bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case report: A girl with witnessed sleep apnea
Authors: Wu Shuai , Wang Waner , Han Fang , Xu Liyue 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPfeiffer syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, broad thumbs and big toes, and partial syndactyly of the hands and feet. This case report presents the case of a girl diagnosed with type 2 Pfeiffer syndrome who experienced severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Case reportThe patient had been using an oropharyngeal airway since the age of 4 months due to snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep. At 11 months old, she was referred to our sleep clinic because of growth limitation and gross motor ability issues. Polysomnography (PSG) showed severe obstructive hypopnea before any treatment, and revealed severe central sleep apnea with the oropharyngeal airway in place. Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy was initiated, which improved both her sleep and gross motor ability.ConclusionThis case report emphasizes the importance of thorough sleep studies for diagnosing sleep and breathing disorders in Pfeiffer syndrome patients and highlights the effectiveness of PAP therapy in managing these conditions.
Stratification of patients with Menière’s disease based on eye movement videos recorded from the beginning of vertigo attacks and contrast-enhanced MRI findings
Authors: Ueno Yuya , Imai Takao , Higashi-Shingai Kayoko , Ohta Yumi , Sato Takashi , Kamakura Takefumi , Ozono Yoshiyuki , Inohara Hidenori 
Published: January 2024

PurposeDiagnosis of Menière’s disease (MD) relies on subjective factors and the patients diagnosed with MD may have heterogeneous pathophysiologies. This study aims to stratify MD patients using two objective data, nystagmus videos and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI).MethodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional study. According to the Japan Society for Equilibrium Research criteria (c-JSER), adults diagnosed with definite MD and who obtained videos recorded by portable nystagmus recorder immediately following vertigo attacks and underwent CE-MRI of the inner ear were included (ss = 91). Patients who obtained no nystagmus videos, who had undergone sac surgery, and those with long examination intervals were excluded (n = 40).ResultsThe gender of the subjects was 22 males and 29 females. The age range was 20–82 y, with a median of 54 y. Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) were observed on CE-MRI in 84% (43 patients). Thirty-one patients had unilateral EH. All of them demonstrated EH on the side of the presence of cochlear symptoms. The number of patients who had both nystagmus and EH was 38. Five patients only showed EH and 5 patients only exhibited nystagmus, while 3 patients did not have either. Of the 43 nystagmus records, 32 showed irritative nystagmus immediately after the vertigo episode. The direction of nystagmus later reversed in 44% of cases over 24 h.ConclusionPatients were stratified into subgroups based on the presence or absence of EH and nystagmus. The side with cochlear symptoms was consistent with EH. The c-JSER allows for the diagnosis of early-stage MD patients, and it can be used to treat early MD and preserve hearing; however, this approach may also include patients with different pathologies.
Development of EEG connectivity from preschool to school-age children
Authors: Kang Jiannan , Mao Wenqin , Wu Juanmei , Huang Xinping , Casanova Manuel F. , Sokhadze Estate M. , Li Xiaoli , Geng Xinling 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionMany studies have collected normative developmental EEG data to better understand brain function in early life and associated changes during both aging and pathology. Higher cognitive functions of the brain do not normally stem from the workings of a single brain region that works but, rather, on the interaction between different brain regions. In this regard studying the connectivity between brain regions is of great importance towards understanding higher cognitive functions and its underlying mechanisms.MethodsIn this study, EEG data of children (N = 253; 3-10 years old; 113 females, 140 males) from pre-school to schoolage was collected, and the weighted phase delay index and directed transfer function method was used to find the electrophysiological indicators of both functional connectivity and effective connectivity. A general linear model was built between the indicators and age, and the change trend of electrophysiological indicators analyzed for age.ResultsThe results showed an age trend for the functional and effective connectivity of the brain of children.DiscussionThe results are of importance in understanding normative brain development and in defining those conditions that deviate from typical growth trajectories.
Acrylamide formation in air-fried versus deep and oven-fried potatoes
Authors: Navruz-Varlı Semra , Mortaş Hande 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPresent study investigates the effects of different home pre-treatment processes and cooking techniques on the acrylamide content of fried potatoes.MethodsPotato sticks were prepared in two different pre-treatment ways (washing and soaking) and cooked with three other techniques (air frying, deep frying, and oven frying). Acrylamide analyses were performed on cooked potatoes using an LC-MS/MS method.ResultsThe highest acrylamide content was found in potatoes cooked using the air fryer (12.19 ± 7.03 μg/kg). This was followed by deep frying (8.94 ± 9.21 μg/kg) and oven frying (7.43 ± 3.75 μg/kg). However, the difference between the acrylamide contents of the potatoes according to the cooking methods was not statistically significant. The acrylamide content of the potatoes that were subjected to soaking in all three ways was lower than the potatoes that were not soaked and only washed. In the deep-frying method, it was found statistically significant that the soaked potatoes contained less acrylamide (p = 0.029).DiscussionIt is important to highlight the relatively low acrylamide levels found in oven-frying, lower than air frying in both washing and soaking groups in the present study. Although air fryers, which have become widely used as an alternative to deep frying in recent years, provide French fries with less oil, their role in the formation of acrylamide should be further investigated.
Evaluation of prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion in early stage endometrial cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Zhao-juan , Wang Yi-si , Chen Ya-li , Zheng Ai , Han Ling 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundStudies evaluating the prognostic significance of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in early stage endometrial cancer (EC) are conflicting.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether LVSI identified in stage I EC is associated with worse survival.Search strategyA comprehensive literature search of three databases (Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane) was performed up to April 30th 2023.Selection criteriaCohort studies that have evaluated the relationship between LVSI and prognosis in patients with stage I EC were included.Data collection and analysisTwo authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, extracted the data of recurrence and survival, and conducted meta-analysis using random effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated by I2 test.Main resultsA total of 15 studies involving 6,705 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled rate of LVSI was 14% [95% confidence interval (CI) CI 0.09-0.18] in stage I EC. LVSI was significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence [odds ratio (OR) = 2.79, 95%CI 2.07-3.77], reduced overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR)=5.19, 95%CI 3.33-8.07] and recurrence free survival (RFS) [HR = 5.26, 95%CI 3.45-8.02] in stage I EC patients. Similarly, LVSI was associated with an increased risk of recurrence [OR= 3.10, 95%CI 2.13-4.51], decreased OS [HR=5.52, 95%CI 2.16-14.09] and RFS [HR = 4.81, 95%CI 2.34-9.91] in stage IA grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinoma patients.ConclusionThe presence of LVSI in stage I EC and in stage IA, grade 1 or 2 endometrioid carcinoma is associated with an increased risk of recurrence, lower OS and RFS.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier 42023425231.
Association between dietary nutrient intake and prevalence of myopia in Korean adolescents: evidence from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Jeong-Mee , Choi Yean Jung 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe rise in myopia prevalence, particularly among adolescents in East Asia, is a cause for concern. While a combination of environmental and genetic factors is understood to contribute to this trend, the role of dietary nutrients is not yet fully clarified.ObjectiveTo assess the potential association between the intake of specific nutrients and the prevalence of myopia in a large, population-based sample of Korean adolescents.MethodsData from 18,077 adolescents (average age: 15.05 ± 1.67 years; 51.7% male, 48.3% female) who participated in the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII, 2016) were analyzed. Refractive error was measured using an auto-refractor-keratometer (KR-8800) without cycloplegia. Dietary intake of 14 nutrients was assessed through a 24-h personalized dietary recall method.ResultsThe study revealed a myopia prevalence of 87.6% among the adolescents. Multivariable models adjusted for age, gender, BMI, and other confounding factors indicated that higher intakes of carbohydrates, proteins, cholesterol, sodium, and vitamin B2 were associated with an increased risk of myopia. Conversely, higher intake of vitamin C was found to be associated with a decreased risk.ConclusionThe findings suggested a potential association between dietary nutrient intake and myopia prevalence in Korean adolescents. While the study did not establish a causal link, the differences in nutrient intake between the myopic and non-myopic groups could indicate that diet plays a role in the development or progression of myopia. Further research is warranted to corroborate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
The influence of prenatal dexamethasone administration before scheduled full-term cesarean delivery on short-term adverse neonatal outcomes: a retrospective single-center cohort study
Authors: Pei Jiaojiao , Chen Jiao 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThere has been a gradual increase in the prevalence of cesarean section deliveries and more healthcare professionals are considering the prophylactic use of corticosteroids before planned full-term cesarean sections. However, the association between dexamethasone administration before full-term cesarean delivery and short-term adverse neonatal outcomes is unclear. This study analyzed the disparities in short-term adverse neonatal effects in neonates born via full-term elective cesarean delivery with or without antenatal dexamethasone treatment.Study designThis single-center retrospective cohort study involved neonates aged 37–39 weeks. The primary neonatal outcomes included various short-term adverse events, including neonatal admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, neonatal access to the special care baby unit, transient neonatal respiratory distress, respiratory distress syndrome, and the requirement of intravenous antibiotics or ventilatory support. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between these outcomes and dexamethasone exposure while adjusting for covariates.ResultsOf the 543 neonates included in the study, 121 (22.2%) had been exposed to prenatal dexamethasone. When compared with the control group, the dexamethasone-exposed group exhibited significantly higher rates of transient neonatal respiratory distress, respiratory distress syndrome, administration of intravenous antibiotics, the need for ventilatory support, and longer duration of neonatal hospitalization (P &lt; 0.05). The association between dexamethasone exposure and short-term adverse neonatal outcomes remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio: 12.76, 95% confidence interval: 6.9–23.62, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe dexamethasone-exposed group had a higher likelihood of experiencing short-term adverse outcomes when compared with non-exposed neonates, suggesting that dexamethasone may have detrimental effects on infants delivered at full term. This implies the importance of exercising caution when contemplating the use of antenatal corticosteroids.
Within-breath oscillometry for identifying exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in pediatric patients reporting symptoms with exercise
Authors: Barreto Mario , Veneroni Chiara , Caiulo Mariaclaudia , Evangelisti Melania , Pompilio Pasquale Pio , Mazzuca Maria Cristina , Raponi Giorgia , Pagani Jacopo , Parisi Pasquale 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundEvaluating oscillometry parameters separately for the inspiratory and expiratory breath phases and their within-breath differences can help to identify exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in pediatric outpatients disclosing exercise-induced symptoms (EIS).AimsTo assess the response in impedance parameters following an exercise challenge in patients reporting EIS.MethodsSixty-eight patients reporting EIS (34 asthmatics and 34 suspected of asthma, age mean = 10.8 years, range = 6.0–16.0) underwent an incremental treadmill exercise test. Spirometry was performed at baseline and 1, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-min post exercise. Oscillometry was performed at baseline and at 3- and 18-min post exercise. Bronchodilator response to 200 µg albuterol was then assessed. EIB was defined as a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) fall ≥10% from baseline. Expiratory and inspiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs), their z-score (Ducharme et al. 2022), and their mean within-breath differences (ΔRrs = Rrsexp-Rrsinsp, ΔXrs = Xrsexp-Xrsinsp) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and their areas (AUCs) were used to evaluate impedance parameters’ performances in classifying EIB.ResultsAsthmatic patients developed EIB more frequently than those suspected of asthma [18/34 (52.9%) vs. 2/34 (5.9%), p &lt; 0.001]. In the 20 subjects with EIB, Rrsinsp, Rrsexp, Xrsinsp, and Xrsexp peaked early (3’), and remained steady except for Xrsinsp, which recovered faster afterward. ΔXrs widened 18 min following the exercise and reversed sharply after bronchodilation (BD) (−1.81 ± 1.60 vs. −0.52 ± 0.80 cmH2O × s/L, p &lt; 0.001). Cutoffs for EIB leading to the highest AUCs were a rise of 0.41 in z-score Rrsinsp (Se: 90.0%, Sp: 66.7%), and a fall of −0.64 in z-score Xrsinsp (Se: 90.0%, Sp: 75.0%). Accepting as having “positive” postexercise oscillometry changes those subjects who had both z-scores beyond respective cutoffs, sensitivity for EIB was 90.0% (18/20) and specificity, 83.3% (40/48).ConclusionOscillometry parameters and their within-breath differences changed markedly in pediatric patients presenting EIB and were restored after the bronchodilator. Strong agreement between z-scores of inspiratory oscillometry parameters and spirometry supports their clinical utility, though larger studies are required to validate these findings in a broader population.
Morroniside induces cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in adult rats
Authors: Zheng Songyang , Liu Tingting , Chen Mengqi , Sun Fangling , Fei Yihuan , Chen Yanxi , Tian Xin , Wu Zheng , Zhu Zixin , Zheng Wenrong , Wang Yufeng , Wang Wen 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by the loss of cardiomyocytes, which impairs cardiac function and eventually leads to heart failure. The induction of cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity provides a new treatment strategy for the repair of heart damage. Our previous study demonstrated that morroniside exerts cardioprotective effects. This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of morroniside on cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and cardiac repair following AMI.Methods: Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were isolated and exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro. A rat model of AMI was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) in vivo. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect newly generated cardiomyocytes. Western blotting was performed to assess the expression of cell cycle-related proteins. Electrocardiography (ECG) was used to examine pathological Q waves. Masson’s trichrome and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining assessed myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy.Results: The results showed that morroniside induced cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and increased the levels of cell cycle proteins, including cyclin D1, CDK4, cyclin A2, and cyclin B1, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, morroniside reduced myocardial fibrosis and remodeling.Discussion: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that morroniside stimulates cardiomyocyte cell cycle activity and cardiac repair in adult rats, and that these effects may be related to the upregulation of cell cycle proteins.
Antifungal activity of the repurposed drug disulfiram against Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Peng Min , Zhang Chen , Duan Yuan-Yuan , Liu Hai-Bo , Peng Xin-Yuan , Wei Qian , Chen Qi-Ying , Sang Hong , Kong Qing-Tao 
Published: January 2024

Fungal infections have become clinically challenging owing to the emergence of drug resistance in invasive fungi and the rapid increase in the number of novel pathogens. The development of drug resistance further restricts the use of antifungal agents. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify alternative treatments for Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans). Disulfiram (DSF) has a good human safety profile and promising applications as an antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and anticancer agent. However, the effect of DSF on Cryptococcus is yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study investigated the antifungal effects and the mechanism of action of DSF against C. neoformans to provide a new theoretical foundation for the treatment of Cryptococcal infections. In vitro studies demonstrated that DSF inhibited Cryptococcus growth at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 μg/mL. Combined antifungal effects have been observed for DSF with 5-fluorocytosine, amphotericin B, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. DSF exerts significant protective effects and synergistic effects combined with 5-FU for Galleria mellonella infected with C. neoformans. Mechanistic investigations showed that DSF dose-dependently inhibited melanin, urease, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, capsule and biofilm viability of C. neoformans. Further studies indicated that DSF affected C. neoformans by interfering with multiple biological pathways, including replication, metabolism, membrane transport, and biological enzyme activity. Potentially essential targets of these pathways include acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, catalase, ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC transporter), and iron-sulfur cluster transporter. These findings provide novel insights into the application of DSF and contribute to the understanding of its mechanisms of action in C. neoformans.
Comparison of knowledge, attitude, practice and predictors of self-medication with antibiotics among medical and non-medical students in Tanzania
Authors: Shitindi Lusajo , Issa Omary , Poyongo Baraka P. , Horumpende Pius Gerald , Kagashe Godeliver A. , Sangeda Raphael Z. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a widespread problem in developing nations, including Tanzania.Methods: This study compared knowledge, attitudes, practices, and factors influencing antibiotic SMA among medical and non-medical students.Results: The prevalence of SMA among medical students was 49.1% and 59.2% among non-medical students, respectively. The mean knowledge score of medical students (6.4) was significantly higher (p-value &lt;0.001) than that of non-medical students (5.6). The main factors influencing SMA practices were the availability of antibiotics without a prescription, easy access to pharmacies, and a lack of knowledge about the risks of SMA. This experience was pivotal in influencing medical students to take antibiotics, with a substantial proportion of 67.5% as opposed to 59.4% of non-medical students. Medical students were 1.6 times more likely to self-medicate with antibiotics than non-medical students (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.6; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.2–2.3, p-value = 0.004). Age was also associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04–1.2, p-value = 0.006) per year increase in age. Additionally, attitude was associated with self-medication, with an AOR of 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04–1.1, p-value = 0.001) per unit increase in attitude score.Discussion: No significant associations were found between sex, marital status, having children, year of study, knowledge score, and self-medication with antibiotics. This study emphasizes the importance of educational interventions and public awareness campaigns to promote antimicrobial stewardship, appropriate antibiotic use, and preventing pharmacies from dispensing antibiotics without a prescription.
Role of sodium leak channel (NALCN) in sensation and pain: an overview
Authors: Zhang Donghang , Wei Yiyong 
Published: January 2024

The sodium leak channel (NALCN) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and plays a pivotal role in regulating the resting membrane potential (RMP) by mediating the Na+ leak current. NALCN was first reported in 1999, and since then, increasing evidence has provided insights into the structure and functions of NALCN. As an essential component of neuronal background currents, NALCN has been shown to be involved in many important physiological functions, particularly in the respiratory rhythm, as NALCN mutant mice have a severely disrupted respiratory rhythm and die within 24 h of birth. Many patients with NALCN mutations also develop serious clinical syndromes, such as severe hypotonia, speech impairment, and cognitive delay. Recently, emerging studies have clarified the human NALCN structure and revealed additional properties and functions of NALCN. For instance, accumulating evidence highlights that the NALCN is involved in normal sensation and pain. Here, we review the current literature and summarize the role of the NALCN in sensation and pain.
CUTE: A Cryogenic Underground TEst facility at SNOLAB
Authors: Camus Philippe , Corbett Jonathan , Crawford Sean , Dering Koby , Fascione Eleanor , Gerbier Gilles , Germond Richard , Ghaith Muad , Hall Jeter , Hong Ziqing , Kubik Andrew , Mayer Adam , Nagorny Serge , Pakarha Payam , Rau Wolfgang , Scorza Silvia , Underwood Ryan 
Published: January 2024

Low-temperature cryogenics open the door for a range of interesting technologies based on features like superconductivity and superfluidity, low-temperature phase transitions or the low heat capacity of non-metals in the milli-Kelvin range. Devices based on these technologies are often sensitive to small energy depositions as can be caused by environmental radiation. The Cryogenic Underground TEst facility (CUTE) at SNOLAB is a platform for testing and operating cryogenic devices in an environment with low levels of background. The large experimental chamber (O(10) L) reaches a base temperature of ∼ 12 mK; it can hold a payload of up to ∼ 20 kg and provides a radiogenic background event rate as low as a few events/kg/keV/day in the energy range below about 100 keV, as well as a negligible muon rate (O1)/month). CUTE was designed and built in the context of the Super Cryogenic Dark Matter Search experiment (SuperCDMS) that uses cryogenic detectors to search for interactions of dark matter particles with ordinary matter. The facility has been used to test SuperCDMS detectors since its commissioning in 2019. In 2021, it was handed over to SNOLAB to become a SNOLAB user facility after the completion of the testing of detectors for SuperCDMS. The facility will be available for projects that benefit from these special conditions, based on proposals assessed for their scientific and technological merits. This article describes the main design features and operating parameters of CUTE.