bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Speech-evoked cortical activities and speech recognition in adult cochlear implant listeners: a review of functional near-infrared spectroscopy studies
Authors: Farrar Reed , Ashjaei Samin , Arjmandi Meisam K. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCochlear implants (CIs) are the most successful neural prostheses, enabling individuals with severe to profound hearing loss to access sounds and understand speech. While CI has demonstrated success, speech perception outcomes vary largely among CI listeners, with significantly reduced performance in noise. This review paper summarizes prior findings on speech-evoked cortical activities in adult CI listeners using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to understand (a) speech-evoked cortical processing in CI listeners compared to normal-hearing (NH) individuals, (b) the relationship between these activities and behavioral speech recognition scores, (c) the extent to which current fNIRS-measured speech-evoked cortical activities in CI listeners account for their differences in speech perception, and (d) challenges in using fNIRS for CI research. Compared to NH listeners, CI listeners had diminished speech-evoked activation in the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and in the superior temporal gyrus (STG), except one study reporting an opposite pattern for STG. NH listeners exhibited higher inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) activity when listening to CI-simulated speech compared to natural speech. Among CI listeners, higher speech recognition scores correlated with lower speech-evoked activation in the STG, higher activation in the left IFG and left fusiform gyrus, with mixed findings in the MTG. fNIRS shows promise for enhancing our understanding of cortical processing of speech in CI listeners, though findings are mixed. Challenges include test-retest reliability, managing noise, replicating natural conditions, optimizing montage design, and standardizing methods to establish a strong predictive relationship between fNIRS-based cortical activities and speech perception in CI listeners.
CAR-T cells for the treatment of pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia in repeatedly relapsed lymphoid blast phase
Authors: Kramp Laura-Jane , Heydrich-Karsten Christiane , Sembill Stephanie , Karow Axel , Lion Thomas , Chitadze Guranda , Suttorp Meinolf , Cario Gunnar , Metzler Markus 
Published: September 2024

AbstractChronic myeloid leukemia presenting de novo in the blast phase (CML-BP) is a rare diagnosis among pediatric malignancies. We report on a 16-year-old male who presented with CML-BP lymphoid at diagnosis. He was treated with shortened acute lymphoblastic leukemia induction plus the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) imatinib followed by dasatinib. After achieving molecular remission (MR), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was performed early after diagnosis. Despite prophylactic dasatinib, he relapsed 3 months later with the kinase domain mutation T315I. Multiple therapeutic approaches including ponatinib, blinatumomab, a 2nd HSCT from a different donor, donor lymphocyte infusions, and high-dose asciminib all resulted in subsequent relapse. Another molecular response was achieved by combining ponatinib plus asciminib with chemotherapy. In this situation, CD19-directed CAR-T cells (Kymriah®) were administered for compassionate use and tolerated without adverse events. Compared to all prior therapies, CAR T-cells maintained remission. After 12 months of follow-up, complete B-cell aplasia and low numbers of CAR-T cells are detectable in the peripheral blood, potentially mediating long-term disease control.
TDP-43 regulates LC3ylation in neural tissue through ATG4B cryptic splicing inhibition
Authors: Torres Pascual , Rico-Rios Santiago , Ceron-Codorniu Miriam , Santacreu-Vilaseca Marta , Seoane-Miraz David , Jad Yahya , Ayala Victòria , Mariño Guillermo , Beltran Maria , Miralles Maria P. , Andrés-Benito Pol , Fernandez-Irigoyen Joaquin , Santamaria Enrique , López-Otín Carlos , Soler Rosa M. , Povedano Monica , Ferrer Isidro , Pamplona Reinald , Wood Matthew J. A. , Varela Miguel A. , Portero-Otin Manuel 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an adult-onset motor neuron disease with a mean survival time of three years. The 97% of the cases have TDP-43 nuclear depletion and cytoplasmic aggregation in motor neurons. TDP-43 prevents non-conserved cryptic exon splicing in certain genes, maintaining transcript stability, including ATG4B, which is crucial for autophagosome maturation and Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B) homeostasis. In ALS mice (G93A), Atg4b depletion worsens survival rates and autophagy function. For the first time, we observed an elevation of LC3ylation in the CNS of both ALS patients and atg4b−/− mouse spinal cords. Furthermore, LC3ylation modulates the distribution of ATG3 across membrane compartments. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting cryptic exon restore ATG4B mRNA in TARDBP knockdown cells. We further developed multi-target ASOs targeting TDP-43 binding sequences for a broader effect. Importantly, our ASO based in peptide-PMO conjugates show brain distribution post-IV administration, offering a non-invasive ASO-based treatment avenue for neurodegenerative diseases.
Phosphate level changes in oral cancer patients – recognizing the risk for refeeding syndrome
Authors: Silén Suvi , Wilkman Erika , Haukilehto Emilia , Keinänen Arvi , Mäkitie Antti , Snäll Johanna 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) often have difficulties in obtaining sufficient nutrition and may develop refeeding syndrome (RFS) during hospitalization. RFS may be fatal if not treated properly. This study clarified changes in perioperative phosphate levels and occurrence of RFS symptoms in OSCC patients to identify clinically notable predisposing factors for RFS in this specific patient population.

Methods
A retrospective analysis included primary OSCC patients with microvascular free flap reconstruction. Patients with treatment for additional malignancy, hypoparathyroidism, and missing values of preoperative and/or postoperative plasma phosphate (P-Pi) concentration were excluded. The outcome variable was severe postoperative hypophosphataemia (mmol/l) during the postoperative period (P-Pi < 0.50 mmol/l). Predictor variables were age, sex, smoking, heavy alcohol use, diabetes, body mass index (BMI), weight, height, tumour site, tumour size, tracheostomy, nutritional route, and preoperative P-Pi concentration.

Results
Of the 189 patients with primary OSCC, 21 (11%) developed severe hypophosphataemia. Of these patients, 17 (81%) developed RFS symptoms. Higher age (p = 0.01), lower patient height (p = 0.05), and no current smoking (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with postoperative hypophosphataemia. In multivariable regression analyses, higher age (OR 1.06 per year) and age over 70 years (OR 3.77) were independently associated with development of severe hypophosphataemia.

Conclusion
Restoration of nutritional balance and close follow-up of electrolyte balance in the perioperative phase are necessary to prevent RFS, especially in patients with oral cancer requiring extensive reconstructions. Special attention should be focused on elderly patients since they are prone to this unnoticeable but potentially life-threatening electrolyte disturbance.
Muscle endurance, neuromuscular fatigability, and cognitive control during prolonged dual-task in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case–control study
Authors: Chatain Cyril , Vallier Jean-Marc , Paleiron Nicolas , Cucchietti Waltz Fanny , Ramdani Sofiane , Gruet Mathieu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recent studies suggest that, compared to healthy individuals, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (pwCOPD) present a reduced capacity to perform cognitive-motor dual-task (CMDT). However, these studies were focused on short-duration CMDT offering limited insight to prolonged CMDT inducing fatigue, which can be encountered in daily life. The present study aimed to explore the effect of adding a cognitive task during repeated muscle contractions on muscle endurance, neuromuscular fatigability, and cognitive control in pwCOPD compared to healthy participants.

Methods
Thirteen pwCOPD and thirteen age- and sex-matched healthy participants performed submaximal isometric contractions of the knee extensors until exhaustion in two experimental sessions: (1) without cognitive task and (2) with a concurrent working memory task (i.e., 1-back task). Neuromuscular fatigability (as well as central and peripheral components measured by peripheral magnetic stimulation), cognitive performance, and perceived muscle fatigue were assessed throughout the fatiguing tasks.

Results
Independently to the experimental condition, pwCOPD exhibited lower muscle endurance compared to healthy participants (p = 0.039), mainly explained by earlier peripheral fatigue and faster attainment of higher perceived muscle fatigue (p < 0.05). However, neither effect of cognitive task (p = 0.223) nor interaction effect (group × condition; p = 0.136) was revealed for muscle endurance. Interestingly, cognitive control was significantly reduced only in pwCOPD at the end of CMDT (p < 0.015), suggesting greater difficulty for patients with dual tasking under fatigue.

Conclusion
These findings provide novel insights into how and why fatigue develops in COPD in dual-task context, offering a rationale for including such tasks in rehabilitation programs.
How far can we go? A 20-year meta-analysis of dental implant survival rates
Authors: Kupka Johannes Raphael , König Jochem , Al-Nawas Bilal , Sagheb Keyvan , Schiegnitz Eik 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objective
This meta-analysis aims to investigate the long-term survival rates of dental implants over a 20-year period, providing a practical guide for clinicians while identifying potential areas for future research.

Materials and methods
Data were sourced from recent publications, focusing exclusively on screw-shaped titanium implants with a rough surface. Both retrospective and prospective studies were included to ensure an adequate sample size. A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in the databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane, and Web of Science. The risk of bias for all studies was analyzed using a tool by Hoy et al.

Results
Three prospective studies (n = 237 implants) revealed a mean implant survival rate of 92% (95% CI: 82% to 97%), decreasing to 78% (95% CI: 74%-82%) after imputation (n = 422 implants). A total of five retrospective studies (n = 1440 implants) showed a survival rate of 88% (95% CI: 78%-94%). Implant failure causes were multifactorial.

Conclusion
This review consolidates 20-year dental implant survival data, reflecting a remarkable 4 out of 5 implants success rate. It emphasizes the need for long-term follow-up care, addressing multifactorial implant failure. Prioritizing quality standards is crucial to prevent overestimating treatment effectiveness due to potential statistical errors. While dental implantology boasts reliable therapies, there is still room for improvement, and additional high-quality studies are needed, particularly to evaluate implant success.

Clinical relevance
Never before have the implant survival over 20 years been systematically analyzed in a meta-analysis. Although a long-term survival can be expected, follow-up is essential and shouldn't end after insertion or even after 10 years.
Intraoperative use of virtual reality decreases anxiety during surgery under local anaesthesia in the head and neck region
Authors: Tippelt L. , Sommer F. , Schmid S. , Theodoraki M. N. , Laban S. , Emmanuel B. , Coburger J. , Hoffmann T. K. , Schuler P. J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe availability of virtual reality (VR) in the medical field has been rapidly increasing in the past years. Here we investigate to which extent the VR headset can lead to a reduction in anxiety and pain in patients during surgical procedures under local anesthesia in the head and neck region. Patients were divided into a study group (N = 67) and a control group (N = 28). The study group used a VR headset during surgical procedures in the head and neck region under local anaesthesia. Before and after surgery, the influence of the VR headset on perioperative anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory (STAI) in both groups. The use of a VR headset leads to a significant reduction in perioperative anxiety. The anxiety scores measured by means and ranks of the STAI were significantly decreased (p = .002). However, 14/67 (20.9%) of the patients wearing the VR headset also reported higher intraoperative tension. No technical complications occurred intraoperatively. 48/67 (71.7%) of the patients would be less apprehensive about a future operation when using a VR headset and 58/67 (86.6%) would further recommend the use of a VR headset to other patients. In addition to a trusting surgeon-patient relationship and the use of sufficient local anaesthesia, the use of a VR headset as a method of distraction can further reduce the intraoperative anxiety of patients.
Prognostic analysis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with systemic vasculitides: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Ruxuan , Shi Yujie , Sun Hongli , Xu Kai , Li Zhiyi , Wang Mengqi , Shao Chi , Huang Hui 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is a serious complication of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to describe the characteristics of PJP in patients with various systemic vasculitides and explore potential prognostic factors.

Method
Data on 62 enrolled PJP patients with systemic vasculitis were analyzed. Patients were stratified based on the outcomes. Prognostic factors were investigated using Cox-regression models. Characteristics of patients with and without interstitial lung disease (ILD) were compared.

Results
Among 62 vasculitis-PJP patients, 48 had anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) being the most common subtype (28 patients). MPA (HR 4.33, p = 0.001), concomitant aspergillosis (HR 2.68, p = 0.019), and higher D-dimer at PJP diagnosis (HR 1.07, p = 0.004) were independent adverse prognostic factors for overall survival. Stable disease activity of vasculitis was an independent favorable prognostic factor (HR 0.28, p = 0.027). Patients with MPA were older than non-MPA patients (median age: 69 vs. 58 years, p = 0.001); both ILD and fibrotic ILD were more prevalent in MPA patients (ILD: 78.6% vs. 35.3%, p = 0.001; fibrotic ILD: 57.1% vs. 11.8%, p < 0.001). At the diagnosis of PJP, patients with preexisting ILD had higher counts of white cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, as well as higher levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgA, than patients without preexisting ILD.

Conclusions
MPA was associated with a higher risk of death in patients with vasculitis-PJP, possibly due to a higher prevalence of ILD. In clinical practice, we should pay more attention to the prophylaxis and management of PJP in patients with systemic vasculitis-associated ILD and/or MPA.

Key Points• Data from this study showed that MPA was the most common subtype of vasculitis among vasculitis-PJP patients.• Compared with non-MPA patients in this study, patients with MPA were older, had more ILD and fibrotic ILD, and had a poorer prognosis.• In clinical practice, we should pay more attention to the prophylaxis and management of PJP in patients with systemic vasculitis-associated ILD and/or MPA.
Addressing the climate adaptation tracking gap: an assessment method and its application to the Caribbean region
Authors: Laurent Camille , Duvat Virginie K. E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis article addresses the climate adaptation tracking gap. Indeed, we still ignore the intensity, nature, spatial distribution, effectiveness, and recent evolution of adaptation efforts at the national, regional, and global scales. We propose a web-based replicable assessment method using key variables to document adaptation efforts: country/territory, location, goal, implementation date, type of action, holder, funding source. Applying it to the Caribbean region, we analyzed 100 coastal adaptation actions. This studies the method while also highlighting the difficulties faced to track adaptation. We found that coastal adaptation efforts are substantial and increasing in the Caribbean, revealing the use of diversified adaptation actions; prevalence of hard protection (51%); increase use of Nature-based Solutions (22%); limited use of retreat (6%); and accommodation (2%). Combined actions (17%) increased over time, due to the failure of single actions and need to find tradeoffs between human asset protection encouraging hard protection and the maintenance of attractive tourist beaches encouraging beach nourishment. Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago fall under the engineering-based “one-size-fits-all” adaptation model, whereas Jamaica and Barbados experiment diversified options and combinations of options. Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados are particularly active in taking adaptation action, while most dependent islands and sub-national island jurisdictions have no adaptation action reported. Considering the advantages and limitations of a web-based method compared to a field-based approach, we recommend the combined use of these two complementary approaches to support adaptation tracking and help structuring communities of practice to the benefits of decision-makers and practitioners and scholars.
Local excision vs. proctectomy in patients with ypT0–1 rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy: a propensity score matched analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Horesh N. , Emile S. H. , Freund M. R. , Garoufalia Z. , Gefen R. , Nagarajan A. , Wexner S. D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to evaluate outcomes of organ preservation by local excision (LE) compared to proctectomy following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.

Methods
This retrospective observational study using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) included patients with locally advanced non-metastatic rectal cancer (ypT0–1 tumors) treated with neoadjuvant therapy between 2004 and 2019. Outcomes of patients who underwent LE or proctectomy were compared. 1:1 propensity score matching including patient demographics, clinical and therapeutic factors was used to minimize selection bias. Main outcome was overall survival (OS).

Results
11,256 of 318,548 patients were included, 526 (4.6%) of whom underwent LE. After matching, mean 5-year OS was similar between the groups (54.1 vs. 54.2 months; p = 0.881). Positive resection margins (1.2% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.45), pathologic T stage (p = 0.07), 30-day mortality (0.6% vs. 0.6%; p = 1), and 90-day mortality (1.5% vs. 1.2%; p = 0.75) were comparable between the groups. Length of stay (1 vs. 6 days; p < 0.001) and 30-day readmission rate (5.3% vs. 10.3%; p = 0.02) were lower in LE patients. Multivariate analysis of predictors of OS demonstrated male sex (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.08–1.77; p = 0.009), higher Charlson score (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.29–1.79; p < 0.001), poorly differentiated carcinoma (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.08–2.39; p = 0.02), mucinous carcinoma (HR 3.53, 95% CI 1.72–7.24; p < 0.001), and pathological T1 (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.84; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of increased mortality. LE did not correlate with worse OS (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.42–1.97; p = 0.82).

Conclusion
Our findings show no overall significant survival difference between LE and total mesorectal excision, including ypT1 tumors. Moreover, patients with poorly differentiated or mucinous adenocarcinomas generally had poorer outcomes, regardless of surgical method.
Inhibition of ADAM17 attenuates high glucose-induced angiogenesis and inflammation in endothelial cells partly through down-regulation of GRO-α/CXCR2 expression: implications in peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Jiang Na , Feng Hao , Xie Weizhen , Gu Leyi , Fang Wei , Ding Tingting , Yuan Jiangzi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Angiogenesis and inflammation are key events leading to peritoneal morphologic alteration and ultrafiltration failure in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). The current study aims to explore the role of ADAM17 in the angiogenetic and inflammatory responses of endothelial cells.

Methods
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and treated with a high glucose-containing medium. In parallel experiments, the expression of ADAM17 in HUVECs was inhibited by SiRNA interference. The mRNA and protein expression of ADAM17, GRO-α and CXCR2 were assessed by qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The concentrations of GRO-α, VEGF, IL-6 and TNF-α in the cellular supernatants were determined by ELISA. Tube formation and migration of HUVECs were evaluated by Matrigel and transwell migration apparatus.

Results
High glucose increased the expression of ADAM17, CXCR2 and GRO-α in cultured HUVECs. RNA silencing of ADAM17 abolished high glucose-mediated increase of GRO-α and CXCR2, which were accompanied by reduced secretion of VEGF, IL-6, TNF-α, as well as tube formation and cell migration in HUVECs.

Conclusions
Inhibition of ADAM17 ameliorates high glucose-induced angiogenic and inflammatory responses in endothelial cells partly through down-regulation of GRO-α/CXCR2 expression.
Aggressive behavior as a predictor of home range size: findings from both range-restricted and widespread Darwin’s finch species
Authors: García-Loor Jefferson , Gallego-Abenza Mario , Katsis Andrew C. , Puehringer-Sturmayr Verena , Colombelli-Négrel Diane , Akçay Çağlar , Kleindorfer Sonia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Information about an animal’s home range (the geographical area in which it accesses resources for survival and reproduction) is vital broadly for understanding animal behavior and specifically for developing conservation management plans. Although personality traits—consistent individual differences in behavior across time and contexts—may affect an animal’s home range size, we still lack a breadth of empirical studies across systems to fully appreciate this influence. Here, we tested the relationship between behavioral responses and home range size in two Darwin’s finch species on Floreana Island: the critically endangered and range-restricted Medium Tree Finch (Camarhynchus pauper) and the common and widespread Small Ground Finch (Geospiza fuliginosa). Using a combination of rapid-assessment assays during both short-term captivity and in the field, we measured exploration and aggressiveness in males from both species. We then used radio telemetry to measure each bird’s home range size over a week-long period. We predicted that (1) fast-exploring individuals would have larger home ranges, and (2) more aggressive individuals would have smaller home ranges. We found that Medium Tree Finches had smaller home ranges than Small Ground Finches, that exploratory behavior was positively correlated with home range size only in Small Ground Finches, and that, in both species, individuals’ aggressiveness was negatively correlated with home range size, whereby the more aggressive individuals occupied smaller home ranges. We conclude that behavioral responses that align with major personality traits can predict home range size, which may provide an important tool for the conservation and management of endangered species when, for example, selecting individuals with different personality profiles for reintroduction.