bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional-oriented, portable brain–computer interface training for hand motor recovery after stroke: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Fu Jianghong , Chen Shugeng , Shu Xiaokang , Lin Yifang , Jiang Zewu , Wei Dongshuai , Gao Jiajia , Jia Jie 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundBrain–computer interfaces (BCIs) have been proven to be effective for hand motor recovery after stroke. Facing kinds of dysfunction of the paretic hand, the motor task of BCIs for hand rehabilitation is relatively single, and the operation of many BCI devices is complex for clinical use. Therefore, we proposed a functional-oriented, portable BCI equipment and explored the efficiency of hand motor recovery after a stroke.Materials and methodsStroke patients were randomly assigned to the BCI group and the control group. The BCI group received BCI-based grasp/open motor training, while the control group received task-oriented guidance training. Both groups received 20 sessions of motor training in 4 weeks, and each session lasted for 30 min. The Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper limb (FMA-UE) was applied for the assessment of rehabilitation outcomes, and the EEG signals were obtained for processing.ResultsThe progress of FMA-UE between the BCI group [10.50 (5.75, 16.50)] and the control group [5.00 (4.00, 8.00)] was significantly different (Z = −2.834, P = 0.005). Meanwhile, the FMA-UE of both groups improved significantly (P &lt; 0.001). A total of 24 patients in the BCI group achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of FMA-UE with an effective rate of 80%, and 16 in the control group achieved the MCID, with an effective rate of 51.6%. The lateral index of the open task in the BCI group was significantly decreased (Z = −2.704, P = 0.007). The average BCI accuracy for 24 stroke patients in 20 sessions was 70.7%, which was improved by 5.0% in the final session compared with the first session.ConclusionTargeted hand movement and two motor task modes, namely grasp and open, to be applied in a BCI design may be suitable in stroke patients with hand dysfunction. The functional-oriented, portable BCI training can promote hand recovery after a stroke, and it is expected to be widely used in clinical practice. The lateral index change of inter-hemispheric balance may be the mechanism of motor recovery.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100044492.
Persistent olfactory dysfunction associated with poor sleep quality and anxiety in patients with long COVID
Authors: Paranhos Alna Carolina Mendes , Dias Apio Ricardo Nazareth , Bastos Thalita da Rocha , Rodrigues Arthur Nascimento , Santana Karem Harumy Yamamoto , Dias Lorena Henriete Araujo , dos Santos Lidiane Palheta Miranda , Cerasi Antônio José , Mendes Michely Caroline Nascimento , de Oliveira Cleiziane Lima , Domingues Mariângela Moreno , Koury Gisele Vieira Hennemann , Vasconcelos Pedro Fernando da Costa , Souza Givago Silva , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Falcão Luiz Fábio Magno 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionPoor sleep quality have been widely reported in patients with long COVID. Determining the characteristics, type, severity, and relationship of long COVID with other neurological symptoms is essential for the prognosis and management of poor sleep quality.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at a public university in the eastern Amazon region of Brazil between November 2020 and October 2022. The study involved 288 patients with long COVID with self-report neurological symptoms. One hundred thirty-one patients were evaluated by using standardised protocols: Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCRC), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID with poor sleep quality and their relationship with other neurological symptoms (anxiety, cognitive impairment, and olfactory disorder).ResultsPatients with poor sleep quality were mainly women (76.3%), 44.04 ± 12.73 years old, with &gt;12 years of education (93.1%), and had monthly incomes of up to US $240.00 (54.2%). Anxiety and olfactory disorder were more common in patients with poor sleep quality.DiscussionMultivariate analysis shows that the prevalence of poor sleep quality was higher in patients with anxiety, and olfactory disorder is associated with poor sleep quality. In this cohort of patients with long COVID, the prevalence of poor sleep quality was highest in the group tested by PSQI and were associated with other neurological symptoms, such as anxiety and olfactory dysfunction. A previous study indicates a significant association between poor sleep quality and psychological disorders over time. Recent studies involving neuroimaging found functional and structural changes in Long COVID patients with persistent olfactory disfunction. Poor sleep quality are integral part of complex changes related to Long COVID and should be part of patient’s clinical management.
Altered resting-state brain activity in functional dyspepsia patients: a coordinate-based meta-analysis
Authors: Mao Yangke , Zhang Pan , Sun Ruirui , Zhang Xinyue , He Yuqi , Li Siyang , Yin Tao , Zeng Fang 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundNeuroimaging studies have identified aberrant activity patterns in multiple brain regions in functional dyspepsia (FD) patients. However, due to the differences in study design, these previous findings are inconsistent, and the underlying neuropathological characteristics of FD remain unclear.MethodsEight databases were systematically searched for literature from inception to October 2022 with the keywords “Functional dyspepsia” and “Neuroimaging.” Thereafter, the anisotropic effect size signed the differential mapping (AES-SDM) approach that was applied to meta-analyze the aberrant brain activity pattern of FD patients.ResultsA total of 11 articles with 260 FD patients and 202 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The AES-SDM meta-analysis demonstrated that FD patients manifested increased activity in the bilateral insula, left anterior cingulate gyrus, bilateral thalamus, right precentral gyrus, left supplementary motor area, right putamen, and left rectus gyrus and decreased functional activity in the right cerebellum compared to the HCs. Sensitivity analysis showed that all these above regions were highly reproducible, and no significant publication bias was detected.ConclusionThe current study demonstrated that FD patients had significantly abnormal activity patterns in several brain regions involved in visceral sensation perception, pain modulation, and emotion regulation, which provided an integrated insight into the neuropathological characteristics of FD.
The efficacy of branched-chain amino acid granules to restore phagocytic activity in cirrhosis patients, a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chamroonkul Naichaya , Rujeerapaiboon Natthapat , Sripongpun Pimsiri , Kaewdech Apichat , Piratvisuth Teerha 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundInfection is a detrimental complication among cirrhotic patients, leading to major morbidity and mortality. Reduction in phagocytic activation, as part of immunoparesis, is a distinctive key component of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) and predicts the development of infection. However, there are limited data on immunotherapeutic approaches to restore phagocytosis.AimsWe aimed to determine the effect of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) granules on phagocytic activity in patients with CAID.MethodsIn this double-blind randomized controlled trial, Participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio stratified by Child-Pugh status) to receive either BCAA granules or placebo. In the 3rd and 6th months, phagocytic activity was assessed by flow cytometry. The primary endpoint was the restoration of innate immunity at the 6th month, defined as ≥75% phagocytic activity; the secondary endpoints were the accretion of phagocytic activity and hospitalization due to infection.ResultsA total of 37 patients were included. There were no differences among the patients in the baseline characteristics and phagocytic activity. At the 6th month, a higher proportion of patients with phagocytic restoration was observed in the BCAA granule group compared to the placebo group (68 vs. 5.6%, p &lt; 0.001). The mean phagocytic activity was 75.4 and 63.4% in the BCAA granule and placebo groups, respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Progressive accretion of phagocytic activity was observed during the 3rd and 6th months. There was no difference in hospitalization due to infection (3 vs. 2 events, p = 0.487).ConclusionOur results suggest that BCAA granules significantly restore phagocytic activity across various stages of cirrhosis. A longer follow-up period is required to demonstrate infection prevention.Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.in.th, TCTR20190830005.
Dietary inflammatory potential is associated with sarcopenia in patients with hypertension: national health and nutrition examination study
Authors: Tu Jiabin , Shi Shanshan , Liu Yuchen , Xiu Jiaming , Zhang Yanbin , Wu Bo , Liao Ying , Chen Kaihong , Li Ganyang , Chen Llling 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundStudy has shown that sarcopenia increases the risk of poor outcomes in patients with hypertension. Inflammation is one of the important reasons for the occurrence and development of sarcopenia. Regulating systemic inflammation may be a potential intervention for sarcopenia in hypertensive patients. Diet is one of the important measures to improve systemic inflammation. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is a tool designed to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet, the association between DII and sarcopenia in hypertensive patients is unclear.ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between the DII and sarcopenia in patients with hypertension.MethodData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2006 and 2011–2018. A total of 7,829 participants were evaluated. Participants were divided into four groups based on the quartile of the DII: Q1 group (n = 1,958), Q2 group (n = 1,956), Q3 group (n = 1,958) and Q4 group (n = 1,957). The relationship between the DII and sarcopenia was assessed by logistic regression analysis based on the NHANES recommended weights.ResultThe DII was significantly associated with sarcopenia in patients with hypertension. After full adjustment, patients with higher DII (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13–1.32, p &lt; 0.001) have a higher risk of sarcopenia. Compared with Q1 group, the group with higher DII levels had a higher risk of sarcopenia (Q2: OR: 1.23, 95%CI: 0.89–1.72, p = 0.209; Q3: OR: 1.68, 95%CI: 1.20–2.35, p = 0.003; Q4: OR: 2.43, 95%CI: 1.74–3.39, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionHigh DII is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in hypertensive patients. The higher the level of DII, the higher the risk of sarcopenia in hypertensive patients.
Identification of a chemoresistance-related prognostic gene signature by comprehensive analysis and experimental validation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Chen Junliang , Liu Zhihao , Wu Zhiyuan , Li Wenjun , Tan Xiaodong 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundChemoresistance is a major hurdle to improving the prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). This study aimed to identify key genes regulating chemoresistance and develop a chemoresistance-related gene signature for prognosis prediction.MethodsA total of 30 PC cell lines were subtyped according to gemcitabine sensitivity data from the Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP v2). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between gemcitabine-resistant and gemcitabine-sensitive cells were subsequently identified. These upregulated DEGs associated with prognostic values were incorporated to build a LASSO Cox risk model for The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Four datasets (GSE28735, GSE62452, GSE85916, and GSE102238) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used as an external validation cohort. Then, a nomogram was developed based on independent prognostic factors. The responses to multiple anti-PC chemotherapeutics were estimated by the “oncoPredict” method. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was calculated using the “TCGAbiolinks” package. Analysis of the tumor microenvironment (TME) was performed using the “IOBR” package, while the TIDE and “easier” algorithms were employed to estimate immunotherapy efficacy. Finally, RT-qPCR, Western blot and CCK-8 assays were conducted to validate the expression and functions of ALDH3B1 and NCEH1.ResultsA five-gene signature and a predictive nomogram were developed from six prognostic DEGs, including EGFR, MSLN, ERAP2, ALDH3B1, and NCEH1. Bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses indicated that all five genes were highly expressed in tumor samples. This gene signature was not only an independent prognostic factor but also a biomarker forecasting chemoresistance, TMB, and immune cells. In vitro experiments suggested that ALDH3B1 and NCEH1 were involved in PC progression and gemcitabine chemoresistance.ConclusionThis chemoresistance-related gene signature links prognosis with chemoresistance, TMB, and immune features. ALDH3B1 and NCEH1 are two promising targets for treating PC.
Identification of the hub genes associated with prostate cancer tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhu Honghui , Lin Qi , Gao Xiaomin , Huang Xixi 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the male urogenital system; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. This study integrated two cohort profile datasets to elucidate the potential hub genes and mechanisms in PCa.Methods and ResultsGene expression profiles GSE55945 and GSE6919 were filtered from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to obtain 134 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (14 upregulated and 120 downregulated) in PCa. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery, showing that these DEGs were mainly involved in biological functions such as cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, migration, focal adhesion, and vascular smooth muscle contraction. The STRING database and Cytoscape tools were used to analyze protein-protein interactions and identify 15 hub candidate genes. Violin plot, boxplot, and prognostic curve analyses were performed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, which identified seven hub genes, including upregulated expressed SPP1 and downregulated expressed MYLK, MYL9, MYH11, CALD1, ACTA2, and CNN1 in PCa compared with normal tissue. Correlation analysis was performed using the OmicStudio tools, which showed that these hub genes were moderately to strongly correlated with each other. Finally, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blotting were performed to validate the hub genes, showing that the abnormal expression of the seven hub genes in PCa was consistent with the analysis results of the GEO database.DiscussionTaken together, MYLK, MYL9, MYH11, CALD1, ACTA2, SPP1, and CNN1 are hub genes significantly associated with PCa occurrence. These genes are abnormally expressed, leading to the formation, proliferation, invasion, and migration of PCa cells and promoting tumor neovascularization. These genes may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in patients with PCa.
Primary blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm: a US population-based study
Authors: Huang Lifang , Wang Fan 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundBlastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) is a rare and poorly understood hematopoietic malignancy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with primary BPDCN.MethodsPatients diagnosed with primary BPDCN from 2001 to 2019 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Survival outcome was analysed with Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated based on the univariate and multivariate accelerated failure time (AFT) regression analysis.ResultsA total of 340 primary BPDCN patients were included in this study. The average age was 53.7 ± 19.4 years, with 71.5% being male. The mostly affected sites were lymph nodes (31.8%). Most patients (82.1%) received chemotherapy, while 14.7% received radiation therapy. For all the patients, the 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival (OS) were 68.7%, 49.8%, 43.9%, and 39.2%, respectively, and the corresponding disease-specific survival (DSS) were 73.6%, 56.0%, 50.2%, and 48.1%, respectively. Univariate AFT analysis showed that older age, marital status of divorced, widowed and separated at diagnosis, primary BPDCN only, treatment delay for 3-6 months and without radiation therapy were significantly associated with poor prognosis of primary BPDCN patients. But multivariate AFT analysis indicated that older age was independently associated with worse survival, while second primary malignancies (SPMs) and radiation therapy were independently associated with extended survival.ConclusionsPrimary BPDCN is a rare disease with poor prognosis. Advanced age was linked independently to poorer survival, while SPMs and radiation therapy were linked independently to prolonged survival.
Comprehensive analysis of untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics in girls with central precocious puberty
Authors: Zhao Hong-Ying , Zhang Ya-Rong , Zhang Ran , Li Yu-Ting , Guo Rong-Lian , Shi Wen-Sheng 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveCentral precocious puberty (CPP) is a rare condition that causes early sexual development in children. Although the cure is effective, the etiology of central precocious puberty is unclear.MethodsIn total, 10 girls with central precocious puberty and same number of age-matched female controls were enrolled. Plasma samples were collected from each participant and subjected to untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics. Student's t-tests were employed to compare the mean of each metabolite and lipid. Furthermore, orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis was conducted and the variable importance in the projection was calculated to identify differentially expressed metabolites or lipids. Subsequent bioinformatics was conducted to investigate the potential function of differentially expressed metabolites and lipids.ResultsFifty-nine differentially expressed metabolites were identified based on the criteria used (variable importance in the projection &gt;1 and a P value &lt; 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia Genes and Genome (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that differentially expressed metabolites were enriched in four pathways: beta-alanine metabolism, histidine metabolism, bile secretion, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. As for the lipidomics, 41 differentially expressed lipids were observed and chain length analysis and lipid saturation analysis yielded similar results. Significant differences between the two groups were only observed in (O-acyl) ω-hydroxy fatty acids (OAHFA).ConclusionThe present study showed that antibiotic overuse, increased meat consumption, and obesity may have potential roles in the development of central precocious puberty in girls. Several metabolites have diagnostic value but further research is required.
Median effective volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in children aged 1–6 years: a prospective dose-finding study
Authors: Liu Ling , Yang Fei , Gao Wen , Li Shangyingying , Tian Yaqiong , Yang Li , Tu Shengfen 
Published: May 2023

ObjectiveTo determine the median effective volume (EV50) of 0.2% ropivacaine for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SC-BPB) in children aged 1–6 years.MethodsChildren aged from 1 to 6 years with an American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II who were scheduled for unilateral upper extremity surgery at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were recruited. All patients underwent surgery under general anaesthesia combined with brachial plexus block. SC-BPB was guided by ultrasound after anaesthesia induction, and 0.2% ropivacaine was given after localization. In the study, we used Dixon's up-and-down approach with an initial dose of 0.50 ml/kg. Considering the effect of the previous block, a successful or failed block could produce a 0.05 ml/kg decrement or increment in volume, correspondingly. The experiment was stopped when there were 7 inflection points. Using isotonic regression and bootstrapping algorithms, the EV50, the 95% effective volume (EV95) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The patients’ general information, postoperative pain scores, and adverse events were also recorded.ResultsTwenty-seven patients were involved in this study. The EV50 of 0.2% ropivacaine was 0.150 ml/kg (95% CI, 0.131–0.169 ml/kg) and the EV95 (secondary metric) was 0.195 ml/kg (95% CI, 0.188–0.197 ml/kg). No adverse events occurred during the research study.ConclusionsFor ultrasound-guided SC-BPB in children aged 1–6 years undergoing unilateral upper extremity surgery, the EV50 of 0.2% ropivacaine was 0.150 ml/kg (95% CI, 0.131–0.169 ml/kg).
Whole-genome sequencing of Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA: insight into the antibiotic and heavy metal resistant genes
Authors: Sodhi Kushneet Kaur , Singh Chandra Kant , Kumar Mohit , Singh Dileep Kumar 
Published: May 2023

Introduction: A wide range of pollutants, including the likes of xenobiotics, heavy metals, and antibiotics, are characteristic of marine ecosystems. The ability of the bacteria to flourish under high metal stress favors the selection of antibiotic resistance in aquatic environments. Increased use and misuse of antibiotics in medicine, agriculture, and veterinary have posed a grave concern over antimicrobial resistance. The exposure to these heavy metals and antibiotics in the bacteria drives the evolution of antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes. In the earlier study by the author Alcaligenes sp. MMA was involved in the removal of heavy metals and antibiotics. Alcaligenes display diverse bioremediation capabilities but remain unexplored at the level of the genome.Methods: To shed light on its genome, the Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA, was sequenced using Illumina Nova Seq sequencer, which resulted in a draft genome of 3.9 Mb. The genome annotation was done using Rapid annotation using subsystem technology (RAST). Given the spread of antimicrobial resistance and the generation of multi-drug resistant pathogens (MDR), the strain MMA was checked for potential antibiotic and heavy metal resistance genes Further, we checked for the presence of biosynthetic gene clusters in the draft genome.Results:Alcaligenes sp. strain MMA, was sequenced using Illumina Nova Seq sequencer, which resulted in a draft genome of 3.9 Mb. The RAST analysis revealed the presence of 3685 protein-coding genes, involved in the removal of antibiotics and heavy metals. Multiple metal-resistant genes and genes conferring resistance to tetracycline, beta-lactams, and fluoroquinolones were present in the draft genome. Many types of BGCs were predicted, such as siderophore. The secondary metabolites of fungi and bacteria are a rich source of novel bioactive compounds which have the potential to in new drug candidates.Discussion: The results of this study provide information on the strain MMA genome and are valuable for the researcher in further exploitation of the strain MMA for bioremediation. Moreover, whole-genome sequencing has become a useful tool to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance, a global threat to healthcare.