bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synbiotic regulates gut microbiota in patients with lupus nephritis: an analysis using metagenomic and metabolome sequencing
Authors: Zhu Qiuyu , Cui Jiuming , Liu Sen , Wei Suosu , Wu Qiuxia , You Yanwu 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in gut microbes and their metabolites after administering synbiotics to patients with new-onset lupus nephritis (LN) treated using a conventional method and provide a theoretical basis for finding new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of LN.MethodsIn this study, a total of 12 participants were divided into the lupus and synbiotic groups. Stool samples and clinical data were collected before and after treatment for metagenomic, nontargeted metabolomic, and statistical analyses.ResultsThe relative abundances of the pathogenic bacteria Prevotella, Bacteroides, and Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified decreased after synbiotic treatment, whereas the abundances of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes increased. Further, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio increased; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). α diversity analysis showed no significant differences in the intestinal microbial richness and diversity index of patients with LN between the groups before and after treatment (p &gt; 0.05). β analysis showed the differences in the community structure between the samples of the two groups before and after treatment. Linear discriminant analysis effect size and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that Negativicutes (AUC = 0.9722) and Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified (AUC = 0.9722) were the best predictors of the lupus and synbiotic groups, respectively, before and after treatment. Joint analyses revealed that amino acid biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and other metabolic pathways may be involved in the changes in the metabolic function of patients with LN after the addition of synbiotics. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed the interaction between clinical features and flora, and flora exhibited a complex biological network regulatory relationship.ConclusionSynbiotics regulate the metabolic functions of intestinal microorganisms in patients with LN and play a role in various biological functions. Synbiotic supplements may be safe and promising candidates for patients with LN.
Relationships among bacterial cell size, diversity, and taxonomy in rumen
Authors: Liu Sijia , Zheng Nan , Wang Jiaqi , Zhao Shengguo 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe rumen microbial community plays a crucial role in the digestion and metabolic processes of ruminants. Although sequencing-based studies have helped reveal the diversity and functions of bacteria in the rumen, their physiological and biochemical characteristics, as well as their dynamic regulation along the digestion process in the rumen, remain poorly understood. Addressing these gaps requires pure culture studies to demystify the intricate mechanisms at play. Bacteria exhibit morphological differentiation associated with different species. Based on the difference in size or shape of microorganisms, size fractionation by filters with various pore sizes can be used to separate them.MethodsIn this study, we used polyvinylidene difluoride filters with pore sizes of 300, 120, 80, 40, 20, 8, 6, 2.1, and 0.6 μm. Bacterial suspensions were successively passed through these filters for the analysis of microbial population distribution using 16S rRNA gene sequences.ResultsWe found that bacteria from the different pore sizes were clustered into four branches (&gt; 120 μm, 40–120 μm, 6–20 μm, 20–40 μm, and &lt; 0.6 μm), indicating that size fractionation had effects on enriching specific groups but could not effectively separate dominant groups by cell size alone. The species of unclassified Flavobacterium, unclassified Chryseobacterium, unclassified Delftia, Methylotenera mobilis, unclassified Caulobacteraceae, unclassified Oligella, unclassified Sphingomonas, unclassified Stenotrophomonas, unclassified Shuttleworthia, unclassified Sutterella, unclassified Alphaproteobacteria, and unclassified SR1 can be efficiently enriched or separated by size fractionation.DiscussionIn this study, we investigated the diversity of sorted bacteria populations in the rumen for preliminary investigations of the relationship between the size and classification of rumen bacteria that have the potential to improve our ability to isolate and culture bacteria from the rumen in the future.
Association of multiple metabolic and cardiovascular markers with the risk of cognitive decline and mortality in adults with Alzheimer’s disease and AD-related dementia or cognitive decline: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Longjian , Gracely Edward J. , Zhao Xiaopeng , Gliebus Gediminas P. , May Nathalie S. , Volpe Stella L. , Shi Jingyi , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann , Eisen Howard J. 
Published: April 2024

Background and objectivesThere is a scarcity of data stemming from large-scale epidemiological longitudinal studies focusing on potentially preventable and controllable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD). This study aimed to examine the effect of multiple metabolic factors and cardiovascular disorders on the risk of cognitive decline and AD/ADRD.MethodsWe analyzed a cohort of 6,440 participants aged 45–84 years at baseline. Multiple metabolic and cardiovascular disorder factors included the five components of the metabolic syndrome [waist circumference, high blood pressure (HBP), elevated glucose and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations], C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, interleukin-6 (IL-6), factor VIII, D-dimer, and homocysteine concentrations, carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Cognitive decline was defined using the Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) score, and AD/ADRD cases were classified using clinical diagnoses.ResultsOver an average follow-up period of 13 years, HBP and elevated glucose, CRP, homocysteine, IL-6, and ACR concentrations were significantly associated with the risk of mortality in the individuals with incident AD/ADRD or cognitive decline. Elevated D-dimer and homocysteine concentrations, as well as elevated ACR were significantly associated with incident AD/ADRD. Elevated homocysteine and ACR were significantly associated with cognitive decline. A dose–response association was observed, indicating that an increased number of exposures to multiple risk factors corresponded to a higher risk of mortality in individuals with cognitive decline or with AD/ADRD.ConclusionFindings from our study reaffirm the significance of preventable and controllable factors, including HBP, hyperglycemia, elevated CRP, D-dimer, and homocysteine concentrations, as well as, ACR, as potential risk factors for cognitive decline and AD/ADRD.
Associations of apolipoprotein E ε4 allele, regional cerebral blood flow, and serum liver function markers in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Hao , Shi Lin , Luo Shimei , Luo Yishan , Xu Chunyan , Qiu Guozhen , Guo Qiwen , Chen Chunchun , Lu Taikun , Liu Kangding , Zhu Feiqi 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThe ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene (APOE4) is expressed abundantly in both the brain and peripheral circulation as a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) dysfunction is an essential feature of AD, and the liver plays an important role in the pathogenesis of dementia. However, the associations of APOE4 with CBF and liver function markers in patients with cognitive impairment remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the associations of APOE4 with CBF measured by arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and serum liver function markers in participants who were diagnosed with cognitive impairment.MethodsFourteen participants with AD and sixteen with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited. In addition to providing comprehensive clinical information, all patients underwent laboratory tests and MRI. All participants were divided into carriers and noncarriers of the ε4 allele, and T-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to observe the differences between APOE4 carriers and noncarriers in CBF and liver function markers.ResultsRegarding regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), APOE4 carriers showed hyperperfusion in the bilateral occipital cortex, bilateral thalamus, and left precuneus and hypoperfusion in the right lateral temporal cortex when compared with noncarriers. Regarding serum liver function markers, bilirubin levels (including total, direct, and indirect) were lower in APOE4 carriers than in noncarriers.ConclusionAPOE4 exerts a strong effect on CBF dysfunction by inheritance, representing a risk factor for AD. APOE4 may be related to bilirubin metabolism, potentially providing specific neural targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AD.
The effect of cognitive rehabilitation on daily functioning of patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Ren Shuyu , Pan Fangfang , Jin Jie 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementia and represents 60–80% of dementia cases. AD affects over 32 million people globally, and 8.1% of affected females and 5.4% of affected males were older than 65 years. Cognitive rehabilitation focuses on helping patients develop individualized strategies to obtain or maintain optimal functioning. As of now, there is no complete and systematic meta-analysis on the effects of cognitive rehabilitation on cognitive functioning in AD patients.ObjectivesTo provide the most recent and extensive pooled analysis and evidence and explore the influence of cognitive rehabilitation on overall cognitive functioning in patients with AD.MethodsWe searched articles through several databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, from the inception to June 2023. Studies on cognitive stimulation, cognitive training, and cognitive interventions, and non-English articles were excluded. The outcome measures encompassed the effects of cognitive rehabilitation on the overall cognitive functioning of people with AD (e.g., verbal fluency, behavioral memory, neuropsychiatric status and occupational performance levels).ResultsA total of 14 clinical trials were included in this analysis. The meta-analysis showed that cognitive rehabilitation significantly improved quality of life (WMD: 2.87; 95% CI: 0.79, 4.95; p = 0.007) and occupational performance levels (WMD: 1.53; 95% CI: 0.43, 2.63; p = 0.007) in patients with AD. However, it did not show a significant effect on other domains of specific cognitive functions in patients with AD.ConclusionCognitive rehabilitation exhibited a moderate to large impact on both quality of life and occupational performance levels in people with AD. Future studies are required to explore the potential of various cognitive interventions across specific domains, so as to provide more insights into the management of AD.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023444390.
Machine learning applied to epilepsy: bibliometric and visual analysis from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Huo Qing , Luo Xu , Xu Zu-Cai , Yang Xiao-Yan 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundEpilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic neurological disorders, which can have a serious negative impact on individuals, families and society, and even death. With the increasing application of machine learning techniques in medicine in recent years, the integration of machine learning with epilepsy has received close attention, and machine learning has the potential to provide reliable and optimal performance for clinical diagnosis, prediction, and precision medicine in epilepsy through the use of various types of mathematical algorithms, and promises to make better parallel advances. However, no bibliometric assessment has been conducted to evaluate the scientific progress in this area. Therefore, this study aims to visually analyze the trend of the current state of research related to the application of machine learning in epilepsy through bibliometrics and visualization.MethodsRelevant articles and reviews were searched for 2004–2023 using Web of Science Core Collection database, and bibliometric analyses and visualizations were performed in VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix (R-Tool of R-Studio).ResultsA total of 1,284 papers related to machine learning in epilepsy were retrieved from the Wo SCC database. The number of papers shows an increasing trend year by year. These papers were mainly from 1,957 organizations in 87 countries/regions, with the majority from the United States and China. The journal with the highest number of published papers is EPILEPSIA. Acharya, U. Rajendra (Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore) is the authoritative author in the field and his paper “Deep Convolutional Neural Networks for Automated Detection and Diagnosis of Epileptic Seizures Using EEG Signals” was the most cited. Literature and keyword analysis shows that seizure prediction, epilepsy management and epilepsy neuroimaging are current research hotspots and developments.ConclusionsThis study is the first to use bibliometric methods to visualize and analyze research in areas related to the application of machine learning in epilepsy, revealing research trends and frontiers in the field. This information will provide a useful reference for epilepsy researchers focusing on machine learning.
Comparison of the efficacy of thoracolumbosacral and lumbosacral orthosis for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in patients with major thoracolumbar or lumbar curves: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Sha Lin , Zhang Tianyuan , Sui Wenyuan , Fan Qing , Yang Jingfan , Deng Yaolong , Huang Zifang , Yang Junlin 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) is the most commonly used type of brace for the conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Although lumbosacral orthosis (LSO) is designed to correct single thoracolumbar or lumbar (TL/L) curves, its effectiveness remains underexplored. This novel article aims to compare the effectiveness of LSO with TLSO in treating AIS with main TL/L curves.MethodsThis prospective controlled cohort study enrolled patients with AIS with main TL/L curves and minor thoracic curves who were treated with either TLSO or LSO. Demographic and radiographic data were compared between the two groups. Treatment outcomes were also assessed. Risk factors for minor curve progression were identified, and a cut-off value was determined within the LSO group.ResultsOverall, 82 patients were recruited, including 44 in the TLSO group and 38 in the LSO group. The initial TL/L curves showed no difference between both groups. However, the baseline thoracic curves were significantly larger in the TLSO group compared to the LSO group (25.98° ± 7.47° vs. 18.71° ± 5.95°, P &lt; 0.001). At the last follow-up, LSO demonstrated similar effectiveness to TLSO in treating TL/L curves but was less effective for thoracic curves. The initial magnitude of thoracic curves was identified as a risk factor for minor curve outcomes in the LSO group. The ROC curve analysis determined a cut-off value of 21° for thoracic curves to predict treatment outcomes.DiscussionIn contrast to TLSO, LSO exhibits comparable effectiveness in treating main TL/L curves, making it a viable clinical option; however, it is less effective for thoracic minor curves. The initial magnitude of the minor thoracic curves may guide the selection of the appropriate brace type for patients with AIS with main TL/L curves.
Fulvic acid alleviates cadmium-induced root growth inhibition by regulating antioxidant enzyme activity and carbon–nitrogen metabolism in apple seedlings
Authors: Yu Bo , Xue Xiaomin , Nie Peixian , Lu Ninglin , Wang Laiping 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionSubstantial previous studies have reported that fulvic acid (FA) application plays an important role in Chinese agricultural production. However, little is known about the mechanisms for using FA to increase apple trees resistance to Cd toxicity. In order to clarify the mechanism underlying FA alleviation in Cd-induced growth inhibition in apple seedlings.MethodsHerein, we treated M9T337 seedlings to either 0 or 30 µM/L Cd together with 0 or 0.2 g/L FA and analyzed the root growth, antioxidant enzyme activities, carbon (C) assimilation, nitrogen (N) metabolism, and C and N transport.ResultsThe results presented that, compared with CK (without Cd addition or FA spraying application), Cd poisoning significantly inhibited the root growth of apple seedlings. However, this Cd-induced root growth inhibition was significantly alleviated by FA spraying relative to the Cd treatment (Cd addition alone). On the one hand, the mitigation of inhibition effects was due to the reduced oxidative damage by enhancing antioxdiant enzyme (SOD, POD, and CAT) activities in leaves and roots. On the other hand, this growth advantage demonstrated compared to the Cd treatment was found to be associated with the strengthen of photosynthetic performance and the elevation of C and N metabolism enzymes activities. Meanwhile, we also found that under Cd stress condition, the distribution of C and N nutrients in apple seedlings was optimised by FA spraying application relative to the Cd treatment, according to the results of 13C and 15N tracing.ConclusionConclusively, our results suggested that the inhibitory effect of Cd on apple seedlings root growth was alleviated by FA through regulating antioxdiant capacities and C and N metabolism.
GDNF and miRNA-29a as biomarkers in the first episode of psychosis: uncovering associations with psychosocial factors
Authors: Szwajca Marta , Kazek Grzegorz , Śmierciak Natalia , Mizera Józef , Pomierny-Chamiolo Lucyna , Szwajca Krzysztof , Biesaga Beata , Pilecki Maciej 
Published: April 2024

AimSchizophrenia involves complex interactions between biological and environmental factors, including childhood trauma, cognitive impairments, and premorbid adjustment. Predicting its severity and progression remains challenging. Biomarkers like glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and miRNA-29a may bridge biological and environmental aspects. The goal was to explore the connections between miRNAs and neural proteins and cognitive functioning, childhood trauma, and premorbid adjustment in the first episode of psychosis (FEP).MethodThis study included 19 FEP patients who underwent clinical evaluation with: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Premorbid Adjustment Scale (PAS), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Multiplex assays for plasma proteins were conducted with Luminex xMAP technology. Additionally, miRNA levels were quantitatively determined through RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and RT-qPCR on a 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System.ResultsAmong miRNAs, only miR-29a-3p exhibited a significant correlation with PAS-C scores (r = -0.513, p = 0.025) and cognitive improvement (r = -0.505, p = 0.033). Among the analyzed proteins, only GDNF showed correlations with MoCA scores at the baseline and after 3 months (r = 0.533, p = 0.0189 and r = 0.598, p = 0.007), cognitive improvement (r = 0.511, p = 0.025), and CTQ subtests. MIF concentrations correlated with the PAS-C subscale (r = -0.5670, p = 0.011).ConclusionGDNF and miR-29a-3p are promising as biomarkers for understanding and addressing cognitive deficits in psychosis. This study links miRNA and MIF to premorbid adjustment and reveals GDNF’s unique role in connection with childhood trauma.
Reduce stress and the risk of burnout by using yoga techniques. Pilot study
Authors: Zok Agnieszka , Matecka Monika , Bienkowski Artur , Ciesla Magdalena 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis article examines the effectiveness of yoga in managing stress, with a particular focus on work-related stress. Yoga combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation, and has gained recognition for its potential to relieve stress.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the motivating factors behind individuals adopting yoga exercises and to assess the effects of regular yoga practice, with a particular focus on age-related differences. Additionally, we aimed to compare participants’ expectations with the actual results of their yoga practice.MethodsTo achieve this, we conducted a comprehensive survey using an online form, which was completed by 520 yoga practitioners. Participants were surveyed about their motivation, the effects they experienced, and the type of yoga they practiced.ResultsThe results showed that the most common motivation for individuals practicing yoga was stress reduction. Additionally, the analysis of the effects of regular yoga practice demonstrated a significant reduction in stress levels, with experienced practitioners reporting lower stress levels compared to beginners. In conclusion, the study suggests that regular yoga practice can be an effective way to reduce stress levels.ConclusionDynamic forms of yoga, which incorporate fluid movements and synchronized breathing techniques, are highly effective approaches to stress management and relief. These findings highlight the value of yoga as a tool for individuals of all ages seeking stress relief and overall well-being. Another advantage of yoga practice is its affordability and lack of negative side effects.
Uso da semaglutida no tratamento da obesidade e sua segurança: uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Omizzolo Jaqueline Aparecida Erig , Schvinn Natália Helena Ferreira Furlan , Batista Larissa Eloise Ferreira Toledo 
Published: April 2024

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença crônica causada pelo acúmulo de gordura no organismo. O número de pessoas acometidas por essa enfermidade vem aumentando a cada ano no Brasil e no mundo. Seu tratamento é multifatorial sendo o uso da semaglutida cada vez mais discutido. Esse medicamento é um agonista dos receptores do glucagom-like peptide – 1 (arGLP 1). Objetivo: Esse trabalho tem como objetivo evidenciar a eficácia e a segurança da semaglutida, frente aos seus efeitos adversos, para o tratamento da obesidade, com intuito de melhorar a abordagem terapêutica dos pacientes obesos. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica de literatura, do tipo narrativa, sobre o uso da semaglutida na obesidade. Nesse sentido, foram utilizados artigos científicos dos últimos sete anos que possuíam as seguintes palavras-chave: “obesidade”, “semaglutida”, “GLP-1” e “tratamento”. Resultados: No mês de janeiro de 2023 a ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) aprovou o uso da semaglutida para o tratamento da obesidade. Esse medicamento possui efeitos adversos, dentre eles, náuseas, vômito, diarreia e, com menos frequência, a colelitíase. Por outro lado, proporciona uma perda significativa do peso corporal, reduz a pressão arterial e a inflamação. Conclusão: A obesidade necessita de tratamento multifatorial, sendo o uso da semaglutida uma opção cada vez mais utilizada. Mesmo com relatos de efeitos adversos, notam-se benefícios do seu uso. Diante disso, a semaglutida é considerada segura e eficaz para o tratamento da obesidade.