bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atypical presentation of Kaposi sarcoma in an HIV-negative patient: a case report and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Jebrini Nidal E.M. , Natsheh Motaz A. , Jaber Mohanad , Muhtaseb Rahaf , Qunaibi Yaman , Hidri Haytham , Sarahneh Husein A. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a systemic disease that is marked by the presence of neoplastic lesions caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infections. KS usually impacts people with weakened immune systems, although there have been a few cases of it occurring in individuals with normal immune function. Medical records and histopathological slides of the case were retrospectively reviewed. This work has been reported based on SCARE criteria.

Case Presentation:
A 51-year-old man from Palestine came in with a single, painless, purple growth on his left forearm that had been growing quickly for 6 months. The patient did not have a history of using immunosuppressants, HIV infection, or engaging in unconventional sexual practices. Histopathological examination confirmed nodular-stage KS, with positive HHV-8 immunostain. The lesion was excised without complications, and the patient remains under periodic follow-up.

Discussion:
KS typically manifests with multiple lesions in individuals with weakened immune systems. This case showcases a unique presentation in a patient with a strong immune system and no notable risk factors. Histopathological confirmation is necessary to differentiate between benign and infectious vascular lesions when considering the diagnosis of KS. The treatment approaches can differ depending on the extent of the lesion and the condition of the patient.

Conclusion:
This case emphasizes the significance of considering KS as a potential cause for solitary vascular lesions, even in people who have a healthy immune system. It also emphasizes the need for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and personalized management.
Foix–Alajouanine syndrome: a comprehensive overview of rare but relevant diagnosis
Authors: Atallah Oday , Almealawy Yasser F. , Arian Roua , Dwebi Assma , Badary Amr , Abdul Hussein Abbas F. , Sanker Vivek , Zafarshamspour Saber , Chaurasia Bipin , Agrawal Amit , Pastrana Brandes Santiago , Azab Mohammed A. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Foix–Alajouanine syndrome (FAS) is an uncommon neurological disorder marked by the gradual development of spinal cord congestion. First documented by Foix and Alajouanine in 1926. Although it is infrequent, delayed or misdiagnosis is nonetheless prevalent, resulting in inadequate therapy and unfavorable results.

Methods:
Using the PubMed database, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, we collected data on FAS patients and conducted a pooled analysis. The term ‘FAS’ was used to search for related articles. Our search was restricted to previous clinical case reports or series that were published in English. Non-English articles were excluded. We included the articles in the period from 1974 to 2024. Articles were eligible if the radiographic and clinical findings were indicative of FAS. A thorough research analysis was performed, examining case reports that specifically addressed this issue. This study examines the clinical symptoms, difficulties in diagnosis, methods of treatment, and outcomes related to FAS.

Results:
FAS predominantly impacts the elderly population. A total of 26 patients were diagnosed with FAS. The median age of affected individuals was 53 (SD ±15.96). The ratio of males to females is roughly 5:1. The clinical manifestations encompass gradual muscle weakness and sensory impairments. The diagnosis is dependent on radiological evaluations, specifically MRI and digital subtraction angiography. Possible treatments include endovascular therapy, surgical closure of arteriovenous fistula, or a combination of the two. Significant improvements in neurological impairments can be achieved by early intervention.

Conclusion:
The diagnosis of FAS continues to be difficult due to its infrequency and varied clinical manifestations. Prompt and precise diagnosis is essential for proper intervention, typically utilizing endovascular or surgical methods. Additional research is required to determine prognostic markers and enhance long-term care techniques for this rare neurological condition.
Outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty for grade II–IV hemorrhoidal disease in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Saiful , Shrestha Abhigan B. , Chowdhury Faisal , Ziko Md. R.K. 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Laser hemorrhoidoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to treat hemorrhoids and has shown better outcomes. Less is known about its utility in a lower middle-income country; Bangladesh.

Method:
Between March 2023 and December 2023, 86 patients with grade II–IV hemorrhoids underwent laser hemorroidoplasty. Follow up was assessed on 1st week, 2nd week, and 6th week including pain, satisfaction, symptom improvement, incapacity for work, complications, reduction, and recurrence.

Results:
The study included 86 patients, with a higher proportion of male participants (73.3%) and a mean age of 55.43±13.6 years. The majority of subjects (68.60%) had grade 3 hemorrhoids. The average surgery duration was 14.70±4.70 minutes All individuals experienced substantial decreases in the size of their hemorrhoids (100%) and reported high levels of satisfaction after the operation (97.7%). The use of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in both the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) ratings during the three subsequent observation periods (1st week, 2nd week, and 6th week). The 6th week complication rate was 19.8%. Additional mucopexy was performed on all patients with grade IV and three patients with grade III hemorrhoids.

Conclusion:
Laser hemorroidoplasty is a day-care procedure, that is safe and efficacious and can be used in rural area settings with good patient satisfaction. Mucopexy is required in some cases of large hemorrhoidal mass to prevent recurrence.
Clinical significance of appendicoliths in conservative treatment of acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Min Lingqiang , Lu Jing , He Hongyong 
Published: September 2024

Background:
This study aimed to analyze the clinical data of patients who received conservative treatment for acute complicated appendicitis with peri-appendiceal abscess, identify factors influencing the success rate, and improve treatment strategies.

Methods:
The clinical data of acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess who received conservative treatment at the Department of Emergency Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from January 2016 to March 2023, were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:
A total of 80 patients were included in our study. Patients were divided into two groups based on the outcomes of ultrasound-guided drainage: The Drainage group (n=28) and the Antibiotic group (n=52). The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable. In the Antibiotic group, the surgery rate was 30.4% for patients with an appendicolith and 6.9% for those without. In the Drainage group, the surgery rate was 33.3% for patients with an appendicolith and 27.3% for those without. The presence of an appendicolith significantly correlated with the need for surgery in the Antibiotic group (P=0.026), but not in the Drainage group (P=0.771). For patients who underwent surgery, the incidence of surgical site infections did not differ significantly (P=0.656), and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was similar between the groups (4.0 days vs. 3.0 days, P=0.337).

Conclusion:
The presence of an appendicolith is a risk factor for the failure of antibiotic therapy alone in acute complicated appendicitis patients with peri-appendiceal abscess. However, it does not affect the surgical rate in those who underwent successful drainage.
Identification of SLC45A4 as a pain gene encoding a neuronal polyamine transporter
Authors: Middleton Steven J , Markússon Sigurbjörn , Åkerlund Mikael , Deme Justin C. , Tseng Mandy , Li Wenqianglong , Zuberi Sana R , Kuteyi Gabriel , Sarkies Peter , Baskozos Georgios , Perez-Sanchez Jimena , Hébert Harry L , Toikumo Sylvanus , Farah Adham , Maxwell Susan , Dong Yin Y , Kranzler Henry R , Linley John E , Smith Blair H , Lea Susan M. , Parker Joanne L , Lyssenko Valeriya , Newstead Simon , Bennett David L 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPolyamines are regulatory metabolites with key roles in transcription, translation, cell signalling and autophagy1. They are implicated in multiple neurological disorders including stroke, epilepsy and neurodegeneration and can regulate neuronal excitability through interactions with ion channels2. Polyamines have been linked to pain showing altered levels in human persistent pain states and modulation of pain behaviour in animal models3. However, the systems governing polyamine transport within the nervous system remain unclear. In undertaking a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) of chronic pain intensity in the UK-Biobank we found significant association with variants mapping to theSLC45A4gene locus. In the mouse nervous system SLC45A4 expression is enriched in all sensory neuron sub-types within the dorsal root ganglion including nociceptors. Cell-based assays show that SLC45A4 is a selective plasma membrane polyamine transporter, whilst the cryo-EM structure reveals a novel regulatory domain and basis for polyamine recognition. Mice lacking SLC45A4 show normal mechanosensitivity but reduced sensitivity to noxious heat and algogen induced tonic pain that is associated with reduced excitability of peptidergic nociceptors. Our findings thus establish a role for neuronal polyamine transport in pain perception and identify a new target for therapeutic intervention in pain treatment.
Predicting Mobile Health Clinic Utilization for COVID-19 Vaccination in South Carolina: A Statistical Framework for Strategic Resource Allocation
Authors: Gezer Fatih , Howard Kerry A. , Bennett Kevin J. , Litwin Alain H. , Sease Kerry K. , Rennert Lior 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundMobile health clinics (MHCs) are effective tools for providing health services to disadvantaged populations, especially during health emergencies. However, patient utilization of MHC services varies substantially. Strategies to increase utilization are therefore needed to maximize the effectiveness of MHC services by serving more patients in need. The purpose of this study is to develop a statistical framework to identify and prioritize high-risk communities for delivery of MHCs during health emergencies.MethodsPrisma Health MHCs delivered COVID-19 vaccines to communities throughout South Carolina between February 20, 2021, and February 17, 2022. In this retrospective study, we use generalized linear mixed effects model and ordinal logistic regression model to identify factors associated with, and predict, MHC utilization for COVID-19 vaccination by census tract.ResultsThe MHCs conducted 260 visits to 149 sites and 107 census tracts. The site-level analysis showed that visits to schools (RR=2.17, 95% CI=1.47-3.21), weekend visits (RR=1.38, 95% CI=1.03-1.83), and visits when the resources were limited (term 1: 7.11, 95% CI=4.43-11.43) and (term 2: 2.40, 95% CI=1.76-3.26) were associated with greater MHC utilization for COVID-19 vaccination. MHC placement near existing vaccination centers (RR=0.79, 95% CI=0.68-0.93) and hospitals (RR=0.83, 95% CI=0.71-0.96) decreased utilization. Predictive models identified 1,227 (94.7%) census tracts with more than 250 individuals per MHC visit when vaccine resources were limited. Predictions showed satisfactory accuracy (72.6%). The census tracts with potential of high MHC demand had higher adolescent, 30-44 years old, non-White populations, lower Primary Care Practitioners per 1,000 residents, fewer hospitals, and higher cumulative COVID-19 emergency department visits and deaths (compared to census tracts in the low MHC demand category). After the vaccines became widely available, the demand at MHCs declined.ConclusionThese study findings can be used to improve MHC allocation by identifying and prioritizing medically underserved communities for strategic delivery of these limited resources.
Deficiency of actin depolymerizing factors ADF/Cfl1 in microglia decreases motility and impairs memory
Authors: Crux Sophie , Roggan Marie Denise , Poll Stefanie , Nebeling Felix C. , Schiweck Juliane , Mittag Manuel , Musacchio Fabrizio , Steffen Julia , Wolff Katharina M. , Baral Andrea , Witke Walter , Gurniak Christine , Bradke Frank , Fuhrmann Martin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicroglia are highly motile cells that play a crucial role in the central nervous system in health and disease. Here we show that actin depolymerizing factors ADF and Cofilin1 (Cfl1) are key factors of microglia integrity and function. We found a profound morphological phenotype in absence of ADF and Cfl1 in microglia.In vivotwo-photon imaging of microglia with ADF/Cfl1-KO revealed reduced microglial fine processes motility and impaired microglia migration towards a laser-induced lesion. We found increased accumulation of stabilized F-actin and altered microtubule dynamics in ADF/Cfl1-KO microglia, indicating that ADF/Cfl1 are necessary for microglial cytoskeleton dynamics. Interestingly, microglial ADF/Cfl1-deficiency decreased learning and memory, suggesting that impaired microglial cytoskeleton dynamics affect neuronal functions relevant for cognition. Our results reveal a fundamental role of ADF/Cfl1 in microglia function and underscore the importance of these innate immune cells for higher cognitive functions.
Astrocyte-derived PEA116 increases adult hippocampal neurogenesis and confers stress resilience
Authors: Charline Carron , Frédéric Cassé , Sébastien Sultan , Thomas Larrieu , Kévin Richetin , Jeanne Espourteille , Nicolas Robadey , Marta Vilademunt , Andreas Sagner , Francesco Petrelli , Marlen Knobloch , Ruth Beckervordersandforth , Nicolas Toni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, the neurogenic niche regulates several steps of adult neurogenesis, from the proliferation to the integration of newly formed neurons in the hippocampal network. However, the role of astrocytes in the regulation of adult neural stem cell (aNSC) proliferation is still little described. Here, we found that blocking vesicular release from astrocytes decreased cell proliferation in the dentate gyrus, resulting in impaired adult neurogenesis. Inversely, astrocyte-conditioned medium increased cell proliferation in a vesicular release-dependent manner. We identified PEA116 as a peptide released by astrocytes, that is derived from the c-terminal portion of the PEA15 protein and increased cell proliferation. PEA116 increased ERK2 phosphorylation, decreased the expression of genes involved in aNSC quiescence, resulting in aNSC quiescence exit. The ensuing increase in hippocampal neurogenesis improved resilience to chronic stress. These findings highlight a novel peptide produced by astrocytes that regulates the early steps of adult neurogenesis, with an implication for mood disorders.
Granulysin antimicrobial activity promotes dormancy inMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Schmidiger Sarah , McCaffrey Erin F. , Schmidt Jan M. , Hameed Owais Abdul , Mpina Max , Tumbo Anneth , Mfinanga Elirehema , Haraka Frederick , Hiza Hellen , Sasamalo Mohamed , Hella Jerry , Walch Michael , Fellay Jacques , Gagneux Sébastien , Reither Klaus , Carballido José M. , Arbués Ainhoa , Portevin Damien 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTHuman tuberculosis (TB) caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) remains a global public health threat. Granulomas constitute a hallmark of TB pathogenesis that can clear, contain or exacerbate an infection. Containment is exploited byMtbas a hideout to persist in a dormant, antibiotic-tolerant state only to resuscitate upon immunosuppression. The immune determinants of a granulomatous response drivingMtbpersistence remain elusive. We here combined anex vivogranuloma model with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) specimens from TB patients and a high-dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF) approach to shed light on the immune factors promptingMtbdormancy. Compared to healthy controls, patient-derivedex vivogranulomas rapidly forceMtbto adopt a dormant-like state; an observation that correlates with the presence of activated innate (-like) cytotoxic lymphocytes. We further demonstrate thatMtbdormancy is induced by direct exposure to granulysin, thereby unravelling an immune escape mechanism to cytotoxic lymphocyte activity.
Identification of a novel basal body-localized epsilon-tubulin inLeishmania
Authors: Seth Arunava , Das Anubhab , Datta Rupak 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEpsilon-tubulins are unconventional isoforms of the tubulin family, found in only a few organisms so far. We identified a novel epsilon-tubulin inLeishmania major(Lme-tubulin) that exhibits significant sequence similarity and conservation of functional domains with its known counterparts. Lme-tubulin was found to be constitutively expressed in both the extracellular promastigote form of the parasite and the amastigotes residing within infected macrophages. For localization studies, we generated aLeishmaniastrain expressing mNeonGreen-tagged Lme-tubulin using CRISPR-Cas9-mediated endogenous protein tagging method. Imaging studies with this strain revealed Lme-tubulin to be localized near the kinetoplast and at the flagellar base, indicating a basal body localization. That Lme-tubulin is indeed localized at the basal body and not a part of the microtubular network was confirmed when its localization was found to remain unaltered upon treatment with nocodazole, a microtubule disruptor. This is the first experimental finding of an e-tubulin not only in the genusLeishmaniabut in the entireTrypanosomatidaefamily and is likely to incite further research to uncover the physiological role of this intriguing tubulin in this group of protozoan parasites.Summary StatementWe report for the first time an epsilon-tubulin inLeishmaniaparasite. This nocodazole-insensitive unconventional tubulin is expressed constitutively and found to be localized in the basal body.
Reusable Microfluidic Chambers for Single-Molecule Microscopy
Authors: Alfehaid Janan , Kodikara Sineth G. , Alhajri Tuqa , Kabir Mohammad Lutful , Balci Hamza 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMaintaining a consistent environment in single molecule microfluidic chambers containing surface-bound molecules requires laborious cleaning and surface passivation procedures. Despite such efforts, variations in non-specific binding and background signals commonly occur across different chambers. Being able to reuse the chambers without degrading the surface promises significant practical and fundamental advantages; however, this necessitates removing the molecules attached to the surface, such as DNA, proteins, lipids or nanoparticles. Biotin-streptavidin attachment is widely used for such attachments as biotin can be readily incorporated to these molecules. In this study, we present single-molecule fluorescence experiments that demonstrate effective resetting and recycling of the chambers at least 10 times using photocleavable biotin (PC-biotin) and UV light exposure. This method differs from alternatives as it does not utilize any harsh chemical treatment of the surface. We show that all bound molecules (utilizing various PC-biotin attachment chemistries) can be removed from the surface by a 5-min UV exposure of a specific wavelength. Non-optimal wavelengths and light sources showed varying degrees of effectiveness. Our approach does not result in any detectable degradation of surface quality, as assessed by non-specific binding of fluorescently labeled DNA and protein samples, and recovery of DNA secondary structure and protein activity. The speed and efficiency of the resetting process, the cost-effectiveness of the procedure, and the widespread use of biotin-streptavidin attachment make this approach adaptable for a wide range of single-molecule applications.
The Human Neural Cell Atlas of Zika Infection in developing human brain tissue: viral pathogenesis, innate immunity, and lineage reprogramming
Authors: Stokes Caleb , Whitmore Leanne S. , Moreno Dante , Malhotra Karan , Tisoncik-Go Jennifer , Tran Emily , Wren Nick , Glass Ian ,   Birth Defects Research Laboratory (BDRL), Young Jessica E. , Gale Michael 
Published: September 2024

SummaryZika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can lead to fetal brain infection and developmental anomalies collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). To define the molecular features underlying CZS in a relevant human cell model, we evaluated ZIKV infection and neurodevelopment in primary fetal brain explants and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mixed neural cultures at single cell resolution. We identified astrocytes as key innate immune sentinel cells detecting ZIKV and producing IFN-β. In contrast, neural progenitor cells displayed impaired innate immunity and supported high levels of viral replication. ZIKV infection of neurons suppressed differentiation and synaptic signaling networks and programmed a molecular switch from neurogenesis to astrogliogenesis. We identified a universal ZIKV-driven cellular stress response linked to intrinsic apoptosis and regulated by IFN-β. These findings reveal how innate immune signaling intersects with ZIKV-driven perturbations in cellular function to influence CZS outcomes including neuron developmental dysfunction and apoptotic cell death.
Roadkill is a crucial factor in the population decline of migratory monarch butterflies
Authors: Momeni-Dehaghi Iman , Fahrig Lenore , Mitchell Greg W. , Rytwinski Trina , Hanson Jeffrey O. , Bennett Joseph R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe charismatic migratory monarch butterfly population has declined dramatically, likely precipitated by loss of its breeding host plants (milkweed). Whether restoring milkweed would allow monarch recovery depends on whether additional factors currently limit the population. We investigated road mortality as one such factor. Monarchs cross thousands of roads during fall migration, and traffic volume has increased sharply while the population has plummeted. Using estimates of pre-migration distribution, flight patterns, and road traffic, we estimate that 99.5% of migrating monarchs are road-killed each fall. Although there is high uncertainty around this number, its magnitude suggests that roadkill could inhibit recovery of the population. Recovery planning should not only consider increasing the monarch’s host plants, but must also address the reality of roadkill.