bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pattern of Pulmonary Metastases in Various Malignancies
Authors: Jogondra Vinayakumar , Amith Kumar CS  , Manjunatha BH  
Published: December 2024

Background: Metastases from extrathoracic malignancies most commonly spread to the lungs as the second most prevalent site. Detecting metastases can indicate the necessity of chemotherapy or surgical removal. Conversely, ruling out pulmonary metastases is vital for planning a potentially curative treatment, highlighting the importance of understanding the imaging characteristics of lung metastases. This study aims to determine the different patterns of pulmonary metastases in various malignancies. Materials and methods: A hospital-based observational study was conducted at Department of Respiratory Medicine, A.J Institute of Medical Sciences and Mangalore Institute of Oncology, Mangalore. The study included 50 consecutive cases of diagnosed extra-thoracic malignancies with intrathoracic metastases attending our hospital. Screening of the cases with primary neoplasms was done as per the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria. The data was initially inputted into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subsequently imported into SPSS software, version 24.0, for statistical analysis. Results: The most common site of primary malignancy was breast carcinoma (40%) followed by colorectal carcinoma (CRC) (14%), renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (10%), pancreatic carcinoma (8%), and oesophageal carcinoma (6%). Most common histopathological subtype of primary malignancy was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (40%) followed by adenocarcinoma (34%), squamous cell carcinoma (14%), clear cell carcinoma (10%), and follicular cell carcinoma (2%). Most common presenting respiratory symptom was breathlessness (54%) and cough (42%). The common findings seen on CT lung were pleural effusion (52%) and multiple pulmonary nodules (50%). Conclusion: Recognising the pulmonary metastases pattern is pivotal for early detection and individualised management. Comprehensive patient care, encompassing clinical, imaging, and a multi-disciplinary approach, is vital for improved patient outcomes.
Treatment of scoliosis in children after resection of neuroblastoma—A report of five cases
Authors: Xu Jianglong , Zou Yan , Zhang Hanwen , Chen Jinchen , Liu Haonan , Guo Dong , Yao Ziming 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a common extracranial solid tumor in children, often requiring surgical resection. Post-resection NB near the spine can lead to spinal deformities, but treatment strategies are not well-documented. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our patients who developed spinal deformities after NB resection at our hospital from 2013 to 2021. Treatment included the traditional growing rod (TGR) technique for patients with growth potential, posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for skeletally mature patients, and intermittent cast therapy for infants. Results: Five female patients underwent chemotherapy and surgical resection for NB, with no recurrence during follow-up. Single curves were seen in Cases 1, 2, 4, and 5, and Case 3 had double curves. NB tumors were on the convex side in Cases 1, 3, and 5, and on the concave side in Cases 2 and 4. TGR was used for Cases 1 and 2 due to growth potential and inadequate height. PSF was chosen for Cases 3 and 4, achieving satisfactory scoliosis and kyphosis correction. Case 5, diagnosed with scoliosis at 16 months, underwent intermittent cast therapy for 2 years, significantly correcting scoliosis and avoiding surgery. The average time from NB resection to scoliosis onset was 65.2 ± 49.3 months, with scoliosis treatment starting at 82.6 ± 58.1 months. The mean follow-up was 38.2 ± 12.1 months. All patients showed significant improvement in spinal deformities, with no significant correction loss at the last follow-up. Conclusions: After NB resection, spinal deformities should be closely monitored, with intervention preferably within 6 months of discovery. TGR, PSF, and casting are effective interventions, with the treatment modality based on the patient's skeletal maturity and height.
Diagnostic flow analysis of tuberous sclerosis complex in Japan: a retrospective claims database study
Authors: Okanishi Tohru , Fujimori Ikuo , Yamada Mariko , Tajima Takumi , Wataya-Kaneda Mari , Seyama Kuniaki , Hatano Takashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects multiple organs. However, precise diagnosis is challenging owing to the lack of truly pathognomonic symptoms. This retrospective observational study aimed to explore the real-world diagnostic flow of Japanese patients with TSC by examining time to diagnosis (TTD) from the onset of each TSC-related manifestation to TSC diagnosis and the role of TSC clinic in timely diagnosis, using data from a health insurance database.

Methods
Analyses were performed using data derived from the JMDC Claims Database between January 2005 and December 2020. Patients with at least 1 confirmed diagnosis of TSC were stratified into 2 cohorts: Cohort 1 included cases diagnosed after 2 years of age, and Cohort 2 included cases diagnosed before 2 years of age. The primary endpoint was TTD in Cohorts 1 and 2. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of each manifestation in Cohort 1 and the incidence and risk ratios of TSC-unrelated symptoms in Cohort 2.

Results
Cohorts 1 and 2 included 106 and 42 patients, respectively. In Cohort 1, patients with a renal tumor diagnosis as a primary TSC-related manifestation had the longest TTD with a wide range (median: 23 months to up to 91 months); patients with non-specific TSC-related manifestations such as brain tumor/intraventricular tumor, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities also experienced a delay in TTD. In patients with TSC who developed epilepsy, those attending facilities with a TSC clinic were diagnosed with TSC more quickly than those attending facilities without a TSC clinic (median: 11.5 and 19.0 months, respectively; p = 0.0379). Epilepsy was the manifestation with the highest incidence (29.2%) among Cohort 1 patients, while cardiac rhabdomyoma had the highest incidence (54.8%) among Cohort 2 patients. Dry skin was the most common TSC-unrelated symptom in Cohort 2, with a 1.7-fold higher incidence rate than that in controls (N = 619,936).

Conclusion
Japanese patients with renal lesions as a primary TSC-related manifestation had the longest delay for a definitive diagnosis of TSC, followed by those with epilepsy, brain tumor/intraventricular tumor, and intellectual disabilities. The TSC clinic played an important role in the early diagnosis of TSC.
Comprehensive pathogen identification and antimicrobial resistance prediction from positive blood cultures using nanopore sequencing technology
Authors: Liu Po-Yu , Wu Han-Chieh , Li Ying-Lan , Cheng Hung-Wei , Liou Ci-Hong , Chen Feng-Jui , Liao Yu-Chieh 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Blood cultures are essential for diagnosing bloodstream infections, but current phenotypic tests for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) provide limited information. Oxford Nanopore Technologies introduces nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling, capable of real-time host genome depletion, yet its application directly from blood cultures remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify pathogens and predict AMR using nanopore sequencing.

Methods
In this cross-sectional genomic study, 458 positive blood cultures from bloodstream infection patients in central Taiwan were analyzed. Parallel experiments involved routine microbiologic tests and nanopore sequencing with a 15-h run. A bioinformatic pipeline was proposed to analyze the real-time sequencing reads. Subsequently, a comparative analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of species identification and AMR prediction.

Results
The pipeline identified 76 species, with 88 Escherichia coli, 74 Klebsiella pneumoniae, 43 Staphylococcus aureus, and 9 Candida samples. Novel species were also discovered. Notably, precise species identification was achieved not only for monomicrobial infections but also for polymicrobial infections, which was detected in 23 samples and further confirmed by full-length 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Using a modified ResFinder database, AMR predictions showed a categorical agreement rate exceeding 90% (3799/4195) for monomicrobial infections, with minimal very major errors observed for K. pneumoniae (2/186, 1.1%) and S. aureus (1/90, 1.1%).

Conclusions
Nanopore sequencing with adaptive sampling can directly analyze positive blood cultures, facilitating pathogen detection, AMR prediction, and outbreak investigation. Integrating nanopore sequencing into clinical practices signifies a revolutionary advancement in managing bloodstream infections, offering an effective antimicrobial stewardship strategy, and improving patient outcomes.
Mechanical Properties and Fire Resistance of 3D-Printed Cementitious Composites with Plastic Waste
Authors: Yaqub Walid , Aslani Farhad 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe study focuses on the development of cementitious composites using 3D printing and plastic waste as a sustainable aggregate substitute. This study involves experimenting with various percentages of plastic waste as a partial substitute for ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) in a control mix. The study examines the anisotropy of the 3D printing process, comparing it with properties of mold-cast samples. In addition, it assesses the fire resistance and mechanical properties of samples at elevated temperatures (100 °C, 300 °C, and 600 °C). Key mechanical properties, including 28-day compressive stress and flexural strength, are determined through experimental testing using a standard compression test and three-point bending test. The study also considers the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in compressive tests to evaluate a sample’s ability to deform elastically and the flexural toughness index to assess energy absorption and crack resistance of flexural samples. Following the experimental testing, the study’s key findings suggest that significant mass loss occurred at 300 °C and above, with plastic samples demonstrating increased mass loss at 600 °C. At 600 °C, plastic degradation led to the formation of voids and cracks within samples due to heightened internal pressure. Anisotropy was evident in 3D-printed samples, with loads parallel to the layer direction resulting in greater compressive strength and MOE. Furthermore, layer direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of flexural samples yielded higher flexural strength and flexural toughness. Mold-cast samples displayed superior compressive strength and stiffer behavior, with higher MOE compared to 3D-printed samples. However, 3D-printed plastic samples exhibited superior flexural strength compared to mold-cast samples, attributed to the alignment of plastic within the samples. The study also observed a reduction in compressive strength with the addition of plastic, explained by the poor bonding of plastic with cement due to its hydrophobic nature. Despite this, flexural strength generally improved with plastic addition, except at 600 °C, where plastic samples showed significant degradation in both compressive and flexural strength due to plastic degradation within the samples.
Improvement of antioxidant capability by dietary N-acetyl cysteine supplementation alleviates bone loss induced by chronic heat stress in finisher broilers
Authors: Zhang Huaiyong , Pertiwi Herinda , Michiels Joris , Gaublomme Djoere , Majdeddin Maryam , Hou Yuhuang , Boone Matthieu , Elewaut Dirk , Josipovic Iván , Degroote Jeroen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Heat stress (HS) incidence is associated with the accumulation of reactive substances, which might be associated with bone loss. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) exhibits strong antioxidants due to its sulfhydryl group and being as the precursor for endogenous glutathione synthesis. Therefore, interplay between oxidative stress and bone turnover of broilers and the effects of dietary NAC inclusion on antioxidant capability and “gut-bone” axis were evaluated during chronic HS.

Results
Implementing cyclic chronic HS (34 °C for 7 h/d) evoked reactive oxygen species excessive production and oxidant stress, which was accompanied by compromised tibia mass. The RNA-seq of proximal tibia also revealed the enrichment of oxidation–reduction process and inflammatory outbursts during HS. Although no notable alterations in the growth performance and cecal microbiota were found, the diet contained 2 g/kg NAC enhanced the antioxidant capability of heat-stressed broiler chickens by upregulating the expression of Nrf2 in the ileum, tibia, and bone marrow. Simultaneously, NAC tended to hinder NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines in both the ileum and bone marrow. As a result, NAC suppressed osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activity, thereby increasing osteocyte-related gene expression. Furthermore, the inclusion of NAC tended to increase the ash content and density of the whole tibia, as well as improve cortical thickness and bone volume of the diaphysis.

Conclusions
These findings HS-mediated outburst of oxidant stress accelerates bone resorption and negatively regulates the bone quality of tibia, which is inhibited by NAC in broilers.

Graphical abstract
Microcirculatory parameters as risk factors for predicting progression of posterior staphyloma in highly myopic eyes: a case–control study
Authors: Li Haoru , Gao Nan , Li Ruixin , Luodian Luobu , Sui Jinyuan , Bai Yang , Wu Di , He Qing , Wang Yuxin , Li Zhiqing , Wei Ruihua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
To assess the rate of macular blood flow decreasing in adults with and without posterior staphyloma (PS) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and to identify risk factors associated with PS progression.

Methods
This longitudinal case-control study enrolled 122 eyes of 122 patients—64 patients with PS (PS group) and 58 patients without PS (NPS group). Participants underwent OCTA and clinical examinations at least twice, and those followed for at least one year were included in the analysis. Logistic regression analysis and machine learning were applied to explore the risk factors for PS and its progression.

Results
Patients in the PS group exhibited faster growth rates of spherical equivalent refraction (SER), axial length (AL), curvature index (CI), and posterior scleral height (PSH) as well as higher loss rates of choriocapillaris perfusion area (CCPA), choroid perfusion area (CPA) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) compared to the NPS group (all P < 0.05). The baseline SER (B =  − 1.291, OR = 0.275, P = 0.008), baseline subfoveal scleral thickness (B =  − 1.621, OR = 0.198, P = 0.046), baseline PSH (B = 2.959, OR = 19.282, P = 0.001) and foveal CVI changes per year (B =  − 2.776, OR = 0.062, P < 0.001) were the risk factors for PS. Baseline AL (B = 0.561, OR = 1.752, P = 0.033), parafoveal choroidal thickness changes per year (B =  − 0.094, OR = 0.910, P = 0.032), foveal retinal vascular density changes per year (B = 0.104, OR = 1.110, P = 0.013) and foveal CCPA changes per year (B =  − 0.214, OR = 0.807, P = 0.038) were the risk factors for the PS progression.

Conclusions
During the progression of myopia in adults, changes in the morphology of the eye's posterior pole are not limited to axial lengthening alone; there also will be a phase of compensatory lateral expansion. Baseline AL and changes in the microcirculation can be utilized to predict the progression of PS.
The risk of infective endocarditis according to blood pressure in patients with diabetes: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Pyo Won Kyung , Kim Hee-Jung , Han Kyungdo , Kim Jin Nam , Lee Se Ju , Kim Jung Ho , Ku Nam Su , Lee Seung Hyun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
We aimed to assess the incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) and evaluate the impact of hypertension (HTN) with underweight on the risk of IE among patients with diabetic mellitus (DM) using a nationwide population-based cohort in Korea.

Methods
We identified 2,603,012 participants (57.4 ± 12.3 years) in the national health insurance database. Of these, 374,586 were normotensive, 750,006 were at pre-HTN status, and the remainder had HTN. The risk of IE was compared between the groups, and the impact of being underweight (body mass index < 18.5) was also evaluated.

Results
During follow-up (7.14 years; interquartile range 6.01–8.08 years), 1,703 cases of IE occurred; 168 (0.0647 person per 1000 person-years [PY]), 303 (0.05836 per 1000 PY), and 1,232 (0.12235 per 1000 PY) in normotensive, pre-HTN and HTN group, respectively. Hypertensive participants presented a higher risk of IE (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.360; 95% confidence interval, 1.152–1.607) than normotensive participants. Being underweight increased the risk of IE by 90% among subjects with HTN. In subgroup analysis, age, duration of DM, insulin use, and habitual factors were not associated with the incidence of IE.

Conclusions
Diabetic patients may require rigorous blood pressure control and simultaneous avoidance of excessive weight loss to prevent IE.

Graphical abstract
The quantum circuit implementation and feasibility analysis of quantum public-key cryptosystem based on the $$QSCD_{ff}$$ problem
Authors: Li Anyi , Xia Qiqing , Zhu Qianru , Yang Li 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe development of quantum computation enables exponential time complexity problems on classical computers to be solved in polynomial time on quantum computers. However, it also poses a threat to the security of classical cryptographic schemes based on integer factorization and discrete logarithms. In response to this challenge, quantum cryptographic schemes based on quantum computation and quantum communication environments have become a focal point of research. The quantum public-key cryptosystem based on the QSCDff problem stands as one of the influential schemes in the realm of quantum public-key cryptography, yet its feasibility remains unexplored in current literature. Our specific focus lies in the quantum circuit implementations and fault-tolerant construction, which serve as essential prerequisites for the physical feasibility of quantum cryptographic schemes. We provide quantum circuit implementations along with rigorous theoretical proofs for the computation of the permutation product operation and the permutation sign operation in quantum public-key cryptographic schemes. Based on the fault-tolerant quantum computation process of the aforementioned quantum circuit implementations, we propose two error-correction strategies and provide a theoretical feasibility analysis within a specified range in the ion-trap quantum computation environment, adhering to the theoretical limits of quantum computation. Rigorous proofs are presented to demonstrate the correctness and reliability of the proposed methods. Our contribution provides a theoretical foundation for the physical feasibility analysis of quantum cryptographic algorithms, offering insights into the challenges and prospects of implementing these algorithms in quantum computation environments.
The associations between oxidative stress and epilepsy: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Lan , Zhang Ningning , Sun Xuyan , Chen Sirui , Xu Yuanhang , Liu Yaqing , Li Junqiang , Luo Dadong , Tian Xin , Wang Tiancheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Studies on the association between oxidative stress and epilepsy have yielded varied results. In this study, we aimed to investigate the causal relationship between oxidative stress markers and epilepsy.

Methods
A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was performed based on publicly available statistics from genome-wide association studies. To explore the causal effects, single nucleotide polymorphisms were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse-variance weighted method was performed for primary analysis, supplemented by weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode. Furthermore, sensitivity analyses were performed to detect heterogeneity and pleiotropy.

Results
Our results showed that part of the oxidative stress biomarkers are associated with epilepsy and its subtypes. Zinc is associated with increased risk of epilepsy and generalized epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] = 1.064 and 1.125, respectively). Glutathione transferase is associated with increased risk of generalized epilepsy (OR = 1.055), while albumin is associated with decreased risk of generalized epilepsy (OR = 0.723). Inverse MR analysis revealed that epilepsy is associated with increased levels of uric acid and total bilirubin (beta = 1.266 and 0.081, respectively), as well as decreased zinc level (beta =  − 0.278). Furthermore, generalized epilepsy is associated with decreased ascorbate and retinol levels (beta =  − 0.029 and − 0.038, respectively).

Conclusions
Our study presented novel evidence of potential causal relationships between oxidative stress and epilepsy, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
The chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs in collagen hydrogels and the effect of MMPs among cell-material interactions
Authors: Tang Yajun , Wang Jing , Qiu He , Xu Yang , Liu Zhanhong , Song Lu , Lin Hai , Zhang Xingdong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the advanced structure of collagen on the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs encapsulated in collagen hydrogels, with an emphasis on MMPs which might affect the cell-material interactions. Collagen and gelatin-based hydrogels with comparable physicochemical properties but mainly distinctive in molecular structure were prepared and further utilized to load BMSCs to study the chondrogenesis. The detection results of MMPs in hydrogels with and without TIMP at both gene and protein levels suggested that MMPs were involved in cell recognition, adhesion, migration, proliferation and further remodeling of cell microenvironment. The chondrogenic gene detection, histological observation and extracellular matrix analysis indicated that the BMSCs were well differentiated into chondrocytes and maintained the phenotypes in collagen hydrogels (C group) which preserved the native structures, comparing with those results acquired from gelatin hydrogels (G group). Finally, the expression of several integrin subunits was investigated to analyze the connection of these cell membrane surface proteins and microenvironment remodeled by MMPs in collagen and gelatin hydrogels. The conclusion was drawn that the advanced structure of collagen affected the chondrogenesis of BMSCs via the cell-material interactions, among which MMPs were one of the major factors crucial to form appropriate microenvironment to modulate the BMSCs fate.
Graphical abstract