bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of challenging treadmill speed-dependent gait and perturbation-induced balance training in chronic stroke patients with low ambulation ability: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hu Jia , Jin Lingjing , Wang Yubing , Shen Xia 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundTreadmill training shows advantages in the specificity, amount, and intensity of gait and balance practice for the rehabilitation of stroke patients.ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of challenging treadmill speed-dependent gait and perturbation-induced balance training in chronic stroke patients with low ambulation ability.MethodsFor this randomized controlled trial (Chinese Clinical Trials.gov registration number ChiCTR-IOR-16009536) with blinded testers, we recruited 33 ambulatory stroke participants with restricted community ambulation capacity and randomly assigned them into two groups: the experimental group with 2 week treadmill speed-dependent gait training combined with 2 week treadmill perturbation-induced balance training (EXP) or the control group with traditional gait and balance training (CON). Various variables were recorded during EXP training, including the rating of perceived exertion, heart rate, causes of pauses, treadmill speed, and perturbation intensity. Outcome measures were examined before training and at 2 and 4 weeks after training. They included gait velocity during five-meter walk test at comfortable and fast speed and reactive balance ability in the compensatory stepping test as primary outcome measures, as well as dynamic balance ability (timed up-and-go test and 5 times sit-to-stand test) and balance confidence as secondary outcome measures.ResultsAll participants completed the study. The treadmill speed and perturbation intensity significantly increased across training sessions in the EXP group, and no adverse effects occurred. The normal and fast gait velocities showed significant time and group interaction effects. They significantly increased after 2 and 4 weeks of training in the EXP group (p &lt; 0.05) but not in the CON group (p &gt; 0.05). Likewise, dynamic balance ability measured using the timed up-and-go test at a fast speed significantly improved after 2 and 4 weeks of training in the EXP group (p &lt; 0.05) but not in the CON group (p &gt; 0.05), although without a significant time and group interaction effect. Surprisingly, the reactive balance ability did not show improvement after treatment in the EXP group (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionChallenging treadmill speed-dependent gait and treadmill perturbation-induced balance training is feasible and effective to improve ambulation function in chronic stroke patients with low ambulation ability.
Association between selenium intake and migraine: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Leiyong , Yin Jiahui , Li Xiaotong , Lu Xixue 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundDietary interventions for migraine are receiving increasing attention. However, it remains unclear whether there is any relationship between migraine and selenium intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between selenium intake and migraine.MethodsWe used multivariate logistic regression equations to explore the association between selenium intake and migraine. Restricted cubic splines were used to examine the presence of non-linear relationships. Upon finding a non-linear relationship, a recursive algorithm was used to calculate the inflection point. Population differences were also explored through stratified analysis.ResultsIn the model adjusted for all covariates, the ORs (95% CI) for the association between selenium intake and migraine were 0.96 (0.88, 1.04), which was no statistical significance. However, the result of the linear trend test with quadrilles of selenium intake indicated the association between selenium intake and migraine may be non-linear. The restricted cubic splines confirmed this non-linear relationship, finding an inflection point (93.1 mcg/day), where the odds of migraine decreased with increasing selenium intake before the inflection point, and no statistically significant relationship was found after the inflection point. The association between selenium intake and migraine was non-linear in all strata except the obese.ConclusionWe found a non-linear association between selenium intake and migraine in the general American population.
Contextualizing the impact of prenatal alcohol and tobacco exposure on neurodevelopment in a South African birth cohort: an analysis from the socioecological perspective
Authors: Xia Yingjing , Rebello Vida , Bodison Stefanie C. , Jonker Deborah , Steigelmann Babette , Donald Kirsten A. , Charles Weslin , Stein Dan J. , Ipser Jonathan , Ahmadi Hedyeh , Kan Eric , Sowell Elizabeth R. , Narr Katherine L. , Joshi Shantanu H. , Odendaal Hein J. , Uban Kristina A. 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundAlcohol and tobacco are known teratogens. Historically, more severe prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and prenatal tobacco exposure (PTE) have been examined as the principal predictor of neurodevelopmental alterations, with little incorporation of lower doses or ecological contextual factors that can also impact neurodevelopment, such as socioeconomic resources (SER) or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Here, a novel analytical approach informed by a socio-ecological perspective was used to examine the associations between SER, PAE and/or PTE, and ACEs, and their effects on neurodevelopment.MethodsN= 313 mother-child dyads were recruited from a prospective birth cohort with maternal report of PAE and PTE, and cross-sectional structural brain neuroimaging of child acquired via 3T scanner at ages 8–11 years.In uteroSER was measured by maternal education, household income, and home utility availability. The child’s ACEs were measured by self-report assisted by the researcher. PAE was grouped into early exposure (&lt;12 weeks), continued exposure (&gt;=12 weeks), and no exposure controls. PTE was grouped into exposed and non-exposed controls.ResultsGreater access to SER during pregnancy was associated with fewer ACEs (maternal education: β = −0.293,p= 0.01; phone access: β = −0.968,p= 0.05). PTE partially mediated the association between SER and ACEs, where greater SER reduced the likelihood of PTE, which was positively associated with ACEs (β = 1.110,p= 0.01). SER was associated with alterations in superior frontal (β = −1336.036,q= 0.046), lateral orbitofrontal (β = −513.865,q= 0.046), caudal anterior cingulate volumes (β = −222.982,q= 0.046), with access to phone negatively associated with all three brain volumes. Access to water was positively associated with superior frontal volume (β=1569.527,q= 0.013). PTE was associated with smaller volumes of lateral orbitofrontal (β = −331.000,q= 0.033) and nucleus accumbens regions (β = −34.800,q= 0.033).ConclusionResearch on neurodevelopment following community-levels of PAE and PTE should more regularly consider the ecological context to accelerate understanding of teratogenic outcomes. Further research is needed to replicate this novel conceptual approach with varying PAE and PTE patterns, to disentangle the interplay between dose, community-level and individual-level risk factors on neurodevelopment.
PLX4032 resistance of patient-derived melanoma cells: crucial role of oxidative metabolism
Authors: Garbarino Ombretta , Valenti Giulia Elda , Monteleone Lorenzo , Pietra Gabriella , Mingari Maria Cristina , Benzi Andrea , Bruzzone Santina , Ravera Silvia , Leardi Riccardo , Farinini Emanuele , Vernazza Stefania , Grottoli Melania , Marengo Barbara , Domenicotti Cinzia 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundMalignant melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer which shows BRAF mutation in 50% of patients. In this context, the identification of BRAFV600E mutation led to the development of specific inhibitors like PLX4032. Nevertheless, although its initial success, its clinical efficacy is reduced after six-months of therapy leading to cancer relapse due to the onset of drug resistance. Therefore, investigating the mechanisms underlying PLX4032 resistance is fundamental to improve therapy efficacy. In this context, several models of PLX4032 resistance have been developed, but the discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo results often limits their clinical translation.MethodsThe herein reported model has been realized by treating with PLX4032, for six months, patient-derived BRAF-mutated melanoma cells in order to obtain a reliable model of acquired PLX4032 resistance that could be predictive of patient’s treatment responses. Metabolic analyses were performed by evaluating glucose consumption, ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption rate, P/O ratio, ATP/AMP ratio, lactate release, lactate dehydrogenase activity, NAD+/NADH ratio and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in parental and drug resistant melanoma cells. The intracellular oxidative state was analyzed in terms of reactive oxygen species production, glutathione levels and NADPH/NADP+ ratio. In addition, a principal component analysis was conducted in order to identify the variables responsible for the acquisition of targeted therapy resistance.ResultsCollectively, our results demonstrate, for the first time in patient-derived melanoma cells, that the rewiring of oxidative phosphorylation and the maintenance of pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and of high glutathione levels contribute to trigger the onset of PLX4032 resistance.ConclusionTherefore, it is possible to hypothesize that inhibitors of glutathione biosynthesis and/or pyruvate dehydrogenase activity could be used in combination with PLX4032 to overcome drug resistance of BRAF-mutated melanoma patients. However, the identification of new adjuvant targets related to drug-induced metabolic reprogramming could be crucial to counteract the failure of targeted therapy in metastatic melanoma.
Improving the detection of Helicobacter pylori in biopsies of chronic gastritis: a comparative analysis of H&E, methylene blue, Warthin-Starry, immunohistochemistry, and quantum dots immunohistochemistry
Authors: Wan Weisong , Wang Le , Liu Yufei , Hu Yuchang 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to compare the consistency of various staining methods, including H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, Warthin-Starry (W-S), Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Quantum dots immunohistochemistry (QDs-IHC), in detecting Helicobacter pylori (HP) in cases of mild, moderate and severe chronic gastritis.MethodsBiopsy samples were obtained from 225 patients with chronic gastritis at the Department of Pathology, Yichang Central People’s Hospital between January 2019 and October 2019. The presence of HP was detected using H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, W-S, IHC, and QDs-IHC.ResultsThe positive rates for HP detection using H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, W-S, IHC, and QDs-IHC were 42.22%, 51.11%, 53.78%, 59.11%, and 58.67%, respectively. In cases of mild chronic gastritis, the consistency of test results between H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, W-S, and QDs-IHC with IHC were Kappa=0.196, P=0.033, Kappa=0.706, P&lt;0.001, Kappa=0.717, P&lt;0.001, and Kappa=0.968, P&lt;0.001, respectively. Similarly, in cases of moderate chronic gastritis, Kappa values between H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, W-S, and QDs-IHC with IHC were 0.356, P&lt;0.001, 0.655, P&lt;0.001, 0.741, P&lt;0.001, and 0.946, P&lt;0.001, respectively. For cases of severe chronic gastritis, the Kappa values between the staining methods and IHC were 0.271, P=0.037, 0.421, P=0.002, 0.621, P&lt;0.001, and 1, P&lt; 0.001, respectively.ConclusionThe study showed that the positivity rate of IHC was significantly higher than that of H&amp;E, Methylene Blue, and W-S in detecting HP infection in chronic gastritis cases. In terms of consistency with IHC, QDs-IHC was the most reliable staining method across all severity grades, while the agreement between H&amp;E and IHC was poor, and that between Methylene Blue and W-S with IHC was average. Pathology departments may choose the most appropriate staining method based on their specific needs, considering the staining time, contrast, and cost of each method.
Effect of esketamine nasal drops on pain in children after tonsillectomy using low temperature plasma ablation
Authors: Qian Qiu , Liu Hua Xian , Li Yue Qing 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of esketamine nasal drops on pain in children after tonsillectomy using low-temperature plasma ablation.Methods76 children who underwent tonsillectomy between May 2020 and July 2021, were randomly divided into two groups of 38 cases each. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional medication, while those in the study group were treated with esketamine nasal drops, along with the routine drug treatment. Pain levels of children in the two groups were compared within 1–3 days post-surgery, and the pseudomembrane formation and shedding-off time and recovery time were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe pain level of children in the study group was lower than that of the control group 1–3 days post-surgery. The pseudomembrane formation and shedding-off time and recovery time in the study group were shorter than in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups, and there were no serious adverse reactions in the two groups (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionIt is safe to use esketamine nasal drops in children after tonsillectomy using low temperature plasma ablation, and this is found to reduce pain and shorten the recovery time.
Dark-field X-ray imaging for the assessment of osteoporosis in human lumbar spine specimens
Authors: Gassert Florian T. , Urban Theresa , Kufner Alexander , Frank Manuela , Feuerriegel Georg C. , Baum Thomas , Makowski Marcus R. , Braun Christian , Pfeiffer Daniela , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Pfeiffer Franz , Gersing Alexandra S. 
Published: July 2023

Background: Dark-field imaging is a novel imaging modality that allows for the assessment of material interfaces by exploiting the wave character of x-ray. While it has been extensively studied in chest imaging, only little is known about the modality for imaging other tissues. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a clinical X-ray dark-field scanner prototype allows for the assessment of osteoporosis.Materials and methods: In this prospective study we examined human cadaveric lumbar spine specimens (vertebral segments L2 to L4). We used a clinical prototype for dark-field radiography that yields both attenuation and dark-field images. All specimens were scanned in lateral orientation in vertical and horizontal position. All specimens were additionally imaged with CT as reference. Bone mineral density (BMD) values were derived from asynchronously calibrated quantitative CT measurements. Correlations between attenuation signal, dark-field signal and BMD were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. The capability of the dark-field signal for the detection of osteoporosis/osteopenia was evaluated with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.Results: A total of 58 vertebrae from 20 human cadaveric spine specimens (mean age, 73 years ±13 [standard deviation]; 11 women) were studied. The dark-field signal was positively correlated with the BMD, both in vertical (r = 0.56, p &lt; .001) and horizontal position (r = 0.43, p &lt; .001). Also, the dark-field signal ratio was positively correlated with BMD (r = 0.30, p = .02). No correlation was found between the signal ratio of attenuation signal and BMD (r = 0.14, p = .29). For the differentiation between specimens with and without osteoporosis/osteopenia, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.80 for the dark-field signal in vertical position.Conclusion: Dark-field imaging allows for the differentiation between spine specimens with and without osteoporosis/osteopenia and may therefore be a potential biomarker for bone stability.
Acute stress imparts a transient benefit to task-switching that is not modulated following a single bout of exercise
Authors: Morava Anisa , Tari Benjamin , Ahn Joshua , Shirzad Mustafa , Heath Matthew , Prapavessis Harry 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionCognitive flexibility represents a core component of executive function that promotes the ability to efficiently alternate—or “switch”—between different tasks. Literature suggests that acute stress negatively impacts cognitive flexibility, whereas a single bout of aerobic exercise supports a postexercise improvement in cognitive flexibility. Here, we examined whether a single bout of aerobic exercise attenuates a stress-induced decrement in task-switching.Materials and MethodsForty participants (age range = 19–30) completed the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and were randomized into separate Exercise or Rest groups entailing 20-min sessions of heavy intensity exercise (80% of heart rate maximum via cycle ergometer) or rest, respectively. Stress induction was confirmed via state anxiety and heart rate. Task-switching was assessed prior to the TSST (i.e., pre-TSST), following the TSST (i.e., post-TSST), and following Exercise and Rest interventions (i.e., post-intervention) via pro- (i.e., saccade to veridical target location) and antisaccades (i.e., saccade mirror-symmetrical to target location) arranged in an AABB task-switching paradigm. The underlying principle of the AABB paradigm suggests that when prosaccades are preceded by antisaccades (i.e., task-switch trials), the reaction times are longer compared to their task-repeat counterparts (i.e., unidirectional prosaccade switch-cost).ResultsAs expected, the pre-TSST assessment yielded a prosaccade switch cost. Notably, post-TSST physiological measures indicated a reliable stress response and at this assessment a null prosaccade switch-cost was observed. In turn, post-intervention assessments revealed a switch-cost independent of Exercise and Rest groups.ConclusionAccordingly, the immediate effects of acute stress supported improved task-switching in young adults; however, these benefits were not modulated by a single bout of aerobic exercise.
Traumatized German soldiers with moral injury – value-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy to treat war-related shame
Authors: Diekmann Caroline , Issels Leonie , Alliger-Horn Christina , Rau Heinrich , Fischer Christian , Thiel Thomas , Willmund Gerd , Zimmermann Peter 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionDuring deployment, soldiers are confronted with potentially morally injurious events. In many cases, these events violate their personal values and belief systems, resulting in feelings of anger, alienation, guilt, and shame. The psychological distress caused by such transgressions is defined as moral injury. It remains unclear to date, which therapeutic interventions are most appropriate for addressing this specific psychological condition. This study examines the effectiveness of value-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy combining elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, spiritual care, and adaptive disclosure therapy.Materials and methodsThis controlled study uses the Compass of Shame Scale to assess symptom severity among participants both before and after a three-week inpatient group therapy regimen for moral injury. An intervention group (n = 45) was compared to a waiting-list control group (n = 40). A one-way between subjects ANOVA was conducted to determine the differences between the two measurement points in the intervention group compared to the control group. A positive ethics vote from the Humboldt University Berlin (Charité) was available (No.EA1/092/15).ResultsA significant difference was found on the shame-associated maladaptive strategies subscales of attack self (F (1, 83) = 5.942, p = 0.017, Cohen’s f = 0,27), withdrawal (F (1, 83) = 8.263, p = 0.005, Cohen’s f = 0,32), and attack others (F (1, 83) = 10.552, p = 0.002, Cohen’s f = 0,36) of the Compass of Shame Scale between the intervention group and the control group at the p &lt; 0.05 level in the pre- and post-treatment (t1-t2) comparison.ConclusionThis study suggests that the special therapeutic focus in cognitive-behavioral group therapy can alter shame-based maladaptive coping behaviors in response to war-related moral injury. This study provides further evidence that therapeutic approaches – through fostering a reconciliatory, compassionate, and forgiving approach toward oneself and others – target the underlying mechanisms of moral injury. Therefore, value-based cognitive-behavioral interventions should be considered as a standard element of trauma care in a military setting. Future studies should further examine such interventions in randomized control trials. It would also be particularly valuable for future studies to include a follow-up time point.
Health behavior of Austrian tertiary students focusing on diet type linked to sports and exercise—first glimpse of results from the “sustainably healthy—from science 2 high school and university” study
Authors: Wirnitzer Katharina C. , Motevalli Mohamad , Cocca Armando , Tanous Derrick R. , Wirnitzer Gerold , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Schätzer Manuel , Drenowatz Clemens , Ruedl Gerhard , Kirschner Werner 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThere is a strong association between lifestyle behavior and health status. While young adulthood is a critical period for adopting and stabilizing lifelong healthy behavior, university life is independently associated with psychological stressors that may further affect health and well-being.ObjectiveThe present multidisciplinary study aimed to examine the health behavior of Austrian college and university students, differentiated based on diet types (vegan, vegetarian, and omnivorous) and physical activity (PA) habits.MethodsFollowing a cross-sectional study design, a total number of 6,148 students (65.3% females; 66.1% bachelor students, 67.0% from urban areas; mean age: 24.8 years) from 52 Austrian college/universities participated in an online survey and provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, PA habits, and other lifestyle behavior characteristics, including alcohol intake and smoking.ResultsAcross the total sample, 74.0% had a normal weight (BMI = 18.5–25.0 kg/m2), while the prevalence of overweight/obesity (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) was lower in females than males and more in rural than urban students (p &lt; 0.01). The general prevalence of vegetarian and vegan diets was 22.8 and 6.0%, respectively, with a predominance of females, graduates, and urban students compared to their peers (p &lt; 0.01). The majority of students (79.3%) had a regular engagement in sport/exercise, with a predominance of vegetarian or vegan students compared to omnivores (p &lt; 0.01). Vegans and vegetarians had a lower alcohol intake (p &lt; 0.01) but no differences in smoking habits (p &gt; 0.05) compared to omnivores. Students engaging in sport/exercise had a lower smoking rate and higher intake of fruits, vegetables, and fluids compared to inactive students (p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThe present findings suggest that diet type and PA habits of college/university students have an impact on other health behaviors, highlighting the interconnected nature of lifestyle habits and health behavior.