bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring for scoliosis correction in identifying postoperative neurological deficits: a retrospective chart review of the Scoliosis Research Society morbidity and mortality database
Authors: Lau Kenney Ki Lee , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Cheung Jason Pui Yin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Surgical intervention is the ultimate treatment for scoliosis, but iatrogenic spinal cord injury is one of the major concerns. Although intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring can aid in detecting and reducing postoperative neurological complications, its use is still controversial.

Methods
A retrospective chart review of 6,577 scoliotic patients who underwent surgery for curve correction with a reported complication was conducted. Our dataset was sourced from the morbidity and mortality database of the Scoliosis Research Society spanning the period from 2013 to 2023. The sensitivity of intraoperative monitoring was evaluated.

Results
Intraoperative monitoring was used in 60% of surgeries, while 26% of the reported complications in the study cohort were new postoperative neurologic deficits. The overall monitoring performance indicated a sensitivity of 45%. Neurogenic motor evoked potential showed the best outcomes among the individual monitoring methods. The highest sensitivity (60.4%) was achieved using four monitoring methods, demonstrating significantly better results than one, two, and three methods.

Conclusions
The monitoring practice benefits in distinguishing postoperative neurologic deficits within the scoliosis population. Employing four monitoring techniques yielded the most favourable outcomes.
RGS10 attenuates systemic immune dysregulation induced by chronic inflammatory stress
Authors: Jernigan Janna E. , Staley Hannah A. , Baty Zachary , Bolen MacKenzie L. , Gomes Beatriz Nuñes , Holt Jenny , Cole Cassandra L. , Neighbarger Noelle K. , Dheeravath Kruthika , Merchak Andrea R. , Menees Kelly B. , Coombes Stephen A. , Tansey Malú Gámez 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Regulator of G-protein signaling 10 (RGS10), a key homeostatic regulator of immune cells, has been implicated in multiple diseases associated with aging and chronic inflammation including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Interestingly, subjects with idiopathic PD display reduced levels of RGS10 in subsets of peripheral immune cells. Additionally, individuals with PD have been shown to have increased activated peripheral immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to age-matched healthy controls. However, it is unknown whether peripheral immune cells in the CSF of individuals with PD also exhibit decreased levels of RGS10. Utilizing the Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study we found that RGS10 levels are decreased in the CSF of individuals with PD compared to healthy controls and prodromal individuals. As RGS10 levels are decreased in the CSF and circulating peripheral immune cells of individuals with PD, we hypothesized that RGS10 regulates peripheral immune cell responses to chronic systemic inflammation (CSI) prior to the onset of neurodegeneration. To test this, we induced CSI for 6 weeks in C57BL6/J mice and RGS10 KO mice to assess circulating and CNS-associated immune cell responses. We found that RGS10 deficiency synergizes with CSI to induce a bias for inflammatory and cytotoxic cell populations, a reduction in antigen presentation machinery in peripheral blood immune cells, as well as in and around the brain that is most notable in males. These results highlight RGS10 as an important regulator of the systemic immune response to CSI and implicate RGS10 as a potential contributor to the development of immune dysregulation in PD.
Astroglial modulation of synaptic function in the non-demyelinated cerebellar cortex is dependent on MyD88 signaling in a model of toxic demyelination
Authors: Lohrberg Melanie , Mortensen Lena Sünke , Thomas Carolina , Fries Franziska , van der Meer Franziska , Götz Alexander , Landt Carolin , Rhee Hong Jun , Rhee JeongSeop , Gómez-Varela David , Schmidt Manuela , Möbius Wiebke , Ruhwedel Torben , Pardo Luis A. , Remling Linus , Kramann Nadine , Wrzos Claudia , Bahn Erik , Stadelmann Christine , Barrantes-Freer Alonso 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Progressive neurological decline in multiple sclerosis is associated with axonal loss and synaptic dysfunction in the non-demyelinated normal appearing gray matter (NAGM) and prominently in the cerebellum. In contrast to early disease stages, where synaptic and neuro-axonal pathology correlates with the extent of T cell infiltration, a prominent role of the innate immune system has been proposed for progressive MS. However, the specific contribution of microglia and astrocytes to synaptic cerebellar pathology in the NAGM– independent of an adaptive T cell response - remains largely unexplored. In the present study, we quantified synaptic changes in the cerebellar NAGM distant from demyelinated lesions in a mouse model of toxic demyelination. Proteomic analysis of the cerebellar cortex revealed differential regulation of synaptic and glutamate transport proteins in the absence of evident structural synaptic pathology or local gray matter demyelination. At the functional level, synaptic changes manifested as a reduction in frequency-dependent facilitation at the parallel fiber– Purkinje cell synapse. Further, deficiency of MyD88, an adaptor protein of the innate immune response, associated with a functional recovery in facilitation, reduced changes in the differential expression of synaptic and glutamate transport proteins, and reduced transcription levels of inflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, the characteristics of demyelinating lesions and their associated cellular response were similar to wild type animals. Our work brings forward an experimental paradigm mimicking the diffuse synaptic pathology independent of demyelination in late stage MS and highlights the complex regulation of synaptic pathology in the cerebellar NAGM. Moreover, our findings suggest a role of astrocytes, in particular Bergmann glia, as key cellular determinants of cerebellar synaptic dysfunction.
Design and screening of novel molecular compounds targeting lactate dehydrogenase of Babesia microti
Authors: Luo Wanxin , Yu Long , Lu Shiyu , Yu Yuxin , Bai Yidan , Wang Sen , Li Dongfang , Han Zhen , Zheng Yaxin , Li Fangjie , Zhao Junlong , He Lan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Human babesiosis is caused by several species within the Babesia genus, primarily Babesia microti, Babesia duncani, and Babesia divergens, all of which infect human red blood cells (RBCs). Clinically, the disease manifests with symptoms such as fever, anemia, jaundice, and hemoglobinuria, with B. microti being the most prevalent of these species. Our previous research has shown that B. microti primarily relies on lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-mediated anaerobic glycolysis, rather than the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), to generate ATP for its intracellular survival. Because LDH is a promising drug target, it can be inhibited by compounds such as gossypol and 3,5-dihydroxy-2-naphthoxylic acid (DHNA). In this study, we conduct a structure-based optimization of DHNA, leading to the development of a novel library of compounds derived from its structure.

Methods
Two compounds were identified and synthesized through molecular docking, on the basis of the crystal structure of Babesia microti lactate dehydrogenase (BmLDH). The effects of these compounds were evaluated using several methods, including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays, enzyme activity inhibition tests, in vitro growth inhibition assays against B. microti, and mammalian cytotoxicity tests.

Results
Compounds target A (TA) (−36.0) and B (TB) (−43.8), both exhibiting low CDOCKER energy values, achieved final purities of 96.6% and 97.5%, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments showed that TA and TB had comparable dissociation constant (K
D) values of 11.3 × 10−6 M and 13.2 × 10−6 M, respectively. However, enzyme activity inhibition assays indicated that TB was more potent, with an half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 23.8 μM, compared with TA’s IC50 of 71.6 μM. Additionally, TB demonstrated a strong ability to inhibit the in vitro growth of B. microti, with an IC50 value of 111.7 μM.

Conclusions
In this study, two compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of B. microti were obtained. Although both compounds showed moderate inhibitory activity against recombinant BmLDH (rBmLDH) and the growth of B. microti, there is potential to enhance their efficacy through further structural modifications, particularly of compound TB.

Graphical Abstract
Necrotic acalculous cholecystitis in an 8-year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Mueller Fanny , McDonald Amy , Schellerer Vera S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Although its incidence has increased in recent years, gallbladder inflammation in childhood is generally a rare condition. Acute acalculous cholecystitis accounts for about 50–70% of gallbladder inflammation in childhood, mostly in previously healthy children. The onset is strongly associated with viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

Case presentation
We present the case of a healthy 8-year-old boy of German descent diagnosed with necrotic acute acalculous cholecystitis, exhibiting only mild inflammatory signs and an unspecific clinical presentation of abdominal pain. There was no evidence of viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. According to his unclear clinical presentation with 2-day history of vomiting, we performed an explorative laparoscopy and detected a necrotic gallbladder. After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient’s health status improved immediately. He was discharged from the hospital on the third day after the operation.

Conclusion
Unlike our patient, almost all cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis originate from viral or bacterial infections, with clinical evidence of gallbladder inflammation shown on diagnostic imaging. An exploration of the abdominal cavity during a laparoscopic procedure was vital to our patient’s mortality and could be for others as well.
Contribution of microtopography off the Ryukyu Islands to coastal sea-level amplification during the 2022 Tonga meteotsunami
Authors: Miyashita Takuya , Nishino Ai , Watanabe Shingo , Yasuda Tomohiro , Mori Nobuhito , Shimura Tomoya , Ho Tung-Cheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The January 2022 Tonga volcanic eruption generated atmospheric pressure waves that propagated over the ocean’s surface and triggered a meteotsunami. This meteotsunami caused significant amplitudes exceeding 100 cm along various Pacific coastlines far from the volcano. However, the factors driving such amplification remain unclear. This study presents numerical simulations of the meteotsunami, focusing on the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, where a maximum amplitude of 100 cm was recorded. Two models for simulating pressure waves from the eruption were utilized: one based on the superposition of waves tuned using the dispersion relation of atmospheric gravity waves (synthetic waves), and the other based on a detailed numerical model that assumes the release of a heat source from the eruption vent. The synthetic pressure wave simulations showed good agreement with the observations, accurately reproducing the 100 cm amplitude at Amami. To further analyze the factors contributing to the large amplitude at Amami, additional simulations were conducted by limiting the resolution to offshore areas deeper than 2000 m while maintaining a high resolution in coastal bathymetry. These simulations showed that reducing offshore resolution decreased the amplitude at Amami from approximately 100 to 60 cm, highlighting the significant role of offshore microtopography such as Daito Ridge and Oki-Daito Ridge in coastal amplification. The difference in amplitude was particularly notable in ridge areas with depths of 2000–5000 m. Moreover, the proportion of free waves to the total tsunami amplitude was estimated by terminating atmospheric pressure forcing during the computation. The results indicated that free waves alone could amplify from less than 5 cm offshore to 50 cm at the Amami coast, which is approximately half the amplitude when forced waves are also considered. These findings provide crucial insights into assessing the future predictability of meteotsunamis. Future research should investigate the necessary resolution and relationship between atmospheric wave properties and tsunami amplification. Understanding these factors is essential to improve the prediction and risk assessment of meteotsunamis.

Graphical Abstract
AI for image quality and patient safety in CT and MRI
Authors: Melazzini Luca , Bortolotto Chandra , Brizzi Leonardo , Achilli Marina , Basla Nicoletta , D’Onorio De Meo Alessandro , Gerbasi Alessia , Bottinelli Olivia Maria , Bellazzi Riccardo , Preda Lorenzo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Substantial endeavors have been recently dedicated to developing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, especially deep learning-based, tailored to enhance radiological procedures, in particular algorithms designed to minimize radiation exposure and enhance image clarity. Thus, not only better diagnostic accuracy but also reduced potential harm to patients was pursued, thereby exemplifying the intersection of technological innovation and the highest standards of patient care. We provide herein an overview of recent AI developments in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Major AI results in CT regard: optimization of patient positioning, scan range selection (avoiding “overscanning”), and choice of technical parameters; reduction of the amount of injected contrast agent and injection flow rate (also avoiding extravasation); faster and better image reconstruction reducing noise level and artifacts. Major AI results in MRI regard: reconstruction of undersampled images; artifact removal, including those derived from unintentional patient’s (or fetal) movement or from heart motion; up to 80–90% reduction of GBCA dose. Challenges include limited generalizability, lack of external validation, insufficient explainability of models, and opacity of decision-making. Developing explainable AI algorithms that provide transparent and interpretable outputs is essential to enable seamless AI integration into CT and MRI practice.

Relevance statement
This review highlights how AI-driven advancements in CT and MRI improve image quality and enhance patient safety by leveraging AI solutions for dose reduction, contrast optimization, noise reduction, and efficient image reconstruction, paving the way for safer, faster, and more accurate diagnostic imaging practices.

Key Points

Advancements in AI are revolutionizing the way radiological images are acquired, reconstructed, and interpreted.

AI algorithms can assist in optimizing radiation doses, reducing scan times, and enhancing image quality.

AI techniques are paving the way for a future of more efficient, accurate, and safe medical imaging examinations.

Graphical Abstract
Disease-specific mortality of differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases
Authors: Howaidi Ali , Alswailem Anwar , Hakami Abdulrahman , Hadadi Afnan , Alturki Deema , Abothenain Fayha , Alobaid Lulu , Ewain Najla Saleh , Murugan Avaniyapuram Kannan , Alzahrani Ali S 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Distant metastases (DM) are the major cause of death in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). This study aimed to investigate the predictors of DM-associated mortality.

Patients and Methods
We identified 154 thyroid cancer (TC) patients with DM from our institution’s tumor registry. We excluded anaplastic (n=21) and medullary TC (n=32) and patients with inadequate data (n=15). The remaining 86 patients with DTC were studied. These include 57 females (66.3%) and 29 males (33.7%) with a median age of 53.5 years (IQR 45-65). All patients underwent thyroidectomy, 58 (67.4%) had neck dissection and 81(94.2%) received I-131 ablation/therapy.

Results
Lung metastases were the most common occurring in 91.9%, skeletal metastases in 58.1%, brain metastases in 9.3%, and multiple-organ DM in 58%. The management of DM included surgery, one or more doses of I-131, external beam radiotherapy, and multi-kinase inhibitors (TKI). Over a median follow-up of 84 months (IQR 35.5-118), 47 patients succumb to their disease (disease-specific mortality 54.7%). Factors associated with mortality were increasing age (P = 0.001) and bone metastases (P &lt;0.0001). These factors remained significant in multivariate analyses [for age, P = 0.009, Hazard ratio (HR) 1.030 (95% CI 1.007-1.053) and for bone metastases, P = 0.017, HR 2.58 (95% CI 1.19-5.6)].

Conclusions
DM from DTC are associated with ∼ 55% mortality and a median survival of 47 months. Increasing age and skeletal metastases are predictors of an increased risk of mortality.
Physical Activity Patterns and Variability, Cognitive Performance, and Dementia in the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Davoudi Anis , Donahue Patrick T. , Carlson Michelle C. , Dougherty Ryan J. , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Freedman Vicki A. , Schrack Jennifer A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, the potential reverse effect of adverse cognitive change on physical activity remains underexplored.

Methods
Cross-sectional analysis of a subset of National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS, N = 706) U.S. Medicare beneficiaries. Dementia status (dementia vs. no dementia) was classified per NHATS protocol. Cognitive performance was assessed in executive function, orientation, and memory domains. Daily physical activity was assessed using wrist-worn accelerometers (Actigraph Insight).

Results
Compared to participants living without dementia, participants living with dementia had lower daily activity counts (×1000) (-319.3; 95%CI (-471.0, -167.5)), lower activity intensity (-1129.2 max counts/day; 95%CI (-1518.4, -740.0)), less time spent active (64.3 min/day; 95%CI (28.1, 100.4)), and more fragmented patterns of activity (6.1%; 95%CI (3.0, 9.2)). One-unit higher cognitive performance in executive function was associated with higher daily activity counts (x1000) (67.9; 95% CI (19.7, 116.0)), higher activity intensity (375.4; 95% CI: (232.0-518.7)), more time spent active (12.4 min; 95% CI (2.1-22.7), and lower fragmentation (-1.4%; 95% CI (-2.2- -0.5)). One-unit higher orientation score was associated with higher daily activity counts (x1000) (61.0; 95% CI (31.9-90.0)), higher activity intensity (266.6; 95% CI (197.9-335.2)), more time spent active (11.6; 95% CI (5.2-18.0) more active minutes), greater stability of daily activities (1.1; 95% CI (0.3-1.9)), and lower fragmentation (-1.2%; 95% CI (-1.7- -0.7)). One-unit higher memory score was associated with higher daily activity counts (x1000) (28.1; 95% CI (15.0-41.2)), higher activity intensity (113.5; 95% CI (77.0-150.1)), and more time spent active (5.2; 95% CI (2.4-8.0)), as well as lower fragmentation (-0.5%; 95% CI (-0.7- -0.3)).

Conclusions
In a nationally representative sample of older U.S. adults, dementia and lower cognitive performance were associated with lower volume and intensity of daily physical activity, as well as more fragmented and less consistent patterns of physical activity. These associations emphasize the need for considering the impact of cognition on individuals' ability to engage in and maintain regular physical activity and suggest shifts in daily quantities and patterns of activity consistent with cognitive decline and dementia.
Exploring the Relationship between Serum IL-33 Levels and Clinical Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Lu Xiang , Yan Shanle , Xue Yuan 
Published: February 2025

Aims/Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder characterised by an unpredictable disease course and multifaceted clinical presentations. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in autoimmune diseases, but its exact relationship with SLE remains unclear. Therefore, to investigate the role of serum IL-33 levels as a biomarker, we evaluated its correlation with disease activity and organ damage in SLE patients. Methods This retrospective analysis included 120 SLE patients from the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2018 and December 2022. For comparative analysis, we recruited 60 healthy controls. Correlations between IL-33 levels and disease metrics were evaluated, and subgroup analyses were performed to explore specific clinical associations. Results Our findings revealed that SLE patients had significantly higher serum IL-33 levels than the control group (258.7 ± 103.5 pg/mL vs 78.3 ± 32.6 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Furthermore, IL-33 levels showed a significant association with both disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)) (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and cumulative organ damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SLICC/ACR DI)) scores (r = 0.45, p < 0.01). Notably, patients with active disease (SLEDAI ≥6) exhibited substantially elevated IL-33 levels (p < 0.001). Patients with organ damage (SLICC/ACR DI ≥1) demonstrated significantly higher IL-33 levels than those without organ damage (289.6 ± 95.3 pg/mL vs 234.1 ± 86.2 pg/mL, p = 0.001), and those with renal involvement showed higher IL-33 levels (p < 0.01). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed better diagnostic potential of serum IL-33 levels for SLE (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.892, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.845–0.939, sensitivity = 84.2%, specificity = 82.7%) and for identifying active disease (AUC = 0.816, 95% CI: 0.752–0.880, sensitivity = 77.8%, specificity = 75.0%). Conclusion Our findings suggest that serum IL-33 may serve as a promising biomarker for comprehensive SLE assessment, offering new avenues for monitoring disease progression and guiding therapeutic strategies.