bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated long-term forgetting reveals everyday memory deficits in early-stage multiple sclerosis
Authors: Stalter J. , Pars K. , Witt K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients report subjective memory impairment (SMI) escaping routine neuropsychological testing. Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) refers to above average loss of information over an extended period of time (e.g., 7 days). This study investigates ALF in mildly affected MS patients and relates long-term memory performance to SMI.

Methods
This prospective study included 30 patients with early MS (mean EDSS ± SD = 1.1 ± 0.9) and 30 healthy controls (HC) matched for age and education. Participants underwent ALF testing [word list (RAVLT), geometric figure (RCF), logical memory (WMS)] at three time points (baseline, 30 min, 7 days). Cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), depression, SMI and fatigue were assessed. The primary outcome (PO) was defined as the quotient of the 7-day score and the 30-min memory score for the verbal (RAVLT, WMS) and figural (RCF) memory tests. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and is registered in the German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS00025791).

Results
MS patients showed impairments in PORAVLT (MS 0.66 ± 0.13 vs HC 0.82 ± 0.16; p < 0.001), whereas POWMS (MS 0.88 ± 0.15 vs HC 1.01 ± 0.12; p = 0.02) showed only a tendency. Regression analysis revealed significant associations for PORAVLT and fatigue (p = 0.034), and PORAVLT and SMI (p = 0.01) in patients but not in HC.

Conclusion
The ALF test quantifies SMI in MS-patients. With fatigue as a relevant associated factor, this fills the gap in objectifying SMI in MS for diagnostic purposes.
Role of plasma EBV-DNA load and EBER status on newly diagnosed peripheral T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhou Jie , Cheng Fei , Chen Donghe , Guan Fangshu , Zhang Enfan , He Jingsong , Cai Zhen , Zhao Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To explore the prognostic and therapeutic role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) on peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL).

Methods
Totally 262 newly diagnosed PTCL patients who were hospitalized from January 2014 to December 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Molecular analysis included 31 eligible patients. EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) presence in tumor tissue and EBV DNA levels in patients at baseline (DNA1) and after 4 cycles of chemotherapy (DNA4) were assessed.

Results
Our findings revealed that the EBER-positive cohort exhibited significant differences compared to counterparts in overall survival (OS, P = 0.047) and progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.009). Both DNA1 and DNA4 were significantly associated with inferior OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that DNA4 independently affected PTCL prognosis for OS (hazard ratio = 5.1617; 95% confidence interval 1.1017–24.1831; P = 0.037). Treatment with the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) plus azacytidine regimen showed a better OS compared to CHOP or CHOP plus etoposide for patients with partially positive EBER and EBER positive statuses (P = 0.192), although the improvement was not statistically significant. This study delineated the genetic paradigm of PTCL, comparing genetic differences by EBV status and found that EBER partially positive plus positive patients were more likely to have DNMT3A (P = 0.002), RHOAG17V (P = 0.023), and TET2 mutations (P = 0.032).

Conclusion
EBER, DNA1, and DNA4 emerged as sensitive markers for prognosis. CHOP plus azacytidine might present a preferable option for PTCL patients with DNA methylation due to EBV infection.
Safety and clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced gastric cancer in the real world
Authors: Hao Wen , Liu Wenjing , Chang Ruimin , Yang Mi , Xin Kai , Liu Jingxin , Wang Yibing , Ren Meijin , Xie Jiaqi , Yang Yang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced gastric cancer in the real world.

Methods
The retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical records of 402 patients with advanced gastric cancer who were admitted to the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between December 2017 and April 2022 and who had received immunotherapy. Observation target: drug use, treatment, adverse reaction type and grade, objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results
By retrospectively analyzing the data of patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with ICIs previously admitted to our medical center, we found some clinical characteristic factors associated with the occurrence of irAEs as well as the efficacy and prognosis: the presence or absence of hypertension, whether or not to receive targeted therapies can predict the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and the more the presence of irAEs, the better the prognosis. These can help clinicians in clinical drug selection.

Conclusions
The results of this paper show that the occurrence of irAEs is associated with patients’ OS. irAEs occurrence can prolong patients’ OS. irAEs occurrence may serve as a surrogate marker for ICIs.
Development and physical characteristics of the Irish shelf-edge Macnas Mounds, Porcupine Seabight, NE Atlantic
Authors: Krueger Erica Terese , Mouchi Vincent , Monteys Xavier , McCarron Stephen , Lim Aaron , Crowley Quentin G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractModern cold-water corals (CWCs) occur in a wide range of water depths, with Desmophyllum pertusum being one of the most common species. Pleistocene, Holocene, and modern coral mound formation by living CWC reefs have previously been described in the Porcupine Seabight from water depths greater than 700 m in the vicinity of the transitional zone between the Eastern North Atlantic Water and Mediterranean Outflow Water. Here we document occurrence of fossil corals retrieved from two cores at 370 m depth in the Macnas Mounds, a relatively shallow occurrence for mounds on the Irish shelf-edge. Both cores feature D. pertusum restricted to the upper two metres, immediately overlying an erosive surface and a coeval major down-core change in grain size from sand to mud. Radiocarbon dating of coral specimens indicates the CWC mounds initiated 7.82 Cal ky BP. Our study unequivocally documents the existence of Holocene shelf-edge coral mounds in the eastern Porcupine Seabight and highlights the possibility of other occurrences of CWCs in similar settings elsewhere in the northeast Atlantic. Given that no living CWCs were encountered in the study area, we suggest that the area previously experienced more favourable conditions for CWC mound initiation and development along the shelf-edge margin, possibly due to differing conditions in the European Slope Current which flows northward along the continental slope from south of the Porcupine Bank to the Faroe-Shetland Channel.
Graphical Abstract
Tissue response following implantation with the posterior dynamic distraction device (PDDD) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
Authors: Richard Olivia Kristina , Liens Aléthéa , Muirhead DesiRae , Weber Klaus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The PDDD is a ratchet-based, unidirectional expandable rod to treat adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), primarily by correcting scoliotic deformity without full spinal fusion. We hypothesized that the device will be fully tolerated by the host and, if aseptic screw loosening occurs, it will be unrelated to wear particle formation.

Methods
This study comprised tissue samples from seven patients from a prospective study (NCT04296903) to assess the PDDD’s safety and benefits, reoperated due to complications. Host response was assessed from histological slides (four levels/implant) in accordance with GLP and ISO10993-6:2016. The elementary chemical composition of wear particles present in tissue sections was quantified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).

Results
Host reaction was minor, characterized by low levels of diverse inflammatory cells, mild fibrosis, occasional small necrotic foci, neovascularization, hemorrhage, and, rarely, small bone fragments. Twenty-four of 28 tissue sections displayed varying degrees of wear particles (black discoloration), and most sections (17) were scored as 1 (< 25% of the sample). The discoloration observed corresponded to black-appearing, fine granular pigment. EDX analysis confirmed particles were composed of titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. Twenty-six of 28 samples were scored zero for necrosis and 2/28 were scored 1. Eleven samples were scored zero for fibrosis, 12 as 1, and five as 2. No aseptic screw loosening occurred.

Conclusion
The PDDD induced minimal host reaction with little or no degeneration, inflammation or fibrosis. No changes present could be expected to promote device failure. The PDDD implant for treating AIS is well-tolerated and locally safe.
Seasonal influence of tropical Pacific and Atlantic sea surface temperature on streamflow variability in the patia river basin
Authors: Canchala Teresita , Carvajal-Escobar Yesid , Alfonso-Morales Wilfredo , Torres Wilmar Alexander , Sánchez-Torres Luis Darío , Cerón Wilmar L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis research presents a seasonal analysis of the variability of streamflows in the Patía River Basin (PRB) between 1984 and 2018 and the influence exerted by the large-scale climate variability using non-linear principal component analysis (NLPCA), Pearson's correlation, and composite analysis. The study was conduced during the minimum (July–August–September, JAS) and maximum (October–November–December, OND) streamflow periods. The NLPCA depicted a single significant mode of variability for each season with explained variances greater than 75%. The correlation analysis between the main mode of variability during OND and climate indices showed significant results, mainly with the Pacific Ocean and El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). In contrast, for JAS, the correlations were significant for the indices linked to the Atlantic Ocean. Finally, the composite analysis indicated that the positive (negative) events during JAS, which show the increase (decrease) of streamflow in PRB, are related to negative (positive) anomalies in the Tropical Northern Atlantic band, including the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. In comparison, the positive (negative) events during OND are related to negative (positive) sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical Pacific, corresponding to La Niña (El Niño) events. The results provide evidence of the strong influence of climate indices and tropical Pacific and Atlantic SST on seasonal streamflow in the PRB and establish the foundations for seasonal streamflow modelling, relevant for prevention and risk management as well as for adequate planning and management of water resources in the region.
Impact of the tilted cloud vertical structure on a northward-progress episode of the East Asian summer monsoonal precipitation belt
Authors: Li Yunying , Sun Guorong , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Chao , Li Laurant 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImpact of cloud vertical structure (CVS) on a northward-progressing rainfall episode of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) is explored using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, in which CloudSat observation-based vertical structure of cloud liquid water content (LWC) can be imposed. Composite LWC anomaly from CloudSat data shows a northward tilted structure from the upper to the lower troposphere. Compared to the control simulation (without modification of LWC), the one with LWC imposed, but without tilted structure, doesn’t show significant changes. When LWC is introduced and northward tilted, the geopotential height (HGT) decreases in the north of the convective center, which increases the meridional wind and provides favorable conditions for the northward shift of the precipitation belt. When LWC is southward tilted, HGT decreases in the middle and lower troposphere in the south of the convective center and increases in the north, which slows down the northward shift of the precipitation belt. Adding cloud water leads to increase in humidity and decrease in temperature, causing significant increase in stratiform clouds and related precipitation. In the configuration of northward tilted LWC, low-temperature and high-humidity area is located on the north side of the convective center, favorable for the occurrence and northward shift of the precipitation belt. Deep convection is weakened with convective precipitation reduced, while shallow convection enhances the latent heat release in the lower troposphere. Therefore, more water vapor and energy are transported from boundary layer to free atmosphere, promoting the northward shift of the precipitation belt.
Exploring genetic testing requests, genetic alterations and clinical associations in a cohort of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Garrido-Torres Nathalia , Marqués Rodríguez Renata , Alemany-Navarro María , Sánchez-García Javier , García-Cerro Susana , Ayuso María Irene , González-Meneses Antonio , Martinez-Mir Amalia , Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSeveral studies show great heterogeneity in the type of genetic test requested and in the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with ASD. The following study aims, firstly, to explore the factors that might influence professionals’ decisions about the appropriateness of requesting genetic testing for their patients with ASD and, secondly, to determine the prevalence of genetic alterations in a representative sample of children with a diagnosis of ASD. Methods: We studied the clinical factors associated with the request for genetic testing in a sample of 440 children with ASD and the clinical factors of present genetic alterations. Even though the main guidelines recommend genetic testing all children with an ASD diagnosis, only 56% of children with an ASD diagnosis were genetically tested. The prevalence of genetic alterations was 17.5%. These alterations were more often associated with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features. There are no objective data to explicitly justify the request for genetic testing, nor are there objective data to justify requesting one genetic study versus multiple studies. Remarkably, only 28% of males were genetically tested with the recommended tests (fragile X and CMA). Children with dysmorphic features and organic comorbidities were more likely to be genetic tested than those without. Previous diagnosis of ASD (family history of ASD) and attendance at specialist services were also associated with Genetically tested Autism Spectrum Disorder GTASD. Our findings emphasize the importance of establishing algorithms to facilitate targeted genetic consultation for individuals with ASD who are likely to benefit, considering clinical phenotypes, efficiency, ethics, and benefits.
Hematological indices in psoriatic enthesopathy: relation to clinical and ultrasound evaluation
Authors: Amer Arwa S. , Al Shambaky Ahmed Y. , Ameen Seham G. , Sobih Amira Khalil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Enthesopathy is considered a crucial aspect of assessment and outcome in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is a critical tool for accurately detecting enthesitis. Recent research focuses on identifying simple biomarkers for detecting and monitoring psoriatic enthesopathy. Red cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are components of a complete blood count (CBC) and are reliable bio-inflammatory markers in various rheumatic diseases.

Aim of work
To measure MPV, RDW, and NLR in psoriatic enthesopathy and determine their relationship to disease activity and MSUS findings.

Patients and methods
This study focused on 30 people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as per CASPAR criteria, along with 20 control subjects. Enthesopathy was evaluated clinically using the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI). The modified Disease Activity Index of Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA28) was calculated, and RDW, MPV, NLR, CRP, and ESR were measured. Each enthesis in LEI was radiologically assessed using plain radiography and MSUS according to OMERACT definitions.

Results
There was a significant relationship between clinical tenderness, the presence of enthesophytes on plain radiography, and MSUS findings at entheses sites (p < 0.001 for each). Psoriatic patients had higher levels of RDW and MPV (p < 0.001 and 0.01, respectively) than controls, with no significant differences in NLR (p = 0.189) between the two groups. RDW and MPV levels were positively correlated with the DAPSA28 score.

Conclusion
Monitoring PsA disease activity can be improved by considering RDW and MPV as reliable indicators and using them to screen for psoriatic enthesopathy with MSUS indices.

Key points

• Clinically identifying enthesitis in patients with PsA can be challenging. Imaging MSUS indices hold promise for objective analysis, but there is no consensus on which indices to use in clinical trials and daily practice.• Patients with psoriatic enthesopathy have higher RDW and MPV levels, which are positively correlated with DAPSA28 score.• RDW and MPV can be considered in the turn of improved screening of psoriatic enthesopathy with MSUS scores.
Is food self-sufficiency possible for Reunion Island?
Authors: Billen Gilles , Garnier Josette , Pomet Alexandre , Bonnet Bernard 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the context of political and economic instability, food self-sufficiency of countries and territories is becoming a burning issue. Reunion Island is a densely populated small French territory isolated in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The previously developed GRAFS model, allowing consistent balances to be established using nitrogen (N) as a common metric for all crops and foodstuffs, has been applied to Reunion Island, considering 11 sub-regions to account for landscape variety. Reunion Island dedicates 87% of its crop production in terms of harvested proteins to the exportation of sugar and tropical fruits, while it imports 67% of its food supply, 54% of livestock feed, and 57% of all fertilizing N inputs to agricultural soils. Overall, the supply of 1 tonne of N as food requires the import of 2.7 tonnes of N as food, feed, and fertilizers. The model also demonstrated that the simultaneous operation of three levers of change would make it possible to reach self-sufficiency in terms of food, feed, and fertilizer: (1) the generalization of agro-ecological crop rotations alternating grain and forage legumes, cereal, and other food crops; (2) the reconnection of livestock with crop farming and a better recycling of manure as well as of human excreta; (3) a drastic reduction of animal-based food in the Reunionese diet, down to 20% of animal products in the total per capita protein intake, instead of the 60% current share. The area dedicated to sugarcane cultivation should be reduced to 15–25% of its current value.
Exploratory analysis of serum HER2 extracellular domain for HER2 positive gastric cancer treated with SOX plus trastuzumab
Authors: Wakatsuki Takeru , Ishizuka Naoki , Hironaka Shuichi , Minashi Keiko , Kadowaki Shigenori , Goto Masahiro , Shoji Hirokazu , Hirano Hidekazu , Nakayama Izuma , Osumi Hiroki , Ogura Mariko , Chin Keisho , Yamaguchi Kensei , Takahari Daisuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to explore the clinical utility of serum HER2 extracellular domain (sHER2 ECD) using data from a clinical trial evaluating trastuzumab combined S-1 plus oxaliplatin (SOX) in HER2 positive gastric cancer.

Methods
sHER2 ECD were prospectively measured at baseline and subsequent treatment courses. Based on each quantile point of baseline sHER2 ECD levels and its early changes, patients were divided into two groups and compared clinical outcomes.

Results
43 patients were enrolled, and 17 patients (39.5%) were positive for baseline sHER2 ECD. Higher baseline sHER2 ECD levels tended to have lower hazard ratios (HRs). When divided into two groups by baseline sHER2 ECD of 19.1 ng/ml, median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was longer in the higher group (mPFS: 16.8 vs 8.7 months, p = 0.359. mOS: 35.5 vs 20.6 months, p = 0.270), respectively. After initiation of treatment, sHER2 ECD significantly decreased up until the third cycle. Higher reduction rates of sHER2 ECD within 3 cycles also tended to have lower HRs. When divided into two groups by reduction rate of 42.5%, mPFS and mOS was longer in the higher reduced group (mPFS: 17.2 vs 8.7 months, p = 0.095. mOS: 65.0 vs 17.8 months, p = 0.047), respectively. Furthermore, higher reduction rates could surrogate higher objective response rates (ORR) (ORR: 90% vs 63.2% for 29.5%, p = 0.065. 100% vs 70% for 42.5%, p = 0.085), respectively.

Conclusions
Baseline sHER2 ECD levels and its early decline may be useful biomarkers for SOX plus trastuzumab efficacy in HER2 positive gastric cancer.
Treatment for middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms: in silico comparison of the novel Contour device and conventional flow-diverters
Authors: Lyu Mengzhe , Torii Ryo , Liang Ce , Peach Thomas W. , Bhogal Pervinder , Makalanda Levansri , Li Qiaoqiao , Ventikos Yiannis , Chen Duanduan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEndovascular treatment has become the standard therapy for cerebral aneurysms, while the effective treatment for middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms remains a challenge. Current flow-diverting techniques with endovascular coils cover the aneurysm orifice as well as adjacent vessel branches, which may lead to branch occlusion. Novel endovascular flow disruptors, such as the Contour device (Cerus Endovascular), are of great potential to eliminate the risk of branch occlusion. However, there is a lack of valid comparison between novel flow disruptors and conventional (intraluminal) flow-diverters. In this study, two in silico MCA bifurcation aneurysm models were treated by specific Contour devices and flow-diverters using fast-deployment algorithms. Computational fluid dynamic simulations were used to examine the performance and efficiency of deployed devices. Hemodynamic parameters, including aneurysm inflow and wall shear stress, were compared among each Contour device, conventional flow-diverter, and untreated condition. Our results show that the placement of devices can effectively reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture, while the deployment of a Contour device causes more flow reduction than using flow-diverters (e.g. Silk Vista Baby). Besides, the Contour device presents the flow diversion capability of targeting the aneurysm neck without occluding the daughter vessel. In summary, the in silico aneurysm models presented in this study can serve as a powerful pre-planning tool for testing new treatment techniques, optimising device deployment, and predicting the performance in patient-specific aneurysm cases. Contour device is proved to be an effective treatment of MCA bifurcation aneurysms with less daughter vessel occlusion.