bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of nontyphoidal Salmonella strains from a tertiary hospital in China: serotype diversity, multidrug resistance, and genetic insights
Authors: Ma Wanshan , Cui Xiaodi , Dong Xiutao , Li Xinpeng , Liu Ke , Wang Yujiao , Shi Xiaohong , Chen Liang , Hao Mingju 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveNontyphoidal Salmonella is a significant public health concern due to its ability to cause foodborne illnesses worldwide. This study aims to characterize the nontyphoidal Salmonella strains isolated from patients in China.MethodsA total of 19 nontyphoidal Salmonella strains were characterized through serovar identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), biofilm formation assessment. Genetic relatedness was determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). WGS was employed to decipher the resistance mechanism and to contextualize the S. serovar Mbandaka strains among previously sequenced isolates in China. The biofilm associated mrkA gene was examined by PCR.ResultsThe predominant serovar identified was S. Enteritidis, followed by S. Mbandaka, S. Thompson, S. Livingston, S. Alachua, and S. Infantis. PFGE analysis indicated a notable genetic similarity among the S. Mbandaka isolates. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these strains were likely derived from a single source that had persisted in China for over five years. One multidrug resistance (MDR) S. Enteritidis isolate carried a highly transferable IncB/O/K/Z plasmid with blaCTX-M-15. One S. Thompson strain, harboring the mrkABCDF operon in an IncX1 plasmid, isolated from cutaneous lesions, demonstrated robust biofilm formation. However, no mrkABCDF loci were detected in other strains.ConclusionOur study emphasizes the importance of persisted surveillance and prompt response to Salmonella infections to protect public health. The dissemination of blaCTX-M-15-harboring IncB/O/K/Z plasmid and the spread of virulent mrkABCDF operon among Salmonella in China and other global regions warrant close monitoring.
Subacute hemorrhagic pericardial tamponade after COVID-19 infection mimicking carcinomatous pericarditis: a case report
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kume Nao , Hashimoto Katsuya , Isogai Jun , Kuwabara Takuya , Noguchi Masayuki , Murayama Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Toru , Ogino Hidemitsu 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCoronavirus disease (COVID-19)-associated acute pericarditis has recently received much attention owing to its high frequency associated with pericardial tamponade (PT), showing unfavorable prognosis. However, early diagnosis and treatment remain challenging in cases of non-specific signs and symptoms.Case presentationA 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for acute osteomyelitis of the toes and was properly treated with antimicrobial agents. Three days after admission, the patient developed mild COVID-19 without pneumonia, for which early anti-COVID-19 agents were initiated. Nevertheless, the patient developed hemorrhagic PT due to acute pericarditis 2 weeks later, which was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance, requiring an urgent pericardiocentesis. Although cytological analysis of the hemorrhagic pericardial fluid strongly suggested adenocarcinoma, the atypical cells were eventually proven to be mesothelial cells with reactive atypia. Furthermore, lymph nodes swelling with abnormal 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose accumulation on imaging were suggestive of malignancy. However, biopsy examination revealed multiple non-caseating granulomas in the lymph node, unlikely due to malignancy. Eventually, the temporal association of the preceding COVID-19 with the occurrence of subacute PT without other identifiable cause led to a final diagnosis of COVID-19-associated acute pericarditis. With anti-inflammatory and corticosteroids treatment, the patient's symptoms involving the pericardial structure and function were completely resolved along with improvements in size of the affected lymphadenopathies.ConclusionsWe encountered a unique case of COVID-19-associated acute pericarditis exhibiting hemorrhagic PT. This case underscores the residual risk of delayed pericardial involvement even in patients with mild COVID-19 who receive early treatment, and the recognition that COVID-19 may cause various cytomorphological and histological features. Additionally, the importance of considering this rare entity as a cause of hemorrhagic pericardial effusions should be highlighted.
What makes an excellent reader? Short-term memory contrasts between two groups of children
Authors: Kemény Ferenc , Aranyi Gabor , Pachner Orsolya , P. Remete Eszter , Laskay-Horváth Claudia 
Published: January 2024

PurposeResearch on the association of short-term memory (STM) and reading expertise are dominated by studies with typically developing children and children with reading impairment. Many studies confirmed the role of short-term memory in reading development and reading, especially in the case of verbal and phonological STM. The current study takes an unusual perspective by contrasting age-appropriate readers with excellent readers (reading performance with at least 1 SD above average) on three different short-term memory skills: phonological STM, verbal STM and visuospatial STM.MethodsWe identified and recruited six groups of children. Three groups performed at least one SD above average in two standardized reading tasks (excellent readers), the three control groups performed within the domain of ±0.5 SD on reading (age-appropriate readers). One group of excellent readers and one group of age-appropriate readers participated in a Phonological Short-Term Memory (STM) task, one pair of groups participated in a Verbal STM task, whereas the last pair participated in a Visuospatial STM task.ResultsPairwise comparisons demonstrated that excellent readers outperformed age-appropriate readers in Visuospatial STM. Phonological STM only differed across the groups after controlling for age. No group difference was observed in Verbal STM.ConclusionOur results confirm the role of short-term memory in reading expertise. However, data highlights that visuospatial and phonological information becomes more relevant in above-average readers. Results are discussed along grain-size theory, and whether and how focused educational programs can build on visuospatial short-term memory training to achieve better reading.
Research on the coordinated relationship between human activities and ecosystem service value in the Arid Region, Northwestern China
Authors: Liu Shiyao , Gao Zhijian , Tao Wanghai , Wang Quanjiu , Su Lijun , Sun Yan , Shan Yuyang , Qu Zhi 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionArid and semi-arid regions encompass nearly 40% of the Earth’s land surface and are characterized by extensive undeveloped land, scarce water resources, and fragile ecosystems. The arid northwestern China is a representative arid and semi-arid region. It has developed rapidly in recent years, leading to a significant increase in human activity. This increased activity has had a pronounced impact on the ecosystem, posing a major challenge to the environment. The close relationship between human activities and ecosystem service value (ESV) is crucial for the healthy development of both humans and ecosystems. However, the intricate nature of this relationship and the degree to which they are codependent remain unclear and require further investigation.MethodsThis study investigates the impact of human activities on land use intensity (LUI) and degree of urbanization (URB). It comprehensively evaluates the spatial and temporal distribution of human activities and ESV, quantifying their coordination through coupling models.ResultsThis work provides valuable insights and theoretical support for promoting the coordinated development of human activities and ESV. Overall, the LUI in the arid northwestern region decreased (from 0.485 in 2000 to 0.459 in 2020), while the URB increased (from 0.060 in 2000 to 0.087 in 2020). The ESV significantly increased, with a total growth of 556.58 billion yuan. In prefecture-level cities, the growth in ESV values ranges from 75.19 yuan/hm2 to 10,062.49 yuan/hm2.The coupling coordination degree between ESV and LUI has changed over time, transitioning from uncoordinated development to coordinated development. In addition, the coordination between ESV and URB has evolved from uncoordinated development to transitional coordination. The level of coordination between human activities and ESV in provincial capital cities significantly influences the coordination in surrounding cities.DiscussionIn conclusion, effective development recommendations are provided based on the ESV, LUI, and URB of different cities, along with a proposed development strategy for ecosystem service functions that aligns with the 14th Five-Year Plan and “Vision 2035” of each province. This work provides important insights into the relationship between human activities and ESV, and its findings can be used to guide coordinated and sustainable urban development.
Association between immune checkpoint inhibitor medication and uveitis: a population-based cohort study utilizing TriNetX database
Authors: Kuo Hou-Ting , Chen Chia-Yun , Hsu Alan Y. , Wang Yu-Hsun , Lin Chun-Ju , Hsia Ning-Yi , Tsai Yi-Yu , Wei James Cheng-Chung 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the associations between the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the risk of developing uveitis among cancer patients.MethodsCancer patients who received ICI therapy and a comparison group of cancer patients who did not receive ICI therapy were retrospectively recruited from the TriNetX electronic heath-record registry. The outcome of interest was the development of new-onset uveitis. Propensity score matching based on a 1:1 ratio was conducted in order to reduce bias. Multi-variate cox proportional hazard models and Kaplan Meier method were also utilized to assess for the risk of uveitis among cancer patients who received ICI therapy.Results71931 cancer patients (54.7% male; 76.5% white; mean age at index 63.6 ± 12.2 years) who received ICI treatment (ICI group) and 71931 cancer patients (54.7% male; 77% white; mean age at index 63.5 ± 12.4 years) who never received ICI (comparison group) were recruited. Associated Kaplan-Meier curves showed significantly increased uveitis risk among the ICI group for all follow-up years (p&lt;0.001). The risk of uveitis was also higher among the ICI group during the 144-month follow-up period with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.39 (95% CI: 2.07-2.75). Increased risk for specific uveitis diseases, such as iridocyclitis, chorioretinal inflammation, retinal vasculitis, unspecified purulent endophthalmitis, pan-uveitis and sympathetic uveitis were found. Subgroup analysis demonstrated an elevated hazard ratio for the development of uveitis among ICI recipients, spanning individuals below the age of 65 as well as those aged 65 and older. The elevated hazard ratio for uveitis development among ICI recipients was also observed across all genders, among those of white and Asian ethnicities, those with smoking history, and those with comorbid conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, in comparison to their non-ICI counterparts. An additional subgroup analysis on monotherapy versus combinatory ICI regimens was also conducted. Individuals who received monotherapy from the class of anti-PD-1 (HR:1.98 [CI: 1.65-2.37]) and anti-CTLA-4 (HR:5.86 [CI:1.99-17.24]) exhibited elevated hazard ratios for uveitis development compared to their non-ICI comparators. Those exposed to combinatory ICI regimens, specifically a combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA4 (HR: 5.04 [CI:3.55-7.16]), showed increased hazard ratios for uveitis development compared to their non-ICI comparators. In contrast, individuals exposed to a combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 (HR: 2.47 [CI:0.81-7.50]) did not demonstrate an increased risk for uveitis compared to their non-ICI comparators.ConclusionA significantly increased risk for uveitis diseases was found among the ICI group from the first year of follow-up. Increased awareness should be promoted on the occurrence of uveitis among cancer patients receiving ICI therapy.
Risk factors for diabetes mellitus after acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zahariev Olga Julia , Bunduc Stefania , Kovács Adrienn , Demeter Dóra , Havelda Luca , Budai Bettina Csilla , Veres Dániel Sándor , Hosszúfalusi Nóra , Erőss Bálint Mihály , Teutsch Brigitta , Juhász Márk Félix , Hegyi Péter 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionWithin 5 years of having acute pancreatitis (AP), approximately 20% of patients develop diabetes mellitus (DM), which later increases to approximately 40%. Some studies suggest that the prevalence of prediabetes (PD) and/or DM can grow as high as 59% over time. However, information on risk factors is limited. We aimed to identify risk factors for developing PD or DM following AP.MethodsWe systematically searched three databases up to 4 September 2023 extracting direct, within-study comparisons of risk factors on the rate of new-onset PD and DM in AP patients. When PD and DM event rates could not be separated, we reported results for this composite outcome as PD/DM. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model to calculate pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsOf the 61 studies identified, 50 were included in the meta-analysis, covering 76,797 participants. The studies reported on 79 risk factors, and meta-analysis was feasible for 34 risk factor and outcome pairs. The odds of developing PD/DM was significantly higher after severe and moderately severe AP (OR: 4.32; CI: 1.76–10.60) than mild AP. Hypertriglyceridemic AP etiology (OR: 3.27; CI: 0.17–63.91) and pancreatic necrosis (OR: 5.53; CI: 1.59–19.21) were associated with a higher risk of developing PD/DM. Alcoholic AP etiology (OR: 1.82; CI: 1.09–3.04), organ failure (OR: 3.19; CI: 0.55–18.64), recurrent AP (OR: 1.89; CI: 0.95–3.77), obesity (OR: 1.85; CI: 1.43–2.38), chronic kidney disease (OR: 2.10; CI: 1.85–2.38), liver cirrhosis (OR: 2.48; CI: 0.18–34.25), and dyslipidemia (OR: 1.82; CI: 0.68–4.84) were associated with a higher risk of developing DM.DiscussionSevere and moderately severe AP, alcoholic and hypertriglyceridemic etiologies, pancreatic necrosis, organ failure, recurrent acute pancreatitis and comorbidities of obesity, chronic kidney disease liver disease, and dyslipidemia are associated with a higher risk of developing PD or DM.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021281983.
The effect of aging, hearing loss, and tinnitus on white matter in the human auditory system revealed with fixel-based analysis
Authors: Svobodová Veronika , Profant Oliver , Škoch Antonín , Tintěra Jaroslav , Tóthová Diana , Chovanec Martin , Čapková Dora , Syka Josef 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAging negatively influences the structure of the human brain including the white matter. The objective of our study was to identify, using fixel-based morphometry, the age induced changes in the pathways connecting several regions of the central auditory system (inferior colliculus, Heschl's gyrus, planum temporale) and the pathways connecting these structures with parts of the limbic system (anterior insula, hippocampus and amygdala). In addition, we were interested in the extent to which the integrity of these pathways is influenced by hearing loss and tinnitus.MethodsTractographic data were acquired using a 3 T MRI in 79 volunteers. The participants were categorized into multiple groups in accordance with their age, auditory thresholds and tinnitus status. Fixel-based analysis was utilized to identify alterations in the subsequent three parameters: logarithm of fiber cross-section, fiber density, fiber density and cross-section. Two modes of analysis were used: whole brain analysis and targeted analysis using fixel mask, corresponding to the pathways connecting the aforementioned structures.ResultsA significantly negative effect of aging was present for all fixel-based metrics, namely the logarithm of the fiber cross-section, (7 % fixels in whole-brain, 14% fixels in fixel mask), fiber density (5 % fixels in whole-brain, 15% fixels in fixel mask), fiber density and cross section (7 % fixels in whole-brain, 19% fixels in fixel mask). Expressed age-related losses, exceeding 30% fixels, were particularly present in pathways connecting the auditory structures with limbic structures. The effect of hearing loss and/or tinnitus did not reach significance.ConclusionsOur results show that although an age-related reduction of fibers is present in pathways connecting several auditory regions, the connections of these structures with limbic structures are even more reduced. To what extent this fact influences the symptoms of presbycusis, such as decreased speech comprehension, especially in noise conditions, remains to be elucidated.
Comparative analysis of albumin quotient and total CSF protein in immune-mediated neuropathies: a multicenter study on diagnostic implications
Authors: Seeliger Tabea , Gingele Stefan , Güzeloglu Yunus Emre , Heitmann Lena , Lüling Benjamin , Kohle Felix , Preßler Hannah , Stascheit Frauke , Motte Jeremias , Fisse Anna Lena , Grüter Thomas , Pitarokoili Kalliopi , Skripuletz Thomas 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionBlood-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier dysfunction is pivotal for diagnosing immune-mediated neuropathies, especially in spinal nerve root inflammation. Typically, either total CSF protein or the CSF to serum albumin ratio (QAlb) is measured. Total CSF protein measurements have limitations, notably its fixed reference value regardless of age, in contrast to the age-dependent reference for QAlb. Our goal was to evaluate both markers in patients with immune-mediated neuropathies.MethodsIn our multicenter research, we collected retrospective CSF data from patients suffering from immune-mediated neuropathies across four German research centers. These parameters were analyzed in relation to their clinical characteristics.ResultsOut of 419 samples, 36 (8.6%) displayed a notable variation between total CSF protein and QAlb values. A detailed analysis revealed that patients displaying elevated QAlb but normal total CSF protein levels were significantly younger at disease onset (p = 0.01), at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.005), and when undergoing lumbar puncture (p = 0.001) compared to patients with elevated CSF protein and normal QAlb levels. These effects were especially evident for the subgroup of samples derived by female patients.DiscussionOur work confirms the crucial role of QAlb in diagnosing immune-mediated neuropathies and particularly its efficacy as a marker for evaluating the blood-CSF barrier in patients with an earlier disease onset. Considering the significance of the albumin quotient, its assessment is especially advisable in younger patients of female sex to avoid missing a potential barrier dysfunction that might be falsely negative when using total protein.
Primary site surgery of de novo stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer in the era of new drug treatments
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Jia Lin , Yang Ruohan , Liu Yutong , Lv Zheng , Cui Jiuwei 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe surgical treatment of the primary site has been a subject of controversy in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer. In recent years, studies using large databases and retrospective analyses have provided evidence of the survival benefits of localized surgery for these patients. However, due to the improved prognosis associated with novel antitumor agents and the widespread use of anti-HER2 therapy, it is important to investigate the role of primary site surgery in the context of new drug treatments for stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer.MethodsThis retrospective analysis included patients with metastatic breast cancer at diagnosis who were consulted at the First Hospital of Jilin University between 2016 and 2022. We compared the patients’ clinical and pathological characteristics, treatment regimens, and prognosis between the surgery and non-surgery groups.ResultsA total of 96 patients with stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer were included in the study, with 24 patients (25%) undergoing surgery for the primary lesion. Patients with lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scores, earlier T-stage, metastases confined to one organ/site, and fewer metastases were more likely to undergo surgery. Patients in the surgical group had longer progression-free survival (median 25.7 vs. 15.9 months, p=0.073) and overall survival (median 79.1 vs. 48 months, p=0.073) compared to patients in the non-surgical group, however, there was no statistical difference. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that the choice of first-line targeted therapy regimens rather than surgical treatment influenced the patients’ prognoses. In the subgroup of patients receiving first-line targeted therapy with trastuzumab plus pertuzumab, the decision to undergo surgery on the primary site did not have a statistically significant effect on prognosis.ConclusionPrimary site surgery does not improve the prognosis of de novo stage IV HER2-positive breast cancer. In the era of anti-HER2 therapy, primary surgery is not recommended, except in exceptional circumstances.
Epidemiology of thymomas and thymic carcinomas in the United States and Germany, 1999-2019
Authors: Gerber Tiemo Sven , Strobl Stephanie , Marx Alexander , Roth Wilfried , Porubsky Stefan 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMediastinal tumors, particularly non-neuroendocrine thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are relatively uncommon, posing challenges for extensive epidemiological studies. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of these tumors in the United States (US) and Germany (GER) from 1999 to 2019.MethodsPatients aged 0-19 (n=478) and ≥20 years (n=17,459) diagnosed with malignant tumors of the anterior mediastinum were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (SEER) and the Zentrum für Krebsregisterdaten (ZfKD) databases.ResultsAmong patients aged ≥20 years, TETs accounted for the most prevalent anterior mediastinal tumors (US/GER: 63%/64%), followed by lymphomas (14%/8%). For patients &lt;20 years, predominant tumors included germ cell tumors (42%/14%), lymphomas (38%/53%), and TETs (10%/27%). The overall annual incidence of thymoma was 2.2/2.64 (US/GER) per million inhabitants and for thymic carcinomas 0.48/0.42. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.09/1.03, and the mean age 59.48 ± 14.89/61.33 ± 13.94. Individuals with thymomas, but not thymic carcinomas, exhibited a 21%/29% significantly heightened risk of developing secondary malignancies compared to controls with non-thymic primary tumors.DiscussionThis study provides a comparative analysis of anterior mediastinal tumors, particularly TETs, in the US and GER over the past two decades. Furthermore, it highlights a significantly elevated incidence of secondary malignancies in thymoma patients.