bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stimulus conditions eliciting sneezing in response to bright light
Authors: Trinkl Josef , Bickerstaff Lucien , Munkwitz Stephan , Spitschan Manuel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The photic sneeze reflex (PSR) is an involuntary sneezing response to bright light exposure, affecting approximately 25% of the population. Despite its long history in scientific literature, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Several theories, including optic-trigeminal summation, parasympathetic hypersensitivity, and parasympathetic generalization, have been proposed, but none have been conclusively validated. Reproducing the PSR reliably in a laboratory setting is crucial for understanding its neural underpinnings, yet the specific light parameters that trigger PSR are not well-defined. This mini-review aims to consolidate current knowledge on the light stimulus parameters (intensity, spectral composition, wavelength, duration, timing, spatial configuration) that elicit the PSR. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, Google Books, and Google, employing terms related to photic sneezing in multiple languages. Articles from 2020 to 2024 were screened, resulting in 167 records, with seven studies focusing on stimulus parameters included in this review. The reviewed studies, including four case reports and three laboratory experiments, consistently support that bright light can induce sneezing in susceptible individuals. However, there is significant variability in the methodologies and outcomes, limiting comparability and indicating a need for systematic investigation. No study has yet examined the parametric relationship between light parameters and the PSR. The heterogeneity of methods and findings in the existing literature highlights the lack of standardized research on the specific light parameters that trigger the PSR. This review underscores the need for controlled experiments to clarify these relationships and improve our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms. Existing research on photic sneezing stimulus parameters is fragmented and lacks systematic approaches. Future studies should focus on standardized, parametric investigations to elucidate the light-sensitive mechanisms of the PSR.
Novel combination therapy for platinum-eligible patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yanagisawa Takafumi , Mori Keiichiro , Matsukawa Akihiro , Kawada Tatsushi , Katayama Satoshi , Laukhtina Ekaterina , Rajwa Pawel , Quhal Fahad , Pradere Benjamin , Fukuokaya Wataru , Iwatani Kosuke , Pichler Renate , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Moschini Marco , Krajewski Wojciech , Miki Jun , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Kimura Takahiro ,   European Association of Urology–Young Academic Urologists Urothelial Carcinoma Working Group (EAU-YAU)
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate the promising impact of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based combination therapies on locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC). However, comparative data on the efficacy and toxicity of different ICI-based combinations are lacking. This study aims to compare the efficacy of first-line ICI-based combination therapies for locally advanced or metastatic UC using phase 3 RCT data. In November 2023, three databases were searched for RCTs evaluating oncological outcomes in patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC who were treated with first-line ICI-based combination therapies. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare outcomes, including overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rates (ORRs), complete response rates (CRRs), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Subgroup analyses were based on PD-L1 status and cisplatin eligibility. The NMA included five RCTs. Enfortumab vedotin (EV) + pembrolizumab ranked the highest for improving OS (100%), PFS (100%), ORR (96%), and CRR (96%), followed by nivolumab + chemotherapy. EV + pembrolizumab combination superiority held across PD-L1 status and cisplatin eligibility. In patients who are cisplatin-eligible, EV + pembrolizumab significantly improved OS (HR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.47–0.99) and PFS (HR: 0.67, 95%CI 0.49–0.92) compared to nivolumab + chemotherapy. Durvalumab + tremelimumab was the safest combination for severe TRAEs, and EV + pembrolizumab ranked second. Our analyses support EV + pembrolizumab combination as a first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic UC. Thus, EV + pembrolizumab may become a guideline-changing standard treatment.
Selective JAK2 pathway inhibition enhances anti-leukemic functionality in CD19 CAR-T cells
Authors: Mitsuno Kohei , Suematsu Masaya , Naito Yuki , Mayumi Azusa , Yoshida Hideki , Osone Shinya , Imamura Toshihiko , Nakazawa Yozo , Yagyu Shigeki , Iehara Tomoko 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The integration of molecular targeted therapeutics with chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy represents a novel strategy to amplify the anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapy. While CD19-targeted CAR-T cells and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors have independently shown efficacy against certain B-cell leukemias, such as Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the concurrent use of JAK1/2 inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib, has been implicated in reducing CAR-T cell potency by inhibiting the JAK1-dependent T cell activation pathway. This study explores the combinatorial use of a selective type II JAK2 inhibitor, CHZ868, with CD19 CAR-T cells, revealing a synergistic enhancement of anti-leukemic activity across B-cell tumor models irrespective of JAK2 mutational status. CHZ868-mediated JAK2 inhibition did not induce the exhaustion of CAR-T cells, maintaining efficacy over repeated tumor challenges and significantly extending survival in mouse models engrafted with JAK2 inhibitor-resistant leukemia cells (median survival, CD19 CAR-T + CHZ868 vs. CD19 CAR-T + DMSO: 32 days vs. 26 days, p = 0.0303). Transcriptomic analyses suggest that CHZ868 impedes CAR-T cell differentiation while preserving their proliferative capacity, a crucial factor in maintaining CAR-T cell functionality. Therefore, the selective inhibition of the JAK2 pathway may potentiate CAR-T cell therapy and offer a viable treatment strategy for patients with resistant B-cell leukemias.
Artificial intelligence-based spatial analysis of tertiary lymphoid structures and clinical significance for endometrial cancer
Authors: Suzuki Haruka , Hamada Kohei , Hamanishi Junzo , Ueda Akihiko , Murakami Ryusuke , Taki Mana , Mizuno Rin , Watanabe Koichi , Sato Hanako , Hosoe Yuko , Ito Hiroaki , Yamanoi Koji , Yoshitomi Hiroyuki , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Ken , Matsumura Noriomi , Ogawa Seishi , Ueno Hideki , Mandai Masaki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
With the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors into the treatment of endometrial cancer (EC), a deeper understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment is critical. Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are considered favorable prognostic factors for EC, but the significance of their spatial distribution remains unclear. B cell receptor repertoire analysis performed using six TLS samples located at various distances from the tumor showed that TLSs in distal areas had more shared B cell clones with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. To comprehensively investigate the distribution of TLSs, we developed an artificial intelligence model to detect TLSs and determine their spatial locations in whole-slide images. Our model effectively quantified TLSs, and TLSs were detected in 69% of the patients with EC. We identified them as proximal or distal to the tumor margin and demonstrated that patients with distal TLSs (dTLSs) had significantly prolonged overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) across multiple cohorts [hazard ratio (HR), 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.36–0.88; p = 0.01 for overall survival; HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40–0.84; p = 0.004 for PFS]. When analyzed by molecular subtype, patients with dTLSs in the copy-number-high EC subtype had significantly longer PFS (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29–0.91; p = 0.02). Moreover, patients with dTLSs had a higher response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (87.5 vs. 41.7%) and a trend toward improved PFS. Our findings indicate that the functions and prognostic implications of TLSs may vary with their locations, and dTLSs may serve as prognostic factors and predictors of treatment efficacy. This may facilitate personalized therapy for patients with EC.
Blood-based prognostic scores and early dynamics under immunotherapy to select patients with metastatic solid tumors for continuing immune check-point inhibition: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: García-Corbacho Javier , Indacochea Alberto , Victoria Iván , Moreno Débora , Angelats Laura , González Navarro Azucena E. , Mezquita Laura , Brasó-Maristany Fara , Galván Patricia , Mellado Begoña , Viñolas Nuria , Sauri Tamara , Nogué Miquel , Adamo Barbara , Maurel Joan , Pineda Estela , Gaba Lydia , Reig Oscar , Basté Neus , Sanfeliu Esther , Juan Manel , Prat Aleix , Schettini Francesco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Immune check-point inhibitors (ICI) were a major breakthrough in cancer care, but optimal patient selection remains elusive in most tumors.

Methods
Overall 173 adult patients with metastatic solid tumors candidates to ICI in clinical trials at our Institution were prospectively recruited. Blood samples were collected at cycle 1 (C1D1) and 2 (C2D1) and until the occurrence of progressive disease (PD). C1D1 LIPI, RMH, PMHI, NLR, dNLR, PIPO and GRIm prognostic scores were calculated. The primary endpoint was identifying the best score to predict rapid PD (≤ 4 months) with ICI using logistic regressions accounting for tumor type, and receiving operators characteristics (ROC) with area under curve (AUC), accompanied by an extensive comparison of the score performances in the prediction of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rates (ORR) and durable clinical benefit (DCB). Secondary objectives included describing study cohort outcomes and studying the association between the selected score at C1D1, C2D1 and its dynamics with OS and PFS.

Results
C1D1 LIPI was the best predictor of rapid PD, OS and PFS, regardless of cancer type, compared to other scores. No score was associated to ORR and only RMH to DCB. Baseline LIPI detected three categories of patients with significantly different OS (p < 0.001) and PFS (p = 0.013). The same was observed at C2D1 for OS and PFS (both p = 0.020). Significant LIPI class shifts were observed in the overall population (p < 0.001), rapid progressors (p = 0.029) and non-rapid progressors (p = 0.009). Retaining a good LIPI or experiencing a shift towards a better prognostic class was associated to improved OS (p = 0.009) and PFS (p = 0.006). C2D1 LIPI, but not C1D1, remained significantly associated to rapid PD in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions
LIPI may improve patient selection for ICI and guide treatment adjustments according to on-treatment dynamics in a pancancer context.
A network aggregation model for amyloid-$$\beta $$ dynamics and treatment of Alzheimer’s diseases at the brain scale
Authors: Brennan Georgia S. , Goriely Alain 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are associated with the assembly of specific proteins into oligomers and fibrillar aggregates. At the brain scale, these protein assemblies can diffuse through the brain and seed other regions, creating an autocatalytic protein progression. The growth and transport of these assemblies depend on various mechanisms that can be targeted therapeutically. Here, we use spatially-extended nucleation-aggregation-fragmentation models for the dynamics of prion-like neurodegenerative protein-spreading in the brain to study the effect of different drugs on whole-brain Alzheimer’s disease progression.
No influence of patient age on operative treatment outcome of osteochondral lesions of the talus: data from the German Cartilage Registry (GCR, KnorpelRegister DGOU)
Authors: Richter Alena , Altemeier Anna , Becher Christoph , Ettinger Sarah , Güllmann Marco , Plaass Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
The influence of patient age on the clinical outcome of surgically treated osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCT) is controversial. Aim of this study was to evaluate the 24 months follow-up data of the German Cartilage Registry (KnorpelRegister DGOU, GCR) regarding the influence of patient age on clinical outcomes after surgical OCT treatment.

Materials and methods
303 patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into patients < 40 years (27.1 ± 5.8 years, n = 177) and patients ≥ 40 years (50.8 ± 7.4 years, n = 126). Pre- and postoperative FAOS total scores, subscores and ΔFAOS for most frequent surgical techniques (bone marrow stimulation, matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation, matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation with additional bone grafting) and lesion size characteristics were evaluated for both groups. ANOVA analysis with post hoc Duncan test was applied for statistical analysis.

Results
Both patients < 40 years and patients ≥ 40 years benefit from surgical treatment of OCT showing significant changes from pre- to postoperative FAOS total score (63.8 ± 20.3 to 81.5 ± 17.8 in patients < 40 years, p < 0.001; 57.3 ± 20.1 to 74.9 ± 21.6 in patients ≥ 40 years, p < 0.001) and subscores. Younger patient group tended to higher pre- and postoperative scores. ΔFAOS was not different between both groups. Older patient group had significantly higher lesion size area and volume; proportion of additional bone grafting was increased.

Conclusion
Results of surgical therapy of OCTs are independent from patient age. There is no superiority of a specific surgical technique depending on patient age.
The prospective sonographic assessment of the lower uterine segment after cesarean section and its clinical utility
Authors: Spahn Stephan , Horky Alex , Sugiyo Dianita , Bahlmann Franz , Al Naimi Ammar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the sonographic features of the lower uterine segment (LUS) and their association with successful vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC).

Methods
This is a prospective observational cohort study of women who underwent a first cesarean section (CS). Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years and open family planning. Women with a history of any additional uterine surgery, as well as a vertical or inverted T uterotomy during the CS were excluded. A pregestational transvaginal sonography, followed by serial transabdominal ultrasound examinations at the first, second, and third trimesters upon starting a new pregnancy were performed. Each intra-gestational examination involved measuring the LUS on a sagittal plane over a length of 3 cm starting from the most inferior identifiable part of the myometrium behind a full bladder. Logistic regression was performed to test the association between measures of the LUS and successful vaginal birth after CS.

Results
96 women with a follow-up pregnancy within 2 years of the initial CS were included in the analysis. The pregestational RMT ratio was 62% and 38 (39%) women had a niche. The median thickness of the lower uterine segment was 8.34 mm (5.57–9.77), 4.75 mm (4.02–5.95), and 2.55 mm (2.01–3.55) at the first, second and third trimester, respectively. 70 women attempted VBAC and the risk of unplanned repeat CS was 37.1%. One millimeter increase in LUS thickness in the first trimester increased the odds of VBAC by 50–120% depending on the used measure (p < 0.05). This association weakened with increasing gestational age and the p values increased above 0.05.

Conclusion
There is a good chance of successful VBAC for women attempting it. The sonographic assessment of the lower uterine segment during pregnancy could be helpful in counseling these women, albeit it seems that performing ultrasound during the first trimester is more informative than second and third trimesters.
Intraoperative ABR measurements via the active middle ear implant vibrant soundbridge using different types of couplers
Authors: Cebulla Mario , Köstler Carolina , Herrmann David P. , Rak Kristen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The Vibrant Soundbridge active middle ear implant is indicated for the treatment of different types of hearing loss. Recently, a novel system for determining implant performance based on auditory brainstem response (ABR) was developed. A reference value for the expected ABR hearing thresholds is determined on the base of a substantial number of measurements in this work.

Method
ABRs were recorded in patients following VSB surgery. A standard ABR system was employed, utilizing an implemented optimized chirp stimulus, which was transmitted directly to the VSB via the AcoustiAP transmission unit (MED-EL). The study included 104 subjects with different types of hearing loss. Six distinct VSB couplers were utilized in this cohort.

Results
ABR were recorded in all patients. The intraoperative ABR thresholds were 20.1 dB higher compared to the preoperative BC thresholds, 15.9 dB higher compared to the postoperative vibrogram, and 13.4 dB higher compared with the vibrogram thresholds determined at the first fitting. No significant differences were observed between the different couplers in either the investigated methods.

Conclusion
It can be posited that the presented intraoperative measurement reference value enhances the interpretability of ABR in VSB and should be considered, when using this method in VSB surgery.
Serum neurofilament light chain but not serum glial fibrillary acidic protein is a marker of early Huntington’s disease
Authors: Heim Beatrice , Mandler Elias , Peball Marina , Carbone Federico , Schwarzová Katarína , Demjaha Rina , Tafrali Cansu , Buchmann Arabella , Khalil Michael , Djamshidian Atbin , Seppi Klaus 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by CAG trinucleotide expansion on chromosome 4, leading to mutant Huntingtin production. Premanifest carriers show no obvious clinical signs, and early symptoms progress slowly. Fluid biomarkers like neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), measurable in cerebrospinal fluid and serum (sNfL, sGFAP), offer potential predicting HD progression.

Objective
To assess the role of sGFAP and sNfL and clinical biomarkers in different disease stages and correlate with disease progression.

Methods
HD mutation carriers were categorized into clinical stages according to their motor symptoms and functional capacities. The Unified HD Rating Scale, cognitive assessments and olfactory tests were used to characterize the patients clinically. Furthermore, sNfL and sGFAP levels were assessed.

Results
We consecutively included 44 HD mutation carriers (13 premanifest HD (preHD), 18 in early (early HD) and 13 in advanced (advanced HD) disease stages) and 19 healthy controls (HC). Advanced HD patients performed worse on all clinical tasks and had higher sGFAP and sNfL levels compared to other groups (all p values < 0.05). We did not find difference in sGFAP levels between the preHD, early HD and HC group (all p values > 0.05). In contrast, sNfL levels differed significantly between preHD and early HD, and HC (all p values < 0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC of sGFAP (0.970) exhibited superior discriminatory accuracy compared to sNfL (0.791) levels in separating advanced from early HD patients. By contrast, ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC of sNFL (0.988) exhibited superior discriminatory accuracy compared to sGFAP (0.609) levels in separating all HD mutation carriers from HC.

Conclusions
Our study indicates that sNfL can detect changes in very early and premanifest HD stages, whereas sGFAP showed differences in more advanced stages only.
Mortality in a cohort of WTC-exposed law-enforcement officers compared to non-WTC law-enforcement officers
Authors: Singh Ankura , Khalifeh Malak , Violanti John , Zeig-Owens Rachel , Todd Andrew C. , Shapiro Moshe Z. , Carwile Madeline E. , Dasaro Christopher R. , Li Jiehui , Yung Janette , Farfel Mark R. , Brackbill Robert M. , Cone James E. , Qiao Baozhen , Schymura Maria J. , Prezant David J. , Hall Charles B. , Boffetta Paolo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
World Trade Center (WTC) rescue/recovery workers were exposed to materials hazardous to health. Previous studies found lower than expected mortality among WTC rescue/recovery workers when compared to general populations, possibly due to healthy worker effects, better healthcare access and/or incomparability of the groups. We compared mortality rates in WTC-exposed law enforcement officers (LEOs) with rates in LEOs employed by the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. We also compared both cohorts to the general population.

Methods
Follow-up began at the later of one year after enrollment date or 1/1/2005 and ended at the earlier of death date or 12/31/2018. Analyses were restricted to ages 40–79 years (N = 11,476 WTC LEOs, N = 1668 non-WTC LEOs). We estimated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in each cohort using stratum-specific US mortality rates. Relative rates (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated for the WTC vs. the Buffalo cohort using Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, race, age-group, and calendar-period.

Results
185 deaths were observed in the WTC cohort and 186 in the Buffalo cohort. All-cause and cause-specific SMRs were significantly lower in the WTC cohort. Similarly, the adjusted all-cause mortality RR for the WTC vs. Buffalo cohorts was 0.30 (95% CI = 0.23–0.40). The cause-specific mortality RRs were all significantly < 1.

Conclusion
We found lower overall and cause-specific mortality rates in WTC LEOs compared with both the general population and Buffalo LEOs. These results suggest that factors other than healthy worker effects, such as access to healthcare via the WTC Health Program, contribute to lower mortality rates in WTC rescue/recovery workers.
Supercell thunderstorm algorithm (STA): a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm for engineering optimization
Authors: Hassan Mohamed H. , Kamel Salah 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this paper, an optimization algorithm called supercell thunderstorm algorithm (STA) is proposed. STA draws inspiration from the strategies employed by storms, such as spiral motion, tornado formation, and the jet stream. It is a computational algorithm specifically designed to simulate and model the behavior of supercell thunderstorms. These storms are known for their rotating updrafts, strong wind shear, and potential for generating tornadoes. The optimization procedures of the STA algorithm are based on three distinct approaches: exploring a divergent search space using spiral motion, exploiting a convergent search space through tornado formation, and navigating through the search space with the aid of the jet stream. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed STA algorithm in achieving optimal solutions for various optimization problems, a series of test sequences were conducted. Initially, the algorithm was tested on a set of 23 well-established functions. Subsequently, the algorithm’s performance was assessed on more complex problems, including ten CEC2019 test functions, in the second experimental sequence. Finally, the algorithm was applied to five real-world engineering problems to validate its effectiveness. The experimental results of the STA algorithm were compared to those of contemporary metaheuristic methods. The analysis clearly demonstrates that the developed STA algorithm outperforms other methods in terms of performance.