bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability and reproducibility of a new spectral-domain optical coherence tomography biometer and agreement with swept-source optical coherence tomography based biometer
Authors: Li Xin , Lei Chak Seng , Ning Rui , Liu Luze , Chen Aodong , Yang Xinning , Savini Giacomo , Schiano-Lomoriello Domenico , Zhou Xingtao , Huang Jinhai 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
To assess the repeatability and reproducibility of the Colombo IOL biometer (Moptim, China), which utilizes spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), in measuring ocular parameters of normal subjects and to compare its agreement with the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT)-based IOLMaster 700 biometer (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Germany).

Methods
This prospective study included 91 eyes from 91 normal subjects. The evaluated parameters were axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), aqueous depth (AQD), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), flattest and steepest meridian keratometry (Kf and Ks), mean keratometry (Km), astigmatism (AST) magnitude, white-to-white (WTW) distance, and pupil diameter (PD). The within-subject standard deviation (Sw), test–retest repeatability (TRT), coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine the repeatability and reproducibility. Paired t-tests and Bland–Altman plots with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were employed to assess the agreement.

Results
With respect to intraobserver repeatability, the Sw and TRT values of all evaluated parameters were low. Except J45 and PD, the ICCs were all higher than 0.928. The reproducibility Sw and TRT values of Colombo IOL were also low, and ICCs were not lower than 0.900. Comparing Colombo IOL and IOLMaster 700, the 95% LoA of AL, CCT, AQD, ACD, LT, Kf, Ks, Km, AST, J0, J45, WTW and PD ranged from − 0.08 to 0.03 mm, − 21.58 to 5.09 μm, 0.01 to 0.15 mm, − 0.01 to 0.14 mm, − 0.05 to 0.10 mm, − 0.14 to 0.59 D, − 0.31 to 0.40 D, − 0.13 to 0.40 D, − 0.68 to 0.32 D, − 0.09 to 0.34 D, − 0.07 to 0.25 D, 0.11 to 1.47 mm, and − 0.97 to 2.31 mm, respectively.

Conclusion
The new SD-OCT-based Colombo IOL biometer demonstrates excellent repeatability and reproducibility. Moreover, it generally agrees well with the SS-OCT-based IOLMaster 700, except for the WTW and PD measurements.
Lipidomics-based investigation of its impact on the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Qun , Cao Yuan , Jia Lianqun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Considerable attention has been devoted to investigating the association between lipid metabolites and cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary atherosclerosis.

Methods
A two-sample MR framework was used to investigate the relationship between lipid metabolites and the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Two GWAS datasets were examined to take intersections of SNPs from 51,589 cases and 343,079 controls, and 14,334 cases and 346,860 controls to determine genetic susceptibility to coronary atherosclerosis. Random-effects inverse variance weighted (IVW) MR analyses were performed by a series of sensitivity assessments to measure the robustness of our findings and to detect any violations of MR assumptions.

Results
Through IVW, MR-Egger and weighted median regression methods, we inferred that these six lipid metabolites: cholesterol levels, sterol ester (27:1/18:2) levels, triacylglycerol (52:4) levels, triacylglycerol (52:5) levels, diacylglycerol (18:1_18.2) levels, triacylglycerol (53:4), could directly impact the development of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our study comprehensively illustrates a causal relationship between lipid metabolites and the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. Furthermore, cholesterol levels, sterol ester (27:1/18:2) levels, triacylglycerol (52:4) levels, triacylglycerol (52:5) levels, diacylglycerol (18:1_18.2) levels, and triacylglycerol (53:4) levels are positively correlated with the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. These six lipid metabolites have the potential as new predictors of the risk of atherosclerosis, providing new insights into the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Mediating Mendelian randomization in the proteome identified potential drug targets for obesity-related allergic asthma
Authors: Lin Jiannan , Lu Shuwen , Zhao Xiaoyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
With the development of the economy, the number of obese patients has been increasing annually worldwide. The proportion of asthma patients associated with obesity is also gradually rising. However, the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma remains incompletely understood, and conventional pharmacological treatments generally show limited efficacy.

Objective
This study aims to explore the causal relationship between obesity and allergic asthma, elucidate the pathogenesis of obesity-related asthma, and identify the plasma proteins involved in its development, providing new insights for clinical interventions.

Methods
In this study, we employed a two-step approach for mediation Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, utilizing stringent selection criteria to identify instrumental variables (IVs). This approach was used to assess the causal impact of obesity on allergic asthma and to validate the plasma proteins identified as mediating factors. We further explored the functions and enriched pathways of the mediating proteins using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Finally, we conducted drug-targeted MR analysis to evaluate the potential of each mediator plasma proteins as a drug target gene. If significant heterogeneity remained among the IVs, we applied the weighted median method as the primary analytical tool. Otherwise, we utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method as the main analytical approach. Additionally, we conducted various sensitivity analyses and statistical tests to further illustrate the robustness of the observed associations.

Results
The research findings indicate a causal relationship between obesity and allergic asthma. Plasma proteins such as TPST1, ROR1, and DAPK1 mediate this relationship, with TPST1 accounting for over 10% of the mediation effect. GO and KEGG analyses show that the genes corresponding to these mediator proteins are primarily enriched in pathways related to responses to stimuli, carbohydrate synthesis and metabolism, regulation of certain protein activities, and synaptic connections. The drug-targeted MR analysis suggests that SIGLEC12, BOLA1, HOMER2, and TPST1 all have the potential to be drug target genes.

Conclusion
This study suggests that obese patients defined by BMI may promote the development of allergic asthma by influencing the expression of plasma proteins such as TPST1, ROR1, and DAPK1. Furthermore, some of these plasma proteins, including TPST1, could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for treating allergic asthma in these patients. However, further research is needed to explore their therapeutic potential and the mechanisms underlying their effects.

Clinical trial number
Not applicable.
Clinical evaluation of 3D PEEK implants for skull bone defects repair: a single center case serious
Authors: Elnaggar Mohamed Ahmed , Elnoamany Hossam Abdelhakim , Eissa Mohamed K. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Custom-designed 3D-printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have emerged as a promising option for skull bone defect repair. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes, feasibility, and safety of using 3D-printed PEEK implants in patients with skull defects.

Methods
A retrospective case series was conducted at Menoufia University Hospital, reviewing the medical records of patients who underwent cranioplasty between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients aged 18–65 years with skull bone defects due to trauma, surgical resection, or congenital anomalies were included. All patients underwent preoperative CT scans for custom implant design using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The 3D-printed PEEK implants were fabricated and implanted during surgery. Primary outcome measures included successful implant integration and structural stability, while secondary outcomes assessed complications and patient satisfaction.

Results
Thirteen patients (76.9% male, mean age 45.8 years) were included. The majority of defects were caused by trauma (76.9%). The mean time to cranioplasty was 6 ± 2 months, and the average operative time was 143 ± 34 min. Mean blood loss was 265 ± 97 cc, and the average hospital stay was 2.85 ± 0.9 days. Complications included dural tears in 38.5% of cases, while no immediate postoperative complications were reported. Late complications included one case of convulsions (7.7%) and one superficial infection (7.7%). Radiographic follow-up confirmed successful implant integration in all patients.

Conclusion
3D-printed PEEK implants provide a feasible and effective solution for skull bone defect repair, with favorable outcomes and manageable complication rates. These custom implants offer a personalized approach to cranioplasty, but larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to validate these findings.
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, case series and review of literature
Authors: Mohammad Farrag , Abd Elhakeem Ahmed Abd Essattar , Algheriany Ahmad , Elshanawany Ahmed 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma is a rare circumscribed astrocytic glial neoplasm that represents less than 1% of astrocytic tumors. This is a retrospective descriptive hospital-based study of this rare tumor that includes five patients. Epidemiologic characteristics and preoperative clinical findings were recorded. Preoperative MRI characteristics and postoperative histopathology and immunohistochemistry were analyzed.

Results
The study included five patients, two diagnosed as Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 2 tumors and three patients diagnosed as Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 3 tumors. Age ranged from 4 to 47 years, three females and two males. All cases presented with seizures, only one case showed neurological deficit. The solid portions showed hyperintense signal in diffusion-weighted image in three cases (Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 3), while two cases showed isointense signal (Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 2). The mean apparent diffusion coefficient was 0.76 × 10–3 mm2/sec and 1.005 × 10–3 mm2/sec, respectively. Regarding immunohistochemistry, cytoplasmic glial fibrillary acidic protein was strongly positive in all five cases as well as synaptophysin. IDH was negative in all cases. CD34 was positive in three cases, P53 was positive in three cases (Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 3), Ki67 was positive in three cases (Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 3).

Conclusion
Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas are rare neoplasms with a better prognosis in grade 2 than grade 3. Diffusion-weighted imaging technology can be used to differentiate between grade 2 and grade 3 Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma preoperatively but further studies on larger samples are needed to confirm the possibility. Mitotic count is the main parameter used to differentiate Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma grade 2 and grade 3, but immunohistochemistry can play a role in that in the future.
A novel oversampling method based on Wasserstein CGAN for imbalanced classification
Authors: Zhou Hongfang , Pan Heng , Zheng Kangyun , Wu Zongling , Xiang Qingyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Class imbalance is a crucial challenge in classification tasks, and in recent years, with the advancements in deep learning, research on oversampling techniques based on GANs has proliferated. These techniques have proven to be excellent in addressing the class imbalance issue by capturing the distributional features of minority samples during training and generating high-quality new samples. However, oversampling methods based on GANs may suffer from gradient vanishing, resulting in mode collapse, and produce noise and boundary-blurring issues when generating new samples. This paper proposes a novel oversampling method based on a conditional GAN (CGAN) incorporating Wasserstein distance. It generates an initial balanced dataset from minority class samples using the CGAN oversampling approach and then uses a noise and boundary recognition method based on K-means and

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nearest neighbors algorithm to address the noise and boundary-blurring issues. The proposed method generates new samples that are highly consistent with the original sample distribution and effectively solves the problems of noise data and class boundary blurring. Experimental results on multiple public datasets show that the proposed method achieves significant improvements in evaluation metrics such as Recall, F1_score, G-mean, and AUC.
Impact of interferon-free regimens in patients with chronic HCV and successfully ablated HCC
Authors: Mahmoud Rasheed Amr Maged , Raziky Maissa E. L. , Sayed Mohammad El , Mehrez Mai , Esmat Gamal 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks sixth amongst all cancers and is the 2nd top cause of mortality attributable to cancer.

Aim of the work
This study aimed to ascertain the sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-free regimens in chronic people with HCV after the successful treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as the percentage of persons who would demonstrate any radiological or laboratory alterations indicating a local or de novo recurrence of HCC.

Patients and methods
This trial was carried out on 90 Egyptian persons with chronic HCV infection who were eligible for treatment with oral antiviral agents (DAAs) with hepatic focal lesion(s). Patients were referred to from both the outpatient clinic and hepatocellular carcinoma clinic at the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), and the trial was conducted in the period between October 2017 and May 2021.

Results
Four patients with distant metastasis, three dying from liver-related incidents, received surgical resection, TACE, and RFA treatment, while one patient survived with compensated chronic liver disease. By multivariate logistic regression, we found that AFP is an independent predictor of HCC recurrence, while baseline urea level and FIB4 before antiviral therapy protect against recurrence. PLT was the best predictor, with AFP having a sensitivity of 52% and specificity of 93.8% at a cutoff value of 135 and PCR having a sensitivity of 72%.

Conclusion
The HCC recurrence rate was 27.8%, slightly higher than the estimated annual HCC recurrence rate following curative procedures (20%).
Unmanned aerial vehicle aerial image stitching method based on superpixel segmentation
Authors: Lian Zhiyou , Ren Jianhua 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Addressing the issues of long processing time, high computational complexity, and poor stitching quality in existing methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerial image stitching, this paper proposes an aerial image stitching method based on similar region estimation. Firstly, the input set of UAV aerial images is subjected to superpixel segmentation to estimate similar regions among the images. Secondly, an improved SIFT algorithm is used to extract and match feature points within the similar regions across the image set. Finally, based on the obtained matching points, an improved optimal seam-line algorithm and a weighted average fusion algorithm are employed to fuse the images, resulting in the stitched aerial image. Experimental validation using the public dataset UAV-image-mosaicing dataset demonstrates that our method achieves nearly double the speed of feature extraction compared to traditional feature extraction algorithms and triples the feature matching rate. Furthermore, compared to mainstream UAV aerial image stitching methods, our approach reduces time consumption by half while improving the stitching image evaluation metrics of SSIM, MAE, and PSNR by approximately 5% on average.
Endocrine dysfunction in primary mitochondrial diseases
Authors: Varughese Rachel , Rahman Shamima 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD) are genetic disorders affecting the structure or function of the mitochondrion. Mitochondrial functions are diverse, including energy production, ion homeostasis, reactive oxygen species regulation, antioxidant defence, and biosynthetic responsibilities, notably including steroidogenesis. Mitochondria provide the energy to drive intracellular production and extracellular secretion of all hormones. The understanding of the endocrine consequences of PMD is key to timely identification of both endocrine complications in PMD patients, and PMD presenting primarily with endocrine disease. This is a narrative review on the endocrine manifestations of PMD, underlying disease mechanisms and current and emerging approaches to diagnosing and treating these complex disorders. Diabetes is the most frequent endocrine manifestation of PMD, but growth hormone deficiency, adrenal insufficiency, hypogonadism and parathyroid dysfunction may occur. Despite the intricate involvement of the thyroid gland in metabolic regulation, there is little evidence for a causal relationship between thyroid dysfunction and PMD. In conclusion, endocrine dysfunction is observed in PMD with varying incidence depending on the specific mitochondrial disorder and the endocrine organ in question. Diagnosis of PMD in a patient with endocrine presenting features requires a high level of clinical suspicion, particularly when apparently unrelated co-morbidities co-exist. Similarly, endocrine pathology may be subtle in patients with known PMD and thorough consideration must be given to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. The scope for novel therapeutics for this group of devastating conditions is enormous, however, several challenges remain to be overcome before hopes of curative treatments can be brought into clinical practice.
Image-Guided Robotic Surgery for Sentinel Lymph Node Status Assessment in Uterine Cancers Using Ultrasound Drop-in Probe: Surgical Technique in 10 Steps
Authors: Pavone Matteo , Teodorico Elena , Bizzarri Nicolò , Innocenzi Chiara , Rosati Andrea , Zorzi Michela , Cantarini Chiara , Ciancia Marianna , Moro Francesca , Gallotta Valerio , Marescaux Jacques , Lecointre Lise , Fagotti Anna , Scambia Giovanni , Fanfani Francesco , Testa Antonia , Querleu Denis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Recent guidelines recommend the sentinel lymph node (SLN) technique in uterine cancers, as it is associated with lower perioperative complications.1 Image-guided surgery can address some limitations of SLN procedures, such as low frozen-section accuracy and risk of empty packets,2–4 by providing real-time lymph node assessment.5,6 This video describes the surgical procedure of intraoperative robotic ultrasound examination for SLN assessment.

Materials and Methods
The Arietta L43K (2–12 MHz, Hitachi, Japan) drop-in robotic ultrasound probe was used to assist with SLN dissection. The procedure was performed on the da Vinci Xi platform. The probe, introduced through an accessory trocar, was manipulated by robotic instruments, providing real-time ultrasound imaging in split-view mode on the surgeon’s console. Ultrasound images, captured by the surgeon under the guidance of an experienced ultrasound examiner, were analyzed both in vivo and ex vivo.7

Results
The procedure involves ten steps, detailed as follows. (1) The procedure begins with the cervical injection of indocyanine green. (2) The pelvic retroperitoneum is opened to allow access to anatomical landmarks. (3) Using near-infrared imaging mode, the lymphatic pathways are highlighted, allowing for the identification of the SLN. (4) Once identified, the drop-in ultrasound probe is introduced. (5) The console is switched to split-view mode, enabling the surgeon to observe ultrasound images alongside the endoscopic view. (6) In vivo imaging is conducted. (7) Both images and videos of the lymph node are captured. (8) The SLN is subsequently dissected. (9) SLN specimens are safely extracted. (10) Ex vivo ultrasound assessment is performed to further evaluate their characteristics.

Conclusions
Although its accuracy compared with histology as the gold standard is yet to be demonstrated, image-guided robotic lymph node ultrasound is a feasible and promising procedure for real-time SLN assessment. A prospective study is ongoing (R-LYNUS, NCT06621823) to clinically validate this technique.
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Using Moderately Hypofractionated Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy Versus Upfront Surgery for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yamane Kei , Anazawa Takayuki , Nagai Kazuyuki , Kasai Yosuke , Masui Toshihiko , Izuwa Aya , Kurahashi Koki , Ishida Satoshi , Ogiso Satoshi , Yoshimura Michio , Iwai Takahiro , Matsubara Junichi , Fukuda Akihisa , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Hidaka Yu , Ibi Yumiko , Hatano Etsuro 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (R-PDAC) remains unclear. This study was designed to evaluate neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy by using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (NAC-IMRT) for R-PDAC compared with upfront surgery (UpS).

Methods
Among 198 patients with R-PDAC who were indicated for resection between 2013 and 2021, 130 were included in this study after excluding patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and did not meet the NAC-IMRT criteria (Eligible set). NAC-IMRT was planned for 58 patients, and UpS was planned for 72 patients. Additionally, in 105 patients who could undergo the planned treatment (As-treated set), the surgical, pathological, and oncological outcomes were evaluated.

Results
In the Eligible set, median overall survival (OS) was 50.5 months with NAC-IMRT and 34.7 months with UpS and progression-free survival was 20.4 months with NAC-IMRT and 13.9 months with UpS. In the As-treated set, OS was longer in the NAC-IMRT group (66.7 months vs. 34.7 months, p = 0.007). On multivariate analysis, NAC-IMRT was identified as an independent factor for better OS (hazard ratio 0.617, 95% confidence interval 0.382–0.995, p = 0.047, in the Eligible set). The incidence of postoperative complications did not show a difference between the two groups, and NAC-IMRT suppressed local tumor invasion, including lymphatic, venous, perineural invasion, and lymph node metastases.

Conclusions
NAC-IMRT may offer superior survival outcomes and manageable toxicity in R-PDAC patients compared with upfront surgery. This study supports the efficacy and safety of NAC-IMRT and recommends its consideration in R-PDAC treatment protocols.