bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly in rural areas of northern China
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Zhang Jiesong , Chen Chen , Lu Zhonghai , Zhang Dongfeng , Li Suyun 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundPhysical activity plays an important role in cognitive function in older adults, and the threshold effect and saturation effect between physical activity and cognitive function are unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to explore the threshold effect and saturation effect between physical activity and cognitive function in the elderly.MethodsThe International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure moderate-intensity physical activity and vigorous-intensity physical activity and total physical activity in older adults. Cognitive function assessment uses the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). The scale consists of seven parts: visual space, naming, attention, language, abstract ability, delayed recall and orientation, for a total of 30 points. The total score of the study participants &lt; 26 was defined as the optimum cutoff point for a definition of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The multivariable linear regression model was used to initially explore the relationship between physical activity and total cognitive function scores. The logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function dimensions and MCI. The threshold effect and saturation effect between the total physical activity and the total cognitive function scores were investigated by smoothed curve fitting.ResultsThis cross-sectional survey had a total of 647 participants aged 60 years and older (mean age: 73 years, female: 53.7%). Participants’ higher level of physical activity were associated with higher visual space, attention, language, abstract ability, and delayed recall scores (P &lt; 0.05). Physical activity was not statistically associated with naming and orientation. Physical activity was a protective factor for MCI (P &lt; 0.05). Physical activity was positively correlated with total cognitive function scores. There was a saturation effect between total physical activity and total cognitive function scores, and the saturation point was 6546 MET × min/wk.ConclusionThis study showed a saturation effect between physical activity and cognitive function, and determined an optimal level of physical activity to protect cognitive function. This finding will help update physical activity guidelines based on cognitive function in the elderly.
Synchronous multimode ultrasound for assessing right-to-left shunt: a prospective clinical study
Authors: Yao Qingyang , Xiong Huahua , Zhang Daxue , Ren Shuqun , Qi Wenwei , Zou Xia , Zhao Yingying , Huang Shanshan , Wang Jing , Cao Liming 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundRight-to-left shunt (RLS) is associated with several conditions and causes morbidity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of synchronous multimode ultrasonography in detecting RLS.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 423 patients with high clinical suspicion of RLS and divided them into the contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD) group and synchronous multimode ultrasound group, in which both cTCD and contrast transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) were performed during the same process of contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging. The simultaneous test results were compared with those of cTCD alone.ResultsThe positive rates of grade II (22.0%:10.0%) and III (12.7%:10.8%) shunts and the total positive rate (82.1748%) in the synchronous multimode ultrasound group were higher than those in the cTCD alone group. Among patients with RLS grade I in the synchronous multimode ultrasound group, 23 had RLS grade I in cTCD but grade 0 in synchronous cTTE, whereas four had grade I in cTCD but grade 0 in synchronous cTTE. Among patients with RLS grade II in the synchronous multimode ultrasound group, 28 had RLS grade I in cTCD but grade II in synchronous cTTE. Among patients with RLS grade III in the synchronous multimode ultrasound group, four had RLS grade I in cTCD but grade III in synchronous cTTE. Synchronous multimode ultrasound had a sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 60.6% in the patent foramen ovale (PFO) diagnosis. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.041) and risk of paradoxical embolism score ≥ 7 (OR = 7.798) were risk factors for stroke recurrence, whereas antiplatelets (OR = 0.590) and PFO closure with antiplatelets (OR = 0.109) were protective factors.ConclusionSynchronous multimodal ultrasound significantly improves the detection rate and test efficiency, quantifies RLS more accurately, and reduces testing risks and medical costs. We conclude that synchronous multimodal ultrasound has significant potential for clinical applications.
Diagnosis of post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage based on the immunity-related proteomics signature of the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Zhao Liang , Li Pingping , Xu Ziao , Ji Xuefei , Guan Liao , Wang Xiaojian , Luo Jin , Cheng Hongwei , Ye Lei 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionPost-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) is a serious complication for patients who receive neurosurgical treatment, but the diagnosis is difficult given the complicated microenvironment orchestrated by sterile brain injury and pathogenic infection. In this study, we explored potential diagnostic biomarkers and immunological features using a proteomics platform.MethodsA total of 31 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) who received neurosurgical treatment were recruited for this study. Among them, 15 were diagnosed with PNBM. The remaining 16 patients were categorized into the non-PNBM group. Proteomics analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was conducted on the Olink platform, which contained 92 immunity-related molecules.ResultsWe found that the expressions of 27 CSF proteins were significantly different between the PNBM and non-PNBM groups. Of those 27 proteins, 15 proteins were upregulated and 12 were downregulated in the CSF of the PNBM group. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that three proteins (pleiotrophin, CD27, and angiopoietin 1) had high diagnostic accuracy for PNBM. Furthermore, we also performed bioinformatics analysis to explore potential pathways and the subcellular localization of the proteins.ConclusionIn summary, we found a cohort of immunity-related molecules that can serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for PNBM in patients with aSAH. These molecules also provide an immunological profile of PNBM.
Hyperbaric air mobilizes stem cells in humans; a new perspective on the hormetic dose curve
Authors: MacLaughlin Kent J. , Barton Gregory P. , Braun Rudolf K. , MacLaughlin Julia E. , Lamers Jacob J. , Marcou Matthew D. , Eldridge Marlowe W. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionHyperbaric air (HBA) was first used pharmaceutically in 1662 to treat lung disease. Extensive use in Europe and North America followed throughout the 19th century to treat pulmonary and neurological disorders. HBA reached its zenith in the early 20th century when cyanotic, moribund “Spanish flu pandemic” patients turned normal color and regained consciousness within minutes after HBA treatment. Since that time the 78% Nitrogen fraction in HBA has been completely displaced by 100% oxygen to create the modern pharmaceutical hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), a powerful treatment that is FDA approved for multiple indications. Current belief purports oxygen as the active element mobilizing stem progenitor cells (SPCs) in HBOT, but hyperbaric air, which increases tensions of both oxygen and nitrogen, has been untested until now. In this study we test HBA for SPC mobilization, cytokine and chemokine expression, and complete blood count.MethodsTen 34–35-year-old healthy volunteers were exposed to 1.27ATA (4 psig/965 mmHg) room air for 90 min, M-F, for 10 exposures over 2-weeks. Venous blood samples were taken: (1) prior to the first exposure (served as the control for each subject), (2) directly after the first exposure (to measure the acute effect), (3) immediately prior to the ninth exposure (to measure the chronic effect), and (4) 3 days after the completion of tenth/final exposure (to assess durability). SPCs were gated by blinded scientists using Flow Cytometry.ResultsSPCs (CD45dim/CD34+/CD133-) were mobilized by nearly two-fold following 9 exposures (p = 0.02) increasing to three-fold 72-h post completion of the final (10th) exposure (p = 0.008) confirming durability.DiscussionThis research demonstrates that SPCs are mobilized, and cytokines are modulated by hyperbaric air. HBA likely is a therapeutic treatment. Previously published research using HBA placebos should be re-evaluated to reflect a dose treatment finding rather than finding a placebo effect. Our findings of SPC mobilization by HBA support further investigation into hyperbaric air as a pharmaceutical/therapy.
Clinical efficacy and safety of rimegepant in the treatment of migraine: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Qinghui , Wang Shuangmei , Zhu Yi , Lin Fei 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of rimegepant for the treatment of migraine in adult patients using a meta-analysis.MethodsThe PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched up to March 2022. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated migraine and other comparator treatments in adult patients were included. The clinical response at the post-treatment evaluation, including acute pain free and relief effect, whereas the secondary outcomes were the risk of adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 4 RCTs involving 4,230 patients with episodic migraine were included. Outcome indicators for the number of pain free and relief patients at 2 h, 2–24 h, 2–48 h post-dose showed that rimegepant had better effects relative to the placebo [free at 2 h: OR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.55, 2.18), P &lt; 0.00001; relief at 2 h: OR = 1.80, 95% CI (1.59, 2.04), P &lt; 0.00001]. And there was no significant difference between the occurrence of adverse events in the experimental and control groups [OR = 1.29, 95% CI (0.99, 1.67), P = 0.06].ConclusionRimegepant has better therapeutic effects compared to placebo and no significant difference in adverse events.
Investigation of the efficacy and safety of retinal inactivation as a treatment for amblyopia in cats
Authors: Hogan Mairin , DiCostanzo Nadia R. , Crowder Nathan A. , Fong Ming-fai , Duffy Kevin R. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionDeprivation of normal vision early in postnatal development elicits modifications of neural circuitry within the primary visual pathway that can cause a severe and intractable vision impairment (amblyopia). In cats, amblyopia is often modeled with monocular deprivation (MD), a procedure that involves temporarily closing the lids of one eye. Following long-term MD, brief inactivation of the dominant eye’s retina can promote recovery from the anatomical and physiological effects of MD. In consideration of retinal inactivation as a viable treatment for amblyopia it is imperative to compare its efficacy against conventional therapy, as well as assess the safety of its administration.MethodsIn the current study we compared the respective efficacies of retinal inactivation and occlusion of the dominant eye (reverse occlusion) to elicit physiological recovery from a prior long-term MD in cats. Because deprivation of form vision has been associated with development of myopia, we also examined whether ocular axial length or refractive error were altered by a period of retinal inactivation.ResultsThe results of this study demonstrate that after a period of MD, inactivation of the dominant eye for up to 10 days elicited significant recovery of visually-evoked potentials that was superior to the recovery measured after a comparable duration of reverse occlusion. After monocular retinal inactivation, measurements of ocular axial length and refractive error were not significantly altered from their pre-inactivation values. The rate of body weight gain also was not changed during the period of inactivation, indicating that general well-being was not affected.DiscussionThese results provide evidence that inactivation of the dominant eye after a period of amblyogenic rearing promotes better recovery than eye occlusion, and this recovery was achieved without development of form-deprivation myopia.
Structural and physicochemical properties of bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) starch
Authors: Li Kehu , Zhang Tongze , Ren Huanhuan , Zhao Wei , Hong Siqi , Ge Yongyi , Li Xiaoqiong , Corke Harold 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionBracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) starch is a non-mainstream, litter-researched starch, thus the starch characteristics remain largely unknown.MethodsThe structural and physicochemical properties of two bracken starches were systematically investigated, by use of various techniques that routinely applied in starch analysis.Results and DiscussionThe starches had amylose contents of 22.6 and 24.7%, respectively. The starch granules possessed C-type polymorph with D (4,3) ranging from 18.6 to 24.5 μm. During gelatinization event, the bracken starches showed lower viscosity than typical for rice starch, and lower gelatinization temperature than typical for cereal starches. After gelatinization event, bracken starches formed much softer and sticky gel than rice and potato starch. The molecular weight and branching degree (indexed by Mw, Mn and Rz values) of bracken starches were much higher than starches of many other sources. The branch chain length distributions showed that the bracken starches were structurally similar to some rice varieties (e. g. BP033, Beihan 1#), as reflected by proportions of A, B1, B2, and B3 chains. Notable differences in some starch traits between the two bracken starches were recorded, e. g. amylose content, gel hardness, gelatinization temperature and traits of structural properties. This study provides useful information on the utilization of bracken starch in both food and non-food industries.
RNF43 is associated with genomic features and clinical outcome in BRAF mutant colorectal cancer
Authors: Shang Peipei , Lu Jiongjiong , Song Feihong , Zhao Yijun , Hong Weipeng , He Yuange , Shen Weidong , Geng Li 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) patients with BRAF mutation have very poor prognosis. It is urgent to search for prognostic factors of BRAF mutant CRC. RNF43 is a ENF ubiquitin ligase of Wnt signaling. Mutation of RNF43 has been observed frequently in various types of human cancers. However, few studies have evaluated the role of RNF43 in CRC. The present study aimed to explore the impact of RNF43 mutations on molecular characteristics and prognosis in BRAF mutant CRC.MethodsSamples of 261 CRC patients with BRAF mutation were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor tissue and matched peripheral blood samples were collected and subjected to targeted sequencing with a panel of 1021 cancer-related genes. The association of molecular characteristics and survival in patients were then analyzed. 358 CRC patients with BRAF mutation from the cBioPortal dataset were used for further confirmation.ResultsThis study was inspired by a CRC patient with BRAF V600E and RNF43 co-mutation, who achieved a best remission of 70% and a progression free survival (PFS) of 13 months. Genomic analysis indicated that RNF43 mutation affected the genomic characteristics of patients with BRAF mutation, including microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the proportion of common gene mutations. Survival analysis showed that RNF43 mutation was a predictive biomarker for better PFS and OS in BRAF mutant CRC.ConclusionCollectively, we identified that RNF43 mutations were correlated with favorable genomic features, resulting in a better clinical outcome for BRAF mutant CRC patients.
Pathological complete response to long-course neoadjuvant alectinib in lung adenocarcinoma with EML4-ALK rearrangement: report of two cases and systematic review of case reports
Authors: Shi Liang , Gao Shuhong , Tong Li , Meng Qiyi , Zhou Shijie , Yu Daping , Dong Yujie , Liu Zhe 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveDespite the promising efficacy and tolerability of alectinib in treating advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the role of alectinib in neoadjuvant setting remains understudied in ALK-rearranged resectable lung cancer.MethodsOur report concerns two cases of early-stage NSCLC with complete pathologic responses to off-label use of long-course neoadjuvant alectinib. PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched comprehensively for ALK-positive resectable cases with neoadjuvant alectinib. The papers were chosen following PRISMA recommendations. Seven cases from the literature and two present cases were evaluated.ResultsTwo cases with stage IIB (cT3N0M0) EML4-ALK lung adenocarcinoma received long-course (more than 30 weeks) of neoadjuvant alectinib followed by R0 lobectomy with the complete pathological response. In our systematic review, 74 studies were included in the original search. Application of the screening criteria resulted in 18 articles deemed eligible for full-text reading. Following the application of the exclusion criteria, out of six papers, seven cases were selected for inclusion in the final analysis and were included in the systematic review. None of the studies were included in the quantitative analysis.ConclusionWe report two cases of lung adenocarcinoma with resectable ALK-positive that achieved pCR with long-course neoadjuvant alectinib. Our cases and a systematic review of the literature support the feasibility of neoadjuvant alectinib treatment for NSCLC. However, large clinical trials must be conducted in the future to determine the treatment course and efficacy of the neoadjuvant alectinib modality.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022376804.
Prognostic value of computed tomography radiomics features in patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm
Authors: Yang Zhi-hao , Han Yi-jing , Cheng Ming , Wang Rui , Li Jing , Zhao Hui-ping , Gao Jian-bo 
Published: June 2023

PurposeThe present study aimed to investigate the clinical prognostic significance of radiomics signature (R-signature) in patients with gastric neuroendocrine neoplasm (GNEN).Methods and MaterialsA retrospective study of 182 patients with GNEN who underwent dual-phase enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning was conducted. LASSO-Cox regression analysis was used to screen the features and establish the arterial, venous and the arteriovenous phase combined R-signature, respectively. The association between the optimal R-signature with the best prognostic performance and overall survival (OS) was assessed in the training cohort and verified in the validation cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to identify the significant factors of clinicopathological characteristics for OS. Furthermore, the performance of a combined radiomics-clinical nomogram integrating the R-signature and independent clinicopathological risk factors was evaluated.ResultsThe arteriovenous phase combined R-signature had the best performance in predicting OS, and its C-index value was better than the independent arterial and venous phase R-signature (0.803 vs 0.784 and 0.803 vs 0.756, P&lt;0.001, respectively). The optimal R-signature was significantly associated with OS in the training cohort and validation cohort. GNEN patients could be successfully divided into high and low prognostic risk groups with radiomics score median. The combined radiomics-clinical nomogram combining this R-signature and independent clinicopathological risk factors (sex, age, treatment methods, T stage, N stage, M stage, tumor boundary, Ki67, CD56) exhibited significant prognostic superiority over clinical nomogram, R-signature alone, and traditional TNM staging system (C-index, 0.882 vs 0.861, 882 vs 0.803, and 0.882 vs 0.870 respectively, P&lt;0.001). All calibration curves showed remarkable consistency between predicted and actual survival, and decision curve analysis verified the usefulness of the combined radiomics-clinical nomogram for clinical practice.ConclusionsThe R-signature could be used to stratify patients with GNEN into high and low risk groups. Furthermore, the combined radiomics-clinical nomogram provided better predictive accuracy than other predictive models and might aid clinicians with therapeutic decision-making and patient counseling.
Adjuvant composite cold atmospheric plasma therapy increases antitumoral effect of doxorubicin hydrochloride
Authors: Kniazeva Volha , Tzerkovsky Dzmitry , Baysal Ömür , Kornev Alexander , Roslyakov Evgeny , Kostevitch Serhei 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionCancer is a global health concern, with a significant impact on mortality rates. Despite advancements in targeted antitumor drugs, the development of new therapies remains challenging due to high costs and tumor resistance. The exploration of novel treatment approaches, such as combined chemotherapy, holds promise for improving the effectiveness of existing antitumor agents. Cold atmospheric plasma has demonstrated antineoplastic effects in preclinical studies, but its potential in combination with specific ions for lymphosarcoma treatment has not been investigated.MethodsAn in vivo study was conducted using a Pliss lymphosarcoma rat model to evaluate the antitumor effects of composite cold plasma and controlled ionic therapy. Groups of rats were exposed to composite cold plasma for 3, 7, and 14 days, while the control group received no treatment. Additionally, a combination of chemotherapy with cold plasma therapy was assessed, with doxorubicin hydrochloride administered at a dosage of 5 mg/kg. PERENIO IONIC SHIELD™ emitted a controlled ionic formula during the treatment period.ResultsThe in vivo study demonstrated tumor growth inhibition in groups exposed to composite cold plasma for 3, 7, and 14 days compared to the control group. Furthermore, combining chemotherapy with cold plasma therapy resulted in a threefold reduction in tumor volume. The most significant antitumor effects were observed when doxorubicin hydrochloride at a dosage of 5 mg/kg was combined with 14 days of PERENIO IONIC SHIELD™ ionic therapy.DiscussionThe use of composite cold plasma therapy, in conjunction with a controlled ionic formula emitted by PERENIO IONIC SHIELD™, in the complex treatment of lymphosarcoma in rats showed promising antitumor effects. The combination therapy, particularly when combined with doxorubicin hydrochloride, demonstrated enhanced efficacy. These findings suggest the potential for utilizing cold atmospheric plasma and controlled ions as an adjunctive treatment approach in lymphosarcoma therapy. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and to evaluate the safety and efficacy in human clinical trials.