bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in synaptic inputs to dI3 INs and MNs after complete transection in adult mice
Authors: Goltash Sara , Stevens Shannon J. , Topcu Emine , Bui Tuan V. 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionSpinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that disrupts the communication between the brain and the spinal cord. Several studies have sought to determine how to revive dormant spinal circuits caudal to the lesion to restore movements in paralyzed patients. So far, recovery levels in human patients have been modest at best. In contrast, animal models of SCI exhibit more recovery of lost function. Previous work from our lab has identified dI3 interneurons as a spinal neuron population central to the recovery of locomotor function in spinalized mice. We seek to determine the changes in the circuitry of dI3 interneurons and motoneurons following SCI in adult mice.MethodsAfter a complete transection of the spinal cord at T9-T11 level in transgenic Isl1:YFP mice and subsequent treadmill training at various time points of recovery following surgery, we examined changes in three key circuits involving dI3 interneurons and motoneurons: (1) Sensory inputs from proprioceptive and cutaneous afferents, (2) Presynaptic inhibition of sensory inputs, and (3) Central excitatory glutamatergic synapses from spinal neurons onto dI3 INs and motoneurons. Furthermore, we examined the possible role of treadmill training on changes in synaptic connectivity to dI3 interneurons and motoneurons.ResultsOur data suggests that VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 interneurons decrease transiently or only at later stages after injury, whereas levels of VGLUT1+ remain the same for motoneurons after injury. Levels of VGLUT2+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs may show transient increases but fall below levels seen in sham-operated mice after a period of time. Levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs to dI3 INs and MNs can rise shortly after SCI, but those increases do not persist. However, levels of presynaptic inhibition to VGLUT1+ inputs never fell below levels observed in sham-operated mice. For some synaptic inputs studied, levels were higher in spinal cord-injured animals that received treadmill training, but these increases were observed only at some time points.DiscussionThese results suggest remodeling of spinal circuits involving spinal interneurons that have previously been implicated in the recovery of locomotor function after spinal cord injury in mice.
Empirical mode decomposition of local field potential data from optogenetic experiments
Authors: Oprisan Sorinel A. , Clementsmith Xandre , Tompa Tamas , Lavin Antonieta 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThis study investigated the effects of cocaine administration and parvalbumin-type interneuron stimulation on local field potentials (LFPs) recorded in vivo from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of six mice using optogenetic tools.MethodsThe local network was subject to a brief 10 ms laser pulse, and the response was recorded for 2 s over 100 trials for each of the six subjects who showed stable coupling between the mPFC and the optrode. Due to the strong non-stationary and nonlinearity of the LFP, we used the adaptive, data-driven, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) method to decompose the signal into orthogonal Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs).ResultsThrough trial and error, we found that seven is the optimum number of orthogonal IMFs that overlaps with known frequency bands of brain activity. We found that the Index of Orthogonality (IO) of IMF amplitudes was close to zero. The Index of Energy Conservation (IEC) for each decomposition was close to unity, as expected for orthogonal decompositions. We found that the power density distribution vs. frequency follows a power law with an average scaling exponent of ~1.4 over the entire range of IMF frequencies 2–2,000 Hz.DiscussionThe scaling exponent is slightly smaller for cocaine than the control, suggesting that neural activity avalanches under cocaine have longer life spans and sizes.
Abnormal regional spontaneous neural activity and functional connectivity in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy patients with different activity: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Jiang Mengda , Zhang Haiyang , Liu Yuting , Wu Shuo , Qu Jialu , Tang Yan , Song Yang , Li Yinwei , Sun Jing , Zhu Ling , Zhou Huifang , Tao Xiaofeng 
Published: July 2023

PurposeWe aimed to evaluate the spontaneous neuronal activity and functional connectivity pattern variations using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) measures, such as amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF), and functional connectivity (FC), in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).MethodA total of 24 active TAO patients, 26 inactive TAO patients, and 27 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. First, ALFF and fALFF were used to detect local neural activity changes, the MRI data were analyzed, and regions with group differences were taken as seeds. Second, FC analysis was performed to explore the altered connection between seeds and other brain regions. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between functional brain activity and clinical indices and neuropsychiatric behaviors.ResultsCompared to HCs, both active and inactive TAO patients exhibited significantly lower ALFF values in the right calcarine (Calcarine_R) and left postcentral gyrus (Postcentral_L). Active TAO patients also showed significantly higher ALFF values in the left caudate nucleus (Caudate_L) and increased fALFF values in the superior lobe of the right cerebellum (Cerebelum_Crus1_R). Moreover, both active and inactive TAO patients demonstrated decreased FC within the left postcentral gyrus (Postcentral_L) compared to HCs. Additionally, active TAO patients exhibited lower FC compared to inactive TAO patients. The ALFF values in the Calcarine_R of active TAO patients positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.5892, p = 0.0049) and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS; r = 0.5377, p = 0.0119). Furthermore, the ALFF value in the Calcarine_R of inactive TAO patients negatively correlated with visual functioning (r = −0.5449, p = 0.0072), while the ALFF values in the Caudate_L of active TAO patients positively correlated with visual functioning (r = 0.6496, p = 0.0014).ConclusionWe found that the Caudate_L and Cerebelum_Crus1_R related to motor control and coordination in active TAO patients exhibit significant compensatory mechanisms; whereas, the Calcarine_R and Postcentral_L related to visual and somatosensory cortices show varying degrees of impairment. Our findings complement the functional neural mechanism of TAO.
Gene expression analysis in recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a preliminary study
Authors: Oh Eun Hye , Lee Jin-Ok , Kim Hyun Sung , Park Ji-Yun , Choi Seo Young , Choi Kwang-Dong , Kim Ji-Soo , Choi Jae-Hwan 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the pathophysiology of recurrent benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in young patients using gene expression profiling combined with bioinformatics analysis.MethodsTotal RNA was extracted from the whole blood of four young patients with recurrent BPPV and four controls. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were screened using a microarray analysis based on the cutoff criteria of |log2 fold change| &gt; 1 and an adjusted p-value of &lt; 0.05. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed using Gene Ontology analysis, and the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of the Interacting Genes database.ResultsA total of 39 DEGs were detected between the BPPV and control samples, comprising 33 upregulated DEGs and six downregulated DEGs in the BPPV group. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in terms related to metabolic processes and the immune system. Two main pathways were extracted from the PPI network: one was associated with oxidative phosphorylation and stress and the other with the adaptive immune system and extracellular matrix degradation.ConclusionThe findings of our bioinformatics analysis indicated that oxidative stress or extracellular matrix degradation due to immune-mediated inflammatory responses may contribute to the development of recurrent BPPV in young patients.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct to corticosteroid treatment in sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a retrospective study
Authors: Skarzynski Piotr H. , Kolodziejak Aleksandra , Gos Elżbieta , Skarzynska Magdalena B. , Czajka Natalia , Skarzynski Henryk 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundA retrospective clinical study was conducted to test the impact of including hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).Materials and methodsA total of 63 adult patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss diagnosed between 2015 and 2023 were divided into two groups: 36 patients treated with intratympanic glucocorticoid and orally administered glucocorticoid who also underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy and 27 patients treated with intratympanic glucocorticoid and prolonged orally administered glucocorticoid (without hyperbaric oxygen therapy). An audiological evaluation was performed using pure-tone audiometry.ResultsAverage hearing gain as measured by pure tone average was 12.5 dB HL (+/- 19.9 dB HL) in the patients treated with steroids combined with HBOT, and was 14.1 dB HL (+/- 17.9 dB) in the patients treated with steroids alone. Successful treatment (complete recovery or marked improvement) was observed in 27.8% of the patients in the first group and in 25.5% in the second group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups.ConclusionBoth groups of patients—those treated with glucocorticoids and those treated with glucocorticoids and HBOT—had similar hearing outcomes. A prospective, controlled, and randomized study would provide more reliable knowledge about the efficacy of HBOT in treating SSNHL.
“InMotion”—Mixed physical exercise program with creative movement as an intervention for adults with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Poikonen Hanna , Duberg Anna , Eriksson Mats , Eriksson-Crommert Martin , Lund Majja , Möller Margareta , Msghina Mussie 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundSchizophrenia is among the world’s top 10 causes of long-term disability with symptoms that lead to major problems in social and occupational functioning, and in self-care. Therefore, it is important to investigate the efficacy of complementary treatment options for conventionally used antipsychotic medication, such as physical training, and psychosocial interventions.ObjectiveTo combine aerobic and strength training with cognitive, emotional and social stimulation in one intervention for people with schizophrenia and test the feasibility and effects of this intervention.MethodsThe study is a mixed-method randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a 12-week intervention for adults with schizophrenia. The treatment group (30 participants) will receive the intervention in addition to standard care and the control group (30 participants) only standard care. The intervention consists of 24 biweekly sessions with a duration of 60 min. The pre-test (weeks from 4 to 2 prior to the intervention) and post-test (week 12) include clinical measure (PANSS), quality of life, social performance, movement quantity, brain function and eye tracking measures. In addition, a treatment subgroup of 12–15 participants and their family member or other next of kin will complete a qualitative interview as a part of their post-test. Two follow-up tests, including clinical, quality of life, brain function and eye tracking will be made at 6 and 12 months from the completion of the intervention to both study groups. The primary outcome is change in negative symptoms. Secondary outcome measures include general and positive symptoms, quality of life, social performance, movement quantity, brain function and eye tracking. Explorative outcome includes patient and family member or other next of kin interview.ResultsPilot data was collected by June 2023 and the main data collection will begin in September 2023. The final follow-up is anticipated to be completed by 2026.ConclusionThe InMotion study will provide new knowledge on the feasibility, efficacy, and experiences of a novel intervention for adults with schizophrenia. The hypothesis is that regular participation in the intervention will reduce clinical symptoms, normalize physiological measures such as brain activation, and contribute to new active habits for the participants.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05673941.
Donepezil combined with traditional Chinese medicine has promising efficacy on mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Si-jia , Tang Hui-ling , Li Wei-hong , Bin Chen-li , Liu Zhang , Tang Zhao-hui , Liang Jing-hong 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivePrior research has shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of combining donepezil and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In light of this, our study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach for patients with MCI.MethodsWe conducted a comprehensive search of various databases, including Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Wanfang Database from their inception to November 16, 2022. The selection of studies, risk of bias assessment, and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. The statistical analysis was performed using STATA.ResultsOur meta-analysis included a total of 35 studies with 2,833 patients, published between 2008 and 2022, with intervention durations ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months. However, most of the studies had a high risk of detection bias. Our findings indicated that the combination of donepezil and TCM significantly improved the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82 to 3.75) and the Barthel Index score (WMD = 9.20, 95% CI: 5.39 to 13.00) compared to donepezil alone. However, subgroup analyses showed that the MoCA score did not increase significantly in patients with MCI resulting from cerebrovascular disease (WMD = 1.47, 95% CI: −0.02 to 2.96).ConclusionThe combination of donepezil and TCM may have a more positive effect on cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with MCI compared to the use of donepezil alone. However, due to the limited quality of the studies included in our analysis, these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Association between digestive diseases and sarcopenia among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study based on nationally representative survey
Authors: Cui Guanghui , Li Shaojie , Ye Hui , Yang Yao , Chu Yingming , Jia Xiaofen , Feng Yue , Lin Miaomiao , Zhang Xuezhi 
Published: July 2023

ObjectivesPatients with digestive diseases frequently suffer from dyspepsia and malabsorption, which may lead to muscle loss due to malnutrition. However, it is not clear whether digestive diseases are associated with sarcopenia. This study aims to explore the longitudinal association between digestive diseases and sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults based on a nationally representative survey from China.MethodsWe used a prospective cohort study including 7,025 middle-aged and older adults aged ≥45 years from the 2011 to 2015 waves China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Digestive diseases were identified using self-report. The assessment of sarcopenia was based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 Consensus and included three components of muscle strength, physical performance, and muscle mass. Cox hazards regression was used to examine the association between digestive diseases and sarcopenia.ResultsThe prevalence of digestive diseases and the incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults were 22.6% (95% CI = 21.6–23.6%) and 8.5% (95% CI = 7.8–9.1%). After adjusting for 15 covariates composed of three sets (demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and health status), digestive diseases were associated with a higher risk of sarcopenia (HR = 1.241, 95% CI = 1.034–1.490, P &lt; 0.05). The associations were more pronounced among men, older adults aged 60–79, rural residents, and married people. In addition, the association between digestive diseases and sarcopenia was robust in the sensitivity analysis.ConclusionDigestive diseases were associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults aged ≥45 years. Early intervention of digestive diseases may help to reduce the incidence of sarcopenia in middle-aged and older adults.
Development of a dynamic risk system for predicting the risk of recurrence and progression in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer after thulium laser resection of bladder tumor or transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by intravesical BCG instillation
Authors: Sun Jian-Xuan , An Ye , Xu Meng-Yao , Liu Chen-Qian , Xu Jin-Zhou , Xia Qi-Dong , Wang Shao-Gang 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundThe high recurrence rate of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) after tumor resection brings huge physical and financial burdens for patients. Several predictive models that predict the recurrence of patients with NMIBC have drawbacks in clinical practice. With the rapid development of therapeutic methods, more factors should be taken into consideration when constructing predictive model.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 90 patients who were diagnosed as intermediate- or high-risk NMIBC and received a Thulium laser resection of bladder tumor (TmLRBT) or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by BCG instillation. Univariate Cox regression analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis were performed to screen out the independent prognostic factors of recurrence free survival (RFS). A nomogram and risk index were constructed using these prognostic factors.ResultsIn this study, 22 patients suffered recurrence; 37 patients (41%) received TmLRBT, and over 90% patients completed intravesical BCG instillation for one year. The univariate Cox regression showed that surgery (TURBT vs TmLRBT), previous bladder tumor, tumor number, pathological stage, post-operative catheterization and number of BCG therapy were associated with RFS. The multivariate Cox regression revealed that surgery (TURBT vs TmLRBT) (HR = 3.16, 95%CI [1.02 – 9.83]); previous bladder tumor (HR = 4.03, 95%CI [1.41 – 11.54]); number of BCG therapy (HR = 0.89, 95%CI [0.84 – 0.95]) were independent prognostic factors. A nomogram was constructed and exhibited excellent capability in predicting the RFS with an AUC of 0.789, 0.848, 0.806 at 6-, 12- and 24-months respectively and a c-index of 0.822. Also, the calibration curve and decision curve analysis were performed to verify the predictive efficacy. The risk index was derived from the nomogram and also exhibited favorable capability in predicting the progression free survival (PFS) of patients.ConclusionsPatients who received TmLRBT, without previous bladder tumor history and had more intravesical BCG instillations are likely to have better RFS. The nomogram and the risk index which were constructed to predict the RFS and PFS of patients may help urologists to make clinical decisions and aid in precision medicine.
A radiomics model based on preoperative gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for predicting post-hepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Changfeng , Wang Qiang , Zou Mengda , Cai Ping , Li Xuesong , Feng Kai , Zhang Leida , Sparrelid Ernesto , Brismar Torkel B. , Ma Kuansheng 
Published: July 2023

BackgroundPost-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a fatal complication after liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is of clinical importance to estimate the risk of PHLF preoperatively.AimsThis study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model based on preoperative gadoxetic acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to estimate the risk of PHLF in patients with HCC.MethodsA total of 276 patients were retrospectively included and randomly divided into training and test cohorts (194:82). Clinicopathological variables were assessed to identify significant indicators for PHLF prediction. Radiomics features were extracted from the normal liver parenchyma at the hepatobiliary phase and the reproducible, robust and non-redundant ones were filtered for modeling. Prediction models were developed using clinicopathological variables (Clin-model), radiomics features (Rad-model), and their combination.ResultsThe PHLF incidence rate was 24% in the whole cohort. The combined model, consisting of albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score, indocyanine green retention test at 15 min (ICG-R15), and Rad-score (derived from 16 radiomics features) outperformed the Clin-model and the Rad-model. It yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.84 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.77–0.90) in the training cohort and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.72–0.91) in the test cohort. The model demonstrated a good consistency by the Hosmer–Lemeshow test and the calibration curve. The combined model was visualized as a nomogram for estimating individual risk of PHLF.ConclusionA model combining clinicopathological risk factors and radiomics signature can be applied to identify patients with high risk of PHLF and serve as a decision aid when planning surgery treatment in patients with HCC.
Factors associated with failure to start consolidation durvalumab after definitive chemoradiation for locally advanced NSCLC
Authors: Langberg Christian Wilhelm , Horndalsveen Henrik , Helland Åslaug , Haakensen Vilde Drageset 
Published: July 2023

IntroductionThe introduction of consolidation immunotherapy after chemoradiotherapy has improved outcome for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, not all patients receive this treatment. This study identifies factors associated with failure to start durvalumab as consolidation therapy with the aim of optimizing treatment, supportive care and prehabilitation to ensure that more patients complete the planned treatment.Materials and methodsPatients from two clinical trials and a named patient use program, were included in this study. All patients received platinum-doublet chemotherapy concomitant with radiotherapy to a total dose of 60-66 gray. Patient characteristics, cancer treatment, toxicity, performance status and laboratory data before and after chemoradiotherapy were recorded and patients who never started durvalumab were compared with those who did.ResultsA total of 101 patients were included, of which 83 started treatments with durvalumab after chemoradiotherapy. The 18 patients who did not start durvalumab had significantly higher lactate dehydrogenase at baseline and a worse performance status, cumulative toxicity and higher c-reactive protein after completed chemoradiotherapy. Data also suggest that pre-treatment diabetes and reduced hemoglobin and/or diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide contribute to the risk of treatment abruption.ConclusionTreatment plan disruption rate was 18%. Systemic inflammation and performance status were associated with failure to receive durvalumab after chemoradiation. Further studies are needed to confirm findings and prospective trials should investigate whether prehabilitation and supportive treatment could help more patients finishing the planned treatment.Clinical Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03798535; NCT04392505.