bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning-Based Approach to Identify Inhibitors of Sterol-14-Alpha Demethylase: A Study on Chagas Disease
Authors: Saliu Jamiyu A 
Published: July 2024

Objectives: Chagas Disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Latin America. The current standard treatment for Chagas Disease, benznidazole, is associated with various side effects, necessitating the search for alternative therapeutic options. In this study, we aimed to identify potential therapeutics for Chagas Disease through a comprehensive computational analysis. Methods: A library of compounds derived from Cananga odorata was screened using a combination of pharmacophore modeling, structure-based screening, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. The pharmacophore model facilitated the efficient screening of the compound library, while the structure-based screening identified hit compounds with promising inhibitory potential against the target enzyme, sterol-14-alpha demethylase. Results: The QSAR model predicted the bioactivity of the hit compounds, revealing one compound to exhibit superior activity compared to benznidazole. Evaluation of the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and medicinal chemistry properties of the hit compounds indicated their drug-like characteristics, oral bioavailability, ease of synthesis, and reduced toxicity profiles. Conclusion: Overall, our findings present a promising avenue for the discovery of novel therapeutics for Chagas Disease. The identified hit compounds possess favorable drug-like properties and demonstrate potent inhibitory effects against the target enzyme. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety profiles.
Deep cervical lymph nodes in Parkinson’s disease and atypical Parkinson’s disease: A potential ultrasound biomarker for differential diagnosis
Authors: Dong Zhaoying , Du Xinyi , Wang Ling , Zou Xiaoya , Zuo Hongzhou , Yan Yong , Chen Guojun , Cheng Oumei , Zhang Yong 
Published: July 2024

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease caused by abnormal accumulation of α-synuclein. The glymphatic pathway is essential for removing macromolecular proteins including α-synuclein from the brain, which flows into deep cervical lymph nodes (DCLNs) through meningeal lymphatics. As a terminal station for the cerebral lymphatic system drainage, DCLNs can be easily assessed clinically. Objectives Although the drainage function of the cerebral lymphatic system is impaired in PD, the correlation between DCLNs and PD remains unknown. Design Single-center retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods The size of the DCLNs were measured using ultrasound. The Movement Disorder Society Sponsored Revision Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale and other scales were used to assess PD motor and non-motor symptoms. Results Compared with the healthy control (HC) and the atypical Parkinson’s disease (AP) groups, the size of the second and third DCLNs in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) group was significantly smaller ( P < .05). The width diameter of the third DCLN (DCLN3(y)) was significantly smaller in the PD group than in the AP group ( P = .014). DCLN3(y) combined with a variety of clinical features improved the sensitivity of AP identification (sensitivity = .813). Conclusion DCLNs were able to distinguish HC, PD and AP and were mainly located in Robbins ΙΙA level. PD and AP were associated with different factors that influenced the size of the DCLNs. DCLN3(y) plays an important role in differentiating PD from AP, which, combined with other clinical features, has the ability to distinguish PD from AP; in particular, the sensitivity of AP diagnosis was improved.
Biomarkers in Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Systematic Review
Authors: Geng Ryan S. Q. , Wilken Bethany , Sood Siddhartha , Sibbald Ronald G. , Sibbald Cathryn 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare intraepidermal blistering disease that is potentially life-threatening due to risk of infection and failure of skin barrier function. The identification of biomarkers has the potential to provide diagnostic utility and identify new therapeutic targets. The objective of this systematic review is to identify all potentially relevant PV biomarkers, categorize them, and identify trends to determine the involvement of T-cell-mediated, B-cell-1mediated, and innate immune-mediated pathways in PV pathogenesis. Methods/Results: Medline and Embase databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 66 studies that reported on a total of 2463 patients and 146 unique biomarkers. Biomarkers were categorized into T-cell-mediated, B-cell-mediated, and innate immune system pathways. The most notable biomarkers trends include elevations in IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, anti-Dsg1/3 autoantibodies, and a reduction in Treg cells and FOXP3. Conclusion: The results of this review support current theories of PV pathogenesis, with increased Th2 activity, increased Th17 activity, decreased Treg activity, and production of anti-Dsg1/3 autoantibodies being observed. Targeting of IL-4 and IL-6 may provide therapeutic benefit. However, more research is required to validate biomarkers for clinical utility and assess viability as therapeutic targets.
Relapsing meningitis and limbic encephalitis in anti-AQP4-Ab-associated neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Novi Giovanni , Sbragia Elvira , Benedetti Luana , Schenone Angelo , Uccelli Antonio , Magliozzi Roberta , Del Sette Massimo , Inglese Matilde , Laroni Alice 
Published: July 2024

Objectives: neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare autoimmune disease mainly affecting optic nerves and the spinal cord. Due to the potentially irreversible tissue damage, prevention of relapses is of utmost importance. Methods: We describe the atypical clinical course and pathology results of a patient with anti-aquaporin-4 antibody (anti-AQP4-Ab)-associated NMOSD who developed aseptic meningitis followed by limbic-encephalitis-like presentation with extensive brain lesions upon treatment with rituximab and tocilizumab. Results: The patient developed subacute cognitive decline with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of extensive brain white matter lesions. In the hypothesis of an opportunistic brain infection, she underwent brain biopsy of the temporal pole. Pathology results revealed typical NMOSD findings with complement activation, supporting the hypothesis of an atypical presentation of anti-AQP-Ab-associated NMOSD. Accordingly, treatment with the complement-targeting drug eculizumab was started, leading to a dramatic clinical and MRI improvement. Discussion: aseptic meningitis and limbic encephalitis could represent a rare phenotype of anti-AQP4-Ab-associated NMOSD.
Do we mean the same? Semantic native-likeness in highly proficient second language users
Authors: Kogan Boris , Agulla Lucía , Dottori Martín , Amoruso Lucía , Vivas Leticia , García Adolfo M. 
Published: July 2024

Research question: Native-likeness (similarity between non-native and native users of the same language) depends on second language proficiency (L2p). However, evidence comes mainly from phonological or syntactic tasks, prompting an underexplored question: can higher L2p also entail a more native-like organization of semantic memory? Methodology: We asked high and low proficiency bilinguals to describe concepts in their second (English) and first (Spanish) language. We then compared their responses with semantic structure norms from native speakers of each language, and derived measures of semantic native-likeness through a validated semantic proximity measure. Data and analysis: We examined whether semantic native-likeness scores discriminated between high and low L2p levels at the group level (via inferential statistics) and at the individual level (via machine learning analyses). Findings: We found that semantic associations in English were more native-like in high than in low L2p bilinguals. Machine learning analyses showed that this pattern was highly consistent across individual subjects. Responses in Spanish did not differ between groups. Originality: This is the first study assessing semantic native-likeness through concept-feature associations in high and low L2p bilinguals, both at the group- and the individual-level. Significance: Our findings suggest that increased L2p entails a more native-like organization of semantic memory, informing models of bilingual cognition and its links with experience-related variables.
Optimisation of light environment in architectural space based on multi strategy collaboration – A case study of a manual drawing classroom
Authors: Du Xiaohui , Zhao Sijia , Hu Shijing , Song Siyu 
Published: July 2024

From the perspective of dynamic lighting throughout the year, reflector and louvre are proposed to add to the south-facing window. The optimal parameter is 2.0 m height and 1.0 m width reflector and a louvre angle of 75°. However, when further analysing the indoor illumination and uniformity, the classroom still had high or low illumination during certain periods solely relying on natural lighting, indicating that a single strategy alone cannot meet the overall lighting environment comfort needs of the space. The study suggests that different lighting environments should be used in different seasons, periods and areas of the classroom. The proportion of natural light, combined light and artificial light environments should be 30%, 45% and 25%, respectively. At the same time, considering the transformation and optimisation of the lamps, the improvement measures for windows facing other directions in the classroom is recommended, the lamps be symmetrically distributed in the horizontal direction, with a hanging height of 1.9 m in the vertical direction, which is 0.4 m higher than the original. The lighting power is 34 W and 26 W, and corresponding optimisation strategies for the intelligent control system are proposed.
Mechanical and thermal characterization of resin-infused cotton fabric/epoxy composites: Influence of woven construction parameters and surface treatments
Authors: Owen Macaulay M. , Wong Leong S. , Achukwu Emmanuel O. , Romli Ahmad Z. , Shuib Solehuddin B. 
Published: July 2024

This study explores the mechanical and thermal characterization of epoxy-based composites reinforced with chemically modified woven cotton fabrics using the resin infusion technique. The woven fabrics construction parameters were varied in terms of weft yarn counts (16, 20, and 24 Tex) and pick densities as defined by pick wheel teeth (PWT) (30, 36, and 41 T). The fabrics were surface treated with 6% concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) using the alkali treatment method. The obtained results revealed that mechanical strength improved with decreasing weft yarn count and increasing PWT. Notably, chemically treated composites with the highest PWT exhibited superior strength compared to untreated counterparts, attributed to more compact microstructures, reduced fabric/fiber breakages, and enhanced interfacial bonding between the reinforced plain-woven cotton fabric and epoxy matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that all composites have higher thermal stability above 300°C, with untreated fabric composites exhibiting the highest resistance to degradation, whereas the treated composite quickly degraded at an onset temperature of 288.4°C due to the removal of the hemicellulose, decomposition of the cellulose, and lignin content. In conclusion, the study indicates that surface treatment and woven construction parameters such as weft yarn counts and pick wheel teeth, as well as the resin infusion technique, significantly influence the mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties of resin-infused woven cotton reinforced composites for potential application in industrial and automotive sectors, offering lightweight, durable solutions for components such as construction and building panels, doors, and roof panels.
Impact of operative approach and patient frailty on outcomes for aorto-iliac occlusive disease with critical limb threatening ischemia
Authors: Zambetti Benjamin Ross , Plant Joshua , Liang Willie , Toursavadkohi Shahab 
Published: July 2024

Objectives Multiple treatment modalities exist for the management of aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) including endovascular (endo), extra-anatomic bypass (EAB), and anatomic bypass (AB). The goal of this study was to examine the impact of revascularization strategy and patient frailty on outcomes for AIOD in patients with critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). Methods Patients undergoing revascularization for CLTI and AIOD were identified from the NSQIP database over 5 years. Demographics, procedural characteristics, and outcomes were recorded. Modified frailty index (mFI-5) was calculated for each patient. Patients were compared based on the type of procedure and frailty (mFi>0.6). Results From 2017 to 2021, 1777 patients underwent revascularization for CLTI from AIOD. Patients were majority male (56%) with a mean age of 68. A total of 1346 patients (76%) underwent an open operation of which 669 were EAB. When endo (431 patients) was compared with open repair, endo was associated with a higher incidence of tissue loss at presentation (42% vs 33%, p < 0.001), lower rates of bleeding (6.5% vs 15.5%, p < 0.001), fewer MI/stroke (1.6% vs 4.6%, p = 0.004), and fewer wound complications (2.6% vs 11.2%, p < 0.001). There was no difference in re-intervention, amputation, or death based on frailty. For frail patients (184 patients), type of repair did not impact re-intervention, major amputation, or mortality, though there was increased MI/stroke with EAB and increased wound complications with AB/EAB. Conclusions AIOD revascularization strategies for patients with CLTI have similar 30-day re-intervention, major amputation, and mortality rates. Endovascular repair has less surgical wound complications and is better suited for frail patients.
The association of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 30-day outcomes of infrainguinal bypass surgery: A propensity-score matching study
Authors: Li Renxi , Sidawy Anton , Nguyen Bao-Ngoc 
Published: July 2024

Background Infrainguinal bypass surgery is an effective treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD). While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been linked to heightened risks of mortality and morbidity in major surgery, a thorough investigation into COPD’s impact on infrainguinal bypass outcomes remained underexplored. Thus, this study aimed to assess the 30-day outcomes for COPD patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery. Methods COPD and non-COPD patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2011 to 2022. Patients of age<18 were excluded. A 1:1 propensity-score matching was used to match demographics, baseline characteristics, symptomatology, procedure, conduit, and anesthesia. Thirty postoperative outcomes were compared. Results There were 3,183 (12.64%) and 22,004 (87.36%) patients with and without COPD, respectively, who underwent infrainguinal bypass. COPD patients had a higher comorbid burden. After propensity-score matching, COPD patients had higher sepsis (3.55% vs 2.42%, p = 0.01), wound complications (18.94% vs 16.40%, p = 0.01), and 30-day readmission (18.00% vs 14.92%, p < 0.01). However, COPD and non-COPD patients had comparable 30-day mortality (2.54% vs 2.67%, p = 0.81), and organ system complications including cardiac (3.58% vs 3.99%, p = 0.43), pulmonary (3.96% vs 3.20%, p = 0.12), and renal complications (1.70% vs 1.82%, p = 0.78). Limb-specific outcomes including major amputation (2.95% vs 2.50%, p = 0.30), untreated loss of patency (1.85% vs 1.38%, p = 0.16), and patent graft (98.24% vs 98.65%, p = 0.27) were also comparable between the cohorts. Conclusion While COPD might be associated with the development of PAD due to potentially shared pathophysiology, it may not be an independent risk factor for the major 30-day outcomes in infrainguinal bypass surgery.
Anticoagulation strategy for patients presenting with ischemic strokes while using a direct oral anticoagulant: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mota Telles João Paulo , Cenci Giulia Isadora , Marinheiro Gabriel , Nager Gabriela Borges , Rocha Rebeka Bustamante , Bomtempo Fernanda Ferreira , Figueiredo Eberval Gadelha , Sampaio Silva Gisele 
Published: July 2024

Background: While direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have established efficacy in reducing the risk of ischemic stroke, they still leave a residual risk of stroke, which may be greater in practice (0.7–2.3%) than in controlled clinical trial settings. This meta-analysis examines four therapeutic approaches following a stroke in patients already on DOACs: continuing with the same DOAC, changing to a different DOAC, increasing the current DOAC dosage, or switching to a vitamin K antagonist (VKA), such as warfarin. Methods: Systematic review of literature from the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases, was conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The analysis focused on six studies with varied patient demographics, examining as outcomes as recurrent ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, other bleeding events, and mortality. Results: Six studies comprising 12,159 patients were included, all of them were observational. Patients who remained on their initial DOAC regimen had a lower risk of experiencing ischemic strokes (risk ratio (RR) 0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–0.70; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), intracranial hemorrhage (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25–0.55; p < 0.001; I2 = 0%), and hemorrhagic events (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.30–0.63; p < 0.001; I2 = 6%) compared to those who were switched to warfarin, with an increase in mortality rates (hazard ratio (HR) 1.85; 95% CI 1.06–3.24; p = 0.03; I2 = 84%). In contrast, neither changing to a different DOAC nor adjusting the dose proved to be more effective than the original regimen. Conclusion: Post-stroke adjustments to anticoagulation therapy—whether altering the drug or its dosage—do not yield additional benefits. In addition, the results suggest that warfarin may be less effective than DOACs for preventing stroke recurrence, bleeding complications, and death in this patient population.
A Comparison of Transoral Versus Transcervical Surgical Approaches to Retropharyngeal Lymphadenectomy: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tzelnick Sharon , Tsai Jillian , Hosni Ali , Goldstein David P. , Almeida John R. de , Yao Christopher M. K. L. 
Published: July 2024

Importance A gap in knowledge exists concerning the functional outcomes and complications when comparing various surgical approaches for retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) metastases. Objective To explore perioperative outcomes, functional outcomes, and complications associated in the treatment of RPLN metastases Design The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) protocol was used to conduct a scoping review of the PubMed and Scopus databases Review Methods We systematically searched 2 databases from inception to January 2023 for articles examining the treatment approaches and postoperative outcomes in the retropharyngeal space. We included English records about surgical approaches, complications, functional outcomes for patients >18 years old with retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. Results One-hundred ninety-nine articles were identified, of which 17 were included in the analysis. Three studies assessed RPLN dissection in the postradiation setting. We identified limited knowledge about functional outcomes and complications following surgery for retropharyngeal lymphadenopathy. Overall, acute postoperative dysphagia was documented in 35/170 patients (20.5%). However, the assessment of dysphagia was limited, and not described in the majority of studies. The overall rate of postoperative neuropathy and hematoma were 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively. No postoperative hematomas were documented in the transcervical approach. Conclusion Our findings underscore the need for further research on postoperative outcomes following RPLN dissection. We recommend further studies focusing on objective swallow assessments and long-term outcomes of either surgical approaches.
Accuracy and Feasibility of a Novel Glucose/Lactate Continuous Multi-Analyte Sensing Platform in Humans
Authors: Lu Jean C. , Morrison Dale , Halim Bella , Manos Georgina , Obeyesekere Varuni , Kannard Brian , Shah Rajiv , Wolfe Kate , Morrow Blake , Pagliuso Ben , Liang Bradley , Nava Bella , Lee Melissa H. , Ekinci Elif , Jenkins Alicia J. , MacIsaac Richard J. , O’Neal David N. 
Published: July 2024

Background and aim: Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) have been commercially available since 1999. However, automated insulin delivery systems may benefit from real-time inputs in addition to glucose. Continuous multi-analyte sensing platforms will meet this area of potential growth without increasing the burden of additional devices. We aimed to generate pilot data regarding the safety and function of a first-in-human, single-probe glucose/lactate multi-analyte continuous sensor. Methods: The investigational glucose/lactate continuous multi-analyte sensor (PercuSense Inc, Valencia, California) was inserted to the upper arms of 16 adults with diabetes, and data were available for analysis from 11 of these participants (seven female; mean [SD] = age 43 years [16]; body mass index [BMI] = 27 kg/m2 [5]). A commercially available Guardian 3 CGM (Medtronic, Northridge, California) was also inserted into the abdomen for comparison. All participants underwent a meal-test followed by an exercise challenge on day 1 and day 4 of wear. Performance was benchmarked against venous blood YSI glucose and lactate values. Results: The investigational glucose sensor had an overall mean absolute relative difference (MARD) of 14.5% (median = 11.2%) which improved on day 4 compared with day 1 (13.9% vs 15.2%). The Guardian 3 CGM had an overall MARD of 13.9% (median = 9.4%). The lactate sensor readings within 20/20% and 40/40% of YSI values were 59.7% and 83.1%, respectively. Conclusions: Our initial data support safety and functionality of a novel glucose/lactate continuous multi-analyte sensor. Further sensor refinement will improve run-in performance and accuracy.