bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonographic Characteristics of Thyroid Nodules with a Halo
Authors: Cao Danming , Zou Rong , Zhang Ming , Tang Kui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the sonographic characteristics of thyroid nodules with a halo, explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with fine needle aspiration (FNA) in identifying nodules with a halo, and predict the risk of metastasis by analyzing the pathological features of the halo.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 185 cases of thyroid nodules accompanied by halos between January 2019 and December 2022. After describing the ultrasound characteristics of the thyroid nodules and their halos, all patients were divided into three groups, the first group (group I = CEUS only) of patients underwent CEUS, the second group(group II = CEUS + FNA) underwent FNA based on the first group, and the third group(group III = FNA only) underwent FNA directly. The CEUS and FNA results were graded using the Chinese Thyroid Imaging Report and Data System(C-TIRADS) and Bethesda Reporting System for Thyroid Cytopathology, respectively. Those graded below C-TIRADS 4b or Bethesda IV were defined as benign, and the results of FNA were referenced when the two methods were combined. The surgical pathology results were used as the gold standard. We plotted working curves to compare the diagnostic efficacy of CEUS and FNA alone and in combination in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with halos. The pathological features of the halo were analyzed and the number of patients with cervical lymph node metastases was recorded.
Results
One hundred and sixty patients met the requirements. Benign nodules were mainly characterized by a thin (0.75 ± 0.31 mm) and uniform halo with good integrity, while malignant nodules had a thicker (1.48 ± 0.51 mm) halo with uneven and irregular margins (P < 0.05). The sensitivity and specificity were highest when the cutoff value was 1.09 mm, with 76.08% and 84.29%, respectively. The halos of benign nodules were mostly hyper- or iso-enhanced, whereas the halos of malignant nodules were predominantly hypo-enhanced (P < 0.05). The areas under the curve (AUCs) for CEUS, FNA, and CEUS + FNA were 0.751(95% CI = 0.642–0.841), 0.863(95% CI = 0.767–0.929), and 0.918(95% CI = 0.834–0.967), respectively. Cervical lymph node metastasis occurred in only 13 (11.5%) malignant nodes with halos. The primary pathological components of the halo around malignant nodules were almost reactive hyperplastic fibrous tissue.
Conclusion
The halo surrounding malignant thyroid nodules is thicker, with uneven and irregular margins, and shows hypo-enhancement on CEUS. Combining CEUS with FNA improves the diagnostic efficacy of thyroid nodules with halos. The reactive hyperplastic fibrous halo may be one of the reasons why malignant nodules are less likely to metastasize.
Hypoflexid function in the “trenchant heel” of carnassial teeth, with comments on talonid evolution
Authors: Lang Andreas , Martin Thomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The carnassial teeth of Carnivora and Dasyuromorphia are characterized by the enlargement of the carnassial blades and reduction of crushing structures. In some species, the highly carnassialized teeth exhibit a unicuspid talonid with only the hypoconid present (“trenchant heel”). This condition is similar to that seen in the molars of pretribosphenic cladotherians such as Dryolestida, with a single talonid cusp and hypoflexid groove. Tooth wear and reconstruction of the power stroke show that the hypoflexid of the trenchant heel occludes with the paracone of the distal upper antagonist, providing a cutting and guiding function during the power stroke, and maintaining a uniform inclination of the tooth movement up to the point of centric occlusion. In case of the Dasyuromorphia, this occlusal relationship is most pronounced between the distal molars (M4/m4), whereas in the Carnivora it occurs between the upper and lower mesial molars (M1/m1). The occurrence of distal hypoflexid-like grooves is a recurring trend in mammal evolution, before and after the evolution of tribosphenic molars with multicuspid talonid.
Parameter Optimization of Laser Cladding for Stelcar Powder Coatings on AZ61 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: B Sathishkumar G , B Asaithambi , V Srinivasan , T Balamurugan , S Sundaraselvan , A Joseph Arockiam , RG Padmanabhan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to improve the surface coating characteristics and reduce the dilution rate of AZ61 magnesium alloy using the laser cladding technique. This research work employed Taguchi (L16) orthogonal experimental design to investigate the relationship between process parameters and a cladding quality index. Parameters such as Scanning Speed (SS), Laser Power (LP), Powder Feed Rate (PFR) and Gas Flow (GF) were varied to analyze their impact on wear volume, dilution rate and micro-hardness of the key response variables in the laser cladding setup. Signal-to-noise ratios were calculated for each parameter to identify their individual effects on the responses. The findings indicated that powder feed rate predominantly influenced wear volume, accounting for 88.18% of its variation, while scanning speed has the highest influence on dilution rate (73.20%), and laser power significantly affected micro-hardness (84.60%). This study utilized grey relational analysis to determine the optimum processing parameters which simultaneously reduced wear volume, minimized dilution rate and enhanced micro-hardness. In particular, inclusion of Stelcar alloy powder in the substrate significantly influenced these outcomes. The application of grey relational analysis allowed the researchers to integrate multiple optimization objectives into a strategy, resulting in a clad with superior micro-hardness and minimal wear volume and dilution rate. The optimized parameters achieved the desired goals with a high degree of accuracy, confirming the effectiveness of multi-objective optimization in enhancing coating qualities and controlling dilution rate through laser cladding.
Early oxytocin treatment in infants with Prader-Willi is safe and is associated with better endocrine metabolic and behavior outcomes.
Authors: VALETTE Marion , DIENE Gwenaelle , GLATTARD Mélanie , CORTADELLAS Julie , MOLINAS Catherine , FAYE Sandy , BENVEGNU Grégoire , BOULANOUAR Kader , PAYOUX Pierre , SALLES Jean Pierre , ARNAUD Catherine , CABAL Sophie , Tauber Maïthé 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in modulating behavior social interactions and feeding. Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder, is a model of hypothalamic disorder including OT dysfunction. We previously showed that infants with PWS who received an early short course (7 days) of intranasal OT treatment improved their oral and social skills. We aim to document long-term tolerance and effects of early intranasal OT treatment on the disease trajectory. We then performed a comparative clinical trial including the 17 children who received OT as infants in our previous study and compared them to 17 PWS non-exposed children at 3 to 4 years old. Primary endpoint was the total communication score on the Vineland adaptive behavior scale version II (VABS-II). Secondary endpoints were the other domains of VABS-II, behavior scored by Childhood Behavior Check-list, feeding skills, endocrine and metabolic issues, and brain connectivity on functional magnetic resonance imaging.
Results: We documented long-term safety of early OT treatment. The VABS-II communication score was not different between the two groups defined as OT-exposed and non-exposed groups while a trend towards higher socialization score was found in the OT-exposed children (p=0.06). Circulating IGF-1 and HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in the OT-exposed group (p<0.05). OT-exposed children had normal acylated ghrelin levels which are lower than those observed in non-exposed children (p=0.06) and display higher connectivity of the orbitofrontal cortex brain region.
Conclusion: Early OT treatment in infants with PWS is safe up to 3 to 4 years age. OT-exposed children display better social, endocrine and metabolic outcomes. This study documents for the first time in human the biological window of opportunity of early OT treatment that may change the trajectories of PWS condition.
Trial Registration: Clinical trial NCT03081832 Retrospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=NCT03081832
Case report: Bipolar disorder in Phelan-McDermid syndrome
Authors: Sun Yuyong , Xia Yong , Zhi Qianna , Guo Pengfei , Cui Wenjing , Liu Xiaoyan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic disorder. It involves intellectual disability, delayed language, autism spectrum disorders, motor tone abnormalities, and a high risk of psychiatric symptoms like bipolar disorder.
Case presentation We present an 18-year case of a 36-year-old woman with PMS, exhibiting intellectual disabilities, social withdrawal, and stereotyped behavior. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 18, she faced treatment challenges, including severe reactions to antipsychotics in 2022, leading to speech and functional regression. Subsequent rehabilitation and comprehensive therapy improved her condition. By 2024, following additional treatment, her symptoms stabilized.
Conclusions PMS requires detailed history, genetic testing, and long-term supportive care for effective management.
Association between genetic risk and renal function for developing venous thromboembolism
Authors: Gan Zeyu , Guan Yunlong , Li Si , Kong Yifan , Deng Jun , Hao Xingjie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Kidney disease is regarded as a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE), but the association between renal function and the risk of VTE remains unclear.
Methods
This study was conducted using a sample of 358,723 participants from the UK Biobank. Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of VTE incidence associated with renal function levels were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model based on the baseline exposure measurements. Additionally, the relationship between renal function and cumulative risk of VTE was visualized using Kaplan-Meier curves as well as restricted cubic spline (RCS). Furthermore, this study investigated the combined effects and interactions between renal function biomarkers and genetic predisposition in relation to the risk of VTE onset.
Results
Biomarkers of renal function in the highest quartile levels (lowest quartile levels for eGFR) were associated with an elevated risk of VTE onset, with HR (95% CI) of 1.21 (1.12–1.30) for urine creatinine, 1.23 (1.13–1.34) for serum creatinine, 1.12 (1.04–1.2) for urea, 1.15 (1.06–1.26) for urate, 1.59 (1.46–1.73) for cystatin C, 1.28 (1.14–1.43) for urine microalbumin, and 1.47 (1.36–1.60) for eGFR. For the joint associations, participants with both high levels of renal function biomarkers (low levels of eGFR) and high genetic risk had the highest risk of developing VTE, with HR (95% CI) of 2.83 (2.46–3.26) for urine creatinine, 2.72 (2.37–3.13) for serum creatinine, 2.49 (2.18–2.84) for urea, and 2.63 (2.26–3.05) for urate, 3.52 (3.01–4.13) for cystatin C, 2.90 (2.33–3.60) for urine microalbumin, and 3.37 (2.86–3.98) for eGFR.
Conclusions
Elevated levels of urine creatinine, serum creatinine, urea, urate, cystatin C, urine microalbumin, and reduced eGFR would increase the risk of VTE, and there were positive additive effect of renal function and genetic susceptibility on the risk of VTE.
Plasmodium falciparum infection status in children less than 10 years old under seasonal malaria chemoprevention and risk of clinical malaria in the Koulikoro health district, Mali
Authors: Sanogo Daouda , Toure Mahamoudou , Keita Moussa , Kane Fousseyni , Keita Soumba , Sanogo Ibrahim , Diawara Sory Ibrahim , Coulibaly Hamady , Thiam Sidibé M’Baye , Diakite Mahamadou , Sogoba Nafomon , Doumbia Seydou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SP + AQ) consist of a monthly administration of therapeutic dose to children under five years of age during the high risk of malaria in area where malaria is highly seasonal. According to SMC recommendation, both non-infected and asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infected children will receive similar treatment. The gap in our knowledge is how the effect of asymptomatic infection on the efficacy of SMC in preventing clinical malaria over a four-week period. Thus, this study aimed to assess the risk of clinical malaria and its association with children's infection status when SMC treatment is given.
Methodology: The study was carried out in the Koulikoro health district in Mali and concerned children under 10 years of age. A total of 726 and 1452 children were randomly selected and followed over the SMC campaign in the years 2019 and 2020 respectively. Prevalence of asymptomatic P. falciparum infection was determined each round by microscopy before SMC drugs intake. Children were passively followed over a four-week period to determine incidence of clinical malaria. R-Studio software was used for analysis. The risk of clinical malaria by infection status was estimated using a logistic regression. A Kaplan-Meier curve was used to determine the survival time between infected and uninfected children. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to compare proportions with the significant level at p< 0.05.
Results: The average prevalence of asymptomatic infection was 11.0% both years, and it was higher among children aged 5 to 9 years old in 2019 (p<0.001) and 2020 (p=0.016). The risk of clinical malaria was significantly higher among asymptomatic infected children 2019: (RR =3.05, CI [2.04-4.72]) and 2020 (RR=1.43, CI [1.04-1.97]) transmission seasons. Likewise, the time of the first malaria occurrence was statistically lower among infected children regardless the year (p<0.001 in 2019 and p=0.01 in 2020).
Conclusion: Results show a high risk of clinical malaria in asymptomatic infected children during SMC delivery. Screening for P. falciparum infection before the SMC treatment could significantly enhance the impact of the strategy on malaria morbidity in endemic areas.
Atypical Tuberculous Peritonitis Revealed by a Peritoneal Pseudocyst Without Prior Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting: Insights From a Case and Literature Review
Authors: Balibanga Jimmy Minani , Bisimwa Wani , Cikomola Fabrice Gulimwentuga , Bedha Aline , Balemba Ghislain Maheshe , Mbale Guy-Quesney Mateso , Mwenebitu David Lupande , Kahasha Pierrot Mulumeoderhwa , Baguma Marius , Mwene-batu Pacifique , Katoto Patrick DMC , Shindano Tony Akilimali 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculous peritonitis often presents with nonspecific symptoms that can lead to diagnostic challenges, particularly when manifesting as peritoneal pseudocysts. This study highlights the clinical complexity and diagnostic approach of tuberculous peritonitis presented as a pseudocyst in an immunocompetent adult, an atypical scenario that is rarely documented.
Case presentation:
We report a detailed case of a 41-year-old man presenting with abdominal distension, pain, and significant weight loss over four months. Abdominal CT showed an intraperitoneal pseudocyst, initially misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to more common abdominal pathologies. The diagnosis of tuberculous peritonitis was confirmed through histopathological analysis. Additionally, a systematic literature review was conducted to identify and analyse similar cases, focusing on clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, and patient outcomes. Our patient exhibited classic symptoms of abdominal TB but was unique due to the absence of prior ventriculoperitoneal shunting, a common factor in similar cases. Our literature review found that such presentations typically result in diagnostic delays averaging five months, complicating patient management and outcomes. This review also underscores the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of intraperitoneal pseudocysts, particularly in TB-endemic regions.
Conclusion
This case and review emphasize the need for high clinical suspicion and prompt investigation of tuberculosis in patients presenting with atypical abdominal symptoms and pseudocysts. Improved diagnostic strategies, including early use of imaging and pathological evaluations, are essential for timely diagnosis and management, thereby improving patient outcomes in suspected cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Body Composition and Its Correlation with Dyslipidemia in Hospital Medical Staff: A Tertiary Hospital Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Yao Fangfang , Niu Jingwen , Zheng Yingbin , Jia Runping , Shen Yan , Zhai Junya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal blood lipid levels, significantly enhances the risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Body composition plays a critical role in the modulation of lipid metabolism and therefore in the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia. This study explores the prevalence of dyslipidemia among medical staff and analyzes the association between body composition and lipid profiles. The objective is to furnish actionable insights for the prevention and management of dyslipidemia in this demographic.
Methods: A number of 696 medical staff members, whoparticipated in a health examination conducted from July to October 2023 was selected in this study. The Inbody720 body composition analyzer was utilized to evaluate body fat composition. Serum concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were also measured. A comprehensive suite of statistical analyses was performed, including independent t-tests, non-parametric tests, Spearman rank correlations, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, to explore the associations between body composition indicators and dyslipidemia.
Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among the medical staff amounted to 37.55%. Notably, several key body composition parameters, including body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, protein content, muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass index, waist-to-hip fat ratio, visceral fat area, and body water content, were significantly higher in individuals with dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Serum total cholesterol showed a positive correlation with BMI, body fat percentage, waist-to-hip fat ratio, and visceral fat area. Similar trend of positive correlation was observed for triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with these aforementioned body composition indicators, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) exhibited negative correlations. Logistic regression analysis identified age, waist-to-hip fat ratio as significant predictors of dyslipidemia. The ROC curve analysis provided optimal cut-off values for these indicators in diagnosing dyslipidemia.
Conclusion: The study highlights a robust correlation between body composition and the occurrence of dyslipidemia among medical staff. The risk of dyslipidemia can be predicted by assessing body composition. This paper also lays a groundwork for further research on the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies based on body composition.
Prediction of the Potential Efficacy of Dlx5 in Immunotherapy for Hypopharyngeal Cancer through Integrated Bulk and Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: yao Jiang , Lianhe Li , Jing Liang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Immunotherapy, as a personalized treatment strategy, has displayed promising potential in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity and initial resistance of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma present new obstacles to treatment, highlighting the urgent need for identifying novel predictive biomarkers to develop more targeted and effective treatment approaches.
Method:
We employed the CIBERSORT algorithm, which quantifies immune cell composition, along with Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify gene modules associated with tumor immune infiltration of CD4+ T cells. We integrated single-cell sequencing technology to complement each other, conducting bidirectional screening to narrow down molecular associations with tumors. By constructing Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks and conducting clinical Kaplan-Meier analysis, we identified crucial hub genes. We calculated tumor mutation rates, immune checkpoint expression, chemokine factors, and their corresponding receptor correlations to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy targeting DLX5. The R package "oncopredict" was utilized to compute drug sensitivity for each sample, inferring potential chemotherapeutic drugs targeting DLX5. Finally, we explored the precancerous phenotype of DLX5 in the Fadu cell line.
Result:
Bulk RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the prognostically associated EGFR and DLX5 genes are upregulated. Immunological analysis showed a higher mutation rate of DLX5, which is significantly positively correlated with immune checkpoints and chemokine factors. Most importantly, three small molecule compounds (BI.2536_1086, MN.64_1854, Ulixertinib_2047) were identified, which could be potential drugs for treating hypopharyngeal cancer patients. Finally, high expression of DLX5 promoted proliferation, invasion, and migration of hypopharyngeal cancer cells.
Conclusion：
The association of Dlx5 with CD4+ T cells in hypopharyngeal cancer correlates with the immunological characteristics of the disease and the potential efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. These results indicate that DLX5 might respond well to immunotherapy, shedding light on the role of Dlx5 in hypopharyngeal cancer, providing crucial insights and offering vital information for the development of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies.
Cfd Analysis for Receiver Tube of Solar Parabolic Through Collector
Authors: Akhmadov Khushdil S. , Juraboev Nodir I. , Boltaev Sanat A. , Akhatov Jasurjon S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this study, a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis for the receiver tube of a parabolic trough solar collector (PTC) is conducted in the COMSOL Multiphysics program. This system consists of PTC system with an aperture area of 4.4 m2 and a transparent mirror is used as a reflector. This work has been carried out to investigate the most effective material for the receiver tube to obtain higher thermal efficiency. The performance of the receiver tube of PTC was evaluated with a three-dimensional model in COMSOL Multiphysics software using 4 different materials. Therminol VP-1 is used as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The boundary conditions were considered those of October 3rd 2020, when the concentration value was C = 23 and the Sun's radiation was constant at around Io=1000 W/m2. The mass flow rate of the heat transfer fluid through the absorber was varied from 0.01 kg/sec to 0.07 kg/sec. The result revels that the copper receiver tube shows good performance for the given mass flow rates of HTF when compared to iron, steel, and aluminum receiver tubes. Maximum HTF temperature of copper receiver tube was 195.71 0C at 0.01 kg/sec, when the HTF temperature of steel receiver tube was relatively low approximately 190.71 0C. The temperature variation of the absorber tube and of the HTF during this process is presented in the discussion section of the article.