bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of plant-based diets with adropin, atherogenic index of plasma, and metabolic syndrome and its components: A cross-sectional study on adults
Authors: Shahdadian Farnaz , Saneei Parvane , Lotfi Keyhan , Feizi Awat , Askari Gholamreza , Safavi Sayyed Morteza 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundLittle is known about the association of plant-based diet indices with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its novel predictive biomarkers, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and adropin. We aimed to investigate the association of plant-based diets with adropin, atherogenic index of plasma, and MetS and its components in adults.MethodsThe present population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a representative sample of adults aged 20–60 years in Isfahan, Iran. Dietary intake was obtained through a validated 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Peripheral blood was obtained after an overnight fast of at least 12 h from each participant. MetS was identified based on the Joint Interim Statement (JIS). AIP was calculated as a logarithmically transformed ratio of triglyceride (TG)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and serum levels of adropin were measured by an ELISA kit.ResultsA total of 28.7% of subjects had MetS. No significant association was found between the overall plant-based diet index (PDI) and the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) with MetS. However, a non-linear association was observed between hPDI and MetS. Subjects in the third quartile of the unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI) had higher odds of MetS compared to the first quartile (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.01, 5.66). The highest quartile of PDI (OR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.97) and the third quartile of hPDI (OR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.89) were associated with decreased odds of having high-risk AIP compared to the first quartile, after adjusting for potential confounders. No linear association was found between quartiles of plant-based diet indices and serum levels of adropin.ConclusionPlant-based diet index (PDI) and hPDI were not associated with the prevalence of MetS in adults, while moderate adherence to uPDI increased the prevalence of MetS. In addition, high adherence to PDI and moderate adherence to hPDI were associated with decreased odds of high-risk AIP. No significant association was found between plant-based diet indices and serum adropin levels. To confirm these findings, further studies with prospective designs are warranted.
Trends in elevated waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference in U.S. adults and their associations with cardiometabolic diseases and cancer, 1999–2018
Authors: Yang Bo , Yang Jingli , Wong Martin Ming-him , Rana Juwel , Yang Qinghua , Chan Vicky , Khan Moyukh Shabon , Yang Aimin , Lo Kenneth 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionAlthough waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) has established association with cardiometabolic disease, the trend of changes in elevated WHtR among general population have not been examined adequately.MethodsThis study examined the prevalence of elevated WHtR and waist circumference (WC) and their trends over time using Joinpoint regression models among adults who participated in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (U.S. NHANES) 1999–2018. We performed weighted logistic regression to identify the association between central obesity subtypes and the prevalence of comorbidities, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.ResultsThe prevalence of elevated WHtR has increased from 74.8% in 1999–2000 to 82.7% in 2017–2018 while elevated WC also increased from 46.9% in 1999–2000 to 60.3% in 2017–2018. Men, older adults, former smokers, and people with lower education levels were more likely to have elevated WHtR. A total of 25.5% of American adults had normal WC but elevated WHtR, and they had a significantly higher chance of suffering from diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.06 [1.66, 2.55]), hypertension (OR = 1.75 [1.58, 1.93]) and CVD (OR = 1.32 [1.11, 1.57]).DiscussionIn conclusion, the burden of elevated WHtR and WC have been increasing among U.S. adults throughout the years, and the changes have been more significant across most subgroups. It is also notable that approximately a quarter of the population had normal WC but elevated WHtR, which had increased likelihood of having cardiometabolic diseases, especially diabetes. Future clinical practices should pay more attention to this subgroup of the population with overlooked health risks.
Association of a novel nutritional index with stroke in Chinese population with hypertension: Insight from the China H-type hypertension registry study
Authors: Shi Yumeng , Wang Xingjiu , Yu Chao , Zhou Wei , Wang Tao , Zhu Lingjuan , Bao Huihui , Cheng Xiaoshu 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveThe abbreviated TCB index (TCBI) is a novel indicator of nutritional status, calculated by multiplying the serum values of triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC), and body weight. The research on the relationship between this index and stroke is limited. We aimed to investigate the association between TCBI and stroke in Chinese hypertensive patients.Methods and resultsA total of 13,358 adults with hypertension from the China H-type Hypertension Registry Study were enrolled. The TCBI was calculated as TG (mg/dL) * TC (mg/dL) * body weight (kg)/1,000. The primary outcome was an incidence of stroke. Multivariable adjusted models revealed an inverse association between TCBI and the prevalence of stroke. In the fully adjusted model, the results showed that the prevalence of stroke decreased by 13% (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.78–0.98, p = 0.018) per SD increment of LgTCBI. When TCBI was assessed as a categorical variable, compared with those in group Q4 (TCBI ≥ 2,399), the participants in group Q3 (TCBI ≥ 1,476 and &lt;2,399), group Q2 (TCBI ≥ 920 and &lt;1,476), and group Q1 (TCBI &lt; 920) had increases in stroke prevalence of 42% (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.13–1.80; p-value = 0.003), 38% (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.07–1.80; p-value = 0.014), and 68% (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24–2.27; p-value = 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed an interaction between age and TCBI and stroke (age &lt; 60 years OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58–0.83; vs. age ≥ 60 years OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.84–1.07; P for interaction = 0.001).ConclusionWe found an independent negative association between TCBI and the prevalence of stroke, especially in hypertensive patients aged &lt; 60 years.
Paradoxical activation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells by ruxolitinib in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Spaner David E. , Luo Tina YuXuan , Wang Guizhi , Schreiber Gideon , Harari Daniel , Shi Yonghong 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by an aberrant cytokine network that can support tumor growth by triggering janus kinase (JAK)/STAT pathways. Targeting cytokine-signaling should then be a rational therapeutic strategy but the JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib failed to control and seemingly accelerated the disease in clinical trials.MethodsThe effect of ruxolitinib on primary human CLL cells was studied in vitro and in vivo.ResultsRuxolitinib increased phosphorylation of IRAK4, an important toll-like receptor (TLR)- signaling intermediate, in circulating CLL cells in vitro. It also enhanced p38 and NFKB1 phosphorylation while lowering STAT3 phosphorylation in CLL cells activated with TLR-7/8 agonists and IL-2. Among the cytokines made by activated CLL cells, high levels of IL-10 contributed strongly to STAT3 phosphorylation and inhibited TLR7 activity. Ruxolitinib limited TLR-mediated IL10 transcription and markedly reduced IL-10 production in vitro. It also decreased blood levels of IL-10 while increasing TNFα along with phospho-p38 expression and gene sets associated with TLR-activation in CLL cells in vivo. The bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib decreased IL-10 production in vitro but, in contrast to ruxolitinib, blocked initial IL10 transcription induced by TLR-signaling in vitro, decreased TNFα production, and deactivates CLL cells in vivo.DiscussionThese findings suggest the possible benefits of inhibiting growth factors with JAK inhibitors in CLL are outweighed by negative effects on potential tumor suppressors such as IL-10 that allow unrestrained activation of NFκB by drivers such as TLRs. Specific inhibition of growth-promoting cytokines with blocking antibodies or infusing suppressive cytokines like IL-10 might be better strategies to manipulate cytokines in CLL.
Case report: Malignant melanoma of the lower limb with gastric metastasis
Authors: Hu Qiang , Zhou Fengru , Sun Yuanshui 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionMalignant melanoma with gastric metastasis is extremely rare. We report a case of gastric metastasis caused by malignant melanoma of the lower limb.Case presentationA 60-year-old woman was hospitalized for left plantar pain. The patient found a black maculopapular eruption on the left sole of her left foot, which caused pain when pressed, and the pain was aggravated by walking, so she went to our hospital for treatment. On the second day of admission, the lesion of the left foot was removed under local anesthesia, and the removed tissue was sent for pathological examination. Combined with immunohistochemistry, it was consistent with malignant melanoma. During hospitalization, the patient developed abdominal pain and asked for gastroscopy. Gastroscopy revealed two 0.5 cm × 0.6 cm spots that can be seen arising from the stomach mucosa which were slightly swollen, slightly black in the center, and without erosion, and no abnormality was found in the other parts. At the same time, a biopsy was taken under a gastroscope and pathology suggests malignant melanoma. The patient could not undergo subsequent treatment due to cost. The patient was followed up until February 2022 and was within the survival period.ConclusionMalignant melanoma gastric metastasis is extremely rare. When a patient has a previous history of melanoma surgery, this needs to be considered when gastrointestinal symptoms are present, and regular endoscopic screening is recommended. Early surgical treatment and postoperative chemotherapy or combined targeted therapy may improve the prognosis of patients.
Characterization of pain-, anxiety-, and cognition-related behaviors in the complete Freund's adjuvant model of chronic inflammatory pain in Wistar–Kyoto rats
Authors: Ferdousi Mehnaz I. , Calcagno Patricia , Sanchez Connie , Smith Karen L. , Kelly John P. , Roche Michelle , Finn David P. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionChronic pain is often associated with comorbid anxiety and cognitive dysfunction, negatively affecting therapeutic outcomes. The influence of genetic background on such interactions is poorly understood. The stress-hyperresponsive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rat strain, which models aspects of anxiety and depression, displays enhanced sensitivity to noxious stimuli and impaired cognitive function, compared with Sprague–Dawley (SD) counterparts. However, pain- and anxiety-related behaviors and cognitive impairment following induction of a persistent inflammatory state have not been investigated simultaneously in the WKY rats. Here we compared the effects of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced persistent inflammation on pain-, negative affect- and cognition-related behaviors in WKY vs. SD rats.MethodsMale WKY and SD rats received intra-plantar injection of CFA or needle insertion (control) and, over the subsequent 4 weeks, underwent behavioral tests to assess mechanical and heat hypersensitivity, the aversive component of pain, and anxiety- and cognition-related behaviors.ResultsThe CFA-injected WKY rats exhibited greater mechanical but similar heat hypersensitivity compared to SD counterparts. Neither strain displayed CFA-induced pain avoidance or anxiety-related behavior. No CFA-induced impairment was observed in social interaction or spatial memory in WKY or SD rats in the three-chamber sociability and T-maze tests, respectively, although strain differences were apparent. Reduced novel object exploration time was observed in CFA-injected SD, but not WKY, rats. However, CFA injection did not affect object recognition memory in either strain.ConclusionsThese data indicate exacerbated baseline and CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, and impairments in novel object exploration, and social and spatial memory in WKY vs. SD rats.
A qualitative study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of implementing person-focused evidence-based pain education concepts in pre-registration physiotherapy training
Authors: Thompson Kate , Milligan James , Briggs Michelle , Deane Janet A. , Johnson Mark I. 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to engage with physiotherapy clinicians, academics, physiotherapy students and patients to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and practical considerations of implementing person-focused evidence-based pain education concepts, identified from our previous research, in pre-registration physiotherapy training.DesignThis qualitative study took a person-focused approach to ground pain education in the perspectives and experiences of people who deliver and use it. Data was collected via focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using the seven stage Framework approach.SettingFocus groups and interviews were conducted either face to face, via video conferencing or via telephone. This depended on geographical location, participant preference, and towards the end of data collection the limitations on in-person contact due to the Covid-19 pandemic.ParticipantsUK based physiotherapy clinicians, physiotherapy students, academics and patients living with pain were purposively sampled and invited to take part.ResultsFive focus groups and six semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-nine participants. Four key dimensions evolved from the dataset that encapsulate concepts underpinning the acceptability and feasibility of implementing pain education in pre-registration physiotherapy training. These are (1) make pain education authentic to reflect diverse, real patient scenarios, (2) demonstrate the value that pain education adds, (3) be creative by engaging students with content that requires active participation, (4) openly discuss the challenges and embrace scope of practice.ConclusionsThese key dimensions shift the focus of pain education towards practically engaging content that reflects people experiencing pain from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. This study highlights the need for creativity in curriculum design and the importance of preparing graduates for the challenges that they will face in clinical practice.
Maternal and fetal factors influencing fetal fraction: A retrospective analysis of 153,306 pregnant women undergoing noninvasive prenatal screening
Authors: Deng Cechuan , Liu Jianlong , Liu Sha , Liu Hongqian , Bai Ting , Jing Xiaosha , Xia Tianyu , Liu Yunyun , Cheng Jing , Wei Xiang , Xing Lingling , Luo Yuan , Zhou Quanfang , Zhu Qian , Liu Shanling 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundGenetic factors are important causes of birth defects. Noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is widely used for prenatal screening of trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and trisomy 13, which are the three most common fetal aneuploidies. Fetal fraction refers to the proportion of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma, which can influence the accuracy of NIPS. Elucidating the factors that influence fetal fraction can provide guidance for the interpretation of NIPS results and genetic counseling. However, there is currently no broad consensus on the known factors that influence fetal fraction.ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the maternal and fetal factors influencing fetal fraction.MethodsA total of 153,306 singleton pregnant women who underwent NIPS were included. Data on gestational age; maternal age; body mass index (BMI); z-scores for chromosomes 21, 18, and 13; and fetal fraction in NIPS were collected from the study population, and the relationships between fetal fraction and these factors were examined. The relationship between fetal fraction and different fetal trisomy types was also analyzed.ResultsThe results showed that the median gestational age, maternal age, and BMI of the pregnant women were 18 (16, 20) weeks, 29 (25, 32) years, and 22.19 (20.40, 24.24) kg/m2, respectively. The median fetal fraction was 11.62 (8.96, 14.7)%. Fetal fraction increased with gestational age and decreased with maternal age and BMI (P &lt; 0.001). Fetal fraction of fetuses with trisomies 21, 18, and 13 was similar to that of the NIPS-negative group. The z-scores of pregnant women with trisomy 21 and 18 fetuses were positively correlated with fetal fraction, but not with that of the trisomy 13 cases.ConclusionsThe factors that influence fetal fraction need to be taken into consideration before NIPS for quality control and after NIPS for result interpretation.
Boost of cosmetic active ingredient penetration triggered and controlled by the delivery of kHz plasma jet on human skin explants
Authors: Vijayarangan Vinodini , Dozias Sébastien , Heusèle Catherine , Jeanneton Olivier , Nizard Carine , Pichon Chantal , Pouvesle Jean Michel , Stancampiano Augusto , Robert Eric 
Published: April 2023

This work reports on the demonstration of the penetration of cosmetic active ingredients (caffeine and hyaluronic acid) in human skin explants following safe and controlled plasma jet exposure. First, temperature increase and immunohistochemistry in the stratum corneum and epidermis were characterized to check the safe delivery of plasma jets and to select two operation regimes at 1 and 20 kHz. Plasma exposure for tens of seconds is shown to induce transient modulations of skin pH, transepidermal water loss, and skin wettability, revealing a reversible skin barrier function modulation. Then, it is demonstrated that plasma exposure significantly accelerates the penetration of active ingredients. The tuning of the plasma jet pulse repetition rate allows controlling the penetration kinetics. Such ex vivo results agree with previous in vitro experiments also exhibiting a transient permeabilization time window. A preliminary demonstration of human skin wettability modulation with a low-power, user-friendly dielectric barrier discharge setup is documented, opening perspectives for plasma-based home cosmetic care device development. To the best of our knowledge, this work is one of the first demonstrations of safe and controlled plasma-assisted active ingredients’ skin penetration in the context of cosmetic applications.
Effects of internal cooling on physical performance, physiological and perceptional parameters when exercising in the heat: A systematic review with meta-analyses
Authors: Heydenreich Juliane , Koehler Karsten , Braun Hans , Grosshauser Mareike , Heseker Helmut , Koenig Daniel , Lampen Alfonso , Mosler Stephanie , Niess Andreas , Schek Alexandra , Carlsohn Anja 
Published: April 2023

Background: An elevated core temperature (Tcore) increases the risk of performance impairments and heat-related illness. Internal cooling (IC) has the potential to lower Tcore when exercising in the heat. The aim of the review was to systematically analyze the effects of IC on performance, physiological, and perceptional parameters.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed database on 17 December 2021. Intervention studies were included assessing the effects of IC on performance, physiological, or perceptional outcomes. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted for the included literature. The standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated using the inverse-variance method and a random-effects model.Results: 47 intervention studies involving 486 active subjects (13.7% female; mean age 20–42 years) were included in the meta-analysis. IC resulted in significant positive effects on time to exhaustion [SMD (95% CI) 0.40 (0.13; 0.67), p &lt; 0.01]. IC significantly reduced Tcore [−0.19 (22120.34; −0.05), p &lt; 0.05], sweat rate [−0.20 (−0.34; −0.06), p &lt; 0.01], thermal sensation [−0.17 (−0.33; −0.01), p &lt; 0.05], whereas no effects were found on skin temperature, blood lactate, and thermal comfort (p &gt; 0.05). IC resulted in a borderline significant reduction in time trial performance [0.31 (−0.60; −0.02), p = 0.06], heart rate [−0.13 (−0.27; 0.01), p = 0.06], rate of perceived exertion [−0.16 (−0.31; −0.00), p = 0.05] and borderline increased mean power output [0.22 (0.00; 0.44), p = 0.05].Discussion: IC has the potential to affect endurance performance and selected physiological and perceptional parameters positively. However, its effectiveness depends on the method used and the time point of administration. Future research should confirm the laboratory-based results in the field setting and involve non-endurance activities and female athletes.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022336623.
Executive functions in daily living skills: A study in adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yon-Hernández Jo A. , Canal-Bedia Ricardo , Wojcik Dominika Z. , García-García Laura , Fernández-Álvarez Clara , Palacio-Duque Stefanny , Franco-Martín Manuel A. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionAdults with autism and adults with schizophrenia show difficulties in adaptive skills, especially those related to daily functioning. Some studies suggest that adaptive skills are associated with deficits in executive functions (EF), while others indicate that intelligence quotient (IQ) might also play a role. Literature suggests that autistic symptoms further affect adaptive skills. The interest of the current study, therefore, was to explore to what extent IQ, EFs as well as core autistic symptoms predict adaptive skills.MethodsTo do this, 25 controls, 24 adults with autism, and 12 with schizophrenia were assessed on IQ (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale), and executive functioning. The EF was measured with neuropsychological tasks (inhibition, updating, and task switching) and with the Dysexecutive-Spanish Questionnaire (DEX-Sp) which assessed everyday life EF problems. Core ASD symptoms were measured using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, the Autism Spectrum Quotient-Short version (AQ-S), and the Repetitive Behavior Questionnaire – 3 (RBQ-3).ResultsThe results indicated EF difficulties in both, autism and schizophrenia. The IQ explained a high percentage of the variance found in adaptive skills, but only in the autism group. We can conclude, therefore, that high IQ is associated with low adaptive skills levels and EFs affect adaptive functioning in people with autism; however, this does not explain the difficulties in adaptive functioning in the schizophrenia group. Core features of autism assessed with self-report questionnaires (but not the ADOS-2) predicted low scores on the adaptive skills, only in the autism group.DiscussionBoth EF measures predicted adaptive skills scores in autism, but not in schizophrenia. Our results suggest that different factors affect the adaptive functioning in each disorder. For instance, the EFs should be a central focus for improvement, especially for individuals with autism.