bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Considering SOD and miRNA analysis as potential prognostic markers in white lesion malignant transformation: A report of two cases
Authors: Drotárová Zuzana , Rabajdová Miroslava , Mareková Mária , Kizek Peter , Vašková Janka 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:
Predictive biomarkers can be effective in the identification of the oral leukoplakia with an increased probability of malignant transformation.

Patients concerns:
A 63-year-old patient presents with persistent burning sensations throughout the oral cavity, accompanied by a white lesion on the tongue. Additionally, a 57-year-old patient with multiple white lesions in the oral cavity.

Diagnosis:
Histopathological analysis of the excised tissue.

Interventions:
Changes in the expression miRNAs (miR17, miR206, and miR23), the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase), and concentration of reduced glutathione were detected, followed by meta-analysis of previous studies.

Outcomes:
In both patients (verrucous leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma) upregulated expression of miR-23a, miR-17, and downregulated expression of miR206 were detected when compared to healthy individuals. In the plasma of a patient diagnosed with carcinoma, higher activity of antioxidant enzymes connected to glutathione was measured in comparison to healthy individuals.

Lessons:
The connection between miRNA expression changes, the increase in glutathione-S-transferase and especially the decrease in superoxide dismutase activities in patients with white lesion potential malignant transformation using the provided statistical analysis was confirmed.
Network pharmacology integrated with molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to explore the mechanism of Shaoyao Gancao Tang in the treatment of asthma and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ren Mengjiao , Ma Jian , Qu Minye 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between asthma and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Chinese herbal compound Shaoyao Gancao Tang (SYGCT) has been found to have therapeutic effects on both asthma and IBS, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study aims to explore the key components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of SYGCT in treating asthma with IBS by using network pharmacology, molecular docking techniques and molecular dynamics simulation.

Methods:
The major chemical components and potential target genes of SYGCT were screened by bioinformatics. The key targets of Asthma-IBS comorbidity were identified based on network modules. The intersection of the drug targets and disease targets was identified as the potential targets of SYGCT in treating asthma-IBS. Gene Ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed to identify the biological processes and signaling pathways involved in these potential targets. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to identify hub targets, while a drug-compound-target topological network was built to screen key compounds. Molecular docking was used to verify the affinity between the hub targets and key compounds. Molecular dynamics analysis was utilized to assess the binding stability of these interactions.

Results:
Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the therapeutic effect of SYGCT on asthma-IBS involved multiple biological processes and signaling pathways. It may exert therapeutic effects primarily through signaling pathways such as IL-17, TNF, and Th17 cell differentiation. The possible targets of SYGCT in the treatment of asthma-IBS could be IL6, TNF, JUN, PTGS2, STAT3, IL1B, CASP3, NFKBIA, IL10, and PPARG. Molecular docking verification showed that the predicted targets had good binding affinity with the compounds, among which PTGS2, CASP3, and PPARG had higher binding energy. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed that PTGS2, CASP3, and PPARG proteins had good stability and high binding strength with the compounds 2-[(3R)-8,8-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrano[6,5-f]chromen-3-yl]-5-methoxyphenol and shinpterocarpin.

Conclusion:
SYGCT plays a therapeutic role in asthma and IBS through multiple targets and pathways, providing a theoretical basis for explaining the mechanism and clinical application of SYGCT in treating different diseases with the same treatment in asthma and IBS.
Use of continuous infusion technique with pre-filled elastic pumps for prevention of centrally inserted central catheter occlusion in critically ill patients: A feasibility study
Authors: Jia Wei , Wu Kaiping , Song Kaifei , Yun Wenjuan , Wang Jin , Yi Yaping , Xu Lingyun 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Flushing catheter seems to be a crucial procedure for preventing centrally inserted central catheter (CICC) occlusion, which can flush the liquid and blood attached to the lumen into the bloodstream. The continuous infusion technique is characterized by continuous perfusion of flushing fluid and maintaining positive pressure in the lumen, which has been demonstrated to effectively prevent peripheral indwelling needle occlusion. However, the use of continuous infusion technique in CICC care among critically ill patients has been rarely described.

Objective:
To determine the feasibility and direct outcomes of continuous infusion technique in preventing CICC occlusion among critically ill patients.

Methods:
Participants from the intensive care unit who had a new centrally inserted central catheter placed within 24 hours were randomly assigned to 2 groups at a ratio of 1:1. They received pulsed infusion or continuous catheter infusion using pre-filled elastic pumps. During the trial period, on days 3 and 7 and whenever there were signs of catheter occlusion, whether the catheter occlusion was evaluated by the Catheter Injection and Aspiration Classification. Moreover, nurses meticulously observed the incidence of catheter-related complications, altered vital signs, and dysfunctions of elastic pump.

Results:
The catheter occlusion rates were 17.4% and 43.5% in participants who received continuous infusion (n = 23) and those who received pulsed infusion (n = 23), respectively. There was no significant difference in catheter occlusion rate between the 2 groups (χ² = 3.696, P = .06). The Kaplan–Meier curve results showed that the cumulative probability of central catheter occlusion events (within 7 days) in the continuous infusion group decreased (χ²=4.322, Log rank P = .04). Moreover, multivariate Cox regression indicated that the continuous infusion can reduce the risk of occlusion within 7 days by 91.8% (hazard ratio = 0.082, 95% confidence interval [0.014–0.487], P = .006). During the trial, no cases of detrimental altered vital signs and catheter-related complications in addition to occlusion were documented.

Conclusions:
In this study, continuous infusion technique with pre-filled elastic pumps was successfully used in critically ill patients for prevention of CICC occlusion, without major undesired effects. A larger cohort and a randomized clinical trial are warranted in order to establish its absolute efficacy in CICC care.
Hotspots and development trends of gut microbiota in atopic dermatitis: A bibliometric analysis from 1988 to 2024
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Haipeng , Fan Lina , Yu Qi , Wang Siqiao 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition that commonly occurs in children. More and more scientific evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays an important role in the pathogenesis of AD, whereas there is no article providing a comprehensive summary and analysis. We aimed to analyze documents on AD and gut microbiota and identify hotspots and development trends in this field.

Methods:
Articles and reviews in the field of AD and gut microbiota from January 1, 1988 to October 20, 2024 were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Biblioshiny was utilized for evaluating and visualizing the core authors, journals, countries, documents, trend topics, and hotspots in this field.

Results:
Among 1672 documents, it indicated that the number of annual publications generally increased. The United States had the highest production, impact, and international collaboration. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology was the journal of the maximum publications. Based on keyword co-occurrence and clustering analysis, “stratum-corneum lipids,” “probiotics,” “prebiotics,” “fecal microbiota transplantation,” “phage therapy,” “short chain fatty-acids,” “biologic therapy,” and “skin inflammation” represented current trend topics. The pathological and molecular mechanisms and associated therapeutic methods for AD and gut microbiota were the research hotspots. The incorporation of microbiota-based therapies alongside conventional treatments can contribute to better clinical outcomes.

Conclusion:
We highlighted that gut microbiota may exacerbate symptoms of AD through various aspects, including immunity, metabolites, and neuroendocrine pathways. More efforts are required to investigate the safety and efficacy of gut microbial management methods for the prevention and treatment of AD.
A colon cancer patient with splenic metastasis associated with a splenic abscess and thrombocytopenia: A case report
Authors: Cui Fang , Zhu Rongfeng , Qian Zhangjun , Zhang Yunlei 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:
Splenic metastases concomitant with abscesses are rare and challenging for clinicians. The primary treatment options include splenectomy and ultrasound-guided percutaneous perforation and drainage.

Patient concerns:
A case of splenic abscess in a colon cancer patient with splenic metastasis who developed chills and fever for approximately 2 weeks. However, the best broad-spectrum antibiotics are ineffective. Moreover, the patient had a high bleeding risk for percutaneous perforation due to a low platelet count.

Diagnoses:
Colon cancer, splenic metastasis, splenic abscess, thrombocytopenia.

Interventions:
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous splenic abscess perforation and drainage were performed after platelet transfusion and stimulation of platelet production in the bone marrow.

Outcomes:
His fever was immediately relieved at night and thrombocytopenia did not relapse thereafter. His platelet count increased rapidly and reached 121 × 109/L 3 days later.

Lessons:
Spleen metastasis in tumor patients necessitates vigilance for the potential development of spleen abscess. A less invasive procedure can be feasible in cases of low platelet count without significant coagulation dysfunction. When there is no alternative therapeutic schedule, doctors should fully evaluate the risks and benefits.
Diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma: Two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Xi Xinsheng , Yan Guanghui , Guo Baihong , Jin Gang , Guo Chenming , Feng Bin 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:
Pheochromocytomas typically arise in the adrenal medulla, whereas ectopic pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas commonly occur near the abdominal aorta, bladder, mediastinum, and head. Diaphragmatic pheochromocytomas are exceedingly rare, and there is limited surgical experience with their treatment.

Patient concerns:
In Case A, the subject is a 45-year-old male, while in Case B, the subject is a 59-year-old female. Both patients present with a history of paroxysmal hypertension. Computed tomography imaging revealed the presence of diaphragmatic tumors in both patients. The tumor in Case A was observed in the left diaphragm, while the tumor in Case B was located in the right diaphragm.

Diagnoses:
Two patients were diagnosed with diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma on the basis of disease progression, imaging, endocrinological assessment and postoperative histopathological examination.

Intervention:
Both patients received the same standardized preoperative preparation, which included hypotensive therapy and intravenous rehydration. Subsequently, Case A underwent a transabdominal robotic laparoscopic surgical resection, while Case B underwent a transthoracic thoracoscopic surgical resection.

Outcomes:
Both patients demonstrated a favorable recovery trajectory and exhibited stable blood pressure at the 3-month follow-up.

Lessons:
This report serves to remind the reader that the transthoracic approach to diaphragmatic pheochromocytoma may prove to be more advantageous than the transperitoneal approach. Additionally, precise preoperative localization of the tumor and careful intraoperative monitoring and assessment are imperative to achieve favorable outcomes.
Giant cell tumor of proximal femur managed by extended curettage with fibular strut allograft using long intramedullary interlocking nail: A case report and literature review
Authors: Song Jiashi , Liu Bing , Jin Kaipeng , Yao Quan 
Published: December 2024

Rationale:
We first report a unique case of proximal femoral Giant cell tumor of bone, a subtrochanteric lesion associated with femoral neck and intertrochanteric involvement. We chose a completely new surgical approach to treat the primary tumor and preserve the hip joint. No cases of this type have ever been reported.

Patient concerns:
The patient, a 26-year-old man, came to our hospital for treatment of right hip pain more than 4 months ago, had no family history of similar diseases.

Diagnoses:
Based on the imaging results and pathology, a diagnosis of Giant cell tumor of bone was confirmed.

Interventions:
Based on the imaging grade and patients’ wishes, the tumor managed by extended curettage and reconstructed with a fibular strut allograft and long intramedullary interlocking nail was used for prophylactic fixation of fractures. The patient did not undergo disuzumab.

Outcomes:
After 40 months of follow-up, although the bone defect finally reached bone healing, the hip function was good, and the tumor did not recur, there were signs of internal fixation loosening at 12 months of the surgery.

Lessons:
For young patients with imaging grade <3 who need limb salvage, fibular strut allograft and intramedullary nail-fixation are also an alternative treatment option for hip reconstruction after tumor surgery when the lesion involves the entire proximal femur.
The Impact of Telenursing on the Self-management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adolescent Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Shahri Mostafa Ahadi , Farahani Azam Shirinabadi , Rassouli Maryam , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Aghbelagh Shima Mohammadi 
Published: December 2024

Background
Chemotherapy is one of the cancer treatments among adolescents, after which nursing care at home is required due to developing side effects such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. One solution to deliver nursing care is to provide remote self-management training.

Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of telenursing on the self-management of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms among adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods
In this intervention study, 66 adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who were referred to teaching hospitals for receiving chemotherapy were selected through randomized block sampling. The data were collected through demographic and clinical questionnaires, the researcher-made form for GI symptoms and conditions, and the researcher-made questionnaire for the self-management of GI symptoms among adolescents. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

Results
The findings show that there was no significant statistical difference between the control group and the intervention group in terms of demographic characteristics. According to the independent-samples t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance, using an educational website had a significant positive impact on the scores of GI symptoms self-management, 1 week and 1 month after the intervention (P < .001).

Conclusions
Given that the intervention group patients could better manage their GI symptoms on their own by visiting the educational website Cancer Information, it can be concluded that telenursing can affect the self-management of GI symptoms among adolescent patients with cancer who receive chemotherapy.

Implications for Practice
The website Cancerinformation.ir can be used in the self-management of GI symptoms in cancer patients.
A Decision-Making Grid for Coenrollment in Multiple Clinical Trials
Authors: Curley Martha A.Q. , Kalvas Laura Beth , Perry-Eaddy Mallory A. , Asaro Lisa A. , Wypij David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
While subject coenrollment into multiple trials is desirable, thoughtful consideration is required to avoid compromising each trial’s scientific integrity.

Objective
We developed a Decision-Making Grid (GRID) to help investigators determine whether a clinical trial is compatible with a second clinical trial, thus allowing coenrollment, or if it should be considered competing, prohibiting coenrollment.

Methods
The GRID evaluates 21 elements across 4 domains: Scientific Integrity, Data Interpretation, Feasibility/Burden, and Additional Considerations. Optimally, each PI shares their protocol, completes the GRID independently, then meets to compare their perspectives, seeking a mutually acceptable agreement.

Results
The GRID has facilitated coenrollment decision-making for the RESTORE and PROSpect pediatric critical care clinical trials. In RESTORE, five trials were reviewed; one was approved for coenrollment; four were deemed competing. In PROSpect, 26 trials have been reviewed; 20 are approved for coenrollment; six were deemed competing. In both RESTORE and PROSpect, the PIs of multiple trials arranged a mutually acceptable sharing agreement.

Discussion
The GRID provides a systematic process to help investigators evaluate the effect of coenrollment in multiple clinical trials.
Finding dense sublattices as low energy states of a Hamiltonian
Authors: Barberà-Rodríguez Júlia , Gama Nicolas , Narayanan Anand Kumar , Joseph David 
Published: December 2024

Lattice-based cryptography has emerged as one of the most prominent candidates for postquantum cryptography, projected to be secure against the imminent threat of large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. The Shortest Vector Problem (SVP) is to find the shortest nonzero vector in a given lattice. It is fundamental to lattice-based cryptography and believed to be hard even for quantum computers. We study a natural generalization of the SVP known as the K-Densest Sublattice Problem (K-DSP): to find the densest K-dimensional sublattice of a given lattice. We formulate K-DSP as finding the first excited state of a Z-basis Hamiltonian, making K-DSP amenable to investigation via an array of quantum algorithms, including Grover search, quantum Gibbs sampling, adiabatic, and variational quantum algorithms. The complexity of the algorithms depends on the basis through which the input lattice is presented. We present a classical polynomial-time algorithm that takes an arbitrary input basis and preprocesses it into inputs suited to quantum algorithms. With preprocessing, we prove that O(KN2) qubits suffice for solving K-DSP for N-dimensional input lattices. We empirically demonstrate the performance of a quantum approximate optimization algorithm K-DSP solver for low dimensions, highlighting the influence of a good preprocessed input basis. We then discuss the hardness of K-DSP in relation to the SVP, to see if there is a reason to build postquantum cryptography on K-DSP. We devise a quantum algorithm that solves K-DSP with runtime exponent (5KNlog2N)/2. Therefore, for fixed K, K-DSP is no more than polynomially harder than the SVP. The central insight we use is similar in spirit to those underlying the best-known classical K-DSP algorithm due to Dadush and Micciancio. Whether the exponential dependence on K can be lowered remains an open question.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Which review aspect has a greater impact on the duration of open peer review in multiple rounds? —Evidence from Nature Communications
Authors: Zhou Haomin , Han Ruxue , Zhong Jiangtao , Zhang Chengzhi 
Published: December 2024

PurposePeer review plays a crucial role in scientific writing and the publishing process, assessing the quality of research work. As the volume of paper submissions increases, peer review becomes increasingly burdensome, highlighting the importance of studying the duration of peer review. This study aims to explore the correlation between review aspect sentiment and the duration of peer review as well as the differences in this relationship across different disciplines and review rounds. Thus helping authors make targeted revisions and optimizations to their papers while reducing the duration of peer review, which enables authors’ research findings to reach the academic community and public domain more rapidly.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a two-step approach to understand the impact of review aspects on the duration of peer review. First, it extracts fine-grained aspects from peer review comments and uses sentiment classification models to classify the sentiment of each review aspect. Then, it conducts a correlation analysis between review aspect sentiment and the duration of peer review. Additionally, the study calculates sentiment scores for various review rounds to explore the differences in the impact of review aspect sentiment on the duration of peer review across different review rounds.FindingsThe study found that there is a weak but significant negative correlation between the sentiment of the review and the duration of peer review. Specifically, the aspect clusters, such as Evaluation & Result and Impact & Research Value, exhibit a relatively stronger correlation with the duration of peer review. Additionally, the correlation between review aspect sentiments and the duration of peer review varies significantly in different review rounds.Originality/valueThe significance of this study lies in connecting peer review comments text with the peer review process. By analyzing the correlation between review aspects and the duration of peer review, it identifies aspects that have a greater impact on the duration of peer review. This helps improve the efficiency of peer review from the perspectives of authors, reviewers and editors. Thus alleviating the burden of peer review and accelerating academic exchange and knowledge dissemination.
Assessment of stakeholders’ responsiveness in public–private partnership projects: perspective from Nigeria
Authors: Ajibade Fausat Olaronke , Dada Joshua Oluwasuji , Adeyemo Ajibade 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate stakeholders’ responsiveness as an important factor of public–private partnership (PPP) projects performance.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires on the key stakeholders (public sector authorities, concessionaires, local lenders (financiers), consultants and contractors) involved in the identified 24 PPP projects so far initiated by Lagos State government in Nigeria. As such, 37 managerial officers (public sector), 20 concessionaires, 17 financiers, 22 contractors and 19 consultants (private sector) were purposively selected. These give a total number of 115 sample size. Out of this, 81 valid responses were received and used for the analysis. The elicited data were analysed using frequency distribution, percentile, mean item score and analysis of variance statistics.FindingsThe findings show that the responsiveness of stakeholders to identified responsibilities can only be said to be fair on the part of two primary stakeholders: government and concessionaires, while others, financiers, consultants, contractors and end-users, exhibit low level of responsiveness in PPP projects.Originality/valueThe paper empirically gauges how stakeholders respond to their responsibilities in PPP project. The study also provided insight from both theoretical and empirical perspective and the effect of stakeholders’ responsiveness on the performance of PPP projects. This study has implications for PPP project performance.