bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An optogenetic cell therapy to restore control of target muscles in an aggressive mouse model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Bryson Barney , Kourgiantaki Alexandra , Jiang Dai , Demosthenous Andreas , Greensmith Linda 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Breakdown of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) is an early pathological hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that blocks neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis and, ultimately, premature death. Currently, no therapies exist that can prevent progressive motor neuron degeneration, muscle denervation or paralysis in ALS. Here, we report important advances in the development of an optogenetic, neural replacement strategy that can effectively restore innervation of severely affected skeletal muscles in the aggressive SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS, thus providing an interface to selectively control the function of targeted muscles using optical stimulation. We also identify a specific approach to confer complete survival of allogeneic replacement motor neurons. Furthermore, we demonstrate that an optical stimulation training paradigm can prevent atrophy of reinnervated muscle fibers and results in a 10-fold increase in optically-evoked contractile force. Together, these advances pave the way for an assistive therapy that could benefit all ALS patients.
Seasonal Dynamics of Carabid Beetles (Coleoptera : Carabidae) in Areas with Anthropogenic Disturbance. The Case of Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest
Authors: Mwambala Anna , Nyundo Bruno 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Seasonal variation in diversity and community composition of ground beetles was investigated in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve (USNFR), Tanzania. Carabid beetles were collected using three methods, namely pitfall traps, active day search and active night searching. Sampling of ground beetles was carried out in three seasons: dry season, wet season, and end of dry season in 2016, 2018 and 2019. Results showed that the diversity of ground beetles was highest during the wet season (Shannon-Wiener H' = 2.19) and lowest at the end of the dry season (H' = 1.83). The difference was statistically significant when comparing the end of dry season against the wet season, and between wet and dry season (t = 5.85 and 4.88, respectively, p < 0.05). Species richness was highest during the wet season and the difference was statistically significant among the three seasons (χ2 = 13.46, p < 0.05). Abundance was highest during the wet season, with mean number of carabid beetles 1.256 ± 0.08 per sample, and lowest at the end of dry season (0.48 ± 0.05 individuals per sample). Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that the difference in abundance among the three seasons was statistically significant (H = 128.3, p < 0.05). Bray- Curtis similarity index showed low similarity in community composition among all three seasons. We conclude that ground beetles communities in anthropogenically disturbed areas vary with season, therefore to have a comprehensive sampling of ground beetles, sampling should cover at least one-year involving different seasons of the year.
Germination response of the freshwater invasive Iris pseudacorus to brackish and marine salinity as well as implications for coastal invasion
Authors: Thomson Hanna , Shackelford Nancy , Gilbert Miranda , Gerwing Travis 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Conventionally considered a freshwater species, evidence indicates that yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus) tolerates saline conditions. As a water-dispersed species, clarifying how I. pseudacorus seeds respond to seawater immersion is critical to understanding marine dispersal and invasion risk for coastal habitat. Using seeds from marine and freshwater I. pseudacorus populations, we assessed how the duration of immersion (15, 30, 60, and 90 days) in varying salinities (0, 13–15, 33–35 practical salinity units) affected the germination response of seeds, and whether immersion in freshwater following saline exposure impacted germination success or seed viability. Freshwater-produced seeds consistently outperformed those produced by plants persisting in marine conditions. Neither salinity concentration nor duration of immersion had a statistically significant impact on germination success. Exposure to saline conditions fully inhibited germination unless seeds received a freshwater recovery. Seed coat thickness was statistically significantly greater among the freshwater population, but there was no discernible difference in mean seed weight. Seeds from both populations remained viable following prolonged exposure to salinity. We posit that observed differences in germination between the two populations may arise from dormancy mechanisms rather than seed fitness. Overall, our results suggest that I. pseudacorus has the capacity to disperse vast distances through the marine environment, potentially habitat-hopping to reach ecosystems characterized by freshwater input, such as estuaries or saltmarshes. Management efforts should target early detection of the species in freshwater-enriched coastal habitats and react rapidly to remove individuals before they become established.
Determining the Direct and Indirect Healthcare and Social Costs For Diabetic Retinopathy Management. A Systematic Review.
Authors: BENHAMZA MAWDDA , Dahlui Prof. Maznah , Ayu Prof. Mas 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy is a rapidly growing a global public health threat; it affects 1 in 3 people with diabetes and is still the leading cause of blindness among the working- age population. The management of diabetic retinopathy is becoming more advanced and effective but is highly expensive compared to other ocular diseases. Aim: To report direct medical, indirect medical and nonmedical costs of diabetic retinopathy in developed and developing countries through a systematic review. Methods: Related articles published in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE electronic databases from 1985 to 2022 were identified using the key words direct medical and indirect medical and social costs of diabetic retinopathy. However, previous systematic reviews, abstracts, and case reports were excluded. Results: Only12 articles were eligible for the assessment of the economic burden of diabetes management and its complications. In Germany, the average cost from a social perspective was US$1,361.35 per patient and the average cost of DR from the GKV perspective was US$865.450 per patient in 2002. In India, the average annual direct cost was estimated to be US$19,089.072 and the indirect cost was US$105,857.136 in 2016. Discussion: Increasing the prevalence of DR leads to increased direct and indirect healthcare expenditures, in addition, increasing the severity of DR leads to increased expenditure as well. The most significant concern about DR is that it affects working age adults with irreversible blindness, especially in advanced stages. While the management and control are available and inexpensive. Conclusion: The enormous financial burden associated with DR expenses should be reconsidered, and the current screening and management programs should be revised to improve the quality and reduce the cost that is associated with DR to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal SDG (3), which ensures good health and well-being.
Seroprevalence of Immunoglobulin G against SARS-CoV-2 in Iran at National and Sub- National Levels: Population-based Sero-Epidemiological Data from STEPS Survey 2021
Authors: Azangou-Khyavy Mohammadreza , Ghasemi Erfan , Ebrahimi Narges , Rashidi Mohammad-Mahdi , Abbasi-Kangevari Mohsen , Ahmadi Naser , Khanali Javad , Kazemi Ameneh , Dilmaghani-Marand Arezou , Farzi Yosef , Yoosefi Moein , Abdolhamidi Elham , Moghimi Mana , Nasserinejad Maryam , Fattahi Nima , Azadnajafabad Sina , Alipour-Daroei Arefe , Rezaee Kamyar , Djalalinia Shirin , Rezaei Negar , Jamshidi Hamidreza , Farzadfar Farshad 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

PCR tests for COVID-19 have relatively low sensitivity and only symptomatic cases have been tested. Thus, a population-based seroprevalence study was necessary to determine the extent of missed cases. The objective of this study was to achieve a realistic infection rate in Iran and probe into some explanations behind being infected or not. In this population-based cross-sectional study, 27,874 adults aged more than 18 from 31 provinces from February to April 2021 were included. The seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 in Iran was 20.63% (19.71-21.56) and 16.25% (15.11-17.41) based on two different adjustments. The age-standardized seroprevalence was relatively high among Kurdistan [30.29% (26.04-34.55) and 28.31% (23-33.61)], and West Azarbayejan [29.33% (24.85-33.8) and 27.11% (21.52-32.68)]. Smoking, higher education, being underweight, male, and single were protective factors, and higher daily interactions was a risk for infection. It is evident that reported rates have been misleading. Furthermore, several intervenable factors can predict the risk of infection.
Delayed Reduction in Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Gradient After Endocardial Radiofrequency Ablation for Septal Hypertrophy In a Patient with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Chu Hongshuo , Wei Zixiu , Zhong Peng , Zhu Ye , Hu Zerui , Ni Jingyuan , Wang Huayun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background: Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction can cut down cardiac output in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). Patients with HOCM who undergo successful endocardial radiofrequency ablation for septal hypertrophy (ERASH) usually present with quick relief of LVOT obstruction. However, a delayed reduction in the LVOT gradient after ERASH has never been reported previously.
Case Description: We present a case of a 79-year-old woman diagnosed with HOCM, characterized by diffuse thickening of the interventricular septum and systolic anterior motion (SAM) of the anterior mitral valve leaflet. And A result indicating a distance of less than 50 meters was observed during the 6-minute walk test. Considering less trauma, the patient underwent a successful ERASH procedure with the assistance of CARTO3 and CARTOSOUND system. The ablation was performed at a power of 50 W and a temperature of 30℃. During the procedure, we observed the disappearance of SAM and a rapid reduction in the LVOT gradient from 93 mmHg to 43 mmHg. The patient exhibited a progressive enhancement in exercise capacity, accompanied by the absence of any symptoms. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a delayed reduction LVOT gradient during the follow-up assessments.
Conclusions: The delayed reduction of LVOT gradient possibly induced by the post-ablation myocardial edema and no significant adverse effect on prognosis was observed. Further investigations are warranted to explore the potential impact of high ablation power and precautionary measures.
Randomized phase II study of preoperative Afatinib in untreated head and neck cancers: predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of efficacy
Authors: Marret Grégoire , Temam Stéphane , Kamal Maud , Even Caroline , Delord Jean-Pierre , Hoffmann Caroline , Dolivet Gilles , Malard Olivier , Fayette Jérôme , Capitain Olivier , Vergez Sébastien , Geoffrois Lionel , Rolland Frédéric , Zrounba Philippe , Laccourreye Laurent , Saada-Bouzid Esma , Aide Nicolas , Bénavent Valérie , Klijianienko Jerzy , Lamy Constance , Girard Elodie , Vacher Sophie , Masliah-Planchon Julien , de Koning Leanne , Puard Vincent , Borcoman Edith , Jimenez Marta , Bièche Ivan , Gal Jocelyn , Tourneau Christophe Le 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
There is no strong and reliable predictive biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) for EGFR inhibitors. We aimed to identify predictive and pharmacodynamic biomarkers of efficacy of afatinib, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in a window-of-opportunity trial (NCT01415674). Multi-omics analyses were carried out on pre-treatment biopsy and surgical specimen for biological assessment of afatinib activity. Sixty-one treatment-naïve and operable HNSCC patients were randomised to afatinib 40 mg/day for 21–28 days versus no treatment. Afatinib produced a high rate of metabolic response. Responders had a higher expression of pERK1/2 (P = 0.02) and lower expressions of pHER4 (P = 0.03) and pRB1 (P = 0.002) in pre-treatment biopsy compared to non-responders. At the cellular level, responders displayed an enrichment of tumor-infiltrating B cells under afatinib (P = 0.02). At the molecular level, NF-kappa B signaling was over-represented among upregulated genes in non-responders (P < 0.001; FDR = 0.01). Although exploratory, phosphoproteomics-based biomarkers deserve further investigations as predictors of afatinib efficacy.
Clinical features and diagnostic approaches to chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Huang Jihuang , Zhu Tianfeng , Zhao Zhenhui , Tang Gen , Deng Hansheng , Tang Shengping , Xiong Zhu , Qiu Xin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an autoinflammatory bone disease which is difficult to diagnose in the early stages. The aim of this study was to summarize the methods of diagnosis and differential diagnosis of CRMO, study diagnostic methods for early identification and diagnosis of the disease, and improve the ability of clinicians to identify and diagnose the disease at an early stage.
Methods: All children diagnosed with CRMO at our hospital between 2013 and 2022 were included. Clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and reasons for delayed diagnoses were summarized. In addition, the literature on CRMO from database establishment to February 1, 2023, was retrieved through Embase, Medline, and PubMed, and the management of CRMO was proposed based on the literature.
Results:
There were seven patients with CRMO (six males and one female). Mean age at first symptom: 6.3 (IQR 2.3-8.2) years; mean delay in diagnosis (from symptoms): 2.1 (IQR 1.2-2.8) years; mean age at relapse: 8.1 (IQR 3.2-12.1) years; mean disease duration: 3.8 (IQR 2.4-3.9) years. All children had local swelling and bone pain, and three patients had pathological fractures (one in the femur and two in the tibia). A total of 34 anatomical sites were involved in the lesions in seven children; one case had a single lesion, and six had multiple lesions. The blood and puncture tissue bacterial culture results in seven cases were negative, and the bone marrow cytology examination was normal.
A total of 119 clinical research reports on CRMO (1202 patients) were included, and it was found that the first symptom in 1142 cases (approximately 95%) was bone pain or local swelling. In all cases in which bacterial cultures of peripheral blood or bone tissue were performed, the results were negative. In addition, bone marrow cytology results were negative in 1178 (98%).
Conclusions: This study systematically summarized the clinical characteristics of patients with CRMO in our center and those reported in the literature. In addition, this study proposes primary and secondary diagnostic criteria for the management of CRMO, which requires verification.
A novel multi-criteria decision making model using Pythagorean fuzzy set and evolutionary algorithm for computational thinking assessment
Authors: Zhao Jingjie , Lei Yu , Luo Liang , Zhang Wei , Yi Baolin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Computational thinking (CT) is one of the essential skills for students in the 21st century, which has been widespread around the world. Therefore, the assessment of CT has become a hot topic. Increasing efforts to integrate CT assessment across all disciplinary backgrounds have lately progressed. The scale assessment is the most representative assessment tool. However, it cannot adequately reflect students’ preferences and ideas. The present study was aimed at proposing an improved scale-based assessment method, which could collect students’ fuzzy preferences with the support of Pythagorean fuzzy set (PFS). This method treats CT assessment as a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In the PFS environment, the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is used for criteria weight computation, and students’ CT along with five sub-abilities are classified into five levels using the adapted Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. A total of 24 eighth-grade students participated in the CT assessment. And the experimental results indicate the feasibility of the method. Two sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the model. Furthermore, a correlation analysis between the method, traditional scales method, and teacher evaluations also confirmed it.
Colonic stenosis in pediatric population: a retrospective study
Authors: Yan Xueqiang , Zheng Nannan , Lei Haiyan , Yuan Qiang , Qin Xinke , Duan Xufei , Chen Xuyong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Colonic stenosis is a rare disease in pediatric populations, it may lead to a serious intestinal obstruction. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the reasons that lead to the non-congenital colon stenosis. In the present study, we display our experience and findings for the pediatric colonic stenosis to explore the general feathers and outcomes of the colonic stenosis are essential for surgeons to make a better choice for individual therapy.
Methods
This is a retrospective study of patients who diagnosed as colonic stenosis from January 2018 to December 2022 at Wuhan children’s hospital. We divided the patients into the NEC group, suspected-NEC group and Non-NEC group. Patients clinical characteristics including symptoms, risk factors, surgical procedure, pathology, hospital stay and postoperative outcomes were collected and analyzed. Patients were followed up for 6 months to 2 years for any gastrointestinal symptoms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 software.
Results
Total of 30 patients was enrolled in this study. There were 16 patients in the NEC group, 7 patients in the suspected-NEC group, and 7 patients in Non-NEC group. The male to female ratio was higher in the NEC group. There was more premature infants in NEC group. The weight in NEC and suspected-NEC group was lower than Non-NEC group. There were more artificial feeding cases in NEC group. The hospital stay in NEC group was longer for the first administration. Next, we observed postoperation complications and found 2 patients had wound infection and 1 patient had adhesive ileus and 1 patient had anastomosis stenosis in NEC group, 1 patient had would infection in suspected-NEC group, and 1 patient had would infection in Non-NEC group. For follow up, 2 patients had intestinal obstruction and 3 patients had colitis in NEC group, 1 patient had bloody stool in suspected-NEC group, and 1 patient had an intestinal obstruction in Non-NEC group, all of them cured after conservative therapy.
Conclusions
Artificial feeding, NEC and bowel inflammation are the important risk factors for stenosis.
Unraveling the Challenges of Intravenous Leiomyomatosis: A Retrospective Analysis of 11 Cases
Authors: Wang Qun , Liu H , Feng Weiwei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study provides a concise overview of diagnostic and treatment strategies for intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL), a rare disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations, based on cases from a tertiary referral hospital in China.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 11 premenopausal patients with confirmed IVL between 2018 and 2022. Clinical data from Ultrasound, Enhanced CT, and MRI were studied, along with surgical details, postoperative pathology, and follow-up information.
Results
Premenopausal patients showed no disease-specific symptoms, with 90.9% having a history of gynecological or obstetric surgery, and 72.7% having prior uterine fibroids. Cardiac involvement was evident in two cases, with echocardiography detecting abnormal floating masses from the inferior vena cava. Pelvic ultrasound indicated leiomyoma in 90.9% of cases, with ≥ 50mm size. Surgery was the primary treatment, and lesions above the internal iliac vein resulted in significantly higher intraoperative blood loss (median 1300ml vs. 50ml, p = 0.005) and longer hospital stays (median 10 days vs. 4 days, p = 0.026). Three patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava required combined surgery with cardiac specialists. Recurrence occurred in 2 out of 11 patients with incomplete lesion resection.
Conclusions
IVL mainly affects premenopausal women with uterine masses, primarily in the pelvic cavity (Stage I). Pelvic ultrasound aids early screening, while Enhanced CT or MR assists in diagnosing and assessing venous lesions. Complete resection is crucial to prevent recurrence. Lesions invading the internal iliac vein and above pose higher risks during surgery. A multidisciplinary team approach is essential for patients with lesions above the inferior vena cava, with simultaneous surgery as a potential treatment option.
Artificial intelligence-based model for predicting pulmonary arterial hypertension on chest radiograph
Authors: Imai Shun , Sakao Seiichiro , Nagata Jun , Naito Akira , Sekine Ayumi , Sugiura Toshihiko , Shigeta Ayako , Nishiyama Akira , Yokota Hajime , Shimizu Norihiro , Sugawara Takeshi , Nomi Toshiaki , Honda Seiwa , Ogaki Keisuke , Tanabe Nobuhiro , Baba Takayuki , Suzuki Takuji 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe condition. Despite advances in targeted treatments for it, diagnostic delays have yet to improve. Early referral to a specialized hospital is important because a longer diagnostic interval has been reported to be associated with decreased 5-year survival. Computer-aided detection and diagnosis (CAD) support detecting and diagnosing abnormalities and diseases. In this study, we developed and tested a deep-learning algorithm to detect pulmonary arterial hypertension using chest radiographs.
Methods
From the image archive of Chiba University Hospital, 259 chest radiographs from 145 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension PAH and 260 radiographs from 260 control patients were identified; 418 were used for training, and 101 were used for testing. Using the testing dataset for each image, the algorithm outputted a numerical value from zero to one (the probability of the pulmonary arterial hypertension score). In addition, using the same testing dataset, the capability of the algorithm to identify pulmonary arterial hypertension was compared with that of professional doctors.
Results
The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve for the detection ability of the algorithm was 0.988. Using a score cutoff of 0.69, the sensitivity and specificity of the algorithm were 0.933 and 0.982, respectively. The performance of the algorithm was not inferior to that of the doctors.
Conclusion
We developed a deep-learning algorithm to detect pulmonary arterial hypertension using chest radiographs.