bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effect of angiotensin II receptor blockers on the risk of incident Alzheimer’s disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Kim Seungyeon , Jo Youngkwon , Kim Youjin , Ye Byoung Seok , Yu Yun Mi 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundRecent studies on renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors have reported a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nevertheless, the effect of RAS inhibitor type and blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability on the risk of AD is still unknown.ObjectivesTo assess the effects of RAS inhibitors on the risk of AD based on the type and BBB permeability and investigate the cumulative duration-response relationship.MethodsThis was a population-based retrospective cohort study using the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment database records from 2008 to 2019. The data of patients diagnosed with ischemic heart disease between January 2009 and June 2009 were identified for inclusion in the analyses. Propensity score matching was used to balance RAS inhibitor users with non-users. The association between the use of RAS inhibitors and incident AD was evaluated using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model. The results are presented in adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsAmong the 57,420 matched individuals, 7,303 developed AD within the follow-up period. While the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) was not significantly associated with AD risk, the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) showed a significant association with reduced risk of incident AD (aHR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.90–0.99). Furthermore, the use of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a lower risk of AD (aHR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.78–0.88) with a cumulative duration-response relationship. A higher cumulative dose or duration of BBB-crossing ARBs was associated with a gradual decrease in AD risk (P for trend &lt; 0.001). No significant association between the use of ACEIs and the risk of AD was observed regardless of BBB permeability.ConclusionLong-term use of BBB-crossing ARBs significantly reduced the risk of AD development. The finding may provide valuable insight into disease-modifying drug options for preventing AD in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Descriptive analysis of post-stroke patients in a neurological physical therapy unit
Authors: Paniagua-Monrobel Mercedes , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , Magni Eleonora , Galan-Mercant Alejandro , Lucena-Anton David , Pinero-Pinto Elena , Luque-Moreno Carlos 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionPhysical therapy (PT) is the mainstay treatment in functional recovery after suffering a stroke. It is important in the acute phase of hospitalization after a stroke and later in the ambulatory phase.Patients and methodsThe present study aimed to analyze the data provided by the clinical history (CH) of people with stroke (pwS) who received PT treatment in order to establish a “preferential patient profile” (PPP) that may benefit more from an early PT treatment. This was an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. A total of 137 pwS who had been treated with PT were selected. Information provided age, gender, stroke type and localization, and start and end dates of the different PT treatments. A descriptive analysis of the variables was conducted using absolute frequencies and percentages for the qualitative variables. Student's t-test or the Mann–Whitney U-test was used to determine the relationship between the time and variables “stroke type,” “outpatient,” and “occupational therapy.” The Kruskal–Wallis H-test was applied for the “localization” variable.ResultsOf the entire sample, 57.7% were men, 65% had an ischemic stroke, and 48.9% had a stroke on the left side. The patients with hemorrhagic stroke had an increased number of hospital PT sessions (p = 0.01) and were younger (59.58 years) than patients with ischemic stroke (65.90 years) (p = 0.04).Discussion and conclusionOur results do not show significant differences between the persons &lt; 65 years and the number of outpatient physiotherapy sessions performed, although the resulting values are close to significance. Our results suggest that the PPP is a young person, with a hemorrhagic and left or bilateral stroke.
Ethiopians' knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Woldegeorgis Beshada Zerfu , Anjajo Eyosiyas Abreham , Korga Tesfalem Israel , Yigezu Berhanu Lijalem , Bogino Efa Ambaw , Tema Habtamu Tieka , Alemu Henok Berhanu , Boda Tesfalem Israel , Daba Dugo Angasa , Gobena Negeso , Obsa Mohammed Suleiman 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEpilepsy remains one of the world's most common neurological diseases, but it appears to be widely misunderstood, particularly in under-resourced countries like Ethiopia. Improving individuals' knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy is critical for reducing the multifaceted impacts of epilepsy. Therefore, in this study, we sought to estimate the pooled levels of good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward epilepsy and also identify the associated factors using available data collected from different segments of the population.MethodsArticles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate Der Simonian-Laird's pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked via Higgins and Thompson's I2 statistics (0–100%), and Cochran's Q test at P &lt; 0.10. Subgroups, based on the study regions, and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined subjectively using funnel plots and objectively using the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger for small study effects with P &lt; 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. Furthermore, the Trim-and-fill method of Duval and Tweedie was used to explore sources of publication bias for the favorable level of attitudes toward epilepsy.ResultA total of 12 studies with 6,373 study participants and 10 studies with 5,336 study participants were included to estimate the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes respectively. The overall estimated levels of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes toward epilepsy among Ethiopians were 47.37% [(95% CI: 35.00, 59.74), I2 = 99.2, P &lt; 0.001] and 46.83%[(95% CI: 32.75, 60.90), I2 = 99.2, P &lt; 0.001] respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge was 48.51% [(95% CI: 38.95, 58.06), I2 = 95.6%, P &lt; 0.001] in the Amhara region.ConclusionIn the current review, we found out that there is a huge knowledge gap and an unfavorable level of attitudes towardepilepsy, which demand immediate public health action as well as a targeted policy intervention.
Pipeline embolization devices for the treatment of nonsaccular aneurysms in pediatric patients
Authors: Han Jintao , Liang Fei , Zhang Yuxiang , Zhang Yupeng , Liang Shikai , Zhu Haoyu , Chang Yuzhou , Ma Chao , Liu Lian , Jia Zichang , Jiang Chuhan 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivePediatric nonsaccular aneurysms are rare but challenging lesions; pipeline embolization devices (PEDs) are their potential treatment option. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PEDs for treatment of these aneurysms.MethodsWe retrospectively selected pediatric patients with nonsaccular aneurysms treated using PEDs between June 2015 and July 2021 from our prospectively maintained database. For each patient, demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedure details, and clinical and angiographic follow-up data were collected and summarized.ResultsThis study included 16 pediatric patients with 16 nonsaccular aneurysms treated with PEDs. A median clinical follow-up time of 1,376 days was achieved in 93.75% of the patients. The complication rate of the included patients was 25%, with two patients developing mass effect, one patient undergoing major ischemic stroke, and one patient experiencing stent foreshortening after the procedure. The complete occlusion rate of aneurysms without any neurologic sequelae was 93.33%, with a median angiographic follow-up period of 246 days. The mortality rate was 6.25%.ConclusionsThe use of PEDs to treat pediatric nonsaccular aneurysms is feasible, with a high rate of complete occlusion of the aneurysm and favorable follow-up outcomes.
Online adaptive group-wise sparse Penalized Recursive Exponentially Weighted N-way Partial Least Square for epidural intracranial BCI
Authors: Moly Alexandre , Aksenov Alexandre , Martel Félix , Aksenova Tetiana 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionMotor Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) create new communication pathways between the brain and external effectors for patients with severe motor impairments. Control of complex effectors such as robotic arms or exoskeletons is generally based on the real-time decoding of high-resolution neural signals. However, high-dimensional and noisy brain signals pose challenges, such as limitations in the generalization ability of the decoding model and increased computational demands.MethodsThe use of sparse decoders may offer a way to address these challenges. A sparsity-promoting penalization is a common approach to obtaining a sparse solution. BCI features are naturally structured and grouped according to spatial (electrodes), frequency, and temporal dimensions. Applying group-wise sparsity, where the coefficients of a group are set to zero simultaneously, has the potential to decrease computational time and memory usage, as well as simplify data transfer. Additionally, online closed-loop decoder adaptation (CLDA) is known to be an efficient procedure for BCI decoder training, taking into account neuronal feedback. In this study, we propose a new algorithm for online closed-loop training of group-wise sparse multilinear decoders using Lp-Penalized Recursive Exponentially Weighted N-way Partial Least Square (PREW-NPLS). Three types of sparsity-promoting penalization were explored using Lpwith p = 0., 0.5, and 1.ResultsThe algorithms were tested offline in a pseudo-online manner for features grouped by spatial dimension. A comparison study was conducted using an epidural ECoG dataset recorded from a tetraplegic individual during long-term BCI experiments for controlling a virtual avatar (left/right-hand 3D translation). Novel algorithms showed comparable or better decoding performance than conventional REW-NPLS, which was achieved with sparse models. The proposed algorithms are compatible with real-time CLDA.DiscussionThe proposed algorithm demonstrated good performance while drastically reducing the computational load and the memory consumption. However, the current study is limited to offline computation on data recorded with a single patient, with penalization restricted to the spatial domain only.
Chronic exposure to inhaled vaporized cannabis high in Δ9-THC alters brain structure in adult female mice
Authors: Taylor Autumn , Nweke Amanda , Vincent Veniesha , Oke Marvellous , Kulkarni Praveen , Ferris Craig F. 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionThe medical and recreational use of cannabis has increased in the United States. Its chronic use can have detrimental effects on the neurobiology of the brain—effects that are age-dependent. This was an exploratory study looking at the effects of chronically inhaled vaporized cannabis on brain structure in adult female mice.MethodsAdult mice were exposed daily to vaporized cannabis (10.3% THC and 0.05% CBD) or placebo for 21 days. Following cessation of treatment mice were examined for changes in brain structure using voxel-based morphometry and diffusion weighted imaging MRI. Data from each imaging modality were registered to a 3D mouse MRI atlas with 139 brain areas.ResultsMice showed volumetric changes in the forebrain particularly the prefrontal cortex, accumbens, ventral pallidum, and limbic cortex. Many of these same brain areas showed changes in water diffusivity suggesting alterations in gray matter microarchitecture.DiscussionThese data are consistent with much of the clinical findings on cannabis use disorder. The sensitivity of the dopaminergic system to the daily exposure of vaporized cannabis raises concerns for abuse liability in drug naïve adult females that initiate chronic cannabis use.
Transarterial chemoembolization as an alternative to radioembolization is associated with earlier tumor recurrence than in radioembolization-eligible patients
Authors: Chung Sung Won , Cho Heejin , Shin Hyunjae , Park Jeayeon , Kim Ju Yeon , Hong Ji Hoon , Hur Moon Haeng , Park Min Kyung , Lee Yun Bin , Yu Su Jong , Lee Myungsu , Kim Yoon Jun , Paeng Jin Chul , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Chung Jin Wook , Lee Jeong-Hoon , Kim Hyo-Cheol 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionAlthough transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using yttrium-90 (90Y) is a treatment option for large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a fraction of patients are ineligible for TARE due to high lung shunt fraction (LSF).MethodsWe evaluated if treatment with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), owing to TARE ineligibility was associated with early HCC progression. Consecutive patients with HCC who were initially TARE candidates were included. Patients with vascular invasion or metastasis were excluded. Primary endpoints were time-to-progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was objective response rate.ResultsIn total, 175 patients were included: 144 underwent TARE (TARE-eligible group) and 31 underwent TACE due to high LSF (TARE-ineligible group). This latter group had larger tumors (13.8 cm vs. 7.8 cm, P&lt;0.001) and higher MoRAL scores (1,385.8 vs. 413.3, P=0.002) than the TARE-eligible group. After balancing baseline characteristics with an inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), the TARE-ineligible group showed shorter TTP [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.14–4.07, P=0.02] and OS (aHR=1.80, 95% CI=0.85–3.80, P=0.12), although the latter was not statistically significant. The TARE-ineligible group had a significantly lower objective response rate than the TARE-eligible group (9.7% vs. 56.9%, P&lt;0.001).ConclusionTARE-ineligible patients had larger tumors and higher MoRAL scores than TARE-eligible patients. Treatment with TACE, owing to high LSF, was associated with a shorter TTP even after balancing tumor size and MoRAL scores.
Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging used to assess tumor microvascular changes after transarterial chemoembolization in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model
Authors: Cheng Zhimei , Qin Huanrong , Cao Wei , He Huizhou , Zhang Shuling , Yang Yushi , Wang Zhenmin , Zou Xun , Wang Lizhou , Huang Xueqing , Zhou Shi , Zhang Shuai 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo evaluate the correlation between microvascular density (MVD) and intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters and the effect of glycolytic flux after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor.Materials and methodsVX2 liver tumor allografts in 15 New Zealand white rabbits were treated with sterile saline (control group, n = 5) or lipiodol-doxorubicin emulsion (experimental group, n = 10). MRI was performed 2 weeks after the procedure to evaluate IVIM parameters, including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (PF). All animal samples were taken of the tumor and surrounding liver. Immunostaining for CD31, CD34, CD105, and VEGF was used to evaluate MVD. The protein expression of Glut4, HK2, PKM2, LDHA, and MCT1 was determined using western blotting. Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze the relationship between MVD and IVIM parameters.ResultsD* value in the peritumoral region was negatively correlated with CD34 (r = –0.71, P = 0.01). PF value positively correlated with CD34 (r = 0.68, P = 0.015), CD105 (r = 0.76, P = 0.004) and VEGF (r = 0.72, P = 0.008) in the peritumoral region. Glut4, HK2, PKM2, and MCT1 in the peritumoral regions were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionIVIM parameters were correlated with MVD in the intratumoral and peritumoral regions after TACE in a rabbit liver tumor model. The angiogenesis reflected by MVD may be related to changes of glycolytic flux.
X-linked FRMD7 gene mutation in idiopathic congenital nystagmus and its role in eye movement: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Fanfei , Wang Minjin , Liao Meng , Liu Longqian , Jiang Xiaoshuang 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundIdiopathic congenital nystagmus (ICN) is an inherited disorder characterized by uncontrollable binocular conjugating oscillation. X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus is one of the most prevalent types of ICN. Elucidation of the genetic mechanisms involved in ICN will enhance our understanding of its molecular etiology.Case presentationWe report a girl with uncontrollable binocular oscillation and anomalous head posture, then presented a novel heterozygous missense variant (c.686G&gt;T) within the mutation-rich region of the FERM domain containing 7 (FRMD7) gene in her family member. The girl received occlusion therapy and surgical operation which balanced her binocular vision and corrected the anomalous head posture.ConclusionsThis is the first report on a mutation (c.686G&gt;T) caused the substitution of Arg (R) with Leu (L) at position 229 (p.R229L) of the FRMD7 protein in a patient with ICN.
Dahuang—Taoren, a botanical drug combination, ameliorates adenomyosis via inhibiting Rho GTPases
Authors: Lei Ya , Fu Xianyun , Chen Minmin , Yi Yongli , Mao Ping , Peng Li , Qu Zhao 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Dahuang-Taoren (DT) is a classic combination of botanical drugs applied to treat pain-related diseases in ancient China. Today, DT is frequently applied for dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis (AM) in the clinic. Growing evidence indicates Rho GTPases may play an essential role in AM progression. However, the potential mechanism of DT on Rho GTPases in AM remains unclear.Methods: The expressions of Rho GTPases in the patients with AM were evaluated. Further, pituitary transplantation-induced AM mice and the primary AM endometrial stromal cells (AMESCs) were subjected to DT intervention.Results: The results revealed that the expressions of Rho GTPases were significantly upregulated in both AM patients and AM mice. The DT could reduce pathological infiltration, relieve hyperalgesia, and alleviate cytoskeleton remodeling in AM mice. Besides, the migration and invasion of AMESCs were markedly inhibited after exposure to DT.Discussion: These effects may be linked to the decreased Rho GTPases expression. The results may offer a novel explanation of DT against AM.
Retinal blood vessel diameters in children and adults exposed to a simulated altitude of 3,000 m
Authors: Mlinar Tinkara , Debevec Tadej , Kapus Jernej , Najdenov Peter , McDonnell Adam C. , Ušaj Anton , Mekjavic Igor B. , Jaki Mekjavic Polona 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Technological advances have made high-altitude ski slopes easily accessible to skiers of all ages. However, research on the effects of hypoxia experienced during excursions to such altitudes on physiological systems, including the ocular system, in children is scarce. Retinal vessels are embryologically of the same origin as vessels in the brain, and have similar anatomical and physiological characteristics. Thus, any hypoxia-related changes in the morphology of the former may reflect the status of the latter.Objective: To compare the effect of one-day hypoxic exposure, equivalent to the elevation of high-altitude ski resorts in North America and Europe (∼3,000 m), on retinal vessel diameter between adults and children.Methods: 11 adults (age: 40.1 ± 4.1 years) and 8 children (age: 9.3 ± 1.3 years) took part in the study. They spent 3 days at the Olympic Sports Centre Planica (Slovenia; altitude: 940 m). During days 1 and 2 they were exposed to normoxia (FiO2 = 0.209), and day 3 to normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.162 ± 0.03). Digital high-resolution retinal fundus photographs were obtained in normoxia (Day 2) and hypoxia (Day 3). Central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and venular equivalents (CRVE) were determined using an Automated Retinal Image Analyser.Results: Central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents increased with hypoxia in children (central retinal arteriolar equivalent: 105.32 ± 7.72 µm, hypoxia: 110.13 ± 7.16 µm, central retinal venular equivalent: normoxia: 123.39 ± 8.34 µm, hypoxia: 130.11 ± 8.54 µm) and adults (central retinal arteriolar equivalent: normoxia: 105.35 ± 10.67 µm, hypoxia: 110.77 ± 8.36 µm; central retinal venular equivalent: normoxia: 126.89 ± 7.24 µm, hypoxia: 132.03 ± 9.72 µm), with no main effect of group or group*condition interaction. A main effect of condition on central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents was observed (central retinal arteriolar equivalent:normoxia: 105.34 ± 9.30 µm, hypoxia: 110.50 ± 7.67 µm, p &lt; 0.001; central retinal venular equivalent: normoxia: 125.41 ± 7.70 µm, hypoxia: 131.22 ± 9.05 µm, p &lt; 0.001).Conclusion: A 20-hour hypoxic exposure significantly increased central retinal arteriolar and venular equivalents in adults and children. These hypoxia-induced increases were not significantly different between the age groups, confirming that vasomotor sensitivity of the retinal vessels to acute hypoxia is comparable between adults and prepubertal children.
Early detection of the impact of combined taxane and carboplatin treatment on autonomic nerves in patients with cervical cancer: Measurement of heart rate variability
Authors: Liu Jian , Guan Weizheng , Sun Yilin , Wang Yuling , Li Guangqiao , Zhang Sai , Shi Bo 
Published: March 2023

Background: Previous studies have shown that heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a sensitive indicator of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. However, most studies to date have observed long-term effects using long-term analyses. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of chemotherapy on the cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) in patients with cervical cancer (CC) by examining short-term HRV.Methods: Fifty patients with CC admitted to the Department of Gynecology and Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College were enrolled in the study. Based on their chemotherapy regimens, the patients were divided into a DC group (docetaxel + carboplatin) and a TC group (paclitaxel + carboplatin). A 5-min resting electrocardiogram (ECG) was collected before and the day after chemotherapy: the time domain (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD)) and frequency domain (low-frequency power (LF), high-frequency power (HF), and (LF/HF)) parameters were analyzed, and the differences before and after chemotherapy were compared.Results: The results showed that SDNN, RMSSD and HF were significantly higher in the DC and TC groups after chemotherapy than before (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d &gt; 0.5). In addition, LF was significantly higher after TC than before chemotherapy (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d &gt; 0.3), and LF/HF was significantly lower after DC than before chemotherapy (p &lt; 0.05, Cohen’s d &gt; 0.5).Conclusion: Chemotherapy combining taxane and carboplatin can increase the HRV of CC patients in the short term, and HRV may be a sensitive tool for the early detection of chemotherapy-induced cardiac ANS perturbations.