bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a flipped classroom teaching model based on micro-videos in the standardized training of dermatological residents in China
Authors: Li Yang , Tang Xian-fa , Cheng Hui 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of a micro-video-based flipped classroom teaching model on the standardized training of dermatological residents in China.MethodsA total of 78 residents who had received standardized training at the Department of Dermatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (39 residents) and a control group (39 residents). The experimental group received micro-video-based flipped classroom teaching, whereas the control group received traditional lecture-based classroom teaching. Scores relating to theoretical knowledge of dermatology, clinical practice skills, and the results of a questionnaire survey were used to evaluate the teaching effects.ResultsThe average score of the experimental group in the theoretical knowledge test (88.56 ± 5.80) was significantly higher than that of the control group (81.90 ± 7.45). Similarly, the average score of the experimental group in the clinical practice skills test (85.44 ± 5.97) was also significantly higher than that of the control group (78.46 ± 5.94). The results of the questionnaire survey showed that the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in learning interest, mastery of teaching content, communication skills, expression skills, clinical practice skills, autonomous learning, clinical thinking, clinical application, and team cooperation.ConclusionFlipped classroom teaching based on micro-videos helped to improve the teaching effects of theoretical knowledge, clinical practice skills, and residents’ comprehensive ability during dermatological residents’ standardized training.
The chemistry of gut microbiome-derived lipopolysaccharides impacts on the occurrence of food allergy in the pediatric age
Authors: Di Lorenzo Flaviana , Paparo Lorella , Pisapia Laura , Oglio Franca , Pither Molly Dorothy , Cirella Roberta , Nocerino Rita , Carucci Laura , Silipo Alba , de Filippis Francesca , Ercolini Danilo , Molinaro Antonio , Berni Canani Roberto 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Food allergy (FA) in children is a major health concern. A better definition of the pathogenesis of the disease could facilitate effective preventive and therapeutic measures. Gut microbiome alterations could modulate the occurrence of FA, although the mechanisms involved in this phenomenon are poorly characterized. Gut bacteria release signaling byproducts from their cell wall, such as lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), which can act locally and systemically, modulating the immune system function.Methods: In the current study gut microbiome-derived LPS isolated from fecal samples of FA and healthy children was chemically characterized providing insights into the carbohydrate and lipid composition as well as into the LPS macromolecular nature. In addition, by means of a chemical/MALDI-TOF MS and MS/MS approach we elucidated the gut microbiome-derived lipid A mass spectral profile directly on fecal samples. Finally, we evaluated the pro-allergic and pro-tolerogenic potential of these fecal LPS and lipid A by harnessing peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors.Results: By analyzing fecal samples, we have identified different gut microbiome-derived LPS chemical features comparing FA children and healthy controls. We also have provided evidence on a different immunoregulatory action elicited by LPS on peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from healthy donors suggesting that LPS from healthy individuals could be able to protect against the occurrence of FA, while LPS from children affected by FA could promote the allergic response.Discussion: Altogether these data highlight the relevance of gut microbiome-derived LPSs as potential biomarkers for FA and as a target of intervention to limit the disease burden.
Sex-specific relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and amyloid-β in cognitively unimpaired individuals
Authors: Kang Sung Hoon , Yoo Heejin , Cheon Bo Kyoung , Kim Jun Pyo , Jang Hyemin , Kim Hee Jin , Kang Mira , Oh Kyungmi , Koh Seong-Beom , Na Duk L. , Chang Yoosoo , Seo Sang Won 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be associated with a high risk of clinically diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, the prevalence of NAFLD and AD is higher in elderly females than in males. However, a sex-specific association between NAFLD and amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the sex-specific relationship between NAFLD and Aβ deposition in a large-sized cohort of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals.MethodsWe enrolled 673 (410 [60.9%] females and 263 [39.1%] males) CU individuals aged ≥45 years who underwent Aβ positron emission tomography (PET). The presence of NAFLD, assessed using the hepatic steatosis index, and the severity of NAFLD, assessed using the Fibrosis-4 index, were considered predictors. Aβ deposition on PET was considered as an outcome.ResultsFemales had a higher frequency of NAFLD than males (48 and 23.2%, p &lt; 0.001). Among females, the presence of NAFLD (β = 0.216, p &lt; 0.001) was predictive of increased Aβ deposition, whereas among males, the presence of NAFLD (β = 0.191, p = 0.064) was not associated with Aβ deposition. Among females, the presence of NAFLD with low (β = 0.254, p = 0.039), intermediate (β = 0.201, p = 0.006), and high fibrosis (β = 0.257, p = 0.027) was predictive of increased Aβ deposition. Aβ deposition also increased as the severity of NAFLD increased in females (p for trend = 0.001).ConclusionWe highlight the marked influence of NAFLD and its severity on the risk of Aβ deposition in relation to sex. Furthermore, our findings suggest that sex-specific strategies regarding the management of NAFLD are necessary for the prevention of Aβ deposition.
Computational assessment of visual coding across mouse brain areas and behavioural states
Authors: Xie Yizhou , Sadeh Sadra 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionOur brain is bombarded by a diverse range of visual stimuli, which are converted into corresponding neuronal responses and processed throughout the visual system. The neural activity patterns that result from these external stimuli vary depending on the object or scene being observed, but they also change as a result of internal or behavioural states. This raises the question of to what extent it is possible to predict the presented visual stimuli from neural activity across behavioural states, and how this varies in different brain regions.MethodsTo address this question, we assessed the computational capacity of decoders to extract visual information in awake behaving mice, by analysing publicly available standardised datasets from the Allen Brain Institute. We evaluated how natural movie frames can be distinguished based on the activity of units recorded in distinct brain regions and under different behavioural states. This analysis revealed the spectrum of visual information present in different brain regions in response to binary and multiclass classification tasks.ResultsVisual cortical areas showed highest classification accuracies, followed by thalamic and midbrain regions, with hippocampal regions showing close to chance accuracy. In addition, we found that behavioural variability led to a decrease in decoding accuracy, whereby large behavioural changes between train and test sessions reduced the classification performance of the decoders. A generalised linear model analysis suggested that this deterioration in classification might be due to an independent modulation of neural activity by stimulus and behaviour. Finally, we reconstructed the natural movie frames from optimal linear classifiers, and observed a strong similarity between reconstructed and actual movie frames. However, the similarity was significantly higher when the decoders were trained and tested on sessions with similar behavioural states.ConclusionOur analysis provides a systematic assessment of visual coding in the mouse brain, and sheds light on the spectrum of visual information present across brain areas and behavioural states.
Hearing loss, depression, and cognition in younger and older adult CI candidates
Authors: Huber Maria , Reuter Lisa , Weitgasser Lennart , Pletzer Belinda , Rösch Sebastian , Illg Angelika 
Published: October 2023

Background and AimHearing loss in old age is associated with cognitive decline and with depression. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between hearing loss, cognitive decline, and secondary depressive symptoms in a sample of younger and older cochlear implant candidates with profound to severe hearing loss.MethodsThis study is part of a larger cohort study designated to provide information on baseline data before CI. Sixty-one cochlear implant candidates with hearing loss from adulthood onwards (&gt;18 years) were enrolled in this study. All had symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss in both ears (four-frequency hearing threshold difference of no more than 20 dB, PTA). Individuals with primary affective disorders, psychosis, below-average intelligence, poor German language skills, visual impairment, and a medical diagnosis with potential impact on cognition (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases,) were excluded. Four-frequency hearing thresholds (dB, PTA, better ear) were collected. Using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, we assessed subjective hearing in noise. Clinical and subclinical depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI II). Cognitive status was assessed with a neurocognitive test battery.ResultsOur findings revealed a significant negative association between subjective hearing in noise (APHAB subscale “Background Noise”) and BDII. However, we did not observe any link between hearing thresholds, depression, and cognition. Additionally, no differences emerged between younger (25–54 years) and older subjects (55–75 years). Unexpectedly, further unplanned analyses unveiled correlations between subjective hearing in quiet environments (APHAB) and cognitive performance [phonemic fluency (Regensburg Word Fluency), cognitive flexibility (TMTB), and nonverbal episodic memory (Nonverbal Learning Test), as well as subjective hearing of aversive/loud sounds (APHAB)], cognitive performance [semantic word fluency (RWT), and inhibition (Go/Nogo) and depression]. Duration of hearing loss and speech recognition at quiet (Freiburg Monosyllables) were not related to depression and cognitive performance.ConclusionImpact of hearing loss on mood and cognition appears to be independent, suggesting a relationship with distinct aspects of hearing loss. These results underscore the importance of considering not only conventional audiometric measures like hearing thresholds but also variables related to hearing abilities during verbal communication in everyday life, both in quiet and noisy settings.
The value of ultrasound measurement of muscle thickness at different sites and shear wave elastography in Parkinson’s disease with sarcopenia: a pilot study
Authors: Chen Minglei , Liu Xiaofang , Liu Qiuwan , Ding Changwei , Zhao Ping , Zhang Yingchun , Mao Chengjie , Liu Chunfeng 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundPatients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and sarcopenia often exhibit resilience, frailty, disability, and depression, highlighting the complex and interrelated nature of these conditions.ObjectiveDespite the presence of clinical manifestations of muscle atrophy in both PD and sarcopenia, accurately discerning the coexistence of sarcopenia in PD patients remains a challenging task with significant implications for treatment strategies and prognostic assessments. This study aims to elucidate the specific ultrasonic diagnostic parameters associated with PD accompanied by sarcopenia through a comparative analysis of muscle ultrasound parameters in patients with PD, thereby presenting a novel approach for rapid identification of this condition.MethodsA total of 110 participants were enrolled in this study, including patients with PD and control subjects. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, physical performance tests, appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), bioelectrical impedance analysis and muscle ultrasound measurements were collected from all participants. The muscle ultrasound measurements encompassed assessments of muscle thickness, pennation angle and shear wave elastography at various anatomical sites.ResultsParkinson’s disease patients exhibited decreased muscle strength and physical performance, and increased shear wave elastography value. In PD patients with sarcopenia, body circumference, including calf circumference, mid-arm circumference, Waist-to-Hip Ratio and body mass index (BMI) were all significantly decreased. Biceps brachii muscle thickness (MT) and gastrocnemius MT decreased in PD patients with sarcopenia and low ASMI. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that male PD patients, BMI and gastrocnemius MT were predictive factors for ASMI in PD patients.ConclusionBiceps brachii MT and gastrocnemius MT are important indicators for distinguishing whether PD patients have sarcopenia. Male patients, low BMI and gastrocnemius MT were identified as valid predictors of low ASMI in PD patients. The findings of this study provide important insights into the use of muscle ultrasound in the diagnosis of PD with sarcopenia.
Analysis of some flavonoids for inhibitory mechanism against cancer target phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) using computational tool
Authors: Suhail Mohd , AlZahrani Wejdan M. , Shakil Shazi , Tarique Mohammad , Tabrez Shams , Zughaibi Torki A. , Rehan Mohd 
Published: October 2023

Cancer has been one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide over the past few years. Some progress has been made in the development of more effective cancer therapeutics, resulting in improved survival rates. However, the desired outcome in the form of successful treatment is yet to be achieved. There is high demand for the development of innovative, inexpensive, and effective anticancer treatments using natural resources. Natural compounds have been increasingly discovered and used for cancer therapy owing to their high molecular diversity, novel biofunctionality, and minimal side effects. These compounds can be utilized as chemopreventive agents because they can efficiently inhibit cell growth, control cell cycle progression, and block several tumor-promoting signaling pathways. PI3K is an important upstream protein of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway and a well-established cancer therapeutic target. This study aimed to explore the small molecules, natural flavonoids, viz. quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, genistein, wogonin, daidzein, and flavopiridol for PI3Kγ kinase activity inhibition. In this study, the binding pose, interacting residues, molecular interactions, binding energies, and dissociation constants were investigated. Our results showed that these flavonoids bound well with PI3Kγ with adequate binding strength scores and binding energy ranging from (−8.19 to −8.97 Kcal/mol). Among the explored ligands, flavopiridol showed the highest binding energy of −8.97 Kcal/mol, dock score (−44.40), and dissociation constant term, pKd of 6.58 against PI3Kγ. Based on the above results, the stability of the most promising ligand, flavopiridol, against PI3Kγ was evaluated by molecular dynamics simulations for 200 ns, confirming the stable flavopiridol and PI3Kγ complex. Our study suggests that among the selected flavonoids specifically flavopiridol may act as potential inhibitors of PI3Kγ and could be a therapeutic alternative to inhibit the PI3Kγ pathway, providing new insights into rational drug discovery research for cancer therapy.
Safety of sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Li Chun Xing , Liu Tian Tian , Zhang Qian , Xie Qing , Geng Xu Hua , Man Chun Xia , Li Jia Yi , Mao Xin Ying , Qiao Yue , Liu Hua 
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), lower limb amputation (LLA), urinary tract infections (UTI), genital tract infections (GTI), bone fracture, and hypoglycemia in cohort studies.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed and Embase databases to identify cohort studies comparing the safety of SGLT-2i versus other glucose-lowering drugs (oGLD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Primary endpoints were DKA and LLA, while secondary endpoints included UTI, GTI, bone fracture, and hypoglycemia. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.Results: A total of 9,911,454 patients from 40 cohort studies were included in the analysis. SGLT-2i use was associated with a higher risk of DKA (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38, p = 0.003) and GTI (HR: 2.72, 95% CI: 2.48–2.98, p &lt; 0.01). However, it was not associated with an increased risk of LLA (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92–1.23, p = 0.42), UTI (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.89–1.10, p = 0.83), or bone fracture (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.94–1.04, p = 0.66). Furthermore, SGLT-2i was associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Furthermore, compared to dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, SGLT-2i as a class and individually was associated with an increased risk of DKA. Canagliflozin specifically increased the risk of LLA (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.36, p = 0.01). The subgroup analysis suggested that SGLT-2i increased the risk of LLA among patients with a history of cardiovascular disease.Conclusion: SGLT-2i versus oGLD was associated with a similar occurrence of LLA, UTI, and bone fracture. However, SGLT-2i was associated with a higher risk of DKA and GTI than oGLD. These findings provide valuable information on the safety profile of SGLT-2i in patients with T2DM and can help inform clinical decision-making.
Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory potential of Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) using pre-clinical rodent model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sattar Sara , Shabbir Arham , Shahzad Muhammad , Akhtar Tasleem , Anjum Syed Muneeb , Bourhia Mohammed , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bin Jardan Yousef A. , Dauelbait Musaab , Mobashar Aisha 
Published: October 2023

Background: Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is naturally present in Lawsonia Inermis and flowers of Eicchornia crassipes. This study assessed the anti-arthritic potential of Lawsone, using FCA-induced Sprague-Dawley rats.Methods: Arthritic progress was analyzed through a macroscopic scoring scale, measurement of paw edema, and histopathological changes. Effects of Lawsone on mRNA expression levels of inflammatory markers were examined using the reverse transcription PCR technique. ELISA technique was used to evaluate the PGE2 levels. Moreover, levels of biochemical and hematological parameters were also analyzed.Results: The research elucidated that Lawsone showed an inhibitory potential towards arthritic progress and ameliorated the paw edema. The histopathological analysis also validated the inhibition in arthritic development. Treatment with Lawosne reduced the expression levels of inflammatory markers in rats i.e., VEGF, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-3, NF-κB, IL-1β, and IL-6. PGE2 levels (all p &lt; 0.001) were also found reduced in treatment groups. Lab investigations showed improved results of hematological and hepatic parameters in the treated groups as compared to the positive control. This study found no hepatotoxic or nephrotoxic effects of Lawsone in the test doses.Conclusion: Lawsone possesses an anti-arthritic property which could be ascribed to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.
Baroreflex sensitivity following acute upper-body exercise in the cold among stable coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Pikkarainen Kalle , Valtonen Rasmus I. P. , Hintsala Heidi E. , Kiviniemi Antti , Crandall Craig G. , Perkiömäki Juha , Hautala Arto J. , Tulppo Mikko P. , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. , Ikäheimo Tiina M. 
Published: October 2023

Background: A cold environment and exercise separately affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and blood pressure variability (BPV) but their combined effects on post-exercise recovery are not known. Our cross-over trial examined these responses following upper-body static and dynamic exercise performed in a cold and neutral environment in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methods: 20 patients with stable coronary artery disease performed both graded static (10%–30% of maximal voluntary contraction) and dynamic (light, moderate and high perceived intensity) upper-body exercise at −15°C and +22°C for 30 min. Electrocardiogram and continuous blood pressure were measured to compute post-exercise (10 and 30 min after exercise) spectral powers of heart rate (HR), blood pressure variability and BRS at low (0.04–0.15 Hz) and high (0.15–0.4 Hz) frequencies.Results: Static upper-body exercise performed in a cold environment increased post-exercise high frequency (HF) spectral power of heart rate (HF RR) (p &lt; 0.001) and reduced heart rate (p = 0.001) and low-to-high frequency (LF/HF) ratio (p = 0.006) more than in a neutral environment. In addition, post-exercise mean BRS (p = 0.015) and high frequency BRS (p = 0.041) increased more following static exercise in the cold than in a neutral environment. Dynamic upper-body exercise performed in a cold environment reduced post-exercise HF BRS (p = 0.019) and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.003).Conclusion: Static upper-body exercise in the cold increased post-exercise BRS and overall vagal activity but without reduced systolic blood pressure. Dynamic upper-body exercise in the cold reduced post-exercise vagal BRS but did not affect the other parameters. The influence of cold exposure on post-exercise autonomic and cardiovascular responses following static upper-body exercise require further studies. This information helps understanding why persons with cardiovascular diseases are vulnerable to low environmental temperature. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02855905 (04/08/2016).