bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotics are beneficial for liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Yang Xing , Lei Langhuan , Shi Wei , Li Xiaozhen , Huang Xiaozhi , Lan Liuyan , Lin Jiali , Liang Qiuyu , Li Wei , Yang Jianrong 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionGut dysbiosis may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis and the severity of complications. Numerous studies have investigated the probiotics as treatments for cirrhosis. However, there is still a lack of definitive evidence confirming the beneficial effects of probiotics on cirrhosis.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of probiotic intervention and control treatments, including placebo, no treatment, and active control, on cirrhosis, published from inception to February 2024. Outcomes included hepatic encephalopathy (HE) reversal, safety and tolerability of probiotics, liver function, quality of life, and other cirrhotic-related outcomes. A meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize evidence.ResultsThirty studies were included. The quantitative synthesis results showed that compared with the control group, probiotics significantly reverse minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) (risk ratio [RR] 1.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 2.32) and improve HE (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.06). Additionally, probiotics demonstrated higher safety and tolerability by causing a lower incidence of serious adverse events (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.87). Probiotics could potentially improve liver function by reducing the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.57, 95% CI -0.85 to −0.30), and displayed favorable changes in quality of life (SMD 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.75) and gut flora (SMD 1.67, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.06).ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis offers compelling evidence that probiotics are beneficial for cirrhosis by demonstrating reversal of HE, potential for liver function improvements, enhancements in quality of life, and regulation of gut dysbiosis. Furthermore, the apparent safety profile suggests that probiotics are a promising intervention for treating cirrhosis.Clinical trial registration numberCRD42023478380.
Relationships among gut microbiota, plasma metabolites, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a mediation Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Bingjun , Wang Zhe , Wang Kunyao , Lei Yinghan , Zhuang Yan , Zhou Zhonghua , Chen Junfei 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and to identify and quantify the potential role of plasma metabolites as mediators.MethodsUsing summary-level data from genome-wide association studies, a two-sample Mendelian randomization was conducted involving 131 gut microbiota genus, 1,400 plasma metabolites, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Additionally, a two-step approach was employed to quantify the proportion of the effect of gut microbiota on juvenile idiopathic arthritis mediated by plasma metabolites. Effect estimation primarily utilized Inverse Variance Weighting, with further validation using Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization.ResultsIn our MR analysis, a positive correlation was observed between Rikenellaceae and the risk of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, while Dorea showed a negative correlation with juvenile idiopathic arthritis risk. Mediation analysis indicated that Furaneol sulfate levels acted as a mediator between Dorea and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, with an indirect effect proportion of 19.94, 95% CI [8.86–31.03%].ConclusionOur study confirms a causal relationship between specific microbial genus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and computes the proportion of the effect mediated by plasma metabolites, offering novel insights for clinical interventions in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
The characteristic and prognostic role of blood inflammatory markers in patients with Huntington’s disease from China
Authors: Xia Jie-Qiang , Cheng Yang-Fan , Zhang Si-Rui , Ma Yuan-Zheng , Fu Jia-Jia , Yang Tian-Mi , Zhang Ling-Yu , Burgunder Jean-Marc , Shang Hui-Fang 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesThis study aims to elucidate the role of peripheral inflammation in Huntington’s disease (HD) by examining the correlation of peripheral inflammatory markers with clinical manifestations and disease prognosis.MethodsThis investigation involved 92 HD patients and 92 matched healthy controls (HCs). We quantified various peripheral inflammatory markers and calculated their derived metrics including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Clinical assessments spanning cognitive, motor, and disease severity were administered. Comparative analysis of inflammatory markers and clinical correlations between HD and controls was performed. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model were used to assess the effect of inflammatory markers on survival.ResultsThe study revealed that HD patients had significantly reduced lymphocyte counts, and LMR. Conversely, NLR, PLR, and SII were elevated compared to HCs. Lymphocyte levels inversely correlated with the age of onset and monocyte levels inversely correlated with the UHDRS-total functional capacity (TFC) scores. After adjusting for age, sex, and CAG repeat length, lymphocyte count, NLR, PLR, and SII were significantly correlated with the progression rate of TFC scores. Elevated levels of white blood cells and monocytes were associated with an increased risk of disability and mortality in the HD cohort.ConclusionOur findings indicate that HD patients display a distinct peripheral inflammatory profile with increased NLR, PLR, and SII levels compared to HCs. The peripheral inflammation appears to be linked with accelerated disease progression and decreased survival in HD.
CD20+ T cells in monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: frequency, phenotype and association with disease progression
Authors: Rodrigues Cristiana , Laranjeira Paula , Pinho Aryane , Silva Isabel , Silva Sandra , Coucelo Margarida , Oliveira Ana Catarina , Simões Ana Teresa , Damásio Inês , Silva Helena Matos , Urbano Mafalda , Sarmento-Ribeiro Ana Bela , Geraldes Catarina , Domingues M. Rosário , Almeida Julia , Criado Ignacio , Orfao Alberto , Paiva Artur 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionIn monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the expansion of malignant B cells disrupts the normal homeostasis and interactions between B cells and T cells, leading to immune dysregulation. CD20+ T cells are a subpopulation of T cells that appear to be involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer.MethodsHere, we quantified and phenotypically characterized CD20+ T cells from MBL subjects and CLL patients using flow cytometry and correlated our findings with the B-cell receptor mutational status and other features of the disease. Results and discussionCD20+ T cells were more represented within the CD8+ T cell compartment and they showed a predominant memory Tc1 phenotype. CD20+ T cells were less represented in MBL and CLL patients vs healthy controls, particularly among those with unmutated IGVH gene. The expansion of malignant B cells was accompanied by phenotypic and functional changes in CD20+ T cells, including an increase in follicular helper CD4+ CD20+ T cells and CD20+ Tc1 cells, in addition to the expansion of the TCR Vβ 5.1 in CD4+ CD20+ T cells in CLL.
Optimizing fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for enhanced antifungal activity and compatibility studies
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Kandekar Ujjwala , Ma Xiaoshi , Bhabad Vishal , Pandit Ashlesha , Liu Liming , Luo Jiping , Munot Neha , Chorage Trushal , Patil Abhinandan , Patil Sandip , Tao Liang 
Published: March 2024

Fungal infections are of major concern all over the globe, and fluconazole is the most prevalently used drug to treat it. The goal of this research work was to formulate a fluconazole-embedded transfersomal gel for the treatment of fungal infections. A compatibility study between fluconazole and soya lecithin was performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transfersomes were formulated by a thin-film hydration technique using soya lecithin and Span 80. A central composite design was adopted to prepare different formulations. Soya lecithin and Span 80 were chosen as independent variables, and the effect of these variables was studied on in vitro drug diffusion. Formulations were evaluated for entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion. The results of in vitro drug diffusion were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. Optimized formulation was prepared based on the overlay plot and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, DSC, vesicle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and in vitro drug diffusion studies. An optimized formulation was loaded into xanthan gum gel base and evaluated for pH, viscosity, in vitro and ex vivo drug diffusion, and antifungal activity. DSC studies revealed compatibility between fluconazole and soya lecithin. Entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug diffusion of various formulations ranged between 89.92% ± 0.20% to 97.28% ± 0.42% and 64% ± 1.56% to 85% ± 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between in vitro drug diffusion and Span 80; conversely, a negative correlation was noted with soya lecithin. Entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, PDI, and drug diffusion of optimized formulation were 95.0% ± 2.2%, 397 ± 2 nm, −38 ± 5 mV, 0.43%, and 81 % ± 2%, respectively. SEM images showed well-distributed spherical-shaped transfersomes. In vitro, ex vivo drug diffusion and antifungal studies were conclusive of better diffusion and enhanced antifungal potential fluconazole in transfersomal formulation.
Characterization and anti-aging activities of polysaccharide from Rana dybowskii Guenther
Authors: Li Yiping , Zhao Xuyan , Wang Jing , Yu Qi , Ren Jing , Jiang Ziye , Jiao Lili 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:Rana dybowskii Guenther (RDG), as a traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to have antioxidant effects. However, studies on the anti-aging effect of RDG are still limited.Methods: In this study, we prepared polysaccharides from the skin of RDG (RDGP) by hot water extraction, alcohol precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. The proteins were removed using the Sevage method in combination with an enzymatic method. The structural features were analyzed using high-performance gel permeation chromatography, β-elimination reaction and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The anti-aging effect of RDGP was investigated by using D-Gal to establish an aging model in mice, and pathological changes in the hippocampus were observed under a microscope.Results: We obtained the crude polysaccharide DGP from the skin of RDG, with a yield of 61.8%. The free protein was then removed by the Sevage method to obtain DGPI and deproteinated by enzymatic hydrolysis combined with the Sevage method to further remove the bound protein to obtain the high-purity polysaccharide DGPII. Then, DGPIa (1.03 × 105 Da) and DGPIIa (8.42 × 104 Da) were obtained by gel chromatography, monosaccharide composition analysis showed that they were composed of Man, GlcA, GalNAc, Glc, Gal, Fuc with molar ratios of 1: 4.22 : 1.55: 0.18 : 8.05: 0.83 and 0.74 : 1.78: 1: 0.28: 5.37 : 0.36, respectively. The results of the β-elimination reaction indicated the presence of O-glycopeptide bonds in DGPIa. The Morris water maze test indicated that mice treated with DGPIIa exhibited a significantly shorter escape latency and increased time spent in the target quadrant as well as an increase in the number of times they traversed the platform. Pathologic damage to the hippocampus was alleviated in brain tissue stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In addition, DGPIIa enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and inhibited the level of MDA in the serum and brain tissues of aging mice.Discussion: These results suggest that RDGP has potential as a natural antioxidant and provide useful scientific information for anti-aging research.
Pharmacological enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission alleviates neuroinflammation and improves functional outcomes in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Munafò Antonio , Cantone Anna Flavia , Di Benedetto Giulia , Torrisi Sebastiano Alfio , Burgaletto Chiara , Bellanca Carlo Maria , Gaudio Gabriella , Broggi Giuseppe , Caltabiano Rosario , Leggio Gian Marco , Bernardini Renato , Cantarella Giuseppina 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder affecting the elderly population worldwide. Due to the multifactorial nature of the disease, involving impairment of cholinergic neurotransmission and immune system, previous attempts to find effective treatments have faced challenges.Methods: In such scenario, we attempted to investigate the effects of alpha-glyceryl-phosphoryl-choline (α-GPC), a cholinomimetic molecule, on neuroinflammation and memory outcome in the triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3xTg-AD). Mice were enrolled at 4 months of age, treated orally with α-GPC dissolved in drinking water at a concentration resulting in an average daily dose of 100 mg/kg for 8 months and sacrificed at 12 months of age. Thereafter, inflammatory markers, as well as cognitive parameters, were measured.Results: Chronic α-GPC treatment reduced accumulation of amyloid deposits and led to a substantial re-balance of the inflammatory response of resident innate immune cells, astrocytes and microglia. Specifically, fluorescent immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that α-GPC contributed to reduction of cortical and hippocampal reactive astrocytes and pro-inflammatory microglia, concurrently increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. Whereas α-GPC beneficially affect the synaptic marker synaptophysin in the hippocampus. Furthermore, we observed that α-GPC was effective in restoring cognitive dysfunction, as measured by the Novel Object Recognition test, wherein 3xTg-AD mice treated with α-GPC significantly spent more time exploring the novel object compared to 3xTg-AD untreated mice.Discussion: In conclusion, chronic treatment with α-GPC exhibited a significant anti-inflammatory activity and sustained the key function of hippocampal synapses, crucial for the maintenance of a regular cognitive status. In light of our results, we suggest that α-GPC could be exploited as a promising therapeutic approach in early phases of AD.
Does childhood maltreatment influence Chinese preschool education college students’ depression and anxiety? Evidence from a latent class analysis
Authors: Ji Shengkai , Chen Chen 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPreschool teachers’ mental health may be a critical factor in their job performance, which in turn can influence the quality of early childhood education. However, little is known about its development. Childhood maltreatment, as a chronic form of childhood stress, may influence later mental health development. Although large, comprehensive research has been undertaken on childhood maltreatment and mental health, the associations between these two variables need further exploration. This study aims to describe childhood maltreatment based on person-centered approaches in Chinese preschool education college students, and to examine the differences in depression and anxiety within subgroups of childhood maltreatment.MethodsA total of 1,218 Chinese preschool education college students participated in this study, and the data analysis was based on unconditional and conditional latent class analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the participants were divided into 5 profiles: a non-maltreatment profile; a profile of emotional abuse and emotional and physical neglect; a profile of physical neglect; a profile of emotional neglect; and a profile of physical and emotional neglect. Students with multiple subtypes of maltreatment had the highest levels of depression and anxiety.DiscussionUniversities should consider both childhood maltreatment and profiles of childhood maltreatment when training preschool education college students.
Association of socioeconomic status and overactive bladder in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data
Authors: Lin Weilong , Li Taibiao , Xu Zhengyuan , Chen Peixin , Zheng Qianqi , Hong Ying-kai , Liu Wei-juan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundSocioeconomic status inequality is an important variable in the emergence of urological diseases in humans. This study set out to investigate the association between the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) and the poverty income ratio (PIR) that served as a more influential indicator of socioeconomic status compared to education and occupation.MethodData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2020 were used in this cross-sectional study. The association between the PIR and OAB was examined using weighted multivariate logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic splines (RCS). Additionally, interaction analysis was used for investigation to the connections between PIR and OAB in various covariate groups in order to confirm the stability of the results.ResultsWe observed a noteworthy inverse association between PIR and OAB after adjusting for potential confounding variables (OR = 0.87, 95% CI, 0.84–0.90, p &lt; 0.0001). PIR was transformed into categorical variables, and the association held steady after that (1.0 &lt; PIR &lt;4.0 vs. PIR ≤ 1.0, OR = 0.70, 95% CI =0.63–0.77, p &lt; 0.0001; PIR ≥ 4.0 vs. PIR ≤ 1.0, OR = 0.56, 95% CI =0.48–0.65, p &lt; 0.0001). Additionally, RCS analysis showed that PIR and OAB had a negative nonlinear response relationship. Subgroup analyses showed that the inverse association between PIR and prevalence of OAB was stronger in obese than in nonobese individuals (P for interaction &lt; 0.05).ConclusionIn our study, we observed a significant negative association between the PIR and the prevalence of OAB. In the future, PIR could be used as a reference standard to develop strategies to prevent and treat OAB.
Efficient Numerical Solutions for Fuzzy Time Fractional Convection Diffusion Equations Using Two Explicit Finite Difference Methods
Authors: Al-Khateeb Areen 
Published: March 2024

In this study, we explore fractional partial differential equations as a more generalized version of classical partial differential equations. These fractional equations have shown promise in providing improved descriptions of certain phenomena under specific circumstances. The main focus of this paper comprises the development, analysis, and application of two explicit finite difference schemes to solve an initial boundary value problem involving a fuzzy time fractional convection–diffusion equation with a fractional order in the range of 0≤ ξ ≤ 1. The uniqueness of this problem lies in its consideration of fuzziness within both the initial and boundary conditions. To handle the uncertainty, we propose a computational mechanism based on the double parametric form of fuzzy numbers, effectively converting the problem from an uncertain format to a crisp one. To assess the stability of our proposed schemes, we employ the von Neumann method and find that they demonstrate unconditional stability. To illustrate the feasibility and practicality of our approach, we apply the developed scheme to a specific example.
Redescription and First Nucleotide Sequences of Opecoeloides pedicathedrae (Digenea: Opecoelidae), a Parasite of Cynoscion leiarchus (Cuvier, 1830) (Eupercaria: Sciaenidae) from Brazil
Authors: Cárdenas Melissa Querido , Cohen Simone Chinicz , Oliveira Amanda Gleyce Lima de , Justo Marcia Cristina Nascimento , Santos Cláudia Portes 
Published: March 2024

Opecoeloides Odhner, 1928, is represented by 19 valid species found in marine fish, of which five have been reported in Brazil. Specimens of Opecoeloides pedicathedrae Travassos, Freitas & Bührnheim, 1966, were collected from the intestine of smooth weakfish Cynoscion leiarchus, a new host record, from off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They were examined using light and confocal laser microscopy. New partial sequences of 18S and 28S rDNA genes of O. pedicathedrae were obtained. Bayesian inference analysis on the partial 28S rDNA dataset resulted in a phylogram in which O. pedicathedrae formed a well-supported clade with Opecoeloides fimbriatus and Opecoeloides furcatus. The K2p distance between O. pedicathedrae and O. fimbriatus was 0.34%, with 3 divergent nucleotides; and between O. pedicathedrae and O. furcatus was 4.18%, with 38 divergent nucleotides. A Bayesian-inference phylogenetic tree based on the 18S rDNA recovered two main clades with five subfamilies. A clade of Opecoelinae showed that O. pedicathedrae was closer to Pseudopecoeloides tenuis; the K2p distance between these species was 2.14%, with 28 divergent nucleotides. The new nucleotide sequences presented inclusion of a phylogenetic analysis that can help to clarify the understanding of this complex taxon.
Relation between Photogrammetry and Spinal Mouse for Lumbopelvic Assessment in Adolescents with Thoracic Kyphosis
Authors: Belli Guido , Russo Luca , Mauro Mario , Toselli Stefania , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino 
Published: March 2024

The evaluation of the lumbopelvic region is a crucial point during postural assessment in childhood and adolescence. Photogrammetry (PG) and Spinal Mouse (SM) are two of the most debated tools to properly analyze postural alignment and avoid misleading data. This study aims to find out the best linear regression model that could relate the analytic measurements of the SM with one or more PG parameters in adolescents with kyphotic postures. Thirty-nine adolescents (female = 35.9%) with structural and non-structural kyphosis were analyzed (13.2 ± 1.8 years; 1.59 ± 0.12 m; 47.6 ± 11.8 kg) using the SM and PG on the sagittal plane in a standing and forward-bending position, allowing for the measurement of body vertical inclination, lumbar and pelvic alignment, trunk flexion, sacral inclination during bending, and hip position during bending. Lordosis lumbar angles (SM) were significantly (r = −0.379, r = −0.328) correlated with the SIPS-SIAS angle (PG) during upright standing, while in the bending position, the highest correlation appeared among the sacral–hip (SM) and the sacral tangent (ST_PG; r = −0.72) angles. The stepwise backward procedure was assessed to estimate the SM variability in the bending and standing positions. Only in the bending position did the linear regression model reach high goodness-of-fit values with two regressors (ST_PG η2=0.504, BMI η2=0.252; adjusted- R2 =0.558, p < 0.001, CCC = 0.972, r = 0.763). Despite gold-standard methods reducing error evaluation, physicians and kinesiologists may consider photogrammetry as a good method for spinal curve prediction.
TANGGAPAN RESPONDEN MENGENAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN "VIRTUAL MOJI LEARNING"
Authors: Rabbani Ilham , Arianingsih Anisa 
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana tanggapan responden terhadap media pembelajaran Virtual Moji Learning. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC). Proses tahapan yang dilakukan adalah pengonsepan, perancangan, pengumpulan bahan, pembuatan, pengujian dan pendistribusian. Penelitian ini dilakukan secara online dan melibatkan 30 mahasiswa Program Studi Sastra Jepang Universitas Komputer Indonesia tingkat I tahun akademik 2021-2022. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengumpulan data adalah kuesioner yang dibagikan secara online dan hasil akan dihitung menggunakan skala likert. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan Virtual Moji Learning memperoleh nilai presentase 84,6% pada hitungan persentase nilai ideal, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa video Virtual Moji Learning layak digunakan dalam media pembelajaran kanji N5.
Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran Daring, Media Pembelajaran, Kanji