bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors associated with the Motoric Cognitive Risk syndrome: A meta‐analysis of data from a cross‐national study
Authors: Jayakody O. , Blumen H. M. , Breslin M. , Wang C. , Verghese J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying risk factors associated with the Motoric Cognitive Risk (MCR) syndrome (a pre‐dementia syndrome) can assist in developing risk reduction strategies and interventions to delay progression to dementia. Tailored interventions require comparisons of high‐ and middle‐income countries to determine if the same or different risk factors should be targeted. We examined risk factors associated with MCR in seven Health and Retirement Studies with harmonized measures.MethodsData from adults aged ≥65 years (n = 20,036, mean age 71.2(SD 6.2)—80.1(SD 4.1)) from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, English Longitudinal Study of Aging, Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia for Longitudinal Aging Study in India, Mexican Health and Aging Study, and Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging was included. MCR was defined as the presence of cognitive complaints and slow gait (no mobility disability and dementia). Associations of demographic [education], medical [hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, stroke, Parkinson's, falls], psychological [depressive symptoms, psychiatric problems], sensorimotor [grip strength, hearing], and behavioral factors [smoking, sedentariness, sleep], with prevalent MCR were examined using age‐ and sex‐adjusted logistic regression models. A meta‐analysis was performed to compare risk factors for MCR in high‐ versus middle‐income countries.ResultsExcept for depressive symptoms and weak grip strength, different risk factor clusters were associated with individual studies. Poor sleep, hearing, weak grip, and multiple falls emerged as novel associations with MCR. When grouped by income, some risk factors (i.e., education) were associated with MCR in high‐ and middle‐income countries. Others (i.e., obesity) were specific to high‐income countries.ConclusionsThis cross‐sectional, cross‐national study identified new, shared, and specific risk factors associated with MCR in high‐ and middle‐income countries, providing insights to develop public health approaches and interventions to forestall the onset of dementia in those with MCR.
Diversity in the growth response of isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. conglutinans to different essential oils
Authors: Helmer Stepan , Panek Matej 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFusarium oxysporum f.sp. conglutinans (FOC) causes yellow wilt, a serious cabbage disease. This fungal species is composed of many strains within two pathotypes. In this study, the inhibitory effect of essential oils of six aromatic and medicinal plants (oregano, thyme, clove, cinnamon, lemongrass, litsea) at multiple concentrations on eight FOC isolates of different origins was investigated. Our results showed that oregano essential oil had the greatest inhibitory effect. The tested essential oils could be divided into three clusters according to the similar content of their main components (oregano and thyme, clove and cinnamon, lemongrass, and litsea), which correlated to some extent with their inhibitory effects on FOC. The tested isolates also differed in their response to the studied essential oils. The differences within FOC races were more important than between races, and the sensitivity of isolates against essential oils seemed to be more related to the geographical origin of the isolates, rather than to their race affiliation.
Possible Futures for the Psychological Network Approach: Agenda for Clinical Scientists
Authors: Kashihara Jun , Sugawara Daichi , Kunisato Yoshihiko , Takebayashi Yoshitake , Nakajima Shun , Ito Masaya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe psychological network approach, which conceptualizes mental disorders as complex systems and provides a statistical toolbox to estimate symptom networks, has evoked innovations in psychopathology research. This perspective paper discusses how to implement this approach in real‐world clinical settings, emphasizing that clinical scientists should motivate clinicians and clients to utilize it. To promote the clinical use of the psychological network approach, we provide the following five steps clinical scientists should undertake: (a) provide clinicians and clients with the necessary background knowledge, (b) encourage clinicians to use the narrative network models, (c) provide clinicians with user‐friendly software to conduct empirical network analyses, (d) explore clients' experiences during the pilot trials using the psychological network approach, and (e) develop guidelines for interventions using the psychological network approach through the collaboration of clinical scientists, clinicians, and clients. We close the paper by discussing the importance of bridging the academic field and clinical settings, in the hopes that other clinical scientists will participate in the discussion of possible futures for the psychological network approach.
Seed‐predation and dispersal by ants determine plant‐species dominance and diversity in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: García‐Meza Diego , Ríos‐Casanova Leticia , Zavala‐Hurtado Alejandro , Martorell Carlos 
Published: June 2024

AbstractQuestionGranivorous ants may affect plants negatively by diminishing their numbers, or positively by dispersing seeds, reducing aggregation and thus competition. We assessed whether, and how, ants affect plant populations and community diversity.LocationSemi‐arid grassland in southern Mexico.MethodsOver 5 years, using ant exclosures, we compared plant diversity in plots where ants were present or not using Hill numbers. Furthermore, we determined whether the effects of ants on plant species depend on the relative dominance or rarity of plants. We tested whether ants cause greater reductions in the abundance of the plant species they prefer most. We also determined whether plant species whose aggregation was reduced by ants increased in numbers.ResultsSix plant species increased their numbers when ants were present, and four experienced reductions. Ants reduced richness, although evidence was inconclusive; however, they clearly increased dominant species diversity (2D). Although the overall effect that ants exerted on plant species did not depend on their dominance or rarity, four of the five most abundant species were favored by ants. Ants’ preferences did not determine their effect on species’ abundance. The species that benefited from ants were those whose spatial aggregation increased when exposed to ants.ConclusionsAnts do not maintain richness, but instead may reduce it by favoring a few dominant species. The lack of a relationship between ants’ preferences and their effect on plant populations may arise from a mixture of positive and negative effects on the preferred seeds. Ants may increase aggregation by enhancing seedling performance near their nests, where conditions may be improved, and by dispersing seeds into these areas. This is in line with our finding that common species are favored by ants, because, at our study site, they are more likely to be dispersed.
Ineffective esophageal motility is associated with diabetes mellitus end organ complications
Authors: Baroud Serge , Kerbage Anthony , Patel Amit , Horton Anthony , Sims Ariel , Patel Dhyanesh , Mehta Kurren , Kapil Neil , Kavitt Robert , Rangan Vikram , Yu Yue , Shibli Fahmi , Song Gengqing , Fass Ronnie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is known to induce a wide range of harmful effects on several organs, notably leading to ineffective esophageal motility (IEM). However, the relationship between DM and IEM is not fully elucidated. We aimed to determine the relationship between DM and IEM and to evaluate the impact of DM's end organ complications on IEM severity.MethodsA multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing high‐resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) was performed. We reviewed medical records of patients diagnosed with IEM using HREM, encompassing data on demographics, DM history, antidiabetic and other medications as well as comorbidities.Key ResultsTwo hundred and forty six subjects met the inclusion criteria. There was no significant difference in any of the HREM parameters between diabetics and nondiabetics. Out of 246 patients, 92 were diabetics. Diabetics with neuropathy presented a significantly lower distal contractile integral (DCI) value compared to those without neuropathy (248.2 ± 226.7 mmHg·cm·sec vs. 375.6 ± 232.4 mmHg·cm·sec; p = 0.02) Similarly, the DCI was lower in diabetics with retinopathy compared to those without retinopathy (199.9 ± 123.1 mmHg·cm·sec vs. 335.4 ± 251.7 mmHg·cm·sec; p = 0.041). Additionally, a significant difference was observed in DCI values among DM patients with ≥2 comorbidities compared to those without comorbidities (224.8 ± 161.0 mmHg·cm·sec vs. 394.2 ± 243.6 mmHg·cm·sec; p = 0.025). Around 12.6% of the variation in DCI could be explained by its linear relationship with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), with a regression coefficient (β) of −55.3.Conclusion & InferencesDM is significantly associated with IEM in patients with neuropathy, retinopathy, or multiple comorbidities. These results are pivotal for tailoring patient‐specific management approaches.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with ST36 modulate gastric smooth muscle contractile marker expression via RhoA/Rock and MALAT1/miR‐449a/DLL1 signaling in diabetic rats
Authors: Han Nie , Cheng Shaodan , Jin Ye , Li Guanheng , Wang Huan , Jin Lin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLow‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) combined with acupoint can promote gastric motility of diabetic rats. The switch of gastric smooth muscle cell (GSMCs) phenotype was related to the diabetes‐induced gastric dysfunction, but the mechanism is not clearly elucidated. This study was aimed at exploring the underlying mechanism of LIPUS stimulation application in diabetic gastroparesis rats.MethodsIn this study, Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: control group (CON), diabetic gastroparesis group (DGP), and LIPUS‐treated group (LIPUS). LIPUS irradiation was performed bilaterally at ST36 for 20 min per day for 4 weeks. The gastric emptying rate was measured by ultrasound examination. Contraction ability of GSMCs was assessed by muscle strip experiment. The expression of related proteins or mRNAs including α‐SMA, SM22α, MHC, RhoA, Rock2, p‐MYPT1, MYPT1, p‐MLC, MLC, MALAT1, miR‐449a, and DLL1 was detected by different methods such as western blotting, RT‐qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence staining, as appropriate.Key Results(a) LIPUS stimulation at ST36 could improve the gastric motility dysfunction of diabetic rats. (b) LIPUS increased RhoA, Rock2, p‐MYPT1, and p‐MLC expression level. (c) MALAT1 and DLL1 contents were decreased, but the level of miR‐449a was increased in the LIPUS group.Conclusions & InferencesLIPUS may affect the contractile marker expression of gastric smooth muscle through the RhoA/Rock and MALAT1/miR‐449a/DLL1 pathway to ameliorate DGP.
Telehealth is effective for pelvic health physical therapy
Authors: Karhu Elisa , Gurland Brooke , Barten Julia , Miller Lucia , Yi Gloria , Shen Sa , Neshatian Leila 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTelehealth utilization, largely spurred by the COVID‐19 pandemic, has become popular due to convenience and access. We assessed the effectiveness of telehealth for delivering pelvic health physical therapy (PHPT) in patients with pelvic floor disorders (PFD).MethodsIn this IRB approved, cross‐sectional study, 812 patients who underwent PHPT treatment by telehealth or in combination with in‐person visits were surveyed. Post intervention effectiveness was analyzed using Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and short form Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ‐7).ResultsOne hundred and forty‐one patients, 80% female, mean (SD) age of 52 (17) completed the study. The mean number of encounters was 4.55 (4.25) with 2.81 (2.08) telehealth visits. A total of 42 (30%) patients reported no change/worse, 27 (19%) minimal, and 72 (51%) moderate/much improvement of symptoms consistent with a lower PFIQ‐7 scores. Patients who reported improvement were significantly younger (p < 0.002). Age was the only independent factor that could predict response to PHPT. Patients <50 years old reported significantly more symptom improvement (p < 0.02), symptom resolution (p < 0.002), meeting personal goals (p < 0.0001), improved muscle strength, coordination, and relaxation (p < 0.05), greater satisfaction with bowel movements, and less negative impact of bowel on quality of life (p < 0.005) than older patients. Regardless of age, 89 (64%) patients preferred hybrid telehealth visits.Conclusion & InferencesUtilizing telehealth alone or in a hybrid format combined with in‐person visits for PHPT appears to be preferred by patients and associated with subjective report of improvement of symptoms. However, efficacy of telehealth interventions in older adults warrants further studies.
Associations between gut microbiota characteristics and non‐motor symptoms following pharmacological and surgical treatments in Parkinson's disease patients
Authors: Gorecka‐Mazur Agnieszka , Krygowska‐Wajs Anna , Furgala Agata , Li Jiaqi , Misselwitz Benjamin , Pietraszko Wojciech , Kwinta Borys , Yilmaz Bahtiyar 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe gut microbiota has been implicated in Parkinson's disease (PD), with alterations observed in microbial composition and reduced microbial species richness, which may influence gastrointestinal symptoms in PD patients. It remains to be determined whether the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms correlates with microbiota variations in PD patients treated pharmacologically or with subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) therapy. This study aims to explore how these treatments affect gut microbiota and gastrointestinal symptoms in PD, identifying specific microbial differences associated with each treatment modality.MethodsA total of 42 individuals diagnosed with PD, along with 38 age‐matched household control participants, contributed stool samples for microbiota characterization. Differences in the gut microbiota across various groups of PD patients and their households were identified through comprehensive sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.Key ResultsDifferences in microbial communities were observed between PD patients and controls, as well as between PD patients receiving pharmacological treatment and those with STN‐DBS. Pharmacologically treated advanced PD patients have higher gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Gut microbiota profile linked to STN‐DBS and reduced levodopa consumption, characterized by its anti‐inflammatory properties, might play a role in diminishing gastrointestinal dysfunction relative to only pharmacological treatments.Conclusions & InferencesAdvanced PD patients on medication exhibit more gastrointestinal issues, despite relatively stable microbial diversity, indicating a complex interaction between gut microbiota, PD progression, and treatment effects. An imbalanced gut–brain axis, particularly due to reduced butyrate production, may lead to constipation by affecting the enteric nervous system, which emphasizes the need to incorporate gut microbiome insights into treatment strategies.
Asthma control associated with anxiety and depression in asthmatic children following post‐acute COVID‐19
Authors: Chang Tung‐Ming , Chen Yun , Yang Kuender D. , Wang Jiu‐Yao , Lin Ching‐Yuang , Chang Yu‐Jun , Chen Chang‐Hua , Tsai Yi‐Giien 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPoor asthma control may adversely affect mental health. Our study investigates the correlation between inadequate asthma control, exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) levels, and anxiety and depression among pediatric asthma patients with COVID‐19.MethodsThis prospective case–control study enrolled 520 asthmatic children (8–15 years), including 336 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 after rapid antigen testing at home and 184 age‐matched asthmatic patients without COVID‐19 infection. FENO and spirometry were performed 1 month after COVID‐19 infection. Scores for Child Anxiety‐Related Disorders (SCARED) and depression screen derived from Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) to assess their mental health status. Childhood asthma control test (C‐ACT), FENO levels, and spirometry were correlated with the SCARED and PHQ‐9 questionnaires.ResultsSCARED subscales, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, school avoidance, and depression scores from PHQ‐9, exhibited a significant increase in asthmatic patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 (p < .05). Among asthmatic children with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, the poor asthma control group exhibited the highest SCARED and PHQ‐9 measurements (p < .01). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that reduced C‐ACT scores and elevated FENO levels in asthmatic children with COVID‐19 were significant risk factors for both anxiety and depression scores (p < .05). Lower C‐ACT scales were associated with high scores of SCARED (r = −0.471) and PHQ‐9 (r = −0.329) in asthmatic children (p < .001).ConclusionsThe current study emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to closely monitor asthma control in asthmatic children to prevent heightened risks of depression and anxiety during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.
Innate immune responses are increased in children with acute asthma exacerbation
Authors: Sheikh Shahid , Eisner Mariah , Walum Joshua , Heyob Kathryn , Khan Aiman Q. , Lewis Brandon , Grayson Mitchell , Kopp Benjamin , McCoy Karen , Britt Rodney 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the immune responses during acute asthma exacerbation. In this study, we examined immune responses in children following an acute asthma exacerbation.MethodsWe evaluated pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and gene expression profiles in blood samples from pediatric patients admitted for acute asthma exacerbation. Viral PCR was performed to differentiate between viral or non‐viral‐associated exacerbations.ResultsFollowing informed consent, clinical data were obtained from 20 children with asthma (median [interquartile range, IQR]: age 11.5 [8.0, 14.2]) years and 14 healthy age‐matched controls (10.5 [7.0, 13.0]). Twelve had positive nasopharyngeal Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral infection (11 rhinoviruses and 1 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)). Nine were in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and among them five required continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Mean (±SD) days on systemic steroids before drawing blood sample were 2.5 ± 1.6. Twelve had history of environmental allergies with 917 (274, 1396) IU/mL total IgE (median (IQR)). Compared with controls, IL‐1RA and IL‐10 levels were significantly increased and TNF‐α significantly decreased in asthma subjects (p < .05 for all). RNA‐seq analysis revealed 852 differentially expressed genes in subjects with asthma. Pathway analysis found upregulated genes and pathways involved in innate immune responses in subjects with asthma. Significantly reduced genes included pathways associated with T helper cell differentiation and activation.ConclusionsIn acute asthma exacerbation, innate immune pathways remained increased while adaptive immune responses related to T helper cells are blunted and are independent of trigger or asthma severity. Our novel findings highlight the need to identify new therapies to target persistent innate immune responses to improve outcomes in acute asthma.
Harnessing cold adaptation for postglacial colonisation: Galactinol synthase expression and raffinose accumulation in a polyploid and its progenitors
Authors: Fechete Lavinia Ioana , Larking Anna C. , Heslop Angus , Hannaford Rina , Anderson Craig B. , Hong Won , Prakash Sushma , Mace Wade , Alikhani Salome , Hofmann Rainer W. , Tausen Marni , Schierup Mikkel Heide , Andersen Stig Uggerhøj , Griffiths Andrew G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAllotetraploid white clover (Trifolium repens) formed during the last glaciation through hybridisation of two European diploid progenitors from restricted niches: one coastal, the other alpine. Here, we examine which hybridisation‐derived molecular events may have underpinned white clover's postglacial niche expansion. We compared the transcriptomic frost responses of white clovers (an inbred line and an alpine‐adapted ecotype), extant descendants of its progenitor species and a resynthesised white clover neopolyploid to identify genes that were exclusively frost‐induced in the alpine progenitor and its derived subgenomes. From these analyses we identified galactinol synthase, the rate‐limiting enzyme in biosynthesis of the cryoprotectant raffinose, and found that the extant descendants of the alpine progenitor as well as the neopolyploid white clover rapidly accumulated significantly more galactinol and raffinose than the coastal progenitor under cold stress. The frost‐induced galactinol synthase expression and rapid raffinose accumulation derived from the alpine progenitor likely provided an advantage during early postglacial colonisation for white clover compared to its coastal progenitor.
Phototherapy for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in Singaporean children and adolescents
Authors: Chia Shi Yun , Chee Elton Ern Cher , Wee Lynette Wei Yi , Koh Mark Jean Aan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground/PurposePhototherapy has emerged as a safe yet effective form of treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Few studies have been done to evaluate the efficacy of phototherapy in Asian children. The aim of this study was to review the phototherapy experience in a cohort of Asian pediatric patients with AD at a tertiary dermatologic center in Singapore.MethodsA retrospective study of patients 18 years and below with AD who had undergone phototherapy at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, over a 4‐year period was performed.ResultsSixty‐two patients were identified, between ages 4 and 16 years (mean age 11 years) at the time of commencement of phototherapy. Thirty‐five (60%) patients were males and 23 (40%) were females. Most patients had moderate to severe disease, with 60.3% of the patients with an initial body surface area (BSA) involvement of 31%–60% and 13.8% of the patients with an initial BSA involvement of 61%–90%. For patients who had undergone narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and combined ultraviolet A (UVA) and NBUVB phototherapy, the mean reduction of the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores were 11.4 and 7.9, respectively. Common side effects experienced include xerosis, pruritus, erythema, and pain. Other reasons for cessation of therapy in the NBUVB group included time commitment difficulty (9.3%), hyperactivity (2.3%), and claustrophobia (2.3%). Two patients that had photochemotherapy (psoralen + UVA) [PUVA] suffered from post‐UVA burns requiring cessation of treatment. More than half of the patients (56.9%) treated with phototherapy experienced treatment success with improvement in Investigator Global Assessment and EASI scores. 86.2% of the patients had good compliance to the treatment regime, 12% had poor‐compliance, and 3.4% were lost to follow‐up.ConclusionPhototherapy is a useful treatment adjunct for moderate to severe AD in Asian children.