bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin therapy
Authors: Fakkar Nouran Fakkar Hammam , Marzouk Diaa , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Fouad Mohamed Mahmoud , Aboromia Maram Maher , Gadallah Mohsen 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Vitamin B12 malabsorption is one of the side effects of long-term metformin intake. Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nervous system damage. So, the current study aimed to determine the association between serum vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy among type 2 DM patients who are on metformin in comparison to those not taking it. It is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Egypt and recruited 100 type 2 diabetic patients who were divided into 2 groups: metformin treated, and non-metformin treated (50 subjects per group). The collected data included personal history, medical history, dietetic history that included frequency of eating food rich in vitamin B12 and clinical peripheral neuropathy assessment by Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Blood samples were collected for assessment of HbA1c and vitamin B12 level.

Results
Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 4% of metformin group and 2% of non-metformin group. The mean value of vitamin B12 between metformin users (624.3 ± 364.1 pg/ml) and non-metformin users (991.0 ± 489.9 pg/ml) showed a high significant difference, p value < 0.001. There was a significant difference between study groups regarding HbA1c level (p value = 0.03). Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with HbA1c (p value = 0.04) and female gender (p value = 0.001).

Conclusions
Vitamin B12 level was lower in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin compared to those on other oral anti-diabetic drugs, but without significant deficiency. Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with poor glycemic control and female gender, but was not associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
An Egyptian patient story: multilingual role in post-stroke aphasia recovery
Authors: Jomaa Iman Muhammad Ahmad , Wahba Wafaa Batran , Moustafa Ramez Reda , Roushdy Tamer 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Ischemic strokes are common neurological disease and unless being managed fast enough within hours of onset a permanent deficit usually results. Such deficit impairs the patient independency to a great extent. Aphasia affects more than a quarter of acute stroke cases. Initially it is more prominent and with time its severity may subside, yet to which degree and what factors play a role in this severity reduction still needs further studies and is under postulations.

Case presentation
Multilingual role in post-stroke aphasia recovery is presented in this case report where a trilingual female who acquired a foreign accent and who involuntarily uses code switching between Arabic, French and English in order to linguistically communicate; thus overcoming post-stroke language communication problems. The neurolinguistics data are taken from the results of the application of the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised scale in Cairene Dialect, in addition to extra language exercises including repetition, picture description and conversation with the patient. Linguistic analysis includes the investigation of morph syntactic constructions, phonetic deviations and semantic paraphasia. Linguistic analysis also revealed that the patient’s aphasia disorder is of the conduction type and that she resorts to her second language (L2) namely French or her third language (L3) namely English if she finds it difficult to produce the Arabic word.

Conclusion
Cognitive reserve and multilingualism may have a role in post-stroke aphasia recovery.
Retroperitoneal hamartoma mimicking angiomyolipoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Huang Lesheng , Liu Tianzhu , Peng Se , Peng Hui , Chen Jun , Jiang Jinghua , Zhang Wanchun , Tang Huijia , Li Hongyi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Hamartoma refers to the excessive focal growth of cells and tissues in organs, which is between malformation and benign tumor. Hamartomas are commonly seen in the lung, but rare in the retroperitoneum.

Main text
Angiomyolipoma was also called hamartoma in the early years. Hamartoma was not separated from the concept of angiomyolipoma until perivascular epithelioid cells were found in angiomyolipoma. We reported a case of retroperitoneal hamartoma, which was suspected to be angiomyolipoma in the initial imaging findings and pathological frozen section, but the paraffin section was finally diagnosed as hamartoma. Due to the fusion of the tumor with the right psoas major muscle, it may need to be cut off for complete resection of tumor, which may damage the sacrococcygeal nerve and affect the postoperative activity function, so the tumor was just partially removed. After 6 and 22 months of follow-up, the patient was in good condition. CT re-examinations showed that the epibiotic right retroperitoneal mass size was 40 × 42 × 72 mm3 (6 months, length × width × height) and 40 × 45 × 81 mm3 (22 months, length × width × height). We describe this case and review the literature.

Conclusions
In conclusion, retroperitoneal hamartoma is rare and difficult to differentiate from angiomyolipoma, in which perivascular epithelial cells could be found on pathological paraffin sections.
Reference range of serum uric acid and prevalence of hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study from baseline data of ELSA-Brasil cohort
Authors: Dório Murillo , Benseñor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo , Santos Itamar S. , Fuller Ricardo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Most of the few studies that have established reference ranges for serum uric acid (SUA) have not taken into account factors which may interfere with its levels and followed rigorous laboratory quality standards. The aim of this study was to establish reference ranges for SUA and determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Method
Cross-sectional study including 15,100 participants (all sample) aged 35 to 74 years from baseline data of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), a multicentric cohort of volunteer civil servants from five universities and one research institute located in different regions of Brazil. It was established a reference sample excluding participants with factors that directly influence SUA levels: glomerular filtration rate lower than 60 ml/min, excessive alcohol intake, use of diuretics, aspirin, estrogen or urate-lowering therapy. SUA was measured using the uricase method and following rigorous international quality standards. Reference ranges were defined as values between percentiles 2.5 (P2.5) and 97.5 (P97.5) of SUA distribution in the reference sample, stratified by sex. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA ≥ 7 mg/100 ml in the all sample.

Results
The reference sample was composed of 10,340 individuals (55.3% women, median age 50 years). Reference ranges (P2.5 to P97.5) for SUA were: 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Sex was a major determinant for SUA levels (median [IQR], mg/100 ml: 6.1 [5.3–7.0] for men versus 4.5 [3.9–5.3] for women, p < 0.001). Higher levels of SUA were found in patients with higher BMI. Higher age had (a modest) influence only for women. The prevalence of hyperuricemia for all sample (N = 15,100) was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.8–33.0%) in men and 4.8% (95% CI 4.3–5.3%) in women.

Conclusion
SUA reference ranges were 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 31.9% in men and 4.8% in women. Updated SUA reference ranges and prevalence of hyperuricemia are higher nowadays and might be used to guide laboratories and the screening for diseases related to SUA.
Chitosan@TiO2 composites for the adsorption of copper(II) and antibacterial applications
Authors: Su Chien , Berekute Abiyu Kerebo , Yu Kuo-Pin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractChitosan (CS) is a biopolymer that is well known for its ubiquity, biodegradability, lack of toxicity, low cost, antibacterial activity, and excellent heavy metal adsorption ability. We synthesized CS and CS@TiO2 composites (CST) with different concentrations of glutaraldehyde (crosslinking agent) solution by a simple method involving a crosslinking process (using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent), a freeze-drying technique, and exchange with ammonia solution. The interaction mechanisms of the as-synthesized samples were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. Among the as-synthesized samples, 3%CS-V (CS composites synthesized using 3% glutaraldehyde for crosslinking and exchanged with ammonia solution) at an initial concentration of 300 ppm exhibited a preferable adsorption capacity for copper ions (Cu2+), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 31 mg g− 1. Sorption equilibrium isotherms fit the Freundlich model. Compared to CS, 7%CST-V (CST composite synthesized using 7% glutaraldehyde for crosslinking and exchanged with ammonia solution) exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis due to a synergistic effect. The antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli was more affected by copper ions than TiO2 addition and glutaraldehyde concentration, whereas the antimicrobial efficacy against S. epidermidis was more affected by TiO2 addition and exchange with ammonia solution.
Developing decision model and sustainable mapping to screen the efficiency of brownfield redevelopment based on socioeconomic open data
Authors: Chen I-Chun , Yang Bo-Chieh 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, comprise 17 goals developed to balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Regional sustainable development can be considered an important part of investment to redevelop brownfields. With breakthroughs in information technology, Taiwan has established a number of open databases. This study uses open datasets of regional socioeconomic and environmental geo-information to develop a regional SDG map and screen suitable brownfield locations for redevelopment. In addition, this study has designed a Brownfield Redevelopment Query model that combines socioeconomic geographic information obtained from big data with sustainable potentiality for evaluating benefit-cost ratios (BCRs). Land stakeholders can obtain useful information prior to brownfield investment. The flexible user interface is useful for exploring the outcomes of the BCRs (consolidation, internalities, and externalities) for four land-use scenarios (residential, industrial, commercial, and other and public land with renewable energy facilities) of brownfield redevelopment. The brownfield redevelopment BCR is positively dominated by operating profits in the reuse stage for two sites. In addition, the externalities BCR value of the studied cases is positive, particularly in converting the residential land if the site is located at Level 4 or Level 5 of the SDG map. Consequently, this study uses a large quantity of transparent information and a flexible user interface to develop a useful evaluation tool and reduce the possible pitfalls associated with brownfield redevelopment for land stakeholders.
The genetic influence of PD-1/PD-L1 axis single nucleotide polymorphisms on the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatric Egyptian patients
Authors: Mohamed Rabab Afifi , Morgan Dalia Saber , Hodeib Mahmoud , Radwan Asmaa , Ali Hany Fawzy 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most challenging public health issues. The destruction of insulin-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans is the hallmark of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as an autoimmune disease. In the current case–control study, the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was investigated within the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitory axis and their association with T1DM susceptibility in a sample of Egyptian pediatric patients. The study included 80 T1DM pediatric patients and 76 healthy control subjects. The patients were recruited from Beni-Suef University Hospital’s Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic. Genotyping of PD-1 SNP (rs 34819629) and PD-L1 SNPs (rs 2297137 and rs 4143815) was performed by TaqMan allelic discrimination technique via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients were subjected to a thorough clinical examination and history taking.ResultGenotyping of PD-1 (rs 34819629) revealed that all of the enrolled patients and the control group inherited the same genotype (GG genotype). With regard to PDL-1 rs4143815 SNP and the risk of T1DM occurrence, our comparison did not reveal the presence of an association between the different genetic models (general, dominant, and recessive) of the SNP and the risk of T1DM (p = 0.078 andp = 0.055; for the general genetic model,p = 0.061 andp = 0.169 for the dominant and the recessive types, respectively). Regarding PDL-1 rs2297137 SNP, the results of this study demonstrated that the risk of T1DM was significantly associated with the recessive genetic model (p = 0.007) as the diabetic group’s predominant G allele was higher compared to the control group.ConclusionThe findings obtained supported the hypothesis that the predominant G allele of PD-L1 rs2297137 is associated with the development of T1DM. Chronic hyperglycemia and long-standing diabetes problems are linked to both PD-L1 SNPs (rs4143815 and rs2297137). Future studies with a more significant number of patients are required to support our results.
Intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old infant: fetus in fetu—a case report
Authors: Bata Abdel-Kémal Bori , Akodjènou Joseph , Bognon Gilles Modeste Alain , Azonbakin Simon Azandegbe , Takin Romulus , Alao Jules Marouf , Gbenou Antoine Seraphin , Fiogbe Armand Michel , Mehinto Delphin Kuassi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The fetu in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare congenital condition characterized by a 2nd fetus that grows into the body of the healthy twin. Its thoracic location is more exceptional.

Case presentation
We report a case of intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old female infant, diagnosed after an assessment for respiratory distress. She underwent an emergency left thoracotomy which allowed for the removal of a large thoraco-mediastinal mass inside a membranous sac containing a clear liquid mixed with vernix caseosa. The mass was completely covered with normal skin, three lobes similar to rudimentary outline of the head and limb. It was attached to a single large vascular pedicle. The pathological examination concluded that there was a high possibility of FIF. The postoperative follow-up was uncomplicated, and the child is still in good clinical condition after the 5-month follow-up.

Conclusion
The assessment of the respiratory distress in an infant with a mass centered by an axial skeleton on the chest x-ray and thoracic CT scan may suggest a diagnosis of intrathoracic FIF.
Post-translational modifications in liquid-liquid phase separation: a comprehensive review
Authors: Li Jingxian , Zhang Mengdi , Ma Weirui , Yang Bing , Lu Huasong , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Long 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLiquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has received significant attention in recent biological studies. It refers to a phenomenon that biomolecule exceeds the solubility, condensates and separates itself from solution in liquid like droplets formation. Our understanding of it has also changed from memebraneless organelles to compartmentalization, muti-functional crucibles, and reaction regulators. Although this phenomenon has been employed for a variety of biological processes, recent studies mainly focus on its physiological significance, and the comprehensive research of the underlying physical mechanism is limited. The characteristics of side chains of amino acids and the interaction tendency of proteins function importantly in regulating LLPS thus should be pay more attention on. In addition, the importance of post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been underestimated, despite their abundance and crucial functions in maintaining the electrostatic balance. In this review, we first introduce the driving forces and protein secondary structures involved in LLPS and their different physical functions in cell life processes. Subsequently, we summarize the existing reports on PTM regulation related to LLPS and analyze the underlying basic principles, hoping to find some common relations between LLPS and PTM. Finally, we speculate several unreported PTMs that may have a significant impact on phase separation basing on the findings.
The genome sequencing and comparative analysis of a wild kiwifruit Actinidia eriantha
Authors: Yao Xiaohong , Wang Shuaibin , Wang Zupeng , Li Dawei , Jiang Quan , Zhang Qiong , Gao Lei , Zhong Caihong , Huang Hongwen , Liu Yifei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe current kiwifruit industry is mainly based on the cultivars derived from the species Actinidia chinensis (Ac) which may bring risks such as canker disease. Introgression of desired traits from wild relatives is an important method for improving kiwifruit cultivars. Actinidia eriantha (Ae) is a particularly important taxon used for hybridization or introgressive breeding of new kiwifruit cultivars because of its valued species-specific traits. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale high-quality genome of a Ae sample which was directly collected from its wild populations. Our analysis revealed that 41.3% of the genome consists of repetitive elements, comparable to the percentage in Ac and Ae cultivar “White” genomes. The genomic structural variation, including the presence/absence-variation (PAV) of genes, is distinct between Ae and Ac, despite both sharing the same two kiwifruit-specific whole genome duplication (WGD) events. This suggests that a post-WGD divergence mechanism occurred during their evolution. We further investigated genes involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis and disease-resistance of Ae, and we found introgressive genome could contribute to the complex relationship between Ae and other representative kiwifruit taxa. Collectively, the Ae genome offers valuable genetic resource to accelerate kiwifruit breeding applications.
Complete Response of a Patient With a Mismatch Repair Deficient Aggressive Pituitary Adenoma to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Sanjit , Manzoor Saima , Rothman Yehudit , Hagen Matthew , Pater Luke , Golnik Karl , Mahammedi Abdelkader , Lin Andrew L. , Bhabhra Ruchi , Forbes Jonathan A. , Sengupta Soma 
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:
Aggressive pituitary adenomas (APAs) are pituitary tumors that are refractory to standard treatments and carry a poor prognosis. Current treatment guidelines are not standardized but combine surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Temozolomide is the only chemotherapeutic agent with documented effectiveness and is recommended for APA in European Society of Endocrinology clinical guidelines.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 57-year-old man presented with visual deterioration and bitemporal hemianopsia. MRI of the brain demonstrated a sellar mass suspected to be pituitary macroadenoma with displacement of the stalk and optic nerve impingement. The patient underwent stereotactic endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the mass. Postoperative MRI demonstrated gross total resection. Pathology revealed a sparsely granulated corticotroph adenoma with malignant transformation. Immunohistochemistry showed loss of expression of MLH1 and PMS2 in the tumor cells. Proton therapy was recommended given an elevated Ki67 index and p53 positivity. Before radiotherapy, there was no radiographic evidence of residual tumor. Temozolomide therapy was initiated after surveillance MRI showed recurrence at 16 months postoperatively. However, MRI demonstrated marked progression after 3 cycles. Next-generation sequencing using the MSK-IMPACT platform identified somatic mutations in MLH1 Y548lfs*9 and TP53 R337C. Immunotherapy with ipilimumab/nivolumab was initiated, and MRI demonstrated no residual tumor burden 34 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:
APA is a tumor with frequent recurrence and a short median expected length of survival. Here, we demonstrate the utility of immunotherapy in a single case report of APA, with complete resolution of recurrent APA and improved survival compared with life expectancy.
Dehydrogenative Three-component Coupling of CO with Methylarenes Forming Dibenzyl Ketones
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Shinoya Hiroki , Kamino Yuka , Kawasaki Tairin , Murakami Masahiro 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Herein reported is a photoinduced dehydrogenative three-component coupling reaction of carbon monoxide with two molecules of methylarenes forming dibenzyl ketones. A gaseous dihydrogen molecule evolves as the byproduct, and neither oxidants nor hydrogen acceptors are required.
Detection of pathogens associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood at birth using quantitative PCR
Authors: Obiero Christina W. , Gumbi Wilson , Mwakio Stella , Mwangudzah Hope , Seale Anna C. , Taniuchi Mami , Liu Jie , Houpt Eric , Berkley James A. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) typically begins prior to, during or soon after birth and may be rapidly fatal. There is paucity of data on the aetiology of EONS in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited diagnostic capacity in this region, despite the associated significant mortality and long-term neurological impairment. Methods: We compared pathogens detected in cord blood samples between neonates admitted to hospital with possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) in the first 48 hours of life (cases) and neonates remaining well (controls). Cord blood was systematically collected at Kilifi County Hospital (KCH) from 2011-2016, and later tested for 21 bacterial, viral and protozoal targets using multiplex PCR via TaqMan Array Cards (TAC). Results: Among 603 cases (101 [17%] of whom died), 179 (30%) tested positive for ≥1 target and 37 (6.1%) tested positive for multiple targets. Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes were commonest. Among 300 controls, 79 (26%) tested positive for ≥1 target, 11 (3.7%) were positive for multiple targets, and K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa were most common. Cumulative odds ratios across controls: cases (survived): cases (died) were E. coli/Shigella spp. 2.6 (95%CI 1.6-4.4); E. faecalis 4.0 (95%CI 1.1-15); S. agalactiae 4.5 (95%CI 1.6-13); Ureaplasma spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-6.4); Enterovirus 9.1 (95%CI 2.3-37); and Plasmodium spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.4-6.2). Excluding K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa as likely contaminants, aetiology was attributed in 9.4% (95%CI 5.1-13) cases using TAC. Leading pathogen attributions by TAC were E. coli/Shigella spp. (3.5% (95%CI 1.7-5.3)) and Ureaplasma spp. (1.7% (95%CI 0.5-3.0)). Conclusions: Cord blood sample may be useful in describing EONS pathogens at birth, but more specific tests are needed for individual diagnosis. Careful sampling of cord blood using aseptic techniques is crucial to minimize contamination. In addition to culturable bacteria, Ureaplasma and Enterovirus were causes of EONS.