bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hormone replacement therapy on amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque density in the rhesus macaque amygdala
Authors: Appleman Maria-Luisa , Thomas Jeremy L. , Weiss Alison R. , Nilaver Benjamin I. , Cervera-Juanes Rita , Kohama Steven G. , Urbanski Henryk F. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAmyloid beta (Aβ) plaque density was examined in the amygdala of rhesus macaques, to elucidate the influence of age, diet and hormonal environment.MethodsLuminex technology was used to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of Aβ40 and Aβ42 across three decades, while immunohistochemistry was used to examine Aβ plaque density in the amygdala.ResultsAβ40 was found to be the predominant isoform of Aβ in the CSF, but neither Aβ40 or Aβ42 concentrations showed an age-related change, and the ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40 showed only a marginal increase. Significantly fewer Aβ plaques were detected in the amygdala of old ovariectomized animals if they received estradiol HRT (p &lt; 0.001); similar results were obtained regardless of whether they had been maintained on a regular monkey chow for ∼48 months or on a high-fat, high-sugar, Western-style diet for ∼30 months.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that HRT involving estrogen can reduce Aβ plaque load in a cognitive brain region of aged non-human primates. The results from this translational animal model may therefore have clinical relevance to the treatment of AD in post-menopausal women, whether used alone, or as a supplement to current pharmacological and monoclonal antibody-based interventions.
The effect of complex cognitive context on the dynamic stability during gait initiation in older women
Authors: Chen Yuxia , Tang Hongyuan , Wang Yuanxin , Jin Chunxia , Wang Lihong , Miao Wensheng , Wang Xiangdong 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundChanges in cognitive control are considered potential factors affecting voluntary motor movements during gait initiation (GI). Simulating environments with higher cognitive resource demands have an effect on the stability of GI task performance, which is of significant importance for assessing fall risk in the older adults and devising fall risk management measures in multiple environments. This study aims to reveal the influence of complex cognitive competitive environment with increased cognitive demands on the dynamic stability during GI in the older women.MethodsTwenty-three older females and twenty-three younger females performed walking tests under three conditions: voluntary initiation (SI), visual light reaction time task (LRT), and cognitive interference + visual light reaction time task (C + LRT). Eight cameras (Qualisys, Sweden, model: Oqus 600) and three force plates (Kistler, Switzerland, model: 9287C) are used to obtain kinematic and kinetic data. To recorde the trajectory of center of pressure (CoP) and the position of the foot placement, and compute the anterior–posterior (A-P) and medio-lateral (M-L) dynamic stability at the onset and end moments of the single-leg support by means of center of mass (CoM) and gait spatiotemporal parameters.ResultsOlder women responded to the effect of complex environments involving cognitive competition on body stability by prolonging the lateral displacement time of the CoP during the anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) phase, reducing step length and velocity, and increasing step width and foot inclination angle.ConclusionComplex initiation environments lead to competition for cognitive resources in the brain, resulting in decreased stability of GI motor control in older adults. The higher the complexity of the cognitive resource demands environment, the lower the stability of GI in older adults, and the greater the effect on their M-L stability at the onset of stepping.
Diagnostic challenges of neurosarcoidosis in non-endemic areas
Authors: Shrestha Keshari , Kleinschmidt-DeMasters B. K. , Ormond D. Ryan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundNeurosarcoidosis (NS) is a challenging diagnosis, particularly when cases occur in low-prevalence, non-endemic geographic regions. In the United States, the highest incidence is in the Midwest and Northeast, compared to our Southwest location. While it is well known that NS may clinically and neuroradiographically mimic meningeal carcinomatosis, autoimmune or infectious pachymeningitis, neurosyphilis, or tuberculosis, diagnosis may be particularly challenging if systemic signs of sarcoidosis are lacking or unconfirmed or if dural-based masses are present. We reviewed our Colorado experience with NS cases, focusing our study on cases where NS represented the first histological confirmation of disease.MethodsA search of departmental databases was conducted with the search term “neurosarcoidosis” to identify cases 1-2008 to 12-2019, inclusive of the given case numbers. Patients were only included if their clinical and neuroimaging features were unusual and only when a biopsy of the central nervous system (CNS) represented the first confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis.ResultsA total of 17 cases were identified, of which the biopsy of the CNS was used for the initial confirmation of the disease in 9 of them. The most unusual findings were two patients with dural-based masses, one of which had pure NS as the cause of meningioma-like lesions and the second of which had coexistent meningioma and intimately admixed non-necrotizing granulomas of NS.ConclusionNS with unusual features, especially in non-endemic areas, continues to yield diagnostic challenges for neurologists, neuroradiologists, and pathologists.
Influence of mild cognitive impairment on clinical and functional prognosis in older candidates for cardiac surgery
Authors: Harmand Magali González-Colaço , Mata María , Prada-Arrondo Pablo César , Domínguez-Rodríguez Alberto , Barroso José , Galtier Ivan 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn this study, we analyzed the prognostic impact of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prior to cardiac surgery on 12-month clinical outcomes in older patients.MethodWe performed a longitudinal prospective study of 48 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and 26 neurologically healthy participants aged 65 years or older. All participants underwent a neuropsychological assessment. Functional status, quality of life and frailty were assessed in candidates for surgery. One year after surgery, 24 patients remained in the study.ResultsMild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed in 35% of the patients at baseline. Postsurgical changes in functionality consisted of a tendency toward impaired basic activities of daily living (BADL) in the MCI group and a statistically significant worsening in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in women with MCI. Changes in quality of life consisted of a significant improvement in anxiety-depression in the MCI group and a tendency toward greater pain-discomfort in the non-MCI group. Cognitive status significantly declined only in the non-MCI group. Neither group showed significant changes in frailty. Relative risk analysis showed that patients with a diagnosis of MCI at baseline had a higher risk of cognitive decline at follow-up, while those without a diagnosis of MCI at baseline had a lower risk of impaired IADL. No association was found between MCI and resource use. Preoperative impairment in memory, visuospatial and executive functions was significantly associated with loss of quality of life at follow-up. Impairment of memory and visuospatial function was significantly associated with cognitive decline. Preserved memory was associated with a lower risk of impaired BADL at follow-up.ConclusionThe present study provides clue on the impact of MCI in candidates for cardiac surgery. Preoperative detection of cognitive impairment could be highly valuable to help guide pre- and post-operative management.
Alterations of spontaneous brain activity in type 2 diabetes mellitus without mild cognitive impairment: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance study
Authors: Wang Qianru , Hou Chuanke , Jiang Xingyuan , Li Hongjun 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been demonstrated an increased risk factor of cognitive impairment or even dementia. Kinds of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging indices have been proposed and used to investigate the brain mechanism underlying diabetic cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the early changes in spontaneous neural activity among T2DM patients without cognitive impairment by means of multiple rs-fMRI indices.MethodsT2DM patients without cognitive impairment and age-, sex-, and education matched control subjects were included in this study. Three rs-fMRI indices, namely amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) were computed after image pre-processing. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was performed to distinguish normal cognition. Brain volume was also evaluated. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore any relationship among rs-fMRI indices and clinical characteristics.ResultsThe T2DM patients were detected significantly decreased neural activity in right angular and left prefrontal gyrus including middle and superior frontal gyrus. Increased activities were also observed in left caudate and the supplementary motor area. No correlation between rs-fMRI indices and clinical characteristics was survived after multiple comparison correction. But we observed a significant, but decreased correlation between ALFF and ReHo values in the reported brain areas.ConclusionThe combination of ALFF, ReHo and VMHC analyses demonstrated abnormal spontaneous neural activity in brain regions which were reported in T2DM patients without cognitive impairment. These results may enhance our understanding of the diabetic brain changes at the early stage.
Siamese model for collateral score prediction from computed tomography angiography images in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Fortunati Valerio , Su Jiahang , Wolff Lennard , van Doormaal Pieter-Jan , Hofmeijer Jeanette , Martens Jasper , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , van Zwam Wim H. , van der Lugt Aad , van Walsum Theo 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionImaging biomarkers, such as the collateral score as determined from Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images, play a role in treatment decision making for acute stroke patients. In this manuscript, we present an end-to-end learning approach for automatic determination of a collateral score from a CTA image. Our aim was to investigate whether such end-to-end learning approaches can be used for this classification task, and whether the resulting classification can be used in existing outcome prediction models.MethodsThe method consists of a preprocessing step, where the CTA image is aligned to an atlas and divided in the two hemispheres: the affected side and the healthy side. Subsequently, a VoxResNet based convolutional neural network is used to extract features at various resolutions from the input images. This is done by using a Siamese model, such that the classification is driven by the comparison between the affected and healthy using a unique set of features for both hemispheres. After masking the resulting features for both sides with the vascular region and global average pooling (per hemisphere) and concatenation of the resulting features, a fully connected layer is used to determine the categorized collateral score.ExperimentsSeveral experiments have been performed to optimize the model hyperparameters and training procedure, and to validate the final model performance. The hyperparameter optimization and subsequent model training was done using CTA images from the MR CLEAN Registry, a Dutch multi-center multi-vendor registry of acute stroke patients that underwent endovascular treatment. A separate set of images, from the MR CLEAN Trial, served as an external validation set, where collateral scoring was assessed and compared with both human observers and a recent more traditional model. In addition, the automated collateral scores have been used in an existing functional outcome prediction model that uses both imaging and non-imaging clinical parameters.ConclusionThe results show that end-to-end learning of collateral scoring in CTA images is feasible, and does perform similar to more traditional methods, and the performance also is within the inter-observer variation. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that the end-to-end classification results also can be used in an existing functional outcome prediction model.
A comprehensive review of Cornus officinalis: health benefits, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects for functional drug and food development
Authors: Deng Wenhui , Liu Yuchen , Guo Yaodong , Chen Jie , Abdu Hassan Idris , Khan Muhmmad R. U. , Palanisamy Chella Perumal , Pei Jinjin , Abd El-Aty A. M. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCornus officinalis sieb. et zucc, a deciduous tree or shrub, is renowned for its “Cornus flesh” fruit, which is widely acknowledged for its medicinal value when matured and dried. Leveraging C. officinalis as a foundational ingredient opens avenues for the development of environmentally friendly health foods, ranging from beverages and jams to preserves and canned products. Packed with diverse bioactive compounds, this species manifests a spectrum of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular protective properties.MethodsThis study employs CiteSpace visual analysis software and a bibliometric analysis platform, drawing upon the Web of Science (WOS) database for literature spanning the last decade. Through a comprehensive analysis of available literature from WOS and Google Scholar, we present a thorough summary of the health benefits, phytochemistry, active compounds, and pharmacological effects of C. officinalis. Particular emphasis is placed on its potential in developing functional drugs and foods.Results and DiscussionWhile this review enhances our understanding of C. officinalis as a prospective therapeutic agent, its clinical applicability underscores the need for further research and clinical studies to validate findings and establish safe and effective clinical applications.
Tumor risks of finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with chronic kidney disease: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Du Yue , Cao Gui , Gu Linlin , Chen Yuehong , Liu Jingyu 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the tumor risk of finerenone in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) aggravated by chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: A thorough search in the OVID Medline, OVID EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from their creation through 2 November 2022 yielded randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the tumor risks of finerenone in patients with T2DM complicated with CKD. A pair of reviewers selected the relevant studies based on selection criteria, collected data, and assessed the methodological quality of eligible RCTs. The Peto odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, and subgroup analysis of tumor nature, tumor origin system, tumor origin organ, and follow-up time was performed. Furthermore, Egger’s test was implemented to determine publication bias.Results: Four RCTs with 14,875 participants who had a low-to-moderate risk of bias were included. Compared with placebo treatment, finerenone did not increase the risk of overall neoplasms (Peto OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.83–1.14), malignant neoplasms (Peto OR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.86–1.23), benign neoplasms (Peto OR = 0.94; 95% CI, 0.50–1.80), or in situ neoplasms (Peto OR = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.01–2.17). Subgroup analysis of the tumor origin system showed that finerenone was associated with an increased risk of malignant neoplasms of urinary tract compared with placebo treatment (Peto OR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.07–2.67). The results were found to be robust in sensitivity analysis, and there was no indication of publication bias. Discussion: Finerenone is not associated with an increased risk of overall tumors, but it may be linked to an increased risk of malignant neoplasms in urinary tract. Additional well-planned cohort studies in larger research populations are needed to corroborate these findings.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022374101, Identifier CRD42022374101.
Comparative price analysis of biological medicines: disparities generated by different pricing policies
Authors: Pontes Marcela Amaral , Ribeiro Alane Andrelino , Albuquerque Flávia Caixeta , Leite Cotenzini Silvana Nair 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Biological medicines have been assuming an important role among the therapeutic options for several diseases, however, due to their complex production process, the products obtained from this technology have a high added value and do not reach the purchasing power of most patients, which overwhelms the budget of health systems. With the development of biosimilars, which have reduced production costs, it is expected that access to biological medicines will become broader. However, in Brazil, the criteria for determining the price of biosimilars, unlike the generic policy in the country, do not foresee a price reduction due to the reduction of development costs.Objective: To understand the impact of the current model of economic regulation on the availability and access of these products in the country, based on a comparative analysis in selected countries, and identify trends that can help to expand the availability and access to biological medicines.Method: Quantitative and qualitative study, to identify the variation between the entry prices of biological medicines in Brazil and in selected countries, as well as the differences in the economic regulation policies established in these countries.Results: The results demonstrate that the current pricing model in Brazil has generated distortions in the prices of biosimilars in the market, which, consequently, makes it difficult for the population to access this category of products, in addition to allowing unsustainable market practices for the systems of public and private health in Brazil. It was also found that most of the analyzed countries, unlike Brazil, seek to harmonize the prices of different brands of the same molecule marketed in the country and with the international market, in addition to establishing incentive policies for indication and replacement by biosimilars, which expands the participation of biosimilars in the market significantly.Conclusion: Based on the data presented, it is concluded that it is essential to build a broader political and regulatory debate on the market for biologicals and biosimilars in the country to guarantee the access of the Brazilian population to more cost-effective technologies, generate a more competitive market and consequently contribute to the financial sustainability of health systems.
Efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide in preterm infants ≤ 34 weeks: a systematic review and meta—analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Feng Zhoushan , Wu Xiaohong , Xu Xiaona , Cui Qiliang , Wu Fan 
Published: January 2024

Background: The effect of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in neonates &gt;34 weeks on improving respiration is well documented. However, the efficacy of iNO in preterm infants ≤34 weeks remains controversial.Objectives: The main purpose of this review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of iNO treatment in preterm infants ≤34 weeks.Search methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Libraries from their inception to 1 June 2023. We also reviewed the reference lists of retrieved studies.Selection criteria: Our study involved randomized controlled trials on preterm infants ≤34 weeks, especially those receiving iNO treatment, and mainly assessed outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality. Two authors independently reviewed these trials, extracted data, and evaluated study biases. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We used the GRADE method to assess evidence quality.Results: Our research included a total of 17 studies involving 4,080 neonates and 7 follow-up studies. The synthesis of results showed that in neonates, iNO treatment reduced the incidence of BPD (RR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86–0.98). It also decreased the composite outcome of death or BPD (RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90–0.98), without increasing the risk of short-term (such as intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia) and long-term neurological outcomes (including Bayley mental developmental index &lt;70, cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental impairment). Furthermore, iNO did not significantly affect other neonatal complications like sepsis, pulmonary hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus. Subgroup analysis revealed that iNO significantly reduced BPD incidence in neonates at 36 weeks under specific intervention conditions, including age less than 3 days, birth weight over 1,000 g, iNO dose of 10 ppm or higher, or treatment duration exceeding 7 days (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Inhaled NO reduced the incidence of BPD in neonates at 36 weeks of gestation, and the effect of the treatment depended on neonatal age, birth weight, duration and dose of iNO. Therefore, iNO can be considered a promising treatment for the potential prevention of BPD in premature infants. More data, however, would be needed to support nitric oxide registration in this specific patient population, to minimize its off-label use.