bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FDA-approved cannabidiol [Epidiolex®] alleviates Gulf War Illness-linked cognitive and mood dysfunction, hyperalgesia, neuroinflammatory signaling, and declined neurogenesis
Authors: Kodali Maheedhar , Madhu Leelavathi N. , Kolla Venkata Sai Vashishta , Attaluri Sahithi , Huard Charles , Somayaji Yogish , Shuai Bing , Jordan Chase , Rao Xiaolan , Shetty Sanath , Shetty Ashok K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by cognitive and mood impairments, as well as persistent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Epidiolex®, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabidiol (CBD), in improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI.

Methods
Six months after exposure to low doses of GWI-related chemicals [pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and permethrin (PER)] along with moderate stress, rats with chronic GWI were administered either vehicle (VEH) or CBD (20 mg/kg, oral) for 16 weeks. Neurobehavioral tests were conducted on 11 weeks after treatment initiation to evaluate the performance of rats in tasks related to associative recognition memory, object location memory, pattern separation, and sucrose preference. The effect of CBD on hyperalgesia was also examined. The brain tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and molecular studies following behavioral tests.

Results
GWI rats treated with VEH exhibited impairments in all cognitive tasks and anhedonia, whereas CBD-treated GWI rats showed improvements in all cognitive tasks and no anhedonia. Additionally, CBD treatment alleviated hyperalgesia in GWI rats. Analysis of hippocampal tissues from VEH-treated rats revealed astrocyte hypertrophy and increased percentages of activated microglia presenting NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) complexes as well as elevated levels of proteins involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. Furthermore, there were increased concentrations of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers along with decreased neurogenesis. In contrast, the hippocampus from CBD-treated GWI rats displayed reduced levels of proteins mediating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and JAK/STAT signaling, normalized concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and improved neurogenesis. Notably, CBD treatment did not alter the concentration of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus.

Conclusions
The use of an FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex®) has been shown to effectively alleviate cognitive and mood impairments as well as hyperalgesia associated with chronic GWI. Importantly, the improvements observed in rats with chronic GWI in this study were attributed to the ability of CBD to significantly suppress signaling pathways that perpetuate chronic neuroinflammation.
Assessment of the psychometric properties of the traditional Chinese version of the cancer survivors’ self-efficacy scale
Authors: Chien Ching-Hui , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Wu Chun-Te , Pang See-Tong , Liu Kuan-Lin , Yu Kai-Jie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The reliability and validity of the traditional Chinese version of the Cancer Survivors’ Self-Efficacy Scale (CS-SES-TC) has not been assessed.

Objective
To assess the psychometric properties of the Traditional Chinese version of the CS-SES-TC.

Methods
Participants were recruited from the outpatient departments of a hospital in Taiwan. A single questionnaire was administered to 300 genitourinary cancer survivors. The scales included in the initial questionnaire were the CS-SES-TC, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General scale (FACT-G). Data obtained from 300 survivors were used to confirm the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results
The CFA results indicate that the 11-item CS-SES-TC is consistent with the original scale. Furthermore, it was identified as a unidimensional scale, with the model showing acceptable goodness-of-fit (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.97). The factor loading of each item in the CS-SES-TC was above 0.6 and had convergent validity. Based on multiple-group CFA testing, the change (ΔCFI) between the unconstrained and constrained models was ≤ 0.01, indicating that measurement invariance holds for gender. The participants’ CS-SES-TC scores were positively correlated with their FACT-G scores and negatively correlated with their CES-D scores. The scales exhibited concurrent validity and discriminant validity. The CS-SES-TC had a Cronbach’s α in the range of .97–.98.

Conclusion
The CS-SES-TC had acceptable reliability and validity. Healthcare workers can use this scale for ongoing assessment of the cancer-related self-efficacy of cancer survivors.
Strongyloidiasis co-occurrence with tuberculosis and aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients: a global scoping review
Authors: Ide Christian J. , Elem David E. , Bassey Thelma E. , Benjamin Ofonime E. , Okekemba Ikechukwu , Odok Walter E. , Owai Promise , Edim Geraldine L. , Ekeng Bassey E. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractReports on cases of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis or aspergillosis coinfection are fragmented in the literature and no large-scale reviews are describing its occurrence across the globe. We identified a total of 230 cases of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection amongst 2376 participants with tuberculosis disease from eight epidemiological surveys conducted in Ethiopia (n = 4, 50%); Tanzania (n = 3, 37.5%) and Malaysia (n = 1, 12.5%). Clinical outcomes in these studies were not stated as they were largely descriptive. In addition, there were ten individual case reports of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection. Of the ten, four were from the USA (40%), two each from India (20%) and Japan (20%), and one each from the UK (10%) and Argentina (10%). Of the ten, six had favourable outcomes, two were fatal and outcomes were unclear in the remainder. Ten cases of strongyloidiasis and aspergillosis coinfection were identified, five were reported from the USA (50%), and one each from the Netherlands (10%), China (10%), Iran (10%), Colombia (10%) and Italy (10%). Five each had favourable and fatal outcomes. Fatal outcomes in strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis or aspergillosis coinfection were associated with steroid therapy (n = 3), decline for treatment (n = 1), delayed diagnosis (n = 2) and delayed presentation (n = 1). Our findings suggest a significant proportion of individuals living with tuberculosis are also affected with strongyloidiasis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, more studies are required to ascertain the burden of strongyloidiasis and tuberculosis coinfection as few cases were reported from other highly burdened tuberculosis regions. In addition, the role of the attending clinician is critical to reduce morbidities from the coexistence of these clinical entities as a significant number of cases with documented outcomes were fatal.
Serum malondialdehyde as a marker of oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nabih Ghada A. , Sheshtawy Nehal EEl , Mikkawy Dalia M. E. El , Kamel Marwa A. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
A well-recognized connection was found between oxidative stress and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since autoimmune illness, as RA is typified by persistent systemic inflammation, oxidative stress indicators offer a promising extra option for evaluating the activity and prognosis of RA.

Aim
To assess serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as a marker of oxidative stress in RA patients concerning disease activity.

Results
This case–control study revealed a statistically significant increase among the patient group than the control group regarding serum MDA. MDA positively correlated with ESR, CRP, DAS-28 score, and morning stiffness. The optimal cut-off point of serum MDA recognized patient group was > 16.21 nmol/ml with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100.0%.

Conclusion
Measuring MDA levels in RA patients may be useful for monitoring their activity level and oxidative stress.
Comparative analysis of deep learning and traditional airborne electromagnetic data processing: A case study
Authors: Asif Muhammad Rizwan , Kass M. Andy , Herpe Maïwenn , Rawlinson Zara , Westerhoff Rogier , Larsen Jakob Juul , Christiansen Anders Vest 
Published: August 2024

State-of-the-art airborne electromagnetic (AEM) systems conduct large-scale surveys and produce thousands of line kilometers of data. These large volumes of AEM data are generally subjected to manual inspection for identifying and culling data corrupted by couplings from various sources, such as fences and power lines, as well as the assessment for late-time noise. Although effective, this traditional AEM data processing is subjective and time consuming. This study evaluates the efficacy of a recently proposed unsupervised deep-learning method for the automated processing of AEM data on a large-scale survey conducted in New Zealand. The automated system processes 6471 line kilometers of data in approximately 15 min — a task that could extend more than 5–16 days if done manually by a trained expert. Although manual processing is not the ultimate benchmark, both processing schemes have an agreement of approximately 88% for the low-moment data and approximately 96% for the high-moment data. The inversion results for manual and automated system processing also indicate comparable data fits and resistivity models. The automated system demonstrates strong generalization capabilities; however, it faces challenges when data affected by various sources, such as anthropogenic activities, mimic credible 1D responses. This underscores the need for manual inspection in contexts wherein it is necessary to distinguish between true anomalies and noise. This study not only validates the automated system’s applicability across diverse geologic settings but also emphasizes the importance of balancing automated and manual approaches for optimal AEM data processing.
Application of a Data Quality Framework to Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Using Electronic Health Record Data From the All of Us Research Program
Authors: Berman Lew , Ostchega Yechiam , Giannini John , Anandan Lakshmi Priya , Clark Emily , Spotnitz Matthew , Sulieman Lina , Volynski Michael , Ramirez Andrea 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE The specific aims of this paper are to (1) develop and operationalize an electronic health record (EHR) data quality framework, (2) apply the dimensions of the framework to the phenotype and treatment pathways of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) using All of Us Research Program data, and (3) propose and apply a checklist to evaluate the application of the framework. METHODS We developed a framework of five data quality dimensions (DQD; completeness, concordance, conformance, plausibility, and temporality). Participants signed a consent and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act authorization to share EHR data and responded to demographic questions in the Basics questionnaire. We evaluated the internal characteristics of the data and compared data with external benchmarks with descriptive and inferential statistics. We developed a DQD checklist to evaluate concept selection, internal verification, and external validity for each DQD. The Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership Common Data Model (OMOP CDM) concept ID codes for DCIS were used to select a cohort of 2,209 females 18 years and older. RESULTS Using the proposed DQD checklist criteria, (1) concepts were selected and internally verified for conformance; (2) concepts were selected and internally verified for completeness; (3) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for concordance; (4) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for plausibility; and (5) concepts were selected, internally verified, and externally validated for temporality. CONCLUSION This assessment and evaluation provided insights into data quality for the DCIS phenotype using EHR data from the All of Us Research Program. The review demonstrates that salient clinical measures can be selected, applied, and operationalized within a conceptual framework and evaluated for fitness for use by applying a proposed checklist.
Lymphocyte Infiltration Score and Spatial Characteristics Refined the Prognosis and Denosumab Treatment Responsiveness Indicators for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone
Authors: Wu Hai-Lin , Xia Chao , Liu Fu-Sheng , Zheng Bo-Yv , Niu Hua-Qing , Zhu Guo-Qiang , Zou Ming-Xiang , Zheng Bo-Wen 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE The prognostic value of lymphocyte infiltration score (LIS) and its nearest neighbor distance to tumor cells (NNDTC) in giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is currently not well established. This study aims to characterize LIS and NNDTC and examine their correlation with denosumab treatment responsiveness, clinicopathologic features, and patient prognosis. METHODS Using multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence, LIS was evaluated in 253 tumor specimens, whereas NNDTC was computed using HALO software. Subsequently, we analyzed the association of these parameters with patient outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS] and overall survival [OS]), clinicopathologic features, and denosumab treatment responsiveness. RESULTS Low LIS was indicative of both poor PFS and OS (both P < .001). In addition, LIS was significantly associated with sex ( P = .046), Enneking staging ( P < .001), Ki-67 expression ( P = .007), and denosumab treatment responsiveness ( P = .005). Lower CD8+ (tumor interior [TI]) NNDTC, and CD3+ (TI) NNDTC were associated with worse PFS ( P = .003 and .038, respectively), whereas lower CD8+ (TI) NNDTC was associated with worse OS ( P = .001), but CD8+ (tumor infiltrating margin) NNDTC had the opposite effect ( P = .002). Moreover, NNDTC showed a correlation with several clinicopathologic features. Importantly, LIS outperformed Enneking and Campanacci staging systems in predicting the clinical outcomes of GCTB. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that LIS is a reliable predictive tool for clinically relevant outcomes and response to denosumab therapy in patients with GCTB. These parameters may prove to be useful in guiding prognostic risk stratification and therapeutic optimization for patients.
Treatment Strategies and Long-Term Outcomes in Silent Corticotroph Adenomas: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of 367 Cases
Authors: He Wenqiang , Yao Shun , Yu Yifei , Chen Zhengyuan , Zhang Qilin , Qiao Nidan , Shen Ming , Shou Xuefei , Ma Zengyi , Wang Yongfei 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Silent corticotroph adenoma (SCA) is a high-risk pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) which exhibits more aggressive behavior than other nonfunctioning PitNETs. Some SCAs are observed to recur after total resection (TR). We aim to discuss the long-term outcomes after endoscopic endonasal surgery for SCAs and explore optimal treatment after operation.

METHODS:
Clinical data and intraoperative videos from 367 SCAs who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery were retrospectively collected. Patients were categorized into TR and subtotal resection (STR) groups according to 3-month postoperative MRIs. Based on close-up intraoperative observation of the relationship between tumor and pituitary gland, diaphragm, and medial wall cavernous sinus, patients in the TR group were further subdivided into gross total resection (GTR) and near total resection (NTR) groups. Patients in the STR group were subdivided as STR followed by observation (STR + ob) and STR followed by adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (STR + SRS). Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare the event-free survival among these subgroups.

RESULTS:
Headache (27.5%) and vision loss (55.3%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Cavernous sinus (CS) invasion was confirmed intraoperatively in 167 (45.5%) patients. After operation, 175 (47.7%), 83 (22.6%), 32 (8.7%), and 77 (21%) patients were divided into GTR, NTR, STR + ob, and STR + SRS groups, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 40.9 ± 25.8 months. There were 0, 17 (20.5%), 9 (28.1%), and 4 (5.2%) patients noted to have PitNET recurrence or progression in GTR, NTR, STR + ob, and STR + SRS groups, respectively. Event-free survival distribution in the NTR group was similar to that in the STR + ob group (P = .696), which was significantly lower than that in the STR + SRS group (P = .008). Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)–negative SCAs have lower preoperative ACTH levels and were more likely to invade CS than ACTH-positive SCAs.

CONCLUSION:
CS invasion was commonly seen in SCAs, often precluding GTR. Radical surgery and close follow-up were proposed. Early postoperative adjuvant SRS for remnant tumor should be considered.
Digital intelligence and real estate digital marketing in Nigeria: practitioner’s appraisal
Authors: Akinwamide David Oluwatofunmi , Olukolajo Michael Ayodele 
Published: August 2024

AbstractDigital disruption in real estate transactions has led to the full adoption of digital marketing in real estate agency services. However, the demand for sustainability in real estate agency service requires adopting digital skills and competencies to achieve effective and efficient real estate digital marketing. This study examines Estate Surveyors and Valuers’ perceptions of the relevance of digital intelligence for sustainable real estate digital marketing in Nigeria, using Edo State as the study area. The data for the survey were sourced from 120 registered and practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ESVs) using structured questionnaires, out of which 100 (83.33%) were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. Mean score, cross-tabulation, and chi-square were employed for data analysis. Findings indicated that social media marketing and e‑mail marketing are the highest-ranked digital marketing channels adopted among the surveyed respondents. Also, chi-square results show that there is a significant relationship between the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of social media marketing, the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of e‑mail marketing, and the relevance of digital intelligence and the level of usage of affiliate marketing. It was recommended, among others, that ESVs should invest in themselves and their staff in terms of training to raise their competency to harness the opportunities in technology to enhance their professional practice.
Focal spleen lesions in loiasis: A pilot study in Gabon
Authors: Adegbite Bayode R. , Gobbi Federico G. , Mazzi Cristina , Beral M’Baidiguim Fabrice , Lumeka Anita , Obele Ndong Andréa R.O , Edoa Jean R. , Honkpéhèdji Yabo J. , Zinsou Jeannot F. , Dejon-Agobé Jean C. , Zoleko-Manego Rella , Ramharter Michael , Adegnika Ayola A. , Tamarozzi Francesca 
Published: August 2024

Background
Infection with the filarial nematode Loa loa, endemic in Central and Western Africa, has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A number of reports described the presence of spleen nodules, originating from degenerating microfilariae, in humans and animals infected with L. loa. The long-term consequences of this process on individuals chronically exposed to infection in terms of spleen function and possible link with excess mortality are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of focal spleen lesions, their evolution over time, and markers of spleen function, in individuals with L. loa infection living in highly endemic areas of Gabon.

Methodology/principal findings
This was a cross-sectional study followed by a longitudinal study of the subset of individuals with spleen nodules. Two hundred sixteen participants from Ngounié and Moyen-Ogooué provinces of Gabon, reporting a history of eyeworm migration and/or Calabar swelling, were included. Participants were categorized into infected microfilaraemic with low (N = 74) and high (N = 10) microfilaraemia, and symptomatic amicrofilaraemic (N = 132), based on blood microscopy. Howell-Jolly bodies in erythrocytes, as indirect marker of spleen functional impairment, were within normal ranges. On ultrasound, no evident signs of spleen fibrosis or hypotrophy were observed. Multiple spleen hypoechoic centimetric macronodules were observed in 3/216 participants (1.4%), all with microfilaraemic L. loa infection (3.4% of microfilaraemics); macrondules disappeared at the 6-months follow-up examination in 2/3 individuals. Spleen hypoechoic micronodules, persisting at the 6-months follow-up, were detected in 3/216 participants (1.4%), who were all amicrofilaraemic.

Conclusions/significance
Transitory spleen macronodules are present in a small but consistent proportion of individuals with microfilaraemic loiasis, appearing a rather benign phenomenon in terms of impact on spleen morphology and function. Their occurrence should be taken into consideration to avoid misdiagnosis and mistreatment. Prevalence and significance of spleen micronodular ultrasound patterns in the general population would be also worth evaluating.
The relationship of free fatty acid levels with cognitive status and neuroimaging characteristics in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Samoilova Yu. G. , Matveeva M. V. , Podchinenova D. V. , Oleynik O. A. , Shuliko L. M. , Kovarenko M. A. , Kudlai D. A. 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a progressive health and economic problem of modern society. Endocrine-metabolic changes in childhood and adolescence have an impact on cognitive status, which is accompanied by changes in the perfusion of gray and white matter of the brain, as well as its architectonics.AIM: Verification of fatty acid (FA) levels in relation to cognitive function and brain neuroimaging data in adolescents with obesity.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a single-center observational one-stage comparative. 60 teenagers aged 10–16 years were selected to participate. The main study group was formed of 34 adolescents with obesity (SDS BMI ≥+2.0), 26 subjects with normal weight made up the control group. The calculation of SDS BMI was performed on the WHO «Anthroplus» calculator. To obtain anthropometric data, a vertical height meter MSK — 233, scales and a soft centimeter tape were used. The levels of free fatty acids in the blood serum were determined by chromatomass spectrometry on the Agilent 7000B detector. For neurocognitive testing, the Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale and the Ray test were used. Contrast-free perfusion magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed on a Signa Creator “E” MR tomograph by GE Healthcare, 1.5 Tl, China, by Arterial Spin Labeling. For MR tractography, the GE Sygna Creaton 1.5 Tesla apparatus was used using the method of diffusion imaging with high angular resolution HARDI (High Angular Resolution Diffusion Imaging). Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics software.RESULTS: According to the results of a comparative analysis, adolescents with obesity were distinguished by an increased content of free LC and a decrease in cognitive functions (p <0.05). A lot of statistically significant correlations of different groups of LC with changes in cognitive characteristics, cerebral blood flow and pathways were also obtained.CONCLUSION: The results obtained confirm the significant role of free fatty acids in the pathogenesis of obesity and indicate the effect of lipotoxicity on morphological changes in the structures of the central nervous system, which can lead to the formation of cognitive disorders.