bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candida tropicalis spondylitis in a non-tropical immunocompetent patient: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yang Hong , Wang Xin , Zhu Weijian , Zhou Bei 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTropical Candida spondylitis is an uncommon cause of lower back pain in patients, especially in non-tropical areas or in patients not at risk of immunocompromise.Case presentationA 65-year-old woman presented with a six-month history of poorly managed low back pain, now accompanied by numbness and pain in both lower extremities. Her medical history was significant for tertiary hypertension. Inflammatory markers were mildly elevated. MRI fluid sequences revealed lamellar enhancement of the L4-5 vertebral bodies, narrowing of the intervertebral space, peripheral soft tissue edema, and spinal canal compression. After 3 weeks of empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy, the patient’s symptoms did not improve, prompting posterior lesion debridement and autologous iliac bone grafting with pedicle screw fixation. Postoperatively, disc tissue cultures and next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified Candida tropicalis. The patient was subsequently treated with a six-week course of voriconazole, resulting in symptomatic improvement, with no recurrence observed during follow-up.ConclusionThe imaging and clinical presentation of Candida tropicalis spondylitis can closely mimic that of tuberculous spondylitis, particularly in patients without clear risk factors for immune compromise. This overlap in presentation often complicates the differential diagnosis, leading to potential delays in appropriate treatment.
The potential benefits of radiotherapy in elderly patients with early-stage triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Xu Zheng , Qin Chengdong , Cao Binxiao , Ruan Pengcheng , Zhang Mianhao , Chen Guidong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women in the U.S. and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The incidence rises with age, especially in women over 70. Older patients often face multiple comorbidities, complicating treatment decisions. This study will analyze the role of radiotherapy (RT) in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) among elderly patients using the SEER database to assess its impact on survival outcomes.MethodsThe patients aged 70+ with T1-2N0-1M0 TNBC were selected from the SEER database (2010–2015) according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical analyses involved chi-square tests, propensity score matching (PSM), and Cox regression to identify risk factors. A nomogram was developed, and Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) across different groups.ResultsA total of 3,024 elderly patients with early-stage TNBC were analyzed. After employing PSM to eliminate baseline differences, survival analysis indicated that the breast-conserving surgery (BCS) group could benefit from RT (OS, HR = 0.68, p &lt; 0.001; BCSS, HR = 0.64, p = 0.001). Cox regression analysis on the non-RT cohort within the BCS group identified age, tumor grade, and T stage as independent risk factors. Subsequently, a nomogram was developed to stratify patients and found that RT significantly improved OS and BCSS in the intermediate-risk (OS, HR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.34–0.71, p = 0.001; BCSS, HR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.21–0.77, p = 0.018) and high-risk group (OS, HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.55–0.81, p &lt; 0.001; BCSS, HR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.45–0.83, p = 0.007), while showing no significant benefit in the low-risk group (all p-values &gt; 0.05).ConclusionRT significantly improves OS and BCSS in early-stage TNBC patients after BCS, particularly for intermediate to high-risk individuals, while low-risk patients may omit it.
Phage WO diversity and evolutionary forces associated with Wolbachia-infected crickets
Authors: Luo Qing-Chen , Li Yue-Yuan , Ren Ye-Song , Yang Xiao-Hui , Zhu Dao-Hong 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPhage WO represents the sole bacteriophage identified to infect Wolbachia, exerting a range of impacts on the ecological dynamics and evolutionary trajectories of its host. Given the extensive prevalence of Wolbachia across various species, phage WO is likely among the most prolific phage lineages within arthropod populations. To examine the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of phage WO, we conducted a screening for the presence of phage WO in Wolbachia-infected cricket species from China.MethodsThe presence of phage WO was detected using a PCR-based methodology. To elucidate the evolutionary forces driving phage WO diversity, analyses of intragenic recombination were conducted employing established recombination techniques, and horizontal transmission was investigated through comparative phylogenetic analysis of the phages and their hosts.Results and discussionOut of 19 cricket species infected with Wolbachia, 18 species were found to harbor phage WO. Notably, 13 of these 18 cricket species hosted multiple phage types, with the number of types ranging from two to 10, while the remaining five species harbored a single phage type. Twelve horizontal transmission events of phage WO were identified, wherein common phage WO types were shared among different Wolbachia strains. Notably, each phage WO horizontal transfer event was associated with distinct Wolbachia supergroups, specifically supergroups A, B, and F. Previous studies have found that four Wolbachia strains infect two to five species of crickets. However, among these cricket species, in addition to the shared phage WO types, all harbored species-specific phage WO types. This suggests that Wolbachia in crickets may acquire phage WO types through horizontal viral transfer between eukaryotes, independent of Wolbachia involvement. Furthermore, nine putative recombination events were identified across seven cricket species harboring multiple phage types. These findings suggest that horizontal transmission and intragenic recombination have played a significant role in the evolution of the phage WO genome, effectively enhancing the diversity of phage WO associated with crickets.
Efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Xiangdong , Zhang Guojiang , Cui Jinquan , Tang Yuzhe , Meng Qi , Su Yang , An Senbo , Sun Shui 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesTo perform a meta-analysis of previous studies investigating the effects of laser acupuncture on osteoarthritis.Study designSystematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTS) on laser acupuncture for osteoarthritis were searched in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science with a search deadline of 24 December 2023. After identifying 11 studies, we used Stata 15.0 to analyze the data.ResultsIn the 11 studies identified, 931 patients were analyzed. Results showed that laser acupuncture significantly improved patients’ pain and function compared to the placebo laser group. There were significant differences in VAS pain scores[SMD = −0.924, 95% CI (−1.200, −0.649), p = 0.000], WOMAC pain scores[SMD = −0.425, 95% CI (−0.652, −0.199), p = 0.000], WOMAC function scores[SMD = −0.307, 95% CI (−0.548, −0.065), p = 0.013], WOMAC stiffness scores[SMD = −0.235, 95% CI (−0.388, −0.083), p = 0.002] between the laser acupuncture group and the placebo laser group. The therapeutic effect of laser acupuncture disappeared at 8 weeks. In subgroup analysis, patients who received laser acupuncture with specific parameters had better VAS scores and WOMAC scores than patients in other subgroups.ConclusionThe application of laser acupuncture can improve knee pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis in the short term. It is recommended to use a laser with a power greater than 100 mW and a wavelength greater than 1,000 nm. CO2 lasers and solid-state lasers were shown to be more effective in the results than other types of lasers.
RL-QPSO net: deep reinforcement learning-enhanced QPSO for efficient mobile robot path planning
Authors: Jing Yang , Weiya Li 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPath planning in complex and dynamic environments poses a significant challenge in the field of mobile robotics. Traditional path planning methods such as genetic algorithms, Dijkstra's algorithm, and Floyd's algorithm typically rely on deterministic search strategies, which can lead to local optima and lack global search capabilities in dynamic settings. These methods have high computational costs and are not efficient for real-time applications.MethodsTo address these issues, this paper presents a Quantum-behaved Particle Swarm Optimization model enhanced by deep reinforcement learning (RL-QPSO Net) aimed at improving global optimality and adaptability in path planning. The RL-QPSO Net combines quantum-inspired particle swarm optimization (QPSO) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) modules through a dual control mechanism to achieve path optimization and environmental adaptation. The QPSO module is responsible for global path optimization, using quantum mechanics to avoid local optima, while the DRL module adjusts strategies in real-time based on environmental feedback, thus enhancing decision-making capabilities in complex high-dimensional scenarios.Results and discussionExperiments were conducted on multiple datasets, including Cityscapes, NYU Depth V2, Mapillary Vistas, and ApolloScape, and the results showed that RL-QPSO Net outperforms traditional methods in terms of accuracy, computational efficiency, and model complexity. This method demonstrated significant improvements in accuracy and computational efficiency, providing an effective path planning solution for real-time applications in complex environments for mobile robots. In the future, this method could be further extended to resource-limited environments to achieve broader practical applications.
Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides alleviate chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression through the BDNF/TrkB/CREB pathway and symptoms of sexual dysfunction in mice
Authors: He Mengjie , Hu Mengying , Wang Tingqiao , Zuo Zeping , Li Hongkai , Zhao Zhiwei , Hao Yunwen , Dai Xueling , Wang Jianfang , Sun Yaxuan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundIn recent years, depression has become a global public health concern, and one of the common concomitant symptoms are diminished sexual motivation and impaired sexual performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential effects of Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOO) on depression and its concomitant symptom, sexual dysfunction.MethodsChronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression model was constructed, and the effects of MOO on depression and sexual abilities were evaluated.ResultsThe results revealed that MOO was able to alleviate CUMS-induced depression-like behavior in mice, to inhibit hippocampal neuron apoptosis, to reverse monoamine neurotransmitter imbalance, increase Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression levels in the hippocampus, to modulate the composition and distribution of gut microbiota, and to increase the abundance of probiotics after continuous gavage of MOO for 28 days. MOO further confirmed that sexual dysfunction is closely related to the development of depression by improving the lack of sexual motivation and low sexual performance in CUMS-induced depressed mice, modulating the disruption of sex hormone secretion in serum, and alleviating sperm morphology and functional defects in the epididymis.ConclusionThese findings on MOO provide a basis for exploring its antidepressant mechanism, its use to improve hypogonadotropic symptoms, and for future development of new antidepressant drug to improves hypogonadotropic symptoms.
Indications for chemoradiotherapy in older patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer in Japan: a questionnaire survey in the JCOG head and neck cancer study group
Authors: Yasuda Koichi , Kiyota Naomi , Matsuura Kazuto , Saito Satoshi , Honma Yoshitaka , Imamura Yoshinori , Tanaka Kaoru , Zenda Sadamoto , Onoe Takuma , Kodaira Takeshi , Kobayashi Satoshi , Aoyama Hidefumi , Hanai Nobuhiro , Homma Akihiro 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChemoradiation therapy (CRT) with concurrent high-dose cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the standard treatment options for locally advanced head and neck cancer. Since the indications specific to the older population have not been reported, we conducted a multicenter survey on the indications.MethodsIn April and May 2023, a questionnaire survey was emailed to all institutions belonging to the JCOG-HNCSG, consisting of 37 institutions.ResultsThe major factors influencing the indications for high-dose CDDP were renal function and performance status (PS). The majority agreed that the treatment is administered to patients aged 65–74 years with PS 0–1 and 65–74 years with eGFR ≥60 (ml/ min/1.73m2), and not in patients aged ≥75 years with PS 2, ≥80 years with PS 1, and ≥65 years with eGFR &lt;60. Regarding weekly CDDP, the majority agreed that the treatment is not conducted in patients aged ≥75 years with PS 2, ≥65 years with eGFR &lt;40, and ≥70 years with eGFR &lt;50.DiscussionIn Japan, where CRT is actively performed even among older people, a survey was conducted to determine its indications. Renal function and PS were considered important, and comorbidities, such as heart failure, were considered while determining the indication. These results will help define the eligibility criteria for prospective studies on CRT in older patients.
Investigating food allergy awareness and attitudes among teachers in primary schools: current status and opportunities for enhancement
Authors: Aljohani Amal H. , Alshamani Abeer Mutair , Aljohani Afnan Ahmed , Almohammadi Aisha Saad , Alharbi Bushra Saad , Altarjami Deena Faraj , Alsaedi Reyouf Samer 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundFood allergies are common among children worldwide. This occurs when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to certain foods. This reaction can range in severity from mild to severe and may lead to anaphylaxis, which can be fatal. As teachers are the first responders in managing such situations in schools, this study aims to explore and measure primary school teachers' knowledge and attitudes about food allergies and their management and review the current school policy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study uses a randomly distributed online questionnaire to measure teachers' knowledge and attitudes at primary schools in Medina, Saudi Arabia.ResultsThe sample consisted of 383 primary school teachers. Approximately 87.5% of the participants were aware of food allergies. More than two-thirds of teachers were able to identify anaphylactic shock. Only 15.4% of the teachers knew that an epinephrine autoinjector was the first aid measurement to be taken. Additionally, 39.9% of the teachers reported that the school does not have an action plan for dealing with students with food allergies. Approximately 93.4% of the participants agreed that avoiding foods that cause allergies is important for preventing allergies.ConclusionsThis study revealed teachers' good knowledge in the identification of food allergy and their symptoms, as well as the awareness of their potential severity. However, the study highlighted a significant gap in management. Most had positive attitudes toward learning about food allergies. Therefore, administration policies and strategies need to be implemented to assist in managing food allergies at school.
Unphysiological lung strain promotes ventilation-induced lung injury via activation of the PECAM-1/Src/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Gang , Dong Bin-Bin , Ding Zi-Heng , Lan Chao , Zhu Chang-Ju , Liu Qi 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionIn patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation often leads to ventilation-induced lung injury (VILI), which is attributed to unphysiological lung strain (UPLS) in respiratory dynamics. Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a transmembrane receptor, senses mechanical signals. The Src/STAT3 pathway plays a crucial role in the mechanotransduction network, concurrently triggering pyroptosis related inflammatory responses. We hypothesized that the mechanical stretch caused by UPLS can be sensed by PECAM-1 in the lungs, leading to VILI via the Src/STAT3 and pyroptosis pathway.MethodsA VILI model was established in rats through UPLS. The link between lung strain and VILI as well as the change in the activation of PECAM-1, Src/STAT3, and pyroptosis was firstly being explored. Then, the inhibitors of PECAM-1, Src, STAT3 were adopted respectively, the effect on VILI, inflammation, the Src/STAT3 pathway, and pyroptosis was evaluated. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to validate the findings in vivo.ResultsUPLS activated PECAM-1, Src/STAT3 signaling pathway, inflammation, and pyroptosis in the VILI model with rats, whereas inhibition of PECAM-1 or the Src/STAT3 signaling pathway decreased lung injury, inflammatory responses, and pyroptosis. Inhibition of PECAM-1 also reduced activation of the Src/STAT3 signaling pathway. The mechanism was validated with HUVECs exposed to overload mechanical cyclic stretch.ConclusionsThis study suggests that UPLS contributes to VILI by activating the PECAM-1/Src/STAT3 pathway and inducing inflammatory responses as well aspyroptosis.
Oxycodone for analgesia in children undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a randomized, double-blind, parallel study
Authors: Ji Wei , Sun Liping , Huang Yue , Bai Jie , Zheng Jijian , Zhang Kan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPostoperative visceral pain is a common complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this study, we compared the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of oxycodone and fentanyl in children undergoing ERCP.MethodsA single-center, randomized, double-blind study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Eighty-two pediatric patients aged 2–18 years who were scheduled for elective ERCP were randomly assigned to receive either oxycodone (0.2 mg/kg) or fentanyl (2 μg/kg). The postoperative pain was evaluated after 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) as well as 6 h and 24 h in the ward following ERCP. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines in the serum, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 were examined by blood sampling at baseline, 6 h, and 24 h after ERCP.ResultsCompared to fentanyl, children receiving oxycodone had significantly lower pain scores at 30 min, 6 h, and 24 h after ERCP, while the scores at 10 and 20 min were similar in both groups. We also found that fewer patients had pain scores ≥3 at 6 h and 24 h after the procedure in the oxycodone group [36.6% (15/41) vs. 61.0% (25/41) at 6 h, 34.1% (14/41) vs. 58.5% (24/41) at 24 h, p = 0.027 for both cases]. Furthermore, fewer children in the oxycodone group had elevated inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 at 6 h and TNF-α at 24 h after ERCP) compared to the fentanyl group. The incidence of postoperative vomiting was also lower among children receiving oxycodone [14.1% (7/41) vs. 24.4% (10/41), p = 0.032].ConclusionOxycodone (0.2 mg kg−1) can provide effective analgesia and stable hemodynamics in children undergoing ERCP. This analgesic characteristic may be related to amelioration of inflammation after ERCP.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300074473.
Analysis of nanomedicine applications for inflammatory bowel disease: structural and temporal dynamics, research hotspots, and emerging trends
Authors: Jiang Hong-Yu , Shao Bo , Wang Hong-Da , Zhao Wen-Qi , Ren Shao-Hua , Xu Yi-Ni , Liu Tong , Sun Cheng-Lu , Xiao Yi-Yi , Li Yi-Cheng , Chen Qiang , Zhao Peng-Yu , Yang Guang-Mei , Liu Xu , Ren Yu-Fan , Wang Hao 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe application of nanomedicine in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has gained significant attention in the recent years. As the field rapidly evolves, analyzing research trends and identifying research hotpots are essential for guiding future advancements, and a comprehensive bibliometric can provide valuable insights.MethodsThe current research focused on publications from 2001 to 2024, and was sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace and VOSviewer were employed to visualize authors, institutions, countries, co-cited references, and keywords, thereby mapping the intellectual structure and identifying emerging trends in the field.ResultsThe analysis covered 1,518 literature across 447 journals, authored by 9,334 researchers from 5,459 institutions and 287 countries/regions. The global publication numbers exhibited an upward trend, particularly in the last decade, with China leading as the top publishing country and the Chinese Academy of Sciences emerging as the foremost institution. Dr. Xiao Bo is the prominent figure in advanced drug delivery systems. This interdisciplinary field, which spans materials science, pharmacy, and medicine, has seen influential publications mainly concentrated on targeted nanoparticles treatment for IBD. Keyword analysis revealed that current research hotspots include drug delivery, immune cell regulation, antioxidant damage, intestinal microbiota homeostasis, and nanovesicles.ConclusionThis study offers a comprehensive overview of global research landscape, emphasizing the rapid growth and increasing complexity of this field. It identifies key research hotspots and trends, including efforts to enhance the precision, efficacy, and safety of nanomedicine applications. Emerging directions are highlighted as crucial for further progress in this evolving area.
Early handwriting development: a longitudinal perspective on handwriting time, legibility, and spelling
Authors: Truxius Lidia , Sägesser Wyss Judith , Maurer Michelle N. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionLearning to write is a complex task involving peripheral (e.g., handwriting speed and legibility) and central (e.g., spelling) processes. Coordinating these processes is particularly demanding for novice writers who have not yet automated their handwriting skills. To better support children in developing handwriting, it is crucial to understand the development and interactions of these peripheral and central processes over time.MethodsThis longitudinal study (n = 363; 49.8% girls) investigated the development and interrelations of handwriting speed (time spent on writing tasks), legibility, and spelling in German-speaking first-grade children (Mage = 7 years) across 12 months. The children were assessed at three time points, spaced 6 months apart, from the beginning of the first grade to the start of the second grade.Results and discussionWhile performance in all domains of handwriting (time, legibility, and spelling) improved over the school year, these skills were particularly strongly interrelated at the beginning of writing acquisition but became increasingly independent towards the second grade. Surprisingly, the results from the structural equation model showed that the relations between handwriting legibility and time reversed over time: Initially, faster handwriting was associated with more legible handwriting, while with increasing practice a trade-off appeared. Furthermore, when considering cross-lagged paths, the structural equation model revealed that handwriting legibility at the beginning of the first grade significantly predicted subsequent handwriting time and spelling abilities at the end of the school year. In summary, handwriting proficiency stabilizes quickly, while patterns of associations between peripheral and central handwriting processes change across the first year of handwriting instruction.