bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher risk profile among patients with TET2-mutated giant cell arteritis: a cluster analysis
Authors: Guedon Alexis F , Ouafdi Asmaa , Belfeki Nabil , Dellal Azeddine , Ghriss Nouha , Scheen Marc , Haidar Fadi , Espitia Olivier , Scoazec Jean-Yves , Fain Olivier , Marzac Christophe , Hermine Olivier , Solary Eric , Rossignol Julien , Mekinian Arsène 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the prevalence of clonal haematopoiesis (CH) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) compared with controls and individuals with other autoimmune diseases (AIDs) and to identify high-risk clinical/genetic profiles that could influence disease outcomes.MethodsIn a prospective observational study at three hospitals, we included 49 patients diagnosed with GCA, 48 patients with other AIDs and 27 control participants. We used next-generation sequencing to detect clonal haematopoiesis (CH) among them.ResultsCH was detected in 55.1% of patients with GCA, 59.3% of controls and 18.8% of patients with other AIDs. The most commonly mutated genes in GCA and control groups wereDNMT3AandTET2. No significant differences in CH prevalence were found between patients with GCA and controls or other AID when adjusted for age and sex. Cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups within the patients with GCA, one of which displayed a higher prevalence of TET2 and JAK2 variants, and was associated with worse prognosis.ConclusionsCH is prevalent among patients with GCA but does not differ significantly from controls or other autoimmune conditions. However, specific genetic profiles, particularly mutations in TET2 and JAK2, are associated with a higher risk cluster within the GCA cohort. This observation highlights the interest of detecting CH in patients with GCA in both routine practice and clinical trials for better risk stratification. Further prospective studies are needed to determine if management tailored to the genetic profile would improve outcomes.
Tertiary Lymphoid Structures in Pancreatic Cancer are Structurally Homologous, Share Gene Expression Patterns and B-cell Clones with Secondary Lymphoid Organs, but Show Increased T-cell Activation
Authors: Lehmann Jonas , Thelen Martin , Kreer Christoph , Schran Simon , Garcia-Marquez Maria A. , Cisic Igor , Siepmann Klara , Hagen Elena M. , Eckel Hans Nikolaus Caspar , Lohneis Philipp , Kruger Stephan , Boeck Stefan , Ormanns Steffen , Rudelius Martina , Werner Jens , Popp Felix , Klein Florian , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael S. , Bruns Christiane J. , Quaas Alexander , Wennhold Kerstin , Schlößer Hans A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) in cancer are considered ectopic hotspots for immune activation that are similar to lymphoid follicles in secondary lymphoid organs (SLO). This study elucidates shared and TLS/SLO-specific features in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). TLS abundance was related to superior survival and T-cell abundance in 110 treatment-naïve PDAC samples, underlining their clinical relevance. Immunofluorescence microscopy identified structural homologies between TLSs and SLOs. In RNA expression analyses of laser-microdissected TLSs and paired SLOs, we observed largely overlapping expression patterns of immune-related gene clusters but distinct expression patterns of T-cell and complement-associated genes. Immune cells in TLS expressed essential markers of germinal center formation. Increased activation of tumor-draining lymph nodes in patients with high numbers of TLSs highlights the relevance of these tumor-related structures to systemic immune response. In line with this, we identified an overlap of expanded B-cell receptor clonotypes in TLSs and SLOs, which suggests a vivid cross-talk between the two compartments. We conclude that combined therapeutic approaches exploiting TLS-mediated antitumor immune responses may improve susceptibility of PDAC to immunotherapy.
Action observation and imitation: Corticospinal responses and hemispheric dominance
Authors: Hashemi Niloufaralsadat , Chau Tom , Beal Deryk S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The response of the motor neuron system to the observation of lateralized movements and expectation mismatches remains elusive. We investigated how observation of hand movement modulates corticospinal excitability as measured by motor evoked potentials to single pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Twenty-seven adults watched a series of egocentric video recordings of hands, with one hand either squeezing a foam ball as expected or both hands remaining stationary. Task conditions comprised observation-only and observation with synchronous imitation of the depicted motor action. Single TMS pulses were delivered to the motor cortex contralateral to the dominant hand at the video frame of maximal hand closure for squeeze videos and randomly for no-squeeze videos (in both observation-only or observation with synchronous imitation). We analyzed MEPs, from the First Dorsal Interosseous (FDI) muscle of the dominant hand. Observation alone (absence of motor intention) did not enhance corticospinal excitability; however, when paired with imitation (presence of motor intention), it tended to increase MEP amplitudes, regardless of the attended side (dominant or non-dominant) or depicted action (squeeze or not). Among conditions in which the dominant hand remained stationary, MEP amplitudes were elevated (p = 0.004) in observation with imitation of non-dominant hand squeezing, suggesting hemispheric dominance in coordinating motor actions. Additionally, MEP latencies tended to decrease during synchronous imitation of squeeze videos. Our findings support the consideration of observation with synchronous imitation as a task for brain state-dependent brain stimulation protocols for optimizing neuromotor recovery.
Clinical features and two-year outcomes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with heart failure and reduced, mid-range and preserved ejection fractions
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhu Shuhua , Tang Wenjun , Zhang Haitao , Le Weibo , Luo Song , Zhou Chen , Wang Yang , Xu Shutian , Hu Weixin , Li Shijun 
Published: December 2024

Objective We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and prognosis of SLE patients with HF. Methods Patients with SLE and HF who were hospitalized in Jinling Hospital from January 2013 to May 2021 and followed up for 2 years after discharge were included. Risk factors for death and ESKD were analyzed. According to cardiac ultrasound, patients were subdivided into the HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF groups, and differences in clinical features and prognosis among the three groups were analyzed. Results Among 376 SLE patients with HF, the distribution was 13.30% HFrEF, 14.89% HFmrEF, and 71.81% HFpEF. Median ages at SLE and HF diagnosis were 29.00 (21.25, 42.00) and 35.25 (27.29, 49.31) years, with a median SLE duration of 49 (7, 120) months. The 2-year overall and renal survival rates were 86.97% and 63.56%, respectively. Multivariate COX analysis identified age, NPSLE, blood NT-proBNP, CD20+ B cells, Alb, and UA as death risk factors, and Scr, PCT, CD20+ B cells, urine RBP, and right kidney size as ESKD risk factors. The 2-year survival rates were 70% for HFrEF, 82.14% for HFmrEF, and 91.11% for HFpEF; renal survival rates were 46%, 58.93%, and 67.78%, respectively. HFrEF had lower survival rates than HFpEF, while HFmrEF showed intermediate rates and clinical features, with some significantly different from HFpEF but not HFrEF. No significant differences in SLE remission or relapse rates were found among non-ESKD survivors. Conclusions SLE patients with HF tend to have an early disease onset, high SLE activity and long course, with HFpEF being the predominant phenotype. HFrEF has a poorer prognosis compared to HFpEF, while HFmrEF has an intermediate prognosis and shares more clinical similarities with HFrEF.
Patient Satisfaction with the Empathic Communication Skills of Nurses at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Uttarakhand
Authors: Rawat Rashmi , Arora Smriti , Sharma Suresh K. , Godiyal Jyoti 
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim Empathic communication has a great impact on patient satisfaction and health outcomes. With the advent of technology in healthcare human touch in caring for patients is diminishing gradually. This study explores the satisfaction of the patients with the empathic communication of nurses. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected by a self-structured 5-point Likert scale to assess the satisfaction of patients with the empathic communication skills of nurses in the month of August 2021. Results The mean age of the participants was 43.36 ± 15.76. 41% of respondents have an overall moderate satisfaction with the empathic communication skills of nurses, 33.33% had low satisfaction and only 25.7% had high satisfaction with empathic communication skills of nurses. Furthermore, a significant number of patients (87.5%) reported that their opinion was recognized and respected by nurses and more than 80% reported that nurses were good in communication. Conclusion This study provides significant data about one of the most important factors in the improvement of patient satisfaction. Nurse’s empathic communication skills can be improved and sustained by training programmers on regular basis.
It's not just a job: Meaningful work, self-stigma, and life satisfaction in people with visual impairment
Authors: Chui Cheryl Hiu-kwan , Lai Virgo 
Published: December 2024

Background Although employment has been positively linked to quality of life, recent theorising suggests the need for a broadened conceptualisation of paid work incorporating dimensions of subjective work experience as a key social determinant of life satisfaction in people with disabilities. There is also a need for further examination on the underlying mechanism between work and wellbeing outcomes amongst people with disabilities. Objective In this study, we put forth the concept of meaningful work, and examined its associations with self-stigma, and life satisfaction in people with visual impairment. Methods A total of 302 people with visual impairment completed a survey in Hong Kong. We analysed the data using linear regression and mediation analyses. Results We found that meaningful work was positively associated with life satisfaction and negatively associated with self-stigma. Self-stigma was negatively associated with life satisfaction and mediated the association between meaningful work and life satisfaction. Conclusions The findings showed that meaningful work is a positive and important social determinant of life satisfaction among people with visual impairment, while self-stigma serves as an underlying mechanism.
The Use of Extrinsic Performance Feedback and Reward to Enhance Upper Limb Motor Behavior and Recovery Post-Stroke: A Scoping Review
Authors: Palidis Dimitrios J. , Gardiner Zoe , Stephenson Amelia , Zhang Kevin , Boruff Jill , Fellows Lesley K. 
Published: December 2024

Background During post-stroke motor rehabilitation, patients often receive feedback from therapists or via rehabilitation technologies. Research suggests that feedback may benefit motor performance, skill acquisition, and action selection. However, there is no consensus on how extrinsic feedback should be implemented during stroke rehabilitation to best leverage specific neurobehavioral mechanisms to optimize recovery. Objective To identify the existing evidence and research gaps regarding the effects of extrinsic feedback on upper extremity motor function in stroke survivors, and to map the evidence onto neurobehavioral concepts of motor performance, motor learning, and action selection. Methods The MEDLINE, PsychInfo, EMBASE, and CINHAL databases were searched for relevant articles. A sequential screening process and data extraction were performed by 2 independent reviewers, and the results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Results A total of 29 studies were identified that met the criteria for inclusion. Beneficial effects of feedback were reported for clinical outcomes of rehabilitation interventions as well as motor performance, motor learning, and action selection post-stroke. Three studies showed that the addition of rewarding elements to positive performance feedback benefited learning or recovery. Conclusions Extrinsic feedback has the potential to improve outcomes of stroke rehabilitation through effects on motor performance, motor learning, or action selection. To understand how these specific neurobehavioral processes contribute to recovery, clinical trials should include more granular behavioral measures. Rewarding feedback may be particularly beneficial, but more research is needed regarding the specific implementation of feedback.
Comparison of a compression for seven days or overnight after endovenous radiofrequency ablation of superficial vein: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Taengsakul Nawaphan , Buttakosa Mullika , Kijrattana Marisa 
Published: December 2024

Objective To compare the efficacy of compression stockings worn for 7 days or overnight after EVRFA. Methods A single-centre, prospective, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. The study included patients with clinical class C2–C4 chronic venous disease who underwent endovenous radiofrequency ablation (EVRFA) at Chulabhorn Hospital between October 2021 and October 2023. Sixty patients were assigned to wear the overnight compression group ( n = 30) or for the 7-day compression group ( n = 30). The primary outcome was targeted vein obliteration at 12 weeks. The secondary outcome measures were the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (r-VCSS), Aberdeen Varicose Veins Severity Score (AVSS), pain score, complications and patient satisfaction. Results At 12 weeks, both groups had a 100% target vein occlusion rate. There was no statistically significant difference in the r-VCSS, AVSS, patient satisfaction score, complications or pain score at day 1, day 14 and 12–16 weeks after the procedure. Overnight compression improved r-VCSS significantly. Conclusion Overnight compression was non-inferior to compression for 7 days after EVRFA.
Enhancing efficacy of the MEK inhibitor trametinib with paclitaxel in KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer
Authors: Ghosh Susmita , Fan Fan , Powell Reid , Park Yong Sung , Stephan Clifford , Kopetz E. Scott , Ellis Lee M. , Bhattacharya Rajat 
Published: December 2024

Background: KRAS is frequently mutated in the tumors of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and thus represents a valid target for therapy. However, the strategies of targeting KRAS directly and targeting the downstream effector mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) via monotherapies have shown limited efficacy. Thus, there is a strong need for novel, effective combination therapies to improve MEK-inhibitor efficacy in patients with KRAS-mutated mCRC. Objective: Our objective was to identify novel drug combinations that enhance MEK-inhibitor efficacy in patients with KRAS-mutated mCRC. Design: In this study, we performed unbiased high-throughput screening (HTS) to identify drugs that enhance the efficacy of MEK inhibitors in vitro, and we validated the drugs’ efficacy in vivo. Methods: HTS was performed using three-dimensional CRC spheroids. Trametinib, the anchor drug, was probed with two “clinically ready” libraries of 252 drugs to identify effective drug combinations. The effects of the drug combinations on CRC cell proliferation and apoptosis were further validated using cell growth assays, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays. Proteomic and immunostaining studies were performed to determine the drugs’ effects on molecular signaling and cell division. The effects of the drug combinations were examined in vivo using CRC patient-derived xenografts. Results: HTS identified paclitaxel as being synergistic with trametinib. In vitro validation showed that, compared with monotherapies, this drug combination demonstrated strong inhibition of cell growth, reduced colony formation, and enhanced apoptosis in multiple KRAS-mutated CRC cell lines. Mechanistically, combining trametinib with paclitaxel led to alterations in signaling mediators that block cell-cycle progression. Trametinib also enhanced paclitaxel-mediated microtubule stability resulting in significantly higher defects in mitosis. Finally, the combination of trametinib with paclitaxel exhibited significant inhibition of tumor growth in several KRAS-mutant patient-derived xenograft mouse models. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence supporting clinical trials of trametinib with paclitaxel as a novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS-mutated, metastatic CRC.
Synergistic enhancing of micellization and thermodynamic properties of some Gemini cationic surfactants related to benzo[d]thiazol-3-ium bromide
Authors: El-Dossoki Farid I. , Migahed Mohamed A. , Gouda Mahmoud M. , El-Maksoud Samir A. Abd 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHerrin, three Gemini cationic surfactants related to benzo[d]thiazol-3-ium bromide with variable hydrocarbon chain lengths (TBC n = 6, 12, and 18) were synthesized successfully and confirmed by using IR and 1HNMR spectroscopies. Critical micelle concentration and different thermodynamic properties of all surfactants under study were measured using conductivity, density, molal volume, and refractive index techniques. The Critical micelle concentration of TBC 6, TBC 12, and TBC 18 surfactants measured from the different techniques shows an acceptable agreement. The molecular weight of the investigated surfactants was decreased with the order: TBC 18 > TBC 12 > TBC 6. An increase in the magnitudes of the association constant, Gibbs free energy of micellization, molar refraction, polarizability, and binding constant proved the effect of hydrocarbon chain length on increasing surfactant’s micellization as follows: TBC 18 < TBC 12 < TBC 6. The enhancement in surfactant properties was also indicated under the effect of different concentrations of inorganic salts (NaI, NaBr, NaCl, MnCl2, CuCl2, and CoCl2). This effect was measured using conductivity and refractive index measurements. Different salts were indicated to adsorb on head groups of micelles, leading to an increase in the degree of ionization of the surfactant solution and improved aggregation of the surfactant at lower concentrations. The increase in the negative value of Gibbs free energy of association in the presence of salts proved an increase in the stability of micelles formed in a 15% DMSO-water solvent at 298.15 K.
Anticancer effects of aloe-emodin from Rheum undulatum L. through activation of the p53 pathway in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Tran Nguyen Khoi Song , Nguyen Nhu Quynh , Lee Sullim , Kim Seung Hyun , Jeong Daesik , Seo Eunjeong , Park Jin Ju , Cho Jaejin , Kang Ki Sung 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAloe-emodin, an anthraquinone compound naturally derived from Rheum undulatum L., has gained extensive research attention owing to its various pharmacological effects, including its potential as an anticancer, antivirus, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic agent. It has demonstrated notable inhibitory effects against various types of cancer and cancer cells. Prostate cancer is among the most commonly identified cancers globally and remains a leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in men, often presenting challenges in early detection due to its asymptomatic nature during initial stages. The aim of present study was to determine the biological activity of aloe-emodin obtained from Rheum undulatum L. involving activation of the p53-dependent pathway in certain human prostate cancer cell lines. We explored the mechanisms underlying the anticancer effects of aloe-emodin using LNCaP cells, which include p53-wild type and phosphatase and tensin homolog-deficient mutated genes, a widely studied model in genomic research. Aloe-emodin induced apoptosis in LNCaP cells through several mechanisms, including upregulation of the cleavage of caspase-8 (a cross-linked promoter of cell death signals), phosphorylation of p53 at serine 15, DNA fragmentation, cleavage of poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase, and promotion of cell death. These findings strongly indicated that aloe-emodin's anticancer properties in human prostate cancer involve the activation of p53-induced cellular senescence. Conclusively, the findings of this study imply that aloe-emodin extracted from Rheum undulatum L. is a potential therapeutic compound for adjuvant chemotherapy that induces apoptosis and pyroptosis, an innate immune response, in preventing the progression of precancerous lesions in patients with prostate cancer.
Prevalence and attributable health burdens of vector-borne parasitic infectious diseases of poverty, 1990–2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Zhu Yin-Shan , Sun Zhi-Shan , Zheng Jin-Xin , Zhang Shun-Xian , Yin Jing-Xian , Zhao Han-Qing , Shen Hai-Mo , Baneth Gad , Chen Jun-Hu , Kassegne Kokouvi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Vector-borne parasitic infectious diseases associated with poverty (referred to as vb-pIDP), such as malaria, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, African trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, and onchocerciasis, are highly prevalent in many regions around the world. This study aims to characterize the recent burdens of and changes in these vb-pIDP globally and provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of geographical and temporal trends.

Methods
Data on the prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of the vb-pIDP were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2021 for 21 geographical regions and 204 countries worldwide, from 1990–2021. The age-standardized prevalence rate and DALYs rate by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI) were calculated to quantify temporal trends. Correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between the age-standardized rate and the SDI.

Results
Over the past 30 years, the age-standardized prevalence rate and DALYs rate of these vb-pIDP have generally decreased, with some fluctuations. The distribution of vb-pIDP globally is highly distinctive. Except for Chagas disease, the age-standardized prevalence rate and DALYs rate of other vb-pIDP were highest in low-SDI regions by 2021. Malaria had the highest age-standardized prevalence rate (2336.8 per 100,000 population, 95% UI: 2122.9, 2612.2 per 100,000 population) and age-standardized DALYs rate (806.0 per 100,000 population, 95% UI: 318.9, 1570.2 per 100,000 population) among these six vb-pIDP globally. Moreover, significant declines in the age-standardized prevalence rate and DALYs rate have been observed in association with an increase in the SDI . Globally, 0.14% of DALYs related to malaria are attributed to child underweight, and 0.08% of DALYs related to malaria are attributed to child stunting.

Conclusions
The age-standardized prevalence rate and DALY rates for the vb-pIDP showed pronounced decreasing trends from 1990–2021. However, the vb-pIDP burden remains a substantial challenge for vector-borne infectious disease control globally and requires effective control strategies and healthcare systems. The findings provide scientific evidence for designing targeted health interventions and contribute to improving the prevention and control of infectious diseases.

Graphical Abstract