bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benign thyroid nodules respond to a single administration of 0.3mg recombinant human thyrotropin with highly variable volume increase
Authors: Bountouris Panagiotis , Markantes Georgios K. , Mamali Irene , Markou Kostas B. , Michalaki Marina A. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThe nature of thyroid nodules is heterogenous. Most of them are benign and, in the absence of pressure symptoms of adjunct structures, no treatment is needed. Our objective was to investigate the acute effects of a low dose of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) on the volume of benign thyroid nodules.Methodswe studied 27 nodules (14 isoechoic and 13 hypoechoic) in 15 (11 women and 4 men; mean age: 51.0 ± 15.9 years) consecutive patients with one to three well-separated asymptomatic benign thyroid nodules. All subjects were euthyroid, with negative thyroid antibodies, and none received levothyroxine. The total thyroid volume and thyroid nodule volume were sonographically determined by two independent examiners (P.B. and M.M.) before, 48 hours and 6 months post intramuscular (IM) administration of 0.3mg rhTSH, and the mean values of the two examiners’ measurements were used; thyroid function tests were obtained at the same time points.ResultsThe mean volume of isoechoic nodules increased by 57.3%, of hypoechoic nodules by 46.6% and of the surrounding thyroid parenchyma by 70.4% 48 hours post-rhTSH; mean volumes had returned to baseline levels 6 months later. A large variance in the volume change responses was observed. The relative change in nodule volume (defined as the percent change in nodule volume divided by the percent change in the surrounding parenchyma) from baseline to 48 hours was significantly higher in isoechoic versus hypoechoic nodules (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionsA single dose of 0.3 mg rhTSH transiently increased the volume of benign thyroid nodules. The increase was more pronounced in isoechoic nodules and had a great variability. Our findings could be useful in the management of benign thyroid nodules, by helping in understanding which nodules would be more responsive to TSH suppression therapy.
Survey of understanding and awareness of fertility preservation in pediatric patients: Is conversation about fertility preservation unpleasant for pediatric patients?
Authors: Takae Seido , Iwahata Yuriko , Sugishita Yodo , Iwahata Hideyuki , Kanamori Ryo , Shiraishi Eriko , Ito Kaoru , Suzuki Yuki , Yamaya Yoshiko , Tanaka Kunihide , Oyama Kei , Keino Dai , Nakamura Kentaro , Odawara Kei , Horage Yuki , Meng Lingbo , Igualada Arby , Faizal Ahmad Mohd , Aworet Ludmilla Ogouma , Furuta Shigeyuki , Sakamoto Miki , Mori Tetsuya , Kitagawa Hiroaki , Suzuki Nao 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo verify understanding and awareness of fertility preservation (FP) in pediatric patients undergoing FP treatments.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted before and after explanation of fertility issues and FP treatments for patients 6–17 years old who visited or were hospitalized for the purpose of ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) or oocyte cryopreservation (OC), or sperm cryopreservation between October 2018 and April 2022. This study was approved by the institutional review board at St. Marianna University School of Medicine (No. 4123, UMIN000046125).ResultParticipants in the study comprised 36 children (34 girls, 2 boys). Overall mean age was 13.3 ± 3.0 years. The underlying diseases were diverse, with leukemia in 14 patients (38.9%), brain tumor in 4 patients (11.1%). The questionnaire survey before the explanation showed that 19 patients (52.8%) wanted to have children in the future, but 15 (41.7%) were unsure of future wishes to raise children. And most children expressed some degree of understanding of the treatment being planned for the underlying disease (34, 94.4%). Similarly, most children understood that the treatment would affect their fertility (33, 91.7%). When asked if they would like to hear a story about how to become a mother or father after FP which including information of FP, half answered “Don’t mind” (18, 50.0%). After being provided with information about FP treatment, all participants answered that they understood the adverse effects on fertility of treatments for the underlying disease. Regarding FP treatment, 32 children (88.9%) expressed understanding for FP and 26 (72.2%) wished to receive FP. “Fear” and “Pain” and “Costs” were frequently cited as concerns about FP. Following explanations, 33 children (91.7%) answered “Happy I heard the story” and no children answered, “Wish I hadn’t heard the story”. Finally, 28 of the 34 girls (82.4%) underwent OTC and one girl underwent OC.DiscussionThe fact that all patients responded positively to the explanations of FP treatment is very informative. This is considered largely attributable to the patients themselves being involved in the decision-making process for FP.ConclusionsExplanations of FP for children appear valid if age-appropriate explanations are provided.
Case report: A 10-year prognosis of neonatal diabetes caused by a novel INS gene mutation
Authors: Tian Mengting , Feng Yi , Liu Yanyan , Wang Hua 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundNeonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare form of diabetes. We analyzed a novel insulin gene (INS) mutation of a Chinese permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM) patient to explore the clinical and genetic characteristics and put forward some opinions on treatment and its long-term management.Case descriptionA proband was recruited who was diagnosed with permanent neonatal diabetes on his first day after birth. His clinical and follow-up data were collected for 10 years. All of the family members were given an oral glucose tolerance test. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband, and the genomic DNA of family members was used for verification by first-generation Sanger sequencing technology. The pathogenic variant was screened according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics classification guidelines and the clinical phenotype of the patient.Diagnostic assessmentThe proband was diagnosed on the first day after birth, presenting with low birth weight, progressive hyperglycemia, and insulin deficiency. His parents and grandfathers were confirmed to have normal blood sugar levels. A novel homozygous mutation of c.1T&gt;C in the INS gene was detected in the proband, located in the initiation codon. The heterozygous mutations were found in four family members, including his mother, father, and grandfathers. With regular insulin injections, long-term regular follow-up, close monitoring of blood glucose, balanced exercise and diet, and psychological and mutual family support, the blood glucose level was well controlled; there were no acute or chronic complications during this decade. The patient’s growth and nervous system development are now no different to those of the same age.ConclusionA favorable prognosis is presented for a permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM) patient with a novel mutation in the INS gene in China. The present findings indicate that the genetic diagnosis, early use of insulin, close monitoring of blood glucose, and psychological and mutual family support for patients with INS mutation are necessary for their favorable long-term prognosis.
The numerical simulation study on the dynamic variation of residual oil with water drive velocity in water flooding reservoir
Authors: Sun Zhaobo , Liu Yingxian , Cai Hui , Gao Yue , Jiang Ruizhong 
Published: January 2023

The results of core displacement experiments show that increasing the water drive velocity when it is bigger than the limit value can effectively reduce the residual oil saturation and improve the oil displacement efficiency under the same PV. However, the existing commercial simulators (Eclipse, CMG et al.) cannot simulate the effect of water velocity on the relative permeability curve in the process of numerical simulation.In this article, capillary number (Ca), defined as the dimensionless ratio of viscous force to capillary force, is used to characterize the relationship between water drive velocity and residual oil. Second, a new Boltzmann (BG) equation is proposed to match the nonlinear relationship between Ca and residual oil. The BG equation is a continuous function, which is very beneficial to the stability of numerical calculation. Finally, a new reservoir numerical simulator is established which captures the dynamic variation of residual oil saturation with water drive velocity in a water flooding reservoir based on the black oil model. The new simulator was verified by comparing it with the commercial reservoir simulator ECLIPSE and experimental data. The simulation results show that compared with the common model, the model considering the dynamic variation of residual oil saturation with water drive velocity reduced the residual oil saturation near the main flow line after enhanced injection rate. The oil phase flow capacity in the model is enhanced, the water cut is decreased, and the oil recovery rate is higher. The history matching of the S oilfield in Bohai Bay is achieved with the new simulator, and the history matching accuracy is obviously higher than that of Eclipse. The findings of this study can help with a better understanding of the distribution law and flow law of remaining oil in the high water cut stage of the reservoir and have good theory and application value for water flooding offshore oilfields.
Transcriptomic analysis of the upper lip and primary palate development in mice
Authors: Cai Sini , Si Nuo , Wang Yanyang , Yin Ningbei 
Published: January 2023

Background: Normal fusion of the upper lip and primary palate is a complex process involving a series of characteristic and orderly regulated cellular events. Cleft lip with or without palate (CL/P), one of the most common congenital malformations, may be induced by abnormalities in any of these events. However, less is known about the precise regulatory process in the fusion of the upper lip and primary palate.Methods: Lambdoidal junction tissues of mice from embryonic days 10.5, 11.5, and 12.5— three key fusion stages—were acquired for RNA sequencing.Results: Gene expression profiles in distinct fusion stages of mice were identified. Some of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been reported to affect upper lip and primary palate development. However, other DEGs, such as Krt5, Pax1, Ambn, Hey2, and Tnmd, have not previously been investigated. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of these DEGs revealed the sequential intensification of Wnt, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, Hippo, and TGF-beta signaling pathways and identified relatively highly expressed genes including Tnn, Wnt3a, and Wnt16. We also observed substantial alternative splicing events during the fusion of the upper lip and primary palate and identified potentially important genes including Gtpbp8, Armcx1, Tle3, and Numa1. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified a series of hub genes, including Col1a2, Fos, Bmp2, Shh, Col1a1, Wnt3a, Anxa1, Gem, etc.Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study provided a comprehensive analysis of the development of the upper lip and primary palate. Our work provides insight into future studies of normal upper lip and primary palate development and the etiology of CL/P.
Fc gamma receptor IIb in tumor-associated macrophages and dendritic cells drives poor prognosis of recurrent glioblastoma through immune-associated signaling pathways
Authors: Jin Xiong , Kang Jianlei , Lu Qing , Guo Shuang-Lei , Liu Meichen , Zhang Yue , Cui Can , Liu Hong-Lin , Xu Xin , Yin Jinlong 
Published: January 2023

Background: Among central nervous system tumors, glioblastoma (GBM) is considered to be the most destructive malignancy. Recurrence is one of the most fatal aspects of GBM. However, the driver molecules that trigger GBM recurrence are currently unclear.Methods: The mRNA expression data and clinical information of GBM and normal tissues were collected from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and REpository for Molecular BRAin Neoplasia DaTa (REMBRANDT) cohorts. The DESeq2 R package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes between primary and recurrent GBM. ClueGO, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Biological Process in Gene ontology (GO-BP), and the Protein ANalysis THrough Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER) pathway analyses were performed to explore the enriched signaling pathways in upregulated DEGs in recurrent GBM. A gene list that contained potential oncogenes that showed a significant negative correlation with patient survival from The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to further screen driver candidates for recurrent GBM. Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to investigate the risk score for the mRNA expression of the candidates. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) analyses were used to determine the cell type-specific distribution of Fc gamma receptor II b (FcγRIIb) in GBM. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to confirm the FcγRIIb-positive cell populations in primary and paired recurrent GBM.Results: Through DEG analysis and overlap analysis, a total of 10 genes that are upregulated in recurrent GBM were screened. Using validation databases, FcγRIIb was identified from the 10 candidates that may serve as a driver for recurrent GBM. FCGR2B expression, not mutation, further showed a highly negative correlation with the poor prognosis of patients with recurrent GBM. Furthermore, scRNA-Seq analyses revealed that tumor-associated macrophage- and dendritic cell-specific FCGR2B was expressed. Moreover, FcγRIIb also showed a strong positive correlation coefficient with major immune-associated signaling pathways. In clinical specimens, FcγRIIb-positive cell populations were higher in recurrent GBM than in primary GBM.Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the role of FcγRIIb in recurrent GBM and a promising strategy for treatment as an immune therapeutic target.
Exploration of comorbidity mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of rheumatoid arthritis and pigmented villonodular synovitis using machine learning and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Heng Hongquan , Li Dazhuang , Su Wenxing , Liu Xinyue , Yu Daojiang , Bian Zhengjun , Li Jian 
Published: January 2023

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a tenosynovial giant cell tumor that can involve joints. The mechanisms of co-morbidity between the two diseases have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the functions, immunological differences, and potential therapeutic targets of common genes between RA and PVNS.Methods: Through the dataset GSE3698 obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by R software, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to discover the modules most relevant to the clinical features. The common genes between the two diseases were identified. The molecular functions and biological processes of the common genes were analyzed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the results were visualized in Cytoscape software. Two machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and random forest (RF) were utilized to identify hub genes and predict the diagnostic efficiency of hub genes as well as the correlation between immune infiltrating cells.Results: We obtained a total of 107 DEGs, a module (containing 250 genes) with the highest correlation with clinical characteristics, and 36 common genes after taking the intersection. Moreover, using two machine learning algorithms, we identified three hub genes (PLIN, PPAP2A, and TYROBP) between RA and PVNS and demonstrated good diagnostic performance using ROC curve and nomogram plots. Single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) was used to analyze the biological functions in which three genes were mostly engaged. Finally, three hub genes showed a substantial association with 28 immune infiltrating cells.Conclusion: PLIN, PPAP2A, and TYROBP may influence RA and PVNS by modulating immunity and contribute to the diagnosis and therapy of the two diseases.
Inflammatory markers and pulmonary function in adolescents and young adults 6 months after mild COVID-19
Authors: Sommen Silke Lauren , Havdal Lise Beier , Selvakumar Joel , Einvik Gunnar , Leegaard Truls Michael , Lund-Johansen Fridtjof , Michelsen Annika E. , Mollnes Tom E. , Stiansen-Sonerud Tonje , Tjade Trygve , Wyller Vegard Bruun Bratholm , Berven Lise Lund 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionBoth public and scientific attention have shifted from the acute COVID-19 illness to the chronic disability experienced by a proportion of COVID-19 convalescents. Post COVID-19 condition, a term used for long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19, can affect individuals across all disease severity and age groups. Data on post-COVID-19 symptomatology, epidemiology and pathophysiology in adolescents and young adults are scarce. To date, little is known on the immunological and pulmonary trends in these patients after COVID-19. This study investigated immunological markers and pulmonary function in non-hospitalized patients in this group at 6 months after initial mild COVID-19 infection.MethodsNon-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive (n = 405) and SARS-CoV-2 negative (n = 111) adolescents and young adults (aged 12-25 years) were followed prospectively for six months after SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. At baseline and at six months follow-up, all participants underwent an assessment including clinical examination, questionnaires, spirometry, and blood sampling. Cross-sectional comparisons of blood biomarkers; including white blood cell counts, CRP, GDF-15, a 27-multiplex cytokine assay, complement activation products and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; and spirometry measures were performed after classification of all participants according to their COVID-19 status and adherence to post-COVID-19 case criteria. Associations between biomarkers and COVID-19 symptoms were explored.ResultsNo difference in pulmonary function was detected between the groups. COVID-19 convalescents had higher levels of chemokines eotaxin, MCP-1 and IP-10 than non-infected controls. The increase was modest and not associated with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms.DiscussionElevated inflammatory mediators were found in adolescents and young adults six months after mild COVID-19, but there was no association with post-COVID-19 condition.
Geochemical-mineralogical analysis of ferromanganese oxide precipitated on porifera in the Magellan seamount, western Pacific
Authors: Park Kyuyoung , Jung Jaewoo , Park Jinsub , Ko Youngtak , Lee Yongmoon , Yang Kiho 
Published: January 2023

This study investigated ferromanganese oxide (Fe-Mn oxide) precipitated on porifera located on the tabletop of the Magellan seamount (OSM17, 1571 m depth) in the western Pacific. As the growth rate of Fe-Mn oxide is several mm/Myr and porifera skeletons are difficult to preserve posthumously, geochemical and mineralogical studies have not yet been conducted on this topic. Fe-Mn oxides from porifera have a morphological differentiation from general ferromanganese deposits because porifera act as substrates for the Fe-Mn oxide. The thickness of Fe-Mn oxide cannot be visually confirmed because it thinly precipitates on the skeletons of porifera. Therefore, high-resolution fluctuations are reflected in marine environmental factors, such as redox conditions and surface productivity over tens of thousands of years, compared to ferromanganese deposits representing tens of millions of years. Hence, the geochemical and mineralogical characteristics were investigated. Porifera skeletons were confirmed, displaying a stratified lattice-like structure, thickness of Fe-Mn oxide of up to 110 μm, and age of approximately 55,000 years. Irregular distribution of major elements of Fe-Mn oxide, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Co was due to the characteristics of the structures. The presence of Fe-vernadite, identified by quantitative and mineralogical analysis, indicates oxidative environmental conditions at the tabletop of OSM17. Biomineralization was identified by confirming the presence of Fe-Mn oxides with a globular, sheath-like structure. Because of its conservation state, species identification of porifera was not based on the shape of the spicule, but was confirmed to beFarrea occa. This study verified that the tabletop of OSM17 has been in an oxidative environment for approximately 55,000 years, and through species identification, high dissolved silica (DSi) concentrations provide appropriate conditions forFarrea occato survive. The sample in this study can be used as a new indicator in paleo-environment research.
Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) behaviour in the presence of whale-watching vessels
Authors: Westdal Kristin H. , Richard Pierre R. , Sportelli Jessica , Gillis Erica , Ferguson Steve H. 
Published: January 2023

Beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are social animals that return to the same estuaries each summer season. The Western Hudson Bay belugas in the Churchill River estuary appear to be attracted to boats, resulting in whale-watching being a popular tourism activity for the area. However, regulators have raised concerns about whether this activity has negative consequences on the beluga population. We hypothesized that more vulnerable groups, such as groups containing calves, would avoid whale-watching vessels, while juvenile groups, who appear to have a more developed curiosity, would be more likely to interact with vessels. To test these hypotheses, behavioural observations were conducted in 2019, 2020, and 2021, in the estuary using a similar methodology to a study conducted in 2005 and 2006. An increase in tourism since that initial study offered a unique opportunity to compare potential change over time. In this study, a group of whales was randomly selected; the group type, initial behaviour type, distance to vessel, and observed behaviour with distance to vessel during three-minute focal follows were recorded. The same method was also applied from shore and we compared frequencies of whale behaviour during experimental (vessels present) and control (vessels greater than 300m away) periods. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean group size of belugas in the presence of vessels compared to those observed in the absence of vessels. There was also a significant difference in beluga behaviour as well as a significant behavioural difference between age class of belugas in the presence of vessels, compared to their behaviour in absence of vessels. During focal follows from vessels, belugas spent 63% of their time interacting with vessels, when within 25 m of a vessel, an increase from the 48% observed from the previous study conducted 15 years previous. Our results overall showed beluga behaviour differed in the experimental compared to control settings but suggest that those belugas’ reactions to vessels are not necessarily deleterious to them, in that direct interactions with wildlife are low and unlikely to carry risk, and that they may have habituated to whale-watching vessels over the last two decades.