bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and percutaneous balloon compression in CT-guided and local anesthesia for recurrent trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Xi Lulu , Liu Xiaohui , Shi Hongchen , Han Wenbiao , Gao Liqin , Wang Li , Liu Junpeng , Ren Yue , Du Yuanyuan , Liu Guangzhao 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere are several ways to treat trigeminal neuralgia (TN); however, TN may recur after treatment. Although microvascular decompression (MVD) is considered an effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia, patients with recurrence may not be willing to undergo craniotomy.ObjectiveThis study compared the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and percutaneous balloon compression for treating recurrent trigeminal neuralgia.MethodsThis was a prospective non-randomized controlled study. A total of 52 with recurrent TN were scheduled to undergo surgery in our Hospital from January–June 2021. The patients were classified into percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PRT) and percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) groups based on the treatment. All surgeries were performed under computed tomography guidance and local anesthesia. Post-operative complications were also observed. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) scale. Efficacy indices were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery.ResultsDuring follow-up, the efficacy rates of the two methods within 18 months were 76.0 and 88.9%, respectively. All patients had hypoesthesia on the affected side, and no severe complications. Notably, 5 patients (20%) in the PRT group with multiple-branch pain, including the first branch of the trigeminal nerve (V1) pain in the PRT group, received radiofrequency therapy for the supraorbital notch (foramen) after puncture of the foramen ovale. However, multiple pain episodes resolved with only one operation in the PBC group.ConclusionCT-guided percutaneous radiofrequency thermocoagulation and percutaneous balloon compression under local anesthesia may be good options for treating recurrent trigeminal neuralgia. Percutaneous balloon compression may be recommended when multiple branches are involved, particularly in cases of V1 neuralgia.
Immediate neural effects of acupuncture manipulation time for stroke with motor dysfunction: a fMRI pilot study
Authors: Zhou Yihao , Dai Anhong , Feng Sifeng , Zhu Tao , Liu Meifang , Shi Jing , Wang Dongyan 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAcupuncture is widely utilized as a beneficial intervention for the treatment of motor dysfunction after stroke, and its effectiveness depends on the stimulation dose. Manipulation time is an important factor affecting the dose. This trial aimed use fMRI to explore the immediate neural effects in stroke patients with motor dysfunction by different acupuncture manipulation times, to reveal the neural mechanism of acupuncture manipulation.MethodsThirty participants were divided into three groups according to different acupuncture times. Each group received the same acupoint prescription, although the continuous manipulation time of each acupoint in three groups was 1-min, 2-min, and 3-min, respectively. The NIHSS, FMA and fMRI-BOLD in each participant we obtained before and after acupuncture manipulation. Then, we used the regional homogeneity (ReHo) algorithm to analyze the changes of brain function and to compare the neural effects at different acupuncture manipulation times.ResultsThere were no significant differences in NIHSS and FMA scores between and within groups. Longitudinal analysis of ReHo values indicated that the right inferior frontal gyrus was activated in the 1-min group, the right insula in the 2-min group, and the right inferior temporal gyrus in the 3-min group. Compared with the 1-min group, the 2-min group showed the ReHo values of the right precentral gyrus was decreased, and the 3-min group showed the left cerebellum posterior lobe was increased, the right posterior cingulate gyrus and the right anterior cingulate gyrus were decreased. Compared with the 2-min group, the 3-min group showed the ReHo values of the right cerebellum anterior lobe was increased.ConclusionOur findings suggest that acupuncture at different manipulation times caused different changes of the neural effects in stroke patients, and the volume of activated voxel clusters is positively correlated with the manipulation time. Longer acupuncture manipulation could drive SMN and DMN in stroke patients, which may be the potential neurological mechanism of acupuncture manipulation affecting the recovery of motor dysfunction.
A pathogenic variant in the FLCN gene presenting with pure dementia: is autophagy at the intersection between neurodegeneration and cancer?
Authors: Bottillo Irene , Laino Luigi , Azzarà Alessia , Lintas Carla , Cassano Ilaria , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Ursini Francesca , Motolese Francesco , Bargiacchi Simone , Formicola Daniela , Grammatico Paola , Gurrieri Fiorella 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionFolliculin, encoded by FLCN gene, plays a role in the mTORC1 autophagy cascade and its alterations are responsible for the Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome, characterized by follicle hamartomas, kidney tumors and pneumothorax.Patient and resultsWe report a 74-years-old woman diagnosed with dementia and carrying a FLCN alteration in absence of any sign of BHD. She also carried an alteration of MAT1A gene, which is also implicated in the regulation of mTORC1.DiscussionThe MAT1A variant could have prevented the development of a FLCN-related oncological phenotype. Conversely, our patient presented with dementia that, to date, has yet to be documented in BHD. Folliculin belongs to the DENN family proteins, which includes C9orf72 whose alteration has been associated to neurodegeneration. The folliculin perturbation could affect the C9orf72 activity and our patient could represent the first human model of a relationship between FLCN and C9orf72 across the path of autophagy.
First activity and interactions in thalamus and cortex using raw single-trial EEG and MEG elicited by somatosensory stimulation
Authors: Karittevlis Christodoulos , Papadopoulos Michail , Lima Vinicius , Orphanides Gregoris A. , Tiwari Shubham , Antonakakis Marios , Papadopoulou Lesta Vicky , Ioannides Andreas A. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionOne of the primary motivations for studying the human brain is to comprehend how external sensory input is processed and ultimately perceived by the brain. A good understanding of these processes can promote the identification of biomarkers for the diagnosis of various neurological disorders; it can also provide ways of evaluating therapeutic techniques. In this work, we seek the minimal requirements for identifying key stages of activity in the brain elicited by median nerve stimulation.MethodsWe have used a priori knowledge and applied a simple, linear, spatial filter on the electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography signals to identify the early responses in the thalamus and cortex evoked by short electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist. The spatial filter is defined first from the average EEG and MEG signals and then refined using consistency selection rules across ST. The refined spatial filter is then applied to extract the timecourses of each ST in each targeted generator. These ST timecourses are studied through clustering to quantify the ST variability. The nature of ST connectivity between thalamic and cortical generators is then studied within each identified cluster using linear and non-linear algorithms with time delays to extract linked and directional activities. A novel combination of linear and non-linear methods provides in addition discrimination of influences as excitatory or inhibitory.ResultsOur method identifies two key aspects of the evoked response. Firstly, the early onset of activity in the thalamus and the somatosensory cortex, known as the P14 and P20 in EEG and the second M20 for MEG. Secondly, good estimates are obtained for the early timecourse of activity from these two areas. The results confirm the existence of variability in ST brain activations and reveal distinct and novel patterns of connectivity in different clusters.DiscussionIt has been demonstrated that we can extract new insights into stimulus processing without the use of computationally costly source reconstruction techniques which require assumptions and detailed modeling of the brain. Our methodology, thanks to its simplicity and minimal computational requirements, has the potential for real-time applications such as in neurofeedback systems and brain-computer interfaces.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward non-nutritive sweeteners among the population with reduced sugar intake requirement
Authors: Chen Qiao , Zhang Yan , Li Hui 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward non-nutritive sweeteners among a population with reduced sugar intake requirements.MethodsThis cross-sectional study used self-developed questionnaires to collect demographic characteristics and KAP towards non-nutritive sweeteners among respondents with reduced sugar intake requirements, i.e., overweight or obese individuals and patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes.ResultsA total of 639 valid questionnaires were collected, and 51.64% of participants were male. The KAP scores were 7.63 ± 3.58 (range: 0–11), 34.28 ± 7.47 (range: 12–60), and 15.48 ± 3.97 (range: 7–35), respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that knowledge score was positively correlated with attitude (r = 0.229, p &lt; 0.001) and practice score (r = 0.467, p &lt; 0.001), while attitude was positively correlated with practice (r = 0.312, p &lt; 0.001). The structural equation model showed that knowledge was directly and positively associated with attitude (path coefficient = 0.48, p &lt; 0.001) and practice (path coefficient = 0.46, p &lt; 0.001). In addition, the attitude was directly and positively associated with practice (path coefficient = 0.12, p &lt; 0.001). Besides, diabetes was associated with lower knowledge (path coefficient = −0.81, p = 0.038) and practice (path coefficient = −0.42, p &lt; 0.041).DiscussionPopulation with the reduced sugar intake requirement showed poor knowledge, negative attitudes, and suboptimal practices toward non-nutritive sweeteners. To optimize the utilization of non-nutritive sweeteners in accordance with medical prescriptions, especially for individuals with diabetes, tailored educational interventions may be designed for participants with lower KAP.
Heterogeneous treatment effects of Cerebrolysin as an early add-on to reperfusion therapy: post hoc analysis of the CEREHETIS trial
Authors: Kalinin Mikhail N. , Khasanova Dina R. 
Published: January 2024

Background: There has been intensive research into enhancing the effects of reperfusion therapy to mitigate hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in stroke patients. Using neuroprotective agents alongside intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) appears a promising approach. Cerebrolysin is one of the candidates since it consists of neuropeptides mimicking the action of neurotrophic factors on brain protection and repair.Objectives: We looked at treatment effects of Cerebrolysin as an early add-on to IVT in stroke patients with varying HT risk.Methods: It was post hoc analysis of the CEREHETIS trial (ISRCTN87656744). Patients with middle cerebral artery infarction (n = 238) were selected from the intention-to-treat population. To stratify participants according to their HT risk, the DRAGON, SEDAN and HTI scores were computed for each eligible subject using on-admission data. The study endpoints were any and symptomatic HT, and functional outcome measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) on day 90. Favorable functional outcome (FFO) was defined as an mRS ≤2. The performance of each stratification tool was estimated with regression approaches. Heterogeneous treatment effect analysis was conducted using techniques of meta-analysis and the matching-smoothing method.Results: The HTI score outperformed other tools in terms of HT risk stratification. Heterogeneity of Cerebrolysin treatment effects was moderate (I2, 35.8%–56.7%; H2, 1.56–2.31) and mild (I2, 10.9%; H2, 1.12) for symptomatic and any HT, respectively. A significant positive impact of Cerebrolysin on HT and functional outcome was observed in the moderate (HTI = 1) and high (HTI ≥2) HT risk patients, but it was neutral in those with the low (HTI = 0) risk. In particular, there was a steady decline in the rate of symptomatic (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 4.3%, p = 0.077 vs. 21.1%, p &lt; 0.001) and any HT (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.2%, p = 0.737 vs. 32.7%, p &lt; 0.001). Likewise, an mRS score reduction (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.8%, p = 0.903 vs. 126%, p &lt; 0.001) with a reciprocal increase of the fraction of FFO patients (HTI = 0 vs. HTI = 4: by 1.2% p = 0.757 vs. 35.5%, p &lt; 0.001) was found.Conclusion: Clinically meaningful heterogeneity of Cerebrolysin treatment effects on HT and functional outcome was established in stroke patients. The beneficial effects were significant in those whose estimated on-admission HT risk was either moderate or high.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists as add-on therapy to insulin for type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tan Xinrui , Pan Xiongfeng , Wu Xiaochuan , Zheng Songjia , Chen Yuyao , Liu Donghai , Zhang Xingxing 
Published: January 2024

Background: To assess the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) used as an adjunct to insulin therapy in adults with type 1 diabetes.Methods: A search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) from 1 January 1950 to 23 May 2021 was conducted to find randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the change in HbA1c. Eight efficacy and six safety secondary endpoints were evaluated via meta-analysis. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and odds ratio (OR), alongside 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated using the random effects model.Results: Among 1,379 candidate studies, 11 trials comprising 2,856 participants satisfied the inclusion criteria. Overall, GLP-1 RA adjunctive therapy reduced HbA1c by −0.21% (95% CI, −0.33 to −0.10), weight by −4.04 kg (−4.8 to −3.27), systolic pressure by −2.57 mmHg (−4.11 to −1.03), and diastolic blood pressure by −1.02 mmHg (−1.99 to −0.06). In addition, there was a decrease in prandial insulin dose (WMD, −4.23 IU; 95% CI, −5.26 to −3.20), basal insulin dose (−2.40 IU; −3.93 to −0.87), and total insulin dose (−5.73 IU; −10.61 to −0.86). Moreover, GLP-1 RAs did not increase the incidence of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe adverse events. However, GLP-1 RAs increased the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 2.33–3.77).Conclusion: Our meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials suggests moderate beneficial effects of GLP-1 RAs on the metabolic profile in patients with type 1 diabetes, without an increased risk of serious adverse events.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO; Identifier: CRD 42020199840.
Autophagy machinery plays an essential role in traumatic brain injury-induced apoptosis and its related behavioral abnormalities in mice: focus on Boswellia Sacra gum resin
Authors: Interdonato Livia , Marino Ylenia , Impellizzeri Daniela , D’Amico Ramona , Siracusa Rosalba , Fusco Roberta , Cammilleri Gaetano , Pantano Licia , Modafferi Sergio , Abdelhameed Ali S. , Fritsch Tilman , Rashan Luay J. , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Calabrese Vittorio , Cordaro Marika , Di Paola Rosanna 
Published: January 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is described as a structural damage or physiological disturbance of brain function that occurs after trauma and causes disability or death in people of all ages. New treatment targets for TBI are being explored because current medicines are frequently ineffectual and poorly tolerated. There is increasing evidence that following TBI, there are widespread changes in autophagy-related proteins in both experimental and clinical settings. The current study investigated if Boswellia Sacra Gum Resin (BSR) treatment (500 mg/kg) could modulate post-TBI neuronal autophagy and protein expression, as well as whether BSR could markedly improve functional recovery in a mouse model of TBI. Taken together our results shows for the first time that BSR limits histological alteration, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, cytokines release and autophagic flux alteration induced by TBI.
A multilevel factor analysis of the short form of the Centrality of Event Scale
Authors: Zimprich Daniel , Pociūnaitė Justina , Wolf Tabea 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe Centrality of Event Scale (CES) has frequently been used to measure the degree to which positive and negative life events are perceived central to a person's identity and life story; and previous research suggests that individuals rate their most positive memory as more central compared to their most negative one. When comparing the centrality of two (or more) memories within individuals, one needs to ensure that the CES (or its short form) is equally valid for different types of events (i.e., positive and negative) as well as on different levels of analyses (i.e., on the between-person and the within-person level), pointing to the issue of measurement invariance.MethodsThree-hundred sixty-five adults (18–89 years of age) reported up to ten positive and up to ten negative autobiographical memories. For each memory reported, participants completed the seven-item short form of the CES, which measures three different components of centrality: Events can form a central component of identity (two items), a turning point in the life story (three items), and a reference point for everyday inferences (two items).ResultsBased on exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we found a two-factor structure (Self-Perception and Life-Course) to fit the data best at both levels of analyses and for both positive and negative events. Strict measurement invariance could be applied for positive and negative events at between-person level and at within-person level. The two factors, which measure the impact of an event on either a person's self-perception or their (future) life course, were rated higher for positive compared to negative memories. This difference, however, was stronger for the self-perception factor.DiscussionThe present study provides a first examination of the factorial structure of the CES short form on two levels (within and between persons) as well as for two types of life events (positive and negative). Whereas, a unidimensional scale might be sufficient to measure the centrality of stressful or traumatic life events, a more fine-graded measure seems better suited to understand the different roles of positive and negative life events for a person's identity and life story.
Relationship between lifestyle proxies of cognitive reserve and cortical regions in older adults
Authors: Šneidere Kristine , Zdanovskis Nauris , Mondini Sara , Stepens Ainars 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionWith the rapid increase in the population over 65 years old, research on healthy aging has become one of the priorities in the research community, looking for a cost-effective method to prevent or delay symptoms of mild cognitive disorder or dementia. Studies indicate that cognitive reserve theory could be beneficial in this regard. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relationship between lifestyle socio-behavioral proxies of cognitive reserve and cortical regions in adults with no subjective cognitive decline.MethodsOverall, 58 participants, aged 65–85 years, were included in the data analysis (M = 71.83, SD = 5.02, 20.7% male). Cognitive reserve proxies were measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire, while cortical volumes were obtained with the Siemens 1.5 T Avanto MRI scanner and further mapped using the Desikan-Killiany-Tourville (DKT) Atlas. Estimated intracranial volume and age were used as covariates.ResultsThe results indicated that higher occupational complexity was associated with larger cortical volume in the left middle temporal gyrus, the left and right inferior temporal gyrus, and the left inferior parietal lobule, while a combined proxy (the total CRI score) showed a positive relationship with the volume of left middle temporal gyrus and inferior parietal lobule, and pars orbitalis in the right hemisphere.DiscussionThese results might indicate that more complex occupational activities and overall more intellectually and socially active life-style could contribute to better brain health, especially in regions known to be more vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease.
“It’s not just the residents who need to be motivated for activity”: a qualitative study of the perspectives of staff on providing activity support for people with psychiatric disabilities in supported housing in Sweden
Authors: Brolin Rosita , Tjörnstrand Carina , Friis Mette , Argentzell Elisabeth , Bejerholm Ulrika , Eklund Mona , Brunt David 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe goals for staff in Supported Housing for people with psychiatric disabilities include helping to develop the residents’ independence and self-confidence in activities. However, staff have expressed frustration about providing this type of support when motivating residents to engage in meaningful activities and also about the difficulty in finding suitable levels of independence within a housing setting with limitations.ObjectiveThe aim is to explore the views and experiences of housing staff in Supported Housing on how they can stimulate and support engagement in activities for people with psychiatric disabilities.MethodsTwenty-six members of staff from 20 supported housing units in 10 municipalities in Sweden were interviewed in five focus groups. A semi-structured interview guide was used, and the transcribed material was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.ResultsThree main categories emerged from the analysis: Multi-faceted factors influencing the staff’s provision of activity support, Staff’s approach for supporting activities, and Staff’s struggles to develop their work. Obstacles to participating in activities in the community were identified. Many contrasting factors were found, such as spontaneous or structured activities and individual or group activities, which affected the staff’s ability to motivate to activity.ConclusionA broad approach encompassing in-house training including a focus on values, recruitment policies, staff supervision and interventions focusing on both residents and staff are ways to support staff in motivating residents toward being more active within Supported Housing.