bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrathoracic “Ribbon” Associated with Echinococcosis
Authors: Xiang Zhenying , Cao Tingting , Zhou Jianfeng , Yang YuShang , Yuan Yong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an endemic parasitic zoonosis in China. In most cases, the liver is the primary organ affected.
Case presentation
A 26-year-old man with a 2-week history of cough, mucous sputum, and fever was examined. Absent breath sounds were noted on the left side, while the right side was normal. The patient had a history of raw meat consumption. Blood tests showed a slight increase in white blood cell count and a significant elevation in eosinophil percentage. CT revealed left lung atelectasis and hydropneumothorax. A ribbon-like lesion was seen in the pleural fluid. Bronchoscopy showed no abnormalities. Parasite screening was positive for anti-Echinococcus granulosus IgG antibody. Clinical diagnosis of pulmonary echinococcosis was confirmed, and albendazole was administered. Surgery revealed features consistent with pulmonary cystic echinococcosis. A large inner cyst was removed from the chest. Left total pneumonectomy, decortication, and treatment of bronchopleural fistula were performed. A chest tube was inserted for postoperative drainage. Pathological findings confirmed pulmonary cystic echinococcosis. The patient continued albendazole treatment post-surgery and had an uneventful recovery, remaining symptom-free at follow-up.
Conclusions
We report a rare case of spontaneous intrathoracic rupture of pulmonary hydatid cyst with a distinctive "ribbon-like" appearance on CT. Successful surgical excision confirmed pulmonary hydatid cysts. This emphasizes the need for imaging in unexplained coughs and supports surgical excision as crucial for symptomatic pulmonary hydatid cysts patients.
MGMT promoter methylation in 1p19q-intact gliomas
Authors: Kinslow Connor , Siegelin Markus D. , Iwamoto Fabio M. , Gallitto Matthew , Neugut Alfred I. , Yu James B. , Cheng Simon K. , Wang Tony J. C. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Standard-of-care for 1p19q-intact anaplastic gliomas is defined by the international randomized phase III CATNON trial, which found an overall survival (OS) benefit for adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) when added to radiotherapy. Paradoxically, TMZ did not appear to benefit patients with IDH-wildtype gliomas, regardless of MGMT promoter status. The authors concluded that well-powered prospective study on the clinical efficacy of TMZ for patients with IDH-wildtype anaplastic gliomas (meeting criteria for glioblastoma) is warranted. Given that the prognostic and predictive role of MGMT status for grade 2–3 gliomas is unresolved, we determined the effect of MGMT status on OS in patients with 1p19q-intact gliomas in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).
Methods
We queried the NCDB from 2018–2019 for patients with IDH-wildtype or -mutant astrocytomas who received chemotherapy with follow-up through 2022. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regressions models were used to determine the association of MGMT with OS.
Results
We identified 1,514 patients who were newly diagnosed with IDH-wildtype (n = 802, 33% methylated) or -mutant astrocytomas (n = 712, 48% methylated) and received chemotherapy during initial management. An unmethylated promoter was associated with poorer survival in patients with IDH-wildtype (3-year OS 34% [95%CI 29–39%] vs. 46% [95%CI 39–54%], p < .001, adjusted HR 1.53 [95%CI 1.24–1.89]) but not IDH-mutant astrocytomas (3-year OS 79% [95%CI 74–84%] vs. 80% [95%CI 75–86%], p = .81, HR 1.04 [95%CI 0.73–1.50]).
Conclusions
This ancillary analysis supports adjuvant TMZ as standard-of-care for anaplastic astrocytomas (IDH-mutant and 1p19q-intact), irrespective of MGMT status. Determining the optimal strategy for diffuse gliomas that are IDH-wildtype will be particularly important. MGMT promoter methylation should be considered as a stratification factor in future clinical trials for these patients.
The Hepatorenal protective potential of caffeic acid consumption on the Arsenic-exposed Syrian mice
Authors: Chekneh Fahimeh , Azadi Hamideh Ghodrati , Baghshani Hasan , Moosavi Zahra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Arsenic can induce lethal hepatorenal insufficiency by inducing progressive cytotoxicity in the two main body’s hemostatic regulators, the kidney and liver. In the current study, the hepatorenal protective impact of Caffeic acid was investigated in Arsenic-exposed Syrian mice.
Methods
24 male Syrian mice (30 \(\pm\)8 g) were provided and randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 receiving Nothing, Arsenic, Arsenic & caffeic, and caffeic acid. The mice passed the 21-day treatment program. The mice's blood was collected and analyzed by measuring the serum ALT/AST enzymes and Creatinine/Urea levels, respectively. Finally, the histopathological properties in both the kidney and liver organs of the mice were studied.
Results
Arsenic Administration significantly increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), LDH, urea, and creatinine concentrations (p < 0.05). Simultaneous administration of caffeic acid with arsenic decreased the serum AST and creatinine (p < 0.05). Moreover, the renal glomerulus and liver regeneration in the mice receiving caffeic acid supplements exhibited the caffeic acid hepatorenal protective potential.
Conclusion
The histopathological changes caused by arsenic in the mice's liver and kidney tissue including degeneration, necrosis, hyperemia, and tissue hypotrophy were shifted to normal conditions following the Caffeic acid administration dose, which was verified by the mice blood biochemical analysis results.
Association between Morphological Characteristics of Meckel’s Cave and Outcomes after Percutaneous Balloon Compression for Primary Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Li Shuo , Liao Chenlong , Wu Yiwei , Yang Xiaosheng , Zhang Wenchuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The association between morphological characteristics of Meckel’s cave (MC) and percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) outcomes in patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN) is still unknown. In this study, a total of 111 patients with PTN who were treated with PBC from January 2019 to February 2023 were included. The affected-sided MCs were modelled using 3D Slicer software, and morphological characteristics were extracted and quantified through the radiomics method. Pain outcomes and post-PBC facial numbness were assessed by an independent surgeon using Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) pain and numbness grades. Among the 111 patients who underwent PBC, 102 patients (91.9%) experienced significant pain relief at discharge. During the follow-up period, 26 patients (25.5%) experienced a recurrence of pain. Three shape (flatness, elongation, and sphericity) and four size characteristics (major axis length, surface area, volume, and surface volume ratio) were significantly different between patients with favorable and poor outcomes. However, only flatness and volume were finally retained in the multivariable logistic model and found to be predictive of pain outcomes. The areas under the curve of volume, flatness, and their combination for predicting poor outcomes were 0.729, 0.906, and 0.946, respectively. Additionally, 63 patients (56.8%) experienced severe facial numbness after PBC, and small and flat MCs were identified as risk factors for post-PBC severe facial numbness. Further research is required to determine the optimal pressure and duration of balloon compression based on the specific morphological characteristics of MCs in different patient populations.
Prediction of total phosphorus in reservoir cascade systems
Authors: Goes Marianna Correia Aragão , Barros Mário Ubirajara Gonçalves , Neto Iran Eduardo Lima 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Reservoir cascades have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide. The present study investigates the cascade of five reservoirs (R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5) along a 192 km water channel system located in the State of Ceará, in the Brazilian semiarid region. This cascade system was implemented in 2012 to promote water availability and security to the capital of Ceará and the strategic industry and port complex of the region. However, these reservoirs have faced a progressive degradation of water quality, which has resulted in intense eutrophication and high water treatment costs. The study evaluates the dynamics of water quality from 2013 to 2021 along this reservoir cascade (from R1 to R5). The results revealed that water quality did not improve along the cascade system, differently from previous studies on reservoirs interconnected by natural rivers. This was attributed to the low water residence time and low capacity of pollutant removal along the man-made water channel system, as well as to the high internal phosphorus loads of the reservoirs. Multiple regression models involving the explanatory variables of total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, cyanobacteria, transparency, rainfall and volume from upstream reservoirs were obtained to determine total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs, considering different combinations of reservoir pairs in the cascade and different time delays. A clear trend of R2 decline with the distance between the upstream and downstream reservoirs was observed. For example, the R2-values for the correlations adjusted between R1 and R2 (48 km), R1 and R3 (172 km), R1 and R4 (178 km), and R1 and R5 (192 km) were 0.66, 0.32, 0.22, and 0.12, respectively. On the other hand, the adoption of time delays of the order of the cumulative residence times of the reservoirs promoted a significant improvement in the R2-values. For instance, the best correlation adjusted between R1 and R5 improved from R2 = 0.12 to 0.69 by considering a time delay of 21 months. This suggests that previous data from upstream reservoirs can be used to predict current and future total phosphorus concentration in downstream reservoirs. The results from this study are important to better understand the spatiotemporal dynamics of water quality in reservoir cascade systems and thus improve water resources management, especially in drylands.
Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test
Authors: Pekhtasheva Elena , Mastalygina Elena , Leonova Irina , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Palaniappan Murugesan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Toxic characterization of textiles in relation to human health hazards is a challenging issue. 11 textile materials were tested by two methods for assessing toxicity of textile materials: sperm motility inhibition test (with bull spermatozoa) and Daphnia magna acute immobility test (with Daphnia magna Straus). The paper provides a comparative analysis of the advantages of each method for determining toxicity. It was proved that the toxicity assessment of textiles’ extracts based on the immobilisation of daphnids was characterized by comparable sensitivity and more simplicity of execution than the toxicity test by means of bull semen. It was shown that the presence of dyes and synthetic fibres had a major impact on the textiles’ toxicity. The aqueous extracts from uniformly dyed textiles were characterized by higher level of toxicity compared to the non-dyed ones (a toxicity index by motility inhibition test was 37–62%, an acute immobility parameter by D.magna test – 100% with reference to the control uncontaminated media).
Status of alternative angiogenic pathways in glioblastoma resected under and after bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Tanaka Toshihide , Tamura Ryota , Yamamoto Yohei , Takei Jun , Morimoto Yukina , Imai Ryotaro , Kuranai Yuki , Akasaki Yasuharu , Toda Masahiro , Murayama Yuichi , Miyake Keisuke , Sasaki Hikaru 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Glioblastoma acquires resistance to Bevacizumab (Bev) treatment. Bev effects on angiogenic factors other than vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are poorly understood; therefore, we investigated changes in various angiogenic factors in glioblastoma under and after Bev therapy, including angiopoietin 1, angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2), placental growth factor (PLGF), fibroblast growth factor 2, and Ephrin A2 (EFNA2).
Methods: Fifty-four glioblastoma tissues were analyzed, including 28 specimens from 14 cases as ‘paired specimens from the same patient’ obtained in three settings: initial tumor resection (naïve Bev), tumors resected following Bev therapy (effective Bev), and recurrent tumors after Bev therapy (refractory Bev). Immunohistochemistry was used to investigate angiogenic factor expression in tumor vessels and their association with recurrent MRI patterns.
Results: PLGF expression was significantly higher in the effective Bev group than in the naïve Bev group (p = 0.024) and remained high in the refractoryBev group. ANGPT2 and EFNA2 levels were higher in the refractory Bev group than in the naïveBev group (p = 0.047 and 0.028, respectively). Notably, PLGF expression was higher in the refractory Bev group compared with the naïve Bev group for paired specimens (p = 0.036). PLGF was more abundant in T2 diffuse/circumscribe MRI patterns (p = 0.046).
Conclusion: This is the first comparative study to evaluate angiogenic factors other than VEGF during effective and refractory Bev therapy in patient-derived glioblastoma specimens. Alternative angiogenesis pathways may be concertedly involved in the resistance, which will inform optimization and development of novel therapeutics for improvedBevtherapy.
Wavelet transform analysis reveals differences between patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function and healthy individuals
Authors: Gruszecki Marcin , Kaufmann Damian , Świątczak Michał , Młodziński Krzysztof , Neary J. Patrick , Singh Jyotpal , Rumiński Jacek , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite continuous progress in medical treatment, heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalizations. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 50% are characterized by the highest risk of cardiovascular complications. The objective of this study was to examine how LVEF below 50% and aging impact cardiovascular physiology. Sixteen males with physician diagnosed coronary artery disease and LVEF = 42 ± 6% (age 62 ± 6 years, BMI 29.1 ± 3.8kg/m2) and 10 healthy controls (9 male and 1 female, age 28.5 ± 9.1 years, BMI = 24.1 ± 1.2kg/m2) were recruited in our study. Finger photoplethysmography for blood pressure (BP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) were recorded while participants rested in a supine position. Wavelet transformations were used to analyze the amplitudes, phase coherence and phase difference of BP and ECG. The frequency intervals were separated as follows: I (0.6-2Hz), II (0.145–0.6Hz), III (0.052–0.145Hz), and IV (0.021–0.052Hz). HF patients showed a decrease (p < 0.05) in BP wavelet amplitude intervals III and IV in comparison to controls, and interval I for ECG. A decrease in phase coherence (p < 0.01) at interval I is also found in HF patients compared to controls. A decrease in smooth muscle cell activity and smooth muscle autonomic innervation (intervals III and IV) contributions to BP, along with a decrease in cardiac activity as shown by the wavelet amplitude in ECG, suggests altered BP and ECG function in aging HF patients. Furthermore, a decrease in the cardiac interval represents an impairment in the BP and ECG relationship in HF patients. The wavelet transform has the potential to expand our understanding of LVEF and improve diagnostic procedures and patient prognosis.
Digital Lobbying: How Digital Transformation and Social Networks affect lobbying in Germany
Authors: Kuhn Kathrin , Rademacher Lars , Fenton Pio , O´Suilleabhain Gearoid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Digital transformation affects the economy and society - and thus also politics. Especially social networks and the continuous availability through smartphones have led to a new quality of information exchange as well as placing demands on politics. Politicians and political institutions increasingly use social networking channels; hence, political communication is changing. Consequently, lobbyists have also responded to these changes, increasingly tapping into digital communication channels such as Twitter, Facebook and the like. Before this background this study provides insights on the effects of digital transformation and especially social networks on lobbying gathered from 15 interviews and seven focus groups with lobbyists and political decision makers in Germany. Results indicate, that lobbyists adapt their strategies in a digital setting towards more transparency and public opinion-oriented frames due to the social network. Thereby, the communication direction changes due to the public´s growing importance in a digital setting which is presented in a model that demonstrates the communication process between the actors. Accordingly, the importance to understand digital lobbying further in order to provide implications for theory and practice increases.
Can the natural system of viruses reconcile the current taxonomy with an alternative classification useful to clinicians?
Authors: Ezhov Alexandr Alexandrovich 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In 2022, a group of basic and clinical virologists, bioinformaticians, and evolutionary and structural biologists met in Oxford, UK, to develop a consensus on methodologies used to classify viruses. They concluded that virus taxonomy, which is hierarchical and based on evolution, is only one of many possible ways to classify viruses. This taxonomy, while satisfying the four principles they set out, faces difficulties in coordinating with other classification systems useful to clinicians, infectious disease specialists, agronomists, etc. One example discussed is the grouping of different viral strains that cause different diseases into the species Enterovirus C. Here we show that the use of a previously proposed variant of a natural virus classification system based on the use of Neural Replicator Analysis can resolve this contradiction by establishing the fine structure of the Enterovirus C species, in which strains that cause different diseases are placed in several different cells of the binomial table of viruses. A key element in enabling this is the sophisticated preprocessing of the original viral genomes using neural replicators.
Systemic IL-26 correlates with improved asthma control in children sensitized to dog allergen
Authors: Kovach Melissa A. , Käck Ulrika , Che Karlhans F , Brundin Bettina , Konradsen Jon R. , Linden Anders 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Interleukin (IL)-26 is produced by T helper type 17 (Type 17) cells and exerts immunomodulatory plus antimicrobial effects. Previous studies show that local IL-26 concentrations in the airways are higher in patients with uncontrolled than in those with controlled asthma, and that this intriguing cytokine bears biomarker potential. Here, we determined how systemic IL-26 relates to allergen sensitization, asthma severity, and to IL-17A in children.
Methods
Serum samples were obtained from children with (n = 60) and without (n = 17) sensitization to dog allergen, and IL-26 and IL-17A protein concentrations were measured using ELISA. Self-reported history, including medication use and validated symptom-based questionnaire scores, was recorded.
Results
The serum concentrations of IL-26 were enhanced in allergen-sensitized subjects and correlated with those of IL-17A in a positive manner. However, the IL-26 concentrations did not markedly differ between allergen-sensitized subjects with and without asthma, eczema, allergic rhinitis, or a history of food allergy. Notably, IL-26 concentrations correlated with increasing Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores in a positive manner and with inhaled corticosteroid in a negative manner, amongst sensitized subjects with asthma. Moreover, subjects with asthma requiring ≥ 1 course of oral corticosteroids in the preceding 12 months had decreased IL-26 concentrations.
Conclusion
This study forwards evidence that systemic IL-26, just like IL-17A, is involved in allergen sensitization among children. The association of systemic IL-26 with improved asthma control is compatible with the cellular sources being recruited into the airways in severe asthma, which supports that this kinocidin bears potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
The potential effects of magnesium, chromium, vitamin C, and metformin on inflammatory, hormonal, and metabolic factors of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Pouraghajan Khadijeh , Mohamadpour Masoomeh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrinopathy affecting women, typically characterized by chronic ovulation dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic anomalies including insulin resistance (IR), dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Numerous strategies have been explored to alleviate PCOS symptoms, but treatment-resistant cases still exist. This study aimed to assess the combined effects of vitamin C, chromium, magnesium, and metformin administration on the metabolic, inflammatory, and hormonal profiles of PCOS patients.
Methods
A descriptive placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolled 77 women aged 18–40 diagnosed with PCOS with no effective response to standard and common treatment protocols. Each participant underwent clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic assessments before and after the supplementation. Initially, they were categorized into intervention and placebo groups based on the HOMA-IR index and serum magnesium levels using random block allocation. The intervention group received daily doses of 2000 mg of vitamin C, 375 mg of magnesium (if magnesium deficiency was present), 200 µg of chromium, and 500 mg of metformin. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0 (SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).
Results
Comparing data at the end of the study with baseline and placebo data, significant improvements were observed in serum carbohydrate parameters (fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, and IR), lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)), and hormonal levels (prolactin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol) (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was a noteworthy reduction in the mean level of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) following supplementation (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study suggests that our combination supplement regimen can effectively enhance biochemical, inflammatory, and hormonal indicators in PCOS-positive women, potentially resulting in ovaries free of cysts.