bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the efficacy of 0.9% normal saline with balanced crystalloid (Plasmalyte) in maintaining the metabolic profile in head injury patients undergoing evacuation of acute subdural haematoma – A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sakkanan Naveen Vivek , Swaminathan Srinivasan , Bidkar Prasanna Udupi , Vairappan Balasubramaniyan , Sathiaprabhu A , Dey Ankita 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:
The choice of intravenous fluids is important in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), where large volumes may be required for resuscitation. Our study aimed to compare 0.9% normal saline (NS) with balanced crystalloid (Plasmalyte) in TBI patients in terms of metabolic and coagulation profile, brain relaxation score (BRS) and renal functions using serum urea, creatinine and urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2* insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7, [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7], value to assess the risk of acute kidney injury.

Methods:
This randomised controlled trial on 90 TBI patients undergoing emergency craniotomy and subdural haematoma evacuation was conducted in a tertiary care institute. The patients were randomised to receive either NS (Group NS) or Plasmalyte (Group P) as the intraoperative maintenance fluid. The primary outcome measures included the potential of hydrogen (pH), base excess (BE) and chloride values from an arterial blood gas. The secondary outcomes were the coagulation profile, BRS and urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7]. The two groups’ metabolic profile differences were analysed using two-way repeated analysis of variance. BRS was analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test. A P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:
The pH and chloride values were significantly higher, and the BE values were significantly lower in Group P compared to Group NS (P < 0.001). Brain relaxation and coagulation profiles were comparable between the two groups. Serum creatinine (P = 0.002) and urinary [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] (P = 0.042) were significantly higher in the NS group.

Conclusion:
Plasmalyte maintains a more favourable metabolic profile than NS in TBI patients without affecting brain relaxation adversely.
Status of vector protection measures and awareness regarding vector borne diseases in families residing in a “Nirmal Gram Puraskar” village in India
Authors: Rohit A , Mangasuli Vijayalaxmi , Amrutha AM , Sidenur Bhagyalaxmi , Vijeth SB 
Published: May 2024

Background & objectives:
Mosquito-bome diseases are increasing problems in various parts of the world, causing high mortality and morbidity for humans. This study was done to assess the vector protection measures taken by rural below poverty line (BPL) families, and to assess the awareness about vector-borne diseases along with Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in rural BPL families.

Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area which won “Nirmal Gram Puraskar” Award i.e., “clean village” among 96 below BPL families for a period of three months. These families (every 5th) were selected by systematic random sampling until we reached a sample size. Basic socio-demographic details, status of vector protection measures, solid waste management, vector-borne diseases and total sanitation campaign details were collected from the study participants. Pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of the families which included sanitation status at home by house-to-house visit. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation.

Results:
Among 96 families studied (454 adults and children), 84 (87.5%) were males and 12 (12.5%) were females. Among these, 291 (64.1%) were using one or the other mosquito protection measures, 52 (54.2%) were using bednets and 23 (23.9%) used coils. 12 families (12.5%) were not using any mosquito protection measures. In our study, 66 (68.8%) families had individual household latrine (IHHL) and 50 (52.1%) had open drainage. Even though 314 participants had an access to individual household latrine, 20 (6.36%) had practice of open air defecation compared to 127 (90.7%) who practiced open air defecation without an access to individual household latrine. When asked about the awareness regarding vector-borne diseases, 56 (58.3%) were aware about chikungunya, 47 (48.9%) about dengue, 46 (47.9%) about malaria, 14 (14.6%) and only 5 (5.2%) families were aware about Japanese encephalitis. In this study, 37 (38.5%) were aware about the total sanitation campaign and 40 (41.6%) about the government support for sanitation.

Interpretation & conclusion:
While there is a general awareness of vector-borne diseases, the implementation of vector protection measures is not uniform across the village. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector protection measures and increase awareness among the community.
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Are tumors smaller than 2 cm truly indolent?
Authors: Hoyos Sergio , Posada-Moreno Pablo , Guzman-Arango Natalia , Chanci-Drago Romario , Chavez Jaime , Andrés-Duarte Alvaro , Salazar-Ochoa Santiago 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) are relatively rare but rank as the second most common pancreatic neoplasm. They can be functional, causing early metabolic disturbances due to hormone secretion, or non-functional and diagnosed later based on tumor size-related symptoms. Recent diagnoses of PNETs under 2 cm in size have sparked debates about their management; some practitioners advocate for surgical removal and others suggest observation due to the tumors’ lower potential for malignancy. However, it is unclear whether managing these small tumors expectantly is truly safe.
AIM
To evaluate poor prognostic factors in PNETs based on tumor size (> 2 cm or < 2 cm) in surgically treated patients.
METHODS
This cohort study included 64 patients with PNETs who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2019 at a high-complexity reference hospital in Medellín, Colombia. To assess patient survival, quarterly follow-ups were conducted during the first year after surgery, followed by semi-annual consultations at the hospital's hepatobiliary surgery department. Qualitative variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies, and quantitative variables were expressed using measures of central tendency and their corresponding measures of dispersion.
RESULTS
The presence of lymph node involvement, neural involvement, and lymphovascular invasion were all associated with an increased risk of mortality, with hazard ratios of 5.68 (95%CI: 1.26–25.61, P = 0.024), 6.44 (95%CI: 1.43–28.93, P = 0.015), and 24.87 (95%CI: 2.98–207.19, P = 0.003), respectively. Neural involvement and lymphovascular invasion were present in tumors smaller than 2 cm in diameter and those larger than 2 cm in diameter. The recurrence rates between the two tumor groups were furthermore similar: 18.2% for tumors smaller than 2 cm and 21.4% for tumors larger than 2 cm. Patient survival was additionally comparable between the two tumor groups.
CONCLUSION
Tumor size does not dictate prognosis; lymph node and lymphovascular involvement affect mortality, which highlights that histopathological factors-rather than tumor size-may play a role in management.
Albumin–bilirubin grade as a predictor of survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Man Zhong-Ran , Gong Xuan-Kun , Qu Kang-Lin , Pang Qing , Wu Bin-Quan 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
The models for assessing liver function, mainly the Child–Pugh (CP), albumin–bilirubin (ALBI), and platelet–ALBI (PALBI) classifications, have been validated for use in estimating the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. However, thrombocytopenia is a common finding and may influence the prognostic value of the three models in HCC.
AIM
To investigate and compare the prognostic performance of the above three models in thrombocytopenic HCC patients.
METHODS
A total of 135 patients with thrombocytopenic HCC who underwent radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative scores on the CP, ALBI and PALBI classifications were estimated accordingly. Kaplan–Meier curves with log-rank tests and Cox regression models were used to explore the significant factors associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
RESULTS
The preoperative platelet counts were significantly different among the CP, ALBI and PALBI groups. After a median follow-up of 28 mo, 39.3% (53/135) of the patients experienced postoperative recurrence, and 36.3% (49/135) died. Univariate analysis suggested that α-fetoprotein levels, tumor size, vascular invasion, and ALBI grade were significant predictors of OS and RFS. According to the multivariate Cox regression model, ALBI was identified as an independent prognostic factor. However, CP and PALBI grades were not statistically significant prognostic indicators.
CONCLUSION
The ALBI grade, rather than CP or PALBI grade, is a significant prognostic indicator for thrombocytopenic HCC patients.
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy-assisted biliary polypectomy for local palliative treatment of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct
Authors: Ren Xu , Qu Yong-Ping , Zhu Chun-Lan , Xu Xiao-Hong , Jiang Hong , Lu Yi-Xia , Xue Hong-Peng 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) is a premalignant biliary-type epithelial neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth. Currently reported local palliative therapeutic modalities, including endoscopic nasobiliary drainage, stenting and biliary curettage, endoscopic biliary polypectomy, percutaneous biliary drainage, laser ablation, argon plasma coagulation, photodynamic therapy, and radiofrequency ablation to relieve mechanical obstruction are limited with weaknesses and disadvantages. We have applied percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS)-assisted biliary polypectomy (PTCS-BP) technique for the management of IPNB including mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type tumors since 2010.
AIM
To assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of PTCS-BP for local palliative treatment of IPNB.
METHODS
Patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like or polypoid type IPNB and receiving PTCS-BP between September 2010 and December 2019 were included. PTCS-BP was performed by using a half-moon type snare with a soft stainless-steel wire, and the tumor was snared and resected with electrocautery. The primary outcome was its feasibility, indicated by technical success. The secondary outcomes were efficacy, including therapeutic success, curative resection, and clinical success, and safety.
RESULTS
Five patients (four with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB) were included. Low- and high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and recurrent IPNB with invasive carcinoma were observed in one, two, and two patients, respectively. Repeated cholangitis and/or obstructive jaundice were presented in all four patients with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type IPNB. All five patients achieved technical success of PTCS-BP. Four patients (three with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type and one with polypoid type IPNB) obtained therapeutic success; one with mucin-hypersecreting cast-like type tumors in the intrahepatic small bile duct and HGIN had residual tumors. All four patients with mucin-hypersecreting IPNB achieved clinical success. The patient with polypoid type IPNB achieved curative resection. There were no PTCS-BP-related serious adverse events.
CONCLUSION
PTCS-BP appears to be feasible, efficacious, and safe for local palliative treatment of both mucin-hypersecreting cast-like and polypoid type IPNB.
Four centrosome-related genes to predict the prognosis and drug sensitivity of patients with colon cancer
Authors: Wang Hui-Yan , Diao Yan , Tan Pei-Zhu , Liang Huan 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
As the primary microtubule organizing center in animal cells, centrosome abnormalities are involved in human colon cancer.
AIM
To explore the role of centrosome-related genes (CRGs) in colon cancer.
METHODS
CRGs were collected from public databases. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to separate the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage selection operator regression analyses were performed to identify candidate prognostic CRGs and construct a centrosome-related signature (CRS) to score colon cancer patients. A nomogram was developed to evaluate the CRS risk in colon cancer patients. An integrated bioinformatics analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the CRS and tumor immune microenvironment and response to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Single-cell transcriptome analysis was conducted to examine the immune cell landscape of core prognostic genes.
RESULTS
A total of 726 CRGs were collected from public databases. A CRS was constructed, which consisted of the following four genes: TSC1 , AXIN2 , COPS7A , and MTUS1 . Colon cancer patients with a high-risk signature had poor survival. Patients with a high-risk signature exhibited decreased levels of plasma cells and activated memory CD4+ T cells. Regarding treatment response, patients with a high-risk signature were resistant to immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. COPS7A expression was relatively high in endothelial cells and fibroblasts. MTUS1 expression was high in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and malignant cells.
CONCLUSION
We constructed a centrosome-related prognostic signature that can accurately predict the prognosis of colon cancer patients, contributing to the development of individualized treatment for colon cancer.
METTL5 promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by up-regulating Toll-like receptor 8 expression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kong Ling-Shang , Tao Ran , Li Yi-Fan , Wang Wen-Bin , Zhao Xue 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents the predominant alteration found in eukaryotic messenger RNA and plays a crucial role in the progression of various tumors. However, despite its significance, the comprehensive investigation of METTL5, a key m6A methyltransferase, in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains limited.
AIM
To investigate the role of METTL5 in CRC.
METHODS
We assessed METTL5 expression levels in clinical samples obtained from CRC patients as well as in CRC cell lines. To elucidate the downstream targets of METTL5, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis coupled with correlation analysis, leading us to identify Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) as a potential downstream target. In vitro functional assessments of METTL5 and TLR8 were conducted using CCK-8 assays, scratch assays, as well as assays measuring cell migration and invasion.
RESULTS
Our findings reveal a pronounced upregulation of METTL5 expression in both CRC cells and tissues, which correlated significantly with an unfavorable prognosis. In vitro experiments unequivocally demonstrated the oncogenic role of METTL5, as evidenced by its promotion of CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Notably, we identified TLR8 as a downstream target of METTL5, and subsequent down-regulation of TLR8 led to a significant inhibition of CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth.
CONCLUSION
The heightened expression of METTL5 in CRC is strongly associated with clinicopathological features and a poor prognosis, thereby underscoring its potential utility as a critical marker for facilitating early diagnosis and prognostication in CRC.
Chemoradiotherapy plus tislelizumab for mismatch repair proficient rectal cancer with supraclavicular lymph node metastasis: A case report
Authors: Zhong Wen-Tao , Lv Yuan , Wang Qian-Yu , An Ran , Chen Gang , Du Jun-Feng 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
According to the latest report, colorectal cancer is still one of the most prevalent cancers, with the third highest incidence and mortality worldwide. Treatment of advanced rectal cancer with distant metastases is usually unsatisfactory, especially for mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) rectal cancer, which leads to poor prognosis and recurrence.
CASE SUMMARY
We report a case of a pMMR rectal adenocarcinoma with metastases of multiple lymph nodes, including the left supraclavicular lymph node, before treatment in a 70-year-old man. He received full courses of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by 4 cycles of programmed death 1 inhibitor Tislelizumab, and a pathologic complete response (pCR) was achieved, and the lesion of the left supraclavicular lymph node also disappeared.
CONCLUSION
pMMR advanced rectal cancer with preserved intact distant metastatic lymph nodes may benefit from full-course CRT combined with immunotherapy.
Hepatocellular carcinoma presenting as an extrahepatic mass: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wu Wei Kelly , Patel Krutika , Padmanabhan Chandrasekhar , Idrees Kamran 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver tumor generally diagnosed based on radiographic findings. Metastatic disease is typically associated with increased tumor diameter, multifocality, and vascular invasion. We report a case of a patient who presented with extrahepatic HCC metastasis to a portocaval lymph node with occult hepatic primary on computed tomography (CT). We review the literature for cases of extrahepatic HCC presentation without known hepatic lesions and discuss strategies to differentiate between metastatic and ectopic HCC.
CASE SUMMARY
A 67-year-old male with remotely treated hepatis C was referred for evaluation of an enlarging portocaval, mixed cystic-solid mass. Serial CT evaluations demonstrated steatosis, but no cirrhosis or liver lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a normal-appearing pancreas, biliary tree, and liver. Fine needle aspiration yielded atypical cells. The differential diagnosis included duodenal or pancreatic cyst, lymphoproliferative cyst, stromal or mesenchymal lesions, nodal involvement from gastrointestinal or hematologic malignancy, or duodenal gastro-intestinal stromal tumor. After review by a multidisciplinary tumor board, the patient underwent open surgical resection of a 5.2 cm × 5.5 cm retroperitoneal mass with pathology consistent with moderately-differentiated HCC. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) subsequently demonstrated a 1.2 cm segment VIII hepatic lesion with late arterial enhancement, fatty sparing, and intrinsic T1 hyperintensity. Alpha fetoprotein was 23.3 ng/mL. The patient was diagnosed with HCC with portocaval nodal involvement. Review: We surveyed the literature for HCC presenting as extrahepatic masses without history of concurrent or prior intrahepatic HCC. We identified 18 cases of extrahepatic HCC ultimately found to represent metastatic lesions, and 30 cases of extrahepatic HCC found to be primary, ectopic HCC.
CONCLUSION
Hepatocellular carcinoma can seldomly present with extrahepatic metastasis in the setting of occult primary. In patients with risk factors for HCC and lesions suspicious for metastatic disease, MRI may be integral to identifying small hepatic lesions and differentiating from ectopic HCC. Tumor markers may also have utility in establishing the diagnosis.
Association between COVID-19 Severity and Expression of Viral Nucleic Acid Sensor Genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Nasopharyngeal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ghoreshi Zohreh-Al-Sadat , Behboudi Emad , Askarpour Hedyeh , Raesi Nejad Fatemeh , Arefinia Nasir 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT.
This study examined expression of key viral nucleic acid sensor genes MDA5, ZBP1, and AIM2 in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) obtained from 153 COVID-19 patients across a spectrum of disease severity (mild, severe, and critical) and 42 healthy controls. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify and compare sensor transcript levels. The COVID-19 cohort had a mean age of 53.6 years. All three sensor genes including MDA5 (3.2-fold), ZBP1 (5.1-fold), and AIM2 (4.7-fold) exhibited significantly higher messenger RNA expression in both nasopharyngeal and PBMC samples from infected patients compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, sensor transcript upregulation positively correlated with escalating disease severity. During early stages, ZBP1 and AIM2 transcripts were selectively elevated within the nasopharyngeal compartment, suggesting a localized antiviral response. Whereas later during critical disease stages, ZBP1 and AIM2 levels became preferentially heightened within circulating PBMCs, indicating systemic immune cell activation. By comparison, MDA5 elevation manifested within nasopharyngeal epithelial cells during both early- and late-phase infection. Intriguingly, males displayed higher ZBP1 and AIM2 expression compared with females, whereas MDA5 transcript levels were conversely higher among females. Overall, escalation of these key viral sensor genes appears closely linked to COVID-19 progression, with initial nasal mucosal upregulation transitioning to widespread blood cell activation in severe systemic disease. These patterns of sensor expression suggest frontline immunological efforts to constrain early viral invasion and combat severe late-stage COVID-19 illness through innate detection of replicating SARS-CoV-2.
Identification of genetically plastic forms among Belarusian ancient flax (Linum usitatissimum convar. elongatum Vav. et Ell.) varieties using the Linum Insertion Sequence LIS-1
Authors: Parfenchyk Maria , Lemesh Valentina , Lagunovskaya Elena , Sakovich Valentina , Buloichik Andrei , Guzenko Elena , Khotyleva Lyubov 
Published: May 2024

The Linum Insertion Sequence 1 (LIS-1) occurs in the genetically plastic flax genotypes in response to the lack or excess of mineral and water nutrition, but also naturally, and can be transmitted to the progeny. We have analyzed 21 ancient Belarusian varieties of flax Linum usitatissimum convar. elongatum Vav. et Ell. The LIS-1 presence or absence was checked for individual plants in at minimum two generations with primer-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. The studied flax varieties formed four groups: non-responsive varieties (LIS-1 was not found, group NR); responsive, which formed and completely lost the insertion (group R0); responsive, which formed and retained LIS-1 (group R1); and responsive unstable (group R2). A statistically significant difference was found in ‘plant height’ (p < 0.05), ‘technical length of the stem’ (p < 0.05) between R0 and NR, and R2 and NR LIS-1 groups. The machine learning algorithm random forest classifier was used to predict the presence, absence or heterozygosity of LIS-1 in flax plants based on their growth and reproductive characteristics. As a result, the accuracy of the prediction was 98% on test data. In terms of sources for the selection of fibre flax varieties adaptive to environmental challenges, the most promising group consists of responsive varieties that have formed LIS-1 insertion (R0, R1 and R2 groups).