bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the α<sub>2</sub>-adrenergic Agonist Mafedine Effects on White Outbred Mouse Behaviour Following Acute Administration
Authors: Kurmazov N. S. , Chervonetskiy S. A. , Prikhodko V. A. , Sysoev Yu. I. , Okovityi S. V. 
Published: November 2023

Introduction. α2-adrenergic agonists are not only used as antihypertensive and sedative agents, but are also of interest as potential medications for the treatment of neurological disorders. Previous research has shown a compound from this class, 6-oxo-1-phenyl-2-(phenylamino)-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-ol (mafedine), to exert strong neuroprotection under experimental conditions. Despite its long record of development, the effects of mafedine on animal behavioural characteristics remain unknown.Aim. This work was aimed at evaluating the effects of mafedine sodium at three doses (1, 10, or 50 mg/kg) on white outbred mouse behavior in three tests: Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze, and Light/Dark Box.Materials and methods. Experiments were carried out on 60 white outbred male mice weighing 20–22 g, randomized into 4 groups (n = 15): 1) control (0,9 % saline); 2) mafedine (1 mg/kg); 3) mafedine (10 mg/kg); 4) mafedine (50 mg/kg). All agents were administered via single intraperitoneal injections 20 min before testing. Animal behavior was assessed using the Open Field, Elevated Plus Maze, and Light/Dark Box tests following conventional protocols with group reassignment between tests and an inter-test time interval of at least 2 days. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Prism 8.0.2 software package.Results and discussion. At 1 or 10 mg/kg, mafedine did not affect animal behaviour in either of the tests. At 50 mg/kg, it produced an anxiolytic effect, as indicated by the decrease in the anxiety index values for the Elevated Plus Maze test as well as the increase in peeking out frequency in the Light/Dark Box test, compared to respective control values.Сonclusion. Mafedine sodium salt at doses between 1 and 50 mg/kg was shown to produce no adverse effect on mouse behaviour, indicating a good safety profile of the compound. The discovered anxiolytic effect of mafedine at the highest dose validates its further research not only as a neuroprotector, but also as an anti-anxiety agent.
Analysis of the correlation between heart rate variability and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID
Authors: Jiang Yu , Cheng Yan , Xiao Jingwen , Wang Yicheng , Chen Geng , Zhang Yan 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo analyze the correlation between heart rate variability (HRV) and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.MethodsA total of 272 female healthcare workers who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 for the first time in December 2022 at Fuzhou First Hospital affiliated with Fujian Medical University, were selected as study subjects. These subjects were divided into three groups based on their symptoms: a group with palpitations (70 cases), a group without palpitations but with other symptoms (124 cases), and a group consisting of asymptomatic cases (78 cases). The study compared the general information, COMPASS-31 scores, quality of life scores, and HRV parameters among the three groups. Furthermore, it analyzed the factors influencing palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.ResultsCompared to the other two groups, the HRV parameters SDNN, HRVIndex, LF, and TP were significantly reduced in the group with palpitations (p &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that HRVIndex (p = 0.016; OR: 0.966, 95% CI: 0.940∼0.994) had a significant impact on palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID.ConclusionsThe symptoms of palpitations in female patients with long COVID were found to be related to HRV parameters. Autonomic dysfunction may be connected to the occurrence of palpitation symptoms in long COVID.
Effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief in shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke: a systematic evaluation and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Ting , Yao Hongfang , Huang Junneng , Wang Ning , Zhou Chunjun , Huang Xuyang , Tan Xiangyuan , Li Yanyan , Jie Yuyu , Wang Xiang , Yang Yu , Liang Yingye , Yue Siqian , Mao Yawen , Lai Songxian , Zheng Jingyiqi , He Yufeng 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundShoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) is a common complication after stroke, and SHS-induced pain significantly hampers patients’ overall recovery. As an alternative therapy for pain relief, acupuncture has certain advantages in alleviating pain caused by SHS after stroke. However, choosing the best treatment plan from a variety of acupuncture options is still a serious challenge in clinical practice. Therefore, we conducted this Bayesian network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the effectiveness of various acupuncture treatment methods.MethodsWe systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatment in patients with post-stroke SHS published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science until 9 March 2023. We used the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to assess the bias risk in the included original studies.ResultsA total of 50 RCTs involving 3,999 subjects were included, comprising 19 types of effective acupuncture interventions. Compared to single rehabilitation training, the top three interventions for VAS improvement were floating needle [VAS = −2.54 (95% CI: −4.37 to −0.69)], rehabilitation + catgut embedding [VAS = −2.51 (95% CI: −4.33 to −0.68)], and other multi-needle acupuncture combinations [VAS = −2.32 (95% CI: −3.68 to −0.94)]. The top three interventions for improving the Fugl–Meyer score were eye acupuncture [Meyer = 15.73 (95% CI: 3.4627.95)], other multi-needle acupuncture combinations [Meyer = 12.22 (95% CI: 5.1919.34)], and traditional western medicine + acupuncture + traditional Chinese medicine [Meyer = 11.96 (95% CI: −0.59 to 24.63)].ConclusionMultiple acupuncture methods are significantly effective in improving pain and upper limb motor function in post-stroke SHS, with relatively few adverse events; thus, acupuncture can be promoted.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023410957.
Acupuncture for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Luolin , Wu Tong , Zhong Zhishan , Yi Lichen , Li Yuemei 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPainful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (PDPN) is a common complication of diabetes, it severely affects the quality of life of patients. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in the treatment of PDPN. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for pain relief in patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodWe thoroughly searched specific databases, which included PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database and the Wanfang Data. All randomized controlled trials of acupuncture therapy for PDPN with pain change scales were included. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality according to the risk of bias from the Cochrane handbook. Meta-analyses were carried out to analyze the outcomes, subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and funnel plot analyses were undertaken.ResultsThis systematic review evaluated a total of 25 trials of acupuncture therapy in combination with conventional treatment, involving a total of 1,561 patients with PDPN. According to the results, among 16 trials using VAS scores with a total of 1,552 patients, 2 acupoint injection trials (MD −2.38, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.01, p &lt; 0.00001), 12 acupuncture trials (MD −1. 31, 95% CI: −1.60 to −1.02, p &lt; 0.00001) and 2 moxibustion trials showed that acupuncture therapy combined with conventional treatment improved pain better than conventional treatment (MD −2.50, 95% CI: −2.76 to −2.24, p &lt; 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis of the acupuncture group, the results of the 5 trials in which the location of acupuncture was only in the limbs (MD −1.27, 95% CI: −1.54 to −1.01, p &lt; 0.00001) and the 7 trials both in limbs and torso (MD −1.38, 95% CI: −1.81 to −0.95, p &lt; 0.00001) also demonstrated that acupuncture was effective in pain improvement.ConclusionThis meta-analysis analyzed the possible efficacy of acupuncture in combination with conventional treatment for pain in diabetic peripheral neuropathy, particularly when acupoints are located in the limbs. However, there are limitations to this meta-analysis and future clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023449447, identifier (CRD42023449447).
Case Report: Case series: association between blood concentration and side effects of sotorasib
Authors: Shigaki Ryota , Yoshida Ryohei , Yagita Akari , Nagasue Kazunori , Naraoka Taeka , Nitanai Kiichi , Yanada Hiraku , Tenma Toshiyuki , Kida Ryotaro , Umekage Yasuhiro , Mori Chie , Minami Yoshinori , Sato Hideki , Iwayama Kuninori , Hashino Yasuhisa , Fukudo Masahide , Sasaki Takaaki 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSotorasib is a crucial therapeutic agent for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring the KRAS p.G12C mutation. Despite its efficacy, the relationship between blood sotorasib concentrations and side effects remains largely unexplored.MethodsThis study enrolled five patients with KRAS p.G12C-positive NSCLC treated with sotorasib (LUMAKRAS® Tablets, Amgen, Japan) between July 2022 and February 2023 at Asahikawa Medical University Hospital. Blood sotorasib levels were monitored, and their association with adverse events was examined, with no adjustments made to drug dosages based on these levels.ResultsVariable blood sotorasib levels were observed among the participants. Notably, one patient developed interstitial pneumonitis, although a definitive attribution to sotorasib was uncertain due to prior pembrolizumab treatment. The study revealed no consistent association between blood sotorasib levels and adverse events or therapeutic outcomes, with some patients experiencing severe side effects at higher concentrations, while others did not.ConclusionPreliminary findings suggested that monitoring blood sotorasib levels may aid in anticipating adverse events in this small cohort. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are required to validate these initial observations. Such studies could potentially offer insights into personalized dosing strategies, thereby mitigating adverse effects and enhance patient care for individuals with KRAS p.G12C-positive NSCLC.
Risk factors for drug-related acute pancreatitis: an analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Mao Wei , Liu Dan , Hu Bin , Lin Xiaofang , Ran Jie , Li Xingxing , Hu Jing 
Published: November 2023

Objective: While several drugs have been linked to acute pancreatitis (AP), the AP-related risk of most drugs remains unclear. This study investigated the risk factors for drug-induced AP by analyzing a large dataset from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).Methods: The reporting odds ratios (ROR) were used to assess the reports of drug-induced AP from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2022. Single-factor, LASSO, and multi-factor regression analysis were performed to explore drug-related AP-related risk factors. Bonferroni correction was applied for the multiple comparisons performed.Results: A total of 264 drugs associated with AP, including antineoplastic drugs (35/264), antidiabetic drugs (28/264), antibacterial drugs (24/264), immunomodulatory drugs (11/264), antipsychotic drugs (6/264), and other drugs (160/264) were retrieved. Multi-factor analysis showed that males, age 41–54 years old, and 36 drugs, including Tigecycline, were risk factors for drug-related AP. The median time to drug-related AP onset was 31 days (interquartile range [IQR] 7–102 days) and about 75% of adverse events occurred within 100 days.Conclusion: These findings may help clinicians to identify drug-related AP at the early stage and can be used to inform future studies of drug-related AP pathogenesis.
Interception of vertically approaching objects: temporal recruitment of the internal model of gravity and contribution of optical information
Authors: Delle Monache Sergio , Paolocci Gianluca , Scalici Francesco , Conti Allegra , Lacquaniti Francesco , Indovina Iole , Bosco Gianfranco 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Recent views posit that precise control of the interceptive timing can be achieved by combining on-line processing of visual information with predictions based on prior experience. Indeed, for interception of free-falling objects under gravity’s effects, experimental evidence shows that time-to-contact predictions can be derived from an internal gravity representation in the vestibular cortex. However, whether the internal gravity model is fully engaged at the target motion outset or reinforced by visual motion processing at later stages of motion is not yet clear. Moreover, there is no conclusive evidence about the relative contribution of internalized gravity and optical information in determining the time-to-contact estimates.Methods: We sought to gain insight on this issue by asking 32 participants to intercept free falling objects approaching directly from above in virtual reality. Object motion had durations comprised between 800 and 1100 ms and it could be either congruent with gravity (1 g accelerated motion) or not (constant velocity or -1 g decelerated motion). We analyzed accuracy and precision of the interceptive responses, and fitted them to Bayesian regression models, which included predictors related to the recruitment of a priori gravity information at different times during the target motion, as well as based on available optical information.Results: Consistent with the use of internalized gravity information, interception accuracy and precision were significantly higher with 1 g motion. Moreover, Bayesian regression indicated that interceptive responses were predicted very closely by assuming engagement of the gravity prior 450 ms after the motion onset, and that adding a predictor related to on-line processing of optical information improved only slightly the model predictive power.Discussion: Thus, engagement of a priori gravity information depended critically on the processing of the first 450 ms of visual motion information, exerting a predominant influence on the interceptive timing, compared to continuously available optical information. Finally, these results may support a parallel processing scheme for the control of interceptive timing.
The impact of adverse childhood experiences and posttraumatic stress symptoms on chronic pain
Authors: Stapleton Peta , Kang Yage , Schwarz Robert , Freedom John 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionChronic pain is a prevalent worldwide health condition. The current study aimed to extend previous research that investigated the dynamics between chronic pain, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).MethodAdult participants worldwide with chronic pain were recruited for this study (N = 199; 89% females). Three hypotheses were proposed: (a) a high ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; (b) a low ACEs score would result in more severe pain intensity and interference compared to no ACEs; and (c) PTSS would fully mediate the ACEs-pain relationship.ResultsInitially results indicated individuals with high ACEs reported more pain interference than those with no ACEs, although pain intensity did not differ between high and no ACEs. However, after controlling for age, socioeconomic status (SES), and pain duration, low and high ACEs were not significantly associated with pain intensity or interference compared to no ACEs. However, SES status was associated with pain intensity and interference, although not with pain interference after adding low and high ACEs to the model. Because of this the mediation exploration of PTSS was not viable.DiscussionImplications for practice, limitations and future research outcomes are outlined.
Prospective comparison of liver stiffness measurement methods in surveillance biopsies after liver transplantation
Authors: Bosselmann Emily A. , Engel Bastian , Hartleben Björn , Wedemeyer Heiner , Jaeckel Elmar , Maasoumy Benjamin , Potthoff Andrej , Zender Steffen , Taubert Richard 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundLiver stiffness measurements (LSMs) have proven useful for non-invasive detection of fibrosis. Previous studies of LSMs after transplantation were performed in cohorts dominated by hepatitis C reinfections and indication biopsies for the evaluation of graft dysfunction. However, the diagnostic fidelity of LSMs for fibrosis is biased by inflammation e.g., during replicative hepatitis C or rejection.Materials and methodsThe current study aimed for a head-to-head comparison of two different LSMs, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) and transient elastography (TE), and a determination of cut-off values for the detection of advanced fibrosis (any LAF score component ≥2) in grafts undergoing surveillance biopsies (svLbx) without recurrent hepatitis C.Results103 svLbx were paired with valid LSMs at time of biopsy. AUROC analyses showed significant positive correlation with fibrosis for both methods (TE: AUROC = 0.819 (p &lt; 0.001; 95%CI: 0.717–0.921); ARFI: AUROC = 0.771 (p = 0.001; 95%CI: 0.652–0.890). Patients were randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts for both LSM methods. Cut-off values were determined at 1.29 m/s (ARFI) and at 7.5 kPa (TE) in training cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity in training and validation cohorts were: TE: SEN 0.818 and 0.5; SPE 0.742 and 0.885; ARFI: SEN 0.818 and 1.0; SPE 0.75 and 0.586. LSMs were not associated with BANFF criteria for relevant graft injury.ConclusionLSM is a good non-invasive tool to screen for advanced graft fibrosis but not for relevant graft injury in patients with (near) normal liver enzymes. Fibrosis cut-off values identified and validated in svLbx were lower than in previous cohorts using indication biopsies.
Preoperative nutritional support in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery affects PREPARE score accuracy
Authors: Skalicky Pavel , Knapkova Katerina , Tesarikova Jana , Gregorik Michal , Klos Dusan , Lovecek Martin 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to validate the accuracy of the Preoperative Pancreatic Resection (PREPARE) risk score in pancreatic resection patients.Patients and methodsThis prospective study included 216 patients who underwent pancreatic resection between January 2015 and December 2018. All patients in our cohort with weight loss or lack of appetite received dietary advice and preoperative oral nutritional supplementation (600 kcal/day). Demographic, clinicopathological, operative, and postoperative data were collected prospectively. The PREPARE score and the predicted risk of major complications were computed for each patient. Differences in major postoperative complications were analyzed using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. The predicted and observed risks of major complications were tested using the C-statistic.ResultsThe study included 216 patients [117 men (54.2%)] with a median age of 65.0 (30.0–83.0) years. The majority of patients were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)’ Physical Status score II (N = 164/216; 75.9%) and as “low risk” PREPARE score (N = 185/216; 85.6%) before the surgery. Only 4 (1.9%) patients were malnourished, with albumin levels of less than 3.5 g/dl. The most common type of pancreatic resection was a pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (N = 122/216; 56.5%). Major morbidity and 30-day mortality rates were 11.1% and 1.9%, respectively. The type of surgical procedure (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.849; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.208–12.264) and ASA score (HR: 3.089; 95% CI: 1.067–8.947) were significantly associated with the incidence of major postoperative complications in multivariate analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.657 for incremental values and 0.559 for risk categories, indicating a weak predictive model.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that the PREPARE risk score has low accuracy in predicting the risk of major complications in patients with consistent preoperative nutritional support. This limits the use of PREPARE risk score in future preoperative clinical routines.
Phylogenetics Study to Compare Chloroplast Genomes in Four Magnoliaceae Species
Authors: Zhao Jianyun , Chen Hu , Li Gaiping , Jumaturti Maimaiti Aisha , Yao Xiaomin , Hu Ying 
Published: November 2023

Magnoliaceae, a family of perennial woody plants, contains several endangered species whose taxonomic status remains ambiguous. The study of chloroplast genome information can help in the protection of Magnoliaceae plants and confirmation of their phylogenetic relationships. In this study, the chloroplast genomes were sequenced, assembled, and annotated in Woonyoungia septentrionalis and three Michelia species (Michelia champaca, Michelia figo, and Michelia macclurei). Comparative analyses of genomic characteristics, repetitive sequences, and sequence differences were performed among the four Magnoliaceae plants, and phylogenetic relationships were constructed with twenty different magnolia species. The length of the chloroplast genomes varied among the four studied species ranging from 159,838 bp (Woonyoungia septentrionalis) to 160,127 bp (Michelia macclurei). Four distinct hotspot regions were identified based on nucleotide polymorphism analysis. They were petA-psbJ, psbJ-psbE, ndhD-ndhE, and rps15-ycf1. These gene fragments may be developed and utilized as new molecular marker primers. By using Liriodendron tulipifera and Liriodendron chinense as outgroups reference, a phylogenetic tree of the four Magnoliaceae species and eighteen other Magnoliaceae species was constructed with the method of Shared Coding Sequences (CDS). Results showed that the endangered species, W. septentrionalis, is relatively genetically distinct from the other three species, indicating the different phylogenetic processes among Magnoliaceae plants. Therefore, further genetic information is required to determine the relationships within Magnoliaceae. Overall, complete chloroplast genome sequences for four Magnoliaceae species reported in this paper have shed more light on phylogenetic relationships within the botanical group.