bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis with central nervous system involvement in children: a case report and literature review
Authors: Nie Nana , Liu Lin , Bai Cui , Wang Dahai , Gao Shan , Liu Jia , Zhang Ranran , Lin Yi , Zhang Qiuye , Chang Hong 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of children with central nervous system (CNS) involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).MethodsA child who presented with EGPA complicated by CNS involvement was admitted to our hospital in June 2023. The clinical features were analyzed retrospectively, and relevant literatures were reviewed to provide a comprehensive overview of this condition.ResultsA ten-year-old girl, who had a history of recurrent cough and asthma accompanied by peripheral blood eosinophilia for eight months, was admitted to our hospital. On admission, spotted papules were visible on her hands and feet, bilateral pulmonary rales were audible. The laboratory examination revealed that the proportion of eosinophils (EOS) exceeded 10% of white blood cells, the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) was positive, the immunoglobulin G level was 15.80g/L, and the immunoglobulin E level was greater than 2500.00IU/mL. The imaging examination showed multiple patchy and nodular high-density shadows in both lungs as well as sinusitis. Pulmonary function tests indicated moderate ventilation and diffusion dysfunction. Bone marrow cytology demonstrated a significant increase in the proportion of eosinophils. Skin pathology confirmed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. During the hospitalization, the child had a convulsion. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain showed multiple abnormal signal shadows in the bilateral cerebral cortex and the electroencephalogram (EEG) showed epileptic waves. Following the administration of methylprednisolone pulse therapy in combination with cyclophosphamide treatment, her cough and asthma resolved, the skin rash disappeared without any further convulsions. We found that only a young EGPA patient with CNS involvement had been previously reported. The previously reported case began with long-term fever, weight loss, and purpuric rash. Both patients responded well to treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide, experiencing significant improvement in their clinical symptoms and normalization of their peripheral blood eosinophils.ConclusionThe diagnosis of EGPA in children can be challenging. When a child is affected by EGPA, it is essential to remain vigilant for signs of CNS involvement. The treatment with glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide is effective in managing EGPA in children.
Development and emerging trends of drug resistance mutations in HIV: a bibliometric analysis based on CiteSpace
Authors: Chen Xuannan , Chen Xi , Lai Yu 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAntiretroviral therapy has led to AIDS being a chronic disease. Nevertheless, the presence of constantly emerging drug resistance mutations poses a challenge to clinical treatment. A systematic analysis to summarize the advancements and uncharted territory of drug resistance mutations is urgently needed and may provide new clues for solving this problem.MethodsWe gathered 3,694 publications on drug resistance mutations from the Web of Science Core Collection with CiteSpace software and performed an analysis to visualize the results and predict future new directions and emerging trends. Betweenness centrality, count, and burst value were taken as standards.ResultsThe number of papers on HIV medication resistance mutations during the last 10 years shows a wave-like trend. In terms of nation, organization, and author, the United States (1449), University of London (193), and Mark A. Wainberg (66) are the most significant contributors. The most frequently cited article is “Drug resistance mutations for surveillance of transmitted HIV-1 drug-resistance: 2009 update.” Hot topics in this field include “next-generation sequencing,” “tenofovir alafenamide,” “children,” “regimens,” “accumulation,” “dolutegravir,” “rilpivirine,” “sex,” “pretreatment drug resistance,” and “open label.” Research on drug resistance in teenagers, novel mutation detection techniques, and drug development is ongoing, and numerous publications have indicated the presence of mutations related to current medications. Therefore, testing must be performed regularly for patients who have used medications for a long period. Additionally, by choosing medications with a longer half-life, patients can take fewer doses of their prescription, increasing patient compliance.ConclusionThis study involved a bibliometric visualization analysis of the literature on drug resistance mutations, providing insight into the field’s evolution and emerging patterns and offering academics a resource to better understand HIV drug resistance mutations and contribute to the field’s advancement.
Fighting Salmonella Infantis: bacteriophage-driven cleaning and disinfection strategies for broiler farms
Authors: Sevilla-Navarro Sandra , Torres-Boncompte Jan , Garcia-Llorens Josep , Bernabéu-Gimeno Mireia , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Catalá-Gregori Pablo 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSalmonella is a bacterium that can cause food-borne infections and is responsible for the most common gastrointestinal illnesses. The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains worldwide is a major threat, representing a major challenge in public health. To reduce its incidence, the One Health approach is required, and the development of new biocontrol protocols will help prevent or eliminate the spread of Salmonella. Prevention measures, such as on-farm cleaning and disinfection protocols, are a crucial step in reducing infection to new flocks and eliminating bacteria that remain in the facilities. However, MDR Salmonella species, such as S. Infantis, are highly resistant to conventional cleaning and disinfection protocols, with an increased ability to persist in the broiler farm environment. The need for alternative biocontrol methods has led to the use of bacteriophages or phages, viruses that target bacteria, as promising tools. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of phages as a biocide against S. Infantis isolates in combination with cleaning and disinfection protocols in 10 commercial poultry farms.MethodsAll commercial farms selected in this study had persistent Salmonella, even after the routinely used cleaning and disinfection procedures. In addition, Salmonella isolated before treatment were phenotypically characterized by antimicrobial resistance patterns.ResultsThe results showed that 100% of S. Infantis were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and &gt; 70% were MDR. Phages were then isolated against the in-farm bacteria, purified, and multiplied for each poultry farm. The cleaning and disinfection protocols included the application of the lytic phages (vB_Si_CECAV_FGS009; vB_Si_CECAV_FGS017; vB_Si_CECAV_FGS029 and vB_Si_CECAV _FGS030) twice at 24-h intervals between cleaning and disinfection. Following the cleaning and disinfection procedures, Salmonella detection was reduced from 100% after cleaning to 36% after applying the phages and dropped to 0% after the final step of disinfection, thus eliminating Salmonella from the farm facilities.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that bacteriophage application after cleaning and before disinfection enhances the removal of MDR Salmonella Infantis in commercial broiler farms, suggesting their use as biocontrol agents to reduce Salmonella, a major public health concern.
Involvement and regulation of the left anterior cingulate cortex in the ultrasonic communication deficits of autistic mice
Authors: Hou Yilin , Li Yuqian , Yang Dingding , Zhao Youyi , Feng Tingwei , Zheng Wei’an , Xian Panpan , Liu Xufeng , Wu Shengxi , Wang Yazhou 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of diseases often characterized by poor sociability and challenges in social communication. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a core brain region for social function. Whether it contributes to the defects of social communication in ASD and whether it could be physiologically modulated to improve social communication have been poorly investigated. This study is aimed at addressing these questions.MethodsFragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) mutant and valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD mice were used. Male–female social interaction was adopted to elicit ultrasonic vocalization (USV). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate USV-activated neurons. Optogenetic and precise target transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were utilized to modulate anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neuronal activity.ResultsIn wild-type (WT) mice, USV elicited rapid expression of c-Fos in the excitatory neurons of the left but not the right ACC. Optogenetic inhibition of the left ACC neurons in WT mice effectively suppressed social-induced USV. In FMR1−/−- and VPA-induced ASD mice, significantly fewer c-Fos/CaMKII-positive neurons were observed in the left ACC following USV compared to the control. Optogenetic activation of the left ACC neurons in FMR1−/− or VPA-pretreated mice significantly increased social activity elicited by USV. Furthermore, precisely stimulating neuronal activity in the left ACC, but not the right ACC, by repeated TMS effectively rescued the USV emission in these ASD mice.DiscussionThe excitatory neurons in the left ACC are responsive to socially elicited USV. Their silence mediates the deficiency of social communication in FMR1−/− and VPA-induced ASD mice. Precisely modulating the left ACC neuronal activity by repeated TMS can promote the social communication in FMR1−/− and VPA-pretreated mice.
The deletion of AQP4 and TRPV4 affects astrocyte swelling/volume recovery in response to ischemia-mimicking pathologies
Authors: Hermanova Zuzana , Valihrach Lukas , Kriska Jan , Maheta Mansi , Tureckova Jana , Kubista Mikael , Anderova Miroslava 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAstrocytic Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels, together with Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), are suspected to be the key players in cellular volume regulation, and therefore may affect the development and severity of cerebral edema during ischemia. In this study, we examined astrocytic swelling/volume recovery in mice with TRPV4 and/or AQP4 deletion in response to in vitro ischemic conditions, to determine how the deletion of these channels can affect the development of cerebral edema.MethodsWe used three models of ischemia-related pathological conditions: hypoosmotic stress, hyperkalemia, and oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD), and observed their effect on astrocyte volume changes in acute brain slices of Aqp4–/–, Trpv4–/– and double knockouts. In addition, we employed single-cell RT-qPCR to assess the effect of TRPV4 and AQP4 deletion on the expression of other ion channels and transporters involved in the homeostatic functioning of astrocytes.ResultsQuantification of astrocyte volume changes during OGD revealed that the deletion of AQP4 reduces astrocyte swelling, while simultaneous deletion of both AQP4 and TRPV4 leads to a disruption of astrocyte volume recovery during the subsequent washout. Of note, astrocyte exposure to hypoosmotic stress or hyperkalemia revealed no differences in astrocyte swelling in the absence of AQP4, TRPV4, or both channels. Moreover, under ischemia-mimicking conditions, we identified two distinct subpopulations of astrocytes with low and high volumetric responses (LRA and HRA), and their analyses revealed that mainly HRA are affected by the deletion of AQP4, TRPV4, or both channels. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed reduced expression of the ion transporters KCC1 and ClC2 as well as the receptors GABAB and NMDA in Trpv4–/– mice. The deletion of AQP4 instead caused reduced expression of the serine/cysteine peptidase inhibitor Serpina3n.DiscussionThus, we showed that in AQP4 or TRPV4 knockouts, not only the specific function of these channels is affected, but also the expression of other proteins, which may modulate the ischemic cascade and thus influence the final impact of ischemia.
Associations of diabetes status and glucose measures with outcomes after endovascular therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke: an analysis of the nationwide TREAT-AIS registry
Authors: Hsieh Meng-Tsang , Hsieh Cheng-Yang , Yang Tzu-Hsien , Sung Sheng-Feng , Hsieh Yi-Chen , Lee Chung-Wei , Lin Chun-Jen , Chen Yu-Wei , Lin Kuan-Hung , Sung Pi-Shan , Tang Chih-Wei , Chu Hai-Jui , Tsai Kun-Chang , Chou Chao-Liang , Lin Ching-Huang , Wei Cheng-Yu , Chen Te-Yuan , Yan Shang-Yih , Chen Po-Lin , Hsiao Chen-Yu , Chan Lung , Huang Yen-Chu , Liu Hon-Man , Tang Sung-Chun , Lee I-Hui , Lien Li-Ming , Chiou Hung-Yi , Lee Jiunn-Tay , Jeng Jiann-Shing 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundHyperglycemia affects the outcomes of endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study compares the predictive ability of diabetes status and glucose measures on EVT outcomes using nationwide registry data.MethodsThe study included 1,097 AIS patients who underwent EVT from the Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke. The variables analyzed included diabetes status, admission glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), admission glucose-to-HbA1c ratio (GAR), and outcomes such as 90-day poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 2) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH). Multivariable analyses investigated the independent effects of diabetes status and glucose measures on outcomes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare their predictive abilities.ResultsThe multivariable analysis showed that individuals with known diabetes had a higher likelihood of poor functional outcomes (odds ratios [ORs] 2.10 to 2.58) and SICH (ORs 3.28 to 4.30) compared to those without diabetes. Higher quartiles of admission glucose and GAR were associated with poor functional outcomes and SICH. Higher quartiles of HbA1c were significantly associated with poor functional outcomes. However, patients in the second HbA1c quartile (5.6–5.8%) showed a non-significant tendency toward good functional outcomes compared to those in the lowest quartile (&lt;5.6%). The ROC analysis indicated that diabetes status and admission glucose had higher predictive abilities for poor functional outcomes, while admission glucose and GAR were better predictors for SICH.ConclusionIn AIS patients undergoing EVT, diabetes status, admission glucose, and GAR were associated with 90-day poor functional outcomes and SICH. Admission glucose was likely the most suitable glucose measure for predicting outcomes after EVT.
EPAT: a user-friendly MATLAB toolbox for EEG/ERP data processing and analysis
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Gong Xun , Song Ziang , Xie Wenkai , Yang Yanfeng , Sun Xiangjie , Wei Penghu , Wang Changming , Zhao Guoguang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAt the intersection of neural monitoring and decoding, event-related potential (ERP) based on electroencephalography (EEG) has opened a window into intrinsic brain function. The stability of ERP makes it frequently employed in the field of neuroscience. However, project-specific custom code, tracking of user-defined parameters, and the large diversity of commercial tools have limited clinical application.MethodsWe introduce an open-source, user-friendly, and reproducible MATLAB toolbox named EPAT that includes a variety of algorithms for EEG data preprocessing. It provides EEGLAB-based template pipelines for advanced multi-processing of EEG, magnetoencephalography, and polysomnogram data. Participants evaluated EEGLAB and EPAT across 14 indicators, with satisfaction ratings analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired t-test based on distribution normality.ResultsEPAT eases EEG signal browsing and preprocessing, EEG power spectrum analysis, independent component analysis, time-frequency analysis, ERP waveform drawing, and topological analysis of scalp voltage. A user-friendly graphical user interface allows clinicians and researchers with no programming background to use EPAT.ConclusionThis article describes the architecture, functionalities, and workflow of the toolbox. The release of EPAT will help advance EEG methodology and its application to clinical translational studies.
Associations of cerebrospinal fluid profiles with severity and mortality risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Fu Jiajia , Lai Xiaohui , Wei Qianqian , Chen Xueping , Shang Huifang 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing and the disease phenotype of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is unclear, and there are some contradictions in current studies.MethodsThis study aimed to analyze the relationship between CSF profiles and disease phenotype in ALS patients. We collected 870 ALS patients and 96 control subjects admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University. CSF microprotein, albumin, IgG, index of IgG (IgGindex), albumin quotient (QALB), and serum IgG were examined.ResultsIn ALS patients, CSF IgG, and QALB were significantly increased, while CSF IgGindex was decreased, compared with control subjects. Approximately one-third of ALS patients had higher CSF IgG levels. The multiple linear regression analysis identified that CSF IgGindex was weakly negatively associated with ALS functional rating scale revised (ALSFRS-R) scores (β = −0.062, p = 0.041). This significance was found in male ALS but not in female ALS. The Cox survival analyses found that upregulated CSF IgG was significantly associated with the increased mortality risk in ALS [HR = 1.219 (1.010–1.470), p = 0.039].ConclusionIn the current study, the higher CFS IgG was associated with increased mortality risk of ALS. CSF IgGindex may be associated with the severity of ALS. These findings may be sex-specific.
Patterns of chemotherapy use with primary radiotherapy for localized bladder cancer in patients 65 or older
Authors: Ghali Fady , Holt Sarah K. , Koehne Elizabeth L. , Chen Jonathan J. , Weg Emily S. , Liao Jay J. , Zeng Jing , Grivas Petros , Hawley Jessica E. , Hsieh Andrew C. , Montgomery Robert Bruce , Wright Jonathan L. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionBladder preservation with concurrent chemoradiotherapy after maximum transurethral resection of bladder tumor is an alternative to radical cystectomy in select patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Concurrent administration of radio-sensitizing chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) has been shown to have superior disease control compared with RT alone and can often be administered with modest added toxicity. We sought to describe national patterns of chemotherapy use.MethodsThe linked surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER)-Medicare database was used to identify patients with cT2-4, N0/X, M0/X BC who received radiation between 2004 and 2018. Data on demographics, clinicopathologic factors, therapy and outcomes were extracted. Concurrent utilization of chemotherapy with RT was also identified (CRT). Multivariate logistic regression (MVA) models were used to explore factors associated with receipt of chemotherapy and overall survival (OS).Results2190 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 850 (38.8%) received no chemotherapy. Among those receiving chemotherapy, the most frequent regimens were single agent carboplatin, cisplatin, or gemcitabine. Factors that were independently associated with decreased likelihood of chemotherapy use were increasing age (OR 0.93, CI 0.92 – 0.95), Hispanic race (compared with White, OR 0.62, CI 0.39 – 0.99), cT3 or T4 (compared with cT2, OR 0.70, CI 0.55 – 0.90), and lower National Cancer Institute comorbidity index (OR 0.60, CI 0.51 – 0.70) (p &lt; 0.05). Variables independently associated with increased likelihood of receipt of chemotherapy were married status (OR 1.28, CI 1.06 – 1.54), higher socioeconomic status (OR 1.31, CI 1.06 – 1.64), and later year of diagnosis (OR 1.09, CI 1.06 – 1.12). Receipt of concurrent chemotherapy with RT was associated with superior OS compared with RT alone.ConclusionOver a third of patients &gt;/65 years old receiving curative-intent RT for MIBC do not receive concurrent chemotherapy. Considering the improvement in oncologic outcomes with CRT over RT alone and more options, such as low dose gemcitabine which can be administered with modest toxicity, efforts are needed to identify barriers to utilization and increase the use of radio-sensitizing chemotherapy.
Pharmacogenetic landscape of pain management variants among Mediterranean populations
Authors: Jmel Haifa , Boukhalfa Wided , Gouiza Ismail , Seghaier Roua Ouled , Dallali Hamza , Kefi Rym 
Published: May 2024

Background:Chronic pain is a major socioeconomic burden in the Mediterranean region. However, we noticed an under-representation of these populations in the pharmacogenetics of pain management studies. In this context, we aimed 1) to decipher the pharmacogenetic variant landscape among Mediterranean populations compared to worldwide populations in order to identify therapeutic biomarkers for personalized pain management and 2) to better understand the biological process of pain management through in silico investigation of pharmacogenes pathways.Materials and Methods:We collected genes and variants implicated in pain response using the Prisma guidelines from literature and PharmGK database. Next, we extracted these genes from genotyping data of 829 individuals. Then, we determined the variant distribution among the studied populations using multivariate (MDS) and admixture analysis with R and STRUCTURE software. We conducted a Chi2 test to compare the interethnic frequencies of the identified variants. We used SNPinfo web server, miRdSNP database to identify miRNA-binding sites. In addition, we investigated the functions of the identified genes and variants using pathway enrichment analysis and annotation tools. Finally, we performed docking analysis to assess the impact of variations on drug interactions.Results:We identified 63 variants implicated in pain management. MDS analysis revealed that Mediterranean populations are genetically similar to Mexican populations and divergent from other populations. STRUCTURE analysis showed that Mediterranean populations are mainly composed of European ancestry. We highlighted differences in the minor allele frequencies of three variants (rs633, rs4680, and rs165728) located in the COMT gene. Moreover, variant annotation revealed ten variants with potential miRNA-binding sites. Finally, protein structure and docking analysis revealed that two missense variants (rs4680 and rs6267) induced a decrease in COMT protein activity and affinity for dopamine.Conclusion:Our findings revealed that Mediterranean populations diverge from other ethnic groups. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of pain-related pathways and miRNAs to better implement these markers as predictors of analgesic responses in the Mediterranean region.