bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Community‐Acquired Pneumonia on Inhaled Corticosteroid Therapy: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors, Disease Burden, and Prevention Strategies
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Muneeb , Sikandar Sheikh Muhammad , Jamal Farrukh , Ameeq Muhammad , Kargbo Alpha
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients commonly exhibit significant morbidity and experience a diminished quality of life. Since there has been no prior research on pneumonia in our study population, we carried out this study to learn more about the situation.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 912 COPD patients with CAP who were receiving ICS treatment at the DHQ Hospital in Muzaffargarh, Punjab, Pakistan was conducted. Study began in February 2022 and ended in February 2023. Using multinomial logistic regression, the odds ratio and relative risk and Kaplan–Meier curves showed time‐to‐death and recovery by COPD status.

Results

Patients with COPD having a smoking history from 25 pack years and above had 22.791 higher odds of CAP (95% CI: 20.413–31.515), 21.527 higher odds of HTN (95% CI: 12.323–57.103), 16.955 higher odds of diabetes (95% CI: 22.954–29.331), and 13.964 higher odds of death in severity without COVID‐19 vaccination (95% CI: 5.988–32.561) compared to patients with COPD having a smoking history from 10 to 15 pack years.

Conclusion

COPD patients with a shorter ICS duration had a lower CAP risk, and vice versa, while vaccinated patients had a less severe disease as compared to non‐vaccinated patients.
Serum Antidiuretic Hormone Level in Nocturnal Enuretic School Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Fardous Jannatul , Ara Anjuman , Hossain Md. Iqbal , Labony Asma , Afrin Tanjila , Ashraf Rezwana , Uddin Reaz , Jesmin Habiba , Alam Md. Kabir , Amin Mohammad Ashraful , Khan Anwar Hossain , Khan Zahid Hasan
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is a common pediatric condition characterized by involuntary nighttime bed wetting. Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is associated with altered antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion and lacks lower urinary tract symptoms. This study aimed to compare serum ADH levels between children with PMNE and a comparison group to explore its potential role in the pathophysiology of PMNE.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 40 children aged 6–15 years with PMNE and 40 age‐matched children without enuresis (comparison group) attending the Pediatric Nephrology Outpatient Department at the National Institute of Kidney Diseases and Urology (NIKDU) from January 2022 to July 2023. Blood samples and other clinical information along with laboratory investigation are done to ensure inclusion and exclusion criteria. Fasting serum ADH level, a competitive immunoassay was done with the Arg‐ Vasopressin ELISA kit. Relevant clinical and demographic data were analyzed using Student's t‐test for continuous variables and Chi‐square/Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables.

Results

The mean age of participants was 8.82 ± 2.71 years in the PMNE group and 9.01 ± 2.54 years in the comparison group (p = 0.760). There was no significant association between sex and PMNE (p = 0.370). Children with PMNE exhibited significantly lower serum ADH levels compared to the comparison group (p < 0.05). Additionally, children with more frequent enuretic episodes demonstrated a trend of lower ADH levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of a significant association between decreased diurnal serum ADH levels and PNE in children. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of PNE and suggest potential avenues for novel treatment strategies, emphasizing the importance of evaluating ADH levels in PNE management.
Blast‐Overpressure Induced Modulation of PARP‐SIRT‐NRF2 Axis in Stress Signaling of Astrocytes and Microglia
Authors: Krishnan Muthaiah Vijaya Prakash , Kaliyappan Kathiravan , Thiayagarajan Ramkumar , Mahajan Supriya , Gunasekaran Krishnamoorthy
Published: January 2025

Background

The pathomechanism of blast traumatic brain injury (TBI) and blunt TBI is different. In blast injury, evidence indicates that a single blast exposure can often manifest long‐term neurological impairments. However, its pathomechanism is still elusive, and treatments have been symptomatic. Poly adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribose polymerase‐1 (PARP1) is implicated in the parthanatos and secondary neuroinflammation. Animal studies indicate the over‐activation of PARP1 as a significant downstream event underlying the neurological sequelae of several traumatic and neurodegenerative disorders, irrespective of the mode of cell death. PARP over‐activation forms ADP polymers on several nuclear proteins, known as trans‐PARylation, by consuming nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and ATP. As NAD+ is a substrate for sirtuins, ithas also been implicated in the oxidative stress underlying TBI pathology.

Hypothesis

We recently established the implication of PARP1 following blast overpressure (BOP) and its differential response on astrocytes and microglial cells. We found that the inhibition of PARP is proven beneficial by attenuating oxidative stress. In this study, we hypothesized the involvement of the PARP1‐SIRT‐NRF2 axis following induced blast‐induced PARP over‐activation in glial cells for the manifestation of oxidative stress in BOP insults.

Objective

The objective is to determine the downstream modulation of the PARP‐SIRT‐NRF2 axis and changes in ATP levels following blast exposure in astrocytes and microglia cell lines.

Results

As a result of NAD+ being a common substrate for PARP1 and Sirtuins, we found the decreased expression of SIRT1, SIRT3, and NRF2, a central transcriptional regulator for the expression of antioxidant genes. We found that ATP levels were elevated post‐BOP from both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), an increase of ATP by glycolysis more significant than OXPHOS source, indicating the proinflammation post‐BOP.

Conclusion

This result shows that blast‐induced PARP1 over‐activation impacts the deacetylation activity of sirtuins and consequently impacts the regulation of antioxidant levels in astrocytes and microglia.
CDKN3 as a key regulator of G2M phase in triple‐negative breast cancer: Insights from multi‐transcriptomic analysis
Authors: Ma Haodi , Dong Yirui , Zheng Jiayu , Zhang Shunshun , Tang Siya , Wang Junxiang , Qu Zhifeng , Li Xiucheng , Zeng Li , Song Kena , Liu Chunyan , Shi Linlin , Yin Qinan , Zheng Xuewei
Published: January 2025

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a significant global health challenge, emphasizing the need for precise identification of patients with specific therapeutic targets and those at high risk of metastasis. This study aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets for personalized treatment of TNBC patients by elucidating their roles in cell cycle regulation. Using weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 83 hub genes by integrating gene expression profiles with clinical pathological grades. A machine learning‐based integrative approach further pinpointed 12 prognostic genes, among which CDKN3 exhibited the highest hazard ratio and the most adverse impact on overall survival (OS) in BC patients. Additionally, CDKN3 was identified as an independent prognostic factor for OS prediction. CDKN3 overexpression was confirmed in BC patients and validated at both mRNA and protein levels in BC cells. Knockdown of CDKN3 significantly inhibited the migration and proliferation of BC cells. Cell cycle pathway analysis revealed significant enrichment in G2M‐associated pathways in BC patients, with multi‐transcriptomic data indicating a close association between enhanced G2M cell cycle activity and CDKN3 upregulation in basal cancer subtypes. Pseudotime analysis further suggested CDKN3 upregulation during the G2M phase at the terminal trajectory of basal cancer subtypes, implying that CDKN3 may drive BC cell progression by promoting G2M cell cycle activity. Mechanistically, CDKN3 knockdown induced G2M cell cycle arrest in TNBC cells by downregulating CCNB2. In conclusion, CDKN3 knockdown effectively inhibits TNBC by arresting the G2M cell cycle, underscoring CDKN3 as a promising therapeutic target in TNBC treatment.
Zinc finger protein 169 promotes tumor progress of hepatocellular cancer via up‐regulating cyclin‐dependent kinase 19
Authors: Hu Chaoquan , Ainiwaer Aizier , Lu Ying , Li Jiaxing , Fu Yongmei , Luo Jun , Wu Baijun , Yin Peng , Hu Xiao , Sun Yao , Li Hong , Lu He , Dong Zheng
Published: January 2025

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks among the most prevalent types of cancer globally. Zinc finger protein 169 (ZNF169) holds significant importance as a transcription factor, yet its precise function in HCC remains to be elucidated. This study aims to examine the clinical importance, biological functions, and molecular pathways associated with ZNF169 in the development of HCC. The study employed lentiviral transduction for ZNF169 overexpression and the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to suppress its expression. ZNF169 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. Additionally, HCC patients exhibiting elevated ZNF169 levels experienced reduced overall survival, shorter disease‐free survival, and diminished progression‐free survival. Silencing of ZNF169 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle progression. Whereas ectopic expression of ZNF169 promoted HCC progression in vivo and ex vivo. Subsequently, Pearson analysis results showed that cyclin‐dependent kinase 19 (CDK19) was positively correlated with ZNF169 levels in HCC using TCGA dataset. Luciferase assay findings indicated a potential interaction between ZNF169 and CDK19 promoter. Additionally, our data showed that CDK19 expression levels were elevated in HCC tissues, and patients with higher CDK19 expression faced a poorer prognosis. Furthermore, recovery experiments demonstrated that CDK19 could reverse the impact of ZNF169 on HCC cell amplification. Our findings indicate that ZNF169 promotes HCC progression by upregulating CDK19, highlighting its role as a therapeutic target or prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Sirtuin 1 Suppresses Hydrogen Peroxide‐Induced Senescence and Promotes Viability and Migration in Lens Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting Forkhead Box Protein O1/Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Pathway
Authors: Jiang Hongda , Liu Yuting , Yu Yinggui , Yan Yu
Published: January 2025

Age‐related cataracts (ARCs) are associated with increased oxidative stress and cellular senescence. Our objective is to investigate the function of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) within ARCs. In ARCs tissues and H2O2‐treated lens epithelial cells (LECs), the expression levels of SIRT1 were examined. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining was employed to evaluate cellular senescence. The Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was employed to measure viability. A wound healing assay was performed to assess migratory capacity in LECs. Oxidative stress‐related indicators were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kits. Additionally, the Coxpresdb and GeneCards databases were utilized to identify downstream pathways of SIRT1 in ARCs. The expression levels of protein and mRNA were detected using western blot and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The expression of SIRT1 was downregulated in ARCs tissues with an increase in reactive oxygen species. In H2O2‐induced LECs, SIRT1 was downregulated and its overexpression inhibited oxidative stress and cellular senescence while promoting viability and migration. Furthermore, FoxO1/TLR4 pathway was screened out as the key pathway of SIRT1, which was activated in H2O2‐induced LECs senescence. Overexpression of SIRT1 suppressed FoxO1/TLR4 pathway. Further research demonstrated that the activation of FoxO1/TLR4 pathway reversed the inhibitory role of SIRT1 in oxidative stress‐induced cellular senescence and the promotion effect of SIRT1 on viability and migration in H2O2‐induced LECs. SIRT1 inhibits oxidative stress‐induced cellular senescence and promotes the viability and migration in H2O2‐induced LECs via suppressing FoxO1/TLR4 pathway.
Hybrid Unsupervised/Supervised Machine Learning for Identifying Molecular Structural Fingerprints From Ensemble Property
Authors: Choudhury Arpan , Ghosh Debashree
Published: January 2025

The ensemble properties of a system are obtained by averaging over the properties calculated for the various configurations it can have at a finite temperature and thus cannot be captured by a single molecular structure. Such ensemble properties are often important in material discovery. In designing new materials, the goal is to predict those ensemble structures that display a tailored property. However, mapping this average property to multiple structures introduces ambiguities and unreliable convergence in supervised machine learning. This presents a major obstacle in designing new materials. Here, we introduce a hybrid unsupervised/supervised learning method and demonstrate how to predict the structural parameters defining the conformers of a heterogeneous system, melanin, from its ensemble‐averaged spectra. This also shows a new way to identify different structural fingerprints responsible for an ensemble‐averaged superposition spectrum.
NK Count and Natural Cytotoxicity in Immune Nonresponders Versus Responders Living With HIV
Authors: Silvestre Charlotte , Tuaillon Edouard , Duroyon Maël‐Morvan , Abrantes Magali , Thibout Jenny‐Constanza , Villalba Martin , Picot Marie‐Christine , Gross Antoine , Makinson Alain
Published: January 2025

Despite viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy, immune nonresponders (INR) among people living with HIV (PLWH) still have a higher risk of developing AIDS‐related and non‐AIDS‐related complications. Our study aimed to investigate the phenotype and functions of Natural Killer (NK) cells in INR, to better understand underlying mechanisms of immune nonresponse. Our cross‐sectional study included PLWH aged over 45 with an undetectable HIV viral load sustained for at least 2 years. Participant CD4+ T‐cell counts exceeded 500 cells/mm3 for IR or below 350 cells/mm3 for INR. We characterized NK cell subsets, performed natural cytotoxicity and ADCC assays, and phenotyped NK cells before and after functional assays. Median CD4 levels were 247.5 (IQR, 208.8–286.3) cells/mm3 and 768.5 (IQR, 673.3–957.8) cells/mm3 in the INR (n = 20) and IR (n = 40), respectively. NK cell counts were lower in INR (p = 0.00066), but the percentages were similar between IR and INR. NKG2A was the only differentially expressed marker between groups, showing higher expression in INR. Additionally, NK cell natural cytotoxicity was elevated in the INR group. Multivariate analyses associated CD4 nadir and low NK cell count with immune nonresponse. Our results do not indicate a clear role for NK‐mediated ADCC in immune nonresponse. We did not objectify an association between CD8 hyperactivation and INR.
A Novel HTNV Budding Inhibitor Interferes the Interaction Between Viral Glycoprotein and Host ESCRT Accessory Protein ALIX
Authors: Ying Qikang , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Wang Shengzheng , Gu Tianle , Zhang Junmei , Feng Wenjie , Li Dongjing , Dong Yuhang , Wu Xingan , Wang Fang
Published: January 2025

Virus budding is a critical step in the replication cycle of enveloped viruses, closely linked to viral spread, disease progression, and clinical outcomes. The budding of many enveloped RNA viruses is facilitated by the hijacking of the host endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins through viral late domains. These late domains are essential for progeny virus production and are highly conserved, making the interaction between late domains and host ESCRT proteins a potential target for the development of antiviral therapeutics. In this study, we elucidated the functional role of the conserved YRTL motif within the glycoprotein Gn cytoplasmic tail of Orthohantavirus hantanense (Hantaan virus, HTNV), demonstrating that HTNV production is regulated by the interaction between YRTL and the ESCRT accessory protein ALIX (ALG‐2 interacting protein X). Through virtual molecule docking screening, followed by in vitro and in vivo assays, we discovered a novel compound, AN‐329, which disrupts the YRTL−ALIX interaction and effectively inhibits infectious HTNV production, as well as Crimean−Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) VLP release. This makes AN‐329 a promising therapeutic candidate for reducing viral dissemination. Given that YRTL is conserved across many hantaviruses, our findings may serve as a prototype for the development of broad‐spectrum antiviral drugs.
Building a Bridge Between the Mechanism of EBV Reactivation and the Treatment of EBV‐Associated Cancers
Authors: Jiang Jialin , Zhu Xinlei , Li Shukun , Yan Qun , Ma Jian
Published: January 2025

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely associated with the development of various tumors such as lymphomas and epithelial cancers. EBV has a discrete life cycle with latency and lytic phases. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanism underlying the transition of EBV from latency to lytic replication. Multiple new lytic activation factors have been emerged and promoted our understanding of this field. In addition, we have comprehensively presented the existing therapeutic strategies and their relationship to the mechanism underlying the transition of EBV from latency to lytic replication in this review, such as lytic induction therapy and drugs to prevent EBV from entering the lytic phase fully utilize the EBV reactivation mechanisms. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the discovery of EBV, and building a bridge between the mechanism of EBV reactivation and the treatment may help us to design new approaches for treating EBV‐associated diseases.
Separation and quantification of mycotoxins in floral tissue of hemp (Cannabis sativa) infected with Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Kagan Isabelle A. , Smith Henry S. , Schendel Rachel R. , Gauthier Nicole
Published: January 2025

Background

The fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum produces mycotoxins when it infects grains. This pathogen also infects hemp (Cannabis sativa L. containing less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol or THC). The presence of trichothecene mycotoxins like deoxynivalenol (DON) has not been reported in floral tissue of hemp infected with F. graminearum. The object of this study was to develop a method to extract three trichothecene mycotoxins—DON, 3‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (3‐ADON), and 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (15‐ADON)—from hemp floral tissue, and to quantify the mycotoxins by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection.

Results

Standards of nivalenol (NIV), DON‐3‐glucoside (D3G), DON, 3‐ADON, and 15‐ADON were separated from each other and from standards of several cannabinoids. Standard curves were linear (R‐squared values >0.99). Recoveries from hemp spiked with 36 μg/g mycotoxins were 86%–90% for DON, 75%–77% for 15‐ADON, and 86%–101% for 3‐ADON. In extracts of hemp inflorescences infected with different strains of F. graminearum (15‐ADON chemotypes), DON was detected in one sample. Other samples contained 15‐ADON but no detectable DON, or neither mycotoxin in detectable amounts.

Conclusion

Mycotoxins were separated from cannabinoids. DON was also separated from matrix components, and 15‐ADON and 3‐ADON were partially separated from matrix components. The presence of DON in hemp may depend on fungal strain or stage of disease development, as well as the sensitivity of the method. The current method could quantify DON and 15‐ADON at about 3 μg/g in hemp floral tissue, and 3‐ADON at about 6 μg/g.
Shear Wave Elastography as an Supplement Tool in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Axillary Lymph Nodes
Authors: Sharma Aishwarya , Kaur Ravinder , Kaur Narinder , Handa Uma , Dalal Usha , Gupta Anurag
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of quantitative shear wave elastography in differentiating benign and malignant axillary lymph nodes (ALN).

Methods

Exactly 127 lymph nodes from 127 patients with clinically palpable axillary swelling were examined by both B‐mode sonography and elastography from November 2022 to March 2024. Gray‐scale sonograms were evaluated based on: the short‐axis diameter, shape, hilum, maximum cortical thickness, and border of the ALN. Shear wave elastography determined the mean elasticity modulus (E‐mean) and elasticity ratio (E‐ratio). Fine needle aspiration cytology or histopathological examination was kept as the gold standard and diagnostic performance shear wave elastography was compared.

Results

The data showed that out of 127 lymph nodes, 77 (60.6%) were benign and 50 (39.4%) were malignant based on pathological results. The E‐mean for malignant lymph nodes (mean, 73.15 kPa) was higher than that for benign lymph nodes (mean, 21.47 kPa; P < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for E‐ratio in predicting malignant and benign lymph nodes was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.839–0.955). The E‐ratio for malignant lymph nodes was also higher (mean, 10.2) than for benign nodes (mean, 2.95; P < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for E‐ratio in predicting malignant and benign lymph nodes was 0.816 (95% CI: 0.733–0.899).

Conclusion

Our results showed a significant association between tissue elasticity and pathological correlation.
Airway stenosis: classification, pathogenesis, and clinical management
Authors: Zhao Pengwei , Jiang Zheng , Li Xuexin , Ainiwaer Mailudan , Li Leyu , Wang Dejuan , Fan Lixiao , Chen Fei , Liu Jun
Published: January 2025

Airway stenosis (AS) is a fibroinflammatory disease characterized by abnormal activation of fibroblasts and excessive synthesis of extracellular matrix, which has puzzled many doctors despite its relatively low prevalence. Traditional treatment such as endoscopic surgery, open surgery, and adjuvant therapy have many disadvantages and are limited in the treatment of patients with recurrent AS. Therefore, it is urgent to reveal the pathogenesis of AS and accelerate its clinical transformation. Based on the discovered pathogenesis, including fibrosis, inflammation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metabolic reprogramming, microbiome, genetic susceptibility, and other mechanisms, researchers have developed a series of treatments, such as drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, growth factor therapy, protein therapy, and photodynamic therapy. This review introduces the classification of AS, explores the existing pathogenesis and preclinical treatments developed based on the pathogenesis, and finally summarizes the current clinical management. In addition, the prospect of exploring the interaction between different types of cells and between microorganisms and cells to identify the intersection of multiple mechanisms based on single‐cell RNA sequencing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing is worth looking forward to.
A Short Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric Assessment Scale for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Porsche Sonja , Klietz Martin , Greten Stephan , Piot Ines A. , Jensen Ida , Wegner Florian , Ye Lan , Krey Lea , Höllerhage Matthias , Pötter‐Nerger Monika , Zeitzschel Molly , Hagena Keno , Kassubek Jan , Süß Patrick , Winkler Jürgen , Berg Daniela , Paschen Steffen , Tönges Lars , Gruber Doreen , Gandor Florin , Jost Wolfgang H. , Kühn Andrea A. , Claus Inga , Warnecke Tobias , Pedrosa David J. , Eggers Carsten , Trenkwalder Claudia , Classen Joseph , Schwarz Johannes , Schnitzler Alfons , Krause Patricia , Schneider Anja , Brandt Moritz , Falkenburger Björn , Zerr Inga , Bähr Mathias , Weidinger Endy , Levin Johannes , Katzdobler Sabrina , Düzel Emrah , Glanz Wenzel , Teipel Stefan , Kilimann Ingo , Prudlo Johannes , Gasser Thomas , Brockmann Kathrin , Spottke Annika , Esser Anna , Petzold Gabor C. , Respondek Gesine , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) suffer from several neuropsychological impairments. These mainly affect the frontal lobe and subcortical brain structures. However, a scale for the assessment of cognitive and neuropsychiatric disability in PSP is still missing.

Objectives

To create and validate a new scale for cognitive and neuropsychiatric impairment in PSP.

Methods

The Short Cognitive and Neuropsychiatric (ShoCo) scale was developed containing five items (bradyphrenia, apathy, aphasia, dysexecution and disinhibition). Each item can be categorized into 0 = no deficit, 1 = mild deficit, 2 = moderate deficit and 3 = severe deficit. The total score includes 15 points, 0 meaning no deficit and 15 severe deficits. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal data from 201 baseline and 71 follow up patients were analyzed.

Results

Baseline ShoCo scale results were 5.9 ± 2.9. No significant differences between patients with Richardson syndrome (PSP‐RS) and variants (vPSP) could be detected in the PSP‐ShoCo scale scores (PSP‐RS 6.1 ± 3.0, n = 160, vPSP 5.1 ± 2.6, n = 41, P = 0.057). The scale showed good correlation with established scores (eg, Montreal cognitive assessment r = −0.535, P = 0.001). The ShoCo scale showed significant annualized change within the PSP‐RS patients (baseline 6.2 ± 2.9, follow up 6.9 ± 3.1, annualized diff. 1.0 ± 3.1, n = 57, P = 0.022).

Conclusions

The ShoCo scale seems a promising and valid tool to measure specific neuropsychological disabilities of PSP patients in clinical routine and research.
Systematic Review of the Presentation, Treatment, and Outcome of Chronic Disseminated Candidiasis in Children with Cancer or Following Hematopoietic Cell Transplant
Authors: Eagling‐Every Emelia , Tsoi Shu Ki , Walker Hannah , Haeusler Gabrielle M.
Published: January 2025

Chronic disseminated candidiasis (CDC) is a rare complication of immunosuppression. This review describes the presentation, management, and outcomes of CDC in pediatric patients with cancer or following hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). PubMed, Embase, and Medline were searched identifying 32 studies, describing 95 cases of CDC. CDC occurred almost exclusively in patients with leukemia (91%), with only 5% occurring in lymphoma, 1% post HCT, and 3% in solid tumor. The most frequent presenting symptoms were fever (97%) and abdominal pain (45%), with lesions in liver in 63% and spleen in 54% (less common in kidney, lungs and skin/soft tissue). Of the 67 (71%) episodes with microbiological confirmation, Candida tropicalis (28%) was the most common causative species. Antifungal treatment durations varied from 14 days to 28 months. Additionally, 31 (33%) patients received an adjuvant therapy, the most common being corticosteroids. Mortality, directly attributable to CDC, occurred in nine (9%). There remains insufficient data to guide a unified approach to management.
Qualitative and Comparative Study of APORT Apple Peel Based on UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS Technology and Fruit Peel Comparison of Different Provenances
Authors: Dong Xinyue , Bai Ge , Amantay Alzhan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhao Haiqi , Ma Xiaofeng , Liu Zhongbo
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to qualitatively study the main chemical components of apple peel in APORT, Kazakhstan, by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS/MS) and to compare the components of apple peels with different provenances.

Methods

An ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) column was used with 0.1% formic acid water (A)–acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phase and gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and a column temperature of 40°C. Mass spectrometry analysis was performed using the ESI positive and negative ion modes to acquire the data.

Results

With the Mass Lynx 4.2 workstation, online database, retention time of chromatographic peaks of each compound, and secondary fragmentation law, 14 compounds were identified from APORT apple peel extraction samples for the first time, and the main component categories included flavonols, organic acids, dihydrochalcones, terpenes, flavanols, etc., and caffeic acid, crataegolic acid, quinine acid, and quercitrin were found to be unique in APORT apple peel.
Middle‐aged man with primary hyperparathyroidism‐associated psychosis: A case report
Authors: Shinkawa Kota , Mashimoto Masaya , Matsubara Toshio , Kaneyuki Hiroshi , Nakagawa Shin
Published: January 2025

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with mild hypercalcemia (Ca <12 mg/dL) often remains asymptomatic. However, PHPT may induce various psychiatric symptoms, including depression, cognitive dysfunction, and infrequently, psychotic symptoms, predominantly in older adults rather than in middle‐aged or younger individuals.

Case‐presentation

A 48‐year‐old man, with no history of physical or mental illness, experienced delusions about a suspicious car in his neighborhood, believing it was linked to criminal activity. This led to his being taken into custody after harming himself and his family. He was admitted for psychiatric evaluation and diagnosed with PHPT after mild hypercalcemia was discovered. He was initially treated medically for the mild hypercalcemia; however, only his disorientation showed improvement, and his broader psychiatric symptoms persisted. His delusions ceased only after surgical intervention. Following discharge, he remained symptom‐free without requiring antipsychotic medication.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of considering PHPT in patients of any age presenting with psychosis, even with mild hypercalcemia. Surgical options for patients with PHPT should be considered when medical interventions fail.
Muscarinic receptor blockade with oxybutynin reduces spontaneous and induced uterine muscle contractions
Authors: Visco Anthony G. , Visco Zachary R. , Grotegut Chad A. , Linde Cristina , Westfall Timothy , Jayes Friederike L.
Published: January 2025

Objective

The uterus and the bladder have striking physiologic and anatomic similarities. Anticholinergic medications are commonly used to treat “overactive bladder” by targeting M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors. The uterus also contains M2 and M3 muscarinic receptors; however, current management of preterm labor does not target these receptors. We assessed whether muscarinic blockade with oxybutynin reduces both spontaneous and oxytocin‐induced uterine muscle contractions.

Study Design

Longitudinal strips of uterine tissue from pregnant rats (17–19 days gestation) were mounted on an isometric test apparatus to directly measure uterine muscle contractions. The effect of cumulatively higher concentrations of oxybutynin (100 nM to 100 uM) on both spontaneous and on oxytocin‐induced (1 nM) uterine muscle contractility was tested.  We measured both the area under the curve (AUC) and the frequency of the uterine muscle contractions compared to water vehicle control. Measurements are presented as a percentage of baseline. Two‐Way ANOVA with Dunnett's post hoc test was performed.

Results

Uterine muscle strips harvested from pregnant rats consistently showed spontaneous muscle contractions. Oxybutynin resulted in a statistically significant decrease in both spontaneous uterine muscle strength (AUC) and contraction frequency compared to vehicle controls at concentrations ≥10 µM.  Oxytocin‐induced uterine muscle contractions were also affected by oxybutynin. At concentrations ≥10 µM, uterine muscle strength (AUC) was reduced (p < 0.01), but no difference was observed in contraction frequency compared to controls.

Conclusions

Oxybutynin significantly reduces spontaneous uterine muscle contraction strength (AUC) and contraction frequency in our animal ex vivo model. It reduces oxytocin‐induced uterine muscle contraction strength (AUC) but not contraction frequency. Antimuscarinic agents warrant future clinical investigation and may represent a novel treatment of preterm labor and “overactive uterus.”
Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of PID5BF + M in Iranian Drug Users
Authors: Abdolahpur M. Amin , Bach Bo , Lotfi Mozhgan , Hamraz Iman , Amini Mahdi
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the PID5BF + M as a brief measure for assessing DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 personality disorder traits in Iranian drug users. The sample consisted of 380 participants, including both clinical (28.68%) and nonclinical (71.32%) groups, with 43.7% female participants. All participants completed the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 Brief Form–Modified (PID5BF + M), the Symptom Checklist‐25 (SCL‐25), the Brief Five‐Factor Inventory (BFI‐10), the Level of Personality Functioning Scale–Brief Form (LPFS‐BF 2.0), and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST).

Results

The findings revealed that the PID5BF + M demonstrates strong psychometric properties, with a six‐factor structure that is culturally appropriate for the Iranian population. Significant associations were found between the ICD‐11/DSM‐5 traits and both internalizing and externalizing symptoms, as well as with normal personality factors.

Conclusions

The PID5BF + M appears to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 personality disorder traits in Iranian drug users, showing promising potential for use in clinical and research settings within this cultural context.
Investigating the threat to Sitka spruce from Ips typographus: discrimination and colonization of Britain's principal commercial conifer by a damaging forest pest
Authors: Inward Daegan , Vuts Jozsef , Thomas Gareth , Barnard Kerry , Caulfield John C. , Powers Stephen J. , Uglow Ana , Reed Katy
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Ips typographus (L.), the eight‐toothed spruce bark beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), has devastated European Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests in recent years. For the first time, I. typographus has established localized breeding populations in Britain, where Sitka spruce (P. sitchensis) is a critical component of plantation forestry. The interactions between Norway spruce and I. typographus are well understood, but relatively little is known about the susceptibility of Sitka spruce to the beetle. This study aimed to determine whether I. typographus would select Sitka, compared to Norway spruce, as a host for breeding, and to study the chemical ecology underlying these host preferences.

RESULTS

Host choice assays were conducted in the laboratory using freshly cut spruce logs, and then verified in the field in an area with an endemic population of I. typographus. Overall, colonization and breeding success were found to be similar in cut Sitka and Norway spruce material. The response of I. typographus, reared on both Norway and Sitka spruce, to headspace extracts of aged and fresh Norway and Sitka spruce material was tested behaviorally using four‐arm olfactometry. Odors of aged wood from the two species were equally attractive, and fresh Sitka was more attractive than fresh Norway spruce. Antennal responses to Norway Spruce and Sitka Spruce headspace extracts were located using GC‐EAG and identified by coupled GC‐mass spectrometry and GC co‐injection with authentic standards. Norway‐ and Sitka spruce‐reared beetles did not differentiate between synthetic Norway or Sitka spruce blends and responded similarly.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest I. typographus will select and colonize cut Sitka as readily as cut Norway spruce, with implications for its establishment risk in Sitka‐growing regions. Whilst the susceptibility of live Sitka trees remains unclear, the study advances the understanding of the role of both host‐emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in primary host location and induced host preference in host selection by I. typographus. © 2025 Crown copyright and The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article is published with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the King's Printer for Scotland.
DFT and TD‐DFT Study of Benzodithiophene‐Based Donor Materials with Enhanced Optoelectronic Attributes for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Mubarik Adeel , Shafiq Faiza , Ju Xue‐Hai
Published: January 2025

DFT and TD‐DFT methodologies were applied to study seven new donor (T1–T7) compounds based on benzodithiophene (BDT) for organic solar cells (OSCs). The newly designed molecules (T1–T7) were computationally analyzed and compared with reference molecules (TR) to investigate their geometrical, photovoltaic, and optoelectronic properties. These analyses included evaluations of the compounds' frontier molecular orbital (FMO), density of state (DOS), electron density distribution pattern, open circuit voltage (Voc), absorption spectra, charge mobility, and transition density matrices (TDM). In comparison to other structures studied, the optoelectronic properties of the suggested structure T1 in chloroform solvent were the most improved, having a smaller band gap (3.75 eV), a greater maximum absorbance (543 nm), and lower excitation energy (2.28 eV). In comparison to TR, Voc is high for every constructed molecule which results significant efficiency of organic solar cell. As a result, every computed property strongly supports the potential of our proposed molecules in solar energy applications.
Effects of Unit Cell Size on Thermal Conductivity in Two Different Polymorphs of Niobium Diselenide
Authors: Park Sungjin , Kim Kyomin , Kim Kwangrae , Lee Wooyoung , Soon Aloysius , Roh Jong‐wook , Kim Woochul
Published: January 2025

2D materials possess weak inter‐layer van der Waals bonding, allowing them to exist as different polymorphs depending on the stacking sequence of the layers. Herein, the thermal conductivities of the 2H‐NbSe2 and 2H‐3R‐NbSe2 polymorphs by conducting experimental measurements and theoretical analysis are comparatively studied. Owing to its 1.8 times larger unit cell, 2H‐3R‐NbSe2 has a considerably greater number of optical phonon branches than does 2H‐NbSe2, suggesting that 2H‐3R‐NbSe2 absorbs thermal energy rather than transporting it. In addition, scattering is more likely to occur in 2H‐3R‐NbSe2 because a far greater number of states satisfy the selection rule. As a result of these, the 2H‐3R‐NbSe2 has considerably lower thermal conductivity than that of the 2H‐NbSe2. The results highlight how the size of the unit cell affects the thermal conductivities of polymorphs.
Surveillance of SARS‐CoV‐2 in Pets of Harris County, Texas, Revealed More Common Pet Infections in Households With Human COVID‐19 Cases
Authors: Smith Sarah J. , Sullivan Brendan , Hall Amanda , Auckland Lisa , Tang Wendy , Hamer Gabriel , Hamer Sarah
Published: January 2025

Local health departments can play a critical role in zoonoses surveillance at the human–domestic animal interface, especially when existing public health services and close relationships with community groups can be leveraged. Investigators at Harris County Veterinary Public Health employed a community‐based surveillance tool for identifying severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infections in dogs and cats in June‐–December 2021. Diagnosis was made using both RT‐qPCR testing of oral and nasal swabs and plaque reduction neutralization testing of serum samples. Recruitment for this free companion animal surveillance program occurred through the following two streams: case‐based and event‐based. The case‐based stream recruited companion animals of confirmed human COVID‐19 cases through the Harris County Public Health case investigations platform and used the information from epidemiological investigations of the owners to conduct further investigations of their pet(s). The event‐based stream recruited companion animals participating in free or low‐cost spay/neuter events at Harris County Pets Resource Center (HCPRC). A total of 97 animals were tested, with the case‐based and event‐based streams accounting for 36 and 61, respectively. A total of 13 animals (13.4%) tested seropositive including one that also had positive RT‐qPCR swabs. Of the positives, 11 (84.6%) were associated with a confirmed human case of SARS‐CoV‐2 living in the same household including one household with four out of the seven animals positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies. These two surveillance methods employed at the local level emphasize the importance of the One Health approach and provide a model for future zoonoses surveillance systems.
Ozone disinfection of treated wastewater for inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum for agricultural irrigation
Authors: Contreras‐Soto María B. , Castro‐del Campo Nohemí , Chaidez Cristobal , Velázquez‐García Flavio E. , González‐Gómez Jean P. , Martínez‐Rodríguez Célida I. , Gaxiola‐Montoya Joel , Castro‐del Campo Nohelia
Published: January 2025

The reliance on agriculture in many nations has increased the use of treated wastewater for irrigation. However, reclaimed water still poses health risks from resistant pathogens like Cryptosporidium spp. Ozone, a strong disinfectant, has been used in water treatment. This study assessed the microbiological quality of treated wastewater for irrigation and evaluated ozone effectiveness in inactivating C. parvum oocysts. All samples contained Cryptosporidium spp., with 163 to 850 oocysts 100 L−1, and 50% contained viable oocysts. When C. parvum was exposed to different ozone residual concentrations (0.1, 0.8, and 1.3 mg L−1), oocyst viability reduction of 73%, 85%, and 99% and infectivity of 0.8, 1.36, and 2 Log10 was achieved. The predicted values for infectious oocysts were 4.19, 3.64, and 3.27, representing absolute counts of infective oocysts after ozone treatment. These findings demonstrate ozone's effectiveness in inactivating C. parvum in treated wastewater, supporting its potential for safe water reuse.

Practitioner Points

All wastewater samples contained Cryptosporidium spp., with 163 to 850 oocysts per 100 L.

Wastewater had 50% contained viable oocysts.

Ozone concentrations (0.1, 0.8, 1.3 mg/l) achieved oocyst viability of 73.33%, 85.0%, and 99.4%, respectively.

The predicted values for infectious oocysts were 4.19, 3.64, and 3.27, respectively for each ozone concentration.
Effect of heat generation and chemical reaction on convective MHD flow of Jeffrey nanofluids in a porous medium
Authors: Khan Ilyas , Firdous Hina , Alshehery Sultan , Khan Waqar A. , Husnine S. M. , Khan Arshad
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of heat generation and chemical reaction on Jeffrey nanofluid magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow over a linearly stretching sheet. The Buongiorno model examines Brownian motion's and thermophoresis's effects on Jeffrey's nanofluid. The joint phenomenon of heat and mass transfer is considered with prescribed convective surface heating and diffusion. Visco‐elastic Jeffrey fluid model in a porous medium is developed in terms of highly nonlinear partial differential equations (NLPDEs), which upon similarity transformation is remodeled into nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NLODEs) with transformed boundary conditions. The problem is solved numerically using the shooting technique. The results are shown in several plots and discussed for embedded flow parameters. It has been found that magnetic parameters increased temperature and concentration, whereas they decreased velocity.
Elastodynamic interactions in thermoelastic diffusion including non‐local and phase lags
Authors: Sharma Saurav , Marin Marin , Altenbach Holm
Published: January 2025

The current research shows both thermal and mechanical responses under non‐local and phase lag influences in a thermoelastic diffusive half space. After being transformed into a two‐dimensional instance, the governing equations become dimensionless. To analyze the issue, the Laplace transform and Fourier transform with regard to time and space coordinates are used. Chemical potential sources and ramp‐type tangential force are used to determine the problem's application. The converted form of physical field quantities, such as displacements, stresses, temperature changes, and chemical potential, are attained through analytical expression. Numerical inversion is used to find these piles in the physical domain. Silhouettes representing computed numerical quantities are used to illustrate the effects of phase delays and non‐local effects. Additionally, other specific instances are given. The issue is extremely important in many engineering and geoscience domains.
Hazards and Risks
Authors: Myklebust Thor , Stålhane Tor , Vatn Dorthea Mathilde Kristin
Published: January 2025

This chapter consists of four sections outlining how to deal with hazards and ongoing risk management. First, we elaborate on how to approach an analysis of a system’s hazards and implement and maintain a hazard log. Next, we elaborate on how ongoing risk management and dynamic risk analysis should ensure that high risk systems are under continuous monitoring and regular review. In the process of hazard identification and risk management, having clearly formulated risk tolerability criteria is paramount. Therefore, Sect. 12.3 outlines several approaches one could use for this purpose. When addressing a high risk system’s possible hazards and risk management strategies, it is important to also ensure the effective management and integration of the specific rules, limitations, and constraints that must be followed and monitored when using the system. The last section therefore outlines on safety-related application conditions (SRAC).
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Authors: Myklebust Thor , Stålhane Tor , Vatn Dorthea Mathilde Kristin
Published: January 2025

This chapter first provides a section on artificial intelligence (AI) in high risk systems, giving an overview over the current progress in standards relating to this topic. Next, a section addresses explainable AI (XAI) both as a technical concept and as a concept that has evident human and organizational sides to it. Lastly, a section on the concept of safety of intended functionality (SOTIF) is provided as it addresses safety in AI-driven systems, especially autonomous vehicles. This approach helps mitigate risks from functional insufficiencies in AI algorithms, making it vital for deploying AI safely in high risk areas.
Peer-Unterstützung
Authors: Lammers Klara
Published: January 2025

Das Themenfeld Peer-Unterstützung bildet den zentralen inhaltlichen Bezugspunkt dieser Studie und stellt deshalb den Einstieg in die Arbeit dar. Ziele der nachfolgenden Kapitel sind zum einen eine Hinführung auf den konkreten Ansatz, der das empirische Feld für die qualitative Datenerhebung und -auswertung geboten hat, und zum anderen eine Einordnung vor dem Hintergrund des breiten Spektrums an Ansätzen und Herangehensweisen, die unter dem Peer-Begriff gefasst werden. Bestandteile der Unterkapitel sind daher zunächst eine Begriffsbestimmung, eine Skizzierung der historischen Entwicklungslinien in diesem Feld (Abschn. 2.1), zugrundeliegende theoretische Konzepte (Abschn. 2.2) und die Ausarbeitung einer Systematisierung des heterogenen Feldes, das unter ‚Peer-Unterstützung‘ subsumiert wird (Abschn. 2.3).
Darstellung der Ergebnisse
Authors: Lammers Klara
Published: January 2025

Die Struktur des Ergebnisteils orientiert sich an der Struktur der zu entwickelnden gegenstandsverankerten Theorie mit ihren dazugehörigen Haupt- und Subkategorien, die sich auf die im Methodikkapitel bereits skizzierte Kernkategorie beziehen. Vorab erfolgt jedoch in Abschnitt 5.1 und den dazugehörigen Unterkapiteln ein stärker deskriptiv angelegter Teil, der der empirischen Annäherung an die Peer-Begleitung im untersuchten Ansatz dient und ein für die weiterführenden Analysen notwendiges Verständnis der konkreten Ausgestaltung schafft.
Notfallplan im Bergbau und die zugehörigen Planspiele
Authors: Schön Wilhelm , Sifferlinger Nikolaus A.
Published: January 2025

In den Bergbaubetrieben Österreichs ist in den letzten Jahren das Unfallgeschehen immer geringer geworden.

Die Zahl von Bergbauunglücken ist klein. Unglücke in einem Bergbau können trotzdem nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Im Mineralrohstoffgesetz ist für Unfälle, gefährliche Ereignisse, sowie vernünftigerweise vorhersehbare Natur- und Industriekatastrophen ein Notfallplan aufzustellen.

Dieser Notfallplan wird hier besprochen.