bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of ultrasound findings of papillary thyroid carcinoma subtypes based on the 2022 WHO classification of thyroid neoplasms
Authors: Hekimsoy İlhan , Ertan Yeşim , Serin Gürdeniz , Karabulut Ahmet Kasım , Özbek Süha Süreyya 
Published: August 2024

PurposeThe present study aimed to analyze and compare sonographic features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) subtypes to determine whether ultrasound (US) may aid in differentiating particular subtypes.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled 133 patients diagnosed with 142 histopathologically proven PTCs as per the fifth edition of the World Health Organization classification of thyroid neoplasms between January 2013 and May 2023. US features based on the American College of Radiology and European Thyroid Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (TIRADS), and histopathological characteristics of nodules were assessed and compared.ResultsHistopathological analysis yielded 55 (38.7%) classic PTC, 32 (22.5%) invasive encapsulated follicular variant (IEFV) PTC, 20 (14.1%) oncocytic subtype, 14 (9.9%) non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), 11 (7.8%) infiltrative follicular subtype, 7 (4.9%) tall cell subtype, 2 (1.4%) solid subtype, and 1 (0.7%) diffuse sclerosing subtype. The US findings indicating malignancy, such as taller-than-wide shape, irregular margins, echogenic foci, and higher TIRADS categories, were more frequently demonstrated in nodules with classic PTC and the tall cell subtype, in line with their histopathological features. Conversely, IEFV-PTC and NIFTP rarely exhibited these high-risk sonographic features. US appearance of the oncocytic subtype more frequently overlapped with IEFV-PTC, yet hypo/very hypoechoic nodules with larger nodular diameters and higher TIRADS scores may favor the diagnosis of this subtype.ConclusionUS features of certain subtypes may guide the differential diagnosis regarding shape, margin, echogenic foci, and TIRADS category of nodules; however, definitive subtyping is not yet possible using US images alone.
Hydrogen production from aluminum-water reactions at low Temperatures: based on an in-situ two powders of different particle sizes
Authors: Zhang Xiaoliang , Wang Li , Tao Guangyuan , Guo Ronghan , Fang Jiawei , Zhang Jun , Mao Haifang 
Published: August 2024

To investigate the granule reaction of two-micron aluminum powders with water at low temperatures, differential scanning calorimetry was used to analyze the initial exothermic temperature. Additionally, adiabatic accelerated calorimetry was employed to study the exothermic reaction under adiabatic conditions. The hydrogen production and particle size variation were investigated in order to gain insights into the Al-water reaction in a reactor with no induction time. Through focused beam reflectance measurement analysis, it was observed that during the reaction process of Al-water, particle sizes initially increased and then decreased. Specifically, the particle size of 3 µm aluminum powder experienced a 189% increase after the reaction while 25 µm aluminum powder decreased by 29%. Ultimately, both types of particles reached similar final sizes around 13.89 µm. The process of Al-water reaction was explained and hydrogen production was analyzed, and the kinetic model was obtained.
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) genes predict immunotherapy response and therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Authors: Wen Shuang , Lv Xuefeng , Ma Xiaohan , Deng Shu , Xie Jinming , Yuan Enwu 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNumerous studies have demonstrated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the malignancies with high mortality worldwide. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a form of cell death that is specialised in that it triggers the body’s immune response, particularly the adaptive immune response. Recent evidence has confirmed that pseudogenes are implicated in multiple human tumorigenesis and progression although lacking the function of coding protein. However, the roles of ICD-associated genes in AML remain largely unascertained.MethodsTCGA-AML and GSE71014 cohorts were picked out and we combined them into a merged dataset by removing the batch effect using the sva package in the R project. A consensus clustering analysis of the ICD genes in AML was performed to define subgroups. Based on the expression of 15 prognostic-related pseudogenes, we developed a prognostic model and categorized AML samples into low and high-risk groups.ResultsAML was differentiated into two subgroups (C1 and C2 clusters). Most ICD-related genes were significantly up-regulated in the C2 cluster. The single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) revealed that the immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint gene expression of the C2 cluster was strongly high, suggesting that the C2 population responded well to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy and had better survival. The C1 group was sensitive to chemotherapy, including Cytarabine, Midostaurin, and Doxorubicin. On the other hand, 15 ICD-related pseudogenes were identified to be associated with AML prognosis. The receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis and nomogram manifested that our prognostic model had high accuracy in predicting survival. However, the high-risk group was sensitive to ICB therapy and chemotherapy such as Methotrexate, Cytarabine, and Axitinib while the low-risk group benefited from 5-Fluorouracil, Talazoparib, and Navitoclax therapy.DiscussionIn summary, we defined two subgroups relying on 33 ICD-related genes and this classification exerted a decisive role in assessing immunotherapy and chemotherapy benefit. Significantly, a prognostic signature identified by critical ICD-related pseudogene was created. The pseudogene prognostic signature had a powerful performance in predicting prognosis and therapeutic efficacy, including immunotherapy and chemotherapy to AML. Our research points out novel implications of ICD in cancer prognosis and treatment approach choice.
Case report: The use of metagenomic next-generation sequencing to diagnose Lemierre’s syndrome caused by lost root canal fillings in a 33-year-old patient with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Zhou Yimeng , Zhai Yongzhen , Wang Yan , Zhang Dan , Feng Guohe 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLemierre’s syndrome is a rare and serious complication of pharyngitis with an estimated annual incidence of 1 in 100,000 people worldwide. It is characterized by septic thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein with metastatic infection, usually after oropharyngeal infection. Rare cases of Lemierre’s syndrome have been reported to be caused by odontogenic infection.Case reportA 33-year-old male visited our hospital with symptoms of fever and sore throat for 16 days. The other symptoms included pain in his left neck and shoulder. In addition, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on waist circumference, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Fusobacterium necrophorum bacteria was detected using the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technique. The enhanced computerized tomography (CT) scan showed thrombosis of the left proximal jugular vein and brachiocephalic vein. Based on these observations, Lemierre’s syndrome was diagnosed. The etiology was that the fillings in the root canal tooth were lost with no blood or pain about 2 weeks before the onset. The patient recovered after treatment with antibiotics and blood purification.ConclusionLemierre’s syndrome should be evaluated for patients with fever, sore throat, and neck pain. If the loss of fillings from root canal therapy occurs, especially for those with metabolic syndrome, we should be aware of the possibility of this disease. Furthermore, the mNGS test can be used as a crucial supplementary diagnostic tool for patients with undetermined fever.
Case report: Systemic tuberculosis with prostate involvement mimicking prostate cancer with multiple metastases on 18F-FDG and 18F-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Sun Xinyao , Qiu Yongkang , Song Lele , Kang Lei 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundProstate tuberculosis is a common form of urogenital tuberculosis that occurs in men. Clinical and imaging manifestations of prostate tuberculosis are atypical, which often need to be differentiated from benign prostatic hyperplasia, a prostate malignant tumor, and a urinary tract infection. Although prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is considered a specific biomarker for prostate cancer, it is also found within tuberculosis tissues that may be stimulated by angiogenic factors. An abnormal PSMA uptake on positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) should eliminate the possibility of tuberculosis.Case reportIn this study, we reported a case of a 51-year-old man with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) but a normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. 2-Deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG) and [fluorine-18]-prostate-specific membrane antigen (18F-PSMA) PET/CT scans were performed for further evaluation. The prostate showed a high fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) uptake but a slight PSMA uptake. Multiple osteolytic bone destruction and lymph nodes with an increased FDG uptake but a mild PSMA uptake were observed throughout the body. Systemic tuberculosis was diagnosed based on the prostate biopsy and the positive result of the T-cell spot test regarding tuberculosis infection. After 6 months of standard anti-tuberculosis treatment, the patient experienced symptom relief.ConclusionIn the case of a urinary tract infection, where the prostate shows high FDG uptake lesions with perilesional abscess, a mildly increased PSMA uptake, a low PSA value, a high ESR, and relevant clinical symptoms, tuberculosis should be considered and laboratory tests are required, especially when symptoms are relieved after successful anti-tuberculosis therapy. The final confirmation of the diagnosis still relies on pathological examination.
Relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: He Qiang , Wang Zhen , Mei Jie , Xie Chengxin , Sun Xin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore the relationship between systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) levels and osteoarthritis (OA) using cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2018.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data from the NHANES database from 2005 to 2018, we included 11,381 study participants divided into OA (n = 1,437) and non-OA (n = 9,944) groups. Weighted multivariable regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to investigate the relationship between SIRI and OA. Additionally, restricted cubic spline models were used to explore nonlinear relationships.ResultsThis study enrolled 11,381 participants aged ≥20 years, including 1,437 (14%) with OA. Weighted multivariable regression analysis in the fully adjusted Model 3 indicated a correlation between higher levels of SIRI (log2-transformed) and an increased OA risk (odds ratio: 1.150; 95% confidence interval: 1.000–1.323, p &lt; 0.05). Interaction tests showed that the variables did not significantly affect this correlation (p for interaction all &gt;0.05). Additionally, a restricted cubic spline model revealed a nonlinear relationship between log2(SIRI) and OA risk, with a threshold effect showing 4.757 as the critical value of SIRI. SIRI &lt;4.757 showed almost unchanged OA risk, whereas SIRI &gt;4.757 showed rapidly increasing OA risk.ConclusionThe positive correlation between SIRI and OA risk, with a critical value of 4.757, holds clinical value in practical applications. Additionally, our study indicates that SIRI is a novel, clinically valuable, and convenient inflammatory biomarker that can be used to predict OA risk in adults.
Severe pneumonia with empyema due to multiple anaerobic infections: case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Fangyu , Zhang Xiaojing , Li Yujiao , Gai Wei , Zheng Yafeng , Cai Xudong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundCases of severe pneumonia complicated by empyema due to normal anaerobic flora from the oral cavity are infrequent. Diagnosing anaerobic infections through conventional microbiological test (CMT) is often challenging.Case presentationThis study describes the case of a 67-year-old man, bedridden long-term, who developed severe pneumonia with empyema caused by multiple anaerobic bacterial infections. The patient was hospitalized with a 5-day history of cough, sputum and fever, accompanied by a 2-day history of dyspnea. Despite CMT, the specific etiology remained elusive. However, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) identified various anaerobic bacteria in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), blood and pleural effusion. The patient was diagnosed with a polymicrobial infection involving multiple anaerobic bacteria. Following treatment with metronidazole and moxifloxacin, the patient’s pulmonary symptoms improved.ConclusionmNGS serves as a valuable adjunctive tool for diagnosting and managing patients whose etiology remains unidentified following CMT.
Competency development for pharmacy: adopting and adapting the FIP global advanced development framework
Authors: Al-Haqan Asmaa , Waheedi Salah , Abdullah Israa , Meilianti Sherly , Shaaban Jenan 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundPharmacy education shifts toward competency-based training to meet healthcare demands. This study aims to develop and validate the Kuwait Advanced Competency Framework (KACF) for pharmacists. The study adopts the FIP Global Advanced Development Framework (GADF) to develop a country-specific framework, emphasizing the importance of aligning with global standards while adapting to local contexts. The developed framework builds upon the Kuwait Foundation Competency Framework to address the need for advanced pharmacy services.MethodsThis is a mixed methods study that employed an “adopt and adapt” approach. The KACF was adopted from the FIP GADF and adapted following four phases. Phase one involved checking and validating the Arabic version of the FIP GADF. Phase two employed a series of focus groups to validate accuracy and relevancy of competency statements. Phase three utilized a workshop with different stakeholders as a final step of validation. Phase four involved a national survey to assess the national pharmacy workforce against the framework competencies. Qualitative feedback from focus groups and workshops informed competencies modifications. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses (MCA).ResultsThe translation phase verified a bilingual framework that could be utilized by pharmacists in Kuwait. The initial and final validation phases identified 20 behavioral statements (out of 22 in the original document) that are relevant to pharmacy practice in Kuwait. The national survey, comprising 169 respondents, validated the KACF’s applicability, revealing variations in career stage progression across competency clusters. Findings highlighted associations between career stages and practice settings, offering insights for tailored workforce development strategies.ConclusionThe KACF emerges as a pivotal tool for advancing pharmacy services in Kuwait, aligning with global trends toward competency-based education. Findings underscored the necessity for context-specific approaches in advancing pharmacy practice, providing a comprehensive understanding of competency progression and readiness for advanced roles.
Emergence of blaNDM–1-carrying Enterobacter chengduensis in China
Authors: Fu Hongyu , Zhu Zhichen , Wang Xiao , Lv Jingnan , Zhu Jie , Chen Liang , Yu Hua , Du Hong 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionEnterobacter chengduensis was defined as a novel species in the genus. Enterobacter in 2019, however, antimicrobial resistance, such as carbapenem resistance, has rarely been described in E. chengduensis. This study described the molecular features of four carbapenem-resistant E. chengduensis strains collected from a tertiary health care hospital in Southwest China.MethodsWhole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine the genome sequence of four E. chengduensis strains. The precise species of strains were identified by average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH). The clonal relatedness of four E. chengduensis strains and additional 15 ones from NCBI were examined through phylogenetic analysis. The molecular features of E. chengduensis and genetic structure of carbapenemase- encoding plasmids were characterized through genomic annotation and analysis.ResultsThe results revealed the emergence of blaNDM–1-carrying E. chengduensis strains in China. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis showed that all 19 E. chengduensis belonged to the same sequence type of ST414. Core SNP analysis suggested the potential intrahospital clonal transmission of ST414 E. chengduensis. The carbapenemase-encoding gene blaNDM–1 was harbored by an IncC-type plasmid, which was experimentally confirmed to be able to conjugate.DiscussionThis study reports the first emergence and potential clonal transmission of blaNDM–1-carrying E. chengduensis. Further surveillance should be advocated to monitor the dissemination of carbapenem-resistant E. chengduensis and blaNDM–1-harboring IncC-type plasmids in China.
Abdominal multi-organ iron content and the risk of Parkinson’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Mingrui , Tang Cheng , Peng Fei , Luo Chaotian , Chen Guowei , Kong Rong , Peng Peng 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTo evaluate the causal relationship between abdominal multi-organ iron content and PD risk using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data.MethodsWe conducted MR analysis to assess the effects of iron content in various abdominal organs on PD risk, followed by reverse analysis. Additionally, MVMR analysis evaluated the independent effects of organ-specific iron content on PD. We utilized genetic variation data from the UK Biobank, including liver iron content (n = 32,858), spleen iron content (n = 35,324), and pancreas iron content (n = 25,617), as well as summary-level data for Parkinson’s disease from the FinnGen (n = 218,473) and two other large GWAS datasets of European populations (First dataset n = 480,018; Second dataset n = 2,829). The primary MR analysis used the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, confirmed by MR-Egger and weighted median methods. Sensitivity analysis was performed to address potential pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Observational cohort results were validated through replication cohort analysis, followed by meta-analysis.ResultsIVW analysis revealed a causal relationship between increased liver iron content and elevated risk of PD (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05–1.53; p = 0.015). No significant causal relationship was observed between spleen (OR = 1.00; 95% CI: 0.76–1.32; p = 0.983) and pancreatic (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.72–1.20; p = 0.573) iron content and increased risk of PD. Meta-analysis of GWAS data for PD from three different sources using the random-effects IVW method showed a statistically significant causal relationship between liver iron content and the occurrence of PD (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01–1.35; p = 0.012).ConclusionThis study presents evidence from Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis indicating a significant causal link between increased liver iron content and a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These findings suggest that interventions targeting body iron metabolism, particularly liver iron levels, may be effective in preventing PD.
The integrity of thalamo-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tract: a key factor in residual consciousness in disorders of consciousness patients
Authors: Jung Ji Yoon , Yoo Yeun Jie , Yoon Mi-Jeong , Hong Bo Young , Kim Tae-Woo , Park Geun-Young , Lee Jong In , Lee Soo-Hwan , Im Sun , Lim Seong Hoon 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe mesocircuit model describes a complex network that includes the prefrontal cortical-striatopallidal-thalamo-cortical loop systems and is involved in the mechanism underlying consciousness in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Inhibitory signals to the thalamus become hyperactive in DoC patients, leading to a loss of consciousness. Reactivating this mesocircuit system is important for recovering consciousness in these patients. We investigated how the residual integrity of the thalamo-dorsolateral prefrontal cortex tract (TDLPFCT) influences consciousness in patients with DoC.MethodsThis retrospective case–control study included three groups: prolonged DoC (n = 20), stroke without DoC (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 20). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at least 4 weeks after the onset. Thalamo-DLPFC tracts were reconstructed using diffusion tensor tractography, and fractional anisotropy (FA) and tract volume (TV) were measured for each hemisphere. Consciousness was assessed using the revised coma recovery scale (CRS-R) within a week of brain imaging.ResultsSignificant differences in DLPFCT TV were observed across all three groups, in both affected and less-affected lobes, with the DoC group showing the greatest reduction. A significant correlation was found between the TV of the less-affected TDLPFCT and CRS-R score.ConclusionThe integrity of the TDLPFCT, particularly in the less affected hemisphere, is associated with consciousness levels in patients with prolonged DoC. This finding suggests its potential importance in assessing prognosis and further developing therapeutic strategies for patients with DoC.
Flow diversion for unruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms: comparison of p64 classic, p64 MW HPC, and p48 MW HPC flow diverter stents
Authors: Hellstern V. , Brenner N. , Cimpoca A. , Albina Palmarola P. , Henkes E. , Wendl C. , Bäzner H. , Ganslandt O. , Henkes H. 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMCA bifurcation aneurysms pose treatment challenges because of the complex hemodynamics at the bifurcation and the risk of rupture. FDS implantation has been controversial and there are only limited reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of this treatment strategy using p64 MW HPC and p48 MW HPC FDSs for MCA bifurcation aneurysms, compared with the p64 classic FDS.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed our institutional database and identified all patients with saccular, non-ruptured MCA bifurcation aneurysms treated with p64 MW HPC, p48 MW HPC, or p64 classic FDS implantation alone. Aneurysms with implantation of additional devices in the same session, previous treatments, and acutely ruptured and fusiform aneurysms were excluded.ResultsA total of 79 aneurysms met the inclusion criteria: 23 receiving a p64 MW HPC, 34 receiving a p48 MW HPC, and 22 receiving a p64 classic FDS. The occlusion rate was highest for the p48 MW HPC 2 mm FDS, at 88.9% at FU2, compared with 72.2% for the p64 MW HPC and 70.6% for the p64 classic. The time to aneurysm occlusion was shortest with the p64 MW HPC, at 178.31 days. The highest retreatment rate was observed with the p48 MW HPC 3 mm.ConclusionTreatment of MCA bifurcation aneurysms with a p48 MW HPC 2 mm or p64 MW HPC FDS is a safe and reliable strategy achieving high aneurysm occlusion rates - attributable to their lower porosity in relation to the parent vessel diameter as compared to the p48 MW HPC 3 mm FDS-, with reasonable morbidity and mortality.