bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subacute parkinsonism induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Silva Lénia , Laranjinha Inês , Casais Cláudia , Samões Raquel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors can trigger immune-related side effects, and while neurological involvement is rare, it can be serious. A woman with treatment-refractory intestinal T-cell lymphoma was initiated pembrolizumab and developed a daily fever and parkinsonian syndrome 2 weeks later. The investigation revealed only mild slowing of the background activity on electroencephalogram and slightly elevated cell count and protein levels in her cerebrospinal fluid. Immunotherapy was discontinued, and the patient recovered after 5 days of methylprednisolone. Minor neurological symptoms recurred after the rechallenge with pembrolizumab. Subacute parkinsonian syndromes should be considered a potential neurological event related to immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Flaxseed Oil, Casitose, and Its Combination Diets Increase Antioxidant Activity and Upregulates Aging-related Genes in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Jayaraj Indhuja , Sathyamurthy Vijaya Harini , Sankar Sudharsan , Ramasamy Selvaraj , Velraja Supriya , Parvathi Venkatachalam Deepa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Nutrigenomics refers to the study of how diet influences the genomic expression and function of an organism. Diet is a significant factor that impacts metabolism, aging, and lifespan. Long-term dietary patterns can influence the risk of age-related diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and cancer. While research in Drosophila melanogaster has focused on areas such as calorie restriction, high-sugar and high-fat diets, micronutrients, and disease-specific nutritional interventions, the effects of different combinations of macronutrients have not been adequately studied. This study aimed to analyze the impact of individual macronutrients, specifically flaxseed oil (a source of fat) and casitose (hydrolyzed milk protein), as well as their combinations, on longevity, antioxidant activity, and the expression of aging-related genes in D. melanogaster.

Methods:
The study examined the in vivo effects of different concentrations of flaxseed oil (120 μl, 240 μl, 480 μl, and 960 μl), casitose (125 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1000 mg), and their combinations with a base diet on longevity, antioxidant activity, and the expression of aging-related genes, namely manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD or SOD1) and copper–zinc SOD (Cu-Zn SOD or SOD2) in D. melanogaster.

Results:
The study found that flaxseed oil, casitose, and their combinations increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) activity, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species. However, these substances also enhanced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and catalase, which help combat-free radicals. Furthermore, the gene expression of SOD1 and SOD2 was upregulated, suggesting a potential mechanism for the observed improvements in lifespan. Interestingly, high doses of flaxseed oil (960 μl) were associated with decreased lifespan in the flies.

Conclusion:
The findings indicate that the optimal levels of flaxseed oil, casitose, or their combination can increase lifespan in Drosophila by upregulating the expression of the antioxidant enzymes SOD1 and SOD2. This provides insights into the potential of targeted nutrient combinations as a dietary approach to combat aging-related diseases.
Neurobiological Definition of Intelligence: A Neuroscience Review
Authors: Aghanouri Reza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Intelligence is a complex cognitive trait that has long intrigued researchers across disciplines. Recent advances in neuroscience have provided insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of intelligence. This review examines the neurobiological definition of intelligence, focusing on the neural processes and brain regions associated with cognitive functions such as reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and learning. Key findings include: (I) prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and working memory, with larger prefrontal cortex volume correlating with better fluid intelligence performance; (II) parietal cortex is implicated in mathematical reasoning and spatial processing, essential for problem-solving and abstract thinking; (III) hippocampus, critical for memory formation and retrieval, is linked to intelligence through its role in cognitive task performance; and (IV) neuroimaging studies reveal that higher intelligence scores are associated with increased connectivity between brain regions, suggesting more efficient information processing. Understanding the neurobiological basis of intelligence can provide valuable insights into human cognition and inform interventions to enhance cognitive functioning. Further research is needed to unravel the complexities of intelligence and its neural substrates.
Impact of Hyperhomocysteinemia on Cytokine and Matrix Metalloproteinases Contents in Rat Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Kravchenko Olha , Nataliia Raksha , Oleksandra Kostiuk , Oleksandra Liashevska , Oksana Tiron , Oleksandr Maievskyi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia [HHcy]) are associated with many pathologies, including atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, neurological disorders, and a decrease in muscle mass and strength. The present study aimed to evaluate the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in skeletal muscle of rats with experimental HHcy.

Methods:
HHcy in rats of two age groups was induced by intragastric administration of D, L-thiolactone Hcy for 8 weeks. The criterion for the development of pathological conditions was a blood Hcy level above 15 mmol L−1. Cytokine and MMP levels in muscle homogenate were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:
The findings of the study on the content of pro-inflammatory cytokines in skeletal muscles of rats with hyperhomocysteinemia indicated the following. For immature rats, the greatest reduction in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 (IL-8) content was observed, whereas, for mature individuals, the most pronounced decline in IL-1b was evident in skeletal muscle tissue under the pathology state. The content of anti-inflammatory interferon-γ was also reduced in the muscles of both age groups by 30% compared to the control, besides a decrease in the content of collagenase MMP-1 was also observed.

Conclusions:
The presence of HHcy is associated with metabolic changes in skeletal muscles, which can result in a depletion of cytokines and a slowing down of proteolytic remodeling. This, in turn, can lead to the development of muscular abnormalities, including dysfunction, weakness, and muscle degeneration.
Association of Serum Biomarkers with C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 3 Gene Polymorphism and Severity of Coronavirus-2019 Infection
Authors: Adiga Usha Sachidananda , Adiga Sachidananda Narasimha , Rai Tirthal Rathnakar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Polymorphisms in the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) gene may impact the immune system’s reaction to infections such as coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, a detailed analysis of the precise influence of CXCR3 gene polymorphisms on COVID-19 has not yet been conducted. This study aims to determine the genotype distribution of three specific CXCR3 gene polymorphisms (rs770806154, rs776323716, and rs778526136) and their potential association with the severity of COVID-19.

Methods:
One hundred COVID-19 patients were enrolled after the study protocol was approved by institutional ethical clearance. Selection of single-nucleotide polymorphisms was based on the bioinformatics analysis; CXCR-3 receptor (rs770806154, rs776323716, and rs778526136) polymorphism was analyzed by sequencing. D-dimer, ferritin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were estimated by Cobas C-311. Chi-square analysis was used to find the association of gene polymorphisms with the severity of infection and clinical parameters. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:
Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for all three gene variations were observed and a significant association of CXCR3 (rs778526136) gene polymorphism with D-dimer levels and COVID-19 severity was observed. However, the other genotypes had no significant association with disease severity.

Conclusion:
A significant association was observed between the severity of COVID-19 and CXCR3 (rs778526136 variant) gene polymorphisms. The lower severity of COVID-19 is linked to the rs778526136 mutant genotype, indicating a protective effect. Hence, emphasizing the possibility that genetic factors could affect the course of COVID-19 and genetic screening could thus help in controlling COVID-19 severity.
Accuracy of Noninvasive Intracranial Pressure Monitoring in Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Seddighi Amir Saied , Seddighi Afsoun , Zali Alireza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can lead to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), which poses significant risks of morbidity and mortality. Monitoring ICP is crucial for the early detection and management of these complications in patients with aneurysmal SAH (aSAH). Traditional invasive ICP monitoring techniques, while effective, carry risks associated with infection and other complications. The Schmidt method, a noninvasive ICP monitoring technique, has emerged as a potential alternative to provide reliable measurements without the inherent risks of invasive methods.

Methods:
From January 2018 to December 2023, the authors performed both invasive (intraventricular catheters) and noninvasive (Schmidt method) ICP monitoring in patients with aSAH and Hunt and Hess (H and H) scores of 3–5. Patients requiring emergent craniotomy, with serious medical comorbidities or coagulopathies, or with noncompliance were excluded from the study. The accuracy and efficacy of the Schmidt method were evaluated by comparing the results of noninvasive monitoring with the results of invasive ICP monitoring.

Results:
Out of 238 cases with aSAH referred to our neurosurgical center, 105 had H and H scores of 3–5. Noninvasive ICP monitoring using the Schmidt method was performed in 86 cases (48 females, 38 males; mean age 68 ± 8 years). The mean ICP measured by the invasive method was 15.2 ± 6.2 mmHg, whereas the mean ICP measured by the noninvasive method was 16.6 ± 5.4 mmHg. The calculated root mean square error was 3.6 mmHg, and the average Pearson correlation between the estimated and real waveforms was 0.96.

Conclusion:
The findings of this study suggest that the application of the Schmidt method is a reliable and accurate approach for the assessment of ICP in patients with SAH, potentially eliminating the need for invasive ICP monitoring and reducing the associated risks.
Unveiling bone marrow cryptococcosis in an immunocompetent child: A rare case presentation
Authors: Singh Shalini , Hajra Subhajit , Kumar Vinod , Balasubramanian Priyavadhana 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Cryptococcal infection is less common in immunocompetent hosts and almost always occurs in the setting of HIV disease. Disseminated Cryptococcosis in a child is a fatal condition and often requires a prompt diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy to improve patient outcomes. Here, we present a case of bone marrow Cryptococcal infection in a 4-year-old female child. She presented clinically with fever, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly for a duration of two and a half months. A bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy was performed with a suspicion of haemato-lymphoid malignancy. However, bone marrow aspirate smears revealed bone marrow Cryptococcosis which was later confirmed by special stains. She was treated with liposomal amphotericin B (3 mg/kg) and flucytosine (100 mg/kg/day). A comprehensive approach including clinical symptoms, examination findings, imaging studies, and laboratory tests is crucial in establishing an early diagnosis of Cryptococcosis, particularly with atypical presentations.
Foreign body pulmonary vessel embolism and granulomatosis in intravenous drug abuse: An autopsy study
Authors: Kaur Manveen , Punia RPS , Mohamedali Rasheeda , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Bhagat Ranjeev , Aggarwal Phiza , Handa Uma , Singh Amandeep 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
The abuse of illicit drugs causes a myriad of systemic complications. Intravenous (IV) injection of such drugs poses various additional threats, primarily due to the use of excipient materials in them. Pulmonary artery embolism with foreign material and granulomatosis may be encountered in the lungs on histopathological examination in such cases. In this study, we aimed to analyze the histopathological findings in lungs in postmortem specimens with suspected IV drug abuse. This was a retrospective study of 5 years in which 15 cases of known or suspected history of drug abuse were assessed. The clinical details were compiled, and the hematoxylin and eosin (H and E)-stained microscopic slides were retrieved from the archives for reviewing the histopathological features in lungs submitted for postmortem analysis. All the cases were male, aged 21 to 36 years (median: 27 years). Gross examination revealed edematous lungs in four cases (26.6%). On microscopic examination of the lungs, all the cases (100%) showed the presence of basophilic irregular structures to rod-like pale crystalline refractile material, which was accompanied by a granulomatous reaction in the lumen of the pulmonary arteries. Four of these cases (26.6%) showed birefringence on polarizing microscopy. The use of illicit drugs is becoming widespread, especially among young individuals. IV drug abuse increases the rate of morbidity and mortality by affecting primarily the pulmonary vasculature, particularly pulmonary arteries. An acquaintance with the various patterns of pulmonary involvement in IV drug abuse is essential to arrive at an accurate pathological diagnosis and provide a possible cause of death in such cases.
Potential predictor of prognosis in breast carcinoma: Tumor budding
Authors: Usta İnci , Yalta Tülin D. , Can Nuray , Süt Necdet , Taştekin Ebru , Puyan Fulya Ö. , Usta Ufuk , Erdoğan Ezgi G. , Demirtaş Elif M. , Bağış Merve , Özcan Erkan , Çiçin İrfan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, with invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) accounting for the majority of cases.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between tumor budding (TB), which is the earliest histological indicator of tumor spread and represents epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and prognostic factors as well as the effect of TB on survival in patients with IBC-NST, thereby demonstrating its potential prognostic value.

Materials and Methods:
This study included 278 cases of breast resection diagnosed with IBC-NST from 2014 to 2019. Total tumor buds were counted in 10 high-power fields of a hematoxylin and eosin–stained section with the most infiltrative area at 400× magnification. The cutoff value for TB was obtained using receiver operating characteristic analysis for mortality and recurrence risk; this cutoff value was used to classify TB into two categories: low and high grades. The relationship between TB and prognostic factors and the effect of TB on the survival of patients were investigated.

Results:
This study revealed a statistically significant relationship between high-grade TB and increased tumor size, advanced pathological primary tumor (pT) category, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, blood vessel invasion, increased recurrence, and mortality as well as reduced overall and disease-free survival.

Conclusion:
TB in breast carcinomas may have significant predictive value for prognosis. It emerges as a simple, reproducible, and cost-effective histological marker. With the standardization of evaluation criteria, TB may be readily integrated into routine pathological examination, thereby increasing its value in clinical patient management.
The NF1 gene mutations and co-mutations in lung adenocarcinomas with brain metastasis
Authors: Kahraman-Cetin Nesibe , Akin Dilara , Orenay-Boyacioglu Seda , Boyacioglu Olcay , Erdogdu Ibrahim Halil , Oktay Esin , Meteoglu Ibrahim 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
The co-occurrence of lung adenocarcinoma and brain metastasis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality despite advancements in cancer treatment. The activity of neurofibromin, the product of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 gene (NF1), is crucial in regulating the RAS/MAPK pathway. The NF1 somatic mutations are significant in conditions such as melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, neuroblastoma, and central nervous system tumors.

Objective:
Therefore, this research aims to uncover the profile of NF1 mutations and co-mutations in patients with brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma, shedding light on their role in the pathophysiology of metastatic lung cancer.

Materials and Methods:
In this study, a total of 131 (31 females, 90 males) patients diagnosed with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma who were examined in the Molecular Pathology Laboratory between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The NF1 somatic mutations and co-mutations were evaluated using the NGS lung panel on the MiniSEQ NGS platform.

Results:
The average age of the 131 patients (31 females, 90 males) retrospectively examined in the study was 62.05 years. The ages of the cases included in the study followed a normal distribution according to Kolmogorov–Smirnov test (P = 0.200). Lymph node metastasis was detected in 48 patients (36.6%), while distant organ metastasis was observed in 81 patients (61.83%). Metastases were more frequently seen in males. No statistically significant difference was found between metastases and gender (P > 0.05). Distant organ metastasis (n = 26, 19.8%) and NF1 mutations (n = 8/26, 30.77%) were most commonly observed in the brain. The most common NF1 pathogenic variants in brain metastases were c.2325 + 3A > G (p.M1205fs*12) (n = 6/26, 23.07%) and c.1400C > T (p.T4671) (n = 5/26, 19.23%). There was no statistically significant relationship observed between patients’ age, gender, brain metastasis, and NF1 mutation types (respectively, P = 0.98, P = 0.63, and P = 0.87). The mutations that showed the most association with NF1 mutations in brain metastases were PTEN and TP53.

Conclusions:
Somatic NF1 mutations and co-mutations can play a critical driving force in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma and may contribute to treatment resistance. The mutational landscape of somatic NF1 mutations and co-mutations can provide new insights into the pathophysiology of metastatic lung cancer, especially those that have metastasized to the brain.
The effect of different clinical recycling methods on load deflection properties of super-elastic and thermal nickel–titanium orthodontic arch wires: A comparative assessment
Authors: Shukla Priti , Kapoor Sudhir , Jaiswal Raj Kumar , Sharma Vipul Kumar , Shashtri Dipti , Bhagchandani Jitendra 
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Repeated clinical use of arch wires requires sterilization and may result in alteration of the properties of the wires as they get subjected to corrosion and cold working. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effects of different clinical recycling methods on the load-deflection properties of super-elastic and thermal nickel–titanium orthodontic arch wires.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
A total of 50 0.014” round nickel–titanium orthodontic wires [Group I: super-elastic nickel–titanium (n = 25) and Group II: thermal nickel–titanium wires (n = 25)] were tested for changes in their load deflection properties after three different recycling methods, that is, dry heat sterilization, autoclave, and cold sterilization. For each group, five wires as received from the manufacturer were taken as control (T0), and the rest of the 20 wires were placed intra-orally for a duration of one cycle of clinical use (T1). Five wires out of these were subjected to 3-point bending tests, and the rest of the wires were subjected to different recycling methods. Load deflection properties of recycled wires were measured with an Instron universal testing machine. The results were tabulated, and the data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the Tukey post hoc test.

RESULTS:
Statistically, no significant difference was found in the super-elastic group between samples recycled by dry heat, autoclave, and cold sterilization when compared with as-received super-elastic NiTi up to 2.5 mm of deflection. A highly significant difference was found between as-received thermal NiTi group (83.51 ± 6.49 N/mm) and samples recycled by dry heat (53.73 ± 4.72 N/mm), autoclave (45.38 ± 4.37 N/mm), and cold sterilization (48.44 ± 3.12 N/mm) at 0.5 mm of deflection.

CONCLUSION:
Among thermal NiTi, any of the sterilization methods could opt at all deflections. For super-elastic NiTi, at higher deflections or in cases of crowding of more than 2.5 mm, cold sterilization should be the method of choice, whereas any sterilization method can be used at deflections less than 2.5 mm.
Cephalometric differences in grades II and IV adenoid hypertrophy: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hammood Afnan R. , Saloom Hayder F. 
Published: September 2024

OBJECTIVES:
This study aims to determine whether there were cephalometric changes between grades II and IV adenoid hypertrophy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 6–12-year-old patients selected from the ear, nose, and throat department at Imam Al-Hussein Medical City in Karbala. Patients were classified into three groups (each = 40) based on endoscopic findings: control, grade II, and grade IV. The findings were confirmed with cephalometric radiographs. Specific cephalometric points were identified to measure sella-nasion-point A (SNA), sella-nasion-point B (SNB), point A-nasion-point B (ANB), sella-nasion-pogonion (SNPog), sella nasion plane-palatal plane (SNPP), palatal plane-mandibular plane (PPMP), sella nasion plane-mandibular plane (SNMP), saddle, articular, gonial angles, and the y-axis. Additionally, superior-posterior airway space (SPAS), posterior air way space (PAS), mandibular plane-hyoid bone (MP-H), third cervical vertebra-hyoid bone (C3-H), total anterior facial height (TAFH), total posterior facial height (TPFH), upper anterior facial height (UAFH), lower anterior facial height (LAFH), and the Jarabak ratio were measured.

RESULTS:
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Welch tests indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three groups in SNA, SNB, SNPog, PPMP, SNMP, gonial angle, y-axis, SPAS, PAS, MP-H, and the Jarabak ratio. Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) and Games-Howell tests indicated a statistically significant difference between grade II and grade IV in SNA, SNMP, y-axis, SPAS, PAS, MP-H, and Jarabak ratio.

CONCLUSION:
The present study demonstrated that craniofacial changes start to occur at the moderate adenoid enlargement throughout the downward backward mandibular rotation. More changes would become evident at the severe stage; therefore, an urgent medical intervention and the establishment of nasal breathing by orthodontic treatment with breathing activity would be needed.