bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the dynamics of B lymphocytes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with belimumab through longitudinal single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Bang So-Young , Joh Christine Suh-Yun , Itamiya Takahiro , Jeong Soyoung , Lee Jung-Ho , Kwon Haeyoon , Jin Hyunjin , Jung Jaewon , Chung Hyeyeon , Lee Brian H , Gong Jeong-Ryeol , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Fujio Keishi , Bae Sang-Cheol , Kim Hyun Je , Lee Hye-Soon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Unravelling the mechanisms underlying treatment response for targeted therapeutics in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is challenging due to the limited understanding of diverse responses of circulating immune cells, particularly B cells. We investigated B lymphocyte dynamics during anti-BAFF treatment, utilizing longitudinal single-cell transcriptome data.

Methods
We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in four Korean SLE patients before and after belimumab treatment at the following time points: 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results
Analysing over 73 000 PBMCs, we identified eight distinct subsets of B cells and plasmablasts and analysed dynamic changes within these cell subsets: initial declines in naïve and transitional B cells followed by an increase at 3 months, contrasted by an initial increase and subsequent decrease in memory B cells by the third month. Meanwhile, plasmablasts exhibited a consistent decline throughout the treatment. B cell activation pathways, specifically in naïve and memory B cells, were downregulated during the third and sixth months. These findings were validated at the protein level throughout the first 4 weeks of treatment using flow cytometry. Comparative analysis with bulk transcriptome data from 22 Japanese SLE patients showed increased NR4A1 expression 6 months post-belimumab treatment, indicating its role in restricting self-reactive B cells, thereby contributing to the biological responses of anti-BAFF treatment.

Conclusion
The observed B cell dynamics provided insights into the immunological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of anti-BAFF in SLE patients. Furthermore, it underscores the need for research in predicting drug responses based on immune profiling.
Toxicity of waterpipe tobacco smoking: the role of flavors, sweeteners, humectants, and charcoal
Authors: Kassem Nada O F , Strongin Robert M , Stroup Andrea M , Brinkman Marielle C , El-Hellani Ahmad , Erythropel Hanno C , Etemadi Arash , Goniewicz Maciej L , Hansen Eleanore G , Kassem Noura O , Li Dongmei , Liles Sandy , Noël Alexandra , Rezk-Hanna Mary , Wang Qixin , Rahman Irfan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Waterpipe tobacco (WPT) smoking is a public health concern, particularly among youth and young adults. The global spread of WPT use has surged because the introduction of pre-packaged flavored and sweetened WPT, which is widely marketed as a safer tobacco alternative. Besides flavorants and sugars, WPT additives include humectants, which enhance the moisture and sweetness of WPT, act as solvents for flavors, and impart smoothness to the smoke, thus increasing appeal to users. In the United States, unlike cigarette tobacco flavoring (with the exception of menthol), there is no FDA product standard or policy in place prohibiting sales of flavored WPT. Research has shown that the numerous fruit, candy, and alcohol flavors added to WPT entice individuals to experience those flavors, putting them at an increased risk of exposure to WPT smoke-related toxicants. Additionally, burning charcoal briquettes—used as a heating source for WPT—contributes to the harmful health effects of WPT smoking. This review presents existing evidence on the potential toxicity resulting from humectants, sugars, and flavorants in WPT, and from the charcoal used to heat WPT. The review discusses relevant studies of inhalation toxicity in animal models and of biomarkers of exposure in humans. Current evidence suggests that more data are needed on toxicant emissions in WPT smoke to inform effective tobacco regulation to mitigate the adverse impact of WPT use on human health.
Using structure prediction of negative sense RNA virus nucleoproteins to assess evolutionary relationships
Authors: Sabsay Kimberly R , te Velthuis Aartjan J W 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Negative sense RNA viruses (NSV) include some of the most detrimental human pathogens, including the influenza, Ebola, and measles viruses. NSV genomes consist of one or multiple single-stranded RNA molecules that are encapsidated into one or more ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. These RNPs consist of viral RNA, a viral RNA polymerase, and many copies of the viral nucleoprotein (NP). Current evolutionary relationships within the NSV phylum are based on the alignment of conserved RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain amino acid sequences. However, the RdRp domain-based phylogeny does not address whether NP, the other core protein in the NSV genome, evolved along the same trajectory or whether several RdRp–NP pairs evolved through convergent evolution in the segmented and non-segmented NSV genome architectures. Addressing how NP and the RdRp domain evolved may help us better understand NSV diversity. Since NP sequences are too short to infer robust phylogenetic relationships, we here used experimentally obtained and AlphaFold 2.0-predicted NP structures to probe whether evolutionary relationships can be estimated using NSV NP sequences. Following flexible structure alignments of modeled structures, we find that the structural homology of the NSV NPs reveals phylogenetic clusters that are consistent with RdRp-based clustering. In addition, we were able to assign viruses for which RdRp sequences are currently missing to phylogenetic clusters based on the available NP sequence. Both our RdRp-based and NP-based relationships deviate from the current NSV classification of the segmented Naedrevirales, which cluster with the other segmented NSVs in our analysis. Overall, our results suggest that the NSV RdRp and NP genes largely evolved along similar trajectories and even short pieces of genetic, protein-coding information can be used to infer evolutionary relationships, potentially making metagenomic analyses more valuable.
Spicy food consumption and risk of vascular disease: Evidence from a large-scale Chinese prospective cohort of 0.5 million people
Authors: You Dongfang , Sun Dianjianyi , Zhao Ziyu , Song Mingyu , Pan Lulu , Wu Yaqian , Tang Yingdan , Lu Mengyi , Shao Fang , Shen Sipeng , Bai Jianling , Yi Honggang , Zhang Ruyang , Wei Yongyue , Ma Hongxia , Xu Hongyang , Yu Canqing , Lv Jun , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Chen Zhengming , Shen Hongbing , Chen Feng , Zhao Yang , Li Liming ,   On behalf of the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Spicy food consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with mortality from multiple diseases. However, the effect of spicy food intake on the incidence of vascular diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore this association.

Methods:
This study was performed using the large-scale China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) prospective cohort of 486,335 participants. The primary outcomes were vascular disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD), major coronary events (MCEs), cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and non-stroke cerebrovascular disease. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between spicy food consumption and incident vascular diseases. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of vascular disease stratified by several basic characteristics. In addition, the joint effects of spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of vascular disease were also evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the association results.

Results:
During a median follow-up time of 12.1 years, a total of 136,125 patients with vascular disease, 46,689 patients with IHD, 10,097 patients with MCEs, 80,114 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 56,726 patients with stroke, and 40,098 patients with non-stroke cerebrovascular disease were identified. Participants who consumed spicy food 1–2 days/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.93, 0.97], P <0.001), 3–5 days/week (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.003), and 6–7 days/week (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.95, 0.99], P = 0.002) had a significantly lower risk of vascular disease than those who consumed spicy food less than once a week (P
trend <0.001), especially in those who were younger and living in rural areas. Notably, the disease-based subgroup analysis indicated that the inverse associations remained in IHD (P
trend = 0.011) and MCEs (P
trend = 0.002) risk. Intriguingly, there was an interaction effect between spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of IHD (P
interaction = 0.037).

Conclusions:
Our findings support an inverse association between spicy food consumption and vascular disease in the Chinese population, which may provide additional dietary guidance for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Intermediate uveitis in common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) associated with a heterozygous variant in the TNFRSF13B gene.
Authors: Osaer Mathijs , Terryn Wim , De Baere Elfride , De Vriendt Ciel , Haerynck Filomeen , Kerre Tessa , Kreps Elke O. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
To report on a rare case of intermediate uveitis occurring in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and a heterozygous TNFRSF13B variant.

Methods:
Observational case report.

Results:
A 23-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of increasing floaters and blurred vision to both eyes. He had been treated with topical and intravitreal corticosteroids by his local ophthalmologist nine months before. Ocular examination demonstrated bilateral intermediate uveitis with retinal vasculitis. He had been treated with intravenous immunoglobulins during childhood, due to primary humoral immunodeficiency. Systemic work-up for other causes of intermediate uveitis was unremarkable, notably no features of systemic sarcoid-like disease were detected. Initial treatment with mycophenolate mofetil showed insufficient response, and upon switching to adalimumab, clinical remission was achieved. Immunocytometry and genetic work-up revealed a smB+CD21norm subtype of CVID and a heterozygous TNFRSF13B variant.

Conclusion:
This report of CVID-associated intermediate uveitis in a patient with a heterozygous TNFRSF13B variant highlights the potential involvement of the eye within CVID-associated autoimmunity and the role for anti-TNF blockade in this challenging group of patients.
Endoscopic Surgery for Congenital or Acquired Cataract Associated with Persistent Fetal Vasculature: A Case Series
Authors: Otsubo Mitsuru , Kaga Tatsushi , Yokoyama Yoshimi , Kojima Takashi 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital malformation caused by a failure in regression of the primary vitreous and hyaloid vessels. An abnormal PFV occurs in the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. Surgery for PFV carries the risk of retinal detachment. We report four cases of cataracts associated with PFV, in which our novel surgical technique with an intraocular endoscope was safely performed.

Methods:
Lensectomy and vitrectomy were performed in cases 1, 3, and 4, while lensectomy, vitrectomy, and intraocular lens implantation using an endoscope were performed in case 2. In all cases, after lens removal, a slit at the posterior lens capsule was created to avoid the retrolental fibrovascular membrane using underwater electric coagulation. Moreover, the endoscope was inserted, by which the intraocular region was observed to determine the treatment method for the fibrovascular membrane and vitreous stalk. No additional surgeries were required for complications before or after any of the surgeries.

Results:
Using an endoscope during cataract surgery associated with PFV, observing the vitreous stalk at high magnification and ensuring safe treatment were possible.

Conclusions:
Endoscopic surgery could be considered an effective method for treating PFV-associated cataracts.
Combined 41- gauge surgically induced macular detachment and free internal limiting membrane flap technique for management of refractory full-thickness macular hole
Authors: Di Leo Laura , Tombolini Beatrice , Afflitto Ilenia Gallo , Vulpetti Andrea , Frisina Rino 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
To report a case of anatomic closure and functional improvement in a patient affected by refractory full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) undergone a combined 41-gauge (g) surgically induced macular detachment and free internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique.

Methods:
This is a retrospective case-report of a 70-years-olded woman affected by refractory FTMH who referred to Ophthalmology Unit of Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, Piacenza (Italy) in April 2023. The patient underwent a combined 41-g surgically induced macular detachment and free ILM flap. Macular detachment was induced by multiple subretinal injections of balanced salt solution (BSS) by 41-g needle through three retinotomies. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 7th day, 1st and 6th month.

Results:
On 7th postoperative day, FTMH showed complete closure. BCVA improved from preoperative 20/400 to 20/70 at 6th postoperative month.

Discussion:
BSS subretinal injection allowed the mobilization and relaxation of retina at the posterior pole. Although the edges of the hole were still detectable, their diameters were inferior to preoperative measurements. Autologous free ILM flap allowed to fill the residual gap into the hole.

Conclusion:
The final anatomic closure, and the postoperative functional improvement demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, supporting its indication for refractory FTHM.
Ocular Sarcoidosis Masquerading as Acute Retinal Necrosis: Two Case Reports
Authors: Liu Hsin-Ming , Lai Yung-Jen , Chiu Fang-yi , Chan Wei-Chun 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
To report two cases of ocular sarcoidosis (OS) initially presenting as unilateral acute retinitis, which mimicked acute retinal necrosis.

Methods:
Retrospective descriptive case reports.

Results:
Two middle-aged healthy Asian women experienced progressive vision loss in their left eyes over a one-month period. Anterior uveitis, vitritis, and diffuse peripheral retinal infiltration were observed. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations were conducted, including blood work-up, viral polymerase chain reaction of anterior chamber paracentesis samples, and chest X-ray, all yielding negative results. Despite prompt initiation of antiviral therapy, retinal infiltrations remained unchanged within the first 10 days. Chest CT imaging revealed multiple lymphadenopathies consistent with sarcoidosis. Case 1 was presumed OS, and case 2 was definite OS based on lung and lymph node biopsy results in accordance with the 2017 revised international workshop on OS (IWOS) criteria. In both cases, the retinal lesions gradually resolved after several weeks of systemic corticosteroids, and the best corrected vision of the affected eye improved to 20/25 at the 12 and 6-month follow-ups, respectively.

Conclusion:
Acute unilateral retinal infiltration in the peripheral region, exhibiting rapid progression resembling acute retinal necrosis, can be a rare manifestation of OS. Chest CT imaging can provide valuable assistance in the diagnostic process, especially when systemic examinations yield no significant findings.
PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY FOLLOWING PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR HIGH MYOPIC FULL THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE
Authors: Feo Alessandro , Giacomotti Enrico , Santoru Francesco , Crepaldi Lorenzo , Criscuolo Daniele , Allegrini Davide , Romano Mario R 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
To describe a case of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) and secondary or epiphenomenon multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (EpiMEWDS) following surgery for high myopic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH).

Methods:
Case report.

Results:
A 57-year-old high myopic female was diagnosed with cataract and FTMH in the left eye. Her initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 in her right eye and 20/80 in the left eye. She underwent routine combined phacoemulsification and 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) technique and twice-repeated epiretinal membrane (ERM) and ILM staining in the left eye. Two weeks postoperatively, the patient reported significant visual decline and photopsia in her left eye. BCVA decreased to counting fingers. Anterior segment examination was unremarkable. Ophthalmoscopic examination showed multiple whitish-yellow lesions in the macular region compatible with PIC lesions in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), blue-light fundus autofluorescence (BAF), fluorescein angiography, and indocyanine green angiography were performed and confirmed the diagnosis. The patient underwent oral steroid therapy for PIC treatment. One week after treatment initiation, BAF showed the occurrence of EpiMEWDS. After one month, all lesions resolved and BCVA improved to 20/100.

Conclusions:
We report a rare case of PIC and EpiMEWDS development following surgery for FTMH. We hypothesize that several causes, including individual susceptibility (high myopia and female gender), post-surgical inflammation, and/or dye toxicity due to repeated staining could have amplified this inflammatory chorioretinal response. Larger studies are needed to better understand the potential triggers of PIC development after surgery.
Effectiveness of Bairui granules in the treatment of respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chai Keyan , Wang Haojia , Guan Yueqin , Shi Rui , Stalin Antony , Zhai Yiyan , Zhou Jiying , Qiao Chuanqi , Yang Siyun , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wu Jiarui 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are characterized by a high mortality rate and clinical incidence. Bairui granules (BG), which employ a method of heat elimination and detoxification, have demonstrated benefits in the treatment of infectious respiratory diseases.

Methods:
A computerized search of 6 databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relevant to the treatment of RTIs with BG up to November 30, 2023. Two researchers independently conducted data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and grading analysis. To evaluate the stability of the results, trial sequential analysis was employed.

Results:
This meta-analysis included 31 RCTs with a total of 4073 patients and demonstrated that the use of BG in the treatment of RTIs was associated with enhanced treatment efficacy (relative risk = 1.19, 95% credible interval: 1.16–1.22, P < .001). It also indicated a faster resolution of symptoms including pulmonary rales, cough, and fever, as well as a reduction in serological index factors, compared to the use of Western medicine treatment (WT) alone. Additionally, the duration of hospitalization for patients was significantly reduced (relative risk = −1.36, 95% credible interval: −1.55 to −1.17, P < .001). Trial sequential analysis confirmed the stability and conclusive evidence of the study results. The efficacy of treating RTIs with BG, either alone or in combination with WT, was found to be superior to WT alone. However, further high-quality RCTs are necessary to validate these outcomes.

Conclusion:
The effectiveness of treating RTIs using BG alone or in combination with WT was determined to be superior to using WT alone, with no serious adverse effects observed. However, additional RCTs are essential to further confirm the findings of this study.
Symptom progression in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder from ataxia through syncope to neuropathic pain: A case report
Authors: Zhao Ziyi , Pan Chunhua , Chen Junting , Wu Rui , Xu Zucai , Huang Hao 
Published: July 2024

Rationale:
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) involves autoimmune and inflammatory responses in the central nervous system, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Atypical presentations such as ataxia and syncope complicate the diagnosis, and lesions in the medulla are easily mistaken for cerebral infarction. This case report emphasizes the need to recognize such manifestations to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment.

Patient concerns:
This case report presents an NMOSD female patient who experienced ataxia, syncope, and neuropathic pain during her illness.

Diagnosis:
NMOSD.

Interventions:
The patient managed her blood sugar with insulin, controlled neuropathic pain with pregabalin, and underwent 5 plasma exchanges.

Outcomes:
Significant improvement was noted 1 week post-plasma exchange, with complete resolution of neuropathic pain and no symptom recurrence reported at 6-month follow-up.

Lessons:
Atypical manifestations of NMOSD, such as ataxia, syncope, and trigeminal neuralgia, increase diagnostic difficulty. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure timely and appropriate treatment for patients.
PTGS2 as target of compound Huangbai liquid in the nursing of pressure ulcer
Authors: Guo Dongmei , Ma Yanhong , Zhang Nan , Zhang Yan , Guo Suzhi 
Published: July 2024

Objective:
Pressure ulcer refers to ulceration and necrosis caused by local skin and cell tissues being compressed for a long time, continuous ischemia, hypoxia, and malnutrition. However, role of prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) in the management of pressure ulcers in with compound Huangbai liquid is still unclear.

Methods:
Traditional Chinese medicine components and related targets of compound Huangbai liquid were collected through traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) and Batman-traditional Chinese medicine database. Disease-related targets were obtained using the Gene Cards database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search tool for retrieval of interacting genes (STRING) and analyzed by Cytoscape to obtain the core components. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the compound Huangbai liquid in the treatment of pressure ulcers, 40 patients with pressure ulcers were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group, with 20 individuals in each group. The observation group received treatment with compound Huangbai liquid.

Results:
Sixty-five components and 480 targets of compound Huangbai liquid were obtained from TCMSP and Batman - traditional Chinese medicine databases. Two hundred seventy-three pressure ulcer-related targets were obtained. Seventy-two potential targets of compound Huangbai pigment in treatment of pressure ulcer were obtained, and 2 unrelated targets were deleted. There were 70 nodes and 1167 edges in PPI network. Gene ontology (GO) function is involved in biological processes such as reactive oxygen species metabolism and cellular response to chemical stress. Cellular components such as platelet α granules lumen and membrane rafts were involved. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment results showed that compound Huangbai liquid in treatment of pressure ulcer. The clinical results indicate that the compound Huangbai liquid has a good therapeutic effect on pressure ulcers.

Conclusion:
PTGS2 may be a target for treatment of pressure ulcers with compound Huangbai liquid, providing a new direction for its treatment.