bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Punctate Inner Choroidopathy (PIC) disease recurrence with inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) post-COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Scott Daniel Andrew Richard , Niederer Rachael Louise 
Published: May 2024

Purpose To report a recurrence of punctate inner choroidopathy (PIC) with an inflammatory choroidal neovascular membrane (iCNVM) after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Methods Case report. Results A 38-year-old female with a history of myopia and previous episodes of PIC and iCNVM presented with distorted vision in her right eye, seven days after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. The patient exhibited active PIC lesions with iCNVM confirmed on multimodal imaging. Treatment with a combination of oral corticosteroids and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection led to disease resolution. Subsequent COVID-19 vaccinations, administered while the patient was immunosuppressed, did not lead to disease relapse. However, relapse occurred following the fourth COVID-19 vaccine, when the patient was not immune suppressed. Conclusion This case highlights the potential risk of PIC disease relapse following COVID-19 vaccination. Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and PIC exacerbation, as well as to determine optimal management strategies in this population, including close observation and consideration of prophylactic immune suppression at the time of COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk individuals.
Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy for treatment of circumscribed choroidal hemangioma
Authors: Bajpai Vidhi , Raval Vishal , Reddy P Vijay Anand , Kaliki Swathi 
Published: May 2024

Purpose To describe the clinical and imaging features of circumscribed choroidal hemangiomas (CCH) and their treatment outcomes with Ruthenium-106 (106Ru) plaque brachytherapy. Methods Retrospective study of 24 patients (24 eyes) diagnosed with CCH and treated with 106Ru plaque between 2017 and 2022. Analysis included pre- and post-treatment clinical and imaging features such as tumor regression, reduction in height, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Results The mean age at presentation was 36 years (range, 16–57). The most common tumor location was the temporal quadrant ( n = 19) with macular involvement ( n = 13). Associated features were macular SRF ( n = 22) and inferior exudative retinal detachment ( n = 10). Nineteen of the 24 patients underwent primary treatment, whereas 5 patients underwent plaque as a salvage treatment. The mean tumor apex dose was 40 Gy. At a median follow-up of 7.5 months (range 3–65 months), 18 eyes showed complete regression, whereas 6 eyes showed partial regression. The mean height decreased from 4.8 (SD 1.28) mm at presentation to 2.5 (SD 1.63) mm. Median BCVA improved from logMAR 1.2 (IQR 0.4–2) at baseline to logMAR 1.05 (IQR 0.1–1.95) ( p = 0.4). Complete resolution of the macula and tumor SRF was observed in 15 (68%) and 13 (57%) eyes, respectively. The radiation-related complications observed were radiation maculopathy (4 eyes), retinopathy (1 eye), and vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye). Conclusion Ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy is effective for CCH (> 3 mm height) as a primary and salvage treatment for tumors unresponsive to other modalities.
16-year outcomes of blunt thoracic aortic injury treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair: A single-institution experience
Authors: Rahman Tasnia , Halonen Lauri M. , Handolin Lauri , Juvonen Tatu , Jormalainen Mikko , Dahlbacka Sebastian 
Published: May 2024

Background: Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is associated with considerable mortality and morbidity. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has essentially replaced open aortic repair (OAR) with superior outcome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the early and intermediate-term outcomes in patients sustaining BTAI treated with TEVAR, and to evaluate the prevalence and impact of left subclavian artery (LSA) coverage. Methods: This retrospective analysis includes patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI between February 2006 and December 2022 at the Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. The primary endpoints were 30-day and 2-year mortality, technical success of stent-graft system deployment, and procedural and device-related complications. The secondary endpoints pertained to reintervention events: conversion to OAR, re-TEVAR, any endovascular/surgical reinterventions for optimal stent-graft function, or any reinterventions during follow-up. Results: A total of 38 consecutive BTAI patients treated with TEVAR were included in the analyses. Median patient age was 45.5 years (range, 15–79) and 66% were male. The median follow-up period was 39 months. Technical success was 100%, 30-day mortality was 0%, and 2-year mortality was 11% in the study cohort. Coverage of LSA without revascularization (13/18) resulted in one postoperative nondisabling stroke (1/13), no paraplegia, and one had ischemic left arm findings (1/13). Only one patient required reintervention (LSA embolization; 1/38). Conclusion: In this institutional series, we provide further evidence in favor of TEVAR for BTAI treatment. We demonstrated that TEVAR is linked to highly favorable outcomes in the short and intermediate term, and coverage of LSA without revascularization was quite well tolerated.
Responsiveness and validity of the Normal Hand Score in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression
Authors: Stirling Paul H. C. , Yapp Liam Z. , McEachan Jane E. 
Published: May 2024

This study describes the measurement properties of the Normal Hand Score in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression (CTD). We identified 1893 episodes of CTD over a 6-year period. Paired pre- and postoperative QuickDASH, Normal Hand and satisfaction scores were available for 1006 episodes (53%; mean follow-up of 12 months). The effect size, minimum clinically important change (MCIC) and patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) were calculated using anchor-based methodology and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses. Mean Normal Hand Score improved from 48 (SD 20) preoperatively to 78 (SD 24) postoperatively ( p < 0.001). The MCIC was 18 points and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85 to 0.92) demonstrating excellent fit. The PASS was 61 and the AUC was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.96) demonstrating outstanding fit. The Normal Hand Score has excellent performance characteristics, including appropriate responsiveness and acceptable criterion validity. This analysis supports its use as an adjunct to patient-reported outcome measures after CTD. Level of evidence: II
New Perspectives on the Therapeutic Potentials of Bioactive Compounds from Curcuma longa: Targeting COX-1 & 2, PDE-4B, and Antioxidant Enzymes to Counteract Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Asanga Edet Effiong , Joseph Akaninyene , Umoh EkementeAbasi Aniebo , Ekeleme Chinedum Martins , Okoroiwu Henshaw Uchechi , Edet Uwem Okon , Umoafia Nikita Elkanah , Eseyin Olorunfemi Abraham , Nkang Ani , Okokon Jude Efiom , Essang Samuel , Chimzi Glory , Okpo Daniel Nkereuwem , Ephraim Patrick Bassey , Otogwu Vivian Augustine 
Published: May 2024

Background Inflammations, oxidative stress, and pains underlie the pathogenesis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like respiratory disorders and cancer; however, they are scientifically treated with Curcuma longa. Therefore, the pharmacological screening (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic) of the plant's rhizome, isolation and characterization of its compounds, as well as their in silico profiling with cyclooxygenases, phosphodiesterase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase could yield lead compounds with better benefit-to-risk ratio against oxidative stress and inflammation. Methods The collection of the plant's rhizomes , extract preparation, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant studies, retrieval of target proteins, GC-MS, ADME, and docking analyses were done using standard protocols. Results Curcuma longa's percentage edema inhibition and analgesic potentials were better than aspirin in both acute and sub-acute inflammations as well as chemical and thermal-induced pains; moreover, its antioxidant activities were better than vitamin C. Moreover, twenty compounds with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities were unraveled from the GC-MS analysis. Ar-tumerone, curcumin, γ-sitosterol, α-tocopherol, isocurcumenol, adamantane, and curdione were the lead compounds based on their binding affinities (for PDE-4B, COX-1, COX-2, SOD, CAT, GPx), lower molecular weights, non-permeation of blood brain barrier, bioavailability profiles, non-inhibition of metabolizing enzymes, faster renal clearance, and non-violation of Lipinski's rules. Conclusion Adamantane, α-tocopherol, and γ-sitosterol reported for the first time in the plant's rhizome could mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation as mediators of apoptosis, cytotoxic impaired autophagy, DNA damages, and mitochondrial dysfunction that contributes to the progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Exploring the impact of computer game playing on cognitive function, Alzheimer's disease risk, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels: Basic evidence from Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Mao Zhenwei , Ren Zhanbing , Zang Wanli , Tian Haodong , Huang Li , Liu Haowei , Liu Feiyang , Peng Li 
Published: May 2024

Introduction The potential positive impact of computer game playing on cognitive function and its potential role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been suggested. However, current observational studies have certain limitations. We utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) alongside extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to examine the relationship between computer game playing, cognitive function, risk of AD, and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Methods We collected datasets on computer game playing, cognition function, risk of AD, and BDNF level from the IEU Open GWAS project. Causal effects were assessed using various MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. To ensure the accuracy of the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted. Results Our analysis revealed a significant association between computer game playing and cognitive function ( β  =  0.801, 95% CI: 0.351, 1.328, P  =  0.001). There was no statistically significant association between computer game playing and either BDNF level or risk of AD ( β  =  −0.112, 95%CI: −1.315, 1.091, P  =  0.855; OR = 1.000, 95% CI: 1.004, 0.997, P  =  0.891, respectively). We further confirmed the reliability of our evidence through the MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, Cochran's Q test, and funnel plots. Conclusion The results of our study indicate that engaging in computer game playing may confer a safeguarding influence on cognitive function. This underscores the potential advantages associated with computer gaming. Nevertheless, given the constraints inherent in our research, further investigation is warranted to substantiate our findings and delve into the underlying mechanisms.
Comparative effectiveness of dimethyl fumarate versus non-specific immunosuppressants: Real-world evidence from MSBase
Authors: Spelman Tim , Eichau Sara , Alroughani Raed , Ozakbas Serkan , Khoury Samia J , Patti Francesco , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Boz Cavit , Terzi Murat , Kuhle Jens , Grammond Pierre , Lechner-Scott Jeanette , Gray Orla , Amato Maria Pia , Laureys Guy , Shaygannejad Vahid , Hyde Robert , Wang Haijue , Bozin Ivan , Belviso Nicholas , Quan Chao , Zeng Feng , van der Walt Anneke , Butzkueven Helmut ,   the MSBase Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background The use of non-specific immunosuppressants (NSIS) to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) remains prevalent in certain geographies despite safety concerns, likely due to resource limitations. Objective To use MSBase registry data to compare real-world outcomes in adults with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) treated with dimethyl fumarate (DMF) or NSIS (azathioprine, cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mitoxantrone or mycophenolate mofetil) between January 1, 2014 and April 1, 2022. Methods Treatment outcomes were compared using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) Cox regression. Outcomes were annualized relapse rates (ARRs), time to discontinuation, time to first relapse (TTFR) and time to 24-week confirmed disability progression (CDP) or 24-week confirmed disability improvement (CDI; in patients with baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score ≥2). Results After IPTW, ARR was similar for DMF (0.13) and NSIS (0.16; p = 0.29). There was no difference in TTFR between cohorts (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.98; p = 0.84). The DMF cohort experienced longer times to discontinuation (HR: 0.75; p = 0.001) and CDP (HR: 0.53; p = 0.001), and shorter time to CDI (HR: 1.99; p < 0.008), versus the NSIS cohort. Conclusion This analysis supports the use of DMF to treat patients with relapsing forms of MS, and may have implications for MS practices in countries where NSIS are commonly used to treat RRMS.
Spatial transcriptomic brain imaging reveals the effects of immunomodulation therapy on specific regional brain cells in a mouse dementia model
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Suh Minseok , Choi Hongyoon , Choi Yoori , Hwang Do Won , Bae Sungwoo , Lee Dong Soo 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIncreasing evidence of brain-immune crosstalk raises expectations for the efficacy of novel immunotherapies in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but the lack of methods to examine brain tissues makes it difficult to evaluate therapeutics. Here, we investigated the changes in spatial transcriptomic signatures and brain cell types using the 10x Genomics Visium platform in immune-modulated AD models after various treatments. To proceed with an analysis suitable for barcode-based spatial transcriptomics, we first organized a workflow for segmentation of neuroanatomical regions, establishment of appropriate gene combinations, and comprehensive review of altered brain cell signatures. Ultimately, we investigated spatial transcriptomic changes following administration of immunomodulators, NK cell supplements and an anti-CD4 antibody, which ameliorated behavior impairment, and designated brain cells and regions showing probable associations with behavior changes. We provided the customized analytic pipeline into an application named STquantool. Thus, we anticipate that our approach can help researchers interpret the real action of drug candidates by simultaneously investigating the dynamics of all transcripts for the development of novel AD therapeutics.
Uncovering the lignin-degrading potential of Serratia quinivorans AORB19: insights from genomic analyses and alkaline lignin degradation
Authors: Ali Nadia Sufdar , Thakur Subarna , Ye Mengwei , Monteil-Rivera Fanny , Pan Youlian , Qin Wensheng , Yang Trent Chunzhong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Lignin is an intricate phenolic polymer found in plant cell walls that has tremendous potential for being converted into value-added products with the possibility of significantly increasing the economics of bio-refineries. Although lignin in nature is bio-degradable, its biocatalytic conversion is challenging due to its stable complex structure and recalcitrance. In this context, an understanding of strain's genomics, enzymes, and degradation pathways can provide a solution for breaking down lignin to unlock the full potential of lignin as a dominant valuable bioresource. A gammaproteobacterial strain AORB19 has been isolated previously from decomposed wood based on its high laccase production. This work then focused on the detailed genomic and functional characterization of this strain based on whole genome sequencing, the identification of lignin degradation products, and the strain’s laccase production capabilities on various agro-industrial residues.

Results
Lignin degrading bacterial strain AORB19 was identified as Serratia quinivorans based on whole genome sequencing and core genome phylogeny. The strain comprised a total of 123 annotated CAZyme genes, including ten cellulases, four hemicellulases, five predicted carbohydrate esterase genes, and eight lignin-degrading enzyme genes. Strain AORB19 was also found to possess genes associated with metabolic pathways such as the β-ketoadipate, gentisate, anthranilate, homogentisic, and phenylacetate CoA pathways. LC–UV analysis demonstrated the presence of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin in the culture media which constitutes potent biosignatures indicating the strain’s capability to degrade lignin. Finally, the study evaluated the laccase production of Serratia AORB19 grown with various industrial raw materials, with the highest activity detected on flax seed meal (257.71 U/L), followed by pea hull (230.11 U/L), canola meal (209.56 U/L), okara (187.67 U/L), and barley malt sprouts (169.27 U/L).

Conclusions
The whole genome analysis of Serratia quinivorans AORB19, elucidated a repertoire of genes, pathways and enzymes vital for lignin degradation that widens the understanding of ligninolytic metabolism among bacterial lignin degraders. The LC-UV analysis of the lignin degradation products coupled with the ability of S. quinivorans AORB19 to produce laccase on diverse agro-industrial residues underscores its versatility and its potential to contribute to the economic viability of bio-refineries.
Progression of swine fecal microbiota during early stages of life and its association with performance: a longitudinal study
Authors: Arsenault Maddison , Lillie Brandon , Nadeem Khurram , Khafipour Ehsan , Farzan Abdolvahab 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
It is vital to understand healthy gut microbiota composition throughout early life stages when environments are changing, and immunity is developing. There are limited large-scale longitudinal studies classifying healthy succession of swine microbiota. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the microbiota composition of fecal samples collected from piglets within a few days after birth until one-week post-weaning, and (b) investigate the associations of early fecal microbiota with pig growth performance in nursery and later growing stages. Fecal samples were collected from nine cohorts of 40 pigs (n = 360) from distinct farrowing sources in Ontario and Quebec, Canada at four timepoints from birth to one-week post-weaning, with pig body weight was recorded at each fecal sampling.

Results
Microbiota was dominated by the phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroides and Proteobacteria. There were notable differences in genera abundance between pigs from different provinces and farming systems. Over the early life stage, the genera Bacteroides, Escherichia/Shigella, and Clostridium cluster XIVa were abundant preweaning, while Prevotella dominated post-weaning. Hierarchical clustering identified three major stages of microbiota development, each associated with distinct composition. Stage one occurs from birth to 7 days, stage two from 7 days after birth until weaning, and stage three from weaning to one-week post-weaning. Three enterotypes were identified in stage two that showed differences in growth before weaning, and in the grower production stage. Piglets with a microbiota enterotype characterized by higher abundance of Prevotella and unclassified Ruminococcaceae had lower growth performance in the pre-weaning stage, and the growing stage.

Conclusion
These findings help identify the timing of microbiota shifts across early swine life which may be the optimal time for external intervention to shift the microbiota to a beneficial state. The project findings should help decrease antimicrobial use, increase animal welfare, and have positive economic impacts.
Identification of carbohydrate gene clusters obtained from in vitro fermentations as predictive biomarkers of prebiotic responses
Authors: Kok Car Reen , Rose Devin J. , Cui Juan , Whisenhunt Lisa , Hutkins Robert 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Prebiotic fibers are non-digestible substrates that modulate the gut microbiome by promoting expansion of microbes having the genetic and physiological potential to utilize those molecules. Although several prebiotic substrates have been consistently shown to provide health benefits in human clinical trials, responder and non-responder phenotypes are often reported. These observations had led to interest in identifying, a priori, prebiotic responders and non-responders as a basis for personalized nutrition. In this study, we conducted in vitro fecal enrichments and applied shotgun metagenomics and machine learning tools to identify microbial gene signatures from adult subjects that could be used to predict prebiotic responders and non-responders.

Results
Using short chain fatty acids as a targeted response, we identified genetic features, consisting of carbohydrate active enzymes, transcription factors and sugar transporters, from metagenomic sequencing of in vitro fermentations for three prebiotic substrates: xylooligosacharides, fructooligosacharides, and inulin. A machine learning approach was then used to select substrate-specific gene signatures as predictive features. These features were found to be predictive for XOS responders with respect to SCFA production in an in vivo trial.

Conclusions
Our results confirm the bifidogenic effect of commonly used prebiotic substrates along with inter-individual microbial responses towards these substrates. We successfully trained classifiers for the prediction of prebiotic responders towards XOS and inulin with robust accuracy (≥ AUC 0.9) and demonstrated its utility in a human feeding trial. Overall, the findings from this study highlight the practical implementation of pre-intervention targeted profiling of individual microbiomes to stratify responders and non-responders.
Automated glioblastoma patient classification using hypoxia levels measured through magnetic resonance images
Authors: Shahram Mohammad Amin , Azimian Hosein , Abbasi Bita , Ganji Zohreh , Khadem-Reza Zahra Khandan , Khakshour Elham , Zare Hoda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The challenge of treating Glioblastoma (GBM) tumors is due to various mechanisms that make the tumor resistant to radiation therapy. One of these mechanisms is hypoxia, and therefore, determining the level of hypoxia can improve treatment planning and initial evaluation of its effectiveness in GBM. This study aimed to design an intelligent system to classify glioblastoma patients based on hypoxia levels obtained from magnetic resonance images with the help of an artificial neural network (ANN).

Material and method
MR images and PET measurements were available for this study. MR images were downloaded from the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA) database to classify glioblastoma patients based on hypoxia. The images in this database were prepared from 27 patients with glioblastoma on T1W + Gd, T2W-FLAIR, and T2W. Our designed algorithm includes various parts of pre-processing, tumor segmentation, feature extraction from images, and matching these features with quantitative parameters related to hypoxia in PET images. The system’s performance is evaluated by categorizing glioblastoma patients based on hypoxia.

Results
The results of classification with the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm were as follows: the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were obtained at 86.71, 85.99 and 83.17%, respectively. The best specificity was related to the T2W-EDEMA image with the tumor to blood ratio (TBR) as a hypoxia parameter. T1W-NECROSIS image with the TBR parameter also showed the highest sensitivity and accuracy.

Conclusion
The results of the present study can be used in clinical procedures before treating glioblastoma patients. Among these treatment approaches, we can mention the radiotherapy treatment design and the prescription of effective drugs for the treatment of hypoxic tumors.