bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurological autoimmune diseases following vaccinations against SARS‐CoV‐2: a case series
Authors: Kaulen Leon D. , Doubrovinskaia Sofia , Mooshage Christoph , Jordan Berit , Purrucker Jan , Haubner Carmen , Seliger Corinna , Lorenz Hanns‐Martin , Nagel Simon , Wildemann Brigitte , Bendszus Martin , Wick Wolfgang , Schönenberger Silvia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and purposePopulation‐based studies suggest that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines may trigger immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) raising concerns for other autoimmune responses. The aim was to characterize neurological autoimmunity after SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations.MethodsIn this single‐centre prospective case study patients with neurological autoimmunity in temporal association (≤6 weeks) with SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations and without other triggers are reported. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected with a median follow‐up of 49 days.ResultsIn the study period 232,603 inhabitants from the main catchment area of our hospital (Rhein‐Neckar‐Kreis, county) received SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations. Twenty‐one cases (new onset n = 17, flares n = 4) diagnosed a median of 11 days (range 3–23) following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations (BNT162b2 n = 12, ChAdOx1 n = 8, mRNA‐1273 n = 1) were identified. Cases included VITT with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (n = 3), central nervous system demyelinating diseases (n = 8), inflammatory peripheral neuropathies (n = 4), myositis (n = 3), myasthenia (n = 1), limbic encephalitis (n = 1) and giant cell arteritis (n = 1). Patients were predominantly female (ratio 3.2:1) and the median age at diagnosis was 50 years (range 22–86). Therapy included administration of steroids (n = 15), intravenous immunoglobulins in patients with Guillain–Barré syndrome or VITT (n = 4), plasma exchange in cases unresponsive to steroids (n = 3) and anticoagulation in VITT. Outcomes were favourable with partial and complete remissions achieved in 71% and 24%, respectively. Two patients received their second vaccination without further aggravation of autoimmune symptoms under low‐dose immunosuppressants.ConclusionsIn this study various neurological autoimmune disorders encountered following SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccinations are characterized. Given the assumed low incidence and mostly favourable outcome of autoimmune responses, the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the comparatively small risks.
Right ventral stream damage underlies both poststroke aprosodia and amusia
Authors: Sihvonen Aleksi J. , Sammler Daniela , Ripollés Pablo , Leo Vera , Rodríguez‐Fornells Antoni , Soinila Seppo , Särkämö Teppo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThis study was undertaken to determine and compare lesion patterns and structural dysconnectivity underlying poststroke aprosodia and amusia, using a data‐driven multimodal neuroimaging approach.MethodsThirty‐nine patients with right or left hemisphere stroke were enrolled in a cohort study and tested for linguistic and affective prosody perception and musical pitch and rhythm perception at subacute and 3‐month poststroke stages. Participants listened to words spoken with different prosodic stress that changed their meaning, and to words spoken with six different emotions, and chose which meaning or emotion was expressed. In the music tasks, participants judged pairs of short melodies as the same or different in terms of pitch or rhythm. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired at both stages, and machine learning‐based lesion–symptom mapping and deterministic tractography were used to identify lesion patterns and damaged white matter pathways giving rise to aprosodia and amusia.ResultsBoth aprosodia and amusia were behaviorally strongly correlated and associated with similar lesion patterns in right frontoinsular and striatal areas. In multiple regression models, reduced fractional anisotropy and lower tract volume of the right inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculus were the strongest predictors for both disorders, over time.ConclusionsThese results highlight a common origin of aprosodia and amusia, both arising from damage and disconnection of the right ventral auditory stream integrating rhythmic–melodic acoustic information in prosody and music. Comorbidity of these disabilities may worsen the prognosis and affect rehabilitation success.
Unraveling the enigma of new‐onset refractory status epilepticus: a systematic review of aetiologies
Authors: Lattanzi Simona , Leitinger Markus , Rocchi Chiara , Salvemini Sergio , Matricardi Sara , Brigo Francesco , Meletti Stefano , Trinka Eugen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeNew‐onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) is a clinical presentation, neither a specific diagnosis nor a clinical entity. It refers to a patient without active epilepsy or other pre‐existing relevant neurological disorder, with a NORSE without a clear acute or active structural, toxic or metabolic cause. This study reviews the currently available evidence about the aetiology of patients presenting with NORSE and NORSE‐related conditions.MethodsA systematic search was carried out for clinical trials, observational studies, case series and case reports including patients who presented with NORSE, febrile‐infection‐related epilepsy syndrome or the infantile hemiconvulsion‐hemiplegia and epilepsy syndrome.ResultsFour hundred and fifty records were initially identified, of which 197 were included in the review. The selected studies were retrospective case–control (n = 11), case series (n = 83) and case reports (n = 103) and overall described 1334 patients both of paediatric and adult age. Aetiology remains unexplained in about half of the cases, representing the so‐called ‘cryptogenic NORSE’. Amongst adult patients without cryptogenic NORSE, the most often identified cause is autoimmune encephalitis, either non‐paraneoplastic or paraneoplastic. Infections are the prevalent aetiology of paediatric non‐cryptogenic NORSE. Genetic and congenital disorders can have a causative role in NORSE, and toxic, vascular and degenerative conditions have also been described.ConclusionsFar from being a unitary condition, NORSE is a heterogeneous and clinically challenging presentation. The development and dissemination of protocols and guidelines to standardize diagnostic work‐up and guide therapeutic approaches should be implemented. Global cooperation and multicentre research represent priorities to improve the understanding of NORSE.
Patch testing versus interferon‐gamma release assay in evaluation of drug eruptions
Authors: Kaplan Yehonatan , Goldberg Ilan , Sprecher Eli , Slodownik Dan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDelayed‐onset T‐cell‐mediated cutaneous adverse drug reactions are an uncommon but potentially serious result of medication exposures. Identification of culprit medications is crucial, but clinical diagnosis is often difficult. Patch tests and interferon‐gamma release assays (IFNγ‐RA) were previously reported as potentially useful ancillary tests, while rechallenges remain the reference standard test. We compared the number of positive test results with patch testing and IFNγ‐RA for drugs implicated as possible causes of cutaneous reactions. Fifty‐one patients with a suspected cutaneous drug eruption underwent patch testing and IFNγ‐RA for suspected drugs. Participants were followed up at least 9 months after the onset of the rash with results compared with the clinical diagnosis. Forty‐two patients presented with morbilliform/eczematous eruptions; five were diagnosed with fixed drug eruption (FDE) and four with erythema multiforme. None had positive patch testing to the drugs tested. A total of 8/51 (15.6%) patients had positive reaction by the IFNγ‐RA, and an additional 11 (21.6%) patients had borderline results. Positive or borderline results were more likely in patients with FDE (80%) than morbilliform/eczematous eruptions (30.9%) or erythema multiforme (25%). Our study emphasizes the necessity of additional effective ancillary tests in the evaluation of drug eruptions and supports the use of IFNγ‐RA for drug testing as a tool for identifying medications associated with cutaneous drug eruptions.
Climate warming promotes deterministic assembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Qiu Yunpeng , Zhang Kangcheng , Yang Fei , Chen Mengfei , Luo Xi , Yan Xuebin , Wang Peng , Zhang Yi , Chen Huaihai , Guo Hui , Jiang Lin , Hu Shuijin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) significantly contribute to plant resource acquisition and play important roles in mediating plant interactions and soil carbon (C) dynamics. However, it remains unclear how AMF communities respond to climate change. We assessed impacts of warming and precipitation alterations (30% increase or decrease) on soil AMF communities, and examined major ecological processes shaping the AMF community assemblage in a Tibetan alpine meadow. Our results showed that warming significantly increased root biomass, and available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soil. While precipitation alterations increased AMF abundances, they did not significantly affect the composition or diversity of AMF communities. In contrast, warming altered the composition of AMF communities and reduced their Shannon–Wiener index and Pielou's evenness. In particular, warming shifted the AMF community composition in favor of Diversisporaceae over Glomeraceae, likely through its impact on soil N and P availability. In addition, AMF communities were phylogenetically random in the unwarmed control but clustered in warming plots, implying more deterministic community assembly under climate warming. Warming enhancement of root growth, N and P availability likely reduced plant C‐allocation to AMF, imposing stronger environmental filtering on AMF communities. We further proposed a conceptual framework that integrates biological and geochemical processes into a mechanistic understanding of warming and precipitation changes’ effects on AMF. Taken together, these results suggest that soil AMF communities may be more sensitive to warming than expected, highlighting the need to monitor their community structure and associated functional consequences on plant communities and soil C dynamics under the future warmer climate.
Mortality of inactive hepatitis B virus carriers in Japan is similar to that of the general population
Authors: Kumada Takashi , Toyoda Hidenori , Yasuda Satoshi , Ito Takanori , Tanaka Junko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsData on the long‐term outcomes of individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are hepatitis envelope antigen (HBeAg)‐negative inactive carriers (ICs) are limited due to small numbers. We compared the long‐term prognosis of well‐defined ICs with that of age‐ and gender‐matched general population controls.MethodsA total of 526 HBeAg‐negative patients who demonstrated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ≤40 U/L and HBV DNA level ≤4.3 log IU/ml at least three times within 1 year after the start of follow‐up were enrolled as ICs. Inactive carriers were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 332), whose ALT level was ≤30 U/L and HBV DNA level was ≤3.3 log IU/ml, and Group B (remaining patients, n = 194). We determined the long‐term prognosis of ICs and compared it with that of general population controls. We also analyzed factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance and phase transition in ICs.ResultsThere were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma development or all‐cause, liver‐related, or non–liver‐related mortality between Groups A and B. There was no significant difference in all‐cause mortality between ICs and the general population. Low HBsAg level (≤3.0 log IU/ml) and the presence of fatty liver were associated with HBsAg clearance and high alpha‐fetoprotein level was associated with phase transition.ConclusionsThe long‐term prognosis of well‐defined ICs was similar to that of general population controls. In addition, the ICs had a high HBsAg clearance rate and low phase transition rate.
Development of a skin microbiome diagnostic method to assess skin condition in healthy individuals: Application of research on skin microbiomes and skin condition
Authors: Kotakeyama Yuki , Nakamura Rie , Kurosawa Masaharu , Ota Seiko , Suzuki Ruka , Nakanishi Miki , Kanno Kohei , Watanabe Kosuke , Ishitsuka Yukiko 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveSkin microbiomes vary across individuals. They are known to play essential roles in maintaining homeostasis and preventing infectious pathogens. In recent years, cosmetic product development has begun to focus on the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin conditions. However, the statistical methods used in many studies include the standard t‐test and small‐scale correlation analysis, which do not take into account the internal correlation structure in data on skin microbiomes and skin features. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features by analysing complex microbiomes and skin data.MethodsWe obtained data on 19 skin characteristics and skin microbiomes based on 16s ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene analysis of 276 healthy Japanese women. We then performed the principal component analysis (PCA), a method that takes into account the internal correlation structure, on 234 panels of them that did not contain outliers or missing values. We confirmed the relationship between skin microbiomes and skin features with principal component regression analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA).ResultsThe principal component regression analysis showed strong relationships between skin microbiomes and sebum‐related skin characteristics and skin pH. In the HCA, the female panel was classified into two major groups based on the skin microbiome. Furthermore, there were significant differences in sebum‐related skin characteristics and the way skin condition changes with ageing between those groups, suggesting the possibility of measuring skin condition and age‐related skin risk based on microbiome data. In addition, sebum‐related characteristics differed significantly among middle‐aged participants, suggesting a strong relationship between skin microbiomes and sebum‐related characteristics.ConclusionAnalysis of skin condition and skin microbiome in Japanese women, taking into account the correlation between variables, showed that skin microbiome was significantly related to the number of pores and the amount of sebum. Furthermore, it was suggested that the skin condition and the way the skin condition changes with ageing may differ depending on the type of skin microbiome. The finding of a relationship between skin condition and skin microbiome suggests the possibility of proposing a new beauty method focusing on the skin microbiome in the future.
Enhanced mechanical properties of lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories reinforced by combined one‐dimensional ceramic phases
Authors: Chen Zhe , Yan Wen , Schafföner Stefan , Li Yawei , Nath Mithun , Zhu Chengyi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe prepared a new lightweight Al2O3‐C refractory material with a higher strength by using microporous corundum aggregates instead of dense tabular corundum aggregates, which was reinforced by in situ formed SiC whiskers, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and mullite rods. A comparative study of the microstructure, mechanical properties, and fracture behavior was carried out for dense and lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories coked at 1200°C and 1400°C, respectively. By using the microporous corundum aggregates, a better aggregate/matrix interface bonding and an optimized distribution of SiC whiskers were obtained. The SiC whiskers formed inside the microporous corundum aggregates and simultaneously in the matrix by a vapor‐solid reaction mechanism, resulting in an enhancement at the microporous aggregate/matrix interface. Furthermore, the in situ formed MWCNTs and well‐developed mullite rods at 1200°C in the matrix also contributed to the better interface structure. Thus, due to the improved microporous aggregate/matrix interface, the crack propagation along the aggregate/matrix interface was suppressed, resulting in an increased crack propagation within the aggregates. Consequently, the synergy between microporous corundum aggregates and combined one‐dimensional ceramic phases caused a lower bulk density but a markedly higher strength, a higher fracture energy, and a higher toughness of lightweight Al2O3‐C refractories compared to the dense ones. Overall, our study allows to overcome the traditional concept that a higher strength of refractories is reached by a higher density.
Ability of photocurable gelatin to prevent stricture recurrence after urethral dilation in rabbits
Authors: Ojima Kenichiro , Kushibiki Toshihiro , Mayumi Yoshine , Miyai Kosuke , Shinchi Masayuki , Hirano Yusuke , Azuma Ryuichi , Ito Keiichi , Ishihara Miya , Horiguchi Akio 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the ability of photocurable gelatin to prevent stricture recurrence after urethral dilation in a rabbit urethral stricture model.MethodsWe created urethral strictures in the bulbar urethras of 10 male Japanese white rabbits using electrocoagulation. After 1 month, the rabbits were randomly divided into Group A (n = 5; urethral stricture dilation and the local application of photocurable gelatin using a ruthenium photoinitiator and irradiation with a light‐emitting diode light [λ = 455 nm, 50 mW/cm2] for 1 min) and Group B (n = 5; dilation only). Urethral stricture status was evaluated 1–2 months later by retrograde urethrography and urethroscopy. The lumen ratio (urethral width at the stricture site to the normal urethral width on retrograde urethrography) was calculated. Urethral patency was considered to be improved when the urethral lumen could accommodate a 10‐Fr urethroscope without resistance. Urethral specimens were harvested for histopathological examination.ResultsThe mean lumen ratio did not differ significantly between Groups A and B before dilation (25.8% vs 23.4%; P = 0.40), but differed significantly after dilation (65.5% vs 27.3%, respectively; P = 0.03). Urethral patency improved in all rabbits in Group A (100%) versus one rabbit in Group B (20%; P = 0.02). The mean circumference of the regenerated urethral epithelium at the stricture site was larger in Group A than in Group B (14 mm vs 6.6 mm; P = 0.06).ConclusionsPhotocurable gelatin can reduce urethral stricture recurrence after dilation in a rabbit model.
Diagnosis, management and follow up of peripheral T‐cell lymphomas: a consensus practice statement from the Australasian Lymphoma Alliance
Authors: Hapgood Greg , Latimer Maya , Lee Sze Ting , Kuss Bryone , Lade Stephen , Tobin Joshua W. D. , Purtill Duncan , Campbell Belinda A. , Prince H. Miles , Hawkes Eliza A. , Shortt Jake , Radeski Dejan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPeripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL) represent a heterogeneous disease group accounting for 10% of non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. PTCL patients have typically poorer outcomes compared with aggressive B‐cell lymphomas. However, such outcomes are heavily dependent on subtype. Although anthracycline‐based regimens such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone remain the standard first‐line treatment for most aggressive PTCL, there are important variations including incorporation of novel agents, use of radiotherapy and judicious consideration of stem cell transplantation. Relapsed or refractory disease represents a significant area of unmet need where chemotherapy intensification has limited efficacy and novel agents such as brentuximab vedotin and pralatrexate provide additional opportunities for attainment of remission and potential stem cell transplant. In the future, pre‐therapy prognostic biomarkers including genomic characterisation, may aid in risk stratification and help guide initial patient management to improve survival. There is an urgent need to understand better the pathogenesis of PTCL to facilitate novel drug combinatorial approaches to improve survival. This position statement represents an evidence‐based synthesis of the literature for application in Australian and New Zealand practice.
Retention and caries‐preventive effect of four different sealant materials: A 2‐year prospective split‐mouth study
Authors: Reić Tihana , Galić Tea , Negovetić Vranić Dubravka 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this observational split‐mouth study was to compare the retention and caries protective effect of four different sealant materials in children aged 6–13 years during a 2‐year follow‐up period.DesignEighty children were included in this study, which was conducted in Blato (Korčula island), Croatia. Each participant received at least two different sealant materials on caries‐free permanent molars in two different quadrants. Sealant materials (M1 – glass‐ionomer cement; M2, M4 – resin‐based filled sealants; M3 – resin‐based unfilled sealant) were delivered in a random order.ResultsThe results of this study showed that M2 (30 teeth, 46.2%) and M4 (27 teeth, 46.6%) showed statistically significantly higher number of teeth with total retention after 2‐year follow‐up period, in comparison with M1 (10 teeth, 19.2%) or M3 (12 teeth, 20.7%) (p < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in caries occurrence between different groups in which the sealant material was totally retained.ConclusionsAccording to the results of this study, filled resin‐based sealant materials showed better retention during the 2‐year follow‐up period while both resin‐based and glass‐ionomer sealants demonstrated protection against dental caries if totally retained on the occlusal surface.
ERK5 signalling pathway is a novel target of sorafenib: Implication in EGF biology
Authors: Ortega‐Muelas Marta , Roche Olga , Fernández‐Aroca Diego M. , Encinar José A. , Albandea‐Rodríguez David , Arconada‐Luque Elena , Pascual‐Serra Raquel , Muñoz Ismael , Sánchez‐Pérez Isabel , Belandia Borja , Ruiz‐Hidalgo María J. , Sánchez‐Prieto Ricardo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor widely used in cancer therapy with an antitumour effect related to biological processes as proliferation, migration or invasion, among others. Initially designed as a Raf inhibitor, Sorafenib was later shown to also block key molecules in tumour progression such as VEGFR and PDGFR. In addition, sorafenib has been connected with key signalling pathways in cancer such as EGFR/EGF. However, no definitive clue about the molecular mechanism linking sorafenib and EGF signalling pathway has been established so far. Our data in HeLa, U2OS, A549 and HEK293T cells, based on in silico, chemical and genetic approaches demonstrate that the MEK5/ERK5 signalling pathway is a novel target of sorafenib. In addition, our data show how sorafenib is able to block MEK5‐dependent phosphorylation of ERK5 in the Ser218/Tyr220, affecting the transcriptional activation associated with ERK5. Moreover, we demonstrate that some of the effects of this kinase inhibitor onto EGF biological responses, such as progression through cell cycle or migration, are mediated through the effect exerted onto ERK5 signalling pathway. Therefore, our observations describe a novel target of sorafenib, the ERK5 signalling pathway, and establish new mechanistic insights for the antitumour effect of this multikinase inhibitor.