bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacteroides vulgatus alleviates dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and depression-like behaviour by facilitating gut-brain axis balance
Authors: Wu Xing , Xu Jiahao , Li Jingbo , Deng Minzi , Shen Zhaohua , Nie Kai , Luo Weiwei , Zhang Chao , Ma Kejia , Chen Xuejie , Wang Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher prevalence of depression. Gut microbiota dysbiosis plays an important role in IBD and depression. However, few studies have explored the characteristic microbiota of patients with IBD and depression (IBDD), or their role in IBDD.MethodsWe performed deep metagenomic sequencing and 16S rDNA quantitative PCR to characterise the gut microbial communities of patients with IBDD and patients with IBD without depression (IBDND). We then assessed the effect of the microbiota on colitis and depression in mouse models of dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression. Furthermore, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyse the microbiota-derived metabolites involved in gut–brain communication. Evans Blue tracer dye was used to assess blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability.ResultsOur results showed that the faecal abundance of Bacteroides vulgatus (B. vulgatus) was lower in patients with IBDD than in those with IBDND. In the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, the B. vulgatus group showed a significantly lower disease activity index score, lesser weight loss, and longer colon length than the DSS group. Moreover, B. vulgatus relieved depression-like behaviour in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model and in the LPS-induced depression mouse model. Furthermore, the key metabolite of B. vulgatus was p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4-HPAA), which was found to relieve intestinal inflammation and alleviate depression-like behaviours in mouse models. By increasing the expression of the tight junction protein claudin-5 in the vascular endothelium of the BBB, B. vulgatus and 4-HPAA play critical roles in gut–brain communication.ConclusionB. vulgatus and B. vulgatus-derived 4-HPAA ameliorated intestinal inflammation and relieved depressive symptoms through the gut–brain axis. Thus, administration of B. vulgatus or 4-HPAA supplementation is a promising therapeutic strategy for treating IBD, particularly IBDD.
Fatigue factors and fatigue indices in SSVEP-based brain-computer interfaces: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azadi Moghadam Maedeh , Maleki Ali 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundFatigue is a serious challenge when applying a steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) in the real world. Many researchers have used quantitative indices to study the effect of visual stimuli on fatigue. According to a wide range of studies in fatigue analysis, there are contradictions and inconsistencies in the behavior of fatigue indicators.New methodIn this study, for the first time, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed on fatigue indices and fatigue caused by stimulation paradigm. We queried three scientific search engines for studies published between 2000 and 2022. The inclusion criteria were papers investigating mental and visual fatigue from performing a visual task using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.ResultsAttractiveness and variation are the most effective ways to reduce BCI fatigue. Therefore, zoom motion, Newton’s ring motion, and cue patterns reduce fatigue. While the color of the cue could effectively reduce fatigue, its shape and background had no effect on fatigue. Additionally, the questionnaire and quantitative indicators such as frequency indices, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), SSVEP amplitude, and multiscale entropy were utilized to assess fatigue. Meta-analysis indicated that when a person is fatigued, the spectrum amplitude of alpha, theta, and α+θ/β increase significantly, while SNR and SSVEP amplitude decrease significantly.ConclusionThe outcomes of this study can be used to design more optimal stimulation protocols that cause less fatigue. Moreover, the level of fatigue can be quantitatively assessed with indicators without the participant’s self-reports.
Influence of specific collagen peptides and 12-week concurrent training on recovery-related biomechanical characteristics following exercise-induced muscle damage—A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bischof Kevin , Stafilidis Savvas , Bundschuh Larissa , Oesser Steffen , Baca Arnold , König Daniel 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionIt has been shown that short-term ingestion of collagen peptides improves markers related to muscular recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether and to what extent a longer-term specific collagen peptide (SCP) supplementation combined with a training intervention influences recovery markers following eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage.MethodsFifty-five predominantly sedentary male participants were assigned to consume either 15 g SCP or placebo (PLA) and engage in a concurrent training (CT) intervention (30 min each of resistance and endurance training, 3x/week) for 12 weeks. Before (T1) and after the intervention (T2), eccentric muscle damage was induced by 150 drop jumps. Measurements of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC), rate of force development (RFD), peak RFD, countermovement jump height (CMJ), and muscle soreness (MS) were determined pre-exercise, immediately after exercise, and 24 and 48 h post-exercise. In addition, body composition, including fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), body cell mass (BCM) and extracellular mass (ECM) were determined at rest both before and after the 12-week intervention period.ResultsThree-way mixed ANOVA showed significant interaction effects in favor of the SCP group. MVC (p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.11), RFD (p &lt; 0.01, ηp2 = 0.18), peak RFD (p &lt; 0.01, ηp2 = 0.15), and CMJ height (p = 0.046, ηp2 = 0.06) recovered significantly faster in the SCP group. No effects were found for muscle soreness (p = 0.66) and body composition (FM: p = 0.41, FFM: p = 0.56, BCM: p = 0.79, ECM: p = 0.58).ConclusionIn summary, the results show that combining specific collagen peptide supplementation (SCP) and concurrent training (CT) over a 12-week period significantly improved markers reflecting recovery, specifically in maximal, explosive, and reactive strength. It is hypothesized that prolonged intake of collagen peptides may support muscular adaptations by facilitating remodeling of the extracellular matrix. This, in turn, could enhance the generation of explosive force.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier ID: NCT05220371.
Efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Liu Yayun , Fan Shiyong , Xu Aijing , Ge Lingling , Wang Xinyu , Dong Xu , Xu Mingxiao , Fan Wenhan , Zhong Wu , Liang Xuesong 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Randomized, controlled trials of molnupiravir in real-world use during the Omicron wave are scarce. The frequency of hospitalization and death is low, so further research is needed to confirm the virological efficacy of molnupiravir.Methods: A single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted, and 111 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1. Fifty-three patients in the molnupiravir group were administered 800 mg of molnupiravir twice daily for 5 days in addition to the standard therapy, and 58 patients in the control group only received the standard therapy in accordance with local guidelines. The antiviral effect and adverse events were evaluated during the follow-up.Results: The median viral clearance time in the molnupiravir group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (p = 0.003). Furthermore, patients who started molnupiravir therapy within 3 days had significantly shorter viral clearance time than the controls (p = 0.003). In the vaccinated subgroup, molnupiravir therapy was also associated with a shorter viral clearance time (p = 0.003). A total of three adverse events, which were minor, were reported in the molnupiravir group. One of the patients had mild liver function abnormalities, and all of them were resolved without intervention. However, the remission time was similar between the two tested groups.Conclusion: Molnupiravir exhibited good viral replication inhibitor efficacy in patients with Omicron variant vaccine breakthrough COVID-19 infection.Clinical Trial Registration: [https://www.chictr.org.cn/], identifier [ChiCTR2200059796].
In vitro selection of drought-tolerant white poplar clones based on antioxidant activities and osmoprotectant content
Authors: Vuksanović Vanja , Kovačević Branislav , Kebert Marko , Pavlović Lazar , Kesić Lazar , Čukanović Jelena , Orlović Saša 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionIn light of upcoming climate change, there is an urgent requirement for tree improvement regarding adaptability to drought-caused stress and the development of quick and reliable screening methodologies for genotypes’ drought tolerance. White poplar is, despite its high adaptability, considered to be an endangered tree species in Serbia, which gives it special importance in the preservation and improvement of biodiversity of riparian ecosystems. The main goal of this research was to evaluate the tolerance of five white poplar clones to the presence of polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000 molecular weight 6000) (different concentrations (e.g. 0 g/L, 1 g/L, 10 g/L, 20 g/L, and 50 g/L) in Aspen Culture Medium (ACM).MethodsThe tolerance of the clones was evaluated by using morphological parameters (shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight), photosynthetic pigments (contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and chlorophyll a+b), and biochemical parameters (total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, antioxidant activities (DPPH activity and ABTS assay), free proline content and glycine betaine content.Results and DiscussionThe values of morphological and photosynthetic pigments declined with an increase in the concentration of PEG 6000. At a concentration of 50 g/L, the content of shoot fresh mass decreased by 41%, the content of Chl a by 68%, Chl b by 65%, and Car by 76% compared to the control. Also, at the same medium, there was an increase in the content of total phenols, accumulation of proline, the content of glycine betaine as well as in antioxidant activity. Based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that more drought-tolerant clones are characterized by high values for biomass, high content of photosynthetic pigments, and high content of proline and glycine betaine in conditions similar to drought in vitro. Clone L-80 showed better results in most of the tested parameters, especially compared to the reference clone Villafranca.
Preferences for coaching strategies in a personalized virtual coach for emotional eaters: an explorative study
Authors: Dol Aranka , van Strien Tatjana , Velthuijsen Hugo , van Gemert-Pijnen Lisette , Bode Christina 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesEmotional eating is recognized as a potential contributor to weight gain. Emotional eaters often hide their problems because of feelings of shame about their behavior, making it challenging to provide them with the necessary support. The introduction of a virtual coach might offer a potential solution in assisting them. To find out whether emotional eaters are receptive to online personalized coaching, we presented emotional eaters with two essential proto-typical problem situations for emotional eaters: “experiencing cravings” and “after giving in to cravings,” and asked them whether they preferred one of the three coaching strategies presented: Validating, Focus-on-Change and Dialectical.MethodsAn experimental vignette study (2 × 3 design) was carried out. The vignettes featured two distinct personas, each representing one of the two common problem scenarios experienced by emotional eaters, along with three distinct coaching strategies for each scenario. To identify potential predictors for recognition of problem situations, questionnaires on emotional eating (DEBQ), personality traits (Big-5), well-being (PANAS), and BMI were administrated.ResultsA total of 62% of the respondents identified themselves with “after giving in to cravings” and 47% with “experiencing cravings.” BMI, emotional eating and emotional stability appeared to be predictors in recognizing both the problem situations. In “experiencing cravings,” the participating women preferred Dialectical and the Validation coaching strategies. In the “after giving in to cravings” condition, they revealed a preference for the Dialectical and the Focus-on-Change coaching strategies.ConclusionUsing vignettes allowed a less threatening way of bringing up sensitive topics for emotional eaters. The personas representing the problem situations were reasonably well recognized. To further enhance this recognition, it is important for the design and content of the personas to be even more closely related to the typical problem scenarios of emotional eaters, rather than focusing on physical characteristics or social backgrounds. This way, users may be less distracted by these factors. With the knowledge gained about the predictors that may influence recognition of the problem situations, design for coaching can be more customized. The participants represented individuals with high emotional eating levels, enhancing external validity.
The impact of loneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Kassam Kareena , McMillan Jacqueline M. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic required implementation of public health measures to reduce the spread of SARS CoV-2. This resulted in social isolation and loneliness for many older adults. Loneliness and social isolation are associated with cognitive decline, however, the impact of this during COVID-19 has not been fully characterized.ObjectiveThe aim of this scoping review was to explore the impact of social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 on cognition in older adults.Eligibility criteriaEligible studies occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic, enrolled older adults and reported longitudinal quantitative data on both loneliness (exposure) and cognition (outcome).Sources of evidenceA comprehensive search was conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, and Psychinfo databases (updated October 10, 2023).Charting methodsStudies were screened independently by two reviewers and study characteristics, including participant demographics, loneliness and cognition measurement tools, study objectives, methods and results were extracted.ResultsThe search yielded 415 results, and seven were included in the final data synthesis. All studies were conducted between 2019 and 2023. Six studies enrolled community-dwelling individuals while the remaining study was conducted in long-term care. In 6 studies, loneliness and/or social isolation was correlated with poorer cognitive function. In the seventh study, subjective memory worsened, while objective cognitive testing did not.ConclusionLoneliness and social isolation during COVID-19 were correlated with cognitive decline in older adults. The long-term effect of these impacts remains to be shown. Future studies may focus on interventions to mitigate the effects of loneliness and social isolation during future pandemics.
Exercise intervention for patients with chronic low back pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ying , Yan Lei , Hou Lingyu , Zhang Xiaoya , Zhao Hanping , Yan Chengkun , Li Xianhuang , Li Yuanhe , Chen Xiaoan , Ding Xiaorong 
Published: November 2023

PurposeChronic low back pain (CLBP) is an aging and public health issue that is a leading cause of disability worldwide and has a significant economic impact on a global scale. Treatments for CLBP are varied, and there is currently no study with high-quality evidence to show which treatment works best. Exercise therapy has the characteristics of minor harm, low cost, and convenient implementation. It has become a mainstream treatment method in clinics for chronic low back pain. However, there is insufficient evidence on which specific exercise regimen is more effective for chronic non-specific low back pain. This network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of different exercise therapies on chronic low back pain and provide a reference for exercise regimens in CLBP patients.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to 10 May 2022. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for selection. We collected information from studies to compare the effects of 20 exercise interventions on patients with chronic low back pain.ResultsThis study included 75 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5,254 participants. Network meta-analysis results showed that tai chi [standardized mean difference (SMD), −2.11; 95% CI, −3.62 to −0.61], yoga (SMD, −1.76; 95% CI −2.72 to −0.81), Pilates exercise (SMD, −1.52; 95% CI, −2.68, to −0.36), and sling exercise (SMD, −1.19; 95% CI, −2.07 to −0.30) showed a better pain improvement than conventional rehabilitation. Tai chi (SMD, −2.42; 95% CI, −3.81 to −1.03) and yoga (SMD, −2.07; 95% CI, −2.80 to −1.34) showed a better pain improvement than no intervention provided. Yoga (SMD, −1.72; 95% CI, −2.91 to −0.53) and core or stabilization exercises (SMD, −1.04; 95% CI, −1.80 to −0.28) showed a better physical function improvement than conventional rehabilitation. Yoga (SMD, −1.81; 95% CI, −2.78 to −0.83) and core or stabilization exercises (SMD, −1.13; 95% CI, −1.66 to −0.59) showed a better physical function improvement than no intervention provided.ConclusionCompared with conventional rehabilitation and no intervention provided, tai chi, toga, Pilates exercise, sling exercise, motor control exercise, and core or stabilization exercises significantly improved CLBP in patients. Compared with conventional rehabilitation and no intervention provided, yoga and core or stabilization exercises were statistically significant in improving physical function in patients with CLBP. Due to the limitations of the quality and quantity of the included studies, it is difficult to make a definitive recommendation before more large-scale and high-quality RCTs are conducted.
Association between parents’ concerns about eating and sleeping problems and social-emotional development in Chinese children aged 3 to 6 years
Authors: Hu Tongxi , Liu Shaoying , Zhan Jianying , Xu Luxin , Zhou Yanqing 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundParents’ parenting beliefs have a major influence on their children’s eating and sleeping problems and emotional socialization. However, the relationship between parent’s concerns about eating or sleeping problems and social-emotional development is unclear.MethodsWe used a convenience sampling method to investigate 997 parents of preschool children aged 3 to 6 in Hangzhou, China, and asked them to complete the “Ages &amp; Stages Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (2nd Edition)” (ASQ: SE-2) and the Survey of Concerns about Children’s Eating and Sleeping Problems. To examine the relationship between children’s social-emotional development and their parents’ concerns about their eating or sleeping problems, binary logistic regression was used.ResultsThere were 218 children (21.9%) with a suspected social-emotional development delay, and 273 parents (27.4%) were concerned about their children’s eating or sleeping problems, which mainly focused on ill-balanced eating, bad eating habits, and difficulty falling asleep. The rate of suspected social-emotional development delay in children with the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems (37.8%) was significantly higher than those with only eating problems (29.7%), only sleeping problems (24.4%), and those with no eating or sleeping problems (18.8%) (p &lt; 0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that parents’ concerns about the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems (OR = 2.52, p = 0.01) and only eating problems (OR = 1.71, p = 0.004) were risk factors for children’s social-emotional development. In addition, boys were more likely than girls to have suspected social-emotional development delay (OR = 1.49, p = 0.01).ConclusionChildren whose parents were concerned about only eating or the co-occurrence of eating and sleeping problems were linked to have a higher risk of suspected social-emotional development delay.
Violence against healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey at Cairo University Hospital
Authors: Seddik Salma Abdelrehim , Abdelhai Rehab , Aboushady Ahmed Taha , Nawwar Ahmed Essam , El Essawy Rania Assem , Hegazy Amira Aly 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionHealthcare workers have a significant chance of experiencing violence, with physical violence impacting anywhere from 8 to 38% of healthcare professionals throughout their careers. Besides physical abuse, many healthcare workers are subject to verbal aggression or threats, with patients and visitors being the most frequent sources of such incidents.MethodsThis research examines the work atmosphere of healthcare professionals at Kasr Al-Aini University Hospital in Cairo, Egypt, during the pandemic. The study aims to evaluate the frequency of violence toward healthcare workers and health professionals training through a cross-sectional survey conducted among them. The research was conducted on Egyptian healthcare workers over 6 months, from November 2020 until the end of January 2021, using convenience sampling in a cross-sectional study. Over half of the respondents reported experiencing violence.ResultsAmong those who experienced violence, 93% reported verbal aggression, 43% reported physical and verbal abuse, and 59% claimed that violence increased during the pandemic. Additionally, 97% of those who experienced violence reported it occurring within the 4 months following the survey. About 42.5% of the respondents were female, and nearly 65% were over 30. 82% of the respondents did not receive training on handling violence while performing their job.ConclusionThis study highlights the high prevalence of verbal assaults in healthcare settings, primarily by patients’ families or acquaintances. Despite reporting such incidents, most respondents did not see any significant government action. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly change the frequency of violent incidents, indicating that the root causes of violence are systemic and extend beyond the pandemic. These findings underscore the need for systemic changes in healthcare organizations to address and prevent violence against healthcare workers.