bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus vasculitis after long-term treatment with valacyclovir and prednisolone
Authors: Kraemer Markus , Strunk Daniel , Becker Jana , Veltkamp Roland , Berlit Peter 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background and purpose
Optimal treatment of intracranial stenoses in varicella zoster virus (VZV)-associated vasculitis is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the merits and potential pitfalls of a specific therapeutic strategy, initially proposed by Don Gilden in 2015.

Methods
We describe three patients with intracranial stenoses caused by VZV vasculitis successfully treated by a long-term combination of valacyclovir and prednisolone.

Results
All three patients were young men suffering from stroke. Only one reported a first contact to VZV in adulthood. All three presented stenoses in the intracranial part of the internal carotid artery or the proximal segments of the middle cerebral artery as well as an elevated cell count and positive VZV antibody index in cerebrospinal fluid. They received a combination therapy regimen with prednisone and valacyclovir about a minimum of one year. Intracranial stenoses improved markedly in one and almost resolved completely in the other two patients. Side effects of corticosteroid treatment occurred in two patients.

Conclusions
Long-term combination treatment with prednisone and valacyclovir proved to be effective in three young men suffering from intracranial stenosis due to VZV vasculitis.
Long non-coding RNA Tug1 regulates inflammation in microglia and in status epilepticus rats through the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Ming , Xie Yangmei , Shao Yiye , Chen Yinghui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of status epilepticus (SE). The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) taurine up-regulated gene1 (Tug1) plays a well-defined role in inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of Tug1 in SE progression remains unknown. In present study, we investigated whether Tug1 is involved in microglial inflammation in SE rats.

Methods
The SE rat model was established via intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride-pilocarpine. RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RIP sequencing were carried out in rat microglia (RM). Tug1 cloned into the adenovirus was overexpressed in the microglia. Knockdown of Tug1 was performed via siRNA transfection. The level of Tug1 and inflammatory factors IL-1β and TNF-α was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. Protein levels of p65, p-p65, p-ΙκΒα and ΙκΒα were assessed by western blotting.

Results
The RIP-seq result showed 14 lncRNAs that bound to the NF-κB p65 protein in RM. The lncRNA Tug1 directly interacted with p65. The level of declined Tug1 was decreased in the hippocampus of SE rats. Overexpression of Tug1 reduced the LPS-induced inflammation and M1/M2 polarization of microglia, while knockdown of Tug1 aggravated the inflammatory response in microglia. Accordingly, the protein levels of p-p65/p65 and p-ΙκΒα/ΙκΒα were reduced in the Tug1-overexpression microglia and elevated in the Tug1-knockdown microglia.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that Tug1 modulates the inflammation in microglia through the NF-κB signal pathway, and the Tug1/P65 axis are like to play a significant role in the inflammatory processes, providing a valid target for the therapy of SE.
The impacts of COVID-19 on K-8 science teaching and teachers
Authors: Macias Meghan , Iveland Ashley , Rego Melissa , White Maya Salcido 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSome science education researchers have presented either isolated findings on specific points in time during the pandemic or non-empirical insights or suggestions for how teachers, district leaders, policymakers, and others should take up the learnings from the pandemic to move science education forward. However, there are few studies published to date that provide robust and longitudinal empirical data on what science instruction looked like throughout the pandemic and the magnitude of the impacts of the pandemic on science instruction when compared to pre-pandemic science teaching and learning. We conducted a primarily survey-based study on science instruction and enactment of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in K-8 classrooms throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis also incorporates a longitudinal dataset from grade 6–8 teachers across California on their NGSS instruction prior to and throughout the first year of the pandemic, providing insight on instruction over multiple years before and throughout distance learning. Our findings highlight the challenges that teachers and students faced during the pandemic, as well as the significant impacts that distance learning appeared to have on science instruction and teachers’ ability to provide NGSS-aligned instruction. However, we also found that a year after the initial school closures, teachers’ science instruction began to show improvements both in the frequency of science instruction (how often they were able to provide science instruction through distance learning) and the quality of science instruction (how often teachers were able to provide instruction that was aligned with the goals of the NGSS). Implications of this work are far reaching and may impact teachers, students, administrators, policymakers, professional learning providers, and curriculum developers regardless of whether science instruction occurs through distance learning or in-person moving forward.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR): beyond cystic fibrosis
Authors: Parisi Giuseppe Fabio , Mòllica Federico , Giallongo Alessandro , Papale Maria , Manti Sara , Leonardi Salvatore 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene has been traditionally linked to cystic fibrosis (CF) inheritance in an autosomal recessive manner. Advances in molecular biology and genetics have expanded our understanding of the CFTR gene and its encoding products expressed in different tissues.

Aim
The study’s aim consists of reviewing the different pathological CF phenotypes using the existing literature. We know that alterations of the CFTR protein’s structure may result in different pathological phenotypes.

Methods
Open sources such as PubMed and Science Direct databases have been used for this review. We focused our selection on articles published within the last 15 years. Critical terms related to the CFTR protein have been used: “CFTR AND cancer,” “CFTR AND celiac disease,” “CFTR AND pancreatitis,” “children,” “adults,” “genotype,” “phenotype,” “correlation,” “mutation,” “CFTR,” “diseases,” “disorders,” and “no cystic fibrosis.”

Results
We analyzed 1,115 abstracts in total. Moreover, only 189 were suitable for the topic. We focused on the role of CFTR in cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, reproductive system, and systemic hypertension.

Conclusions
Mutations in CFTR gene are often associated with CF. In this review, we highlighted the broad spectrum of alterations reported for this gene, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of other diseases. The importance of these new insights in the role of CFTR relies on the possibility of considering this protein/gene as a novel therapeutic target for CF- and CFTR-related diseases.
Severity scoring system of COVID-19 in Egyptian medical personnel versus non-medical personnel: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Reda Alaa Mohamed , Hablas Lina Tarek , Abou Khadrah Rania Sobhy 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Few studies tried to detect the risk of developing COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) between different groups of workers. Health care workers are more likely to have severe form of COVID infection. The objective of our study is to compare the severity scoring system of COVID infection between medical and non-medical personnel by CT (computed tomography). This study started from 1 May, 2020, to 30 December, 2021. CT study of the chest for 1200 infected patients with COVID-19 (600 were medical stuff and 600 persons of non-medical staff) was done in five health quarantine centres in Egypt. CT findings were reviewed in relation to the severity of symptoms. The results of the two groups were compared to each other.

Results
CT findings were more frequent and more severe in the medical staff group, including that the number of consolidative patches mixed with areas of ground glass attenuation in medical staff group was (37.2%) versus non-medical staff group was (22.2%), with p-value (*0.001), diffuse lobar involvement was in (150 severe cases) in medical staff group versus in 67 severe cases of non-medical staff group and had significant difference (p value *0.005), fibrosis (p value *0.002) and more opportunity to get severe form of infection increased in medical personnel rather than control group (p value *0.001) which may be due to limited health care facilities in protection against infection especially in developing countries and more contact during work time with infected persons and high viral load.

Conclusion
The current study results show that severity score is higher in the medical personnel than non-medial personnel.
Importance of fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in detection of post-thyroidectomy recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer with negative radio-isotope iodine scan, yet, elevated serum thyroglobulin level
Authors: Younis Amir Fathy Henfy , Yousif Ahmed Farid , Khater Hamada Mohamed 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Thyroid cancer considered the 6th common cancer in female and represents approximately 1% of all cancers. Thyroid cancer is generally characterized by good prognosis, long term survival and low aggressiveness. Its prognosis is related to tumor dimensions, extra capsular extensions, the age at diagnosis and distant metastases sites. Combination between positron emission tomography and computed tomography allow anatomic, functional & molecular information.

Aim
To demonstrate Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography)/computed tomography role for evaluation of post-thyroidectomy recurrence either local or distant metastatic lesions in differentiated cancer thyroid patients with negative radio-isotope iodine scan, yet showing elevated serum thyroglobulin level.

Procedure
A prospective study included twenty patients with previous history of differentiated thyroid cancer. All patients after history taking and revising the medical sheet underwent Serum Thyroglobulin level & I-131 whole body scan examinations and then Fluorine 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography study. The findings of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography imaging compared with results of histopathology or follow-up clinical results as a gold standard.

Results
Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography based analysis showed that nineteen true positives and one was true negative as confirmed by the gold standard (Histopathology and clinical follow-up). Thirteen patients had either local recurrence or lymph node metastases without distant metastatic disease, six patients had different distant metastasis. Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography based analysis showed that nineteen true positives and one was true negative as confirmed by the gold standard (histopathology and clinical follow-up). The accuracy and sensitivity of Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (95%) were significantly better than those of the Computed Tomography alone (84.2% and 80%, respectively).

Conclusions
Fluorine 18 Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography provided a critical role in assessment and management of patients with suspected differentiated thyroid recurrence, presenting with high serum thyroglobulin level and negative radio-isotope iodine scan. It enhances diagnostic accuracy through giving exact anatomical localization of recurrent and/or metastatic tumor foci.
Jarcho-Levin syndrome in Pakistan: a case report and review of 321 cases on the principles of diagnosis and management
Authors: Asghar Imran , Zameer Sheharyar , Khan Taimoor Ashraf , Zahid Muhammad Abdullah , Khan Muhammad Hamza , Zameer Noor Ul Ain 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Jarcho-Levin syndrome (JLS) is a genetic condition that constitutes specific vertebral anomalies combined with coastal or thoracic anomalies due to specific gene mutations. Although the condition is associated typically to Puerto-Ricans, we describe the novel case of JLS in a Pakistani family that presented with respiratory distress secondary to the condition.

Case presentation
The case is a full-term girl that had a webbed neck with an undefined chest deformity. Radiology showed kyphoscoliosis and a crablike chest. Early identification of these high morbidity conditions is key to allow for optimal treatment and improved outcomes.

Conclusions
We have provided a brief breakdown of the management principles of the condition and more than 80 years after the first case of Jarcho-Levin syndrome was reported, we present the diagnostic criterion for JLS.
The study of Piszkiewicz’s and Berezin’s models on the redox reaction of allylthiourea and bis-(2-pyridinealdoximato)dioxomolybdate(IV) complex in an aqueous acidic medium
Authors: Nkole I. U. , Idris S. O. , Onu A. D. , Abdulkadir I. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe study of Piszkiewicz’s and Berezin’s models on the redox reaction of allylthiourea and bis-(2-pyridinealdoximato)dioxomolybdate(IV) complex ([MoIVO2(paoH)2]2−) in an aqueous acidic medium is suggested. The Piszkiewicz’s and Berezin’s models are applied, and their parameters are used to explain the redox behaviour of allylthiourea with Mo(IV) complex in the presence of surfactants.ResultsThe reaction followed a high cooperativity pattern that reflects a strong interaction between the two redox partners in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) which is reinforced by a notable binding constant at the Stern layer of the micelle. The effect of cationic counter-ion (Ca2+) on the reaction rate further confirmed the effectiveness of the interaction at the rate-limiting step. The presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) in the reaction medium resulted in reaction inhibition which reveals the interplay of electrostatic repulsion at the electrophilic polar head of the surfactant and the redox species. The effect of ionic strength on the reaction rate shows that one of the reacting species is not charged (neutral) which kept the rate of the reaction uniform at different salt concentrations studied. The change in the medium polarity buttressed the effect of ionic strength on the reaction which is explained better by Piszkiewicz’s and Berezin’s models. Free radical was actively engaged in the reductive process of the Mo(IV) complex, and this revealed that the hydrophobic region is a possible location for the interaction of the redox partner in the presence of SDS micelle.ConclusionsThe models depict well the microenvironments of enzymatic reactions involving bimolecular interactions with significant binding constants and cooperativity indexes that show the strength of the interaction between the substrates and surfactant molecules.Graphical Abstract
In situ green analytical methods for the rapid and sensitive determination of a newly launched orphan anticancer drug; Tigecycline in infusion bags: comparative study
Authors: El-Yazbi Amira F. , Aboukhalil Faten M. , Khamis Essam F. , Youssef Rasha M. , El-Sayed Mahmoud A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Tigecycline (TIG), an antimicrobial agent indicated for complex bacterial infections, is now approved by FDA as an orphan chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia due to its inhibitory effects on pathways of activating, signaling and abnormal mitochondrial function in cancer cells. TIG is mainly administered as intravenous infusion through centralized unit of oncology centers. This necessitates the continuous analytical quality control of the prepared solution in order to identify and quantify TIG for safe intravenous administration to patients. Moreover, the clinical staff exposure risk to toxic drugs during daily handling must be considered. Such concerns require a fast, cost-effective and green analytical procedure for sensitive determination of TIG directly in infusion bags. In this work, we propose a simple, rapid and green capillary zone electrophoretic (CZE) method for the sensitive assay of TIG directly in infusion bags, in addition to three simple and green spectrophotometric methods.

Results
TIG solutions corresponding to clinical ranges were detected in 5%glucose. Validation of all the proposed methods was according to ICH guidelines. Greenness assessment was performed depending on Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and the Eco-scale approach which showed that the proposed methods are better eco-friendly methods than reported ones. It also revealed the superiority of our proposed methods in terms of simplicity and sensitivity for TIG determination in infusion bags. Quantification limits obtained were significantly lower than the administered range of TIG in infusion bags and lower than its maximum serum concentration (Cmax). This promotes the application of the proposed methods for the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability studies of TIG in various biological fluids.

Conclusions
This work reports, for the first time, CZE method for the direct and rapid determination of TIG and its separation from other components in intravenous infusion solution. The developed CZE method has several advantages over current chromatographic methods such as higher efficiency of separation within short analysis time, consumption of fewer quantities of chemicals and offering better resolution than HPLC. Moreover, three green spectrophotometric methods are also proposed for TIG determination that offer many advantages such as accuracy, precision, simplicity, specificity and facility of quantification and separation of the selected drug in infusion bags and pharmaceutical preparations without any techniques for extraction.
High rates of impaired quality of life and social and economic problems at 6 months after COVID-19-related ARDS
Authors: Umbrello Michele , Miori Sara , Sanna Andrea , Lassola Sergio , Baruzzo Elena , Penzo Daniele , Pedrotti Giovanni , Perino Annamaria , Colombo Angelo , Pace Rocco , Magnoni Sandra 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeAssess long-term quality of life (HR-QoL) and socio-economic impact in COVID-19-related ARDS (C-ARDS) survivors.MethodsC-ARDS survivors were followed up at 6 months in this prospective, cohort study. HR-QoL was assessed using SF-36 and EQ-5D-5L, and the socio-economic burden of COVID-19 was evaluated with a dedicated questionnaire. Clinical data were prospectively recorded.ResultsSeventy-nine survivors, age 63 [57-71], 84% male, were enrolled. The frequency of EQ-5D-5L reported problems was significantly higher among survivors compared to normal, in mobility, usual activities, and self-care; anxiety and depression and pain were not different. SF-36 scores were lower than the reference population, and physical and mental summary scores were below normal in 52% and 33% of the subjects, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, prolonged hospital length of stay (OR1.45;p0.02) and two or more comorbidities on admission (OR7.42;p0.002) were significant predictors of impaired “physical” and “mental” HR-QoL, respectively. A total of 38% subjects worsened social relations, 42% changed their employment status, and 23% required personal care support.ConclusionsC-ARDS survivors have long-term impairment in HR-QoL and socio-economic problems. Prolonged hospital stay and previous comorbidities are risk factors for developing health-related issues.
Management of sedation due to clozapine
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Parkinson Samuel Mammolotti 
Published: May 2022

SUMMARYSedation is one of the most common adverse effects of clozapine. Although tolerance develops to some extent, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience sedation and associated negative consequences on their quality of life. Sedation is also one of the most common reasons for the discontinuation of clozapine and it is therefore important to proactively manage it. This article provides brief guidance for clinicians.
Overall Survival and Biomarker Analysis of Neoadjuvant Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy in Operable Stage IIIA Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NADIM phase II trial)
Authors: Provencio Mariano , Serna-Blasco Roberto , Nadal Ernest , Insa Amelia , García-Campelo M. Rosario , Casal Rubio Joaquín , Dómine Manuel , Majem Margarita , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Martínez-Martí Alex , De Castro Carpeño Javier , Cobo Manuel , López Vivanco Guillermo , Del Barco Edel , Bernabé Caro Reyes , Viñolas Nuria , Barneto Aranda Isidoro , Viteri Santiago , Pereira Eva , Royuela Ana , Calvo Virginia , Martín-López Javier , García-García Francisco , Casarrubios Marta , Franco Fernando , Sánchez-Herrero Estela , Massuti Bartomeu , Cruz-Bermúdez Alberto , Romero Atocha 
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus nivolumab has been shown to be effective in resectable non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the NADIM trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03081689 ). The 3-year overall survival (OS) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis have not been reported. METHODS This was an open-label, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial in which patients with stage IIIA NSCLC, who were deemed to be surgically resectable, were treated with neoadjuvant paclitaxel (200 mg/m2 once a day) and carboplatin (area under curve 6) plus nivolumab (360 mg) once on day 1 of each 21-day cycle, for three cycles, followed by adjuvant nivolumab monotherapy for 1 year (240 mg once every 2 weeks for 4 months, followed by 480 mg once every 4 weeks for 8 months). The 3-year OS and ctDNA analysis were secondary objectives of the trial. RESULTS OS at 36 months was 81.9% (95% CI, 66.8 to 90.6) in the intention-to-treat population, rising to 91.0% (95% CI, 74.2 to 97.0) in the per-protocol population. Neither tumor mutation burden nor programmed cell death ligand-1 staining was predictive of survival. Conversely, low pretreatment levels of ctDNA were significantly associated with improved progression-free survival and OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.63, and HR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.39, respectively). Clinical responses according to RECIST v1.1 criteria did not predict survival outcomes. However, undetectable ctDNA levels after neoadjuvant treatment were significantly associated with progression-free survival and OS (HR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.93, and HR, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.55, respectively). The C-index to predict OS for ctDNA levels after neoadjuvant treatment (0.82) was superior to that of RECIST criteria (0.72). CONCLUSION The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus nivolumab in resectable NSCLC is supported by 3-year OS. ctDNA levels were significantly associated with OS and outperformed radiologic assessments in the prediction of survival.