bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Mortality in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Taiwan
Authors: Wen Chi-Pang , Lee Yi-Che , Sun Yuan-Ting , Huang Chih-Yuan , Tsai Chon-Haw , Chen Po-Lin , Chang Wei-Lun , Yeh Po-Yen , Wei Cheng-Yu , Tsai Ming-Jun , Sun Yu , Lin Chih-Hao , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Lai Ta-Chang , Lien Li-Ming , Lin Mei-Chen , Lin Cheng-Li , Lee June-Han , Wang Hao-Kuang , Hsu Chung Y. ,   Taiwan Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: April 2023

Objective: Lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are associated with increased intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk. However, reverse causality and residual confounding has not attracted public attention. Therefore, we assessed whether people with LDL-C have increased risk of mortality adjusting for potential confounders using two large Taiwan cohorts.Methods: The Mei-Jhao (MJ) cohort has 414,372 adults participating in a medical screening program with 378 ICH deaths within 15 years of follow-up (1994–2008). Cox proportional hazards regressions estimated hazard death ratios according to LDL-C levels. We identified 4,606 ICH patients from the Taiwan Stroke Registry (TSR) and analyzed the impact of LDL-C on 3-month mortality.Results: Low cholesterol (LDL-C &lt;100 mg/dL), found in 1/4 of the MJ cohort, was highly prevalent (36%) among young adults (age 20–39). There was a graded relationship between cholesterol and mortality for ICH [Hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13–2.16]. Compared with patients with an LDL-C of 110–129 mg/dL in TSR, the risk for mortality was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.28–2.63) with an LDL-C of &lt;100 mg/dL.Conclusion: Lower serum LDL-C level independently predicts higher mortality after acute ICH. While its causative role may vary, low cholesterol may pose potential harms in Taiwan.
Randomized trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on patients with disorders of consciousness: A study protocol
Authors: Cheng Lijuan , Sun Lingxiu , Xu Lu , Zhao Falin , Liu Xiaochen , Wang Anqi , Di Haibo , Cong Yu-Sheng 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has recently been explored for the treatment of Disorders of consciousness (DoC) caused by traumatic brain injury. The evidence of taVNS during the consciousness recovery has been recently reported. However, the mechanism of taVNS in the recovery of consciousness is not clear. This study attempts to investigate the effectiveness of taVNS in DoC by means of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Electrophysiology (EEG), and Single-molecular array (Simoa).Methods/designNighty patients with DoC acquired brain injury are randomized into one of three groups receiving sham taVNS or active taVNS (just left and left or right), respectively. Each of the three groups will experience a 40 days cycle (every 10 days for a small period, baseline 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, 5 days per week, then no intervention for 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, and 5 days per week). Primary outcomes (CRS-R) will be recorded five times during every period. Secondary outcomes will be recorded at the first and at the last period [MRI, EEG, Phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and Neurofilament light chain (NFL)]. We will take notes the adverse events and untoward effects during all cycles.DiscussionTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a painless, non-invasive, easily applied, and effective therapy was applied for treatment of patients with depression and epilepsy several decades ago. Recent progress showed that taVNS has behavioral effects in the consciousness recovery. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the effects of taVNS on brain activity. Therefore, we will design a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of taVNS therapy for DoC, and explore neural anatomy correlated to taVNS during the consciousness recovery. Finally, this protocol also tests some biomarkers along with the recovery of consciousness.Clinical Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045161. Registered on 9 April 2021.
Combined multidisciplinary in/outpatient rehabilitation delays definite nursing home admission in advanced Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Steendam-Oldekamp Elien , Weerkamp Nico , Vonk Judith M. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , van Laar Teus 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionAdvanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD) patients have a high risk on definite nursing home admission. We analyzed the effectiveness of an in-and outpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation, focusing on activities of daily living (ADL) and delaying definite nursing home admission.MethodsThis study included 24 aPD patients, who received a 6-week inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation program, including optimization of pharmacotherapy, which was followed by an individualized outpatient support program during 2 years (intervention group). A non-randomized matched control group (n = 19), received care as usual. Primary endpoints consisted of the Amsterdam Linear Disability Scale (ALDS) and percentage of patients being able to live independently at home after 2 years. Secondary endpoints included changes in medication (LEDD), motor performance (SCOPA-SPES), cognition (SCOPA-COG), hallucinations (NPI) and depression (BDI).ResultsOverall, 83% of patients were able to return home after the 6-week inpatient intervention, and 65% still lived at home at 2 years follow-up. Median ALDS scores after 2 years in the intervention group were significantly better, compared to the control group (p = 0.002). All secondary endpoints had improved significantly vs. baseline directly after the 6-week inpatient rehabilitation, which had disappeared at 2 years follow-up, with the exception of the daily dose of medication, which was significantly higher in the intervention group.ConclusionThis 2-year follow-up study showed that a combined multidisciplinary in/outpatient rehabilitation program for aPD patients, was able to stabilize ADL functions, and finally delayed definite nursing home admissions in 65% of treated patients.Trial registrationfilenumber M10.091051; ABR code NL32699.042.10.
Presence of corrective saccades in patients with normal vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in video head impulse test
Authors: Kabaya Kayoko , Fukushima Akina , Katsumi Sachiyo , Minakata Toshiya , Iwasaki Shinichi 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe video head impulse test (vHIT) is a valuable clinical tool that can help identify dysfunction of the semicircular canals. While in cases with semicircular canal dysfunction, both decreased vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain and corrective saccades (CS) are usually observed, there are cases which show CS despite normal VOR gain in vHIT.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients who showed CS with normal VOR gain in vHIT.Materials and methodsAmong 390 patients who underwent vHIT, 51 patients (20 males and 31 females, age 31–87 years, average 61.3 years old) who showed CS with normal VOR gain unilaterally during horizontal vHIT were included. All patients had normal vHIT (normal VOR gain and absent CS) on the contralateral side.The VOR gain of vHIT, the maximum slow phase velocity in the caloric test, and the amplitude of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs and oVEMPs) were analyzed.ResultsThe VOR gain on the affected side (0.95 ± 0.08) was significantly smaller than that on the contralateral side (1.03 ± 0.13) in horizontal vHIT (p &lt; 0.001). The maximum slow phase velocity in the caloric test on the affected side (17.9 ± 17.8 degrees/s) was significantly smaller than that on the contralateral side (21.3 ± 16.6 degrees/s, p = 0.020). There were no significant differences in the amplitude of cVEMPs or oVEMPs between the affected side and the contralateral side (p = 0.096 for cVEMP; p = 0.770 for oVEMP).ConclusionThe side that showed CS with normal VOR gain in horizontal vHIT showed significantly smaller VOR gain as well as smaller caloric responses compared to the contralateral side. Having CS with normal VOR gain could be a sensitive indicator of mild dysfunction of the semicircular canals.
The effects of mild hypothermia on the electrode insertion trauma in a murine whole organ cochlea culture
Authors: Schmutzhard Joachim , Bader Werner , Gottfried Timo , Dejaco Daniel , Glückert Rudolf , Dudas Joszef , Schrott-Fischer Annelies 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionLocal therapeutic hypothermia (32°C) has been linked experimentally to an otoprotective effect in the electrode insertion trauma. The pathomechanism of the electrode insertion trauma is connected to the activation of apoptosis and necrosis pathways, pro-inflammatory and fibrotic mechanisms. In a whole organ cochlea culture setting the effect of therapeutic hypothermia in an electrode insertion trauma model is evaluated.Material and MethodsThe cochleae of C57Bl6/J mice (Charles River®, Freiburg, Germany) are cultured for 24 hours at 37°C and 32°C after inserting a fishing line through the round window simulating an insertion trauma. The resulting effect was evaluated for the apoptotic reaction – B-cell-Lymphoma-2-Associated-X-Protein (BAX), B-Cell-Lymphoma-2-Protein (BCL2) and Cleaved-Caspase-3 (CC3) –, the inflammatory response – Tumor-Necrosis-Factor-Alpha (TNFα), Interleukin-1-Beta (IL-1Imm) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) – and proliferation process – Transforming-Growth-Factor-Beta-1 (TGFβ1) – using immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR technique. A minimum of 12 cochlea per experiment were used.ResultsA pro-apoptotic situation was observed in the normothermic group (BAX, CC3 ˃ Bcl2) whereas an anti-apoptotic constellation was found at 32°C culture conditions (BAX, CC3 &lt; Bcl2). Furthermore the effect of the IT knowing to effect the pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNFα, Il1β) and enzyme (COX2) expression has been reproduced. This reaction was reversed with the application of therapeutic hypothermia resulting in significant lower pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNFα, Il1β) and enzyme (COX2) expression. TGFβ1 was increased by hypothermia.DiscussionConcluding a protective effect of hypothermia on the experimental electrode insertion trauma can be described by an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory reaction.
Incidence of death and its predictors among neonates admitted with sepsis in referral hospitals, northwest Ethiopia, a prospective cohort study
Authors: Abiy Saron Abeje , Animut Yaregal , Ambaw Worku Mequannt , Aragaw Getie Mihret , Rade Bayew Kelkay 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundEach year, approximately 2.7 million neonates die in their first month of life worldwide, and the majority of these deaths occur in low-income countries. According to the Global Burden of Disease estimation, 1.3 million annual incident cases of neonatal sepsis were reported worldwide, resulting in 203,000 sepsis-attributable deaths. Little is known about the time to death of neonates and predictors after admission with a diagnosis of sepsis. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of death among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis in referral hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter prospective follow-up study was conducted from November 11 to December 7, 2021. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 412 neonates. Neonates admitted with sepsis were followed until they develop event for a maximum of 28 days of age. A face-to-face interview was conducted with the mother of the neonate using a pretested and structured questionnaire, and neonatal charts were reviewed to collect baseline factors. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A bivariable and multivariable exponential Cox regression model was fitted to identify predictors of death. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% CI was calculated, and statistical significance was declared at a P-value of 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.ResultsA total of 75 (18.47%) neonates died during the study period, with a 95% CI of 14.82–22.60. The incidence rate of death was 28 (95% CI, 22, 35) per 1,000 person-days of observation, with a total follow-up time of 2,677 person-days of observation. Birth weight (&lt;2,500 g) (AHR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.43), prematurity (AHR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.15), duration of labor &gt;24 h (AHR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.38, 11.01), breast feeding (AHR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.80), having respiratory distress syndrome (AHR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.02, 306), oxygen saturation less than 90% (AHR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.02, 306) were significant predictors of death among neonates admitted with sepsis.Conclusion and recommendationThe incidence of neonatal mortality in this study was high. Early detection and appropriate management of patients’ presentations like respiratory distress syndrome and low oxygen saturation are necessary to reduce neonatal sepsis-related mortality. Special attention should be given to low birth weight and premature neonates and mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their newborns after delivery.
Simultaneous determination of multiple components in rat plasma by UHPLC-sMRM for pharmacokinetic studies after oral administration of Qingjin Yiqi Granules
Authors: Yang Xiaohua , Chen Shujing , Du Kunze , Shang Ye , Fang Shiming , Li Jin , Zhang Han , Chang Yanxu 
Published: April 2023

As a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription, Qingjin Yiqi Granules (QJYQ) provides an effective treatment for patients recovering from COVID-19. However, the pharmacokinetics characteristics of the main components of QJYQ in vivo are still unknown. An efficacious ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 33 components in rat plasma after oral administration of QJYQ. The plasma samples were precipitated with 400 µL methanol/acetonitrile (1/1, v/v) and analyzed in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring mode. The linear relationship of the 33 components was good (r &gt; 0.9928). The lower limit of quantification for 33 components ranged from 0.4–60.5 ng/mL. The average recoveries and matrix effects of the analytes ranged from 72.9% to 115.0% with RSD of 1.4%–15.0%. All inter-day and intra-day RSDs were within 15.0%. After oral administration (3.15 g/kg), the validated approach was effectively applied to the pharmacokinetics of main components of QJYQ. Finally, fifteen main constituents of QJYQ with large plasma exposure were obtained, including baicalin, wogonoside, wogonin, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, verbenalin, isoferulic acid, hesperidin, liquiritin, harpagide, protocatechuic acid, p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, liquiritin apioside and glycyrrhizic acid. The present research lays a foundation for clarifying the therapeutic material basis of QJYQ and provides a reference for further scientific research and clinical application of QJYQ.
Red Blood Cell Abnormalities as the Mirror of SARS-CoV-2 Disease Severity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bouchla Anthi , Kriebardis Anastasios G. , Georgatzakou Hara T. , Fortis Sotirios P. , Thomopoulos Thomas P. , Lekkakou Leoni , Markakis Konstantinos , Gkotzias Dimitrios , Panagiotou Aikaterini , Papageorgiou Effie G. , Pouliakis Abraham , Stamoulis Konstantinos E. , Papageorgiou Sotirios G. , Pappa Vasiliki , Valsami Serena 
Published: April 2023

Graphical AbstractSARS-CoV-2 infection has significant effects on red blood cells that seems to be associated with disease severity in these patients.(A)Non-Intensive care unit hospitalized patients due to severe COVID-19 disease were included in this study (n= 36).(B)The control group included healthy subjects without renal or hepatic impairment, no diagnosis of anemia or myeloid malignancy, and no blood transfusion over the past 3 months (n= 18).(C)Demographic data, clinical, laboratory and chest Computed Tomography (CT) findings at time of admission were recorded. Hematological tests, standard biochemical analysis of serum components were performed both in the patient and in the control group and coagulation analysis were evaluated in the patient group. A peripheral blood smear examination was also performed in all patients and control samples.(D)Plasma free hemoglobin and red blood cell (RBC) osmotic fragility and free hemoglobin (Free-Hb) after mechanical stress (MECH) by mechanical hemolysis were assesed in both patients and controls. Intracellular (i) calcium (iCa2 +) levels, RBCs phosphatidylserine exposure (PS), RBC membrane-bound immunoglobulins G (IgGs), and activate RBC caspase-3 levels as cell clearance and apoptotic markers were measured by flow cytometry. A spectrophotometric assay was used to quantify the activity of G6PD enzyme. Intracellular RBC reactive oxidative species (iROS) were assesed in both patients and controls.(E)Elevated hemolysis markers (Free-Hb) and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed in patients compared to the control group. Patients’ RBCs were more vulnerable to mechanical stress, and exhibited significantly elevated apoptotic markers (iCa2 + and RBC-PS+). Erythrocyte iROS levels were significantly lower in the patients’ group compared to healthy controls. This finding possibly correlates with the increased G6PDH activity levels in this group, suggesting a compensatory mechanism against the virus.(F)Patients’ D-Dimers correlated with RBC-PS +, implying a possible contribution of the erythrocytes in the thrombotic diathesis associated with the SARS-CoV-2 disease.(G)Free-Hb levels correlated with the extend of pulmonary infiltrates on chest CT in COVID-19 patients. RBC-IgGs+ correlated with the severity of pulmonary CT imaging features as well as the abnormality of lung function, expressed by the PO2/FiO 2 ratio. This finding suggests that hypoxia may lead to RBC senescence.
The sex effects on changes in jump performance following an isometric back squat conditioning activity in trained adults
Authors: Koźlenia Dawid , Domaradzki Jarosław 
Published: April 2023

There are limited data concerning the disparity between males and females in post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) based on isometry. Therefore, this study aimed to establish if sex differences exist in the PAPE effect on jump height. The study included 30 males and 15 females aged between 19 and 25, with relative strength in the back squat of at least 110% of body weight and a minimum of 3 years of resistance training experience. A baseline countermovement jump (CMJ) was performed, and the PAPE protocol, which involved three 4-s sets of isometric full-back squats with a 1-min rest interval, was introduced. Five CMJs were performed over the following 9 minutes in 2 minutes rest intervals. Changes (Δ) towards the baseline and each jump height results were calculated and analyzed in the absolute (cm) and relative (%) approach. The repeated measures ANOVA with sex as between-groups effect and time of the changes as within-group effect were conducted. Results showed statistically significant interaction (sex×time) in absolute changes (Δ cm) (F = 2.50, η2 = 0.05, p = 0.0447), which indicated that the sex effect has changed over time. Post-hoc test showed that during the first 3 minutes, men and women benefited equally, but in the fifth and seventh minutes, the observed changes were greater in men, thus close to significance (p = 0.0797, p = 0.0786), and in the last minute, the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0309). Also, a statistically significant interaction effect was observed for relative changes (Δ %) (F = 4.22, η2 = 0.09, p = 0.0027). At the beginning (the first and third minutes), changes in females were greater than in males, but the differences were insignificant. However, after 5 minutes, the decrease in females was observed with statistically significant differences in the last minute compared to males (p = 0.0391). Chi-Squared analysis indicated that the time to peak performance was insignificant (χ2 = 7.45, p = 0.1140) in both sexes. The introduced PAPE protocol based on isometry improved jump height in both sexes, with performance enhancement recorded in the third-minute post-activation. However, performance decreased in females over the next 6 minutes, while it was maintained in the male group. Despite the generally positive short-term effects of the protocol on females, the usefulness of the protocol is limited.
Combined effects of exercise and different levels of acute hypoxic severity: A randomized crossover study on glucose regulation in adults with overweight
Authors: Tee Chris Chow Li , Parr Evelyn B. , Cooke Matthew B. , Chong Mee Chee , Rahmat Nurhamizah , Md Razali Mohd Rizal , Yeo Wee Kian , Camera Donny M. 
Published: April 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of manipulating hypoxic severity with low-intensity exercise on glucose regulation in healthy overweight adults.Methods: In a randomized crossover design, 14 males with overweight (age: 27 ± 5 years; body mass index (BMI) 27.1 ± 1.8 kg⋅m2) completed three exercise trials involving 60 min aerobic exercise cycling at 90% lactate threshold in normoxia (NM, FiO2 = 20.9%), moderate hypoxia (MH, FiO2 = 16.5%) and high hypoxia (HH, FiO2 = 14.8%). A post-exercise oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Venous blood samples were analyzed for incremental area under the curve (iAUC), plasma glucose and insulin, as well as exerkine concentrations (plasma apelin and fibroblast growth factor 21 [FGF-21]) pre- and post-exercise. A 24-h continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) was used to determine interstitial glucose concentrations. Heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2) and perceptual measures were recorded during exercise.Results: Post-exercise OGTT iAUC for plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were lower in MH vs. control (p = 0.02). Post-exercise interstitial glucose iAUC, plasma apelin and FGF-21 were not different between conditions. Heart rate was higher in HH vs. NM and MH, and MH vs. NM (p &lt; 0.001), while SpO2 was lower in HH vs. NM and MH, and MH vs. NM (p &lt; 0.001). Overall perceived discomfort and leg discomfort were higher in HH vs. NM and MH (p &lt; 0.05), while perceived breathing difficulty was higher in HH vs. NM only (p = 0.003).Conclusion: Compared to higher hypoxic conditions, performing acute aerobic-based exercise under moderate hypoxia provided a more effective stimulus for improving post-exercise glucose regulation while concomitantly preventing excessive physiological and perceptual stress in healthy overweight adults.
The relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction among college students: The chain mediating effects of social avoidance and peer relationships
Authors: Chen Chunmei , Shen Yuanyi , Lv Shuai , Wang Bo , Zhu Yujie 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionMobile phone addiction has a negative impact on the physical and mental health of college students, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the mechanism of the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction among 694 college students using the Self-Esteem Scale, the Mobile Phone. Addiction Scale, the Peer Relationship Scale and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale.ResultsThe results showed that (1) self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted mobile phone addiction; (2) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of social avoidance; (3) self-esteem influenced mobile phone addiction through the mediating effect of peer relationships; and (4) social avoidance and peer relationships played a chain mediating role in the influence of self-esteem on mobile phone addiction.DiscussionThese findings can help researchers and educators better understand the underlying mechanisms of the relationship between self-esteem and mobile phone addiction and to provide practical and effective operational suggestions for the prevention and intervention of mobile phone addiction among college students.