bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flow cytometric measurement of CFTR-mediated chloride transport in human neutrophils
Authors: Montanez-Barragan Alejandra , Robledo-Avila Frank H , Rascon Raul , McCoy Karen S , Kopp Benjamin T , Partida-Sanchez Santiago 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Immune cells express a variety of ion channels and transporters in the plasma membrane and intracellular organelles, responsible of the transference of charged ions across hydrophobic lipid membrane barriers. The correct regulation of ion transport ensures proper immune cell function, activation, proliferation, and cell death. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease in which the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) chloride channel gene is defective, consequently, the CFTR protein is dysfunctional, and the chloride efflux in CF cells is markedly impaired. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by chronic inflammation in the airways, mainly triggered by neutrophilic infiltration and recurring bacterial infections, causing the decline of lung function and eventually respiratory failure. Novel modulator-based therapies have improved lung function in people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF) by increasing expression and function of CFTR in the plasma membrane of lung cells, however, the effects of these drugs in the lung recruited inflammatory cells, specifically neutrophils, remains unknown. Given the complex biology of neutrophils and their short lifespan, we aimed to develop a fluorometric method to evaluate CFTR-mediated chloride transport in human neutrophils by using flow cytometry and the intracellular chloride-binding MQAE dye. Our results show that CFTR-mediated chloride transport in human neutrophils or human neutrophil-like cell lines can be consistently evaluated in vitro by this methodology. Additionally, this assay measured increased chloride efflux in neutrophils collected from pwCF under modulator therapy, as compared to healthy donors, indicating this method can evaluate restoration of CFTR-mediated chloride transport in CF neutrophils.
Comparative analysis of bacterial microbiota in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): insights from field and laboratory populations in Colombia
Authors: Gómez Marcela , Martínez David , Luna Nicolás , Vega Laura , Yepez-Pérez Yoelis , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Camargo Milena , Patiño Luz H , Muñoz Marina , Ramírez Juan David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Comparative studies of the microbiota in whole-body mosquitoes from natural populations and laboratory-reared specimens are scarce, particularly in tropical countries like Colombia, where understanding microbial patterns is critical for effective disease control and vector management. This study examines the bacterial microbiota of Aedes aegypti by comparing field-collected mosquitoes from 3 Colombian regions (Southern Amazon, Central Andean region, and Northern Caribbean coast) with laboratory strains (Rockefeller, Otanche, and Tolima). These regions are highly endemic for dengue and are associated with lineage 1 of Ae. aegypti, known for its elevated vector competence. Using next-generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene with Illumina technology, we found that field-collected mosquitoes exhibited significantly higher alpha and beta diversity compared to laboratory-reared specimens. Field mosquitoes were enriched with bacterial families such as Acetobacteraceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Bacillaceae, while laboratory mosquitoes showed a greater abundance of Enterobacteriaceae. Differential abundance analysis revealed that Acetobacter and Bacillus predominated in field mosquitoes, whereas Asaia, Cedacea, and Chryseobacterium were more common in laboratory specimens. Notably, Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter were consistently abundant across all samples. Our findings suggest that environmental factors, such as habitat and diet, significantly influence the bacterial composition and diversity of Ae. aegypti in Colombia. Future research should further explore how these factors, alongside genetic components, shape mosquito–microbiota interactions and their implications for disease transmission and vector competence.
Pronounced temporal velocity variations within the fault fracture zone in response to Earth tide modes
Authors: Sun Tenghui , Yao Huajian , Yang Hongfeng , Yu Chang , Luo Song , Sheng Yixiao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Continuous monitoring of seismogenic faults can advance our understanding of the evolution process, holding important keys in forecasting future earthquakes. We report here seismic velocity variations around the Anninghe fault zone in southwest China based on seismic interferometry techniques. We observed that tidal forces significantly impact velocity changes within the fault fracture zone, inducing periodic changes in seismic velocity on diurnal, semidiurnal, and monthly scales. Moreover, the response to Earth tides is notably more pronounced in the fault fracture zone compared to other areas. This can be attributed to tidal forces affecting the opening and closing of cracks in the subsurface medium. Due to the higher density of fractures within the fault fracture zone, it becomes more sensitive to tidal forces. Our findings underscore the crucial role of tidal forces in perturbing stress within the fault zone during periods when earthquakes have not occurred.
Mass shootings durably increase the sale of alcohol in American communities
Authors: Buttrick Nicholas , Yang Shiyu , Okada Sosuke 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Mass shootings are devastating events. Communities can cope with the ensuing trauma in a number of ways, including changing their behavioral patterns. Using point-of-sale data from 35,000 individual retailers, including more than half of all American grocery and drugstore purchases, and all American mass shootings from 2006 to 2019, we find, in a set of two-way fixed-effects counterfactual analyses, that a mass shooting in a given community (the area covered by the ZIP-3 code) predicts a significant increase in the sales of alcohol that lasts at least 2 years past the shooting. The effect is especially strong for the subset of mass shootings that take place in public settings, whereas we find no evidence for an increase in alcohol sales in the aftermath of mass shootings that take place in private homes or residences. As alcohol is an accelerant for violence, especially firearm-related violence, we suggest the importance of whole-community approaches to addressing the trauma of mass shootings.
Collaborative optimization of high-speed railway ticket allocation and stopping plan based on time-period stochastic demands
Authors: Zhou Wenliang , Yan Qianqian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ticket allocation and train stopping plans are important parts of railway transportation organization. At present, most of the ticket allocation plans are based on fixed train stopping plans, which limit the scope of ticket allocation. Trains can only serve passenger demands between stopping stations, leading to a loss of passenger demands at non-stopping stations, resulting in low seat occupancy rates and low revenue for railway enterprise. In order to better meet passenger demands, improve seat occupancy rates, and increase revenue of railway enterprise, this paper constructs a collaborative optimization model of ticket allocation and stopping plan based on stochastic demand and passenger choice behaviors in different time periods. Combined with CPLEX solver, the simulated annealing algorithm is designed to solve the problem. At the same time, new neighborhood solution generation strategies of train stopping plans and ticket allocation plans under given stopping plan are designed, respectively. The experimental results show that in small-scale experiments and large-scale experiments, the proposed method increases revenue by 0.14% and 9.09%, respectively, and effectively improves seat occupancy rates.
Effectiveness of simultaneous electroacupuncture stimulation on the tibial and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerves in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder syndrome in women
Authors: Lv Tingting , Fang Weilin , Si Junwen , Ji Xiang , Li Ziwei , Song Xin , Huang Jin , Weng Zhijun , Lv Jianwei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to observe the clinical effectiveness of simultaneous electroacupuncture stimulation on the tibial nerve (TN) and ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve (IIN/IHN) in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder (OAB) in women.

Materials and methods
A prospective study was conducted involving 94 female patients with a diagnosis of OAB in the Urology Department of our hospital from September 2022 to October 2023. The patients were randomly divided into a TN-IIN/IHN group and a control group, each comprising 47 cases. All patients in both groups had received anticholinergic muscarinic receptor antagonists (tolterodine/solifenacin), β3 receptor agonists, flupentixol/melitracen, and other basic treatment regimens with poor results. The TN-IIN/IHN group received simultaneous electroacupuncture on the TN and IIN/IHN, whereas the control group received pelvic floor muscle biofeedback electrical stimulation. Both groups underwent treatment 3 times a week for a total of 4 weeks. Bladder symptoms (24-hour voiding diary), OAB Symptom Score, OAB-Quality of Life Questionnaire, and anxiety and depression scores were compared and analyzed before treatment, after treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up. Clinical efficacy was also assessed.

Results
Both groups showed significant improvement in voiding frequency, nocturia, urgency, OAB Symptom Score, and average voiding volume after treatment and at follow-up (p < 0.01). The TN-IIN/IHN group showed significantly superior results compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Quality of life scores and anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased (p < 0.01), with the TN-IIN/IHN group scores significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.01). The treatment success rate in the TN-IIN/IHN group was 84.78%, whereas that in the control group was 28.89%, showing a statistically significant difference (p < 0.01). No significant adverse reactions occurred in either group during the treatment period.

Conclusions
Simultaneous electroacupuncture on the TN and IIN/IHN is effective in treating refractory OAB in women and has good long-term efficacy. This therapy is safe, convenient, and free of significant adverse reactions, providing a new approach for the clinical treatment of refractory OAB in these patients. It significantly improves bladder symptoms and alleviates anxiety and depression, thereby markedly enhancing the patients' quality of life.
Association between cystitis glandularis and bladder neck leiomyoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Caixia , Fan Longlong , Li Kuiqing , Huang Li , Chen Lingjiao , Yao Yousheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This article reported the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis glandularis (CG) co-occurring with bladder neck leiomyomas. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of a single case of CG with bladder neck leiomyoma. A 31-year-old Chinese woman was given a diagnosis of CG and bladder neck leiomyoma. The mass and surrounding bladder mucosal lesions were entirely excised via transurethral resection, leaving a clean margin of healthy tissue. Histopathological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of CG and bladder neck leiomyoma. The patient remained asymptomatic throughout the follow-up period, with no indication of recurrence. Cystitis glandularis co-occurring with bladder neck leiomyoma requires careful examination, and surgery remains the best treatment option for these diseases.
Advancements in the management of overactive bladder in women using nano-botulinum toxin type A: A narrative review
Authors: Zhou Yongheng , Liu Qinggang , Cong Huiling , Liao Limin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intravesical injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) are effective for treating refractory overactive bladder (OAB) in women. However, the adverse effects linked to the injections, such as hematuria, pain, and infection, and need for repeated injections can lower patient compliance and make the treatment inconvenient. Hence, urologists are actively pursuing less invasive and more convenient methods for the intravesical delivery of BTX-A. Advances in nanotechnology have facilitated noninvasive intravesical drug delivery. Currently, liposomes, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and many other forms of carriers can be used to enhance bladder wall permeability. This facilitates the entry of BTX-A into the bladder wall, allowing it to exert its effects. In this review, the feasibility and efficacy of liposomes, thermosensitive hydrogels, and hyaluronic acid-phosphatidylethanolamine for the treatment of OAB in women are discussed along with recent animal experiments on the use of nanotechnology-delivered BTX-A for the treatment of OAB in female rat models. Although the clinical efficacy of nanocarrier-encapsulated BTX-A for the treatment of OAB in women has not yet matched that of direct urethral muscle injection of BTX-A, improvements in certain symptoms indicate the potential of bladder instillation of nanocarrier-encapsulated BTX-A for future clinical applications. Consequently, further research on nanomaterials is warranted to advance the development of nanocarriers for the noninvasive delivery of BTX-A in the bladder.
Evaluation of Scleral Thickness in Patients With Keratoconus
Authors: Ciftci Mukaddes Damla , Degirmenci Cumali , Palamar Melis 
Published: January 2025

Objectives:
To evaluate scleral thickness of patients with keratoconus by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Materials and methods:
Fifty-two eyes of 42 patients with keratoconus (group 1) and 42 right eyes of 42 healthy individuals (group 2) were included. Scleral thickness measurements were taken with AS-OCT 6, 4, and 2 mm behind the scleral spur in four gaze positions: superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal. The data including central corneal thickness (CCT) by Pentacam from patients with keratoconus was also analyzed and its relationship with scleral thickness was evaluated.

Results:
In group 1, mean scleral thickness from 6 mm posterior to scleral spur in superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants were 397±35.3 (320–482), 408±29.5 (341–467), 393±40.8 (297–469), and 403±35.8 (310–482) μm, respectively. In group 2, mean scleral thickness from 6 mm posterior to scleral spur in superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants were 440±42.2 (346–552), 461±33.9 (390–563), 451±46.6 (340–549) and 448±34.3 (350–521) μm, respectively. The mean scleral thickness in group 1 was significantly lower in all quadrants compared with group 2 (P<0.001). The mean CCT in group 1 was 478.22±87.55 (306–632) μm. Positive correlation was found between scleral thickness measurements taken at 4 mm (ϱ=0.312, P=0.037) and 2 mm (ϱ=0.308, P=0.039) posterior from the scleral spur in the inferior quadrant and CCT.

Conclusion:
Scleral thickness was significantly lower in patients with keratoconus. Scleral thickness and CCT were positively correlated in inferior quadrant. Even though it is not yet known whether scleral changes are progressive or not, scleral thickness measurement may also find a place in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with keratoconus in the future.
Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 complicated with liver abscess: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Fan , Jiang Xueqiang , Liu Yanwei , Wang Wan , Zhang Congyu 
Published: January 2025

Rationale:
Novel coronavirus pneumonia is spreading in many countries and regions. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is characterized by rapid onset, high infectivity, rapid progression, and variably effective treatment.

Patient concerns:
One 63-year-old woman presented to the fever clinic of our hospital on February 10, 2020, due to a fever for 12 days.

Diagnoses:
COVID-19 complicated with liver abscess.

Interventions:
A case report of a patient with COVID-19 complicated with liver abscess admitted to our hospital was used to explore the treatment methods for COVID-19 complicated with bacterial liver abscess. The sepsis caused by pulmonary viral infection and liver bacterial infection were correctly distinguished, and the patient was cured and discharged after targeted treatment, abscess, and pleural puncture and drainage.

Outcomes:
The patient was cured with a normal temperature is >3 days and coronavirus 3 consecutive negative nucleic acid detection.

Lessons:
COVID-19, elderly critically ill patients may be prone to rapid onset, complex disease, multiple organ damage, prolonged hospital stay, and high mortality. In the treatment of such COVID-19 patients, holistic thinking is required, pathology may not be limited to the lung, but may affect other organs, and treatment guidelines should not be blindly followed. Medication may need to be individualized for patients with COVID-19 complicated with liver abscess.
Case series on 2 cases of macular damage caused by the novel coronavirus: A case report
Authors: Guo Yong , Guo Chenjun , Li Yan , Zhang Yongkang , Liu Xiaozhan , Liang Houcheng 
Published: January 2025

Rationale:
Macular damage is a rare yet significant ocular complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This report highlights the clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in 2 cases of COVID-19-associated macular damage, contributing to the understanding of its pathophysiology and management.

Patient concerns:
Both patients presented with a sudden onset of visual impairment and black shadows in their central visual fields shortly after contracting COVID-19.

Diagnoses:
The first patient, a 15-year-old male, was diagnosed with acute macular neuroretinopathy, evidenced by optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging showing high-density shadows in the macular area. The second patient, a 28-year-old female, presented with more extensive macular lesions, confirmed via fundus photography and OCT imaging.

Interventions:
Both patients received systemic corticosteroid therapy (oral prednisone acetate, 30 mg daily). The male patient was treated for 5 days, while the female patient underwent a 3-day treatment course.

Outcomes:
The male patient showed significant improvement in visual acuity, with OCT imaging revealing the resolution of high-density shadows but persistent disruption of the ellipsoid zone. The female patient demonstrated partial improvement in visual symptoms, though residual macular abnormalities remained evident on imaging.

Lessons:
COVID-19-associated macular damage appears to involve inflammatory and vascular mechanisms. Early systemic corticosteroid therapy may offer symptomatic relief and partially restore visual function. However, long-term monitoring is essential to address potential residual or progressive retinal damage.
Iatrogenic diversion of inferior vena cava to the left atrium presented as persistent hypoxemia: Case series
Authors: Zhang Hanwen , Liu Qianqian , Meng Hong , Xiong Changming 
Published: January 2025

Rationale:
The transcatheter closure and atrioseptopexy are the main treatment methods for atrial septal defect (ASD). However, persistent hypoxemia due to iatrogenic diversion of inferior vena cava (IVC) to the left atrium (LA) is reported as a rare complication after ASD closure. Contrast echocardiology is a reliable and powerful tool to detect iatrogenic diversion and identify the etiology accurately.

Patient concerns:
We reported 2 patients (a 11-year-old boy [Patient 1] and a 39-year-old female [Patient 2]) with persistent hypoxemia and exertional dyspnea after ASD transcatheter closure and robotic atrioseptopexy, respectively.

Diagnoses:
Contrast echocardiography confirmed the presence of a right-to-left shunt at the atrial level which was presented only in femoral venous contrast injection instead of upper extremity venous contrast injection.

Interventions and Outcomes:
Subsequent surgical exploration found that the occluder straddling the entry of IVC and the fibrous membrane proliferating along the lower edge of the occlude in the first patient, and the patch improperly linked to the Eustachian valve in the second patient. The misoperation led to IVC partially draining into LA. After the surgeries, both of them had their hypoxic symptoms relieved.

Lessons:
Persistent unexplained hypoxemia after ASD closure might be considered to result from a right-to-left shunt. An iatrogenic right-to-left shunt flow from the IVC to the LA was usually caused by the misplaced interatrial occluder or patch. Transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography via combined peripheral venous access has the well-performed capability to hint some insidious right-to-left shunts and guides clinical therapy as soon as possible.
Functional neurological disorder treated with psychoeducation: A case report
Authors: Alhazmi Amal Yousef , Attar Ahmed Ahmed , Labban Suhail Ali , Felemban Reema Ghazi 
Published: January 2025

Rationale:
Psychogenic tremor (PT) is the most common subtype of psychogenic movement disorder, characterized by involuntary movement, and is usually related to occupational injuries or accidents. Psychogenic movement disorder falls under the category of functional neurological disorders, which are diagnosed based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Patient concerns:
A 25-year-old Saudi male with a history of recurrent superior ventricular tachycardia presented to the emergency department with tremors affecting all his extremities for 8 days. Tremors were nonrhythmic, continuous, and worsened over time and were exacerbated by reaching objects. There was no history of similar presentations or neurological diseases.

Diagnoses:
Examination revealed high-frequency, high-amplitude tremors and rigidity in all extremities, and hyperreflexia in the lower limbs. Laboratory findings were unremarkable; thus, the psychiatric team was consulted for possible PTs.

Interventions:
Psychiatric assessments showed no evidence of psychiatric disorders. The patient only received psychoeducation about his diagnosis.

Outcomes:
The tremor was completely resolved by the time of discharge.

Lessons:
In our case, the patient’s PT resolved entirely with education alone, differing from previous cases that included psychotherapy and medication, emphasizing the importance of the doctor–patient relationship and the need for future research on effective approaches to delivering diagnosis to patients.
A case series of ultrasound and pathological assessment of follicular thyroid tumors: Addressing indeterminate malignancy
Authors: Wang Xian , Zhou Hui , Iqbal Muhammad Asad , Pan Donggang , Zuo Junbo , Moazzam Nida Fatima , Zhang Jin , Sun Hui 
Published: January 2025

Rationale:
Follicular tumors with uncertain malignant potential of the thyroid are a new classification of thyroid tumors in the World Health Organization (2017). Only a few cases of evaluating the value of ultrasound combined with pathological examination in diagnosing follicular tumors with uncertain malignant potential of the thyroid have been reported in recent decades.

Patient concerns:
A retrospective analysis was performed on 18 patients with follicular tumors with uncertain thyroid malignant potential who underwent preoperative ultrasonography and were confirmed by operation and pathology in our hospital from January 2019 to November 2024. Ultrasonic characteristics, histopathology, and immunohistology were recorded.

Diagnoses:
The patient was pathologically diagnosed as follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential.

Interventions:
All the 18 patients underwent ultrasound, surgical treatment and immunohistochemical staining in our hospital.

Outcomes:
The patients underwent surgery. There was no complication or recurrence.

Lessons:
This case series indicates that the ultrasonographic manifestations of follicular tumors with uncertain thyroid malignant potential were regular and well-defined hypoechoic thyroid masses with an elastic grade of 2. The pathological characteristics were positive expression of P53, TG, CD56, Ki67, TTF-1, and Gal-3 mutations in most lesions.