bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of Curcuma longa essential oil in controlling acute toxoplasmosis by improving the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Ezzatkhah Fatemeh , Mahmoudvand Hossein , Raziani Yosra 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundChemotherapy with synthetic drugs is the principal approach for toxoplasmosis treatment; however, recent studies reported the limitations and adverse side effects of these chemical drugs.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the in vitro and in vivo effects of Curcuma longa essential oil (CLE) against the Toxoplasma gondii RH strain.MethodsThe in vitro effect of different concentrations of CLE on T. gondii tachyzoites was assessed by cell viability assay. Flow cytometry and apoptosis analysis were performed, and nitric oxide production by CLE was also evaluated in tachyzoites. BALB/c mice were orally treated with various doses (1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg·kg−1·day−1) of CLE for 2 weeks. After the induction of acute toxoplasmosis in the mice, their survival rate and the mean number of peritoneal parasites were checked. The hepatic level of antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers was evaluated by commercial kits. The mRNA expression level of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsCLE, especially at 50 µg/ml, showed potent inhibitory effects on T. gondii tachyzoites. It increased the survival rate (ninth day) and reduced the mean number of peritoneal tachyzoites in the infected mice. CLE dependently increased (p &lt; 0.01) the number of necrotic and apoptotic cells as well as NO production. CLE significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced the hepatic level of oxidative stress markers but increased (p &lt; 0.001) the antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines in the infected mice, with no important toxicity for vital organs.ConclusionThe findings of this survey revealed the significant in vitro inhibitory effects of CLE on T. gondii tachyzoites. The results also exhibited promising in vivo effects of CLE. CLE improved the survival rate of infected mice and reduced the parasite number in them. Although the mechanisms of action of CLE are not clear, our study demonstrated its beneficial effects on acute toxoplasmosis by strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Still, more studies are required to confirm these results.
The controlling nutritional status score predicts postoperative mortality in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm: a retrospective study
Authors: Ye Sheng-Lin , Xiang Guang-Yuan , Liu Zhao , Li Wen-Dong , Tang Tao , Qian Ai-Min , Li Xiao-Qiang , Sun Li-Li 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundRuptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) are challenging for vascular surgeons because they have a high mortality rate. In many diseases, nutritional status is closely associated with prognosis. The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) screening tool score is a prognostic factor in some malignant and chronic diseases; however, the impact of nutritional status on rAAA has not yet been reported. In this study, we explored the relationship between the CONUT score and the postoperative prognosis of patients with rAAA.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 39 patients with rAAA who underwent surgical treatment from March 2018 to September 2021 at one center. Patient characteristics, nutritional status (CONUT score), and postoperative status were recorded. The patients were divided into groups A and B based on the CONUT score. The baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared, and Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent predictors of mid-term mortality and complications, respectively.ResultsThe overall mid-term mortality rate was 28.21% (11/39). Compared with group A, group B had higher intraoperative (P = 0.047) and mid-term mortality (P = 0.033) rates. The univariate analysis showed that age [hazard ratio (HR), 1.098; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.019–1.182; P = 0.014], CONUT score (HR, 1.316; 95% CI, 1.027–1.686; P = 0.03), and surgical procedure (HR, 0.127; 95% CI, 0.016–0.992; P = 0.049) were associated with mid-term mortality, whereas the multivariate analysis showed that the CONUT score (HR, 1.313; 95% CI, 1.009–1.710; P = 0.043) was an independent predictor of mid-term mortality. The multivariate logistic regression analysis did not reveal any associations with complications. The Kaplan–Meier curves showed that group B had a lower mid-term survival rate (log-rank P = 0.024).ConclusionMalnutrition is closely associated with the prognosis of patients with rAAA, and the CONUT score can be used to predict mid-term mortality.
Improvement in the ideal range of vault after implantable collamer lens implantation: a new vault prediction formula
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhong Ding-juan , Luo Dong-qiang , Zhang Li-yuan , Liu Jia , Wang Hua 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundTo derive and validate a novel vault prediction formula to improve the predictability and safety of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation.MethodsThirty-five patients (61 eyes) with previous posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation were included. Various parameters, such as horizontal-visible iris diameter (HVID), photopic pupil diameter (PPD), axial length (AL), white-to-white (WTW), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-to-angle (ATA), crystalline lens rise (CLR), anterior chamber depth (ACD), horizontal sulcus-to-sulcus (HSTS), and ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) were measured. Vault was measured at 3 months after surgery using CASIA2 anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The formula was derived using multiple linear regression analysis and named as WH formula. It was validated in 65 patients (118 eyes) to determine the percentage of the ideal postoperative vault range and to compare the differences between the WH formula and the NK, KS, and STAAR formulas.ResultsFinal ICL size, ATA, CSA, and CLR were included in the prediction formula model (adjusted R2 = 0.67, p &lt; 0.001). The achieved vault 1 month after the surgery was 556.19 μm ± 166.98 μm in the validation group, and the ideal vault range was 200–800 μm (92%). The difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the WH formula was not statistically significant (p = 0.165), whereas the difference between the achieved vault and that predicted using the NK and KS formulas was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001 and p &lt; 0.001, respectively). The 95% agreement limit range of the achieved vault and the vault predicted using the WH formula was narrower than those predicted using the NK and KS formulas (−295.20–258.82 μm).ConclusionThis study combined the results of optical coherence tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy measurements of the anterior segment of the eye and incorporated ciliary sulcus morphology quantification into the prediction formula. The study derived a prediction formula for vault by combining ICL size, ATA, and CLR. The derived formula was found to be superior to the currently available formulas.
Video education improves patients’ knowledge and satisfaction in treatment of solar lentigines with picosecond 755-nm alexandrite laser: A retrospective study
Authors: Liu Jia-Wei , Tan Yan , Chen Tian , Qian Yue-Tong , Zhang Tao , Ma Dong-Lai 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundPicosecond lasers are widely used in dermatologic and cosmetic practice. In clinical practice, informed consent for laser treatments is critical to ensure patients’ understanding of health information.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether video-based informed consent improves patient comprehension and satisfaction.MethodsThe study was performed from August 1 to November 30, 2022. Solar lentigines patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Before October 1, 2022, traditional informed consent methods were performed. In the subsequent 2 months, a video-based informed consent was used as an adjunct to traditional consenting methods. Finally, patient comprehension of relevant knowledge about laser treatment and client satisfaction were assessed.ResultsA total of 106 patients were included. The mean number of correct answers in the comprehension assessment in the video-based informed consent group was significantly higher than that in the traditional informed consent group (4.4 ± 1.2 vs. 3.4 ± 1.1, p &lt; 0.001). Compared to the traditional informed consent group, more correct answers in the video-based informed consent group were provided by older patients (3.9 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.004) and patients with lower education levels (4.1 ± 1.1 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2, p &lt; 0.001). The mean satisfaction score in the video-based informed consent group was significantly higher than that in the traditional informed consent (27.8 ± 5.7 vs. 24.3 ± 6.2, p = 0.003).ConclusionVideo-based informed consent helps patients learn clinical literacy more effectively and improves patient satisfaction, especially in those with lower education levels and older ages.
Experiences of medical device innovators as they navigate the regulatory system in Uganda
Authors: Nakandi Brenda T. , Muhimbise Owen , Djuhadi Ashley , Mulerwa Martha , McGrath Janet , Makobore Philippa Ngaju , Rollins Andrew M. , Ssekitoleko Robert T. 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveA medical device must undergo rigorous regulatory processes to verify its safety and effectiveness while in use. In low-and middle-income countries like Uganda however, medical device innovators and designers face challenges around bringing a device from ideation to being market-ready. This is mainly attributed to a lack of clear regulatory procedures among other factors. In this paper, we illustrate the current landscape of investigational medical devices regulation in Uganda.MethodsInformation about the different bodies involved in regulation of medical devices in Uganda was obtained online. Nine medical device teams whose devices have gone through the Ugandan regulatory system were interviewed to gain insights into their experiences with the regulatory system. Interviews focused on the challenges they faced, how they navigated them, and factors that supported their progress towards putting their devices on the market.ResultsWe identified different bodies that are part of the stepwise regulatory pathway of investigational medical devices in Uganda and roles played by each in the regulatory process. Experiences of the medical device teams collected showed that navigation through the regulatory system was different for each team and progress towards market readiness was fuelled by funding, simplicity of device, and mentorship.ConclusionMedical devices regulation exists in Uganda but is characterised by a landscape that is still in development which thereby affects the progress of investigational medical devices.
New insights into the characteristic skin microorganisms in different grades of acne and different acne sites
Authors: Guo Zitao , Yang Yuliang , Wu Qianjie , Liu Meng , Zhou Leyuan , Zhang Liang , Dong Dake 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe increasing maturity of sequencing technology provides a convenient approach to studying the role of skin microorganisms in acne pathogenesis. However, there are still too few studies about the skin microbiota of Asian acne patients, especially a lack of detailed analysis of the characteristics of the skin microbiota in the different acne sites.MethodsIn this study, a total of 34 college students were recruited and divided into the health, mild acne, and severe acne groups. The bacterial and fungal flora of samples were separately detected by 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The biomarkers of different acne grades and different acne sites [forehead, cheek, chin, torso (including chest and back)] were excavated.Results and DiscussionOur results indicated that there was no significant difference in species diversity between groups. The genera like Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Malassezia, which have a relatively high abundance in the skin microbiota and were reported as the most acne-associated microbes, were no obvious differences between groups. On the contrary, the abundance of less reported Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Pseudidiomarina) and Candida has a significant alteration. Compared with the health group and the mild group, in the severe group, the abundance of Pseudomonas and Ralstonia sharply reduced while that of Pseudidiomarina and Candida remarkably raised. Moreover, different acne sites have different numbers and types of biomarkers. Among the four acne sites, the cheek has the greatest number of biomarkers including Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Pseudidiomarina, Malassezia, Saccharomyces, and Candida, while no biomarker was observed for the forehead. The network analysis indicated that there might be a competitive relationship between Pseudomonas and Propionibacterium. This study would provide a new insight and theoretical basis for precise and personalized acne microbial therapy.
White matter hyperintensities burden in the frontal regions is positively correlated to the freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zou Xiaoya , Dong Zhaoying , Chen Xinwei , Yu Qian , Yin Huimei , Yi Li , Zuo Hongzhou , Xu Jiaman , Du Xinyi , Han Yu , Zou Dezhi , Peng Juan , Cheng Oumei 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported that white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with freezing of gait (FOG), but it is not clear whether their distribution areas have correlations with FOG in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the potential influencing factors about WMHs.MethodsTwo hundred and forty-six patients with PD who underwent brain MRI were included. Participants were divided into PD with FOG (n = 111) and PD without FOG (n = 135) groups. Scheltens score was used to assess the WMHs burden in the areas of deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMHs), periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs), basal ganglia hyperintensities (BGHs), and infratentorial foci of hyperintensities (ITF). Whole brain WMHs volume was evaluated by automatic segmentation. Binary logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships between WMHs and FOG. The common cerebrovascular risk factors that may affect WMHs were evaluated by mediation analysis.ResultsThere were no statistical differences between PD with and without FOG groups in whole brain WMHs volume, total Scheltens score, BGHs, and ITF. Binary logistic regression showed that the total scores of DWMHs (OR = 1.094; 95% CI, 1.001, 1.195; p = 0.047), sum scores of PVHs and DWMHs (OR = 1.080; 95% CI, 1.003, 1.164; p = 0.042), especially the DWMHs in frontal (OR = 1.263; 95% CI, 1.060, 1.505 p = 0.009), and PVHs in frontal caps (OR = 2.699; 95% CI, 1.337, 5.450; p = 0.006) were associated with FOG. Age, hypertension, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are positively correlated with scores of DWMHs in frontal and PVHs in frontal caps.ConclusionThese results indicate that WMHs distribution areas especially in the frontal of DWMHs and PVHs play a role in PD patients with FOG.
Novel cochlear implant assessment tool: Comparative analysis of children and adults
Authors: Caldas Fernanda Ferreira , Buzo Byanka Cagnacci , Masiero Bruno Sanches , Takeuti Alice Andrade , Cardoso Carolina Costa , Elias Thais Gomes Abrahão , Bahmad Fayez 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesTo analyse the results of children and adults with cochlear implants (CIs) in pure tone audiometry (PTA) and speech perception tests. Tests were performed in two ways: using loudspeakers in the sound booth (SB) and with direct audio input (DAI) employing the Cochlear Latin America BOX (CLABOX).MethodsFifty individuals (33 adults and 17 children) participated in the study, including children aged between 8 and 13 years; of these, 15 users had bilateral CIs, 35 had unilateral CIs, and all had severe to profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. All participants were evaluated in the SB with loudspeakers and the CLABOX with DAI. The following evaluations were conducted: PTA, speech recognition tests with the hearing in noise test (HINT).ResultsThe results for PTA and HINT conducted in SB and with CLABOX presented no significant difference between children and adults.ConclusionThe CLABOX tool presents a new possible method to evaluate PTA and speech recognition tests in adults and children, with results comparable to the conventional evaluation in the SB.
Correlation between blood glucose and cerebrospinal fluid glucose levels in patients with differences in glucose metabolism
Authors: Tan Qing Che , Xing Xiao Wei , Zhang Jia Tang , He Mian Wang , Ma Yu Bao , Wu Lei , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Hong Fen , Yu Sheng Yuan 
Published: April 2023

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine a method to identify normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels by examining the correlation between blood and CSF glucose levels in patients with normal and abnormal glucose metabolism.MethodsOne hundred ninety-five patients were divided into two groups according to their glucose metabolism. The glucose levels were obtained from CSF and fingertip blood at 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0  h before lumbar puncture. SPSS 22.0 software was used for the statistical analysis.ResultsIn both the normal and abnormal glucose metabolism groups, CSF glucose levels increased with blood glucose levels at 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0  h before lumbar puncture. In the normal glucose metabolism group, the CSF/blood glucose ratio range was 0.35–0.95 at 0–6  h before lumbar puncture, and the CSF/average blood glucose ratio range was 0.43–0.74. In the abnormal glucose metabolism group, the CSF/blood glucose ratio range was 0.25–1.2 at 0–6  h before lumbar puncture, and the CSF/average blood glucose ratio range was 0.33–0.78.ConclusionThe CSF glucose level is influenced by the blood glucose level 6  h before lumbar puncture. In patients with normal glucose metabolism, direct measurement of the CSF glucose level can be used to determine whether the CSF level is normal. However, in patients with abnormal or unclear glucose metabolism, the CSF/average blood glucose ratio should be used to determine whether the CSF glucose level is normal.
Fallers after stroke: a retrospective study to investigate the combination of postural sway measures and clinical information in faller’s identification
Authors: Jonsdottir Johanna , Mestanza Mattos Fabiola Giovanna , Torchio Alessandro , Corrini Chiara , Cattaneo Davide 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundFalls can have devastating effects on quality of life. No clear relationships have been identified between clinical and stabilometric postural measures and falling in persons after stroke.ObjectiveThis cross-sectional study investigates the value of including stabilometric measures of sway with clinical measures of balance in models for identification of faller chronic stroke survivors, and the relations between variables.MethodsClinical and stabilometric data were collected from a convenience sample of 49 persons with stroke in hospital care. They were categorized as fallers (N = 21) or non-fallers (N = 28) based on the occurrence of falls in the previous 6 months. Logistic regression (model 1) was performed with clinical measures, including the Berg Balance scale (BBS), Barthel Index (BI), and Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). A second model (model 2) was run with stabilometric measures, including mediolateral (SwayML) and anterior–posterior sway (SwayAP), velocity of antero-posterior (VelAP) and medio-lateral sway (VelML), and absolute position of center of pressure (CopX abs). A third stepwise regression model was run including all variables, resulting in a model with SwayML, BBS, and BI (model 3). Finally, correlations between independent variables were analyzed.ResultsThe area under the curve (AUC) for model 1 was 0.68 (95%CI: 0.53–0.83, sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 39%) with prediction accuracy of 63.3%. Model 2 resulted in an AUC of 0.68 (95%CI: 0.53–0.84, sensitivity = 76%, specificity = 57%) with prediction accuracy of 65.3%. The AUC of stepwise model 3 was 0.74 (95%CI: 0.60–0.88, sensitivity = 57%, specificity = 81%) with prediction accuracy of 67.4%. Finally, statistically significant correlations were found between clinical variables (p &lt; 0.05), only velocity parameters were correlated with balance performance (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionA model combining BBS, BI, and SwayML was best at identifying faller status in persons in the chronic phase post stroke. When balance performance is poor, a high SwayML may be part of a strategy protecting from falls.
The contribution of probiotics for the double-edge effect of cefazolin on postoperative neurocognitive disorders by rebalancing the gut microbiota
Authors: Zhang Tianyao , Wu Xiaochu , Liu Bin , Huang Han , Zhou Cheng , Liang Peng 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionEmerging data suggest that perioperative gut dysbiosis is prevalent and may be associated with postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). Antibiotics and probiotics are key factors influencing the microbiota. Many antibiotics have anti-microorganisms and direct anti-inflammatory properties, which may have cognitive repercussions. NLRP3 inflammasome activation has been reported to be involved with cognitive deficits. This study aimed to determine the effect and mechanism of probiotics on neurocognitive problems associated with perioperative gut dysbiosis by the NLRP3 pathway.MethodsIn a randomized, controlled trial, adult male Kunming mice undergoing surgery were administered cefazolin, FOS + probiotics, CY-09, or a placebo in four distinct experimental cohorts. Fear conditioning (FC) tests evaluate learning and memory. Following FC tests to evaluate inflammatory response (IR) and the permeability of barrier systems, the hippocampus and colon were extracted, and feces were collected for 16 s rRNA.ResultsOne week after surgery, surgery/anesthesia decreased the frozen behavior. Cefazolin attenuated this declination but aggravated postoperative freezing behavior 3 weeks after surgery. Probiotics ameliorated surgery/anesthesia-induced memory deficits and perioperative cefazolin-induced postoperative memory deficits 3 weeks after surgery. NLRP3, caspase-1, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and Interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels were increased 1 week after the hippocampus and colon surgery, which were attenuated by CY-09 and probiotics, respectively.DiscussionProbiotics could correct dysbacteria and IR caused by surgery/anesthesia stress and cefazolin alone. These findings imply that probiotics are an efficient and effective way of maintaining the balance of gut microbiota, which may reduce NLRP3-related inflammation and alleviate PND.