bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viral load kinetics and the clinical consequences of cytomegalovirus in kidney transplantation
Authors: Dobrer Sabina , Sherwood Karen R. , Hirji Ishan , Lan James , Gill John , Matic Nancy , Keown Paul A. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundDespite advances in clinical management, cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection remains a serious complication and an important cause of morbidity and mortality following kidney transplantation. Here, we explore the importance of viral load kinetics as predictors of risk and potential guides to therapy to reduce transplant failure in a large longitudinal Genome Canada Transplant Consortium (GCTC) kidney transplant cohort.MethodsWe examined the relationship between CMV infection rates and clinical characteristics, CMV viral load kinetics, and graft and patient outcomes in 2510 sequential kidney transplant recipients in the British Columbia Transplant Program. Transplants were performed between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018, were managed according to a standard protocol, and were followed until December 31, 2019, representing over 3.4 million days of care.ResultsLongitudinal CMV testing was performed in 2464 patients, of whom 434 (17.6%) developed a first episode of CMV viremia at a median of 120 (range: 9–3906) days post-transplant. Of these patients, 93 (21.4%) had CMV viremia only and 341 (78.6%) had CMV viremia with clinical complications, of whom 21 (4.8%) had resulting hospitalization. A total of 279 (11.3%) patients died and 177 (7.2%) patients lost their graft during the 12 years of follow-up. Patients with CMV infection were at significantly greater risk of graft loss (p=0.0041) and death (p=0.0056) than those without. Peak viral load ranged from 2.9 to 7.0 (median: 3.5) log10 IU/mL, the duration of viremia from 2 to 100 (15) days, and the viral load area under the curve from 9.4 to 579.8 (59.7) log10 IU/mL × days. All three parameters were closely inter-related and were significantly increased in patients with more severe clinical disease or with graft loss (p=0.001). Duration of the first CMV viremic episode greater than 15 days or a peak viral load ≥4.0 log10 IU/mL offered simple predictors of clinical risk with a 3-fold risk of transplant failure.ConclusionViral load kinetics are closely related to CMV severity and to graft loss following kidney transplantation and provide a simple index of risk which may be valuable in guiding trials and treatment to prevent transplant failure.
Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation inhibits acute pulmonary transcriptional and autoantibody responses to a single crystalline silica exposure in lupus-prone mice
Authors: Chauhan Preeti S. , Benninghoff Abby D. , Favor Olivia K. , Wagner James G. , Lewandowski Ryan P. , Rajasinghe Lichchavi D. , Li Quan-Zhen , Harkema Jack R. , Pestka James J. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionWorkplace exposure to respirable crystalline silica (cSiO2) has been epidemiologically linked to lupus. Consistent with this, repeated subchronic intranasal cSiO2 instillation in lupus-prone NZBWF1 mice induces inflammation-/autoimmune-related gene expression, ectopic lymphoid tissue (ELT), autoantibody (AAb) production in the lung within 5 to 13 wk followed systemic AAb increases and accelerated onset and progression of glomerulonephritis within 13 to 17 wk. Interestingly, dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation suppresses these pathologic effects, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study aimed to test the hypothesis that dietary DHA supplementation impacts acute transcriptional and autoantibody responses in the lungs of female NZBWF1 mice 1 and 4 wk after a single high-dose cSiO2 challenge. Groups of mice were initially fed a control (Con) diet or a DHA-containing diet (10 g/kg). Cohorts of Con- and DHA-fed were subjected to a single intranasal instillation of 2.5 mg cSiO2 in a saline vehicle (Veh), while a Con-fed cohort was instilled with Veh only. At 1 and 4 wk post-instillation (PI), we compared cSiO2’s effects on innate-/autoimmune-related gene expression and autoantibody (AAb) in lavage fluid/lungs of Con- and DHA-fed mice and related these findings to inflammatory cell profiles, histopathology, cell death, and cytokine/chemokine production.ResultsDHA partially alleviated cSiO2-induced alterations in total immune cell and lymphocyte counts in lung lavage fluid. cSiO2-triggered dead cell accumulation and levels of inflammation-associated cytokines and IFN-stimulated chemokines were more pronounced in Con-fed mice than DHA-fed mice. Targeted multiplex transcriptome analysis revealed substantial upregulation of genes associated with autoimmune pathways in Con-fed mice in response to cSiO2 that were suppressed in DHA-fed mice. Pathway analysis indicated that DHA inhibited cSiO2 induction of proinflammatory and IFN-regulated gene networks, affecting key upstream regulators (e.g., TNFα, IL-1β, IFNAR, and IFNγ). Finally, cSiO2-triggered AAb responses were suppressed in DHA-fed mice.DiscussionTaken together, DHA mitigated cSiO2-induced upregulation of pathways associated with proinflammatory and IFN-regulated gene responses within 1 wk and reduced AAb responses by 4 wk. These findings suggest that the acute short-term model employed here holds substantial promise for efficient elucidation of the molecular mechanisms through which omega-3 PUFAs exert protective effects against cSiO2-induced autoimmunity.
Eddy-driven sea-level rise near the frontal region off the east coast of the Korean peninsula during 1993–2020
Authors: Lee KyungJae , Park Jae-Hyoung , Park Young-Gyu 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding the underlying dynamics of regional sea-level rise (SLR), which often deviates from global trends, is crucial for mitigating and adapting to the impacts of severe climate change. This study investigated the causes of high regional SLR rates (&gt; 6.0 mm yr-1) around the frontal region near Ulleung Island in the southwestern East/Japan Sea (EJS). Despite exhibiting rates higher than the global average (3.1 mm yr-1) from 1993 to 2020, the reasons for these higher rates in this region have not been clearly elucidated.MethodsWe aimed to clarify the quantitative effect of the long-term variations of the Ulleung Warm Eddy (UWE) on the high SLR rates near Ulleung Island based on satellite altimetry and ship-based hydrographic data.ResultsDuring this period, the temperature within the UWE increased, particularly at the temperature-homogeneous layer of approximately 200 m, the lower boundary of the UWE deepened, and the eddy duration per year increased, resulting in high SLR rates within the eddy owing to the steric height rise. The long-term variations in the internal temperature and vertical thickness of the UWE had significantly comparable impacts on SLR rates, with the duration being less influential. The SLR rates by integrating all long-term variations in the UWE (7.6 mm yr-1) quantitatively explained the high long-term SLR rates at Ulleung Island (7.0 mm yr-1).DiscussionThe increasing temperature within the UWE was attributed to the rising temperature of water flowing through the southwestern strait (Korean Strait) in late fall, and the deepening lower boundary and the increasing duration of the UWE resulted from the increased horizontal temperature gradients near the front, leading to enhanced baroclinic instability in the subsurface layers. Our findings suggest that long-term variations in mesoscale eddies can significantly influence the regional SLR rates, deviating substantially from the global average in the frontal region.
Analysis of etiology and clinical features of spontaneous downbeat nystagmus: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Sai , Lang Yilin , Wang Wenting , Wu Yuexia , Yan Shuangmei , Zhang Ting , Li Dong , Liu Shaona , Hao Yongci , Yang Xu , Gu Ping 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the topical diagnosis, possible etiology and mechanism of spontaneous downbeat nystagmus (sDBN) patients with dizziness/vertigo.MethodsThe clinical features of dizziness/vertigo patients accompanied with DBN were retrospectively reviewed in the Vertigo Center of our hospital from January 2018 to March 2021. The clinical features of dizziness/vertigo patients accompanied with DBN were reviewed. Comprehensive VNG, bithermal caloric testing, video-head-impulse test (vHIT), vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), three-dimensional fluid-attenuated incersion recovery magnetic resonance imaging (3D-FLAIR MRI) in the inner ear, serum immunology and other examinations were to determine the lesion site, and analyze its possible etiology and mechanism.ResultsA total of 54 patients were included. Among them, 70.4% (n = 38) of DBN patients were diagnosed with episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS), 22.2% (n = 12) with chronic vestibular syndrome (CVS), and 7.4% (n = 4) with acute vestibular syndrome (AVS). Among all the patients, 51.9% of DBN patients had clear etiology, with central lesions of 29.6% and peripheral diseases of 22.2%. The most common diseases in DBN patients were cerebellar lesions (13.0%, n = 7) and vestibular migraine (13.0%, n = 7), followed by benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (7.4%, n = 4) and drug-related dizziness/vertigo (5.6%, n = 3). The other 48.1% of the patients had unknown etiology. 53.8% (14/26) of patients with idiopathic DBN had decreased semicircular canal function, with 42.9% (6/14) decreased posterior semicircular canal function. The posterior semicircular canal gain in DBN patients decreased compared to the anterior semicircular canal in the same conjugate plane. Patients with peripheral DBN were more prone to horizontal/torsional nystagmus during positional testing.ConclusionIn our study, DBN patients have a relative decrease in posterior semicircular canal gain, which is possibly a particular result found in a subset of downbeat nystagmus patients. The changes in nystagmus during positional testing may be helpful in distinguishing between peripheral and central causes.
Nutritional counseling in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review
Authors: Neri Lenycia de Cassya Lopes , Guglielmetti Monica , Fiorini Simona , Quintiero Federica , Tagliabue Anna , Ferraris Cinzia 
Published: February 2024

Healthy eating habits are the basis for good health status, especially for children and adolescents, when growth and development are still ongoing. Nutrition educational programs are essential to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Nutritional counseling (NC), as a collaborative process between the counselor and the client process, could help to achieve better outcomes. This review aims to collect information about the utilization of NC during childhood and adolescence and to highlight its possible impact on adherence/compliance rates, nutrition knowledge, status and dietary intake. The methods applied in this systematic review followed the instruction of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and Science Direct included observational or randomized studies. RoB 2.0 and Robins-I tools was used for the risk of bias assessment in randomized and non-randomized studies, respectively. The quality of evidence was checked by the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool system. A total of 21 articles were selected, computing 4,345 individuals. 11 achieved at least 4 stars quality level. The highest risk of bias for randomized studies was related to the randomization process. 42.9% of non-randomized studies had some concerns of bias, mainly because of a lack of control of all confounding factors. Different strategies of NC were used in children and adolescents with positive results for health or diseases. NC strategies can be effectively used in children and adolescents. In general, NC showed benefits in pediatrics age for anthropometric or body composition parameters, dietary intake, nutrition knowledge and physical activity improvement. Performing NC in pediatrics is challenging due to the counseling strategies that must be adapted in their contents to the cognitive ability of each age. More structured research must be done focused on this population. Investments in healthy eating behaviors in pediatrics can lead to better health outcomes in the future population with substantial benefits to society.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails], identifier [CRD42022374177].
Case report: Peri-procedural hydroxyurea helps minimize bleeding in patients with Essential Thrombocythemia associated with acquired von Willebrand syndrome
Authors: Kogan Leah , Price Russell , Kotchetkov Rouslan 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundEssential Thrombocythemia is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an isolated excessive production of platelets. Extreme thrombocytosis is defined by having a platelet count greater than or equal to 1,000 x 109/L, which may lead to the development of acquired von Willebrand syndrome and complications of excessive hemorrhage.Case descriptionA 74-year-old female patient was brought in for a bone marrow examination regarding elevated platelet count. She had no history of excessive bleeding. The physical exam was unremarkable with no petechiae or hematomas. Complete blood count showed platelet count 1,491x109/L. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were unremarkable, however, the patient developed bleeding from the biopsy site. Local pressure and an ice pack were ineffective, so she received 20 mcg of desmopressin subcutaneously, 1 unit of fresh frozen plasma and was started on tranexamic acid 1,000 mg orally every 8 hours. She was admitted for bleeding control and had another dose of desmopressin. Blood work showed elevated partial thromboplastin time and normal international normalized ratio. Acquired von Willebrand syndrome was suspected and a sample for von Willebrand disease was sent out. The next day her bleeding continued, and her Hb decreased from 145 to 89 g/L, she became symptomatic (tachycardic) and fatigued. The coagulation profile was consistent with acquired von Willebrand syndrome. Since she continued bleeding, she received 1 unit of packed red blood cells. A high dose of hydroxyurea (3g/day) was started urgently; within 24 hours platelet count was halved, and the bleeding resolved. Blood work was repeated 24 hours later and showed normalization of partial thromboplastin time and a normal Von Willebrand profile.ConclusionPatients with extreme thrombocytosis are at high risk of bleeding due to acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome. Initiation of hydroxyurea at the time of bone marrow exam helps to control platelet count and minimizes the risk of peri-procedural hemorrhage in high-risk Essential Thrombocythemia patients with suspected acquired Von Willebrand Syndrome.
Assessing the learning curve for transumbilical single-site laparoscopy for endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Fanlin , Zheng Ying , Yang Fan , Liu Jianhong 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionApplying transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery to endometrial cancers is worldwide, and the depiction of the learning curve is rarely described, which leads to the vagueness of young clinical practitioners. We accumulated the data to identify the completion of the learning curve by analyzing the operative and postoperative outcomes of the patients with endometrial cancer for transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (TU-LESS).MethodsThis was a retrospective, consecutive single-center study of patients with endometrial cancer undergoing standard endometrial cancer comprehensive staging surgery (extrafascial hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, and pelvic lymphadenectomy) through TU-LESS by an experienced surgeon from December, 2017 to June, 2021 in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, China.ResultsAfter applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients were included in the study. The learning curve for this study was evaluated using both cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted CUSUM (RA-CUSUM) methods. Applying CUSUM and RA-CUSUM has grouped 42 cases into three phases. The prior five cases represented the learning period. The following six cases were needed to lay a technical foundation (cases 6–11). The third phase was regarded as achieving proficiency (cases 12–42). The operative time decreased drastically with the learning curve. There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative complications and lymph node retrieval among the three phases. More difficult patients were confronted in the third phase.DiscussionIn our study, the learning curve was composed of three phases. According to the results of our study, 11 cases were required for experienced surgeons to achieve a technical foundation.
S100A8 is a prognostic signature and associated with immune response in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Lin Qi , Su Jianlin , Fang Yuanyuan , Zhong Zhihao , Chen Jie , Zhang Chaofeng 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundS100A8, a calcium-binding protein belonging to the S100 family, is involved in immune responses and multiple tumor pathogens. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common types of B-cell lymphoma and remains incurable in 40% of patients. However, the role of S100A8 and its regulation of the immune response in DLBCL remain unclear.MethodsThe differential expression of S100A8 was identified via the GEO and TCGA databases. The prognostic role of S100A8 in DLBCL was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier curve. The function enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was explored through GO, KEGG, GSEA, and PPI analysis. In our cohort, the expression of S100A8 was verified. Meanwhile, the biological function of S100A8 was applied after the inhibition of S100A8 in an in vitro experiment. The association between S100A8 and immune cell infiltration and treatment response in DLBCL was analyzed.ResultsS100A8 was significantly overexpressed and related to a poor prognosis in DLBCL patients. Function enrichment analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway. Our cohort also verified this point. In vitro experiments suggested that inhibition of S100A8 should promote cell apoptosis and suppress tumor growth. Single-cell RNA sequence analysis indicated that S100A8 might be associated with features of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and immune infiltration analyses discovered that S100A8 expression was involved in TME. In terms of drug screening, we predicted that many drugs were associated with preferable sensitivity.ConclusionElevated S100A8 expression is associated with a poor prognosis and immune infiltration in DLBCL. Inhibition of S100A8 could promote cell apoptosis and suppress tumor growth. Meanwhile, S100A8 has the potential to be a promising immunotherapeutic target for patients with DLBCL.
The BVI ISOPURE® 123 intraocular lens: a new hydrophobic preloaded extended monofocal IOL with intermediate vision correction
Authors: Ansari Ejaz 
Published: February 2024

The BVI ISOPURE® intraocular lens (IOL) (PhysIOL, Liege, Belgium) is a fully refractive, aspherical, monofocal lens based on isofocal technology. Isofocal technology provides cataract patients distance vision quality combined with improved unaided intermediate vision by accentuating the extended depth of field/focus (EDOF) effect whilst inducing minimal photic phenomena.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar searches were conducted for published research articles featuring the ISOPURE 123 IOL.ResultsExcellent uncorrected and corrected binocular distance visual acuity of at least 20/25 can be achieved; uncorrected binocular intermediate vision of 20/25 or better in 81% and 50% at 80 cm and 66 cm, respectively, and 42% binocular near vision of 20/40 or better can be achieved. The defocus curve showed good visual acuity at far and intermediate distances with a depth of focus value of 1.50 D. Photic phenomena are minimal compared to other EDOF IOLs. Excellent contrast sensitivity was maintained compared to a standard monofocal IOL.ConclusionStudies show that this isofocal optic design IOL provides excellent visual performance for far vision and functional intermediate vision with an increased range of vision with few photic phenomena. This lens is an effective option for providing functional intermediate vision and correcting aphakia.
Molecular insights into enriched environments and behavioral improvements in autism: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yutong , Lu Jing , Zhang Jing , Gui Wenxin , Xie Weijie 
Published: February 2024

AimsAutism is a multifaceted developmental disorder of the nervous system, that necessitates novel therapeutic approaches beyond traditional medications and psychosomatic therapy, such as appropriate sensory integration training. This systematic mapping review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on enriching environmental interventions as an alternative avenue for improving autism, guiding future research and practice.MethodA comprehensive search using the terms ASD and Enriched Environment was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, ISI, Cochrane, and OVID databases. Most of the literature included in this review was derived from animal model experiments, with a particular focus on assessing the effect of EE on autism-like behavior, along with related pathways and molecular mechanisms. Following extensive group discussion and screening, a total of 19 studies were included for analysis.ResultsEnriched environmental interventions exhibited the potential to induce both behavioral and biochemical changes, ameliorating autism-like behaviors in animal models. These improvements were attributed to the targeting of BDNF-related pathways, enhanced neurogenesis, and the regulation of glial inflammation.ConclusionThis paper underscores the positive impact of enriched environmental interventions on autism through a review of existing literature. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying brain mechanisms associated with this intervention.
Nerve block reduces the incidence of 3-year postoperative mortality: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Lu , Li Chen xi , Zhang Hui , Zhang Jiaqiang 
Published: February 2024

PurposeA retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the effect of nerve block on the incidence of postoperative mortality in patients with hip replacement.MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients who were undergoing hip replacement for the first time under general or intraspinal anesthesia, classified as ASA class I–IV, and aged ≥65 years were selected. We collected the general data, past medical history, preoperative laboratory test results, perioperative fluid intake and outflow data, perioperative anesthesia and related drug data, postoperative laboratory results, and correlation time index. Patients with preoperative combined nerve block were included in the N group, and those without combined nerve block were included in the NN group. The patients were followed up via telephone call to assess survival outcomes at 3 years after surgery. Propensity score matching and uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the influence of nerve block and other related factors on postoperative mortality.ResultsA total of 743 patients were included in this study, including 262 in the N group and 481 in the NN group. Two hundred five patients in both groups remained after propensity score matching. Main result: Preoperative nerve block was associated with reduced mortality three years after surgery.ConclusionNerve block reduces the incidence of 3-year postoperative mortality, and composite nerve block with general anesthesia and neuraxial anesthesia is worthy of promotion.