bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease with Initial Typical Parkinsonism Precipitated by COVID-19? A Case Report
Authors: Kuang Yaoyun , Mao Hengxu , Sun Hui , Dai Wei , Gan Tingting , Wang Xinlu , Liu Qin , Xu Ping-Yi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by the accumulation of PrPSc. While COVID-19-induced sporadic CJD (sCJD) with parkinsonism as the initial symptom is extremely uncommon, this report aims to raise awareness of sCJD cases that present with parkinsonism that are not associated with genetic mutations or pathological α-synuclein (α-Syn) accumulation.
Case presentation
This report presents the case of a 72-year-old man with probable sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) who initially showed symptoms of parkinsonism, which worsened rapidly after contracting COVID-19. Despite a history of responsive tremor and bradykinesia, his condition deteriorated following the viral infection, leading to rapid consciousness decline and diffuse myoclonus. Diagnostic tests, including brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and EEG, pointed towards prion disease. PrPSc, a marker for CJD, was detected in both the cerebrospinal fluid and skin samples using RT-QuIC, further confirming the diagnosis. Notably, skin analysis revealed PrPSc but no pathological α-synuclein deposits, ruling out typical Parkinson's disease.
Conclussion
This case underscores the importance of considering sCJD in patients with parkinsonism, especially if they experience sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms, especially if they do not exhibit pathological α-Syn accumulation or have genetic mutations.
Monetary Policy Implications of Electronic Money Adoption: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Kelikume Ikechukwu , Otonne Adewumi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the monetary policy implications of electronic money adoption in Nigeria; that is, whether the electronic money adoption that began since the introduction of the cashless policy in Nigeria has disrupted the long-run stability of demand for money function. The findings reveal substantial growth in the Nigerian financial sector concerning the development and usage of electronic money, encompassing the expansion of banks and bank branches, Automated Teller Machines, mobile payments, Point-of-sale systems, web payments, and transaction volumes and values. Results from the study obtained through the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) show a substantial likelihood of an unstable and unpredictable demand function over time, potentially undermining the long-term effectiveness of monetary policy. The study underscores that electronic money transactions exert linear and non-linear effects on money demand and the velocity of money in circulation exhibits some form of instability during the study period. Consequently, the monetary authority should remain vigilant in monitoring evolving payment patterns and trends to discern the shifting dynamics of cash demand. A grasp of emerging payment technologies and transaction patterns will empower policymakers to proactively adjust monetary policies and regulatory frameworks, aligning them with the requirements of a digital economy. This approach ensures a balanced interplay with the demand for cash, which is essential for transactional activities within the economy.
JEL: G21, E41, E52, C22, N17
Computational modeling of the Nb4-O chemisorption process
Authors: Costa Caio Vínícius Souza , Barbosa Leonardo de Souza , Gargano Ricardo , Azevedo David Lima 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context: The transition metal Niobium (Nb) has attracted considerable attention from the scientific community due to its intriguing electronic properties and applications in catalysts suitable for chemical reactions. Thus, this work investigates the adsorption of the atmospheric polluting gas carbon monoxide (CO) by the niobium cluster (Nb4), to describe the reactive nature of Nb4. This entire study was carried out by applying the Coupled-Cluster method and Density Functional Theory (through the HSE06 functional) and the def2-QZVP plus Def2-TZVP/C auxiliary basis set functions. The results of electronic structure calculations and IR vibrational spectra suggest that both Nb4 and the Nb4-CO clusters can be considered stable. Furthermore, the obtained results also indicate that there is a chemisorption of carbon monoxide by the Nb4 niobium cluster. This feature can serve as motivation for future theoretical-experimental studies, as it suggests that the Nb4 cluster may have possible technological applications in automotive catalytic processes. Methods: Initial three-dimensional structures were constructed. Complete optimization of the geometry was performed in Coupled Cluster and Density Functional Theory methods. From the optimization configuration, it was possible to investigate the stability, Chemisorption process, binding energies, charge analysis, Molecular orbital energies, and IR vibrational spectra of the systems.
Methods: Initial three-dimensional structures were constructed. Complete optimization of the geometry was performed in Coupled Cluster and Density Functional Theory methods. From the optimization configuration, it was possible to investigate the stability, Chemisorption process, binding energies, charge analysis, Molecular orbital energies, and IR vibrational spectra of the systems.
The dynamic alternation of monocytes phenotypes and gene signature-related biomarkers in the airways and blood reveals myeloid subset-driven inflammation and lung fibrosis in hypercapnia following pulmonary sepsis- associated ARDS
Authors: Zhao Jie , Ji Yuanyuan , Xiao Ming , Yang ke , Sun Qi , Xie keliang , Ma Tao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
ARDS, a severe complication of sepsis, often exhibits hypercapnia, whose immunological mechanisms remain elusive. Our study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis of hypercapnia in pulmonary sepsis-associated ARDS and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Methods
Between December 2022 and April 2023, we conducted a single-center, prospective study with sixty-one severe pneumonia patients. Eleven patients without sepsis served as controls based on Sepsis-3 criteria. The remaining fifty patients with pulmonary sepsis met ESICM criteria for ARDS, with twenty-six developing hypercapnia. We comprehensively collected clinical data, respiratory parameters, and serial specimens of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) at early (within 24 hours) and late (Day 7) time points post-intubation. These specimens were analyzed using flow cytometry and a cytokine panel. Additionally, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on blood samples from four ARDS patients to characterize immunological and cellular profiles following pneumonia sepsis.
Results
Compared with non-hypercapnia ARDS patients and non-sepsis controls, septic associated-ARDS patients with hypercapnia exhibit poor prognosis and high mortality. To investigate their immunological response, we conducted scRNA-seq on PBMCs from four ARDS patients (one without hypercapnia and three with hypercapnia). Results showed a significant increase in monocytes, particularly classical monocytes (CD14+CD16−, CM), in hypercapnia patients. Flow cytometry analysis revealed a similar increase in CM throughout sepsis stages. This underscores the role of monocytes in hypercapnia ARDS. ScRNA-seq analysis also revealed elevated expression of cytokine storm-related genes, including IL-1β signaling, and genes linked to myeloid cell activation and recruitment. Elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-12p40, and IL-23 were observed in both blood and alveolar lavage fluid. Additionally, hypercapnia patients exhibited enrichment of profibrotic genes in monocytes and accumulation of monocyte-derived macrophages in airways, supported by clinical parameters, specifically the increased driving pressure and decreased static respiratory lung compliance, indicating pulmonary fibrosis.
Conclusions
We offer novel perspectives on monocyte-centered clusters and associated biomarkers, which play a pivotal role in driving hypercapnia-induced lung fibrosis. Our study provides fresh insights into the immunological mechanisms underlying hypercapnia in pulmonary sepsis-associated ARDS, laying the foundation for future therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Development of intelligent nanogels by gamma radiation as theranostic agents for diagnosis and therapy of cancer
Authors: Srisaw Narudee , Rattanawongwiboon Thitirat , Laksee Sakchai , Lertsarawut Pattra , Thamrongsiripak Nuatawan , Hemvichian Kasinee 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nowadays, it is well known that cancer cause the most disease of human death. Chemotherapy or direct uptake of anticancer drugs was generally employed for cancer treatment. To ease the risk of normal cells and side effects of patient, nanocarrier contained anticancer drug and contrast agent is continuously developed to increase the survival rate. Theranostic agent is a multifunctional molecule, which is well-designed for more specificity to disease area or targeting area by combination of diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities into one single molecule. Based on this reason, researchers are interesting to develop a theranostic agent from biocompatible and biodegradable polymers for cancer treatement. In this research, the proton-donating polyacrylic acid (PAA) and the proton-accepting polyethylene oxide (PEO) were used as the starting materials, PAA and PEO were mixed with 1:1 molar stoichiometric ratio in 25% (v/v) acetone/water mixture to form the inter-polymer complexe (IPC) through cooperative H-bonding interaction. Subsequently, IPC solution was irradiated to create a strong covalent bond between polymer chains as IPC nanogels. The effects of dose, pH and temperature on size and stability of IPC nanogel were studied, comparing with IPC. After irradiation only at 3 kGy, IPC nanogel exhibited suitable size for drug delivery (87.01 ± 9.04 nm) and stable size over a period of 1 month at ambient temperature. Furthermore, Berberine (BBR) as a model anticancer drug was encapsulated into the IPC nanogel. The particle size, number of particle and surface area as well as surface charge of IPC nanogel before and after encapsulation was observed by dynamic light scattering, zetasizer and transmission electron microscopy. Drug release study revealed that the BBR drug was slowly released from IPC nanogels into PBS buffer (pH 7.4) at 37 °C over a period of 54 hrs. IPC nanogels not only encapsulate anticancer drug but also chelate metal ion as a contrast agent. The results of this research indicated that IPC nanogel prepared by radiation processing has the potential to be used as theranostic agents.
Strategy-Proof Mechanism for Time-Varying Fair Multi-resource Allocation with Placement Constraints in Clouds
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Wenbo , Fu Xiaodong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Current cloud computing systems are committed to providing quality of service to users. However, one main problem is fairly and efficiently allocating resources to users with time-varying demands. This is mainly due to the mismatch between the heterogeneous hardware and software demands of users and the heterogeneity of resource deployment. This restricts users from running their jobs on servers that can match their demands. In this paper, we design a lexicographically max-min multiresource fair allocation mechanism called cumulative task share fairness (CTSF) based on historical allocations to ensure long-term fairness and efficiency. With CTSF, each user prefers their own allocation over that of another user; no user can increase their allocation without decreasing the allocation of others; the allocation of no user will decrease by sharing resources; and importantly, no user can benefit by misreporting their demands and/or placement constraints. We design a simple heuristic for implementing CTSF in real-world cloud computing systems, prototype CTSF in a 50-node simulation and demonstrate its service guarantees. Large-scale simulations driven by Alibaba cluster traces show that CTSF reduces the user's waiting, job queuing and job completion times.
The Agger nasi DCR: a new technique for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Balsalobre Leonardo , Dutra André Zanette , Nogueira Maria Helena Pupo , Bison Simone , Stamm Aldo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the gold-standard procedure for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, aiming to open the lacrimal sac directly into the nasal cavity and thus re-establish drainage of the tear pathways. The present study proposes a new surgical technique that relates the agger nasi cell (AN) to the lacrimal sac and advocated for its systematic opening.
Methods
We analyzed 36 patients who underwent DCR using the AN as a key landmark over a 2-year period. The criteria for assessment of surgical success were patency of the ostium that communicates the lacrimal sac with the nasal cavity and absence of significant epiphora according to the Munk scale.
Results
Patency of the drainage ostium was observed in the late postoperative period in 100% of cases. Epiphora were absent in 86.48% of those cases followed for at least 6 months after surgery.
Conclusion
Agger nasi dacryocystorhinostomy (AN-DCR) involves opening the AN as a landmark for wide and complete exposure of the lacrimal sac. This approach is a safe and highly effective method that yields good postoperative outcomes.
Multi-platform deep sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 lineages variation reveal immune escape and transmission
Authors: Lang Xingying , Wang Yue , Luan Mingchun , BO Zhijian , Wang Huan , Teng Xue , Meng Xuehong , Niu Shumin , Cui Xiaoman , Xia Nan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Dominant strains had been replaced by SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 lineages, and spread widely in a short period of time. However, accurate detection method and reason for rapid spread have not been clarified.
Methods
Ion Torrent, Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms were used to detect whole genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases in Dalian CDC from December 2023 to January 2024.
Results
Ion Torrent and Illumina platform had missing sites, but optimized Ion Torrent and Nanopore platform covered all detected sites. Ion Torrent platform had higher sensitivity than others and was more suitable for short-read length sequencing. However, primers need to be optimized in time. Illumina platform was also suitable for short-read length and prone to site drop out. Nanopore platform was more suitable for long read-length sequencing and had high compatibility for more variation site. Furthermore, compared JN.1 lineages with BA.2.86, multiple specific variation sites were detected for the first time in non-S protein region.
Conclusion
Timely optimized primers and supplement variation sites will provide a more effective mean for monitoring and controlling the prevalence of JN.1 lineages in advance, and the discovery of specific variation sites may reveal the reasons for immune escape and rapid transmission.
Study Protocol Protocol for the Chengdu Longitudinal Cohort Study on vNOTES in Treating Benign Gynecologic Indications (the CLOCKBEGIN study): a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Feng Dan , Liu Tianjiao , Li Xin , Huang Lu , Xiao Li , He Li , Lin Yonghong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a series of novel and controversial minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches. NOTES performed in a transvaginal fashion (vNOTES) reportedly has many advantages over other NOTES approaches and is preferentially used for treating benign gynecologic conditions. However, the lack of detailed, large-scale perioperative and long-term postoperative data to support the feasibility and safety of vNOTES, especially on its impact on patients’ postoperative outcomes, remains contentious and may impede its acceptance in gynecology.
Methods
The Chengdu Longitudinal Cohort Study on vNOTES in Treating Benign Gynecologic Indications (the CLOCKBEGIN study) is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that will recruit about 3,400 gynecologic patients with benign indications who underwent vNOTES or transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for oviduct salpingostomy, tubal ligation, salpingectomy, ovarian cystectomy, adnexectomy, hysterectomy, or myomectomy. After obtaining the participants’ consent, a perioperative assessment and a 5-year postoperative follow-up with eight visits will be conducted. Data collection will be performed perioperatively and postoperatively at designated time points, e.g., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd postoperative day; 1st, 3rd, and 6th month; and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th year after the surgery. The baseline information collection will include subjects’ sociodemographics and their health- and gestation-related history obtained from the Hospital Information System and face-to-face interviews. As planned, perioperative and postoperative outcomes will be examined based on intraoperative assessment, in-patient clinical observation, and follow-up WeChat questionnaires or clinic services. Among these outcomes, long-term postoperative results, such as sexual function, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and incisional hernia, will be the focus.
Discussion
The CLOCKBEGIN study aims to assess the perioperative and long-term postoperative outcomes of vNOTES in the treatment of major benign gynecologic conditions compared to TU-LESS, focusing on patients’ sexual function, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and incisional hernia. This large cohort, two-arm, prospective CLOCKBEGIN study, incorporating a comprehensive long-term follow-up strategy and employing a double-blinded randomized RCT design, has the potential to furnish substantial and robust clinical evidence for refining and establishing guidelines for gynecologic vNOTES procedures. This initiative is also expected to enhance patients' perceptions and acceptance of this innovative minimally invasive surgical approach.
Trial registration number:
ChiCTROOC- 2200059282 (registered on April 28th, 2022)
Anisotropic, Sparse, Physics-based, and Interpretable Neural Networks for PDEs
Authors: Ramabathiran Amuthan Arunkumar , Ramachandran Prabhu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There has been a growing interest in the use of Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) to solve Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). Despite the promise that such approaches hold, there are various aspects where they could be improved. Two such shortcomings are (i) their computational inefficiency relative to classical numerical methods, and (ii) the non-interpretability of a trained DNN model. In this work we present ASPINN, an anisotropic extension of our earlier work called SPINN--Sparse, Physics-informed, and Interpretable Neural Networks--to solve PDEs that addresses both these issues. ASPINNs generalize radial basis function networks. We demonstrate using a variety of examples involving elliptic and hyperbolic PDEs that the special architecture we propose is more efficient than generic DNNs, while at the same time being directly interpretable. Further, they improve upon the SPINN models we proposed earlier in that fewer nodes are require to capture the solution using ASPINN than using SPINN, thanks to the anisotropy of the local zones of influence of each node. The interpretability of ASPINN translates to a ready visualization of their weights and biases, thereby yielding more insight into the nature of the trained model. This in turn provides a systematic procedure to improve the architecture based on the quality of the computed solution. ASPINNs thus serve as an effective bridge between classical numerical algorithms and modern DNN based methods to solve PDEs. In the process, we also streamline the training of ASPINNs into a form that is closer to that of supervised learning algorithms.
Taboos no longer exist here: Factors undermining value and use of traditional ecological knowledge in conservation and management of savanna ecosystem services in South Africa
Authors: Moloise Sibongile D , Matamanda Abraham R , Bhanye Johannes I 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study analyses factors undermining the use and value of savanna ecosystem services. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with community leaders and community members, focus group discussions and observations. Findings reveal that TEK has witnessed decline in utility and esteem. This decline is attributed to the encroachment of modernity and Western scientific paradigms and modern religious influences, the dwindling transmission of oral traditions and waning interest among younger generations. Albeit these challenges, opportunities exist to bridge the chasm between TEK and modernity, thus forging pathways that ensure the enduring relevance of TEK in supporting biodiversity and indigenous communities’ well-being.
Title: Dopamine-refractory restless arms syndrome: a case report
Authors: Moser Ulrich , Westarp Martin Egon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to move the lower limbs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It typically occurs in the evening and at night and improves with exercise. Restless arm syndrome (RAS) mainly affects the arms and rarely the legs. RAS appears to be very rare, as very few cases have been described. However, RAS may be underdiagnosed, especially when symptoms are mild or transient. A supportive feature for the diagnosis of Restless legs/arms Syndrome (RLS/RAS) is evidence of successful dopaminergic therapy.
Case report: This report describes the case of a patient with RAS who failed treatment with L-dopa, dopamine agonists and opioids. Only with the administration of gabapentin was it possible to achieve almost complete freedom from symptoms.
Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of this rare condition, even if treatment with dopaminergic agonists is unsuccessful. A trial of calcium channel 2 ligands may still prove effective.
A scope systematic review to clarify immune response to tobacco in Buerger
Authors: Ahmadi Khadijeh , Khaghanzadeh Narges , Mirlohi Seyed Reza , Hosseini Seyed Alireza , Satarzadeh Mohammad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background Progressive Thromboangiitis Obliterans (TAO) is a progressive and segmental inflammatory disorder known as Buerger's disease that affects the medium and small arteries of the upper limbs. The major risk factor for Buerger's disease is cigarettes and tobacco products, which can activate several inflammatory and pre-inflammatory parameters. Methods For this systematic review, based on the accepted criteria of Prisma, we searched from 2017 to 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, science direct and followed the results of Google Scholar cytokines. We reviewed the literature on these smoking-related immune parameters in Buerger's disease as a potential treatment for this disease. Results In TOA patients, IL-17, RORγt, HMGB1 and RAGE mRNA expression are positively correlated with symptom severity. TLR family is associated with changes in the TOA population as a significant difference in TLR4 in the resting and acute phases. TLR9 may also be responsible for the secretion of IL-8 TNF involves in inflammation, muscle weakness, and pain in TOA. significant difference of IL-33 levels between TOA patients, healthy smokers and non-smokers of this cytokine. Conclusion Our results suggest that Buerger's disease can be considered an autoimmune disease caused by smoking. Buerger increase pro-inflammation markers in TOA and reduce angiogenetic factors. We recommend that pro-inflammatory cytokines should be considered in treatment and diagnosis programs and further research should focus on them.