bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of topical clotrimazole and oral potassium iodide for the treatment of mycotic rhinitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Alonso Juliana de Moura , Watanabe Marcos Jun , Bosco Sandra de Moraes Gimenes , Apolonio Emanuel Vitor Pereira , de Vasconcelos Artur Bibiano , Prado Ana Carolina do , Alves Ana Liz Garcia , Rodrigues Celso Antonio , Hussni Carlos Alberto 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Fungal rhinitis in horses is rare, although severe, due to the progressive nasal obstruction. Aspergillus spp. is one of the fungi most often involved in these cases. A 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare weighing 325 kg was admitted with a history of recurrent nasal discharge and bleeding, foul smell, reluctance to exercise and abortion. Laboratory and imaging examinations revealed eosinophilia, scarring and erosion areas in the nasal mucosa, purulent and bloody secretions, and remarkable yellowish plaques. Histopathological examination revealed fungal rhinitis and bacterial culture revealed the presence of β-hemolytic Streptococcus and Staphylococcus spp. Fungal culture and molecular diagnosis confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus as the etiological agent. A tracheostomy was necessary due to the patient's dyspnea. For the treatment, topical application of clotrimazole ointment was carried out in the rostral portion of the nasal cavity once a day and in the caudal portion of the nasal cavity, endoscopic guided every 48 hours. In the fifth endoscopy-guided application, a significant improvement was noticed; however, the animal exhibited a hypersensitivity reaction, and the treatment was discontinued. Thus, potassium iodide therapy was initiated (67 mg/kg, VO, SID, 14 days). The patient demonstrated favorable clinical improvement, achieved resolution of the fungal infection, and was discharged after 25 days of hospitalization. The isolated topical use of clotrimazole was an effective treatment. However, the occurrence of a hypersensitivity reaction has constrained the advancement of the therapy and the monitoring of case resolution. The treatment period for fungal rhinitis caused by Aspergillus spp. in horses was shorter than previously described.
Characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution, and risk assessment of Cu and Ni pollution in a farmland soil-corn system of arid oasis city in Northwest China
Authors: Xu Shenghui , Wu Ao , Liu Jingjing , Gao Guowen , Liu Kaiwang , Su Yanfang , Jin Cheng , Li Changhao , Yang Yahong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The rapid development of mining resources in the northwest oasis industrial and mining cities has brought many environmental problems. Previous research on heavy metals in cities in the Northwest Oasis mainly focused on the soil-wheat system, lacking research on the soil-corn system. As one of the main crops grown in the Northwest region, the pollution of heavy metals in corn grains is closely related to the physical health of the people in the Northwest region. The results show that the average content of Cu and Ni in the soil of the study area were 124.00 mg kg− 1 and 136.80 mg kg− 1, respectively, which are both higher than the background value of the area. The content of various heavy metals varies among the various organs of corn, The contents of Cu and Ni were the highest in tassel. The spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals show that Cu and Ni have similarities in spatial distribution and may have the same source. The average Bio-concentration and translocation factors of corn plants are Cu > Ni. The hazard quotient (HQ) value of both children and adults are less than 1, indicating that Cu and Ni have no significant health risks for both adults and children.
Impact of cancer cachexia on chemotherapeutic efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who are treated with trifluridine/thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor + bevacizumab
Authors: Shibutani Masatsune , Tanda Hideki , Seki Yuki , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Nishiyama Tsuyoshi , Fukui Yasuhiro , Imanishi Daiki , Kasashima Hiroaki , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Maeda Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In later-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), there may be large differences in treatment efficacy depending on cancer cachexia. Recently, the cachexia index (CXI), which was calculated from the skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), serum albumin concentration, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, was developed to evaluate cancer cachexia. We retrospectively examined the CXI of 80 patients who were treated with trifluridine/thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor (FTD/TPI) + bevacizumab (Bmab) therapy as a later-line treatment for mCRC and assessed the impact of cancer cachexia on chemotherapeutic efficacy using the CXI. Progression-free and overall survival rates were significantly worse in the low CXI group than in the high CXI group. As the cross-sectional area of the iliopsoas muscle was significantly associated with that of the skeletal muscle, the accuracy of the CXI based on the psoas mass index (P-CXI), which is easier to calculate than the SMI, in predicting treatment outcomes was equivalent to that of the CXI based on the SMI (S-CXI). Cancer cachexia is an important factor related to treatment efficacy in later-line treatments, such as FTD/TPI + Bmab therapy.
Prognostic Role of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 (AR-V7) in the Pathogenesis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Srivast Tryambak Pratap , Ajmeriya Swati , Goel Isha , Talukdar Joyeeta , Srivast Anurag , Parshad Rajinder , Deo SVS , Mathur Sandeep R. , Gogia Ajay , Rai Avdhesh , Dhar Ruby , Karmakar Subhradip 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
The Androgen Receptor (AR) has emerged as an endocrine therapy target in Breast Cancer, exhibiting up to 80% expression in clinical cases. AR-V7, a constitutively activated splice variant of AR with a truncated ligand-binding domain (LBD), demonstrates ligand-independent transcriptional activity and resistance to nonsteroidal antiandrogens like Bicalutamide or Enzalutamide, targeting the LBD. In metastatic prostate cancer, elevated AR-V7 levels lead to therapeutic resistance and increased metastasis.
Methods:
In this study, we evaluated the expression of AR and AR-V7 in cell lines and a cohort of 89 patients undergoing surgical intervention for treatment-naïve breast cancer. Further clinicopathological correlations and survival analysis were performed to evaluate the relationship between the AR and AR-V7 expression and clinical outcomes.
Results:
AR-V7/AR-FL ratio was elevated in the TNBC cell line and downregulation of AR-FL upon AR antagonists’ treatment led to a compensatory increase in AR-V7. Clinical samples showed significantly elevated expression of AR and AR-V7 in tumors compared to control cases. Further clinicopathological correlation revealed aggressive clinical traits, higher pathological grades, and poor survival with AR-V7 expression.
Conclusions:
Our study unravels AR-V7 as a marker for poor clinical outcomes, predicting breast cancer aggressiveness, and encourages consideration of AR-V7 as a probable target for therapeutic intervention.
Brazilian Registry of Sjögren’s Disease (BRAS): a full picture of Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Valim Valéria , Miyamoto Samira Tatiyama , de Oliveira Fabiola Reis , Serrano Érica Vieira , Santos Laura Caldas dos , Pernambuco Roberta de Almeida , Appenzeller Simone , Markus Juliana , Tanure Leandro Augusto , Lopes Maria Lúcia Lemos , Coradin Rafael , Pinheiro Aysa César , Hax Vanessa , Fedrigo Aiessa Zanchett , Ribeiro Sandra Lúcia Euzébio , Capobianco Karina Gatz , Petterle Giovanna Sant’Ana , Pugliesi Alisson , Zampirolli Maria Clara , Machado Ketty Lisie Libardi , Santos Paula Regina Toche dos , Sacilotto Nathalia de Carvalho , Migueletto Anna Maria de Senna , Cantali Diego Ustárroz , Barbosa Vitalina de Souza , Xavier Ricardo Machado , Trevisani Virgínia Fernandes Moça 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Brazilian Registry on Sjögren's Disease (BRAS) is a prospective, national cohort registry. To date, 16 centers from all Brazilian regions are engaged in collaborative research, with the potential for additional centers to be included over time. The BRAS project started in 2021 and has the support of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology (SBR). The primary objective of BRAS is to generate a set of Brazilian epidemiological data on patients with SjD who meet the 2002 AECG and/or 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria, and to promote high-quality clinical research. The Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) platform is being used for the entry of clinical data. In addition to demographic and laboratory data, clinical data are being collected, including disease activity (EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index - ESSDAI), disease damage (Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Damage Index-SSDDI), comorbidities, cardiovascular risk (Framingham), labial salivary gland biopsy, salivary gland ultrasound, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment. Additionally, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are being incorporated, including the EULAR Sjögren's Syndrome Patient-Reported Index (ESSPRI), Profile of Fatigue and Discomfort (PROFAD), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESE), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-SF), and EuroQol-5 Domain (EQ-5D). The study is currently enrolling 1,010 patients. The mean age of the 1,010 SjD patients is 55.6 ± 13.6 years, with 96.5% of women. Ninety-three percent of patients present with xerostomia, 93.7% xerophthalmia, 78.9% anti-Ro/SSA, and 41.8% anti-La/SSB. Ninety-four percent and 90% of patients have met the 2002 AECG and 2016 ACR-EULAR classification criteria, respectively. There is a potential for future studies to investigate the clinical and laboratory profile, predictors of systemic involvement and cardiovascular risk; prevalence of anxiety and depression and associations, level of physical activity and associations, comorbidities and polypharmacy; in addition, treatment response, follow-up of disease activity and mortality. The next step is to create a biorepository for biological specimens.
Anatomic Interpretability in Neuroimage Deep Learning: Saliency Approaches for Typical Aging and Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Guo Kevin , Chaudhari Nikhil , Jafar Tamara , Chowdhury Nahian , Bogdan Paul , Irimia Andrei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The black box nature of deep neural networks (DNNs) makes researchers and clinicians hesitant to rely on their findings. Saliency maps can enhance DNN explainability by suggesting the anatomic localization of relevant brain features. This study compares seven popular attribution-based saliency approaches to assign neuroanatomic interpretability to DNNs that estimate biological brain age (BA) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cognitively normal (CN) adults (N = 13,394, 5,900 males; mean age: 65.82 ± 8.89 years) are included for DNN training, testing, validation, and saliency map generation to estimate BA. To study saliency robustness to the presence of anatomic deviations from normality, saliency maps are also generated for adults with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI, \(\:N\) = 214, 135 males; mean age: 55.3 ± 9.9 years). We assess saliency methods’ capacities to capture known anatomic features of brain aging and compare them to a surrogate ground truth whose anatomic saliency is known a priori. Anatomic aging features are identified most reliably by the integrated gradients method, which outperforms all others through its ability to localize relevant anatomic features. Gradient Shapley additive explanations, input × gradient, and masked gradient perform less consistently but still highlight ubiquitous neuroanatomic features of aging (ventricle dilation, hippocampal atrophy, sulcal widening). Saliency methods involving gradient saliency, guided backpropagation, and guided gradient-weight class attribution mapping localize saliency outside the brain, which is undesirable. Our research suggests the relative tradeoffs of saliency methods to interpret DNN findings during BA estimation in typical aging and after mTBI.
Functional Connectivity Changes in the Prefrontal-thalamic- cerebellar Circuit in Adolescents with First-Episode Schizophrenia
Authors: Song Yichen , Zhu Hanyu , Wu Zhaoyang , Hu Wenyan , Zhang Sen , Zhou Youqi , Peng Yue , Yang Yongfeng , Li Wenqiang , Shi Han , Yang Ge , Zhang Yan , Lv Luxian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The role of functional connectivity (FC) changes in the prefrontal-thalamic-cerebellar circuit in schizophrenia has received widespread attention. Currently, domestic and international studies on this circuit have focused on adults, while the FC of this circuit in the brains of adolescent patients with schizophrenia (AOS) has been less reported.
Methods
We recruited 124 subjects who underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans at baseline, using key brain regions in the prefrontal-thalamic-cerebellar circuit as seed regions, to investigate the FC in AOS versus healthy controls. The FC of this loop was compared with that of the whole brain in healthy controls.
Results
Compared to healthy controls, patients with AOS had reduced FC between the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and precuneus and between the posterior cerebellar lobe and middle temporal gyrus. Reduced FC in patients with AOS was associated with positive symptom scores and with some cognitive scales.
Conclusions
There are FC abnormalities in the prefrontal-thalamic-cerebellar circuit, precuneus, and temporal lobe in AOS. These abnormalities appear in the early stages of schizophrenia, independent of medication, and are characteristic of the disorder.
Mitral Annular Disjunction Associated with Ventricular Dilation in Pediatric Marfan Syndrome: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Bishop Ryan S. , Craik Natalie K. , Stephens Sara B. , Doan Tam T. , Chavez Alejandra Iturralde , Sachdeva Shagun , Weigand Justin D. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) has increasingly been recognized as a marker for adverse cardiovascular events in Marfan syndrome (MFS). As recent adult data links MFS with left ventricular (LV) dilation and reduced ejection fraction (LVEF), we hypothesized that MAD may be associated with LV dilation in pediatric MFS patients.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed among MFS patients < 19 years old at initial cardiac MRI (CMR). MAD and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) were assessed by CMR or most proximate echo. CMR-derived left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic (LVESV) volumes were measured. Indexed volumes, absolute and indexed z-scores, and LVEF were calculated. The combined volume load from mitral and aortic regurgitation was indexed to LV stroke volume, allowing exclusion of patients with greater than mild volume load or prior MV intervention. MAD association with LV volumes and z-scores was then assessed.
Results
Forty-two patients were analyzed (median age 13.5 years old, IQR [10.9, 15.3]). MAD was present in 28 patients (66.7%), and MVP was present in 13 patients (31.0%). Absolute LVEDV z-score was > 2 in 35.7% of patients, LVESV z-score was > 2 in 42.9%, and LVEF was < 55% in 45.2%. In multivariable analysis including MVP, MAD remained independently associated with elevated absolute LVESV z-score > 2 (RR 3.88, 95% CI: 1.02–14.69, p = 0.046).
Conclusion
MAD was associated with CMR-derived volume-load-independent LV dilation among pediatric MFS patients. Prospective studies are needed to further understand this association and its relationship with LV dilation over time.
Comparing the distributions of common Human papillomavirus genotypes among the Fars province population in the southwest of Iran, with the vaccine-included genotypes
Authors: Kalani Mahtab , Mirzaei Fatemeh , Keyghobadi Haniyeh , Keighobadi Gholamhossein , Raoofat Atefeh , Kalani Mehdi , Moravej Ali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Given the strong association between high-risk HPV genotypes such as 16 and 18 and cervical cancer, this study aimed to compare the distribution of common HPV genotypes among the southwest Iranian population with vaccine-included genotypes.
Methods
Based on the sample quality, DNAs were extracted from the biological samples of 8036 individuals who were included in the study with three different methods (automated instrument, column, and precipitation), and 21 different HPV genotypes were detected using Real-time PCR.
Results
The majority of participants were women (> 99%) with a positive rate of 29.9% in which the high-risk genotypes were dominant (84.9%). The highest rate of HPV infections was observed in the age ≤ 30 years (35.9%). HPV 6 and 16 were the most frequent low- and high-risk genotypes, respectively. Multi HPV infections were observed in 35% of positive samples and the highest cross infections were observed between HPV6 and 16. Co-infection with HPV 16 and 18 was observed in 21 (1%) positive samples. It seems that vaccination is required to decrease the outcome of HPV infections such as cervical cancer. However, other frequent high-risk genotypes were not included in the 9-valent vaccine.
Conclusion
Since the association between cervical cancer and other high-risk HPV types rather than 16 and 18 has been less studied, investigating their pathogenicity in cervical cancer is recommended. Furthermore, the new generation of HPV vaccine should contain the other frequent high-risk genotypes rather than those included in the approved vaccines.
HDL proteome and apolipoproteins concentrations in severe ICU COVID-19 patients
Authors: BEGUE Floran , VEEREN Bryan , RONDEAU Philippe , FLORENCE Aline-Marie , JAMARD Simon , MONTRAVERS Philippe , TANAKA Sébastien , MEILHAC Olivier 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection affects both lipid metabolism and lung function. The severity of the disease has been associated with reduced levels of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Despite the crucial role that these nanoparticles play in SARS-CoV-2 infection, few studies have examined their structure during COVID-19 beyond HDL quantity.
The study aimed to assess apolipoprotein levels in COVID-19 patients who either survived or died following ICU admission. In addition, ICU survivors and non-survivors were compared for HDL particle size and proteome.
Methods: Between February and April 2020, our study enrolled 37 COVID-19 patients upon their intensive care unit admission. Among them, 18 survived the disease, while 19 succumbed to it. We used mass spectrometry to assess plasma levels of 14 apolipoproteins and LCAT. Additionally, we analyzed HDL subpopulation distribution by utilizing native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HDL particles were isolated from both surviving and non-surviving patients using ultracentrifugation, followed by characterization of their proteomes with NanoLC-MS/MS.
Results: Plasma apolipoproteins, including Apo A-II, Apo Cs (I, II, III), Apo H, Apo J, Apo M, and LCAT, were decreased in patients who did not survive COVID-19. However, no alterations were noted in the distribution of HDL subpopulations in relation to mortality. HDL composition was further altered based on mortality, displaying a decline in Apo H and paraoxonase 3.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we have shown an alteration in plasma apolipoproteins and HDL composition between surviving COVID-19 patients and non-survivors. Some markers, such as Apo H, are more predictive than baseline lipid concentrations such as HDL-C.
Action Research Plan: The impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence in Education on the Cognitive Abilities of University Students
Authors: Xu Qian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This research plan about exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the cognitive abilities of college students so that future researchers can use this experimental program to focus on how AI-powered Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) can impact learning outcomes. As AI continues to revolutionize all walks of life, so has its integration with education.ITS is a key application of AI in education, providing a personalized learning experience by analyzing student data and tailoring instructional materials accordingly. This provides a research program to study the effectiveness of ITS in improving cognitive skills such as memory, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities in college students. The research project combined quantitative and qualitative research methods including surveys, pre-tests, post-tests, and in-depth interviews to assess the cognitive differences between students using ITS and those using traditional learning methods. The research project also recognized potential challenges, such as dependence on technology and the risk of increased educational inequality. The action research program concluded by advocating for a balanced integration of AI into education, highlighting the need for ongoing research to optimize its use across different stages of education and to ensure equitable access to AI-powered tools.
Sweet spots for nitrogen restoration in a coastal watershed
Authors: Groffman Peter , Reisinger Alexander , Zhang Ruoyu , Locke Dexter , Rosenberg Andrew , Newburn David , Duncan Jonathan , Band Lawrence , Grove J. , Miller Andrews , Rosi Emma , Towe Charles 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Reducing nitrogen delivery to coastal waters is a “wicked problem” involving tradeoffs in environmental, economic and equity domains. Because these tradeoffs arise from spatial and temporal complexities in sources and sinks of this element, we hypothesized that a transdisciplinary focus on disproportionality could allow for the identification of “hot” or “sweet” spots where multiple factors converge to create opportunities to control nitrogen flux. We applied this approach to the Baltimore, MD USA region by mapping stream reaches with high nitrogen concentrations, hydrologic conditions amenable to stream restoration, high willingness to pay for restoration projects, and high social need for restoration, and subsequently identifying locations where these factors converge to create sweet spots. Our analysis suggests that sweet spots that optimize environmental, economic, and equity components of sustainability may be rare. The desire to bundle multiple benefits in the budgeting for environmental interventions such as stream restoration may create a sub-optimal distribution of these interventions in a sustainability context.
Magmatic fluids uprise through ring faults at Campi Flegrei caldera
Authors: Giacomuzzi Genny , Fonzetti Rossella , Govoni Aladino , De Gori Pasquale , Chiarabba Claudio 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The progressive increase of ground deformation, seismicity, and gas emission is marking a remarkable unrest at Campi Flegrei caldera. The direct involvement of magma has been invoked to explain the deformation and space/time changes of velocity anomalies at shallow crustal depths. A challenging aspect is to forecast possible scenarios for the upward migration of magmatic fluids from the source at depth. Here, we show that the most recent seismicity (period 2023–2024), derived by a machine-learning-based earthquake detection procedure, aligns on a continuous set of caldera rim faults and on top of an inflating magma source. Direct channeling of magma through such ring faults can be a way to feed future eruptions, as observed in other calderas and inferred for the Mt. Nuovo historical eruption.