bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Colchicine for prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ge Peibing , Fu Yu , Su Qi , Jin Mengdi , Guo Li , Miao Congliang , Zhu Shun , Zhuang Jinqiang , Zhang Zhi , Hong Jiang 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThis study intended to assess the efficacy of colchicine for prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation (AF).BackgroundPost-operative AF is a common complication of surgery operations. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of post-operative AF. Colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory drug, may have a role in mitigating the incidence of post-operative AF.MethodsWe searched Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Database of Chinese sci-tech periodicals (COVIP), and Wanfang Database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing colchicine versus placebo, or usual care for prevention of post-operative AF. The main outcome was the occurrence of AF post operation, which includes cardiac surgery, lung surgery, or pulmonary vein isolation. The estimated risk ratio (RR) for the occurrence of post-operative AF was evaluated using a random-effects model. The safety end point was the development of any side effects.ResultsA total of 12 RCTs with 2274 patients were eventually included in this meta-analysis, where 1141 patients received colchicine and 1133 patients received placebo or usual care. Perioperative colchicine treatment was related to a decreased incidence of post-operative AF (RR: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56 to 0.75, p&lt;0.001). Although the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects was increased with colchicine therapy when compared to placebo (RR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.85 to 3.34, p &lt; 0.001), the incidence of major adverse events was not increased (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.60, p = 0.64).ConclusionIn conclusion, the results of our meta-analysis suggest that colchicine treatment could lower the incidence of post-operative AF. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal colchicine treatment regime to minimize the incidence of adverse events.
The impact of extra-valvular cardiac damage on mid-term clinical outcome following transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Pellegrini Costanza , Duesmann Charlotte , Rheude Tobias , Berg Amelie , Alvarez-Covarrubias Hector A. , Trenkwalder Teresa , Mayr N. Patrick , Schürmann Friederike , Nicol Philipp , Xhepa Erion , Joner Michael 
Published: December 2022

AimsTo quantify extra-valvular cardiac damage associated with severe aortic valve stenosis (AS), a novel staging model was proposed. This study aimed to validate this model in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as well as to assess its prognostic impact.Methods and resultsBased on echocardiographic findings, the following stages were applied: isolated AS (stage 0), left ventricular (LV) damage (stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (stage 2), pulmonary hypertension or tricuspid regurgitation (stage 3), or right ventricular dysfunction (stage 4). The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality. The distribution across stages was 0.8% at stage 0, 7.5% at stage 1, 63.3% at stage 2, 18.3% at stage 3, and 10.1% at stage 4. All-cause mortality increased at all stages 1–4 (12.1%, 18.2%, 26.6%, and 28.2%; p = 0.023). In the multivariate model, the stage of cardiac damage, age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV, peripheral artery disease, and previous pacemaker were independent predictors of the primary endpoint.ConclusionsPatients treated for severe AS show a high prevalence of extra-valvular cardiac damage. An increase in stage is associated with higher 2-year all-cause mortality. The application of this staging model may add value to current treatment algorithms.
Longitudinal evaluation of breast tissue in healthy infants: Prevalence and relation to reproductive hormones and growth factors
Authors: Ljubicic Marie Lindhardt , Madsen Andre , Upners Emmie N. , Fischer Margit Bistrup , Busch Alexander Siegfried , Frederiksen Hanne , Johannsen Trine Holm , Juul Anders , Hagen Casper P. 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionBreast tissue in infancy is a rather undescribed phenomenon. We aimed to describe the prevalence and progression of palpable breast tissue in healthy boys and girls aged 0-1 years and to evaluate clinical markers, individual serum hormone concentrations as well as combined hormone profiles as determinants of the persistence of breast tissue.MethodsIn total, 233 term infants (119 boys, 114 girls) were included and followed from birth until 1 year of age in The COPENHAGEN Minipuberty Study (ClinicalTrials.gov #NTC02784184). Infants were followed up to six times with a clinical examination and serum sampling. Principal component analyses (PCAs) produced combined hormone profiles.ResultsA total of 98% of all infants aged 0-1 year exhibited breast tissue at some point. 50% still had breast tissue present at 0.5-0.6 years in girls and 0.3-0.4 years in boys (‘persistent’). At one year, more girls than boys had breast tissue present (p=0.010). Most clinical and hormonal markers did not differ in infants with/without persistent breast tissue. However, in those with persistent breast tissue, estradiol (first visit, girls, p=0.034), androstenedione, corticosterone, cortisol (first visit, boys, all p&lt;0.050), length (first visit, boys, p=0.030), and testicular volume (0.3-0.4 years, p=0.040) were higher, while IGF-I (0.3-0.4, boys, p=0.033) was lower. In boys, a combined, PCA-derived hormone profile (first visit) was able to predict the persistence of breast tissue (area under the curve=83%) better than any single marker.DiscussionPalpable breast tissue in infancy is common in both sexes although it persists in significantly more girls than boys at one year of age. Data supports both the early origin of breast tissue (in utero- and early postnatal) as well as a role of endogenous hormone production in later development and maintenance.
m5C regulator-mediated modification patterns and tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization in colorectal cancer: One step closer to precision medicine
Authors: Chen Baoxiang , Xi Yiqing , Zhao Jianhong , Hong Yuntian , Tian Shunhua , Zhai Xiang , Chen Quanjiao , Ren Xianghai , Fan Lifang , Xie Xiaoyu , Jiang Congqing 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe RNA modification 5-methylcytosine (m5C) is one of the most prevalent post-transcriptional modifications, with increasing evidence demonstrating its extensive involvement in the tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, the role of m5C modulators in shaping tumor microenvironment (TME) heterogeneity and regulating immune cell infiltration in CRC requires further clarification.ResultsThe transcriptomic sequencing data of 18 m5C regulators and clinical data of patients with CRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and systematically evaluated. We found that 16 m5C regulators were differentially expressed between CRC and normal tissues. Unsupervised cluster analysis was then performed and revealed two distinct m5C modification patterns that yielded different clinical prognoses and biological functions in CRC. We demonstrated that the m5C score constructed from eight m5C-related genes showed excellent prognostic performance, with a subsequent independent analysis confirming its predictive ability in the CRC cohort. Then we developed a nomogram containing five clinical risk factors and the m5C risk score and found that the m5C score exhibited high prognostic prediction accuracy and favorable clinical applicability. Moreover, the CRC patients with low m5C score were characterized by “hot” TME exhibiting increased immune cell infiltration and higher immune checkpoint expression. These characteristics were highlighted as potential identifiers of suitable candidates for anticancer immunotherapy. Although the high m5C score represented the non-inflammatory phenotype, the CRC patients in this group exhibited high level of sensitivity to molecular-targeted therapy.ConclusionOur comprehensive analysis indicated that the novel m5C clusters and scoring system accurately reflected the distinct prognostic signature, clinicopathological characteristics, immunological phenotypes, and stratifying therapeutic opportunities of CRC. Our findings, therefore, offer valuable insights into factors that may be targeted in the development of precision medicine-based therapeutic strategies for CRC.
A dual stream hierarchical transformer for starvation grading of golden pomfret in marine aquaculture
Authors: Zheng Kaijian , Yang Renyou , Li Rifu , Yang Liang , Qin Hao , Li Ziyun 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionFish starvation grading can provide feeding information for aquaculture, reducing the cost of lures and helping to promote the unmanned and intelligent process of offshore aquaculture.MethodsIn this study, we used golden pompano as the experimental object to address the fish starvation grading problem in the marine culture vessel environment, and proposed the dual stream hierarchical transformer to provide additional temporal information for the starvation grading task, which improved the grading accuracy. We first built a dual stream dataset with both spatial and temporal channel, and divided the fish school starvation status into five levels (very bloated, a little bloated, modest, a little starving, very starving) according to the feeding time and experience. Based on the marine image characteristics, we proposed a dual stream hierarchical transformer with hierarchical convolutional network, composite fusion convolution and transformer.Results and discussionWe finally evaluated the efficacy of the model based on qualitative and quantitative analyses, revealing that the proposed dual stream hierarchical transformer achieved the state-of-the-art starvation grading performance with a test accuracy of 98.05%. Our model outperformed other mainstream models, including VGG, ResNet, attentionbased model and other fish status grading related model. Field tests on the vessel further suggested that the model can be applied to the mariculture environment of golden pomfret.
Use of trained scent dogs for detection of COVID-19 and evidence of cost-saving
Authors: Mutesa Leon , Misbah Gashegu , Remera Eric , Ebbers Hans , Schalke Esther , Tuyisenge Patrick , Sindayiheba Reuben , Igiraneza Clement , Uwimana Jeanine , Mbabazi Diane , Kayonga Epimaque , Twagiramungu Michel , Mugwaneza Denyse , Ishema Leandre , Butera Yvan , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Rwagasore Edson , Twele Friederike , Meller Sebastian , Tuyishime Albert , Rutayisire Robert , Murindahabi Marilyn Milumbu , Wilson Lindsay A. , Bigirimana Noella , Volk Holger A. , Ndahindwa Vedaste , Kayijuka Benoit , Mills Edward J. , Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Nsanzimana Sabin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundOne of the lessons learned from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is the importance of early, flexible, and rapidly deployable disease detection methods. Currently, diagnosis of COVID-19 requires the collection of oro/nasopharyngal swabs, nasal turbinate, anterior nares and saliva but as the pandemic continues, disease detection methods that can identify infected individuals earlier and more quickly will be crucial for slowing the spread of the virus. Previous studies have indicated that dogs can be trained to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced during respiratory infections. We sought to determine whether this approach could be applied for detection of COVID-19 in Rwanda and measured its cost-saving.MethodsOver a period of 5 months, four dogs were trained to detect VOCs in sweat samples collected from human subjects confirmed positive or negative for COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Dogs were trained using a detection dog training system (DDTS) and in vivo diagnosis. Samples were collected from 5,253 participants using a cotton pad swiped in the underarm to collect sweat samples. Statistical analysis was conducted using R statistical software.FindingsFrom August to September 2021 during the Delta wave, the sensitivity of the dogs’ COVID-19 detection ranged from 75.0 to 89.9% for the lowest- and highest-performing dogs, respectively. Specificity ranged from 96.1 to 98.4%, respectively. In the second phase coinciding with the Omicron wave (January–March 2022), the sensitivity decreased substantially from 36.6 to 41.5%, while specificity remained above 95% for all four dogs. The sensitivity and specificity by any positive sample detected by at least one dog was 83.9, 95% CI: 75.8–90.2 and 94.9%; 95% CI: 93.9–95.8, respectively. The use of scent detection dogs was also found to be cost-saving compared to antigen rapid diagnostic tests, based on a marginal cost of approximately $14,000 USD for testing of the 5,253 samples which makes 2.67 USD per sample. Testing turnaround time was also faster with the scent detection dogs, at 3 h compared to 11 h with routine diagnostic testing.ConclusionThe findings from this study indicate that trained dogs can accurately identify respiratory secretion samples from asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 patients timely and cost-effectively. Our findings recommend further uptake of this approach for COVID-19 detection.
The comparative effects of exercise type on motor function of patients with Parkinson’s disease: A three-arm randomized trial
Authors: Li Fang , Wang Dongyu , Ba Xiaohong , Liu Zhan , Zhang Meiqi 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundYang-ge dancing is a culturally specific exercise in which people are required to perform motor skills in coordination with rhythmic music. As an integrated exercise with both physical (decelerating the progression of aged-related motor function degeneration) and mental benefits, it has gained great popularity in China, especially among middle-aged and older adults. It remains largely unknown whether Yang-ge dancing (YG) can effectively improve main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), while conventional exercise rehabilitation program has been recommended in the hospital setting. To this end, this study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of exercise therapy on motor function of PD patients.Materials and methodsA sample of 51 PD patients were randomly assigned to Yang-ge dancing, conventional exercise, or conventional exercise with music. Participants in each group performed 60 min per session, five sessions per week of interventions for 4 weeks. All the participants were assessed using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale—motor examination, Berg balance test, timed up and go test, and Purdue pegboard test. Motor performances were examined before and after intervention.ResultsAll the three groups were benefited from exercise. Compared to conventional exercise, the Yang-ge dancing and conventional exercise with music had additional positive effects in mobility with reference to baseline.In addition, compared to the two conventional exercise groups (either with/without music), the Yang-ge dancing further enhanced manual dexterity.ConclusionExercise with rhythmic auditory stimulation optimized mobility in PD, while YG dance specifically contributed to improvement in manual dexterity.Clinical trial registeration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [ChiCTR2200061252].
Implicit spatial sequential learning facilitates attentional selection in covert visual search. An event-related potentials study
Authors: Szewczyk Marta , Augustynowicz Paweł , Szubielska Magdalena 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionWhile most studies on implicit sequential learning focus on object learning, the hidden structure of target location and onset time can also be a subject of implicitly gathered knowledge. In our study, we wanted to investigate the effect of implicitly learned spatial and temporal sequential predictability on performance in a localization task in a paradigm in which covert selective attention is engaged. We were also interested in the neural mechanism of the facilitating effect of the predictable spatio-temporal context on visual search processes. Specifically, with the use of an event-related potential technique, we wanted to verify whether perceptual, attentional, and motor processes can be enhanced by the predictive spatio-temporal context of visual stimuli.MethodsWe analyzed data from 15 young, healthy adults who took part in an experimental electroencephalographic (EEG) study and performed a visual search localization task. Predictable sequences of four target locations and/or target onset times were presented in separate blocks of trials that formed the Space, Space- Time, and Time conditions. One block of trials with randomly presented stimuli served as a control condition.ResultsThe behavioral results revealed that participants successfully learned only the spatial dimension of target predictability. Although spatial predictability was a response-relevant dimension, we found that attentional selection–instead of motor preparation–was the facilitation mechanism in this type of visual search task. This was manifested by a shorter latency and more negative amplitude of the N2pc component and the lack of an effect on the sLRP component. We observed no effect of predictability on perceptual processing (P1 component).DiscussionWe discuss these results with reference to the current knowledge on sequential learning. Our findings also contribute to the current debate on the predictive coding theory.
Tackling the challenges of group network inference from intracranial EEG data
Authors: Pidnebesna Anna , Sanda Pavel , Kalina Adam , Hammer Jiri , Marusic Petr , Vlcek Kamil , Hlinka Jaroslav 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionIntracranial EEG (iEEG) data is a powerful way to map brain function, characterized by high temporal and spatial resolution, allowing the study of interactions among neuronal populations that orchestrate cognitive processing. However, the statistical inference and analysis of brain networks using iEEG data faces many challenges related to its sparse brain coverage, and its inhomogeneity across patients.MethodsWe review these challenges and develop a methodological pipeline for estimation of network structure not obtainable from any single patient, illustrated on the inference of the interaction among visual streams using a dataset of 27 human iEEG recordings from a visual experiment employing visual scene stimuli. 100 ms sliding window and multiple band-pass filtered signals are used to provide temporal and spectral resolution. For the connectivity analysis we showcase two connectivity measures reflecting different types of interaction between regions of interest (ROI): Phase Locking Value as a symmetric measure of synchrony, and Directed Transfer Function—asymmetric measure describing causal interaction. For each two channels, initial uncorrected significance testing at p &lt; 0.05 for every time-frequency point is carried out by comparison of the data-derived connectivity to a baseline surrogate-based null distribution, providing a binary time-frequency connectivity map. For each ROI pair, a connectivity density map is obtained by averaging across all pairs of channels spanning them, effectively agglomerating data across relevant channels and subjects. Finally, the difference of the mean map value after and before the stimulation is compared to the same statistic in surrogate data to assess link significance.ResultsThe analysis confirmed the function of the parieto-medial temporal pathway, mediating visuospatial information between dorsal and ventral visual streams during visual scene analysis. Moreover, we observed the anterior hippocampal connectivity with more posterior areas in the medial temporal lobe, and found the reciprocal information flow between early processing areas and medial place area.DiscussionTo summarize, we developed an approach for estimating network connectivity, dealing with the challenge of sparse individual coverage of intracranial EEG electrodes. Its application provided new insights into the interaction between the dorsal and ventral visual streams, one of the iconic dualities in human cognition.
A steroid receptor coactivator small molecule “stimulator” attenuates post-stroke ischemic brain injury
Authors: McClendon Lisa K. , Garcia Roberto L. , Lazaro Tyler , Robledo Ariadna , Vasandani Viren , Luna Zean Aaron Evan , Rao Abhijit S. , Srivatsan Aditya , Lonard David M. , Dacso Clifford C. , Kan Peter , O’Malley Bert W. 
Published: December 2022

Introduction:Pathologic remodeling of the brain following ischemic stroke results in neuronal loss, increased inflammation, oxidative stress, astrogliosis, and a progressive decrease in brain function. We recently demonstrated that stimulation of steroid receptor coactivator 3 with the small-molecule stimulator MCB-613 improves cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial ischemia. Since steroid receptor coactivators are ubiquitously expressed in the brain, we reasoned that an MCB-613 derivative (MCB-10-1), could protect the brain following ischemic injury. To test this, we administered MCB-10-1 to rats following middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion.Methods:Neurologic impairment and tissue damage responses were evaluated on day 1 and day 4 following injury in rats treated with control or 10-1.Results:We show that 10-1 attenuates injury post-stroke. 10-1 decreases infarct size and mitigates neurologic impairment. When given within 30 min post middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion, 10-1 induces lasting protection from tissue damage in the ischemic penumbra concomitant with: (1) promotion of reparative microglia; (2) an increase in astrocyte NRF2 and GLT-1 expression; (3) early microglia activation; and (4) attenuation of astrogliosis.Discussion:Steroid receptor coactivator stimulation with MCB-10-1 is a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation and oxidative damage that cause neurologic impairment following an acute ischemic stroke.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation beneficial for treating pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Yu-Rong , Shi Jian , Hu Zheng-Yu , Lin Yang-Yang , Lin You-Tian , Jiang Xue , Wang Rui , Wang Xue-Qiang , Wang Yu-Ling 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundChronic pain is often accompanied by emotional dysfunction. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been used for reducing pain, depressive and anxiety symptoms in chronic pain patients, but its therapeutic effect remains unknown.ObjectivesTo ascertain the treatment effect of tDCS on pain, depression, and anxiety symptoms of patients suffering from chronic pain, and potential factors that modulate the effectiveness of tDCS.MethodsLiterature search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to July 2022. Randomized controlled trials that reported the effects of tDCS on pain and depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic pain were included.ResultsTwenty-two studies were included in this review. Overall pooled results indicated that the use of tDCS can effectively alleviate short-term pain intensity [standard mean difference (SMD): −0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.75 to −0.12, P = 0.007] and depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.31, 95% CI, −0.47 to −0.14, P &lt; 0.001), middle-term depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.35, 95% CI: −0.58 to −0.11, P = 0.004), long-term depressive symptoms (ES: −0.38, 95% CI: −0.64 to −0.13, P = 0.003) and anxiety symptoms (SMD: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.51 to −0.02, P = 0.03) compared with the control group.ConclusiontDCS may be an effective short-term treatment for the improvement of pain intensity and concomitant depression and anxiety symptoms in chronic pain patients. Stimulation site, stimulation frequency, and type of chronic pain were significant influence factors for the therapeutic effect of tDCS.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=297693, identifier: CRD42022297693.