bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compare the efficacy of antifungal agents as primary therapy for invasive aspergillosis: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Ao , Xiong Liubo , Wang Lian , Zhuang Han , Gan Xiao , Zou Mengying , Wang Xiaoming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Several antifungal agents are available for primary therapy in patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Although a few studies have compared the effectiveness of different antifungal agents in treating IA, there has yet to be a definitive agreement on the best choice. Herein, we perform a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of different antifungal agents in IA.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials databases to find studies (both randomized controlled trials [RCTs] and observational) that reported on treatment outcomes with antifungal agents for patients with IA. The study quality was assessed using the revised tool for risk of bias and the Newcastle Ottawa scale, respectively. We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to summarize the evidence on antifungal agents' efficacy (favourable response and mortality).
Results: We found 12 studies (2428 patients) investigating 11 antifungal agents in the primary therapy of IA. There were 5 RCTs and 7 observational studies. When treated with monotherapy, isavuconazole was associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 77.9%; mean rank, 3.2) and the best reduction mortality against IA (SUCRA, 69.1%; mean rank, 4.1), followed by voriconazole and posaconazole. When treated with combination therapy, Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin was the therapy associated with the best probability of favourable response (SUCRA, 84.1%; mean rank, 2.6) and the best reduction mortality (SUCRA, 88.2%; mean rank, 2.2) against IA.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that isavuconazole, voriconazole, and posaconazole may be the best antifungal agents as the primary therapy for IA. Liposomal amphotericin B plus caspofungin could be an alternative option.
From Variant of Uncertain Significance to Likely Pathogenic in Two Siblings with Atypical RAG2 Deficiency: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Taghizadeh Nima , Mohammadi Soha , Abolhassani Hassan , Shokri Sima , Nabavi Mohammad , Fallahpour Morteza , Bemanian Mohammad Hassan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) are hereditary disorders characterized by impaired T and B cell function, resulting in significant immune system dysfunction. Recombination-activating gene (RAG) mutations account for a substantial proportion of SCID cases. Here, we present two sibling cases of SCID caused by a novel RAG2 gene mutation.
Case Presentation:
The first case engaged a 1-year-old boy who had a history of recurring infections. Initial diagnosis of Bruton's agammaglobulinemia was revised to combined immunodeficiency (CID) after a comprehensive immunological workup. The patient underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) but succumbed to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Case 2, a four-month-old boy, presented with CMV chorioretinitis and a family history of primary immunodeficiency. Leaky SCID was diagnosed based on genetic tests and immunological findings. The patient received appropriate treatment and was considered for HSCT. Both siblings had a homozygous RAG2 gene variant, with the first case classified as a variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The presence of the same mutation in the second brother, along with the clinical phenotype, supports considering the mutation as likely pathogenic.
Conclusions
This case report highlights a novel RAG2 gene mutation associated with SCID in siblings. The classification of a VUS may evolve with accumulating evidence, and additional studies are warranted to establish its pathogenicity. Proper communication between genetic counselors and immunologists, accurate documentation of patient information, increased public awareness, and precise utilization of genetic techniques are essential for optimal patient management.
Reducing pesticides in agriculture: Unveiling the impact of landscape features on natural pest control and farm income.
Authors: KLINNERT ANA , Barbosa Ana Luisa , Catarino Rui , Fellmann Thomas , Baldoni Edoardo , Beber Caetano , Hristov Jordan , Paracchini Maria Luisa , Rega Carlo , Weiss Franz , Witzke Peter 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Future trajectories of agricultural productivity need to incorporate environmental targets, including the reduction of pesticides use. Landscape features supporting natural pest control (LF-NPC) offer a nature-based solution that can serve as a partial substitute for synthetic pesticides, thereby supporting future productivity levels. Here, we introduce a novel approach to quantify the contribution of LF-NPC to agricultural yields and its associated economic value to crop production in a broad-scale context. Using the European Union as case study, we combine granular farm-level data, a spatially explicit map of LF-NPC potential across agricultural land, and a regional agro-economic supply and market model. The results reveal that farms located in areas characterized by higher LF-NPC potential experience lower productivity losses in a context of reduced synthetic pesticides use. Specifically, we estimate that a one-unit increase in LF-NPC potential, on average, leads to a 6.1% increase in agricultural income. These results highlight the significance of LF-NPC for agricultural production, and provide a valuable reference point for farmers and policymakers aiming to successfully invest in landscape features to achieve pesticides reduction targets.
The effect of living conditions on nature exposure and wellbeing in the Global South
Authors: Berdejo-Espinola Violeta , Zahnow Renee , Fuller Richard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Access to urban nature is an important contributor to global health. Yet, evidence on nature’s benefits comes overwhelmingly from the global north and such evidence might not directly translate to the global south. Using survey data from 1119 residents of Asuncion, Paraguay, we found that context and intentionality of nature exposure, and function of nature in the individual's daily life collectively shape nature’s effect on mental health and wellbeing. While stronger nature connection was positively associated with life satisfaction, for individuals living in informal settlements higher levels of greenness nearby their home was associated with lower life satisfaction. For residents of the formal parts of the city, the associations between nature experiences and wellbeing were positive, similar to those found in the global north. Our findings suggest that the nature wellbeing benefits depend on the socio-environmental context, and that connection to nature can be beneficial for wellbeing among the urban poor.
Systematic investigation of chemo-immunotherapy synergism to shift anti-PD-1 resistance in cancer
Authors: Yang Da , Wang Yue , Pattarayan Dhamotharan , Huang Haozhe , Zhao Yueshan , li sihan , Wang Yifei , Zhang Min , Li Song 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Chemo-immunotherapy combinations have been regarded as one of the most practical ways to improve immunotherapy response in cancer patients. In this study, we integrated the transcriptomics data from immunotherapy-treated tumors and compound-treated cell lines to systematically identify chemo-immunotherapy synergisms and their underlying mechanisms. Through analyzing anti-PD-1 treatment induced expression changes in patient tumors, we developed a shift ability score that can measure whether a chemotherapy treatment shifts anti-PD-1 response. By applying the shift ability analysis on 41,321 compounds and 16,853 shRNA treated cancer cell line expression profiles, we characterized a systematic landscape of chemo-immunotherapy synergism and prioritized 17 potential synergy targets. Further investigation of the treatment induced transcriptomic data revealed that a mitophagy-dsRNA-MAVS-dependent activation of type I IFN signaling may be a novel mechanism for chemo-immunotherapy synergism. Our study represents the first comprehensive effort to mechanistically characterize chemo-immunotherapy synergism and will facilitate future pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Osimertinib tolerance in a patient with Stevens Johnson Syndrome during Osimertinib treatment followed by Pembrolizumab
Authors: Lopez Michael A , Hagopian Garo , Doan Linda , Lee Benjamin , Rojek Nathan W , Smith Janellen , Ou Sai-Hong I , Nagasaka Misako , Demirdag Yesim Yilmaz 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Osimertinib has emerged as an important tool in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) with certain activating mutations of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). However, Osimertinib may cause adverse effects, including severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). The risk of certain adverse effects may be increased in the setting of recent use of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, although it is unclear whether recent use of ICI therapy is a risk factor for Osimertinib-induced SJS specifically.Case presentation: We present a patient with EGFR L858R mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC who developed Osimertinib-induced SJS after recent administration of eight cycles of a pembrolizumab-containing chemotherapy regimen. Osimertinib, which was the best treatment targeting his lung cancer, was avoided due to history of SJS. Four years later, because of unresponsiveness or side effects of alternative treatments, he underwent Osimertinib challenge and tolerated it.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of multi-disciplinary care and supports the hypothesis that the risk of SJS to Osimertinib is significantly higher in the context of recent administration of ICI therapy and, patients may tolerate Osimertinib after certain time has elapsed after the last dose of ICI.
Prescribed finite-time adaptive tracking control for a class of full state constrained non-strict feedback nonlinear multi-agent systems
Authors: Shang Yun , Cheng Zunshui , Xin Youming , Lin Xue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The target of this paper is to discuss the prescribed finite-time tracking control issue for uncertain full state constrained non-strict feedback nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs). An improved distributed adaptive control protocol is devised builded on a developed universal Lyapunov barrier function (BLF) approach and radial basis function (RBF) neural networks (NNs) technique. Compared with previous results, the proposed control strategy has the following characteristics. Firstly, under the backstepping design framework, the designed practice virtual control signals can satisfy the same limitation as the corresponding state variables so that the MAS is able to complete the tracking task smoothly. Furthermore, the proposed virtual and real control signals do not contain error terms whose fractional power is less than 1, then the singularity problem is avoided successfully. Secondly, with pre-specified settling time and accuracy level, the tracking error can converge to a small enough neighbourhood of origin without violating the constraints on state variables during the operation. It is shown that the proposed protocol enables the MAS achieve synchronous tracking within a pre-given finite time, meanwhile, signals in the MAS are always bounded. At last, the availability of the proposed control protocol is verified by a numerical simulation example.
A Novel Interpretable Fusion Analytic Framework for Investigating Functional Brain Connectivity Differences in Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Jeon Yeseul , Kim Jeong-Jae , Yu SuMin , Choi Junggu , Han Sanghoon 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is characterized by its complexity and high–dimensionality, encompassing signals from various regions of interests (ROIs) that exhibit intricate correlations. Analyzing fMRI data directly proves challenging due to its intricate structure. Nevertheless, ROIs convey crucial information about brain activities through their connections, offering insights into distinctive brain activity characteristics between different groups. To address this, we propose a cutting- edge interpretable fusion analytic framework that facilitates the identification and understanding of ROI connectivity disparities between two groups, thereby revealing their unique features. Our novel approach encompasses three key steps. Firstly, we construct ROI functional connectivity networks (FCNs) to effectively manage fMRI data. Secondly, employing the FCNs, we utilize a self–attention deep learning model for binary classification, generating an attention distribution that encodes group differences. Lastly, we employ a latent space item-response model to extract group representative ROI features, visualizing these features on the group summary FCNs. We validate the effectiveness of our framework by analyzing four types of cognitive impairments, showcasing its capability to identify significant ROIs contributing to the differences between the two disease groups. This novel interpretable fusion analytic framework holds immense potential for advancing our understanding of cognitive impairments and could pave the way for more targeted therapeutic interventions.
Immune Endotyping and Gene Expression Profile of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps in Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD) and non-AERD Subgroups
Authors: Khoshmirsafa Majid , Nazari Javad , Shahba Faezeh , Aghdam Negin Jafari , Mohebbi Saleh , Arshi Saba , Bemanian Mohammad hassan , Fallahpour Morteza , Shokri Sima , Atashrazm Fatemeh , Amini Saeed , Roomiani Maryam , Jamee Mahnaz , Nabavi Mohammad 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
‌Background:
Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a paranasal sinus inflammatory disease and is divided into two subgroups defined as CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP). CRSwNP displays a T helper (Th)2 biased phenotype, and based on sensitivity or tolerance to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), are further subdivided into Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and non-AERD groups. Considering the challenge of diagnosis and treatment in patients with CRSwNP, particularly the AERD subtype, and the significance of endotyping in these patients, we examined the immune profile and endotyping based on gene expression analysis in AERD and non-AERD groups of patients with CRSwNP.
Material and Method:
In this study, 21 patients were enrolled and were categorized into AERD (N=10) and non-AERD (N=11) groups based on their sensitivity to aspirin. After the special washing period, nasal polyps were biopsied in both groups, and the infiltration of eosinophils, neutrophils, plasma cells, and lymphocytes was compared between the AERD and non-AERD groups. Also, gene expression levels of transcription factors including Tbet, GATA3, RoRγt, and FoxP3 and inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)1β, IL1RAP (IL1 receptor accessory protein), IL2, IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13, IL17, TNFα, and IFNγ were investigated by quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analyses were performed using analytical tests including Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Mann-Whitney, and T-test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
The mean±SD age of the studied groups was 37±8.7 years old (21-50) for AERD, and 40.4±7.7 years old (31-52) for non-AERD. LMS/EPOS/SNOT scores and pulmonary function tests showed no difference between the two groups. Serum IgE level was found to be higher in patients with AERD (p<0.05), however, the peripheral blood counts of eosinophils were comparable in the two groups. In the histopathologic analysis, the AERD group showed higher percentages of eosinophils (p=0.04), neutrophils (p=0.04), and plasma cells (p=0.04) than the non-AERD group. Additionally, the gene expression levels of GATA3 (p<0.01), IL4 (p<0.05), IL5 (p<0.05), and IL17 (p<0.05) were significantly higher in AERD than non-AERD groups.
Conclusion:
Higher levels of GATA3, IL4, IL5, and IL17 were observed in the AERD group compared with the non-AERD group. These findings point to distinct patterns of inflammation in patients with AERD, with a predominance of Th2 inflammation.
Immigrant and ethnic minority patients` experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment – a scoping review
Authors: Kjøllesdal Marte Karoline , Iversen Hilde Hestad , Skudal Kjersti Eeg , Ellingsen-Dalskau Lina Harvold 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
There is little evidence on experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment among patients with immigrant or ethnic minority background. Knowledge about their experiences is crucial in the development of equal and high-quality services and is needed to validate instruments applied in national patient experience surveys in Norway. The aim of this scoping review is to assess and summarize current evidence on immigrant and ethnic minorities` experiences in psychiatric care and substance abuse treatment in Europe.
Methods
We followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute and adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Search was carried out in Medline, Cinahl, Web of Science, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Embase, and APA PsychInfo, up to Dec 2022. All articles were screened and extracted by two researchers and evidence summarized in tables and text.
Results
We included eight studies in the scoping review, all focusing on mental health care and one in addition on substance abuse treatment. Immigrant and ethnic minority background patients did differ from the general population in quantitative satisfaction questionnaires. However, qualitative studies showed that they experience a lack of understanding and respect of own culture and related needs, and difficulties in communication, which do not seem to be captured in questionnaire-based studies.
Conclusion
Raising awareness about the importance of respect and understanding for patients` cultural background and communication needs for treatment satisfaction should be addressed in future quality improvement work.
Experiment to detect the electric charge of quantum vacuum fermions
Authors: Guglinski Wladimir 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In 2013 EPJ D published a paper [1] in which is proposed an experiment that, if it confirms the prediction exposed in the paper, ultimately means a confirmation of the existence of fermions that make up the quantum vacuum. Here is shown a calculation of the value of the electric charge of these fermions. The value achieved for the charge e0 is 5.06532×10− 45 C. From this value of e0, together with the fundamental constants KO, c, ħ, α = 1/137, and the Bohr’s radius, the electric charge of the proton is calculated, achieving the value e = 1.6026×10− 19 C, which is very close to the experimental e = 1.60218×10− 19 C. The calculations from which those results were obtained are exposed here, and in the Conclusion at the end of the paper is shown that the result of such calculations cannot be mere coincidence. From different possibilities to modify the vacuum, if from an experiment be obtained a value close to 5×10− 45 C, the existence of such fermions will be definitively confirmed.
Tabanidae (Diptera) captured on horses in the Cerrado biome of Tocantins, Brazil.
Authors: Costa Mariana Vaz da , Rodrigues Gratchela Dutra , de Lima Helena Iris Leite , Krolow Tiago Kütter , Krüger Rodrigo Ferreira 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Tabanidae is a family of Diptera. These flies, popularly known as horseflies, have global geographic distribution, except in Antarctica. This is the first study to ascertain the abundance and diversity of horseflies in horses at the Cerrado of Tocantins, Brazil. Collecting took place in the phytophysiognomy classified as typical cerrado and sampling was divided into four campaigns, two in the dry season and two in the rainy season, totalling a sampling effort of 13 hours per day. Tabanids were collected using horses (Equus caballusLinnaeus (Perissodactyla: Equidae)) as an attractant. The attracted horseflies were caught with an entomological net. A total of 25 species were collected. The most prevalent species wereStypommisa aripuana(25.8%) andCatachlorops rufescens(6.4%), more numerous in the dry season, andFidena lissorhina(22.5%),Tabanus occidentalisvar.dorsovittatus(10%) andPoeciloderas quadripunctatus(6.4%), more numerous in the rainy season. The results suggest that tabanids do not give horses a seasonal break, and are a constant threat to their health in the cerrado of Tocantins.
Diverse roles of water vapor trigger unusual stratosphere after 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption
Authors: Chen Xi , wang Jun , Zhou Meng , Lu Zhendong , Jaegle Lyatt , Oman Luke , Taha Ghassan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The unprecedented amount (150–160 Tg) of water vapor (WV) from 2022 Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai (HT) eruption could cool the stratosphere and influence stratospheric sulfate particles formation and growth. However, it is still unclear that how much contribution from each of these diverse roles of WV to the stratospheric evolution and which role is dominant. Here, constrained by satellite observations, we develop analytical models to quantify the direct contribution of WV cooling and indirect contribution of WV affecting sulfate particles properties to stratospheric temperature modulation. For the first time, we reveal that the condensation and nucleation processes, promoted by abundant WV, contribute ~ 90% to the particle radius growth from ~ 0.2 µm to 0.35–0.45 µm after HT, accounting for observed strong aerosol extinction. This rapid growth rate is comparable to that in the first two months after the 1991 Mt. Pinatubo eruption, which emitted similar WV but ~ 80 times more sulfur dioxide. This disparity leads to stronger WV cooling than aerosols warming in the lower and middle stratosphere after HT, resulting in the strongest mid-latitude cooling since Pinatubo eruption of -8~-4 K for 4–7 months, opposite to the stratospheric warming dominated by volcanic aerosols often expected after volcanic eruptions.
Asprosin aggravates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via inflammation and lipid metabolic disturbance mediated by ROS
Authors: Wang Chaowen , Zeng Wenjing , Wang Li , Xiong Xiaowei , Chen Shen , Huang Qianqian , Zeng Guohua , Huang Qiren 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Asprosin (ASP) is a newly-identified adipokine and plays important roles in energy metabolism homeostasis. However, there is no report on whether and how ASP is involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role and the underlying mechanisms of ASP in the cell and mouse models of NAFLD. Our data showed that ASP-deficiency significantly alleviated HFD-induced inflammation and NAFLD, inhibited the hepatic fat deposition and down-regulated the expressions of fat acid synthase (FASN), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) in the ASP-deficiency mouse model, suggesting that ASP is involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Moreover, we found that the mechanism of ASP responsible for NAFLD was through disturbing the lipid metabolism homeostasis of hepatocytes and promoting the inflammation mediated by ROS. The findings suggest that ASP would become a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for NAFLD.