bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frailty, malnutrition, healthcare utilization, and mortality in patients with dementia and cognitive impairment obtained from hospital administrative data
Authors: Merchant Reshma Aziz , Dong Ying Qiu , Kumari Shikha , Murphy Diarmuid 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionWith aging populations, the prevalence of dementia, frailty and malnutrition will increase. The aim of this study is twofold (a) to determine the demographic data, including frailty and malnutrition prevalence in older patients with diagnosis of dementia and/or cognitive impairment and (b) to determine its impact on outcomes such as length of stay (LOS), readmission and mortality stratified by frailty status.MethodsRetrospective single-center cohort study conducted using hospital database on older patients ≥65 yrs. admitted to a tertiary hospital between March 2022 and Dec 2023 and discharged with either primary or secondary diagnosis of dementia or cognitive impairment. Data on age, gender, ethnicity, comorbidities, discharge diagnoses, Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), activity of daily living (ADL), 3-Minute Nutrition Screening and outcomes such as LOS, readmission, mortality and cost of hospitalization were extracted. Those aged between 65 to 74 years old were categorized as “young-old,” and ≥75 years old as “old-old.”ResultsDementia or cognitive impairment diagnosis was prevalent in 8.6% (3090) older patients, and 33.7% were malnourished. 54.5% were female with a mean age of 82.0 years. Almost one fourth were dependent on ADL. Based on frailty defined by (i) HFRS—26.0% had intermediate and 18.2% high frailty (ii) CFS—41.0% were mild/moderately frail, and 32.2% severely frail. Median LOS was 8 days. 30 and 90-days readmission rates were 23.2 and 35.4%, respectively. In-hospital mortality was 7.8% and 30-day mortality 14.0%. High HFRS (aOR 1.511, 95% CI: 1.089–2.097; p = 0.013), severe frailty (aOR 4.325, 95% CI: 0.960–2.684; p &lt; 0.001) and terminal frailty (aOR 39.762, 95% CI: 18.311–86.344; p &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with inpatient mortality. Intermediate HFRS (aOR 1.682, 95% CI: 1.380–2.050; p &lt; 0.001), mild/moderate frailty (1.609, 95% CI: 1.254–2.065; p &lt; 0.01), high HFRS (aOR 2.178, 95% CI: 1.756–2.702; p &lt; 0.001) and severe frailty (2.333, 95% CI: 1.804–3.017; p &lt; 0.01) were significantly associated with 30-days readmission. The impact of malnutrition on healthcare utilization was highest in the old-old with high HFRS and severe frailty.ConclusionFrailty and malnutrition have significant impact on healthcare utilization, readmission rates, and mortality among older adults with dementia and/or cognitive impairment.
Effects of different exercises on improving gait performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Huang Jieling , Wang Jinguo , Cheng Yue 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveGait disorder represents a characteristic symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and exercise has been established as an effective intervention for gait management in PD. However, the relative efficacy of various exercise types in improving gait among PD patients remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different movement-based interventions in enhancing gait for individuals with PD through a network meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI. The methodological quality of included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Bias risk tool. Data was extracted from these studies to compare the efficacy of 29 distinct exercise interventions on gait performance in patients with PD.ResultsThe analysis encompassed 68 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), involving a total of 3,114 participants. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that DE is higher than CON (SMD, 2.11; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.15), WE (SMD, 2.16; 95% CI 0.90 to 3.43), HE (SMD, 2.19; 95% CI 0.95 to 3.44), OE (SMD, 2.66; 95% CI 1.16 to 4.16), TR (SMD, 2.62; 95% CI 1.45 to 3.79) to better improve Gait velocity in patients with Parkinson’s disease. DE is superior to CON (SMD, 2.08; 95% CI 0.04 to 4.13) in improving Step length. FAE is superior to CON (SMD, 1.01; 95% CI 0.04 to 1.98), BDJ (SMD, 1.20; 95% CI 0.15 to 2.25), RAGT (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI 0.07 to 2.52), DE (SMD, 1.57; 95% CI 0.36 to 2.77), TR (SMD, 1.62; 95% CI 0.48 to 2.76), OE (1.76, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.94) in improving Gait velocity. RAGT is superior to CT (MD, 2.02; 95% CI 0.41 to 3.63), TR (MD, 2.51; 95% CI 1.17 to 3.84), AE (MD, 2.66; 95% CI 0.45 to 4.88), BDJ (MD, 2.77; 95% CI 0.93 to 4.61), CON (MD, 2.83; 95% CI 1.30 to 4.36), DTT (MD, 12.84; 95% CI 10.05 to 15.63) in improving 6MWT.ConclusionOur study found that DE improved gait speed and step length in patients with Parkinson’s disease better than other forms of exercise. FAE and RAGT were more effective than other exercises in improving step length and 6MWT in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkin characteristics and blood biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease in WPBLC study
Authors: He Haijun , Xiong Xi , Zheng Yi , Hou Jialong , Jiang Tao , Quan Weiwei , Huang Jiani , Xu Jiaxue , Chen Keke , Qian Jingjing , Cai Jinlai , Lu Yao , Lian Mengjia , Xie Chenglong , Luo Ji 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe exact mechanisms of PD are unclear, but Parkin-mediated mitophagy dysfunction is believed to play a key role. We investigated whether blood levels of Parkin and other biomarkers are linked to the risk of developing PD.MethodsBaseline blood measures of Parkin and other biomarkers, including Homocysteine, carcinoembryonic antigen, Urea, total proteins, total cholesterol, creatine kinase, and albumin, were collected from 197 clinically diagnosed Parkinson’s disease participants and 107 age-matched healthy controls in Wenzhou Parkinson’s Biomarkers and Living Characteristics study. We conducted bioinformatics analysis using three datasets from the GEO database: GSE90514 (Cohort 1: PD = 4, HC = 4), GSE7621 (Cohort 2: PD = 16, HC = 9), and GSE205450 (Cohort 3: PD = 69, HC = 81).ResultsUsing a bioinformatic approach, we identified dysregulated biological processes in PD patients with PRKN mutations. Compared to controls, significant abnormalities were observed in blood levels of Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, urea, albumin, and CEA in PD patients. A model incorporating Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, and urea effectively distinguished PD from healthy controls, achieving a higher accuracy (AUC 0.841) than other biomarker combinations. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested that pathways such as PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy, urea cycle, cysteine degradation, and riboflavin metabolism may be involved in PRKN mutation. Additionally, the link between Parkin and PD was partially mediated by CEA and albumin, not by Hcy, total proteins, or urea.ConclusionOur findings indicate that blood Parkin levels may be a minimally invasive biomarker for PD diagnosis. The model, which included Parkin, Hcy, total proteins, and urea, effectively distinguished PD from HC with greater accuracy.
Investigating visual perception abilities in flight cadets: the crucial role of the lingual gyrus and precuneus
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhang Shicong , Dong Shipeng , Meng Qingbin , Xu Peiran , Chu Qi , Huang Donglin , Luo Cheng 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionIn aviation, exceptional visual perception is crucial for pilots to monitor flight instruments and respond swiftly to deviations, as well as make rapid judgments regarding environmental changes, ensuring aviation safety. However, existing research on pilots’ visual perception has predominantly focused on behavioral observations, with limited exploration of the neurophysiological mechanisms involved.MethodsThis study aimed to investigate the brain activity associated with the visual perception capabilities of flight cadets. Data were collected from 25 flying cadets and 24 ground students under two conditions: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging session conducted in 2022 and a change-detection task. The data were analyzed using RESTplus software.ResultsThe analysis revealed that degree centrality values in the right precuneus and left lingual gyrus showed significantly positive correlations with task reaction time and accuracy, respectively, in the pilot group. These brain regions were found to be significantly associated with the visual perception abilities of the pilots.DiscussionThe findings suggest that alterations in the left precuneus and right lingual gyrus in pilots are linked to their visual perception capabilities, which may play a crucial role in mission performance. These results provide a foundation for improving flight training programs and selecting suitable flight trainees based on neurophysiological markers of visual perception.
Mapping curvature domains in human V4 using CBV-sensitive layer-fMRI at 3T
Authors: Zamboni Elisa , Watson Isaac , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Huber Laurentius , Formisano Elia , Goebel Rainer , Kennerley Aneurin J. , Morland Antony B. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionA full understanding of how we see our world remains a fundamental research question in vision neuroscience. While topographic profiling has allowed us to identify different visual areas, the exact functional characteristics and organization of areas up in the visual hierarchy (beyond V1 &amp; V2) is still debated. It is hypothesized that visual area V4 represents a vital intermediate stage of processing spatial and curvature information preceding object recognition. Advancements in magnetic resonance imaging hardware and acquisition techniques (e.g., non-BOLD functional MRI) now permits the capture of cortical layer-specific functional properties and organization of the human brain (including the visual system) at high precision.MethodsHere, we use functional cerebral blood volume measures to study the modularity in how responses to contours (curvature) are organized within area V4 of the human brain. To achieve this at 3 Tesla (a clinically relevant field strength) we utilize optimized high-resolution 3D-Echo Planar Imaging (EPI) Vascular Space Occupancy (VASO) measurements.ResultsData here provide the first evidence of curvature domains in human V4 that are consistent with previous findings from non-human primates. We show that VASO and BOLD tSNR maps for functional imaging align with high field equivalents, with robust time series of changes to visual stimuli measured across the visual cortex. V4 curvature preference maps for VASO show strong modular organization compared to BOLD imaging contrast. It is noted that BOLD has a much lower sensitivity (due to known venous vasculature weightings) and specificity to stimulus contrast. We show evidence that curvature domains persist across the cortical depth. The work advances our understanding of the role of mid-level area V4 in human processing of curvature and shape features.ImpactKnowledge of how the functional architecture and hierarchical integration of local contours (curvature) contribute to formation of shapes can inform computational models of object recognition. Techniques described here allow for quantification of individual differences in functional architecture of mid-level visual areas to help drive a better understanding of how changes in functional brain organization relate to difference in visual perception.
Which specific modes of exercise training are most effective for breast related cancer fatigue? Network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Zhang Jianhua , Hu Di , Gao Lei , Huang Ting 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the impact of various exercise modalities on Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) among breast cancer patients.MethodsA computerized search was conducted on databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Database up to October 2023. Selection criteria were applied to include or exclude studies, resulting in the inclusion of 65 articles for comparison of the effects of 12 distinct exercise interventions on individuals with breast cancer.ResultsThe 65 studies used 12 different measures of exercise. Network meta results show that Compared with Other exercise (OE), Baduanjin exercise (BE), Qigong (QG), Control group (CG), Tai Chi (TC) improved significantly in CFR. The effect of Yoga (YG) on improving sleep quality is better than Control group (CG) and Baduanjin exercise (BE). Compared with Control group (CG), Tai Chi (TC) and Yoga (YG) are more beneficial to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients. Tai Chi (TC) is better than Multimodal exercise (ME), Other exercise (OE), Baduanjin exercise (BE), Pilates exercise (PE), Yoga (YG), Qigong (QG), Dance exercise (DE), Qigong (QG) in improving depression in breast cancer patients.ConclusionThe study revealed that Tai Chi demonstrates positive effects in ameliorating CRF, enhancing quality of life, and alleviating depressive symptoms among breast cancer patients. Moreover, yoga exhibits favorable effects in improving sleep quality in this patient group. Nevertheless, additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are warranted in the future to delve deeper into the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of these exercise interventions.
Cystoscopy to investigate the prevalence of prostatic utricle cyst in boys with proximal hypospadias and its implications in medium-term follow-up
Authors: Wong Yuenshan Sammi , Tam Yuk Him 
Published: February 2025

PurposeProstatic utricle cyst (PUC) is known to be associated with hypospadias. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of PUC in children with proximal hypospadias by cystoscopy, and risk of symptom development after hypospadias repair.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent 2-stage repair for proximal hypospadias and had cystoscopy for PUC assessment over the period of January 2017–September 2022.ResultsA total of 34 patients with penoscrotal, scrotal or perineal hypospadias were included for review. First-stage repair was performed at a median age of 12 months. The median ventral curvature was 70 degrees (range 45–90). 4 patients had differences of sex development including 45,X/46,XY mosaicism (n = 2) and 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis (n = 2). PUC was detected by cystoscopy in 25/34(73.5%) patients, with longitudinal dimensions 10–35 mm (median = 15 mm). At a mean follow-up of 30 months after hypospadias repair, 3/25(12%) patients developed symptoms associated with PUC including recurrent epididymoorchitis (n = 1), post-void dribbling (n = 1) and pyuria (n = 1). 3/10 PUC ≥20 mm became symptomatic compared with none of PUC &lt;20 mm (p = 0.024). The patient with recurrent epididymoorchitis eventually underwent definitive surgery of PUC excision by robot-assisted approach.ConclusionsPUC is highly prevalent in proximal hypospadias. The use of the smallest-sized cystoscope as a screening tool can increase the diagnostic yield. Integrating cystoscopy in hypospadias surgery for concurrent PUC assessment can be considered as an option for patients with proximal hypospadias. Although the vast majority of PUC remains asymptomatic, those ≥20 mm in longitudinal dimensions may be associated with an increased risk of subsequent symptom development.
Association of antinuclear antibody positivity with liver disease severity in pediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Kim Hyun Jin , Kim Ju Young , Lee Yoo Min , Hong Yong Hee , Kang Ben , Choe Byung-Ho , Yi Dae Yong , Lee Eun Hye , Kim Soon Chul , Choi You Jin , Jang Hyo-Jeong , Choi So Yoon 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundAlthough antinuclear antibody (ANA) is frequently observed in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its clinical significance in children remains unclear and controversial. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of ANA positivity and the factors associated with it in pediatric MASLD patients without concurrent autoimmune hepatitis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged 4–18 years diagnosed with MASLD and tested for ANA from January 2015 to December 2020 at 10 hospitals in Korea. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 26.0 and P-values &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsOut of the 439 patients included, ANAs were present in 89 (20.3%); 51 (57.3%) patients had ANA titer &lt;1:80; 22 (24.7%), &lt;1:160; 10 (11.2%), &lt;1:320; and 6 (6.7%), &lt;1:640. Compared to ANA-negative patients, aspartate aminotransferase (AST, P = 0.003) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT, P = 0.007) levels were significantly higher in ANA-positive patients. The ALT to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score was also associated with the ANA-positive patients (P = 0.005). To predict ANA positivity using APRI, the area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 0.597 (p = 0.004), and the APRI cutoff value of &gt;0.893 could predict ANA, with sensitivity and specificity of 42.7% and 72.9%, respectively.ConclusionsANA positivity in pediatric MASLD is associated with greater liver enzyme elevation and increased risk of fibrosis, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in ANA-positive patients.
Signal mining and analysis of ripretinib adverse events: a real-world pharmacovigilance analysis based on the FAERS database
Authors: Hu Ye , Zhang Linlin , Gong Qineng , Huang Lei , Yin Cunlin , Miao Yang , Wu Hui 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundRipretinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) who have previously received treatment with at least three kinase inhibitors. The objective of this study was to evaluate adverse events(AEs) associated with ripretinib using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.MethodsIndividual case safety reports (ICSRs) related to of ripretinib from 2020 Q2 to 2024 Q2 were extracted from the FAERS database. This study used the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) for disproportionality analysis. In addition, this research also performed a descriptive analysis of the time-to-onset (TTO) of AEs related to ripretinib.ResultsA total of 3,513 ICSRs with ripretinib as the primary suspect (PS) were retrieved from the FAERS database. At the preferred term(PT) level, this study detected 116 positive AEs. Common AEs included alopecia, constipation, muscle spasms, dry skin, decreased appetite. Notably, unexpected AEs such as pleural mass, blood magnesium abnormal, blood potassium abnormal, hepatic lesion, and liver abscess were also observed. The median time to onset of ripretinib-related AEs was 102 days (29–254 days), with the majority of AEs occurring during the first month of treatment.ConclusionThis study identified some known AEs associated with ripretinib and discovered unexpected AEs, providing preliminary insights into its safety in the real world. This information is valuable for clinical monitoring and the safe use of ripretinib.
Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of children with cerebral palsy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with core herbs exploration
Authors: Huang Ying-Yu , Cheng Ya-Yun , Chen Hsing-Yu , Fu Ren-Huei , Chang Yi-Jung , Yang Tsung-Hsien 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionChinese herbal medicine (CHM) taken orally is frequently utilized to enhance functional ability and independence in cerebral palsy (CP); nonetheless, there is a lack of current evidence regarding the efficacy of oral CHM in treating CP. Additionally, the general complexities of CHM prescriptions often obscure the underlying mechanisms. Our study aims to assess the efficacy of oral CHM in treating CP, a meta-analysis will be conducted on randomized clinical trials (RCTs).Materials and methodsWe searched Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, PubMed Central, ClinicalTrials.gov, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), from 1990 to 2022. The primary outcome was the improvement in Effectiveness rate (ER). The secondary outcome was the improvement of motor function (GMFM). Subgroup analysis and trial sequential analysis (TSA) were conducted to confirm results consistency. Core CHMs were investigated through system pharmacology analysis.ResultsSeventeen RCTs were analyzed, in which CHMs with Standard treatment (ST) were compared to ST alone. All participants were aged &lt;11 years. More participants in the CHM group achieved prominent improvement in ER (RR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.13–1.30, p-value &lt; 0.001, I2 = 32%) and higher GMFM improvement (SMD: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.33–1.65, p-value &lt; 0.001, I2 = 92%). TSA also showed similar results with proper statistical power. Core CHMs, such as Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. Ex DC., Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., processed Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) DC., Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, exerted effects on immune modulation and metabolism systems. The subgroup analysis showed participants using core CHMs or longer CHM treatment duration, and studies enrolling CP with spastic or mixed type, or mild-to-moderate severity had better outcomes in CHM groups with less heterogeneity.ConclusionCHMs may have a positive impact on managing pediatric CP; however, the potential bias in study design should be improved.Systematic Review RegistrationIdentifier CRD42023424754.