bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo low-dose phase-contrast CT for quantification of functional and anatomical alterations in lungs of an experimental allergic airway disease mouse model
Authors: Dullin Christian , Albers Jonas , Tagat Aishwarya , Lorenzon Andrea , D'Amico Lorenzo , Chiriotti Sabina , Sodini Nicola , Dreossi Diego , Alves Frauke , Bergamaschi Anna , Tromba Giuliana 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionSynchrotron-based propagation-based imaging (PBI) is ideally suited for lung imaging and has successfully been applied in a variety of in vivo small animal studies. Virtually all these experiments were tailored to achieve extremely high spatial resolution close to the alveolar level while delivering high x-ray doses that would not permit longitudinal studies. However, the main rationale for performing lung imaging studies in vivo in small animal models is the ability to follow disease progression or monitor treatment response in the same animal over time. Thus, an in vivo imaging strategy should ideally allow performing longitudinal studies.MethodsHere, we demonstrate our findings of using PBI-based planar and CT imaging with two different detectors—MÖNCH 0.3 direct conversion detector and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) detector (Photonics Science)—in an Ovalbumin induced experimental allergic airway disease mouse model in comparison with healthy controls. The mice were imaged free breathing under isoflurane anesthesia.ResultsAt x-ray dose levels below those once used by commercial small animal CT devices at similar spatial resolutions, we were able to resolve structural changes at a pixel size down to 25 μm and demonstrate the reduction in elastic recoil in the asthmatic mice in cinematic planar x-ray imaging with a frame rate of up to 100 fps.DiscussionThus, we believe that our approach will permit longitudinal small animal lung disease studies, closely following the mice over longer time spans.
Fecal microbiota transplantation unveils sex-specific differences in a controlled cortical impact injury mouse model
Authors: Pasam Tulasi , Dandekar Manoj P. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionContusion type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of locomotor disability and mortality worldwide. While post-TBI deleterious consequences are influenced by gender and gut dysbiosis, the sex-specific importance of commensal gut microbiota is underexplored after TBI. In this study, we investigated the impact of controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury on gut microbiota signature in a sex-specific manner in mice.MethodsWe depleted the gut microflora of male and female C57BL/6 mice using antibiotic treatment. Thereafter, male mice were colonized by the gut microbiota of female mice and vice versa, employing the fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) method. CCI surgery was executed using a stereotaxic impactor (Impact One™). For the 16S rRNA gene amplicon study, fecal boli of mice were collected at 3 days post-CCI (dpi).Results and discussionCCI-operated male and female mice exhibited a significant alteration in the genera of Akkermansia, Alistipes, Bacteroides, Clostridium, Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Ruminococcus. At the species level, less abundance of Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus hamsteri was observed in female mice, implicating the importance of sex-specific bacteriotherapy in CCI-induced neurological deficits. FMT from female donor mice to male mice displayed an increase in genera of Alistipes, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus and species of Bacteroides acidifaciens and Ruminococcus gnavus. Female FMT-recipient mice from male donors showed an upsurge in the genus Lactobacillus and species of Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus hamsteri, and Prevotella copri. These results suggest that the post-CCI neurological complications may be influenced by the differential gut microbiota perturbation in male and female mice.
Ketogenic diet reduces a neurobiological craving signature in inpatients with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Wiers Corinde E. , Manza Peter , Wang Gene-Jack , Volkow Nora D. 
Published: February 2024

Background and aimsIncreasing evidence suggests that a ketogenic (high-fat, low-carbohydrate) diet (KD) intervention reduces alcohol withdrawal severity and alcohol craving in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) by shifting brain energetics from glucose to ketones. We hypothesized that the KD would reduce a neurobiological craving signature when individuals undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment were exposed to alcohol cues.MethodsWe performed a secondary analysis of functional magnetic resonance data of 33 adults with an AUD who were randomized to a KD (n = 19) or a standard American diet (SA; n = 14) and underwent 3 weeks of inpatient alcohol detoxification treatment. Once per week, participants performed an alcohol cue-reactivity paradigm with functional magnetic resonance imaging. We extracted brain responses to food and alcohol cues and quantified the degree to which each set of brain images shared a pattern of activation with a recently established ‘Neurobiological Craving Signature’ (NCS). We then performed a group-by-time repeated measures ANOVA to test for differences in craving signature expression between the dietary groups over the three-week treatment period. We also correlated these expression patterns with self-reported wanting ratings for alcohol cues.ResultsFor alcohol relative to food cues, there was a main effect of group, such that the KD group showed lower NCS expression across all 3 weeks of treatment. The main effect of time and the group-by-time interaction were not significant. Self-reported wanting for alcohol cues reduced with KD compared to SA but did not correlate with the NCS score.ConclusionA ketogenic diet reduces self-reported alcohol wanting, and induced lower NCS to alcohol cues during inpatient treatment for AUD. However, in the KD group alcohol wanting continued to decrease across the 3 weeks of abstinence while the NCS scores remained stable, suggesting that this cue-induced NCS may not fully capture ongoing, non-cue-induced alcohol desire.
The causal impact of saturated fatty acids on rheumatoid arthritis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Yao Xiaoling , Yang Yuzheng , Jiang Zong , Ma Wukai , Yao Xueming 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe causal relationship between saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to determine whether SFAs are causally related to RA using Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses.MethodsGenome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data for RA (ukb-d-M13_RHEUMA) and SFAs (met-d-SFA) were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit OpenGWAS database. A bidirectional MR analysis was performed using a suite of algorithms, namely the MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and inverse-variance weighted (IVW) algorithms, all integrated using the “MR” function. The robustness of the MR findings was further evaluated through sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out tests.ResultsThe IVW algorithm in the forward MR analysis indicated a causal link between SFAs and RA (p = 0.025), identifying SFAs as a risk factor for RA (odds ratio = 1.001). Sensitivity analyses indicated no significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or severe bias, reinforcing the credibility of the forward MR results. However, the reverse MR analysis revealed that RA does not causally affect SFA levels (p = 0.195), and this finding was supported by corresponding sensitivity analyses.ConclusionThe findings of this study substantiate the positive causal effect of SFAs on the incidence of RA through bidirectional MR analysis, thereby offering a consequential direction for future research on the diagnosis and treatment of RA.
The impact of intermittent fasting on gut microbiota: a systematic review of human studies
Authors: Paukkonen Isa , Törrönen Elli-Noora , Lok Johnson , Schwab Ursula , El-Nezami Hani 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundIntermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity in interventions targeting overweight, obesity and metabolic syndrome. IF may affect the gut microbiome composition and therefore have various effects on gut microbiome mediated functions in humans. Research on the effects of IF on human gut microbiome is limited. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to determine how different types of IF affect the human gut microbiome.MethodsA literature search was conducted for studies investigating the association of different types of IF and gut microbiota richness, alpha and beta diversity, and composition in human subjects. Databases included Cochrane Library (RRID:SCR_013000), PubMed (RRID:SCR_004846), Scopus (RRID:SCR_022559) and Web of Science (RRID:SCR_022706). A total of 1,332 studies were retrieved, of which 940 remained after removing duplicates. Ultimately, a total of 8 studies were included in the review. The included studies were randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies and pilot studies implementing an IF intervention (time-restricted eating, alternate day fasting or 5:2 diet) in healthy subjects or subjects with any disease.ResultsMost studies found an association between IF and gut microbiota richness, diversity and compositional changes. There was heterogeneity in the results, and bacteria which were found to be statistically significantly affected by IF varied widely depending on the study.ConclusionThe findings in this systematic review suggest that IF influences gut microbiota. It seems possible that IF can improve richness and alpha diversity. Due to the substantial heterogeneity of the results, more research is required to validate these findings and clarify whether the compositional changes might be beneficial to human health.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021241619.
Revision surgery for periprosthetic fracture of distal femur after endoprosthetic replacement of knee joint following resection of osteosarcoma
Authors: Jin Qing-lin , Su Hao-bin , Du Shao-hua , Hou Chang-he , Lu Ming , Dai Shuang-wu , Lei Zi-xiong , Chen Wei , Li Hao-miao 
Published: February 2024

PurposePeriprosthetic fracture (PPF) is one of the severe complications in patients with osteosarcoma and carries the risk of limb loss. This study describes the characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of this complication.MethodsPatients were consecutively included who were treated at our institution between 2016 and 2020 with a PPF of distal femur. The treatment strategies included two types: 1) open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws and 2) replacement with long-stem endoprosthesis and reinforcement with wire rope if necessary.ResultsA total of 11 patients (mean age 12.2 years (9–14)) were included, and the mean follow-up period was 36.5 (21–54) months. Most fractures were caused by direct or indirect trauma (n = 8), and others (n = 3) underwent PPF without obvious cause. The first type of treatment was performed on four patients, and the second type was performed on seven patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 20 (17–23). All patients recovered from the complication, and limb preservation could be achieved.ConclusionPPF is a big challenge for musculoskeletal oncologists, particularly in younger patients. Additionally, PPF poses a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, as limb preservation should be an important goal. Hence, internal fixation with plates and endoprosthetic replacement are optional treatment strategies based on fracture type and patient needs.
Post-discharge outcomes of hospitalized children diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 or MIS-C
Authors: Fink Ericka L. , Alcamo Alicia M. , Lovett Marlina , Hartman Mary , Williams Cydni , Garcia Angela , Rasmussen Lindsey , Pal Ria , Drury Kurt , MackDiaz Elizabeth , Ferrazzano Peter A. , Dervan Leslie , Appavu Brian , Snooks Kellie , Stulce Casey , Rubin Pamela , Pate Bianca , Toney Nicole , Robertson Courtney L. , Wainwright Mark S. , Roa Juan D. , Schober Michelle E. , Slomine Beth S. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHospitalized children diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2-related conditions are at risk for new or persistent symptoms and functional impairments. Our objective was to analyze post-hospital symptoms, healthcare utilization, and outcomes of children previously hospitalized and diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).MethodsProspective, multicenter electronic survey of parents of children &lt;18 years of age surviving hospitalization from 12 U.S. centers between January 2020 and July 2021. The primary outcome was a parent report of child recovery status at the time of the survey (recovered vs. not recovered). Secondary outcomes included new or persistent symptoms, readmissions, and health-related quality of life. Multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression was performed for the association of patient, disease, laboratory, and treatment variables with recovered status.ResultsThe children [n = 79; 30 (38.0%) female] with acute SARS-CoV-2 (75.7%) or MIS-C (24.3%) had a median age of 6.5 years (interquartile range 2.0–13.0) and 51 (64.6%) had a preexisting condition. Fifty children (63.3%) required critical care. One-third [23/79 (29.1%)] were not recovered at follow-up [43 (31, 54) months post-discharge]. Admission C-reactive protein levels were higher in children not recovered vs. recovered [5.7 (1.3, 25.1) vs. 1.3 (0.4, 6.3) mg/dl, p = 0.02]. At follow-up, 67% overall had new or persistent symptoms. The most common symptoms were fatigue (37%), weakness (25%), and headache (24%), all with frequencies higher in children not recovered. Forty percent had at least one return emergency visit and 24% had a hospital readmission. Recovered status was associated with better total HRQOL [87 (77, 95) vs. 77 (51, 83), p = 0.01]. In multivariable analysis, lower admission C-reactive protein [odds ratio 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.82, 0.99)] and higher admission lymphocyte count [1.001 (1.0002, 1.002)] were associated with recovered status.ConclusionsChildren considered recovered by their parents following hospitalization with SARS-CoV-2-related conditions had less symptom frequency and better HRQOL than those reported as not recovered. Increased inflammation and lower lymphocyte count on hospital admission may help to identify children needing longitudinal, multidisciplinary care.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04379089).
Optimization of training for professional rugby union players: investigating the impact of different small-sided games models on GPS-derived performance metrics
Authors: Ren Xiangyu , Henry Mathieu , Boisbluche Simon , Philippe Kilian , Demy Mathieu , Ding Shuzhe , Prioux Jacques 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Professional rugby union players can improve their performance by engaging in small-sided games (SSGs), which simulate the movement patterns of the game. This study collected metrics related to running performance and mechanical workload and their relative values from both forward and back positions, aiming to explore the impact of different SSGs factors on athlete workload, as well as the workload difference between official games (OGs) and SSGs.Methods: The monitored GPS data were collected from SSGs with different player numbers and pitch sizes (five sessions), SSG rules (5 weeks, four sessions per week), and OGs conducted throughout the year. Additionally, the study compared changes in players’ sprinting performance before and after two SSG sessions.Results: Backs had greater workload than forwards. Less space and number of players SSG (4 vs. 4, 660 m2) was conducive to facilitating training for players in acceleration and deceleration. Conversely, larger spaces were associated with improved running performance. However, the introduction of a floater had no significant impact on performance improvement. Additionally, the 7 vs. 4 model (seven players engaged with four opponents) resulted in the greatest workload during medium-hard accelerations (F = 52.76–88.23, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 0.19–0.28). Japan touch model allowed for more high-speed running training (F = 47.93–243.55, p &lt; 0.001, ηp2 = 1.52). The workload performed by SSGs can almost cover that of OGs (F = 23.36–454.21, p &lt; 0.05, ηp2 = 0.03–0.57). In the context of ηp2, values around 0.01, 0.06 and 0.14 indicate small, medium and large effects respectively.Discussion: However, given the significantly higher workload of SSGs and the slight decrease in sprinting performance, further research is required to examine the training patterns of SSGs. This study provided insight into the impact of player numbers, pitch size, and rules on rugby-specific SSGs. Coaches should optimize SSG setups for enhanced training outcomes, ensuring the long-term development of physical capacity, technical and tactical skills.
The new normal of remote work: exploring individual and organizational factors affecting work-related outcomes and well-being in academia
Authors: Capone Vincenza , Schettino Giovanni , Marino Leda , Camerlingo Carla , Smith Alessandro , Depolo Marco 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundFlexible work arrangements have become increasingly popular, driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies in the workplace because of the pandemic. However, there is a scarcity of studies concerning remote work, especially related to technical-administrative staff (TAS) in academia. Therefore, the current study, adopting the Job Demands-Resources model, aimed to investigate the relationships between remote working self-efficacy, organizational support, techno-complexity, mental well-being, and job performance among TAS during remote working.MethodsA total of 373 individuals from TAS of a large Italian university participated in this study by completing a self-report questionnaire.ResultsThe findings showed positive and significant relationships between remote self-efficacy and job satisfaction as well as between such a perceived efficacy and mental well-being. Perceived support from supervisors acted as a protective factor against techno-complexity. In contrast, perceived support from colleagues emerged as able to promote well-being and job satisfaction. In addition, the latter was positively associated with well-being. Finally, individual job performance was positively affected by job satisfaction and negatively by techno-complexity.ConclusionThis study highlights the need for interventions to support TAS in remote working environments by leveraging employees’ self-efficacy as a key factor in reducing stress related to new technologies as well as enhancing well-being, job satisfaction, and, in turn, their performance.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiac neurosis for development of clinical practice guidelines of Korean medicine
Authors: Park Hui-Yeong , Lee Hyun Woo , Song Geum-Ju , Hong Sunggyu , Hong Sunghee , Suh Hyo-Weon , Yoon Seok-In , Park Chan , Chung Sun-Yong , Kim Jong Woo 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe development of clinical practice guidelines in traditional medicine requires evidence that sufficiently reflects the medical field. Cardiac neurosis is a disease that occurs because of problems in the autonomic nervous system and is characterized by symptoms of the circulatory system that are representative of autonomic dysfunction. In traditional medicine, the heart is considered to be involved in mental health problems, and cardiac neurosis is accompanied by a variety of mental symptoms. Furthermore, there is a categorized diagnosis for cardiac neurosis, and active empirical research is being conducted in China.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the effects of Korean medicine treatments in patients with cardiac neurosis to develop evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of autonomic dysfunction.MethodsNine databases were searched for articles published before September 13, 2022. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the RoB tool. The primary outcomes were somatization, depression, anxiety, and effectiveness rate. The secondary outcome was the rate of adverse effects.ResultsBased on a systematic literature review, 151 randomized controlled trials were selected and analyzed. For patients with cardiac neurosis, herbal medicine, combined treatment of herbal medicine and Western medicine, combined treatment of herbal medicine and acupuncture, acupuncture, and combined treatment of acupuncture and Western medicine showed better overall effects than Western medicine alone. Furthermore, the combined treatment of herbal medicine and psychotherapy and that of herbal medicine, psychotherapy, and Western medicine showed an overall better effect than the combined treatment of Western medicine and psychotherapy.ConclusionA meta-analysis of articles revealed the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatments and verified the effectiveness of a Korean medicine treatment alone, Korean medicine combined treatment, and combined treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine on cardiac neurosis. Limitations included the inability to verify the cause of high heterogeneity between studies and the poor quality of the included studies. Nevertheless, this systematic review and meta-analysis of cardiac neurosis showed that the disease concept of traditional medicine can also be organized based on the latest research. Future research related to traditional diseases such as these should be conducted.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022347992, identifier CRD42022347992.
Association of height, foot length, and pubertal development in children aged 3–18: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Wu Hua-Hong , Zhang Ya-Qin , Yu Cheng-Dong , Yang Li , Tao Chen , Shu Wen , Li Tao , Huang Guimin , Hou Dongqing , Chen Fang-Fang , Liu Jun-Ting , Li Shao-li , Zong Xin-Nan 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the growth patterns of height and foot length (FL) among Chinese children aged 3–18 and examine their associations with puberty development.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2022 in Beijing. Data were collected through questionnaires and on-site physical examinations. The growth patterns and velocity of height and FL in different age groups were described, and their associations with puberty development were analyzed.ResultsFrom an age perspective, the peak FL growth occurred between 9 and 11 years (boys were 11 years and girls were 9 years), while the peak height growth occurred at 11 ~ 13 years for boys and 9 ~ 11 years for girls. Additionally, boys and girls reached 99.0% of their final FL at the ages of 14 and 13, respectively, while they reached 99.0% of their final height at the ages of 16 and 15, respectively. From the perspective of Tanner stage, the age of peak FL growth in boys coincided with the age of the G2 stage, while in girls it occurred slightly earlier than the mean age of the B2 stage. The peak height growth for both boys and girls occurred between Tanner stages 2 and 3.ConclusionBoys and girls reach their peak FL growth at 11 and 9 years old, respectively, which were both 2 years earlier than their peak height growth. The peak FL growth occurred around the onset of puberty, while the peak height growth occurred between Tanner stages 2 and 3.