bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The magnitude of pediatric mortality and determinant factors in intensive care units in a low-resource country, Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Molla Misganew Terefe , Endeshaw Amanuel Sisay , Kumie Fantahun Tarekegn , Lakew Tigist Jegnaw 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundPediatric mortality after being admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit in Ethiopia is high when compared to high-income countries. There are limited studies regarding pediatric mortality in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the magnitude and predictors of pediatric mortality after being admitted to an intensive care unit in Ethiopia.MethodsThis review was conducted in Ethiopia after retrieving peer-reviewed articles and evaluating their quality using AMSTAR 2 criteria. An electronic database was used as a source of information, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Africa Journal of Online Databases, using AND/OR Boolean operators. Random effects of the meta-analysis were used to show the pooled mortality of pediatric patients and its predictors. A funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias, and heterogeneity was also checked. The final result were expressed as an overall pooled percentage and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of &lt; 0.05%.ResultsIn our review, eight studies were used for the final analysis with a total population of 2,345. The overall pooled mortality of pediatric patients after being admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit was 28.5% (95% CI: 19.06, 37.98). The pooled mortality determinant factors were included the use of a mechanical ventilator with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.64 (95% CI: 1.99, 3.30); the level of Glasgow Coma Scale &lt;8 with an OR of 2.29 (95% CI: 1.38, 3.19); the presence of comorbidity with an OR of 2.18 (95% CI: 1.41, 2.95); and the use of inotropes with an OR of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.65, 3.06).ConclusionIn our review, the overall pooled mortality of pediatric patients after being admitted to the intensive care unit was high. Particular caution should be taken in patients on the use of mechanical ventilators, the level of Glasgow Coma Scale of &lt;8, the presence of comorbidity, and the use of inotropes.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#registryofsystematicreviewsmeta-analyses/, identifier: 1460.
Overview and comparison of the clinical scores in hidradenitis suppurativa: A real-life clinical data
Authors: Daoud Mathieu , Suppa Mariano , Benhadou Farida , Daxhelet Mathilde , Njimi Hassane , White Jonathan , Jemec Gregor , del Marmol Véronique 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPartly due to its clinical heterogeneity, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is difficult to score accurately; illustrated by the large number of disease scores. In 2016, a systematic review by Ingram et al. reported the use of about thirty scores, and since then, this number has increased further. Our aim is twofold: to provide a succinct but detailed narrative review of the scores used to date, and to compare these scores with each other for individual patients.Materials and methodsThe review of the literature was done among articles in English and French, on Google, Google scholar, Pubmed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane. To illustrate the differences between scores, data from some Belgian patients included in the European Registry for HS were selected. A first series of patients compares the severity of the following scores: Hurley, Hurley Staging refined, three versions of Sartorius score (2003, 2007, 2009), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA), International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Scoring System (IHS4), Severity Assessment of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (SAHS), Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Index (HSSI), Acne Inversa Severity Index (AISI), the Static Metascore, and one score that is not specific to HS: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). A second set of patients illustrates how some scores change over time and with treatment: Hurley, Hurley Staging refined, Sartorius 2003, Sartorius 2007, HS-PGA, IHS4, SAHS, AISI, Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR), the very new iHS4-55, the Dynamic Metascore, and DLQI.ResultsNineteen scores are detailed in this overview. We illustrate that for some patients, the scores do not predictably and consistently correlate with each other, either in an evaluation of the severity at a time-point t, or in the evaluation of the response to a treatment. Some patients in this cohort may be considered responders according to some scores, but non-responders according to others. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease, represented by its many phenotypes, seems partly to explain this difference.ConclusionThese examples illustrate how the choice of a score can lead to different interpretations of the response to a treatment, or even potentially change the results of a randomized clinical trial.
The power of DNA based methods in probiotic authentication
Authors: Shehata Hanan R. , Newmaster Steven G. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionThe global probiotic market is growing rapidly, and strict quality control measures are required to ensure probiotic product efficacy and safety. Quality assurance of probiotic products involve confirming the presence of specific probiotic strains, determining the viable cell counts, and confirming the absence of contaminant strains. Third-party evaluation of probiotic quality and label accuracy is recommended for probiotic manufacturers. Following this recommendation, multiple batches of a top selling multi-strain probiotic product were evaluated for label accuracy.MethodsA total of 55 samples (five multi-strain finished products and 50 single-strain raw ingredients) containing a total of 100 probiotic strains were evaluated using a combination of molecular methods including targeted PCR, non-targeted amplicon-based High Throughput Sequencing (HTS), and non-targeted Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing (SMS).ResultsTargeted testing using species-specific or strain-specific PCR methods confirmed the identity of all strains/species. While 40 strains were identified to strain level, 60 strains were identified to species level only due to lack of strain-specific identification methods. In amplicon based HTS, two variable regions of 16S rRNA gene were targeted. Based on V5–V8 region data, ~99% of total reads per sample corresponded to target species, and no undeclared species were detected. Based on V3–V4 region data, ~95%–97% of total reads per sample corresponded to target species, while ~2%–3% of reads matched undeclared species (Proteus species), however, attempts to culture Proteus confirmed that all batches were free from viable Proteus species. Reads from SMS assembled to the genomes of all 10 target strains in all five batches of the finished product.DiscussionWhile targeted methods enable quick and accurate identification of target taxa in probiotic products, non-targeted methods enable the identification of all species in a product including undeclared species, with the caveats of complexity, high cost, and long time to result.
Virtual reality-induced motor function of the upper extremity and brain activation in stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Jie , Gu Xudong , Fu Jianming , Yao Yunhai , Li Yan , Zeng Ming , Liu Zhixiang , Lu Cao 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundThe benefits of virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation were reported in patients after stroke, but there is insufficient evidence about how VR promotes brain activation in the central nervous system. Hence, we designed this study to explore the effects of VR-based intervention on upper extremity motor function and associated brain activation in stroke patients.Methods/designIn this single-center, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial with a blinded assessment of outcomes, a total of 78 stroke patients will be assigned randomly to either the VR group or the control group. All stroke patients who have upper extremity motor deficits will be tested with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and clinical evaluation. Clinical assessment and fMRI will be performed three times on each subject. The primary outcome is the change in performance on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE). Secondary outcomes are functional independence measure (FIM), Barthel Index (BI), grip strength, and changes in the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effect in the ipsilesional and contralesional primary motor cortex (M1) on the left and right hemispheres assessed with resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI), task-state fMRI (ts-fMRI), and changes in EEG at the baseline and weeks 4 and 8.DiscussionThis study aims to provide high-quality evidence for the relationship between upper extremity motor function and brain activation in stroke. In addition, this is the first multimodal neuroimaging study that explores the evidence for neuroplasticity and associated upper motor function recovery after VR in stroke patients.Clinical trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier: ChiCTR2200063425.
The role of ultrasound-guided perineural injection of the tibial nerve with a sub-anesthetic dosage of lidocaine for the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Iborra Álvaro , Villanueva Manuel , Barrett Stephen L. , Vega-Zelaya Lorena 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundTarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) involves entrapment of the tibial nerve at the medial ankle beneath the flexor retinaculum and its branches, the medial and lateral plantar nerves, as they course through the porta pedis formed by the deep fascia of the abductor hallucis muscle. TTS is likely underdiagnosed, because diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and history of present illness. The ultrasound-guided lidocaine infiltration test (USLIT) is a simple approach that may aid in the diagnosis of TTS and predict the response to neurolysis of the tibial nerve and its branches. Traditional electrophysiological testing cannot confirm the diagnosis and only adds to other findings.MethodsWe performed a prospective study of 61 patients (23 men and 38 women) with a mean age of 51 (29–78) years who were diagnosed with idiopathic TTS using the ultrasound guided near-nerve needle sensory technique (USG-NNNS). Patients subsequently underwent USLIT of the tibial nerve to assess the effect on pain reduction and neurophysiological changes.ResultsUSLIT led to an improvement in symptoms and nerve conduction velocity. The objective improvement in nerve conduction velocity can be used to document the pre-operative functional capacity of the nerve. USLIT may also be used as a possible quantitative indicator of whether the nerve has the potential to improve in neurophysiological terms and ultimately inform prognosis after surgical decompression.ConclusionUSLIT is a simple technique with potential predictive value that can help the clinician to confirm the diagnosis of TTS before surgical decompression.
Concurrent serum lead levels and cognitive function in older adults
Authors: Deng Yu , Lin Xuechun , Zhou Jie , Li Mengchi , Fu Zhenmei , Song Dan 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionIn this study, we investigated the relationship between serum lead levels and cognitive functioning in a sample of older adults in the US.MethodUsing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2013, a total of 768 older adults aged ≥60 years were included in the analysis. Lead concentrations in the whole blood samples were assessed using mass spectrometry. We used the immediate and delayed memory portions of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word Learning Subtest (CERAD-WL), the Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) to assess the participants' cognitive performance. Using sample averages and standard deviations (SDs), we computed test-specific and global cognition z-scores. To assess the relationships between the quartiles of serum lead levels and cognitive performance, we built multiple linear regression models and adjusted for covariates, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, depressive symptoms, alcohol usage, and body mass index.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 69.6 (SD 6.6) years. Approximately half of the participants were women (52.6%), non-Hispanic white (52.0%), and had completed at least some college education (51.8%). The average serum lead concentration was 1.8 g/dL (SD 1.6) for these participants. The results of multiple linear regression using individuals in the lowest serum lead quantile as a reference group revealed that the serum lead level was not associated with test-specific (CERAD-WL, AFT, and DSST) or global cognitive z-scores.ConclusionsIn older adults, concurrent serum lead concentration is not related to cognitive performance. Early or continuous lead exposure may exert a greater effect on the etiology of accelerated cognitive decline with old age.
Relationship between high dose intake of vitamin B12 and glaucoma: Evidence from NHANES 2005–2008 among United States adults
Authors: Liu Zhongwei , Hu Yi , Wang Yuhan , Xu Baiwei , Zhao Jiangyue , Yu Ziyan 
Published: April 2023

ObjectiveGlaucoma has currently become the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Serum vitamin B12 level has been found to be involved in the development and progression of glaucoma. We performed the present study to confirm this association.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 594 participants aged 40 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008. Retinal imaging was performed using the Ophthalmic Digital Imaging system (Retinography) to assess the retina for the presence of features of glaucomatous lesions. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between dietary vitamin intake and glaucoma.ResultsAfter screening, 594 subjects were finally included. Among all vitamin intakes, we observed significant differences between the two groups for vitamin B12 intake (5.93 vs. 4.77 mg, p = 0.033). According to the logistic regression results, the intake of vitamin B12 was significantly positively associated with glaucoma (model 1: OR = 1.078, 95% CI = 1.019–1.141; model 2: OR = 1.092, 95% CI = 1.031–1.158; model 3: OR = 1.092, 95% CI = 1.029–1.158). After performing a quantile regression, we observed a significant positive association between vitamin B12 intake and incident glaucoma in the fourth quartile (model 1: OR = 1.133, 95% CI = 1.060–1.210; model 2: OR = 1.141, 95% CI = 1.072–1.215; model 3: OR = 1.146, 95% CI = 1.071–1.226).ConclusionsTherefore, the above results, high-dose intake of vitamin B12 may promote the development of glaucoma.
Efficacy of fermented grain using Bacillus coagulans in reducing visceral fat among people with obesity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cho Eunbyul , Kim Ju Young , Cho Belong , Lee Joong Su , Yoon Yeo Cho , Shin Yong Chul , Kim Hyerim , Gil Siye , Kim Sohye 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundObesity is a socioeconomic problem, and visceral obesity, in particular, is related to cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndrome. Fermented grains and various microorganisms are known to help with anti-obesity effects and weight management. Studies on the relationship between Bacillus coagulans and anti-obesity effects are not well known, and studies on the application of fermented grains and microorganisms to the human body are also insufficient.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Curezyme–LAC, an ingredient mixed with six-grain types fermented by B. coagulans, in reducing fat mass in adults with obesity.MethodsIn this randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled study, 100 participants [aged 40–65 years; body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to ≤ 33 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to two groups: 4 g/day Curezyme–LAC administered as a granulated powder or placebo (steamed grain powder mixture).ResultsAfter 12 weeks, visceral adipose tissue decreased significantly in the Curezyme–LAC group compared with that in the placebo group (mean ± standard error, SE of −9.3 cm2 ± 5.1) vs. (6.8 cm2 ± 3.4; p = 0.008). Compared to the placebo group, the Curezyme–LAC group also showed significant reductions in total fat mass (−0.43 ± 0.24 kg vs. 0.31 ± 0.19 kg, p = 0.011), body weight (−0.4 ± 0.3 kg vs. 0.3 ± 0.2 kg, p = 0.021), BMI (−0.14 ± 0.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.07, p = 0.028), and waist circumference (−0.6 ± 0.2 cm vs. −0.1 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.018) without a change in dietary intake and physical activity.ConclusionCurezyme–LAC supplementation for 12 weeks may benefit individuals with obesity by reducing visceral fat mass.
The role of human milk feeds on inotrope use in newborn infants with sepsis
Authors: Moliner-Calderón Elisenda , Verd Sergio , Leiva Alfonso , Ginovart Gemma , Moll-McCarthy Pia , Figueras-Aloy Josep 
Published: April 2023

BackgroundRegarding neonatal hypotension, there is no certainty as to whether inotrope properties are beneficial or whether they may be harmful. However, given that the antioxidant content of human milk plays a compensatory role in neonatal sepsis and that human milk feeding has direct effects in modulating the cardiovascular function of sick neonates, this research hypothesized that human milk feeds might predict lower requirements of vasopressors in the management of neonatal septic shock.MethodBetween January 2002 and December 2017, all late preterm and full-term infants attending a neonatal intensive care unit, with clinical and laboratory findings of bacterial or viral sepsis, were identified in a retrospective study. During their first month of life, data on feeding type and early clinical characteristics were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to determine the impact of human milk on the use of vasoactive drugs in septic newborns.Results322 newborn infants were eligible to participate in this analysis. Exclusively formula-fed infants were more likely to be delivered via C-section, to have a lower birth weight and a lower 1-minute Apgar score than their counterparts. Human milk-fed newborns had 77% (adjusted OR = 0.231; 95% CI: 0.07–0.75) lower odds of receiving vasopressors than exclusively formula-fed newborns.ConclusionWe report that any human milk feeding is associated with a decrease in the need for vasoactive medications in sepsis-affected newborns. This observation encourages us to undertake further research to determine whether human milk feeds mitigate the use of vasopressors in neonates with sepsis.
Cofilin activation in pancreatic acinar cells plays a pivotal convergent role for mediating CCK-stimulated enzyme secretion and growth
Authors: Ramos-Alvarez Irene , Lee Lingaku , Jensen Robert T. 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The actin regulatory protein, cofilin plays a key signaling role in many cells for numerous cellular responses including in proliferation, development, motility, migration, secretion and growth. In the pancreas it is important in islet insulin secretion, growth of pancreatic cancer cells and in pancreatitis. However, there are no studies on its role or activation in pancreatic acinar cells.Methods: To address this question, we studied the ability of CCK to activate cofilin in pancreatic acinar cells, AR42J cells and CCK1-R transfected Panc-1 cells, the signaling cascades involved and its effect on enzyme secretion and MAPK activation, a key mediator of pancreatic growth.Results: CCK (0.3 and 100 nM), TPA, carbachol, Bombesin, secretin and VIP decreased phospho-cofilin (i.e., activate cofilin) and both phospho‐kinetic and inhibitor studies of cofilin, LIM kinase (LIMK) and Slingshot Protein Phosphatase (SSH1) demonstrated these conventional activators of cofilin were not involved. Serine phosphatases inhibitors (calyculin A and okadaic acid), however inhibited CCK/TPA-cofilin activation. Studies of various CCK‐activated signaling cascades showed activation of PKC/PKD, Src, PAK4, JNK, ROCK mediated cofilin activation, but not PI3K, p38, or MEK. Furthermore, using both siRNA and cofilin inhibitors, cofilin activation was shown to be essential for CCK-mediated enzyme secretion and MAPK activation.Conclusion: These results support the conclusion that cofilin activation plays a pivotal convergent role for various cell signaling cascades in CCK mediated growth/enzyme secretion in pancreatic acini.
Biological sex influences psychological aspects of the biopsychosocial model related to chronic pain intensity and interference among South Korean patients with chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Kim Hee Jun , Meeker Timothy J. , Jung Ju-Yang , Kim Ji-Won , Kim Hyoun-Ah 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionPain is a prominent contributor to negative personal and social outcomes, including increased disability and mortality, in many rheumatic diseases. In the Biopsychosocial model of chronic pain, psychological and social factors share roles with the biology of the injury in determining each patient’s pain and suffering. The current study explored factors associated with clinical pain intensity and interference among patients with chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain in rheumatic diseases.MethodsIn total, 220 patients experiencing chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain participated. Biological factors (age, biological sex, pain condition, pain duration, pain sensitivity, and comorbidity), socio-economic factors, psychological factors (pain catastrophizing and depressive symptoms), and pain intensity and interference were measured. Descriptive, multivariable linear regression and partial correlation analyses were conducted. Subgroup analysis by sex was conducted to examine differences in how different factors affect the pain experience.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 52.3 years (SD = 12.07) and ranged from 22 to 78. Average pain intensity was 3.01 (0–10 scale) and average total pain interference score was 21.07 (0–70 scale). Partial correlation found positive correlations between pain intensity and interference with depression (intensity: R = 0.224; p = 0.0011; interference: R = 0.351; p &lt; 0.001) and pain catastrophizing (intensity: R = 0.520; p &lt; 0.001; interference: R = 0.464; p &lt; 0.001). In males, pain condition (β = −0.249, p = 0.032) and pain catastrophizing (R = 0.480, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with pain intensity. In males, the simple correlation between pain intensity and depression (R = 0.519; p &lt; 0.001) was driven by pain catastrophizing. In females, pain catastrophizing (R = 0.536, p &lt; 0.001) and depressive symptoms (R = 0.228, p = 0.0077) were independently associated with pain intensity. Age (β = −0.251, p = 0.042) and pain catastrophizing (R = 0.609, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with pain interference in males, while depressive symptoms (R = 0.439, p &lt; 0.001) and pain catastrophizing (R = 0.403, p &lt; 0.001) were associated with pain interference in females. Again, in males, the simple correlation between pain interference and depression (R = 0.455; p &lt; 0.001) was driven by pain catastrophizing.DiscussionIn this study, females were more directly affected by depressive symptoms than males, regarding pain intensity and interference. Pain catastrophizing was a significant factor influencing chronic pain for both males and females. Based on these findings, a sex-specific approach to the Biopsychosocial model should be considered in understanding and managing pain among Asians with chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain.