bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of cognitive impairment in chronic pain patients and characteristics of estimated mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Moriya Masamichi , Hu Lizhen , Sakatani Kaoru , Kitahara Masaki 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPatients with chronic pain suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety due to the pain itself. Pain can not only impair activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL), but also impair cognitive function. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to estimate the cognitive function of chronic pain patients using a deep neural network (DNN) model that has already been implemented in society. We investigated the characteristics of patients presumed to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and, at the same time, verified the relationship with the questionnaire commonly used in chronic pain research, which is administered by 43 university affiliated hospitals and medical institutions participating in the chronic pain research group of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan (assessment batteries).MethodThe study included 114 outpatients from a multidisciplinary pain clinic, and we estimated their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores based on age and basic blood test data (23 items). Furthermore, we classified the estimated MMSE scores of chronic pain patients into two groups based on a cutoff score of 27, which indicates MCI, and compared the blood data and assessment batteries. Additionally, we used a control group of 252 healthy adults aged 45 years or older who visited a dementia prevention outpatient clinic for comparison with the MMSE scores of chronic pain patients.ResultThe MMSE scores in chronic pain patients were below the cutoff for MCI. When classified into two groups based on the estimated MMSE score of 27 points, WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, PLT, UA, BUN, creatinine, Triglyceride, and γ-GT were significantly higher in the blood data. In the MCI group, PDAS values were significantly lower. Furthermore, only in the non-MCI group, a significant correlation was found between the estimated MMSE value and BPI, PDAS, and Locomo. The estimated MMSE scores were significantly lower in chronic pain patients than in healthy adults (p = 0.04).ConclusionPatients with chronic pain may exhibit cognitive impairment due to systemic metabolic disturbances. This suggests that chronic pain affects activities of daily living, resulting in systemic metabolic disorders.
Small and large fiber neuropathy in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Solbakken Gro , Løseth Sissel , Frich Jan C. , Dietrichs Espen , Ørstavik Kristin 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionMyotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects multiple organs. In this study, we investigated symptoms of pain and presence of small and large fiber neuropathy in the juvenile and adult form of DM1.MethodTwenty genetically verified DM1 patients were included. Pain was assessed, and neurological examination and investigations of the peripheral nervous system by quantification of small nerve fibers in skin biopsy, quantitative sensory testing and nerve conduction studies were performed. Results from skin biopsies were compared to healthy controls.ResultSeventeen patients reported chronic pain. Large and/or small fiber abnormalities were present in 50% of the patients. The intraepidermal nerve fiber density was significantly lower in the whole group of patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionSmall-fiber neuropathy might be an important cause of pain in DM1.
Prostate cancer risk stratification via eNose urine odor analysis: a preliminary report
Authors: Taverna Gianluigi , Grizzi Fabio , Bax Carmen , Tidu Lorenzo , Zanoni Matteo , Vota Paolo , Mazzieri Cinzia , Clementi Maria Chiara , Toia Giovanni , Hegazi Mohamed A. A. A. , Lotesoriere Beatrice Julia , Hurle Rodolfo , Capelli Laura 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is known for its highly diverse clinical behavior, ranging from low-risk, slow-growing tumors to aggressive and life-threatening forms. To avoid over-treatment of low-risk PCa patients, it would be very important prior to any therapeutic intervention to appropriately classify subjects based on tumor aggressiveness. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable test available for this purpose. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of risk stratification of PCa subjects using an electronic nose (eNose) detecting PCa-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urine samples.MethodsThe study involved 120 participants who underwent diagnostic prostate biopsy followed by robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PCa risk was categorized as low, intermediate, or high based on the D’Amico risk classification and the pathological grade (PG) assessed after RARP. The eNose’s ability to categorize subjects for PCa risk stratification was evaluated based on accuracy and recall metrics.ResultsThe study population comprised 120 participants. When comparing eNose predictions with PG an accuracy of 79.2% (95%CI 70.8 – 86%) was found, while an accuracy of 74.2% (95%CI 65.4 – 81.7%) was found when compared to D’Amico risk classification system. Additionally, if compared low- versus -intermediate-/high-risk PCa, the eNose achieved an accuracy of 87.5% (95%CI 80.2-92.8%) based on PG or 90.8% (95%CI 84.2–95.3%) based on D’Amico risk classification. However, when using low-/-intermediate versus -high-risk PCa for PG, the accuracy was found to be 91.7% (95%CI 85.2-95.9%). Finally, an accuracy of 80.8% (95%CI72.6-87.4%) was found when compared with D’Amico risk classification.DiscussionThe findings of this study indicate that eNose may represent a valid alternative not only for early and non-invasive diagnosis of PCa, but also to categorize patients based on tumor aggressiveness. Further studies including a wider sample population will be necessary to confirm the potential clinical impact of this new technology.
Five-week music therapy improves overall symptoms in schizophrenia by modulating theta and gamma oscillations
Authors: Wang Lujie , Wang Liju , Chen Jiaxian , Qiu Chenxi , Liu Ting , Wu Yulin , Li Yan , Zou Pengyu , Guo Sijia , Lu Jing 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionSome clinical studies have shown that music therapy as an adjunctive therapy can improve overall symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. However, the neural mechanisms of this improvement remain unclear due to insufficient neuroimaging evidence.MethodsIn this work, 17 patients with schizophrenia accepted a five-week music therapy (music group) that integrated listening, singing, and composing, and required patients to cooperate in a group to complete music therapy tasks. Meanwhile, 15 patients with schizophrenia received a five-week visual art intervention as the control group including handicraft and painting activities. We collected the Manchester Scale (MS) and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) scores and electroencephalography (EEG) data before and after intervention in two groups.ResultsBehavioral results showed that both interventions mentioned above can effectively help patients with schizophrenia relieve their overall symptoms, while a trend-level effect was observed in favor of music therapy. The EEG results indicated that music therapy can improve abnormal neural oscillations in schizophrenia which is reflected by a decrease in theta oscillation in the parietal lobe and an increase in gamma oscillation in the prefrontal lobe. In addition, correlation analysis showed that in the music group, both reductions in theta oscillations in the parietal lobe and increases in gamma oscillations in the prefrontal lobe were positively correlated with the improvement of overall symptoms.DiscussionThese findings help us to better understand the neural mechanisms by which music therapy improves overall symptoms in schizophrenia and provide more evidence for the application of music therapy in other psychiatric disorders.
Association between increased BMI and cognitive function in first-episode drug-naïve male schizophrenia
Authors: Deng Xing , Lu Shuiping , Li Yan , Fang Xinyu , Zhang Rongrong , Shen Xuran , Du Jinglun , Xie Shiping 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveAlthough the adverse effects of obesity in schizophrenia are documented, there is limited research exists on the implications for untreated initial schizophrenia. Our investigation aimed to explore the connections between BMI and cognitive function in first-episode drug-naïve (FEDN)schizophrenia.MethodsWe enrolled 143 FEDN schizophrenia patients, and collected data on their body mass index, fasting blood glucose and lipid levels. Cognitive function was measured with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). Using correlation and regression analysis to assess the relationship between BMI and cognitive performance.ResultsThe prevalence rate of overweight plus obesity in FEDN schizophrenia patients was 33.57%. Patients with FEDN schizophrenia exhibited extensive cognitive impairment, and those who were overweight/obesity demonstrated more severe impairments in working memory and visual learning when compared to normal/under weight counterparts. Correlation analysis indicated a negative association between working memory and BMI and TG, as well as a link between visual learning and BMI and LDL-C. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that a higher BMI predicted a decrease in working memory in FEDN schizophrenia patients.ConclusionOur results indicate that the rate of overweight plus obesity is high in FEDN schizophrenia patients, and there is an association between BMI and cognitive function in schizophrenia, particularly in relation to working memory.
Utilizing systematic Mendelian randomization to identify potential therapeutic targets for mania
Authors: Xu Fang-Biao , Hu Sen , Wang Jing-Jing , Wang Xin-Zhi 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundMania has caused incalculable economic losses for patients, their families, and even society, but there is currently no effective treatment plan for this disease without side effects.MethodsUsing bioinformatics and Mendelian randomization methods, potential drug target genes and key substances associated with mania were explored at the mRNA level. We used the chip expression profile from the GEO database to screen differential genes and used the eQTL and mania GWAS data from the IEU database for two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to determine core genes by colocalization. Next, we utilized bioinformatics analysis to identify key substances involved in the mechanism of action and determined related gene targets as drug targets.ResultsAfter differential expression analysis and MR, a causal relationship between the expression of 46 genes and mania was found. Colocalization analysis yielded six core genes. Five key substances were identified via enrichment analysis, immune-related analysis, and single-gene GSVA analysis of the core genes. MR revealed phenylalanine to be the only key substance that has a unidirectional causal relationship with mania. In the end, SBNO2, PBX2, RAMP3, and QPCT, which are significantly associated with the phenylalanine metabolism pathway, were identified as drug target genes.ConclusionSBNO2, PBX2, RAMP3, and QPCT could serve as potential target genes for mania treatment and deserve further basic and clinical research. Medicinal target genes regulate the phenylalanine metabolism pathway to achieve the treatment of mania. Phenylalanine is an important intermediate substance in the treatment of mania that is regulated by drug target genes.
The effectiveness of the community reinforcement approach (CRA) in the context of quality of life and happiness among people using drugs
Authors: Khalid Muhammad Talha , Khalily Muhammad Tahir , Saleem Tamkeen , Saeed Fahimeh , Shoib Sheikh 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe Community Reinforcement Approach is an evidence-based treatment modality for alcohol and drug addiction treatment with proven efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The present study investigated the effectiveness of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) in the context of quality of life among drug addicts.Materials and methodsA total of 60 inpatient substance abusers post detoxification in Fountain House, Lahore, Pakistan, participated in this study. Fountain House was selected as the Minnesota model is primarily used there. Therefore, a new treatment approach was introduced to investigate its effectiveness for individuals with substance abuse. A randomized 12-week trial was conducted as a substance use disorders (SUDs) treatment program. Persons with SUD (i.e., identified patients) enrolled in a residential treatment program were randomized into the integrated model of the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) and traditional Minnesota model treatment (n = 30), and traditional Minnesota model treatment only (TMM; n = 30). All the participants in the experimental group attended the group therapy sessions and other activities in the facility in addition to the treatment conditions. The participants attended the individual therapeutic sessions, which were conducted according to the CRA guidelines used in the experimental group. In this study, each individual in the CRA treatment group received 12 one-to-one sessions ranging from 45 min to 1 h. The WHOQOL-BREF scale and Happiness Scale (1) were used for data collection.ResultThe results showed a significant increase in the quality of life of participants in the treatment group with CRA compared with the control group with TMM. The findings also indicated that the individuals in the treatment group with CRA had improved levels of happiness compared with individuals with TMM.DiscussionThe CRA is an effective and adaptable treatment approach that works well in combination with other treatment approaches. The proven efficacy, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness distinguish it from other treatment methods.ImplicationsThe CRA should be adapted, assessed, and evaluated further, especially in Pakistan, where there is a pressing need to adopt an effective treatment strategy for addiction problems.
Fat-free mass is associated with exercise pressor responses, but not cold pressor responses, in humans: influence of maximal voluntary contraction
Authors: Stavres Jon , Aultman Ryan S. , Brandner Caleb F. , Newsome Ta’Quoris A. , Vallecillo-Bustos Anabelle , Graybeal Austin J. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis study examined the contributions of fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) to the magnitude of exercise pressor responses in humans.MethodsThe cumulative blood pressure responses (blood pressure index; BPI) to handgrip exercise (BPIhg), post-exercise-circulatory-occlusion (BPIpeco), and cold-pressor activation (BPIcpt) were collected from 67 individuals grouped by BMI (27.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2), FFM index (FFMi, 29.1 ± 3.8 kg/m2), and FM index (FMi 12.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2) quartiles. BPI responses to HG were also normalized to the time-tension index of HG, providing a relative index of exercise pressor response magnitude (BPInorm).ResultsBPIhg and BPIpeco were significantly elevated in the third FFMi quartile (p ≤ 0.034), while BPInorm significantly decreased in the second and fourth quartiles (p ≤ 0.029). In contrast, no differences in BPIcpt were observed across any FFMi, BMI, or FMi quartiles (p ≥ 0.268). FFM was independently associated with BPIhg, BPI­peco, and BPInorm (all p ≤ 0.049), however, FFM was eliminated as an independent predictor when maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was included in these regression models (all p ≥ 0.495). Neither FFM nor MVC was associated with BPIcpt (p ≥ 0.229).ConclusionsThese findings indicate that exercise pressor responses, but not cold-pressor responses, are significantly associated with FFM in humans, and that this association is driven by FFM related differences in MVC.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Experimental Use of the Collagen Conduit Filled With Dermal hydrogel to Repair a Peripheral Nerve Defect
Authors: Melkonian K. I. , Rusinova T. V. , Asyakina A. S. , Fomenco A. A. , Solop E. A. , Chuprynin G. P. , Vinogradov R. A. , Antonova O. Y. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Current studies show that hollow conduits in combination with various synthetic and biological fillers significantly accelerate functional recovery of peripheral nerves. One of such fillers can be a hydrogel based on the extracellular matrix of the dermis, which contains surface ligands capable of providing topographic and biological signals for nerve regeneration.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of rat sciatic nerve regeneration using a collagen conduit filled with dermal hydrogel in an in vivo experiment.Materials and methods: We evaluated the effectiveness of the NeuraGen® collagen conduit filled with dermal hydrogel and compared it with that of an autograft and the NeuraGen® hollow collagen conduit in experimental treatment of rat sciatic nerve defects larger than 1 cm. Male Wistar rats underwent sciatic nerve resection. We calculated the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) and ratio of the calf circumference in an operated limb to that in an intact limb on days 30, 60, and 90 after implantation. We performed electrophysiological tests and explanted samples for hematoxylin-eosin staining on day 90 of the experiment.Results: When assessing the SFI and electrophysiological parameters, the group of animals with autografts and the group with the NeuraGen® collagen conduits filled with dermal hydrogel demonstrated similar results. We observed muscle atrophy, low SFI scores, and low velocity and short duration of the action potential in the group with the hollow NeuraGen® collagen conduits. Histological analysis of explanted samples of the collagen conduits filled with dermal hydrogel demonstrated areas of glial proliferation and the absence of pronounced degeneration of nerve fibers throughout the implant compared with autografts, indicating functional regeneration of nerve fibers.Conclusions: Evaluation of the effectiveness of rat sciatic nerve regeneration showed that the NeuraGen® collagen conduit filled with dermal hydrogel provides functional and morphological integration with the nerve compared with an autograft. Our findings can be used for further development and improvement of nerve conduits.
Long-Term Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in Patients With Chronic heart Failure
Authors: Kanorskiy S. G. , Pavlovets V. P. 
Published: March 2024

Background: As the survival of patients with malignant neoplasms is improving, the urgent need for cardioprotective agents to counteract toxic effects of chemotherapy is growing.Objective: To compare the cardioprotective efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan and candesartan in women with chronic heart failure and baseline reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during a 5-year prospective follow-up after chemotherapy for breast cancer.Materials and methods: In this randomized study, 127 women with chronic heart failure and reduced LVEF after radical surgical treatment of breast cancer received potentially cardiotoxic adjuvant polychemotherapy (fluorouracil+ doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide). In addition, the patients received sacubitril/valsartan at a dose of up to 97/103 mg twice daily (n = 63) or candesartan at a dose of up to 32 mg once daily (n = 65), and this treatment was monitored for 5 years.Results: The combination of sacubitril/valsartan was significantly superior to candesartan in improving left ventricular function and reducing the burden of ventricular arrhythmias and the risk of cardiovascular death (P = .039) at the long-term follow-up. Sacubitril/valsartan group and candesartan group did not differ in terms of mortality due to breast cancer progression or recurrence (P = .628).Conclusions: Sacubitril/valsartan can be considered an effective and safe option for protecting the cardiovascular system during potentially cardiotoxic polychemotherapy for breast cancer in patients with chronic heart failure and baseline reduced LVEF.
“Forgotten” Encrusted Ureteral Stents, Combined Endourological Approach
Authors: Sergeev V. V. , Medvedev V. L. , Gabriel S. A. , Durleshter V. M. , Churbakov V. V. , Palaguta G. A. , Aboyan I. G. , Ismailov A. K. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Ureteral stents have been widely used for drainage of the upper urinary tract during both emergency and elective surgical procedures since 1967. The main pathology in which these stents are used is urolithiasis.Objective: To present our experience with the surgical treatment of patients with “forgotten” encrusted ureteral stents using a combined endourological approach.Materials and methods: Patients with encrusted ureteral stents who underwent endourological procedures from 2016 to 2022 were prospectively evaluated. They were grouped based on the degree of stent encrustation according to the FECal classification. The duration of stent placement, number and types of surgical procedures, number of procedures before complete removal of the stent and concrements, surgery duration, hospital stay, complications, concrement analysis, and frequency of complete concrement removal per surgery were compared between the groups. The combined endourological procedure was performed with the patient placed in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position. This position allows simultaneous antegrade and retrograde endourological access.Results: The study included 46 patients grouped according to the FECal classification. In 38 patients, stents were successfully removed in a single procedure. The mean operative time, concrement-free status, and complication rate were 90.2 ± 19.8 minutes, 78.3%, and 32.6%, respectively. Total encrustation volume was higher for grades IV and V (5.6 ± 1.8 and 7.6 ± 2 cm3) compared with all the other grades. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy and cystolithotripsy were the most common procedures in grades IV and V. Lithotripsy was commonly used for ureteral stent encrustation, especially in the groups with grades I and III. The operative time was longer in groups IV-V compared with groups I and II because percutaneous nephrolithotripsy was more frequent in these cases. Retrograde intrarenal surgery was performed in 88% of the cases with the combined approach to check whether concrements were present in the renal calyces and pelvis. In 5 cases, a flexible ureterorenoscope was advanced antegradely through a percutaneous access to disintegrate the encrustation of the proximal part of the stent’s ureteral section. Complications occurred in 32.6% of the patients. Most complications (26%) were minor: fever, pain, or gross hematuria. One case required segmental renal artery embolization for bleeding, and antibiotic therapy associated with an attack of pyelonephritis was adjusted in 2 cases.Conclusions: The endoscopic combined approach in the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position is a safe and effective technique that allows removal of “forgotten” encrusted stents, in most cases, in a single procedure. The FECal classification seems to be useful for surgical planning and prognosis.