bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and expression of the Di19 gene family in response to abiotic stress in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Xinhui , Yang Tao , Huang Chunguo , Zhao Bo , Wang Peng 
Published: May 2024

Drought-induced 19 (Di19) protein plays critical biological functions in response to adversity as well as in plant growth and development. Exploring the role and mechanism of Di19 in abiotic stress responses is of great significance for improving plant tolerance. In this study, six Di19 genes were identified in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), which were mainly derived from segmental duplications. These genes share conserved exon/intron structures and were classified into three subfamilies based on their phylogenetic relationships. The composition and arrangement of conserved motifs were consistent with their phylogenetic relationships. Many hormone- and stress-responsive elements were distributed in the promoters region of PvDi19 genes. Variations in histidine residues in the Cys2/His2 (C2H2) zinc-finger domains resulted in an atypical tertiary structure of PvDi19-5. Gene expression analysis showed rapid induction of PvDi19-1 in roots by 10% PEG treatment, and PvDi19-2 in leaves by 20% PEG treatment, respectively. Most PvDi19s exhibited insensitivity to saline-alkali stress, except for PvDi19-6, which was notably induced during later stages of treatment. The most common bean Di19 genes were inhibited or not regulated by cadmium stress, but the expression of PvDi19-6 in roots was significantly upregulated when subjected to lower concentrations of cadmium (5 mmol). Moreover, Di19s exhibited greater sensitivity to severe cold stress (6°C). These findings enhance our understanding of the role of PvDi19s in common bean abiotic stress responses and provide a basis for future genetic enhancements in common bean stress tolerance.
A meta-analysis of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis treatments for remission and recurrence prevention
Authors: Ong Seeu Si , Ho Peh Joo , Liow Jonathan Jun Kit , Tan Qing Ting , Goh Serene Si Ning , Li Jingmei , Hartman Mikael 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe major aim of our meta-analysis was to review the effectiveness of various treatment modalities for achieving successful remission and preventing recurrence for women with idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM). This knowledge is instrumental in developing evidence-based guidelines for clinicians to improve management strategies and outcomes for patients with IGM.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed on MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar; studies published to 19 January 2022 were included. A meta-analysis of 57 observational studies was performed. The results of two randomized controlled trials were also examined.ResultsThere were 3,035 IGM patients across the observational and randomised studies. Overall recurrence and remission rates across all treatment strategies in 59 studies are 87.9% (2,667/3035) and 13.5% (359/2667), respectively. The studies reported 19 different treatment strategies, comprising observation, medical monotherapies, surgery, and combinations involving medical therapies, with and without surgery. Among monotherapy treatment, surgical management had the highest pooled remission rate (0.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.97–1.00]); among combination therapy, this was steroids and surgery (0.99 [0.94–1.00]). Antibiotic monotherapy had the lowest remission rate (0.72 [0.37–0.96]). The highest recurrence rates belonged to treatments that combined antibiotics and surgery (0.54 [0.02–1.00]), and antibiotics, steroids, and surgery (0.57 [0.00–1.00]). Most successful for preventing recurrence were observation (0.03 [0.00–0.10]), methotrexate (0.08 [0.00–0.24]), and steroids and surgery (0.05 [0.01–0.12]). There is a significant association between longer follow-up duration and recurrence rate reported, p = 0.002.ConclusionCombination therapies, especially those incorporating antibiotics, steroids, and surgery, have demonstrated higher remission rates, challenging the use of antibiotic monotherapy. There is an increased emphasis on the need for personalised, multi-pronged approach for preventing IGM recurrence, with longer follow-up care. More prospective future work in IGM research, with standardised diagnostic criteria, treatment protocols, and reporting guidelines will be important for developing treatment protocols and guidelines clinicians can adhere to in the clinical management of IGM patients.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022301386).
Case report: Autoimmune encephalomyelitis following cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yang Min , Cai Yu , Wan Liping , Ji Linhua , Song Xian M. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionCytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause various end-organ diseases in immunocompromised hosts, including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HSCT) recipients. Interestingly, CMV viremia has been associated with various complications and poor prognosis in allo-HSCT recipients. Complications involving the central nervous system (CNS) occur in 9–14% of patients following allo-HSCT. However, autoimmune encephalitis (AE) secondary to CMV infection after allo-HSCT has rarely been reported. Here we report a case of possible AE following CMV viremia after allo-HSCT, which was successfully treated with high-dose pulsed methylprednisolone and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg).Case descriptionA 53-year-old female underwent allo-HSCT for T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia. The patient developed CMV viremia on day 36 after transplantation, and serum CMV-DNA remained positive after initiating ganciclovir antiviral therapy, turning negative one month later. Four months later, she started experiencing memory impairment, weakness in the left limbs, cognitive dysfunction, and hallucinations. A magnetic resonance imaging brain scan showed scattered ischemic lesions under the bilateral frontal cortex. Viral detection in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) by next-generation gene sequencing technology showed no obvious abnormality. Antibodies specific to AE and paraneoplastic diseases in serum and CSF were absent. The oligoclonal bands in the CSF were detected using isoelectric focusing and immunofixation, and the results were negative. However, after extensive investigation regarding infections, autoimmune disorders, and recurrence of the malignancy, possible AE could not be excluded. The patient was treated with high-dose steroids combined with IVIg therapy; the patient’s symptoms were significantly improved.ConclusionThe mechanisms of AE after allo-HSCT and the relationship with CMV infection should be further studied. Therefore, reporting this and similar cases will improve our awareness and understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms.
Genomic and functional diversity of the human-derived isolates of Faecalibacterium
Authors: Li Wenxi , Lin Xiaoqian , Liang Hewei , Wu Zhinan , Wang Mengmeng , Sun Jingxi , Li Xiaofang , He Wenxin , Gao Xiaowei , Hu Tongyuan , Xiao Liang , Zou Yuanqiang 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFaecalibacterium is one of the most abundant bacteria in the gut microbiota of healthy adults, highly regarded as a next-generation probiotic. However, the functions of Faecalibacterium genomes from cultured strains and the distribution of different species in populations may differ among different sources.MethodsWe here performed an extensive analysis of pan-genomes, functions, and safety evaluation of 136 Faecalibacterium genomes collected from 10 countries.ResultsThe genomes are clustered into 11 clusters, with only five of them were characterized and validly nomenclated. Over 80% of the accessory genes and unique genes of Faecalibacterium are found with unknown function, which reflects the importance of expanding the collection of Faecalibacterium strains. All the genomes have the potential to produce acetic acid and butyric acid. Nine clusters of Faecalibacterium are found significantly enriched in the healthy individuals compared with patients with type II diabetes..DiscussionThis study provides a comprehensive view of genomic characteristic and functions and of culturable Faecalibacterium bacterium from human gut, and enables clinical advances in the future.
Identification and validation of a novel Parkinson-Glioma feature gene signature in glioma and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Hengrui , Wang Jiwei , Su Nan , Yang Ning , Wang Xinyu , Li Chao 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe prognosis for glioma is generally poor, and the 5-year survival rate for patients with this disease has not shown significant improvement over the past few decades. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent movement disorder, ranking as the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. Although Parkinson’s disease and glioma are distinct diseases, they may share certain underlying biological pathways that contribute to their development.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the involvement of genes associated with Parkinson’s disease in the development and prognosis of glioma.MethodsWe obtained datasets from the TCGA, CGGA, and GEO databases, which included RNA sequencing data and clinical information of glioma and Parkinson’s patients. Eight machine learning algorithms were used to identify Parkinson-Glioma feature genes (PGFGs). PGFGs associated with glioma prognosis were identified through univariate Cox analysis. A risk signature was constructed based on PGFGs using Cox regression analysis and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) method. We subsequently validated its predictive ability using various methods, including ROC curves, calibration curves, KM survival analysis, C-index, DCA, independent prognostic analysis, and stratified analysis. To validate the reproducibility of the results, similar work was performed on three external test datasets. Additionally, a meta-analysis was employed to observe the heterogeneity and consistency of the signature across different datasets. We also compared the differences in genomic variations, functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and drug sensitivity analysis based on risk scores. This exploration aimed to uncover potential mechanisms of glioma occurrence and prognosis.ResultsWe identified 30 PGFGs, of which 25 were found to be significantly associated with glioma survival. The prognostic signature, consisting of 19 genes, demonstrated excellent predictive performance for 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) of glioma. The signature emerged as an independent prognostic factor for glioma overall survival (OS), surpassing the predictive performance of traditional clinical variables. Notably, we observed differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), levels of immune cell infiltration, immune gene expression, and drug resistance analysis among distinct risk groups. These findings may have significant implications for the clinical treatment of glioma patients.ConclusionThe expression of genes related to Parkinson’s disease is closely associated with the immune status and prognosis of glioma patients, potentially regulating glioma pathogenesis through multiple mechanisms. The interaction between genes associated with Parkinson’s disease and the immune system during glioma development provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies for glioma.
Awareness of episodic memory and meta-cognitive profiles: associations with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers at the preclinical stage of the Alzheimer’s continuum
Authors: López-Martos David , Suárez-Calvet Marc , Milà-Alomà Marta , Gispert Juan Domingo , Minguillon Carolina , Quijano-Rubio Clara , Kollmorgen Gwendlyn , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Grau-Rivera Oriol , Sánchez-Benavides Gonzalo 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe lack of cognitive awareness, anosognosia, is a clinical deficit in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. However, an increased awareness of cognitive function, hypernosognosia, may serve as a marker in the preclinical stage. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) might correspond to the initial symptom in the dynamic trajectory of awareness, but SCD might be absent along with low awareness of actual cognitive performance in the preclinical stage. We hypothesized that distinct meta-cognitive profiles, both hypernosognosia and anosognosia, might be identified in preclinical-AD. This research evaluated the association between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers and the awareness of episodic memory, further exploring dyadic (participant-partner) SCD reports, in the preclinical Alzheimer’s continuum.MethodsWe analyzed 314 cognitively unimpaired (CU) middle-aged individuals (mean age: 60, SD: 4) from the ALFA+ cohort study. Episodic memory was evaluated with the delayed recall from the Memory Binding Test (MBT). Awareness of episodic memory, meta-memory, was defined as the normalized discrepancy between objective and subjective performance. SCD was defined using self-report, and dyadic SCD profiles incorporated the study partner’s report using parallel SCD-Questionnaires. The relationship between CSF Aβ42/40 and CSF p-tau181 with meta-memory was evaluated with multivariable regression models. The role of SCD and the dyadic contingency was explored with the corresponding stratified analysis.ResultsCSF Aβ42/40 was non-linearly associated with meta-memory, showing an increased awareness up to Aβ-positivity and a decreased awareness beyond this threshold. In the non-SCD subset, the non-linear association between CSF Aβ42/40 and meta-memory persisted. In the SCD subset, higher Aβ-pathology was linearly associated with increased awareness. Individuals presenting only study partner’s SCD, defined as unaware decliners, exhibited higher levels of CSF p-tau181 correlated with lower meta-memory performance.DiscussionThese results suggested that distinct meta-cognitive profiles can be identified in preclinical-AD. While most individuals might experience an increased awareness associated with the entrance in the AD continuum, hypernosognosia, some might be already losing insight and stepping into the anosognosic trajectory. This research reinforced that an early anosognosic profile, although at increased risk of AD-related decline, might be currently overlooked considering actual diagnostic criteria, and therefore its medical attention delayed.
Evaluating normalized registration and preprocessing methodologies for the analysis of brain MRI in pediatric patients with shunt-treated hydrocephalus
Authors: Ragguett Renee-Marie , Eagleson Roy , de Ribaupierre Sandrine 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionRegistration to a standardized template (i.e. “normalization”) is a critical step when performing neuroimaging studies. We present a comparative study involving the evaluation of general-purpose registration algorithms for pediatric patients with shunt treated hydrocephalus. Our sample dataset presents a number of intersecting challenges for registration, representing the potentially large deformations to both brain structures and overall brain shape, artifacts from shunts, and morphological differences corresponding to age. The current study assesses the normalization accuracy of shunt-treated hydrocephalus patients using freely available neuroimaging registration tools.MethodsAnatomical neuroimages from eight pediatric patients with shunt-treated hydrocephalus were normalized. Four non-linear registration algorithms were assessed in addition to the preprocessing steps of skull-stripping and bias-correction. Registration accuracy was assessed using the Dice Coefficient (DC) and Hausdorff Distance (HD) in subcortical and cortical regions.ResultsA total of 592 registrations were performed. On average, normalizations performed using the brain extracted and bias-corrected images had a higher DC and lower HD compared to full head/ non-biased corrected images. The most accurate registration was achieved using SyN by ANTs with skull-stripped and bias corrected images. Without preprocessing, the DARTEL Toolbox was able to produce normalized images with comparable accuracy. The use of a pediatric template as an intermediate registration did not improve normalization.DiscussionUsing structural neuroimages from patients with shunt-treated pediatric hydrocephalus, it was demonstrated that there are tools which perform well after specified pre-processing steps were taken. Overall, these results provide insight to the performance of registration programs that can be used for normalization of brains with complex pathologies.
A novel and efficient surgical procedure for pyriform sinus fistulas in children
Authors: Chen Jiarui , Wang Ying , Shen Chenling , Wang Jing , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel surgical procedure for pyriform sinus fistulas in children via the external cervical approach through the hypopharynx.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 pediatric patients with pyriform sinus fistula (PSF) who underwent treatment at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Children's Hospital, from 2012 July to 2022 July. Surgical treatment of PSF was performed via the external cervical approach through the hypopharynx, with dye instilled through the internal opening to serve as a guide for tract identification.ResultsAll the internal orifices were found in the pyriform sinus by direct laryngoscopy in all 71 patients under general anesthesia. Two patients had a postoperative temporary hoarseness that resolved after 3 months. The other patients had no complications such as parapharyngeal abscess and incision infection. All patients were followed up for 23 months–70 months, and no recurrence was found.ConclusionThe novel surgical procedure of PSF performed via the hypopharynx has advantages such as a short operation path, quick recovery, fewer complications, and a low recurrence rate. This method is a better choice for managing recurrence cases after repeated cauterization endoscopic surgeries, as well as for patients with visible cervical surgical scars or masses.
Teachers as caregivers of grieving children in school in the post-COVID-19 era: using the self-determination theory to conceptualize teachers' needs when supporting grieving children's mental health
Authors: Frei-Landau Rivi 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundIt has been estimated in recent studies that more than 1.5 million children worldwide lost a caregiver due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Childhood bereavement is associated with heightened risks of impaired academic and social performance, mental health issues, substance use disorders, and higher mortality rates. Yet children may receive insufficient support post-loss. Although the role of school psychologists in supporting grieving students has been examined, little is known about the role of teachers in this context. Specifically, knowledge about teachers' needs when supporting bereaved children is lacking.ObjectiveThe study's aim was to explore teachers' needs, drawing upon a well-established framework—self-determination theory (SDT)—which focuses on three human needs considered essential for optimal functioning: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.MethodsEmploying a qualitative approach, 36 teachers were interviewed about their needs when supporting grieving students. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using thematic content analysis.ResultsAnalysis revealed three SDT-related needs: knowledge (theory- and practice-related), acknowledgment, and support (emotional and practical).ConclusionsThe findings enhance our theoretical understanding of childhood bereavement and may promote policy changes that ensure teachers' needs satisfaction. Its significance lies in the basic premise that supporting teachers' needs in the context of pediatric grief may eventually lead to their optimal ability to enact best practices for supporting grieving students' well-being.
Unveiling the hidden risk: paternal smoking and alcohol exposure prior to conception as independent factors for allergic rhinitis in children
Authors: Chen Junrong , Liu Xiaohua , Su Wenwen , Liu Zixin , Sun Guoying , Yang Yide , Tian Mei , Li Jian , Dong Yunpeng 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionLimited knowledge exists regarding the impact of paternal smoking and alcohol exposure on the development of allergic rhinitis in offspring. Our study aimed to investigate the potential association between preconception paternal smoking and alcohol exposure and the likelihood of children allergic rhinitis.MethodsA retrospective case-control study of 556 prepubertal children aged 3–12 years was performed. The participants were 278 children with allergic rhinitis and 278 healthy controls matched for age and gender. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed and collected on-site, focusing on various factors related to the children's fathers, mothers, and the children themselves during the first year of life and the past 12 months, from March to October 2022.ResultsMultivariate analysis demonstrated that paternal smoking, paternal alcohol consumption prior to conception, paternal allergic diseases, children with a family history of allergies, maternal allergic diseases and pregnancy complications were identified as independent risk factors for allergic rhinitis in their offspring. Moreover, after considering confounding factors, it was observed that paternal smoking exceeding 5 cigarettes per day in the year preceding pregnancy and exceeding 11 years significantly elevated the likelihood of allergic rhinitis in children (OR = 2.009 and 2.479, respectively). Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol by the father at intervals of less than one month in the year prior to pregnancy and a duration of alcohol consumption exceeding 11 years prior to pregnancy are both associated with a significantly increased risk of allergic rhinitis in children (OR = 2.005 and 3.149, respectively).ConclusionsPaternal smoking and alcohol consumption prior to conception contribute to an increased risk of allergic rhinitis in children, with the risk being dependent on the dosage and duration of exposure. Therefore, it is important to not only focus on personal and maternal environmental exposures when considering the occurrence risk of allergic rhinitis in children, but also to consider paternal detrimental exposures prior to conception.