory effect on the volume of prostate cancer tumors in mice compared to the control group (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.52, 1.80, p &lt; 0.001). Additionally, curcumin displayed a more effective inhibition of mice prostate cancer tumor weight (SMD: −3.27, 95% CI: −4.70, −1.83, p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, in terms of tumor inhibition rate, curcumin exhibited greater efficacy (SMD: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.27, p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, curcumin more effectively inhibited PCNA mRNA (SMD: −3.11, 95% CI: −4.60, −1.63, p &lt; 0.001) and MMP2 mRNA (SMD: −3.19, 95% CI: 5.85, −0.53, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionCurcumin exhibited inhibitory properties towards prostate tumor growth and demonstrated a beneficial effect on prostate cancer treatment, thereby offering substantiation for further clinical investigations. It is important to acknowledge that the included animal studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity, primarily because of the limited number of studies included. Consequently, additional randomized controlled trials are required to comprehensively assess the efficacy of curcumin in humans.Systematic Review Registration(https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023464661), identifier (CRD42023464661).
Assessing the safety of bedaquiline: insight from adverse event reporting system analysis
Authors: Wu Jiaqiang , Pan Hong , Shen Li , Zhao Mingyi 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe development and marketing of Bedaquiline (BDQ) represent significant advancements in treating tuberculosis, particularly multidrug-resistant forms. However, comprehensive research into BDQ’s real-world safety remains limited.PurposeWe obtained BDQ related adverse event (AE) information from the US Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) to assess its safety and inform drug usage.MethodsThe AE data for BDQ from 2012 Q4 to 2023 Q3 was collected and standardized. Disproportionality analysis, including Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS), and Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN) was used to quantify signals of BDQ-related AEs. Logistic regression was used to analyze the individual data of hepatotoxicity and drug-induced liver injury, and multiple linear regression models were established. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to identify the potential biological mechanisms of BDQ-induced liver injury.ResultsWe identified 2017 case reports directly related to BDQ. Our analysis identified 341 Preferred Terms (PTs) characterizing these AEs across 27 System Organ Classes (SOC). An important discovery was the identification of AEs associated with ear and labyrinth disorders, which had not been documented in the drug’s official leaflet before. Subgroup analysis revealed a negative correlation between BDQ-related liver injury and females (OR: 0.4, 95%CI: 0.3–0.6). In addition, via network pharmacology approach, a total of 76 potential targets for BDQ related liver injury were predicted, and 11 core target genes were selected based on the characterization of protein-protein interactions. The pathway linked to BDQ-induced liver injury was identified, and it was determined that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway contained the highest number of associated genes.ConclusionThe analysis of the FAERS database revealed adverse events linked to BDQ, prompting the use of a network pharmacology approach to study the potential molecular mechanism of BDQ-induced liver injury. These findings emphasized the significance of drug safety and offered understanding into the mechanisms behind BDQ-induced liver injury. BDQ demonstrated distinct advantages, including reduced incidence of certain adverse events compared to traditional treatments such as injectable agents and second-line drugs. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis, including potential underreporting and confounding factors. This study provides valuable insights into the safety of BDQ and its role in the management of MDR-TB, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance and monitoring to ensure its safe and effective use.
Protective effect of cinnamon extract against cobalt-induced multiple organ damage in rats
Authors: Isik Bahar , Suleyman Bahadir , Mammadov Renad , Bulut Seval , Yavuzer Bulent , Altuner Durdu , Coban Taha Abdulkadir , Suleyman Halis 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cobalt (Co) toxicity has been the focus of previous studies. Cinnamon and its main components have been reported to have protective effects in various tissues with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.AimsIn this study, the protective effect of cinnamon extract (CE) against possible Co-induced heart, kidney, and liver damage in rats was investigated biochemically.MethodsEighteen albino Wistar-type male rats were categorized into three groups (n = 6 per group): control (CG), CoCL2-administered (CoCL2), and CE + CoCL2-administered (CE + Co) groups. The CE + CoCL2 group was administered CE (100 mg/kg), and the CoCL2 and CG groups were administered distilled water orally by gavage. One hour after the administration, Co (150 mg/kg) was administered orally to the CE + CoCL2 and CoCL2 groups. This procedure was repeated once daily for 7 days. Then, biochemical markers were studied in the excised heart, kidney, and liver tissues.ResultsCoCL2 increased oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines and decreased antioxidants in heart, kidney, and liver tissues. Heart, kidney, and liver tissue were affected by Co damage. CE treatment suppressed the CoCL2-induced increase in oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines and decrease in antioxidants in heart, kidney, and liver tissues. CE treatment has been shown to attenuate cardiac damage by reducing serum troponin I (TpI) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), renal damage by reducing creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and liver damage by reducing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).ConclusionCo induced the production of oxidants and proinflammatory parameters and antioxidant depletion in heart, kidney, and liver tissues of rats. Our experimental results show that CE protects heart, kidney, and liver tissues against oxidative and inflammatory changes induced by CoCLl2.
Inhibition of the Naja naja venom toxicity by polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Leucas aspera methanolic extract
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Jayaraman Gurunathan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundSnakebite is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Developing effective treatments can make a significant contribution to global health efforts and public health initiatives. To reduce mortality due to snakebite, there is an immediate need to explore novel and effective treatment methodologies. In that context, nanoparticle-based drug delivery is gaining a lot of attention. Hydrophilic nanoparticles are suitable for the delivery of therapeutic peptides, proteins, and antigens.MethodsThe present investigation is aimed at evaluating the anti-ophidian potential of the methanolic extract of the ethno-medicinal herb Leucas aspera (Willd.) loaded within chitosan nanoparticles (CNP-LA), against the Indian cobra (Naja naja) venom enzymes. For this purpose, nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method to enhance the efficacy of the extract. The physicochemical and structural features of nanoparticles were investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques.ResultsIt was found that CNP-LA has an average size of 260 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.132 (PDI) and zeta potential of 34.7 mV, with an encapsulation efficiency of 92.46%. The in vitro release study was performed at pH 5.0 and 7.4. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicated that CNP-LA inhibited the phospholipase A2, hemolytic, and caseinolytic activities of Naja naja venom with the percentage inhibition of 92.5%, 83.9%, and 94.5%, respectively.ConclusionThis is the first report on the application of herbal methanolic extract loaded within chitosan nanoparticles for neutralizing snake venom enzymes with increased efficiency.
Dosimetric characteristics of 3D-printed and epoxy-based materials for particle therapy phantoms
Authors: Brunner Jacob , Langgartner Lorenz , Danhel Hannah , Birkfellner Wolfgang , Richter Christian , Wagenaar Dirk , Stock Markus , Georg Dietmar , Knäusl Barbara 
Published: May 2024

Objective3D printing has seen use in many fields of imaging and radiation oncology, but applications in (anthropomorphic) phantoms, especially for particle therapy, are still lacking. The aim of this work was to characterize various available 3D printing methods and epoxy-based materials with the specific goal of identifying suitable tissue surrogates for dosimetry applications in particle therapy.Methods3D-printed and epoxy-based mixtures of varying ratios combining epoxy resin, bone meal, and polyethylene powder were scanned in a single-energy computed tomography (CT), a dual-energy CT, and a µCT scanner. Their CT-predicted attenuation was compared to measurements in a 148.2 MeV proton and 284.7 MeV/u carbon ion beam. The sample homogeneity was evaluated in the respective CT images and in the carbon beam, additionally via widening of the Bragg peak. To assess long-term stability attenuation, size and weight measurements were repeated after 6–12 months.ResultsFour 3D-printed materials, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polylactic acid, fused deposition modeling printed nylon, and selective laser sintering printed nylon, and various ratios of epoxy-based mixtures were found to be suitable tissue surrogates. The materials’ predicted stopping power ratio matched the measured stopping power ratio within 3% for all investigated CT machines and protocols, except for µCT scans employing cone beam CT technology. The heterogeneity of the suitable surrogate samples was adequate, with a maximum Bragg peak width increase of 11.5 ± 2.5%. The repeat measurements showed no signs of degradation after 6–12 months.ConclusionWe identified surrogates for soft tissue and low- to medium-density bone among the investigated materials. This allows low-cost, adaptable phantoms to be built for quality assurance and end-to-end tests for particle therapy.