bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Herpes Zoster virus infection and the risk of developing dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Elhalag Rowan H. , Motawea Karam R. , Talat Nesreen Elsayed , Rouzan Samah S. , Reyad Sarraa M. , Elsayed Soliman M. , Chébl Pensée , Abowafia Marwan , Shah Jaffer 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that affects a significant portion of the adult population; however, its potential role in the onset or progression of neurodegenerative disorders like dementia remains unclear.

Methods:
We searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. We included any randomized control trials and controlled observational studies as Cross-sectional, prospective, or retrospective cohort and case-control studies that investigated the prevalence of dementia in Herpes Zoster Virus (HZV)-infected patients and HZV-free control group or if the study investigated the prevalence of HZV in demented patients. Also, if the studies measured the levels of dementia biomarkers in patients with HZV compared with a healthy control group.

Results:
After the complete screening, 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis. In the outcome of the incidence of HZV, the pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the dementia group and the No dementia group (RR = 1.04% CI = 0.86–1.25, P = .70). In the outcome of incidences of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, the pooled analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the HZV group and the incidence of dementia (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.92–1.08, P = .89), (RR = 3.74, 95% CI = 0.22–62.70, P = .36) respectively. In the outcome of incidences of Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), the generic inverse variance showed a statistically significant association between patients who have HZO and increased incidence of dementia (RR = 6.26, 95% CI = 1.30–30.19, P = .02).

Conclusion:
Our study showed no significant association between HZV and the incidence of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, but it shows a significant association between HZO and the incidence of dementia. More multicenter studies are needed to establish the actual association between the HZV and dementia.
Neuralgic amyotrophy: sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance neurography in diagnosis: A retrospective study
Authors: Duan Luyao , Zhao Liyang , Liu Ying , Zhang Yizhe , Zheng Wensong , Yu Xiaoman , Liu Hongran , Li Zequn , Peng Zhigang , Li Xiaona 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a clinically acute or subacute disease. To study the characteristics of brachial plexus magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) in patients with NA, and to explore the clinical application value of MRN combined with electromyography (EMG) in the diagnosis of NA.

Methods:
Brachial plexus MRN images of 32 patients with NA were retrospectively analyzed, and their characteristics were investigated. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRN, EMG, and the combination of the 2 methods for NA diagnosis were compared.

Results:
Among the 32 patients with NA, 28 (87.5%) cases of unilateral brachial plexus involvement, 18 (56.3%) cases of multiple nerve roots involvement. In 10 cases, C5 nerve roots were involved alone, and in 9 cases, C5 to C6 nerve roots were involved together. The T2 signal intensity of the affected nerve increased, and 19 cases showed thickened and smooth nerve root edges. Twelve cases showed uneven thickening and segmental stenosis of the involved nerve roots. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of MRN for NA were higher than those of EMG. Combining MRN and EMG could improve the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.

Conclusion:
The main feature of MRN in patients with NA was that it was unilateral brachial plexus asymmetric involvement. The diagnostic effect of MRN was better than that of EMG. The combined diagnosis of MRN and EMG can help clinicians diagnose NA accurately.
Effects of Baduanjin exercise on patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain and surface electromyography signs of erector spinal muscle: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Dan , Huang Hai , Xu Dan Dan , Zhao Yan 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a common disease usually with lower back muscle fatigue and injuries that may contribute to lumbar muscle imbalance and pain recurrence. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of Baduanjin exercise on patients of CNLBP and to assess its impact on the surface electromyographic signals of the lumbar erector spinae muscle.

Methods:
A total of 60 patients diagnosed with CNLBP were admitted from the Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2022 to December 2022. Those patients were randomly allocated into the Baduanjin group (n = 30) or the walking group (n = 30). Both groups received a 4-week intervention, with 5 training sessions per week. The numeric pain rating scale (the minimal clinically important difference = 2.4) and Oswestry Disability Index (the minimal clinically important difference = 13.4), electromyogram signals during lumbar flexion (FLEXAEMG), lumbar extension (EXTAEMG), and maximum lumbar flexion (MAEMG), the ratios of FLEXAEMG to MAEMG and EXTAEMG to MAEMG were collected at Baseline and posttreatment and compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:
After treatment, the numeric pain rating scale score in the Baduanjin group exhibited a significant decrease compared to baseline (P < .05) and was found to be lower than that of the Walking group (mean difference 2.36; CI 95% −2.323 to −1.742; P = .001). Similarly, the Oswestry disability index in the Baduanjin group demonstrated a reduction compared to baseline (P < .05) and was lower than that of the Walking group (the mean difference 7.59; CI 95% −8.861 to −6.312; P = .001). The FLEXAEMG and EXTAEMG of both groups had a significant increase (P < .05), with the Baduanjin group demonstrating higher levels compared to the Walking group (P < .05). Conversely, the MAEMG of both groups displayed a significant decrease (P < .05), with the Baduanjin group exhibiting lower levels than the Walking group (P < .05). The FLEXAEMG to MAEMG and EXTAEMG to MAEMG in the Baduanjin group increased (P < .05) and were significantly higher than the Walking group (P < .05).

Conclusion:
Baduanjin exercise has shown to be highly effective in reducing low back pain and in promoting lumber dysfunction, due to its ability to improve the strength and flexibility of the lumbar erector spinae muscle.
Impaired consciousness and unilateral limb movement due to acute limb ischemia complicated by acute cerebral infarction: A case report
Authors: Sato Jun , Yagi Tsukasa , Ishii Yusuke , Hinoura Rei , Kajimoto Ryuta , Kuwana Tsukasa , Chiba Nobutaka , Saito Takeshi , Kinoshita Kosaku 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
The symptoms of impaired consciousness and unilateral motor impairments are a perfect scenario for cerebral infarction, and a physician can easily miss the findings of limb ischemia on the patient paralyzed side even if acute limb ischemia (ALI) occurs on that side. The purpose of this case report is to reiterate the need to suspect ALI in patients with impaired consciousness who cannot complain of symptoms such as abnormal limb paresthesia or pain.

Patient concerns:
An 89-year-old woman with impaired consciousness and motor impairment of the left upper and lower extremities was transported to our hospital.

Diagnoses:
Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a suspected cerebral infarction in the posterior circulation; contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed occlusion of the left axillary artery and left femoral artery; and ultrasonography showed occlusion of the right popliteal artery.

Interventions:
Cerebral angiography was performed simultaneously with surgical thrombectomy to treat the ALI. Mechanical thrombectomy was not performed for cerebral infarction.

Outcomes:
Although motor impairment of the left upper and lower extremities persisted, the patient successfully underwent limb salvage.

Lessons:
Both cerebral infarction and ALI require early diagnosis and treatment. This rare case of cerebral infarction complicated by ALI emphasizes the need to avoid missing the signs of ALI in patients with impaired consciousness.
Peripherally inserted central catheter related pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade in neonates: Analysis of two cases and literature review
Authors: Liu Yucen , Li Maojun , Shi Wei , Tang Binzhi 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade is a rare but fatal complication which cause a high mortality if not timely diagnosed and treated. However, the atypical manifestations and the rapid deterioration present challenges for neonatologists, and there has been limited investigation reported globally to date. Furthermore, a systematic review and comprehensive summary of clinical management are lacking. The significance of this article lies in emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance in high-risk neonates and implementing effective management strategies for PICC-related pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, thereby contributing to saving more lives.

Patient concerns:
In the current report, we discuss 2 cases of neonatal pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade following PICC catheterization.

Diagnosis:
The first case was diagnosed based on forensic autopsy and the second case was diagnosed by bedside echocardiography.

Interventions and outcomes:
The first case was treated conservatively and the second case underwent pericardiocentesis, unfortunately both were died.

Lessons:
Once sudden hemodynamic or respiratory abnormalities are detected in neonates with PICC placement, particularly in the preterm infants, prompt diagnosis by cardiac ultrasound is required to verify pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade and immediate pericardiocentesis or pericardiotomy is necessary to improve survival.
Primary clostridium difficile infection in patients with ulcerative colitis: Case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Xizhuang , Zhou Huihui , Hu Zongjing , Wang Quanyi , Chen Yun , Zh Fengqin , Zhou Guangxi 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic immune-mediated disorder characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with IBD are susceptible to various complications, including the coexistence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The incidence of IBD combined with difficile infection is higher in patients with compromised immune function, which can lead to increased mortality.

Patient concerns:
A 43-year-old male presented with recurrent episodes of mucus and bloody stools persisting for more than a month without any identifiable triggering factors. Initially, the stool consistency was normal, but it progressively shifted to a loose and watery texture, with up to 8 occurrences daily.

Diagnoses:
This case underscores the diagnosis of severe UC through colonoscopy and colonic biopsy, along with the supplementary identification of a positive result for Clostridioides difficile in the fecal sample.

Interventions:
The patient initiated infliximab therapy alongside a full vancomycin course, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this intervention in managing early-stage ulcerative colitis with concurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.

Outcomes:
Following the completion of a full vancomycin course, the patient initiated infliximab therapy. The patient was free from significant discomfort, exhibited no fever, and had no mucopurulent bloody stools. A follow-up blood test indicated reduced inflammatory markers compared to the preoperative period, and the stools were normal.

Lessons:
We illustrate the potential effectiveness of this medication by presenting an in-depth case report of a patient with early-stage UC. The report outlines the patient inclusion of infliximab to better manage UC inflammation alongside an adjunct vancomycin regimen, given the ineffectiveness of mesalazine therapy and the concurrent presence of Clostridium difficile infection. This case prompts consideration of therapeutic approaches for complex UC and contributes to advancing both research and clinical practice. Nonetheless, we should remain attentive to the variations and potential risks unique to each patient in order to formulate personalized treatment strategies.
Duodenal malignant melanoma: Primary and metastatic case series and literature review
Authors: Zhou Bing , Li Xiaohua , Liu Jincai , Peng Lizi , Liu Xianwei 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Duodenal malignant melanoma is rare, and its early clinical symptoms are insidious, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Combined with previous literature, We explored the clinicopathological characteristics and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 mutations in primary and metastatic duodenal malignant melanoma, in order to provide some experience on its differential diagnosis and treatment.

Patient concerns:
The 2 patients (a 63-year-old female [Patient 1] and a 54-year-old male [Patient 2]) experienced pain and discomfort in their upper abdomen. Additionally, one of them had a history of skin malignant melanoma.

Diagnoses:
Patient 1 was diagnosed with primary duodenal malignant melanoma; and Patient 2 was diagnosed with metastatic duodenal malignant melanoma.

Interventions:
Patient 1 underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy; and patient 2 underwent complete surgical resection and lymph node dissection.

Outcomes:
After surgery, Patient 1 survived after 26 months follow-up, and Patient 2 died of systemic multi-organ circulatory failure after 1 month follow-up.

Lessons:
Primary and metastatic cases should be diagnosed through previous medical history analysis and detailed physical and auxiliary examinations. This would enable a diagnosis based on characteristic histomorphology and immunohistochemical markers. An early diagnosis and surgical treatment can prolong patient survival and the molecular inspection of v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 mutations can guide follow-up treatment.
A case report of refractory amebic colitis and literature review
Authors: Shao Yupei , Lv Hong , Zhou Weixun , Zhou Baotong , Jiang Qingwei , Qian Jiaming 
Published: February 2024

Rationale:
Amebic colitis has been less prevalent in recent times in China, and the similarity of its symptoms to those of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) results in the difficulty of early identification and diagnosis.

Patient concerns:
A 31-year-old male who exhibited intermittent diarrhea and hematochezia was highly suspected as IBD initially. Despite the partial relief of symptoms following the administration of mesalamine, the endoscopic ulcers remained largely unchanged.

Diagnoses:
Two years after the onset of mesalamine therapy, amebic cysts were detected in stool microscopy and trophozoites were found on the surface of cecal ulcers. The patient was then diagnosed with amebic colitis.

Interventions:
After 2 rounds of standardized metronidazole treatment, amebic colitis remained refractory until diloxanide was administered.

Outcomes:
The patient remained asymptomatic, and the mucosa of colon was normal during the annual follow-up.

Lessons:
Individuals newly diagnosed with IBD should undergo essential screening for amebiasis. And the use of steroids should be taken with caution, especially in cases where the effect of mesalamine is limited. For symptomatic intestinal amebiasis, even after the administration of tissue amebicides, the continued use of luminal amebicides is necessary to prevent recurrence.
“Being a Good Parent” During Times of Illness as Defined by Chinese Children With Cancer, Their Parents, and Providers
Authors: Zhang Zihe , Huang Haiying , Duan Mingxia , Yu Ling , Cheng Lei 
Published: February 2024

Background
Identifying the definition of “being a good parent” facilitates the understanding of parents’ personal beliefs and deeds regarding their ill child.

Objective
The aim of this study was to explore the concept of “being a good parent to my ill child” during pediatric cancer treatment from the perspective of Chinese children, parents, and providers.

Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 6 children, 18 parents, 5 doctors, 19 nurses, and 3 social workers by semistructured interviews at 3 Chinese hospitals.

Results
Except for “letting the Lord lead,” 7 themes from the original conceptual model were validated, for example, “being there for my child” (n = 51, 100.0%); “doing right by my child” (n = 38, 74.5%), “being an advocate for my child” (n = 27, 52.9%), “conveying love to my child” (n = 26, 51.0%), “making my child healthy” (n = 18, 35.3%), “being a good life example” (n = 13, 25.5%), and “not allowing suffering” (n = 13, 25.5%). A new theme, “rebuilding myself” (n = 39, 76.5%), emerged in the Chinese context. “Being a good parent to my ill child” is perceived differently among stakeholders. Healthcare professionals’ facilitation to fulfill the concept included “recognizing the individualized good-parent definition,” “providing best available care” and “establishing a supportive environment.”

Conclusion
“Being a good parent to my ill child” is meaningfully expressed by Chinese parents and recognized by children and providers during pediatric cancer treatment.

Implications for Practice
It is important to support parents in conveying their internal good parent definition and sharing it with stakeholders. Attention should be paid to related cultural influencers, a supportive family-friendly environment, and shared decision making involving the child’s voice.
The Pseudogene RPS27AP5 Reveals Novel Ubiquitin and Ribosomal Protein Variants Involved in Specialised Ribosomal Functions
Authors: Meller Anna , Lévesque Dominique , Raisch Jennifer , Fafard-Couture Etienne , Scott Michelle , Roucou Xavier , Boisvert Francois-Michel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPseudogenes, traditionally considered non-functional gene copies resulting from evolutionary mutations, have garnered attention due to recent transcriptomics and proteomics revealing their unexpected expressions and consequential cellular functions. Ubiquitin, transcribed from UBA52 and RPS27A genes, fused to ribosomal proteins eL40 and eS31, and polyubiquitin precursors encoded by UBB and UBC genes, has additional pseudogenes labeled as non-functional. However, recent evidence challenges this notion, demonstrating that these pseudogenes produce ubiquitin variants with minimal differences from the canonical sequence, suggesting a new regulatory dimension in ubiquitin-mediated cellular processes. To systematically catalogue possible Ubiquitin (Ub) and Ubiquitin-like (Ubl) variants from pseudogenes, expression data was compiled, identifying potential functional variants. Among these pseudogenes, RPS27AP5 expresses both Ubiquitin variant (UbP5) and ribosomal protein variant (S27aP5), with precursor proteins maturing through cleavage and exhibiting behavior similar to their counterparts post-translation. Notably, S27aP5 integrates into translating ribosomes, increasing the 80S monosomal ribosomal fraction and indirectly influencing p16INK4A transcriptional activation. The discovery of a functional S27a pseudogene supports the concept that a subset of ribosomes may incorporate diverse subunits for specific translational functions.
Dual Targeting of Histone Deacetylases and MYC as Potential Treatment Strategy for H3-K27M Pediatric Gliomas
Authors: Algranati Danielle , Oren Roni , Dassa Bareket , Fellus-Alyagor Liat , Plotnikov Alexander , Barr Haim , Harmelin Alon , London Nir , Ron Guy , Furth Noa , Shema Efrat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDiffuse midline gliomas (DMG) are aggressive and fatal pediatric tumors of the central nervous system that are highly resistant to treatments. Lysine to methionine substitution of residue 27 on histone H3 (H3-K27M) is a driver mutation in DMGs, reshaping the epigenetic landscape of these cells to promote tumorigenesis. H3-K27M gliomas are characterized by deregulation of histone acetylation and methylation pathways, as well as the oncogenic MYC pathway. In search of effective treatment, we examined the therapeutic potential of dual targeting of histone deacetylases (HDACs) and MYC in these tumors. Treatment of H3-K27M patient-derived cells with Sulfopin, an inhibitor shown to block MYC-driven tumorsin-vivo, in combination with the HDAC inhibitor Vorinostat, resulted in substantial decrease in cell viability. Moreover, transcriptome and epigenome profiling revealed synergistic effect of this drug combination in downregulation of prominent oncogenic pathways such as mTOR. Finally,in-vivostudies of patient-derived orthotopic xenograft models showed significant tumor growth reduction in mice treated with the drug combination. These results highlight the combined treatment with PIN1 and HDAC inhibitors as a promising therapeutic approach for these aggressive tumors.
PP2A catalytic subunit alpha is critically required for CD8+T cell homeostasis and anti-bacterial responses
Authors: Zhou Xian , Li Meilu , Ai Minji , Li Yanfeng , Zhu Xingxing , Hansen Michael J. , Zhong Jun , Johnson Kenneth L. , Zenka Roman , Pandey Akhilesh , Pease Larry R. , Zeng Hu 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACTWhile the functions of tyrosine phosphatases in T cell biology have been extensively studied, our knowledge on the contribution of serine/threonine phosphatases in T cells remains poor. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is one of the most abundantly expressed serine/threonine phosphatases. It is important in thymocyte development and CD4+T cell differentiation. Utilizing a genetic model in which its catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PP2A Cα) is deleted in T cells, we investigated its contribution to CD8+T cell homeostasis and effector functions. Our results demonstrate that T cell intrinsic PP2A Cα is critically required for CD8+T cell homeostasis in secondary lymphoid organs and intestinal mucosal site. Importantly, PP2A Cα deficient CD8+T cells exhibit reduced proliferation and survival. CD8+T cell anti-bacterial response is strictly dependent on PP2A Cα. Expression of Bcl2 transgene rescues CD8+T cell homeostasis in spleens, but not in intestinal mucosal site, nor does it restore the defective anti-bacterial responses. Finally, proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses reveal potential targets dependent on PP2A Cα, including mTORC1 and AKT. Thus, PP2A Cα is a key modulator of CD8+T cell homeostasis and effector functions.
Viral delivery of compact CRISPR-Cas12f forin vivogene editing applications
Authors: Sharrar Allison , Meacham Zuriah , Staples-Ager Johanna , de Tacca Luisa Arake , Rabuka David , Collingwood Trevor , Schelle Michael 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTreating human genetic conditionsin vivorequires efficient delivery of the CRISPR gene editing machinery to the affected cells and organs. The gene editing field has seen clinical advances withex vivotherapies and within vivodelivery to the liver using lipid nanoparticle technology. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes have been discovered and engineered to deliver genetic material to nearly every organ in the body. However, the large size of most CRISPR-Cas systems limits packaging into the viral genome and reduce drug development flexibility and manufacturing efficiency. Here, we demonstrate efficient CRISPR gene editing using a miniature CRISPR-Cas12f system with expanded genome targeting packaged into AAV particles. We identified efficient guides for four therapeutic gene targets and encoded the guides and the Cas12f nuclease into a single AAV. We then demonstrate editing in multiple cell lines, patient fibroblasts, and primary hepatocytes. We then screened the cells for off-target editing, demonstrating the safety of the therapeutics. These results represent an important step in applyingin vivoCRISPR editing to diverse genetic sequences and organs in the body.