bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endovascular therapy for aneurysmal dilatation and arteriovenous fistula of the superior mesenteric artery
Authors: Shu Xiaojun , Wang Feifei , Tan Yingxin 
Published: December 2024

Objectives We present a clinical case illustrating the feasibility of endovascular treatment of superior mesenteric aneurysm associated with an arteriovenous fistula. Methods The patient presented with abdominal pain and diarrhea on admission. Computed tomography angiography revealed an aneurysmal dilatation of the superior mesenteric artery and vein with an arteriovenous fistula. Endovascular therapy successfully managed the condition by reconstructing the artery, closing the fistula, and occluding the aneurysm. Results No aneurysm rupture or endoleak occurred, and the patient’s symptoms on admission resolved. Conclusions Endovascular treatment is a viable alternative for patients with superior mesenteric aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas, but larger studies and further follow-up are needed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of endovascular treatment.
Rapid, multiplex and automated detection of bacteria and fungi in endophthalmitis via a microfluidic real-time pcr system
Authors: Wang Siyu , Liu Yiteng , Li Yingqi , Gao Yibo , Zou Zhongliang , Xu Na , Song Qi , Liu Fangyan , Song Yihong , Wang Xian , Fan Zixin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Endophthalmitis is an ophthalmologic emergency requiring accurate and rapid diagnosis for treatment. Currently, the diagnosis commonly relies on culture and molecular biology, which falls short of clinical rapid diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a self-build Microfluidic Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) System for rapidly identifying potential pathogens of endophthalmitis.

Methods
This study included 22 patients who presented to Shenzhen Eye Hospital and the Ophthalmology Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University in China between January 2023 and March 2024. The samples were cultured using conventional methods and underwent Microfluidic RT-PCR and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results
The Microfluidic RT-PCR System identified pathogens in 11 of 22 cases (50.00%), compared with 40.91% for microbiology culture. 14 cases (63.64%) had concordant results, and 5 cases were positive for the microfluidic system only. The agreements between culture and microfluidic system, as well as culture and mNGS were 100.00% (6/6) and 50.00% (3/6), respectively. The average waiting time for the microfluidic system was about 30 min if excepting DNA extraction time, which was much shorter than 2.88 days for culture and 1.57 days for mNGS.

Conclusion
The microfluidic-based RT-PCR system was preliminarily proved to be a sensitive, easy-to-operate, and rapid in-hospital technology. It is expected to become a rapid diagnostic platform for endophthalmitis.
Genomic regions associated with flag leaf and panicle architecture in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Singh Gurjeet , Jyoti Subroto Das , Uppalanchi Priyanka , Chepuri Rushika , Mondal Sejuti , Harper Chersty L. , Elumalai Punniakotti , Mix Ken , Wagner Nicole , Sanchez Darlene L. , Samonte Stanley Omar PB. , Talukder Shyamal K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Flag leaf (FL) and panicle architecture (PA) are critical for increasing rice grain yield as well as production. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) can better understand the genetic pathways behind complex traits like FL and PA.

Results
In this study, 208 diverse rice germplasms were grown in the field at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont, TX, during 2022 and 2023 following Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design. After heading, eight different flag leaf and panicle architecture (FLPA) related traits were measured. GWAS analyses were performed to identify potential genomic regions associated with FLPA traits. A total of 97 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (48 in 2022 and 49 in 2023) were distributed across all 12 chromosomes. GWAS revealed four QTLs (qSBPP4-2, qFLW6-2, qGNPP9, and qGWPP2-3) with phenotypic variation ranging from 11.7 to 22.3%. Two genetic loci were identified as multi-trait QTLs, i.e., S04_32100268 (qFLL4-1 and qFLA4-1) and S04_11552936 (qFLW4 and qFLA4-2) during 2022 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, these loci were further utilized to analyze candidate genes, and 65 genes were predicted in the 100-kb genomic region upstream and downstream. In silico expression analysis revealed 15 genes were expressed during the reproductive stage. These genes were associated with protein kinase, heat shock transcription factor family, sugar transporter conserved site and transcription factor bHLH95- like basic helix-loop-helix domain protein, as well as those that regulate the FLPA-related traits. Os04g0631100 was identified as a potential candidate gene that is highly expressed during the endosperm development stage, and it is associated with an important sugar transporter protein that will be helpful in grain improvement.

Conclusion
GWAS results revealed four major and two multi-trait QTLs. Expanding their candidate genes, and expression analysis provide the genetic information for molecular improvement of the FLPA-related trait in rice breeding programs.
A case report about focal status epilepticus as first presentation in Alzheimer’s disease: finding the culprit
Authors: Devulder Astrid , Vanderlinden Greet , Cleeren Evy , Goovaerts Valerie , Theys Tom , Van Laere Koen , Van Paesschen Wim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Neuronal hyperexcitability has been proposed to play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Understanding the relation between this enhanced excitability and AD pathology could provide a window for therapeutic interventions. However epileptiform activity is often subclinical, hidden on scalp EEG and very challenging to assess with current diagnostic modalities.

Case presentation
A woman in her sixties presented with acute confusion. Despite a normal scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed cytotoxic edema of the right mesial temporal lobe and hippocampal hypermetabolism was present on ([18F]-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET). Bilateral foramen ovale (FO) electrodes were placed to directly record mesial temporal activity and revealed continuous mesial temporal epileptic activity, while scalp EEG remained normal. After recovery, a new diagnosis of AD was established on cerebrospinal fluid. The lateralization of the epileptiform activity was congruent with the predominant side of tau pathology in the mesial temporal cortex on 18F-MK6240 PET. On follow-up MRI, two and five months later, the right hippocampus became atrophic.

Conclusion
This case highlights the significant role of neuronal hyperexcitability in early AD pathogenesis and how shared mechanisms between AD and epilepsy can complicate clinical management.
Characterizing TIA and stroke symptomatology in a population-based study: implications for and diagnostic value of FAST-based public education
Authors: Claus Jacqueline J. , Berghout Bernhard B. P. , Box Camiel V. J. , Licher Silvan , Roozenbeek Bob , Ikram M. Kamran , Wolters Frank J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Urgent medical treatment is crucial after stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), but hindered by extensive prehospital delays. Public education campaigns based on FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Time) have improved response after major stroke, but not minor stroke and TIA. We aimed to provide strategies to improve public education on a national level, by characterizing TIA and stroke symptoms in a population-based cohort, and extrapolating findings to the general Dutch population.

Methods
We included all patients with first-ever stroke or TIA from 2002–2016 in the population-based Rotterdam Study (N = 17,931). We determined the prevalence of focal neurological symptoms and their combinations by event severity (i.e., TIA, minor stroke [National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 0–3], and major stroke [NIHSS > 3]). We assessed sensitivity of the FAST test for TIA and stroke, and estimated specificity using survey data on the incidence of focal neurological symptoms of non-vascular origin from the same source population. Finally, we determined the diagnostic value of adding visual symptoms and vertigo to the FAST test.

Results
Of all 900 patients (mean age: 77.6 years, 57.2% women), 409 (45.4%) had a TIA, 254 (28.2%) had minor stroke, and 237 (26.3%) had major stroke. At least one FAST symptom was present in 233/237 (98.3%) of patients with major stroke, compared to 186/254 (73.2%) patients with minor stroke, and 250/402 (62.2%) with TIA. Minor strokes and TIA not captured by the FAST test most commonly involved visual symptoms (52.7%), dizziness/vertigo (19.5%), disturbed coordination (19.1%), and sensory disturbance (18.2%). Sensitivity of FAST for TIA/minor stroke increased from 66.4 to 80.8% with the addition of visual symptoms, and to 86.1% with further incorporation of dizziness/vertigo, albeit with a > 40% increase in the number of false positive events. Nearly all patients with major stroke (97.5%) experienced a combination of multiple symptoms, whereas 58.9% of patients with TIA and 26.4% of those with minor stroke reported only a single symptom.

Conclusions
In contrast to major stroke, sensitivity of the FAST test is limited to around 65% for TIA and minor stroke in a population-based setting. Sensitivity increases by incorporating visual symptoms and vertigo, but this comes with a large number of false positives. Findings of this study may favor a focus on the importance of isolated or transient symptoms, rather than additional symptoms, in future stroke public education campaigns.
Two highly selected mutations in the tandemly duplicated CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b genes drive pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus in West Africa
Authors: Tatchou-Nebangwa Nelly M. T. , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Muhammad Abdullahi , Nebangwa Derrick N. , Kouamo Mersimine F. M. , Tagne Carlos S. Djoko , Tekoh Theofelix A. , Tchouakui Magellan , Ghogomu Stephen M. , Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Wondji Charles S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance in malaria vectors is crucial for optimising the effectiveness of insecticide-based vector control methods and developing diagnostic tools for resistance management. Considering the heterogeneity of metabolic resistance in major malaria vectors, the implementation of tailored resistance management strategies is essential for successful vector control. Here, we provide evidence demonstrating that two highly selected mutations in CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b are driving pyrethroid insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus, in West Africa.

Results
Continent-wide polymorphism survey revealed escalated signatures of directional selection of both genes between 2014 and 2021. In vitro insecticide metabolism assays with recombinant enzymes from both genes showed that mutant alleles under selection exhibit higher metabolic efficiency than their wild-type counterparts. Using the GAL4-UAS expression system, transgenic Drosophila flies overexpressing mutant alleles exhibited increased resistance to pyrethroids. These findings were consistent with in silico predictions which highlighted changes in enzyme active site architecture that enhance the affinity of mutant alleles for type I and II pyrethroids. Furthermore, we designed two DNA-based assays for the detection of CYP6P4a-M220I and CYP6P4b-D284E mutations, showing their current confinement to West Africa. Genotype/phenotype correlation analyses revealed that these markers are strongly associated with resistance to types I and II pyrethroids and combine to drastically reduce killing effects of pyrethroid bed nets.

Conclusions
Overall, this study demonstrated that CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b contribute to pyrethroid resistance in An. funestus and provided two additional insecticide resistance molecular diagnostic tools that would contribute to monitoring and better management of resistance.
Healthy eating patterns associated with reduced risk of inflammatory bowel disease by lowering low-grade inflammation: evidence from a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Xia Bin , Li Yan , Hu Linmin , Xie Peng , Mi Ningning , Lv Liyuan , Liang Zixin , Sun Yuxuan , Li Ying , Jiang Xiaodong , Liu Guinan , Feng Yuanyuan , Zhu Yingxin , Zhan Bo , He Qiangsheng , Lei Pingguang , Qi Jian , Wang Pengpeng , Yuan Jinqiu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Limited epidemiological evidence exists regarding the role of healthy eating patterns in reducing the risk of Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aimed to investigate the association between adherence to four established healthy eating patterns and subsequent CD or UC risk, and further examined whether these associations are linked to anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Methods
We conducted a prospective cohort study of 197,391 participants from the UK Biobank who completed at least one dietary questionnaire and were free from inflammatory bowel disease or cancer at baseline. Four dietary patterns were assessed, including Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED), Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), Healthful Plant-based Diet Index (HPDI), and EAT-Lancet. Cox proportional models with restricted cubic splines were applied to explore the associations. The potential role of low-grade inflammation in these associations was examined through mediation analysis.

Results
During 2,193,436 person-years follow-up, 260 CD and 601 UC cases were identified. Higher AMED and HEI-2015 scores were associated with a reduced risk of CD but no UC, with no evidence against nonlinearity. These associations remained consistent across multiple sensitive and subgroup analyses. For dietary components, the fruits and monounsaturated fatty acids: saturated fatty acids ratio in AMED, and total fruits, total protein foods and fatty acid in HEI-2015 were linked to a decreased CD risk. Both diets were also associated with lower plasma inflammation biomarkers. Mediation analysis indicated that 7.66% and 13.40% of the reductions in CD risk attributed to AMED and HEI-2015 diets, respectively, were mediated by low-grade inflammation scores.

Conclusions
Higher adherence to AMED and HEI-2015 might significantly reduce CD risk, partly due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Preoperative assessment of tertiary lymphoid structures in stage I lung adenocarcinoma using CT radiomics: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhao Xiaojiang , Wang Yuhang , Xue Mengli , Ding Yun , Zhang Han , Wang Kai , Ren Jie , Li Xin , Xu Meilin , Lv Jun , Wang Zixiao , Sun Daqiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective
To develop a multimodal predictive model, Radiomics Integrated TLSs System (RAITS), based on preoperative CT radiomic features for the identification of TLSs in stage I lung adenocarcinoma patients and to evaluate its potential in prognosis stratification and guiding personalized treatment.

Methods
The most recent preoperative chest CT thin-slice scans and postoperative hematoxylin and eosin-stained pathology sections of patients diagnosed with stage I LUAD were retrospectively collected. Tumor segmentation was achieved using an automatic virtual adversarial training segmentation algorithm based on a three-dimensional U-shape convolutional neural network (3D U-Net). Radiomic features were extracted from the tumor and peritumoral areas, with extensions of 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm, respectively, and deep learning image features were extracted through a convolutional neural network. Subsequently, the RAITS was constructed. The performance of RAITS was then evaluated in both the train and validation cohorts.

Results
RAITS demonstrated superior AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in both the training and external validation cohorts, outperforming traditional unimodal models. In the validation cohort, RAITS achieved an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.69–0.88) and showed higher net benefits across most threshold ranges. RAITS exhibited strong discriminative ability in risk stratification, with p < 0.01 in the training cohort and p = 0.02 in the validation cohort, consistent with the actual predictive performance of TLSs, where TLS-positive patients had significantly higher recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared to TLS-negative patients (p = 0.04 in the training cohort, p = 0.02 in the validation cohort).

Conclusion
As a multimodal predictive model based on preoperative CT radiomic features, RAITS demonstrated excellent performance in identifying TLSs in stage I LUAD and holds potential value in clinical decision-making.
Effect of panretinal photocoagulation versus intravitreal bevacizumab injection on optic disc microcirculation in patients with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Khojasteh Hassan , Ahadi Fard Moghadam Mohammad , Rahimi Masoud , Mirzaei Arash , Ghassemi Fariba , Takzare Alireza , Faghihi Hooshang , Khalili Pour Elias , Riazi-Esfahani Hamid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
This retrospective study aimed to compare optic disc vasculature changes in 1 and 3 months after treatment with either panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Methods
A total of 50 eyes of 29 diabetic patients without severe complications were included in this comparative case series. Of these, twenty-eight eyes (15 patients) were assigned to the PRP group, while twenty-two eyes (14 patients) were treated with the biosimilar (IVB) (Stivant® CinnaGen Co., Iran). Optical tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed to measure optic disc vascular density (VD) as well as retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness.

Results
The mean age of the enrolled patients was 62.1 ± 8.3 years (40 to 78 years). During follow-up, whole disc VD, inside disc VD and peripapillary VD decreased significantly in the PRP group at month 1 (p = 0.032, p = 0.32, and p = 0.016, respectively) and month 3 (p = 0.004, p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). There was an insignificant and slight increase for these parameters in the IVB group. (p > 0.05 for all) A comparison of two treatment arms based on mean whole disc VD, inside disc VD, and peripapillary VD changes revealed a significant difference at month 1 (p = 0.009, p = 0.019, and p = 0.002, respectively) and month 3 (p = 0.002, p = 0.015, and p = 0.009, respectively). Peripapillary RNFL thickness increased in the PRP group at month 1 (p = 0.002) and then decreased at month 3 (p = 0.001). During three months of follow-up, the peripapillary RNFL thickness decreased significantly in the IVB group (p = 0.001). Peripapillary RNFL thickness changes were significantly different between treatment groups at month 1 and month 3. (p = 0.001 for both) The RNFL changes during the study did not significantly correlate with peripapillary VD changes in each group (p = 0.231 and p = 372, for PRP and IVB group, respectively).

Conclusion
This study demonstrated that IVB and PRP treatments produced distinct short-term microvascular changes in the optic nerve of diabetic retinopathy patients. PRP treatment significantly reduced vascular density in the optic disc and peripapillary region over 3 months, with an initial increase in RNFL thickness followed by a decrease by month 3. In contrast, IVB treatment led to a slight increase in optic disc vascular density while significantly reducing RNFL thickness. No significant correlation was found between changes in RNFL thickness and peripapillary vascular density within either treatment group.
Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Hepatitis C Virus Sustained Virologic Response Using a Random Survival Forest Model
Authors: Nakahara Hikaru , Ono Atsushi , Hayes C. Nelson , Shirane Yuki , Miura Ryoichi , Fujii Yasutoshi , Murakami Serami , Yamaoka Kenji , Bao Hauri , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Fujino Hatsue , Murakami Eisuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Miki Daiki , Tsuge Masataka , Oka Shiro ,   The Hiroshima Liver Study Group, Kinami Takahiro , Moriya Takashi , Morio Kei , Amioka Kei , Nabeshima Yoshitaka , Yano Shigeki , Masaki Keiichi , Suehiro Yosuke , Aisaka Yasuyuki , Nonaka Michihiro , Aimitsu Shiomi , Yamashina Keitaro , Hiramatsu Akira , Aikata Hiroshi , Nakahara Takashi , Kosaka Yumi , Tsuji Keiji , Mori Nami , Takaki Shintaro , Ohya Kazuki , Katamura Yoshio , Amano Hajime , Kawakami Hiroiku , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Azakami Takahiro , Kohno Hirotaka , Teraoka Yuji , Masuda Kazunari , Tamura Toru , Nagaoki Yuko , Kira Shinsuke , Ueda Keiko , Ito Hiroyuki , Kikugawa Chihiro , Kamada Koji , Naruto Kensuke , Arataki Keiko 
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
Postsustained virologic response (SVR) screening following clinical guidelines does not address individual risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim is to provide tailored screening for patients using machine learning to predict HCC incidence after SVR.

METHODS
Using clinical data from 1,028 SVR patients, we developed an HCC prediction model using a random survival forest (RSF). Model performance was assessed using Harrel's c-index and validated in an independent cohort of 737 SVR patients. Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) facilitated feature quantification, whereas optimal cutoffs were determined using maximally selected rank statistics. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to compare cumulative HCC incidence between risk groups.

RESULTS
We achieved c-index scores and 95% CIs of 0.90 (0.85 to 0.94) and 0.80 (0.74 to 0.85) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, in a model using platelet count, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, sex, age, and ALT. Stratification resulted in four risk groups: low, intermediate, high, and very high. The 5-year cumulative HCC incidence rates and 95% CIs for these groups were as follows: derivation: 0% (0 to 0), 3.8% (0.6 to 6.8), 26.2% (17.2 to 34.3), and 54.2% (20.2 to 73.7), respectively, and validation: 0.7% (0 to 1.6), 7.1% (2.7 to 11.3), 5.2% (0 to 10.8), and 28.6% (0 to 55.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION
The integration of RSF and SHAP enabled accurate HCC risk classification after SVR, which may facilitate individualized HCC screening strategies and more cost-effective care.
Dog Has No Buddha Nature
Authors: Chang Chia-Ju 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The article considers what role “meaning” plays in shaping the unintended suffering caused by human aspirations. The thing we call meaning in “the secular age” has replaced the transcendent to become the new religion we espouse. We fight for abstract ideas, principles, or ideology, predicated on the meanings we construct, and we are even willing to be martyred for them. Humans’ meaning production has catalyzed not only the massive extinction of nonhuman species but also our own civilizational demise. This article begins with the conviction that humanity has not become more nihilistic contrary to what Nietzsche predicted and most modern scholars of nihilism profess. To the contrary, it has become more antinihilistic and nihilphobic. From an ecological standpoint, nihilism is not and should not be a curse word. In fact, learning how to die requires nihility and nihilism. Only by going deeper into nothingness/nihility and nihilism can we deconstruct human-centered views and meaning construction. Only then can we come to terms with other ecolives and with our impermanence, which has been excluded from our meaning production. In this sense, the gong'an or kōan practice of Zen Buddhism is the therapeutic technology we need in the Anthropocene eschatology.