bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring the peak performance of a 6G THz communication testbed
Authors: Smith J. F. , Gui Y. , Fatadin I. 
Published: October 2024

It is expected that 6G communication technology will achieve a peak data rate capability of 1 Tbit/s. One way of reaching this goal is to employ THz frequencies for carrying wireless signals. THz frequencies have large continuous bandwidths which allow for high data rate signals. In order to support the development of THz communications and accompanying technologies, a 6G THz Communications Testbed has been set-up at the National Physical Laboratory. In this paper, the best signal performance for a variety of different baud rates and modulation schemes is explored for both a direct connection between the waveform generator and measuring oscilloscope and for several different Over-The-Air (OTA) path lengths up to 4 m specular Non-Line-of-Sight. For the direct connection, signals of up to 210 Gbit/s were achieved and data rates of up to 150 Gbit/s were achieved for OTA transmission.
Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella oxytoca transmission linked to preoperative shaving in emergency neurosurgery, tracked by rapid detection via chromogenic medium and whole genome sequencing
Authors: Jiang Yun-Lan , Lyu Yi-Yu , Liu Li-Li , Li Zhi-Ping , Liu Dan , Tai Jie-Hao , Hu Xiao-Qian , Zhang Wen-Hui , Chu Wen-Wen , Zhao Xue , Huang Wei , Wu Yi-Le 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThis study describes the detection and tracking of emergency neurosurgical cross-transmission infections with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella oxytoca (CRKO).MethodsWe conducted an epidemiological investigation and a rapid screening of 66 surveillance samples using the chromogenic selective medium. Two CRKO isolates from infected patients and three from the preoperative shaving razors had similar resistance profiles identified by the clinical laboratory.ResultsThe whole genome sequencing (WGS) results identified all isolates as Klebsiella michiganensis (a species in the K. oxytoca complex) with sequence type 29 (ST29) and carrying resistance genes blaKPC-2 and blaOXY-5, as well as IncF plasmids. The pairwise average nucleotide identity values of 5 isolates ranged from 99.993% to 99.999%. Moreover, these isolates displayed a maximum genetic difference of 3 among 5,229 targets in the core genome multilocus sequence typing scheme, and the razors were confirmed as the contamination source. After the implementation of controls and standardized shaving procedures, no new CRKO infections occurred.ConclusionContaminated razors can be sources of neurosurgical site infections with CRKO, and standard shaving procedures need to be established. Chromogenic selective medium can help rapidly identify targeted pathogens, and WGS technologies are effective mean in tracking the transmission source in an epidemic or outbreak investigation. Our findings increase the understanding of microbial transmission in surgery to improve patient care quality.
Factors associated with occult lateral lymph node metastases in patients with clinically lymph node negative papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fei Yuan , Wang Bin , Yao Xinmin , Wu Jian 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIt remains unclear which category of patients with clinically lymph node negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) might have higher risk of occult lateral lymph node metastasis (OLLNM) due to the conflicting results in previous studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate factors associated with OLLNM in patients with cN0 PTC.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were comprehensively searched by two independent investigators to 15 August 2022. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the pooled analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022353567).ResultsFifteen eligible studies involving 8369 patients with cN0 PTC were included in this meta-analysis. We found 7 factors significantly associated with OLLNM, including male (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.30 to 1.66; P &lt; 0.001), age&lt;45y (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.31 to 2.06; P &lt; 0.001), tumor size &gt; 10mm (OR, 3.17; 95% CI, 2.04 to 4.93; P &lt;0.001), tumor located in upper pole (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.27; P &lt;0.001), bilaterality (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.02; P &lt;0.001), extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.72 to 3.68; P &lt;0.001) and increased number of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 5.66 to 8.27; P &lt;0.001). The results of sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were similar to the pooled results. No significant publication bias was observed.ConclusionsThe systematic review and meta-analysis identified 7 factors associated with OLLNM in patients with cN0 PTC. Future studies are needed to validate our results.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022353567.
The challenge of the differential diagnosis between brown tumors and metastases in parathyroid carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Dinoi Elisa , Prete Alessandro , Sardella Chiara , Pierotti Laura , Della Valentina Simone , Dal Lago Anna , Borsari Simona , Pardi Elena , Caligo Maria Adelaide , Michelucci Angela , Torregrossa Liborio , Rossi Piercarlo , Cetani Filomena 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundBrown tumors are rare bone manifestations of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) that may occur at different sites either as single or multiple lesions and they can easily be mistaken for malignant lesions. Neither bone site nor morphological or functional imaging are useful to drive the differential diagnosis and biopsy is often the only conclusive procedure.Case descriptionWe report the case of a 53 years-old man referred to our outpatient clinic for severe symptomatic PHPT complicated by nephrolithiasis and osteoporosis. Neck ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large irregular lesion posterior to the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe consistent with an enlarged parathyroid gland. Moreover, two bone lytic lesions were described at the left scapula and the contiguous 7th rib that showed an increased uptake at total bone scintigraphy. Given the clinical and biochemical picture, the features of the parathyroid lesion and the presence of bone lytic lesions, the suspicion of metastatic parathyroid carcinoma (PC) was raised. However, a CT-guided biopsy performed on the left scapula revealed a brown tumor. The patient underwent en-bloc resection of the right inferior parathyroid grand with the ipsilateral thyroid gland lobe. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of PC. Post-surgical biochemical evaluations showed that the patient was cured. A repeated total body CT scan revealed an osteoblastic appearance of the bone lesions ascribed to the partial regression of the brown tumors following surgery.ConclusionsThe implication of a diagnosis of brown tumor or bone metastasis is widely different; in fact, the first tends to regress with the surgical treatment of PHPT, whereas the latter has limited cure option and negatively affects the prognosis of patients. Therefore, although brown tumors are extremely rarer than in the past, they must always be taken into consideration in the presence of bone lesions, even in cases of high suspicion of malignancy, to avoid unnecessary and harmful surgical interventions.
Association between penultimate ejaculatory abstinence and sperm quality: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Yuting , Zhu Yueying , Kong Qingkuo , Lv Xin , Xi Qi , Yu Yang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundEjaculatory abstinence (EA) duration influences semen parameters. However, the impact of penultimate ejaculatory abstinence (PEA) on conventional and functional sperm parameters remains underexplored.MethodA cross-sectional study recruited 1,503 men from a reproductive center between November 2023 and July 2024. Each participant underwent a physical examination, completed clinical questionnaires, and provided a semen sample for analysis. Generalized linear models were adjusted for potential confounders such as EA to investigate the association between PEA and various sperm parameters. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between PEA and the risk of high sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and necrozoospermia.ResultsParticipants were categorized into four quartiles based on PEA duration. (Q1: 1-3 days; Q2: 4-5 days; Q3: 6-9 days; Q4: &gt; 9 days). After adjusting for potential confounders, a significant positive linear association was found between PEA and DFI, while a significant negative linear association was observed with progressive sperm motility. The longest PEA duration (Q4) correlated positively with semen concentration (P = 0.025), total sperm count (P &lt; 0.001), and sperm vitality (P &lt; 0.001). Compared to Q1, a PEA of &gt; 9 days (Q4) was associated with higher risks of sperm DFI &gt; 30% (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37-7.62), asthenozoospermia (adjusted OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.07-1.96), and necrozoospermia (adjusted OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.07-3.69). Moreover, the risk of sperm DFI &gt; 15% was higher in Q2, Q3, and Q4 compared to Q1.ConclusionProlonged PEA adversely affects sperm DFI, progressive motility, and sperm vitality, increasing the likelihood of asthenozoospermia, necrozoospermia, and elevated DFI levels. These findings suggest that both EA and PEA should be considered in fertility assessments, with shorter PEA durations potentially yielding higher quality sperm, thereby enhancing male fertility evaluation and outcomes.
The decreased serum levels of interleukin-38 in patients with gout and its clinical significance
Authors: Huang Hua , Zhou Yinxin , Li Yan , Zhao Hui , Wu Xiudi , Li Mingcai 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundInterleukin (IL)-38 is a newly discovered anti-inflammatory cytokine. However, its concentration and clinical significance in patients with gout remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the levels of IL-38 in patients with gout and evaluate their clinical significance.MethodsThirty-two patients with active gout, 27 patients with inactive gout, and 20 negative controls (NCs) were included in the study. Clinical parameters, including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, uric acid, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutamyl transpeptidase, and glycoserated serum protein, were obtained from laboratory tests of blood samples. The serum concentration of IL-38 was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman’s correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve assessments were used to investigate the role and diagnostic value of IL-38 in gout.ResultsPatients with active and inactive gout exhibited significantly lower serum IL-38 levels than NCs. No significant differences were observed between the two gout groups. A negative correlation was observed between IL-38 and white blood cell counts, whereas a positive correlation was found between IL-38 and creatinine levels. Furthermore, IL-38, either alone or in combination with uric acid, demonstrated substantial diagnostic potential.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the decreased serum levels of IL-38 in patients with gout compared to that in NCs indicates that IL-38 may have immunomodulatory effects on gout inflammation and possesses clinical application value.
Single-cell analysis of matrisome-related genes in breast invasive carcinoma: new avenues for molecular subtyping and risk estimation
Authors: Su Lingzi , Wang Zhe , Cai Mengcheng , Wang Qin , Wang Man , Yang Wenxiao , Gong Yabin , Fang Fanfu , Xu Ling 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe incidence of breast cancer remains high and severely affects human health. However, given the heterogeneity of tumor cells, identifying additional characteristics of breast cancer cells is essential for accurate treatment.PurposeThis study aimed to analyze the relevant characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer through the multigroup data of a breast cancer multi-database.MethodsThe related characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer were analyzed using multigroup data from the breast cancer multi database in the Cancer Genome Atlas, and the differential genes of breast cancer matrix genes were identified using the elastic net penalty logic regression method. The risk characteristics of matrix genes in breast cancer were determined, and matrix gene expression in different breast cancer cells was evaluated using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A consensus clustering algorithm was used to identify the biological characteristics of the population based on the matrix molecular subtypes in breast cancer, followed by gene mutation, immune correlation, pathway, and ligand-receptor analyses.ResultsThis study reveals the genetic characteristics of cell matrix related to breast cancer. It is found that 18.1% of stromal genes are related to the prognosis of breast cancer, and these genes are mostly concentrated in the biological processes related to metabolism and cytokines in protein. Five different matrix-related molecular subtypes were identified by using the algorithm, and it was found that the five molecular subtypes were obviously different in prognosis, immune infiltration, gene mutation and drug-making gene analysis.ConclusionsThis study involved analyzing the characteristics of cell-matrix genes in breast cancer, guiding the precise prevention and treatment of the disease.
Erosive lichen planus: an unmet disease burden
Authors: Macken John H. , Senusi Amal , O’Toole Edel A. , Caley Matthew , Rognoni Emanuel , Fortune Farida 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesTo explore the demographic and clinical profile of erosive lichen planus (ELP) across multiple ethnicities within a single cohort, deepening our understanding of disease severity, progression and outcomes.MethodsA longitudinal retrospective cohort study of ELP patients in the ethnically diverse population of East London was carried out, profiling ELP (n = 57) against the milder reticular lichen planus (RLP) (n = 35).ResultsA higher prevalence of ELP was observed in white populations compared to other ethnicities. Affected females were no more likely than males to develop ELP. There was an increased time to diagnosis for ELP patients (median ELP: 452 days, RLP: 312 days), spending longer in primary care before onward referral, in particular when referred by their general medical practitioner (GP) (median dentist 313 days, GP: 606 days). Depression was more likely to occur alongside ELP. Being an ex-smoker is a risk factor for ELP while being a current smoker is associated with RLP. A higher proportion of patients with ELP were missing teeth and had periodontal disease. Multisite involvement was more common in ELP, (ELP: 68% RLP: 11.43%). 55% of ELP cases developed scarring and were less likely to respond to first line medications, requiring systemic immunosuppression. The duration of follow up was increased in the ELP who were reviewed for almost twice as long as RLP patients (ELP 71 months, RLP 35 months).ConclusionELP takes longer to diagnose, requires prolonged tertiary care and is more resistant to treatment, when compared across multiple ethnicities. These patients have increased medical and oral health needs and are at greater risk of scarring than the reticular form. A greater education amongst primary carers on its presentation, as well as a greater understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving ELP are required to improve diagnostics and identify novel therapeutic approaches.
Identification of immune microenvironment subtypes and clinical risk biomarkers for osteoarthritis based on a machine learning model
Authors: Li Bao , Shen Yang , Liu Songbo , Yuan Hong , Liu Ming , Li Haokun , Zhang Tonghe , Du Shuyuan , Liu Xinwei 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease with a high incidence worldwide. Most affected patients do not exhibit obvious discomfort symptoms or imaging findings until OA progresses, leading to irreversible destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Therefore, developing new diagnostic biomarkers that can reflect articular cartilage injury is crucial for the early diagnosis of OA. This study aims to explore biomarkers related to the immune microenvironment of OA, providing a new research direction for the early diagnosis and identification of risk factors for OA.MethodsWe screened and downloaded relevant data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the immune microenvironment-related genes (Imr-DEGs) were identified using the ImmPort data set by combining weighted coexpression analysis (WGCNA). Functional enrichment of GO and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted to explore the correlation of Imr-DEGs. A random forest machine learning model was constructed to analyze the characteristic genes of OA, and the diagnostic significance was determined by the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) curve, with external datasets used to verify the diagnostic ability. Different immune subtypes of OA were identified by unsupervised clustering, and the function of these subtypes was analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSVA). The Drug-Gene Interaction Database was used to explore the relationship between characteristic genes and drugs.ResultsSingle sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that 16 of 28 immune cell subsets in the dataset significantly differed between OA and normal groups. There were 26 Imr-DEGs identified by WGCNA, showing that functional enrichment was related to immune response. Using the random forest machine learning model algorithm, nine characteristic genes were obtained: BLNK (AUC = 0.809), CCL18 (AUC = 0.692), CD74 (AUC = 0.794), CSF1R (AUC = 0.835), RAC2 (AUC = 0.792), INSR (AUC = 0.765), IL11 (AUC = 0.662), IL18 (AUC = 0.699), and TLR7 (AUC = 0.807). A nomogram was constructed to predict the occurrence and development of OA, and the calibration curve confirmed the accuracy of these 9 genes in OA diagnosis.ConclusionThis study identified characteristic genes related to the immune microenvironment in OA, providing new insight into the risk factors of OA.
Safety and early efficacy of involved-field SBRT for nodal oligo-recurrent prostate cancer
Authors: Koh Min Ji , Pilkington Padraig , Koh Min Jung , Lawlor Mary-Kate , Creswell Michael , O’Connor Timothy , Zwart Alan , Danner Malika , Kumar Deepak , Suy Simeng , Carrasquilla Michael , Collins Sean P. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeFollowing treatment for localized prostate cancer, a subset of men will develop recurrent disease in the abdominopelvic nodes. For radiation therapy (RT), the optimal treatment volume, fractionation schedule, and dose remain unanswered questions. We report early outcomes for patients treated with involved-field stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (IF-SBRT) for nodal oligo-recurrent (NOR) prostate cancer.MethodsBetween January 2018 and October 2023, 67 patients with a median age of 75 with NOR prostate cancer treated with 74 courses of IF-SBRT at Georgetown were eligible for this analysis. NOR was defined as any volume of disease that could be safely treated within an IF. All patients were treated with five-fraction IF-SBRT (27.5–35 Gy). The IF treatment volume was defined as the nodal basin containing the gross disease as well as the immediately adjacent basins. Disease progression was defined as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rise above the pretreatment baseline or initiation of a second treatment. Local control and progression-free survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.ResultsDetection of pre-SBRT NOR was ascertained by prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) (38%), fluciclovine (50%), or MRI/CT (12%). Median follow-up was 50 months (1–262). The median pre-salvage PSA was 6.5 ng/mL (range, 0.1–335). The median number of involved nodes was 3 (range, 1–16). The local control at 1 and 2 years was 98% and 93%, respectively. The 1- and 2-year progression-free survival was 78% and 50%, respectively. Twenty percent of treatment courses were followed by acute Grade 2 gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity: diarrhea (9%) and/or nausea (14%). Two patients (3%) experienced late Grade 2 nausea. On univariate analysis, measures of disease volume such as hormone sensitivity (p = 0.03), increasing involved node number (p = 0.008), and abdominal treatment (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with GI toxicity.ConclusionsWith the widespread adoption of PSMA agents, NORs are likely to increase. The optimal combination of local and systemic therapy in this population is unknown. With a favorable toxicity profile, IF-SBRT represents a safe and convenient local therapy treatment option for an elderly patient population. Patient- and treatment-related factors such as a large number of involved nodes and/or abdominal treatment may be associated with an increased risk of GI toxicity.
Readiness for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in Germany: a comparative analysis
Authors: Schulz Anja A. , Abt Yvonne , von Oppen Linus , Wirtz Markus A. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionVaccination readiness refers to psychological motives and beliefs that decisively determine individual and collective vaccination prevention behavior. Readiness to be vaccinated depends on expected individual and social benefits and harms. Differences exist in the perception of the threat of potential influenza vs. COVID-19 infection and its significance for the social environment. The study aimed to compare the 7C components of vaccination readiness for influenza and COVID-19 vaccination in adulthood.MethodsA total of 317 adults answered the 7C vaccination readiness scale in two vaccination-specific versions (influenza vs. COVID-19) in an online survey from September 2022 to March 2023. Data were analyzed using repeated measures, including analysis of covariance, correlations, and multiple regression.ResultsFor COVID-19, there is a higher readiness to be vaccinated compared to influenza regarding complacencyR (ηp = 0.683), constraintsR (ηp = 0.684), collective responsibility (ηp = 0.782), and compliance (ηp = 0.365). However, confidence (ηp = 0.161) and conspiracyR (ηp = 0.256) indicate an enhanced readiness for influenza vaccination (interaction scales × vaccination type: ηp = 0.602). Individual influenza vaccination recommendations and age do not or only marginally moderate these effects (interaction vaccination type × recommendation: ηp = 155).DiscussionThe 7C subscales reveal a differentiated pattern of readiness for the two vaccination types. This emphasizes the relevance of the multidimensional structure of the construct of vaccination readiness as well as the relevance of moderating effects of the respective vaccination type on the underlying motives and beliefs. Vaccination attitudes are influenced by cultural and social conditions as well as medical standards of care. Comparing attitudes to different vaccinations in different countries thus represents an important research desideratum in order to understand the concept of vaccination readiness more comprehensively.