bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Causal Relationship Between the Plasma Levels of MMP1 (Matrix Metalloproteinase‐1), MMP3, MMP7, MMP10, and MMP12 and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Mendelian Randomization
Authors: Sun Lin , Yan Kai‐Qing , Zhang Qi , Ma Ji , Shi Bo , Yang Xi‐Yuan , Li Li‐Jun 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been reported to be associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) in several previous studies. However, the causal relationship between MMPs and IDD remains unclear. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to analyze the causal relationship between the plasma levels of multiple MMPs and the risk of IDD.MethodsThe GWAS data of the plasma levels of MMP1, MMP3, MMP7, MMP10, and MMP12 were derived from the genome‐wide variation associations of 21 758 European individuals. The genetic associations of the variants with IDD were investigated in the largest genome‐wide association study from GWAS pipeline using Phesant derived variables from UKBiobank (1045 cases; 461 965 controls). We used a two‐sample MR method to evaluate the causal relationship between these five MMPs and IDD. The causal effects were examined by inverse variance weighted (IVW) test. And sensitivity analysis was performed using Q test of IVW and MR‐Egger, MR‐Egger‐intercept and MR‐PRESSO.ResultsWe found a significant correlation between increased the plasma level of MMP3 and an increased risk of IDD (IVW: OR 1.000564, 95% CI 1.0000304–1.00110; p = 0.0383). The heterogeneity test (MR‐Egger Q test: p = 0.346 and IVW Q test: p = 0.460) indicated that there was no heterogeneity in this instrumental variable on the surface. Also, no directional horizontal pleiotropy was observed in the MR analysis (MR‐Egger, p = 0.708 and MR‐PRESSO, p = 0.609). There was no significant correlation between the plasma levels of MMP1, MMP7, MMP10, and MMP12 and an increased risk of IDD.ConclusionOur MR analysis found that there is a potential causal relationship between increased the plasma level of MMP3 and the risk of IDD in the European population. There is no potential causal relationship between the plasma levels of MMP1, MMP7, MMP10, and MMP12 and an increased risk of IDD.
Social network analysis as a new tool to measure academic impact of physicians
Authors: Vivek Niketna , Clark Evan , Gao Lily , Xu Shenmeng , Baskauf Steven , Nguyen Kirsten , Goldin Melissa , Prasad Kavita , Miller Alexis , Zhang Panpan , Yang Shiayin , Rohde Sarah , Topf Michael , Gelbard Alexander 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionH‐index is a widely used metric quantifying a researcher's productivity and impact based on an author's publications and citations. Though convenient to calculate, h‐index fails to incorporate collaborations and interrelationships between physicians into its assessment of academic impact, leading to limited insight into grouped networks. We present social network analysis as a tool to measure relationships between physicians and quantify their academic impact.MethodsA bibliometric multicenter analysis was conducted on physician faculty from 129 US ACGME accredited otolaryngology programs who have publications with a physician co‐author in the field. Using web searches, 2494 physician faculty were identified. Scopus IDs, h‐indices, and publication data for these physicians were identified using multiple Elsevier APIs queried in December 2023. Publications with multiple otolaryngology physician co‐authors were included. Network and sub network maps were generated using Gephi and analyzed with custom R scripts. Centrality measures (degree, PageRank, betweenness centralities) quantified collaboration propensity. Non‐parametric correlation analysis between centrality measures and h‐index was conducted. Sankey diagrams were plotted using ggplot2.ResultsA co‐authorship network of 2259 physicians was constructed. Physicians were visualized as nodes with collaborations as links. Centrality measures correlated strongly with h‐index (h‐index vs. degree centrality: r2 = 0.62, h‐index vs. PageRank: r2 = 0.55, h‐index vs. betweenness centrality: r2 = 0.55; p < .0001). Analysis revealed novel insights into physician network structure, identifying 14 communities primarily populated by single subspecialties with varied node density.ConclusionSocial network analysis showed moderate correlation between social connectedness measures and h‐index, supporting its use in measuring academic impact. In otolaryngology, collaborative interactions within the academic community are strongly shaped by sub‐specialty affiliation and academic institution.
The impact of music on patient tolerance during office‐based laryngeal surgery
Authors: Hamdan Abdul‐Latif , Yammine Yara , Ghzayel Lana , Hosri Jad , Semaan Zeina Maria , Mourad Marc 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the impact of music on patient tolerance during office‐based laryngeal surgery (OBLS).MethodsAll patients undergoing OBLS between February 2024 to June 2024 were invited to participate in this study. They were divided into two subgroups, those with music in the background during surgery and those without. Following surgery, all patients were asked to fill IOWA tolerance score and the VAS for discomfort ranging from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no discomfort and 10 indicating maximum discomfort.ResultsA total of 87 patients undergoing 95 office‐based laryngeal surgeries (OBLS) were included, with a mean age of 54.7 years and a male‐to‐female ratio of 1.5. The most common procedure was blue laser therapy (45.3%), followed by vocal fold injection (29.5%). The mean IOWA tolerance score was 2.02. Patients who listened to music during OBLS showed a significantly higher mean IOWA tolerance score compared to those without music (2.48 vs. 1.55; p < .001). Significant differences persisted when stratified by procedure type. Additionally, the mean VAS score for discomfort was lower with music (2.27 vs. 4.21; p = .001), with a significant difference noted for laser therapy (p = .004).ConclusionThe results of this investigation indicate that music has a positive effect on procedural tolerance in OBLS. Participants who underwent OBLS with music in the background had significantly higher tolerance score and less discomfort than those who had no music in the background. Music can be used as a safe nonpharmacologic modality to reduce stress and improve patient tolerance in awake OBLS.Level of Evidence2.
Septoplasty‐mediated improvements in nasal patency and pulmonary function: A prospective study
Authors: de Sousa Francisco Alves , Tavares Correia João , Carvalho Almeida João , Raquel Azevedo Sara , Gonçalves Ferreira Miguel , Magalhães Manuel , Santos Mariline 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveSeptoplasty and turbinate reduction surgery (STR) is hypothesized to affect pulmonary function by modifying airway dynamics. This study investigates the impact of STR‐mediated improvements in nasal patency on pulmonary function tests (PFTs).MethodsIn a prospective analysis, 37 adult patients undergoing STR were enrolled. Peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) and PFT parameters, including forced expiratory flow at 25% (FEF25) and 75% of forced vital capacity (FEF75) and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25–75), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), were measured before and after surgery.ResultsSignificant improvements were observed in PNIF (p < .001). Additionally, significant improvements in peripheral airway function occurred, as measured by FEF25, FEF25‐75, and FEF75 (p < .05), suggesting reduced airway resistance after STR. Notably, a significant positive correlation was found between the change in PNIF (∆PNIF) and the change in various PFT measurements (∆PFT) (p < .05). FVC and FEV1 did not show significant changes.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that improving nasal patency through STR can affect lower airway resistance, potentially benefiting patients with nasal obstruction. The observed positive correlation between ∆PNIF and ∆PFT warrants further investigation into the underlying mechanism.Level of evidenceLevel III.
Insights into laryngeal Castleman disease: A comprehensive scoping review with a case study focus
Authors: Weiss Natalie , Candelo Estephania , Bridges Margaret , Rutt Amy 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIntroductionCastleman disease (CD) refers to a heterogeneous group of lymphoproliferative disorders, which rarely involves the larynx. Our goal in this study is to elucidate the clinical presentation, diagnostic techniques, and treatment methods of laryngeal CD through a scoping review and the addition of a new case.MethodsDue to limited existing literature, we employed a mixed methodology for review. First, we searched Google Scholar using terms related to laryngeal CD. Subsequently, we screened abstracts using Covidence, drawing from databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and EMBASE. We shortlisted studies for data extraction, focusing on clinical presentations, diagnostics, and treatment methodologies. Finally, we described our additional case.ResultsScoping review revealed five qualifying laryngeal CD articles. Presenting symptoms included dysphagia, hoarseness, and dyspnea. Diagnosis was always established through histopathologic analysis. Management included local excision or radiotherapy. In our additional case, a 71‐year‐old male with known CD presented with neck swelling, dysphagia, and dysphonia. Exam revealed lymphoid laryngeal and supraglottic hyperplasia and edema. Laryngeal symptoms improved with medical management of CD.DiscussionGiven the rarity of laryngeal CD, its identification and management can be a challenge. Practitioners should be aware of characteristic points in a CD patient's history, physical exam, imaging, and biopsies. Local excision of obstructive lymphoid tissue and radiation are the best‐supported therapies. This study aims to build toward improvements in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for laryngeal CD.
Causal associations between dietary factors with head and neck cancer: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Yali , Chen Guangui , Mao Min , Jiang Minqiong , Chen Jinhai , Ma Zhaoen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveAlthough an association exists between dietary habits and head and neck cancer (HNC), the direct cause‐and‐effect connection remains elusive. Our objective was to investigate the causal associations between dietary factors and the likelihood of developing HNC.MethodsGenome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for dietary habits were screened from the UK Biobank, the OncoArray Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer consortium, and the FinnGen biobank for HNC. A two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was utilized to establish causality. The primary method of analysis was inverse variance weighting (IVW).ResultsClear evidence of an inverse association existed between dried fruit intake and HNC in both cohorts (OncoArray consortium: IVW OR = 0.183; 95% CI, 0.037–0.915; p = .03864; FinnGen: IVW OR = 0.281; 95% CI, 0.115–0.688; p = .00547). In addition, fresh fruit (IVW‐mre OR = 0.066; 95% CI, 0.011–0.413; p = .00369), beef (IVW OR = 15.094; 95% CI, 1.950–116.853; p = .00934), and lamb/mutton intakes (IVW OR = 5.799; 95% CI, 1.044–32.200; p = .0448) were significantly associated with HNC in the OncoArray consortium cohort.ConclusionsDried fruit intake may be a protective factor against HNC. The association of fresh fruit and red meat intakes with HNC warrants careful interpretation. Additional studies are necessary to explore potential mechanisms for further evidence.Level of evidence: III
Quantifying invasion dynamics: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction vs. droplet digital polymerase chain reaction in monitoring the alien invasive bloody‐red shrimp Hemimysis anomala and its interaction with perch in Lake Geneva
Authors: Melliti Sirine , Vautier Marine , Chardon Cécile , Jacquet Stéphan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractInvasive alien species constitute a major threat to aquatic systems due to their potential impact on endemic biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, infrastructure, and possible sanitary issues. It is therefore crucial to obtain information on their presence, abundance, and distribution. The bloody‐red shrimp Hemimysis anomala, which originated from the Ponto‐Caspian area, has recently settled in Western European lakes, including Lake Geneva. Although divers have frequently reported the presence and development of this small crustacean over the last decade, no monitoring has yet been proposed. During a period of 2.5 yr, we tested and optimized an environmental deoxyribonucleic acid approach by comparing two polymerase chain reaction techniques, quantitative and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction, to assess the presence, abundance, and dynamics of the animal as well as that of a potential predator, the perch (Perca fluviatilis). We show and discuss the efficiency of the methods and reveal for the first time the seasonal dynamics of Hemimysis anomala at a selected site in Lake Geneva. We highlight, in agreement with diving observations, that the animal's abundance is high in winter and declines rapidly in early spring, concomitantly with temperature increase and perch presence.
A Maternal Loss‐of‐Function Variant in KHDC3L Gene Causes a Range of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Case Report
Authors: Anvar Zahra , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Jahromi Bahia Namavar , Riccio Andrea , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Cubellis Maria Vittoria 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe KHDC3L gene encodes a component of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC). Biallelic mutations in this gene cause 5%–10% of biparental hydatidiform moles (BiHM), and a few maternal deletions in KHDC3L have been identified in women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).MethodIn this study, we had a patient with a history of 10 pregnancy or neonatal losses, including spontaneous abortions, neonatal deaths, and molar pregnancy. Whole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic diagnostic testing.ResultsWe found a homozygous deleterious variant in the start codon of KHDC3L (c. 1A>G, p.M1V), which probably results in non‐translation or the production of a truncated protein.ConclusionThis is the first report of a maternal loss‐of‐function variant in KHDC3L gene in a patient experiencing various types of pregnancy loss. This case report broadens the understanding of KHDC3L's pathogenic variants and phenotypic spectrum, consistent with its crucial role during human pre‐ and post‐implantation development.
Numerical Solution of Second‐Order Impulsive Differential Equations With Loadings Subject to Integral Boundary Conditions
Authors: Kadirbayeva Zhazira , Kadirbayeva Roza 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we present a computational method for solving the second‐order impulsive differential equations with loadings subject to integral boundary conditions based on the Dzhumabaev parametrization method. The idea of this method involves introducing additional parameters, reducing the original problem to solving a system of linear algebraic equations. The system's coefficients and right‐hand side are determined by solving Cauchy problems for ODEs and by calculating definite integrals. Four examples are provided to show the effectiveness and feasibility of the main results.
Design optimization of a 1‐D array of stemless plastic scintillation detectors
Authors: Aynehband Samaneh , Hill Ian G , Syme Alasdair 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundA stemless plastic scintillation detector (SPSD) is composed of an organic plastic scintillator coupled to an organic photodiode. Previous research has shown that SPSDs are ideally suited to challenging dosimetry measurements such as output factors and profiles in small fields. Lacking from the current literature is a systematic effort to optimize the performance of the photodiode component of the detector. An optimized detector could permit a reduction in detector element size, thus improving spatial resolution without degradation of the signal to noise ratio values seen previously.PurposeSPSDs use an organic photodiode coupled to a plastic scintillator to measure ionizing radiation fields. The design retains the benefits of plastic scintillation detectors (energy and dose rate independence, no perturbation factors, etc.) but avoids the challenges of optical fiber‐based systems (Cerenkov radiation). In this work, the design of a 1‐dimensional array of SPSDs is optimized to maximize the measured signal.MethodsITO‐covered PET was etched using hydrochloric acid, and the substrate was cleaned. PEDOT: PSS and P3HT: PCBM (different weight ratios) were then applied to the substrate using spin‐coating. Finally, aluminum top electrodes were added using vacuum thermal evaporation to complete the fabrication process. The variables studied for the optimization included: spin coater's speed (i.e., film thickness), P3HT: PCBM ratio, solution concentration, and scintillator coating.ResultsIncreasing the film thickness from ∼80 nm to ∼138 nm increased the measured signal by a factor of approximately 7.7. Changing the ratio of P3HT to PCBM from (1:1) to (4:1) resulted in approximately 3.5 times higher signal. Additionally, increasing the total concentration of the solution from 2% to 4% by weight ratio increased the signal by roughly a factor of 2.5 for a P3HT: PCBM ratio of 2:1. However, for a P3HT: PCBM ratio of 4:1, increased solution concentration reduced measured signals to approximately 1.7 times lower than normal concentration. Covering the air gaps of the etched scintillator with white paint resulted in a signal increase of about 2.2 times higher compared to black paint.ConclusionAn optimization process was conducted to improve the signal output of the radiation detector, which consisted of a 1‐dimensional photodiode array combined with a scintillator. This approach has resulted in a sensitivity increase of about 24 times compared to the original sample prior to optimizing the fabrication parameters and scintillator's properties (∼0.02 nC/cGy vs. ∼0.5 nC/cGy). The most efficient device was found to have a weight ratio of (2:1) P3HT: PCBM and a total solution concentration of 4%. Additionally, using a scintillator painted white was found to produce superior outcomes compared to black paint.
Habitat‐based MRI radiomics to predict the origin of brain metastasis
Authors: Sun Yiyao , Wang Yan , Jiang Mingchen , Jia Wei , Chen Huanhuan , Wang Huan , Ding Yuqi , Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Chunna , Sun Bo , Zhao Peng , Jiang Wenyan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to explore the value of habitat‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics for predicting the origin of brain metastasis (BM).PurposeTo investigate whether habitat‐based radiomics can identify the metastatic tumor type of BM and whether an imaging‐based model that integrates the volume of peritumoral edema (VPE) can enhance predictive performance.MethodsA primary cohort was developed with 384 patients from two centers, which comprises 734 BM lesions. An independent cohort was developed with 28 patients from a third center, which comprises 70 BM lesions. All patients underwent T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced (T1CE) and T2‐weighted (T2W) MRI scans before treatment. Radiomics features were extracted from tumor active area (TAA) and peritumoral edema area (PEA) selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to construct radiomics signatures (Rads). The Rads were further integrated with VPE to build combined models for predicting the metastatic type of BM. Performance of the models were assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsRads derived from TAA and PEA both showed predictive power for identifying the origin of BM. The developed combined models generated the best performance in the training (AUCs, lung cancer [LC]/non‐lung cancer [NLC] vs. small cell lung cancer [SCLC]/non‐small cell lung cancer [NSCLC] vs. breast cancer [BC]/gastrointestinal cancer [GIC], 0.870 vs. 0.946 vs. 0.886), internal validation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves [AUCs], LC/NLC vs. SCLC/NSCLC vs. BC/GIC, 0.786 vs. 0.863 vs. 0.836) and external validation (AUCs, LC /NLC vs. SCLC/NSCLC vs. BC/GIC, 0.805 vs. 0.877 vs. 0.774) cohort.ConclusionsThe developed habitat‐based radiomics models can effectively identify the metastatic tumor type of BM and may be considered as a potential preoperative basis for timely treatment planning.
Moderate‐To‐Vigorous Physical Activity Independent of Stationary Time Is Associated With Better Functional Outcomes Over Four‐Years in Individuals With or at Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Halliwell Carson , O’Brien Myles , Moyer Rebecca 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionOsteoarthritis is a progressive joint disease that causes pain and disability, impairing physical function. Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is recommended for knee osteoarthritis, while stationary time, independent of activity, may negatively impact health outcomes. We hypothesised that individuals with the highest MVPA and lowest stationary time would have better long‐term function compared to those with the lowest MVPA and highest stationary time, as well as those with high levels of both MVPA and stationary time.MethodsData included 442 participants, with an average age of 66‐years and 190‐females from the Osteoarthritis Initiative who wore accelerometers to assess MVPA and stationary time. Participants were grouped into tertiles of MVPA and stationary time normalised to total accelerometer wear time. The three groups were: highest activity, lowest stationary (HALS), highest activity, highest stationary (HAHS), and lowest activity, highest stationary (LAHS). Gait speed, the 400 m walk test, and five‐time repeated chair stand were assessed at baseline and four‐year follow‐up.ResultsCompared to the LAHS group, the HALS and HAHS groups had better performance in gait speed p < 0.001, d = 0.96–1.06, 400m walk time p < 0.001, d = 1.21–1.36, and five‐time repeated chair stand p < 0.001, d = 0.54–0.81 at baseline and four‐year follow‐up. No differences were found between the HALS and HAHS groups at either timepoint.ConclusionHigher levels of MVPA were associated with better lower‐limb functional outcomes in individuals with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis. Higher levels of stationary time do not negatively influence functional performance as long as higher numbers of MVPA levels (∼30 min/day) are achieved.
Free‐Space Diffraction and Interference in a Transformed Frame
Authors: Briggs John S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTFor free propagation from a focus, the Hermite–Gauss wave functions of optics spread in space. In quantum mechanics, the Hermite–Gauss functions are referred to as the harmonic oscillator eigenfunctions. These functions are used here to describe the interference of wave packets. It has been shown that when transformed to a frame moving with the normal to the wave front trajectories, the Hermite–Gauss functions are constant up to a phase factor which is the Gouy phase. The Gouy phase itself assumes the role of proper space or time coordinate. Along the whole of such a trajectory, the space wave function is proportional to the wave number or momentum function. An arbitrary normalizable wave packet can be expanded using the Hermite–Gauss functions as a basis. As example, it is shown that in the transformed frame, a displaced Gaussian does not spread but rather becomes a coherent state. This allows a particularly simple representation of the Young's interference pattern from two or more slits.