bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of metastatic carotid body paraganglioma in a young female
Authors: Malkoc Aldin , Ahmad Maryam , Kim Paul , Andacheh Iden 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare head and neck paragangliomas that arise from the carotid body chemoreceptor at the common carotid bifurcation. These neoplasms are generally benign, slow-growing, nonsecreting, and well-vascularized. Metastasis occurs in ~5% of cases. Here, we report a case of a 35-year-old female presenting with 1-year history of a growing left neck mass, consistent with a CBT. Patient ultimately underwent surgical excision and was found to have a malignant paraganglioma with metastases to cervical lymph nodes. She was further treated with a left modified radical neck dissection and adjuvant radiotherapy and remains disease-free at the time of follow-up 2 years later. We discuss the roles of preoperative assessment, concomitant selective neck dissection and tumor resection, and subsequent modified radical neck dissection as part of the diagnosis and surgical management of malignant CBTs.
Conservative management in a spontaneous pneumoperitoneum post breast augmentation and abdominoplasty: a rare case report
Authors: Alsobyani Faris , Alshakri Khadijah , Attar Hanin Mohammed , Abada Hatem , Rokbah Hassan Abu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This case report discusses a 32-year-old woman with no significant medical history who underwent elective bilateral breast reduction with auto-augmentation and abdominoplasty. Initially, her recovery was smooth, but on the third postoperative day, she exhibited tachycardia, tachypnea, and mild shortness of breath, while other vital signs remained stable. A chest X-ray revealed pneumoperitoneum, and a subsequent abdominal CT confirmed moderate pneumoperitoneum without gastrointestinal leakage. Due to the lack of peritoneal signs and normal bowel sounds, conservative management was chosen. Over 2 days, her condition improved, and she was discharged without complications. This case emphasizes the need to recognize nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum after recent abdominal surgery and suggests that conservative management can be effective in the absence of perforation. This report is the first documented instance of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum following breast augmentation and abdominoplasty, highlighting the need for awareness in similar cases.
Case report: hibernoma, a rare male breast mass
Authors: Sajdlowska Joanna , Fawole Funmilayo , Patel Anjeli , Radwan Nawras , Yang James , Christian Derick 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Hibernomas are rare, benign neoplasms characterized by the presence of brown adipose tissue. Although these tumors may arise in any region of brown fat, they predominantly occur in the thigh, shoulder, back, and neck. Hibernomas are rarely found in mammary tissue, with a higher prevalence in females than males. This case report highlights a unique presentation of a 20 cm hibernoma mass found in the right breast of a 31-year-old male. A diagnostic bilateral mammogram, unilateral MRI, and ultrasound were used to evaluate the mass. The patient underwent an intra-operative ultrasound-guided needle biopsy and left total mastectomy, revealing the diagnosis of hibernoma with fat necrosis. This report aims to delineate the pathological, diagnostic, and clinical features associated with breast hibernomas and to offer a comprehensive review of the literature on the subject. This case report also serves to expand the differential for breast mass in male patients, with a focused aim to prevent delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Green synthesis of novel chitosan-graphene oxide-silver nanoparticle nanocomposite for broad-spectrum antibacterial applications
Authors: Naser Hamsa N , Fadhil Mulamahawsh Anfal , Abd Zaid Hassoun Tebark , Ahmed Rafea Tuama , Al-Nafiey Amer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this study, a novel nanocomposite composed of chitosan, graphene oxide, and silver nanoparticles (CS-GO-Ag NPs) is presented and synthesized using pulsed laser ablation. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy EDX, and UV-visible spectroscopy, confirm successful synthesis. The XRD results reveal that the CS-GO-Ag NPs exhibit crystalline structures with an average crystallite size of approximately 30 nm. FE-SEM analysis shows a heterogeneous mixture of nanoparticles, ranging in size from 32.38 to 174.9 nm. The EDX spectra elucidate the elemental composition, while UV-Vis spectroscopy indicates strong interactions among the components, yielding a direct bandgap of 2.33 eV and an indirect bandgap of 1.2 eV, suggesting efficient light absorption and emission for applications in Light emitted Diode (LEDs) and solar cells. Furthermore, the CS-GO-Ag NPs nanocomposite displays enhanced antibacterial activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria when it compared to its individual components. According to characterization tests, well-dispersed silver nanoparticles were formed into a ternary nanocomposite, successfully. The enhanced antibacterial capabilities including increased bacterial cell membrane disruption and oxidative stress can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between the components. The outcomes highlight the CS- GO-Ag NPs nanocomposite's potential as a promising antimicrobial agent for numerous applications including the biomedical fields and water treatment industries.
Ambivalent Accommodation: The Politics of Religious Leaders and the Hybrid Regime in Uganda
Authors: Manglos-Weber Nicolette D 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper explores the political approaches of community-based Christian and Muslim leaders in Uganda, using interview data from 2017 to 2021. It extends theories about when and why religious leaders mobilize for political reform, updated to reflect the rise of the “hybrid regime” in Africa and recent evidence of religious de-politicization. I find Ugandan community-based religious leaders’ approaches range from political avoidance, to ambivalent accommodation, to political activism; with the dominant approach being ambivalent accommodation of the hybrid regime. I argue this approach reflects both a desire to protect their social welfare activities from government retaliation, and their perception of political activity as associated with divisive partisanship; even as they express growing concerns about human rights abuses and corruption. These findings thus show the unique challenges of the neoliberal hybrid authoritarian state for religiously led political movements.
Critical Appraisal of Evidence: Synthesis and Recommendations
Authors: Farus-Brown Susan , Fineout-Overholt Ellen , Hays Deana , Zonsius Mary C. , Milner Kerry A. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
This is the fifth article in a new series designed to provide readers with insight into educating nurses about evidence-based decision-making (EBDM). It builds on AJN's award-winning previous series—Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step and EBP 2.0: Implementing and Sustaining Change (to access both series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A133). This follow-up series on EBDM will address how to teach and facilitate learning about the evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) processes and how they impact health care quality. This series is relevant for all nurses interested in EBP and QI, especially DNP faculty and students. The brief case scenario included in each article describes one DNP student's journey. To access previous articles in this EBDM series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A256.
Adjacent Level Canal Area Changes up to 2 years after Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Decompressive Surgery
Authors: Brisby Helena , Myklebust Tor Åge , Banitalebi Hasan , Austevoll Ivar , Aaen Jorn , Storheim Kjersti , Hellum Christian , Franssen Eric , Indrekvam Kari , Hermansen Erland 
Published: December 2024

Study Design.
A secondary analysis of data from the NORDSTEN-spinal stenosis trial (SST)

Objective.
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the dural sac cross-sectional area (DSCA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of adjacent segments decreases after decompressive surgery due to lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) up to 2 years postoperatively, and to investigate possible associations with baseline variables, including preoperative patient and radiological characteristics, and surgical method used.

Summary of Background Data.
Decompressive surgery for LSS is currently the most common spinal surgery procedure; however, there is limited knowledge on changes in the DSCA over time adjacent to a decompressed segment.

Methods.
In the NORDSTEN-SST 437 patients were randomized to decompression with one of three minimally invasive surgical methods for LSS. The patients underwent MRI of the lumbar spine (L2-L5) before surgery and at 3 and 24 months postoperatively. Descriptive statistics of adjacent DSCA and changes in adjacent DSCA are presented. Possible prognostic factors (preoperative factors, radiological measures, and surgical method) for changes in the adjacent DSCA were examined using multivariate regression analyses.

Results.
322 patients (74%) in the original NORDSTEN-SST had undergone MRI at both 3 and 24 months postoperatively and were included (360 adjacent levels, 263 cranial, and 97 caudal to a decompressed level). Up to 2 years postoperatively, no decrease in adjacent DSCA was observed. No associations were found between the investigated baseline variables, and DSCA change from 0 to 2 years, except for a weak association with baseline adjacent DSCA.

Conclusion.
Up to 2 years postoperatively, the DSCA did not decrease at adjacent levels after decompressive surgery. None of the investigated baseline variables showed any clinical meaningful prognostic value regarding adjacent DSCA changes 2 years postoperatively. The findings support previous reports that decompression of adjacent levels is not required to prevent subsequent stenosis.
Application of large language models in disease diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Yang Xintian , Li Tongxin , Su Qin , Liu Yaling , Kang Chenxi , Lyu Yong , Zhao Lina , Nie Yongzhan , Pan Yanglin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Claude, Llama, and Qwen are emerging as transformative technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. With their exceptional long-context reasoning capabilities, LLMs are proficient in clinically relevant tasks, particularly in medical text analysis and interactive dialogue. They can enhance diagnostic accuracy by processing vast amounts of patient data and medical literature and have demonstrated their utility in diagnosing common diseases and facilitating the identification of rare diseases by recognizing subtle patterns in symptoms and test results. Building on their image-recognition abilities, multimodal LLMs (MLLMs) show promising potential for diagnosis based on radiography, chest computed tomography (CT), electrocardiography (ECG), and common pathological images. These models can also assist in treatment planning by suggesting evidence-based interventions and improving clinical decision support systems through integrated analysis of patient records. Despite these promising developments, significant challenges persist regarding the use of LLMs in medicine, including concerns regarding algorithmic bias, the potential for hallucinations, and the need for rigorous clinical validation. Ethical considerations also underscore the importance of maintaining the function of supervision in clinical practice. This paper highlights the rapid advancements in research on the diagnostic and therapeutic applications of LLMs across different medical disciplines and emphasizes the importance of policymaking, ethical supervision, and multidisciplinary collaboration in promoting more effective and safer clinical applications of LLMs. Future directions include the integration of proprietary clinical knowledge, the investigation of open-source and customized models, and the evaluation of real-time effects in clinical diagnosis and treatment practices.
Associations between neonicotinoids and inflammation in US adults using hematological indices: NHANES 2015–2016
Authors: Godbole Amruta M. , Chen Aimin , Vuong Ann M. 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Toxicological studies suggest neonicotinoids increase oxidative stress and inflammation, but few epidemiological studies have explored these effects.

Methods:
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2016 data were used to estimate associations between neonicotinoid exposure and inflammatory markers, including the C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte count ratio (CLR), monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) using linear and multinomial logistic regression models. Sex was evaluated as a potential modifier.

Results:
Detection of any parent neonicotinoid (β = −0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.98, −0.26) and imidacloprid (β = −0.48, 95% CI = −0.87, −0.10) was associated with decreased CLR. Clothianidin was linked to reduced MLR (β = −0.04, 95% CI = −0.07, −0.02), but increased lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (β = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.27, 0.77). Higher dNLR (β = 0.85; 95% CI = 0.26, 1.43) was noted with detection of any neonicotinoid metabolite. Moderately high PLR was observed with detection of any neonicotinoid metabolite (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.09) or 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid (RRR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.40, 3.41). Sex-modified analyses showed positive associations in males and inverse associations in females for MHR (P

int
= 0.099, clothianidin), PLR (P

int
= 0.026, clothianidin), and SII (P

int
= 0.056, any parent neonicotinoid; P

int
= 0.002, clothianidin), while the opposite pattern was noted with CLR (P

int
= 0.073, any parent neonicotinoid) and NLR (P

int
= 0.084, clothianidin).

Conclusion:
Neonicotinoids may be associated with inflammatory changes, with potential sexual dimorphism. Further studies are required to explore these findings.
Pilot Study: Human Adipose Tissue Allograft for Fat Pad Defects in Patients With Preulcerative Lesions
Authors: Regulski Matthew J. , Saunders Molly C. , McCulloch Sharron E. , Danilkovitch Alla 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Loss or displacement of a fat pad on the foot increases plantar pressure, leading to pain and plantar ulcers. These ulcers, especially in patients with diabetic neuropathy, have high recurrence rates, often resulting in amputations. Standard of care focuses on reducing plantar pressure with shoe padding or orthotic devices, leaving the restoration of the fat pad as an unmet medical need. To address this, a human cryopreserved adipose tissue (hCAT) allograft has been developed to repair adipose tissue defects.

Methods:
Scientific characterization of hCAT included assessments of its structural properties, immunogenicity, persistence, and remodeling in both in vitro and in vivo models. The incidence of adverse events and ulcer recurrence was analyzed retrospectively in 12 patients with diabetic neuropathy with preulcerative lesions who received 1.5–3.0 mL subcutaneous hCAT implants in areas with fat pad defects.

Results:
When implanted in patients, hCAT remained palpable at the implantation sites, and no ulcerations occurred for an average of 6.4 months (range, 2–10 months). No product-related adverse events have been recorded to date. Long-term follow-up for implanted patients is ongoing.

Conclusions:
Use of hCAT seems to be safe and potentially beneficial for managing patients at risk for plantar ulcerations. Further studies are warranted to evaluate hCAT’s potential to manage patients at high risk for plantar ulcer formation.
BSReadSim: a versatile and efficient simulator to generate realistic bisulfite sequencing reads
Authors: Guo Wenbin , Pellegrini Matteo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractRealistic bisulfite sequencing simulators are crucial for advancing method development in computational epigenetics. However, existing tools often fall short due to oversimplified generative models that fail to capture the complexity of real data. We present BSReadSim, an efficient and versatile simulator that generatesrealistic bisulfite sequencing reads. BSReadSim excels in integrating reference genetic variants and methylation profiles, offering unmatched versatility across multiple sequencing technologies, including WGBS, RRBS, and TBS. By accurately modeling methylation patterns, sampling biases, sequencing errors, and leveraging optimized implementation, BSReadSim efficiently generates realistic synthetic datasets tailored to specific experimental needs while maintaining computational feasibility. By enhancing the realism and flexibility of bisulfite sequencing simulations, BSReadSim supports improved experiment design, method development, and benchmarking of computational tools, ultimately advancing the reliability and rigor of DNA methylation analysis tools.
A novel nitric oxide (NO)-dependent ‘molecular switch’ mediates LTP in theOctopus vulgarisbrain through persistent activation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
Authors: Turchetti-Maia Ana Luiza , Shomrat Tal , Bidel Flavie , Stern-Mentch Naama , Nesher Nir , Hochner Binyamin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCephalopods are a renowned example of the independent evolution of complex behavior in invertebrates. The octopus’s outstanding learning capability is a prominent feature that depends on the vertical lobe (VL). Previously, we found that the synaptic input into the VL exhibits robust activity-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) mediated by molecular processes that are only partially understood. Here, we reveal that the VL LTP is mediated by nitric oxide (NO). In contrast to the prevailing dogma, in the octopus VL, NO does not mediate LTPinduction, as tetanization-induced LTP occurs even in the presence of NO-synthase (NOS) inhibitors. Remarkably, however, NOS inhibitors block the long-term presynaptic expression of LTP, and high doses of NO donor induce short-term synaptic potentiation, suggesting that a persistent elevation of NO concentration mediates LTPexpression. Moreover, in a distinct group of synapses, NOS inhibitors also disrupted LTP maintenance, as following drug washout, a high-frequency stimulation reinstated full LTP, suggesting that NO is also involved in maintaining LTP. We propose a novel molecular-switch mechanism whereby a positive feedback loop of NO-dependent NOS reactivation mediates persistent NOS activation, thus providing an LTPmaintenancemechanism. Subsequently, retrograde NO diffusion facilitates presynaptic transmitter release, driving LTPexpression. These findings demonstrate how evolutionary adaptation of molluscan molecular mechanisms has contributed to the emergence of the advanced cognitive abilities observed in octopuses.
Metagenomic analysis of age-dependent microbial dynamics in dual-media rapid sand filters treating groundwater
Authors: Boersma Alje S. , Haukelidsaeter Signe , Naletto Francesca , Slomp Caroline P. , van der Wielen Paul W.J.J. , van Kessel Maartje A.H.J. , Lücker Sebastian 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBiofiltration using rapid sand filters is an often used and highly effective method to produce drinking water from anoxic groundwater, yet the microbial processes underlying contaminant removal remain poorly understood. This study used metagenomic sequencing to analyze the microbial communities of dual-media filters of varying ages, yielding 34 high-quality and 177 medium-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including 102 MAGs harboring genes involved in methane, iron or manganese oxidation, and nitrification. Methanotrophic bacteria from theMethylomonadaceaefamily were abundant in both the youngest and oldest anthracite layers. The dominant methanotroph shifted from a MAG possessing both soluble and particulate methane monooxygenases in the two-month-old filters to MAGs only containing particulate methane monooxygenases in older filters, possibly due to changes in copper availability. Iron oxidation was restricted to the anthracite layer and linked predominantly toGallionella, which encoded cluster 1 outer membrane cytochromes Cyc2.GallionellaMAGs also became more abundant with filter age, indicating increasing relevance of biological iron oxidation in mature filters. The nitrifying community was dominated byNitrosomonasand CandidatusNitrotogain the two-month-old filter, with the latter being replaced byNitrospiraas the most abundant NOB in older filters. CanonicalNitrospirafar exceeded comammoxNitrospirain abundance, except in the oldest sand layers. These results challenge the previously posed assumption thatNitrospiradominance in rapid sand filters is primarily due to comammox activity. Furthermore, it indicates that long operational times are required for comammoxNitrospirato achieve significant abundance. Intriguingly,NitrospiraMAGs contained multi-copper oxidase-type putative manganese oxidases and cluster 3cyc2genes. Phylogenetic analysis could not conclusively link theNitrospiraCyc2 to iron or manganese oxidation, warranting further study of their role in the removal of these compounds. Overall, these findings reveal dynamic, age-dependent changes in microbial communities and their functions within rapid sand filters, offering new targets for physiological studies of bacteria involved in contaminant removal from anoxic groundwater during drinking water production.HIGHLIGHTSMethanotrophic community shifts between young and mature rapid sand filters.Cluster 1 Cyc2-encodingGallionellamediate biological iron oxidation.CandidatusNitrotoga andNitrosomonasdominate nitrification in young filters.ComammoxNitrospirabecome abundant after prolonged operational periods.CanonicalNitrospira, not comammox, constitute highNitrospiraabundances.Abundant cluster 3 Cyc2-containingNitrospiramight catalyze metal oxidation.
Structure-Based Design of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Human Interleukin-6
Authors: Joshi Ankit , Xiao Zhousheng , Suman Shreya , Cooper Connor , Ha Khanh , Agarwal Rupesh , Carson James A. , Quarles L. Darryl , Smith Jeremy C. , Gupta Madhulika 
Published: December 2024

AbstractHuman Interleukin-6 (hIL-6) is a pro inflammatory cytokine that binds to its receptor, IL-6Rα followed by binding to gp130 and subsequent dimerization to form a hexamer signaling complex. A critical inflammation mediator, hIL-6 is associated with a diverse range of diseases and monoclonal antibodies are in clinical use that either target IL-6Rα or hIL-6 to inhibit signaling. Here, we perform high throughput structure-based computational screening using ensemble docking for small molecule antagonists for which the target conformations were taken from 600 ns long molecular dynamics simulations of the apo protein. Prior knowledge of the contact sites from binary complex studies and experimental work was incorporated into the docking studies. The top 20 scored ligands from thein silicostudies after post analysis were subjected toin vitrofunctional assays. Among these compounds, the ligand with second-highest calculated binding affinity showed experimentally ∼84% inhibitory effect on IL6-induced STAT3 reporter activity at 10-5molar concentration. This finding may pave the way for designing small molecule inhibitors of hIL-6 of therapeutic significance.