bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-World Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Spain: The RWD-ACROSS Study
Authors: Pericay Carles , Fernández Montes Ana , Alonso Orduña Vicente , Macias Declara Ismael , Asensio Martínez Elena , Rodríguez Salas Nuria , Torres Esperanza , Cacho Lavín Diego , Rodríguez Alonso Rosa María , Falcó Esther , Oliva Joan Carles , Cirera Lluis
Published: September 2023

The retrospective, observational RWD-ACROSS study analyzed disease characteristics, systemic treatment, and survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Spain. In total, 2002 patients were enrolled (mean age 65.3 years; 62.7% male). Overall median overall survival (OS) was 26.72 months, and was longer in patients with left-sided tumors (28.85 vs. 21.04 months (right-sided tumors); p < 0.0001) and in patients receiving first-line anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) treatment (31.21 vs. 26.75 (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment) and 24.45 months (chemotherapy); p = 0.002). Overall median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.72 months and was longer in patients with left-sided tumors (11.24 vs. 9.31 months (right-sided tumors); p < 0.0001), and in patients receiving either first-line anti-EGFR or anti-VEGF (12.13 and 12.00 vs. 8.98 months (chemotherapy); p < 0.001). PFS was longer with anti-VEGF treatment in patients with right-sided tumors and wild-type RAS (11.24 vs. 8.78 (anti-EGFR) and 7.83 months (chemotherapy); p = 0.025). Both anti-EGFR and anti-VEGF produced longer PFS in patients with left-sided tumors and wild-type RAS than chemotherapy alone (12.39 and 13.14 vs. 9.83 months; p = 0.011). In patients with left-sided tumors and mutant RAS, anti-VEGF produced a longer PFS than chemotherapy alone (12.36 vs. 9.34 months; p = 0.001). In Spain, wild-type RAS or left-sided mCRC tumors are predictive of longer survival times.
BRAF Non-V600 Mutations in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Junjia , Xie Hao
Published: September 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Despite advancements in detection and therapeutic options, patients with metastatic CRC continue to face poor survival rates. The heterogeneity of oncogenic alterations, including BRAF mutations, poses a substantial challenge in identifying optimal treatment approaches. Notably, BRAF non-V600 mutations, encompassing class II and class III mutations, exhibit the distinct patterns of the signaling pathways and responses to targeted therapies compared to BRAF V600 mutations (class I). Nevertheless, the current classification system may underestimate the complexity and heterogeneity of BRAF-mutant CRC. Ongoing clinical trials are actively investigating targeted therapies for BRAF non-V600 mutations, but they are being confronted with patient recruitment obstacles due to the genetic diversity of these alterations. Continued research is needed to refine mutation subtyping, identify effective treatment strategies, and improve outcomes for patients with BRAF non-V600-mutant CRC. Enhancing our understanding and management of this specific subgroup of CRC is crucial for developing personalized treatment approaches and advancing patient care. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in and perspectives on BRAF non-V600 alterations in colorectal cancer, including relevant ongoing clinical trials.
Primary Retroperitoneal Carcinomas: New Insights into Pathogenesis and Clinical Management in Comparison with Ovarian Carcinomas and Carcinoma of Unknown Primary
Authors: Otsuka Isao
Published: September 2023

Primary retroperitoneal carcinomas are very rare tumors. Their pathogenesis remains unknown but may be associated with that of ovarian carcinomas, considering the similarity in morphology and gender preference. Although metaplasia of coelomic epithelium is the most widely accepted theory, the pathogenesis of retroperitoneal carcinomas may differ by histologic subtype, like ovarian carcinomas. Mucinous carcinoma, which develops in both women and men, may originate in both primordial germ cells and Walthard cell nests that may be derived from the fallopian tube. Serous carcinomas may be associated with endosalpingiosis, the presence of fallopian tube-like epithelium outside the fallopian tube, and a remnant Müllerian tract. Endometrioid and clear cell carcinomas appear to be associated with extraovarian endometriosis. Additionally, both carcinomas in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes may be metastatic diseases from endometrial and/or renal cell cancer that regress spontaneously (carcinoma of unknown primary). Retroperitoneal carcinomas are difficult to diagnose, as they have no characteristic symptoms and signs. Surgery is the cornerstone of treatment, but the necessity of chemotherapy may depend on histological subtype. Further studies are necessary, in particular studies on endosalpingiosis, as endosalpingiosis is a poorly understood condition, although it is associated with the development of both serous and mucinous carcinomas.
The Comparison of Metal Doped TiO2 Photocatalytic Active Fabrics under Sunlight for Waste Water Treatment Applications
Authors: Lee Kang Hoon , Arfa Ume , Arshad Zafar , Lee Eui-Jong , Alshareef Mubark , Alsowayigh Marwah M. , Shahid Kinza , Shahid Raghisa , Hamad N.
Published: September 2023

The release of toxic effluents and microfibers during the frequent washings of textiles poses a major threat to the environment. On the one hand, the detrimental effluents from detergents pose a threat to marine biota in peril, and on the other, microplastics have even been found in breastmilk. According to this study, functionalized metal-doped TiO2 nanoparticles can be immobilized to create fabrics that are hygienic and antibacterial. There is a need to reduce the amount of different detergents, surfactants and chemicals used to remove stains. The manufacture of pristine and Cu-, Ag- and Zn-doped TiO2 nanoparticles having trace molar ratios of dopant chosen with a simple sol–gel approach using pad–dry–cure silane coupling agents, firstly with the functionalization and then the immobilization of nanoparticles, was successfully performed on cotton fabric. The as-obtained fabrics were evaluated for their crystallinity, chemical functionalities, surface morphologies and elemental compositions. The photodegradation potentials of unfunctionalized materials were assessed in ambient sunshine against five commercial colors. Within three hours of sunshine exposure, according to color strength analysis and antibactericidal activities, 95–98% of the dye was degraded from the functionalized fabric surface. Additionally, the treated content kept its mechanical and comfort qualities.
Circulating Tumor Cell Subpopulations Predict Treatment Outcome in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Patients
Authors: Freed Ian M. , Kasi Anup , Fateru Oluwadamilola , Hu Mengjia , Gonzalez Phasin , Weatherington Nyla , Pathak Harsh , Hyter Stephen , Sun Weijing , Al-Rajabi Raed , Baranda Joaquina , Hupert Mateusz L. , Chalise Prabhakar , Godwin Andrew K. , A. Witek Malgorzata , Soper Steven A.
Published: September 2023

There is a high clinical unmet need to improve outcomes for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients, either with the discovery of new therapies or biomarkers that can track response to treatment more efficiently than imaging. We report an innovative approach that will generate renewed interest in using circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to monitor treatment efficacy, which, in this case, used PDAC patients receiving an exploratory new therapy, poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi)—niraparib—as a case study. CTCs were enumerated from whole blood using a microfluidic approach that affinity captures epithelial and mesenchymal CTCs using anti-EpCAM and anti-FAPα monoclonal antibodies, respectively. These antibodies were poised on the surface of two separate microfluidic devices to discretely capture each subpopulation for interrogation. The isolated CTCs were enumerated using immunophenotyping to produce a numerical ratio consisting of the number of mesenchymal to epithelial CTCs (denoted “Φ”), which was used as an indicator of response to therapy, as determined using computed tomography (CT). A decreasing value of Φ during treatment was indicative of tumor response to the PARPi and was observed in 88% of the enrolled patients (n = 31). Changes in Φ during longitudinal testing were a better predictor of treatment response than the current standard CA19-9. We were able to differentiate between responders and non-responders using ΔΦ (p = 0.0093) with higher confidence than CA19-9 (p = 0.033). For CA19-9 non-producers, ΔΦ correctly predicted the outcome in 72% of the PDAC patients. Sequencing of the gDNA extracted from affinity-selected CTC subpopulations provided information that could be used for patient enrollment into the clinical trial based on their tumor mutational status in DNA repair genes.
Human Alcohol-Microbiota Mice have Increased Susceptibility to Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Cunningham Kelly C. , Smith Deandra R. , Villageliú Daniel N. , Ellis Christi M. , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Price Jeffrey D. , Wyatt Todd A. , Knoell Daren L. , Samuelson Mystera M. , Molina Patricia E. , Welsh David A. , Samuelson Derrick R.
Published: September 2023

Preclinical studies have shown that chronic alcohol abuse leads to alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota that are associated with behavior changes, physiological alterations, and immunological effects. However, such studies have been limited in their ability to evaluate the direct effects of alcohol-associated dysbiosis. To address this, we developed a humanized alcohol-microbiota mouse model to systematically evaluate the immunological effects of chronic alcohol abuse mediated by intestinal dysbiosis. Germ-free mice were colonized with human fecal microbiota from individuals with high and low Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores and bred to produce human alcohol-associated microbiota or human control-microbiota F1 progenies. F1 offspring colonized with fecal microbiota from individuals with high AUDIT scores had increased susceptibility to Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia, as determined by increased mortality rates, pulmonary bacterial burden, and post-infection lung damage. These findings highlight the importance of considering both the direct effects of alcohol and alcohol-induced dysbiosis when investigating the mechanisms behind alcohol-related disorders and treatment strategies.
Liquid Phase Deposition of TiO2 on a Multifunctional Template of Grafted Gallic Acid and Hexamethylenediamine (GAHD) with Enhanced Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Lei Huili , Zhang Xuan , Chen Si , Li Chengbo , Wan Guojiang
Published: September 2023

Liquid phase deposition is a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for obtaining TiO2 films at low temperatures. This work demonstrates the use of a multifunctional template consisting of grafted gallic acid (GA) and hexamethylenediamine (HD) on a Ti substrate to regulate the deposition of TiO2 films. X-ray diffraction characterization shows that films deposited with the template have a more obvious anatase phase compared to direct deposition at 25 °C. The intensity of photoluminescence spectra also shows significant differences at 373.7 nm and 663.3 nm. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements indicate that TiO2 films adjusted by the template have excellent electrochemical conversion properties. This proposed method provides a new simple route for fabricating TiO2 films that are adjusted by GAHD templates, which may have good applications in the fields of semiconductor materials and biological materials.
High-Sensitivity and -Stability Thin-Film Heat Flux Sensor Based on Transverse Thermoelectric Effec
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Yong , Yi Zao , Dai Bo , Tang Bin , Xu Xibin , Yi Yougen
Published: September 2023

In this study, we investigate the sensitivity properties of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films with a 15° tilting angle in relation to heat flux density. The films were prepared using the laser pulsed deposition (PLD) technique, and their characteristics were evaluated using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and infrared steady-state and laser transient calibration systems. The YBa2Cu3O7-δ films prepared in this study were found to be of good quality, exhibiting a single-phase structure with strict (001) orientation. Both the substrate and film diffraction peaks were sharp and consistent with the step-flow growth mode, indicating high crystalline quality. Ultra-high sensitivity in the range of 0 to 100 kW/m2, the maximum sensitivity is 230 μV/(kW/m2), and an uncertainty is only 3%. According to the infrared steady-state heat flux calibration system test, when the single output power of the quartz lamp array is 0.2 kW, 0.3 kW, 0.4 kW and 0.5 kW, the maximum output voltage is 0.19 mV, 0.41 mV, 0.63 mV and 0.94 mV, respectively, indicating that the output voltage of the sensor increases with the increase in heat flux, showing a good linear characteristic, and the fitting linearity is 0.99. Through the test of the laser transient thermal current calibration system, the sensors are found to have excellent response–recovery characteristics at 500 kHz and 1000 kHz fiber laser frequencies, and the maximum voltage output is 8.83 mV and 9.09 mV, respectively. Moreover, the component has excellent repeatability, and the maximum measurement error is only 1.94%. Our findings demonstrate the potential of YBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films for use in heat flux sensing applications.
Enhancing Counterfeit Detection with Multi-Features on Secure 2D Grayscale Codes
Authors: Hantono Bimo Sunarfri , Alfarozi Syukron Abu Ishaq , Pratama Azkario Rizky , Rizqi Ahmad Ataka Awwalur , Mustika I Wayan , Riasetiawan Mardhani , Asih Anna Maria Sri
Published: September 2023

Counterfeit products have become a pervasive problem in the global marketplace, necessitating effective strategies to protect both consumers and brands. This study examines the role of cybersecurity in addressing counterfeiting issues, specifically focusing on a multi-level grayscale watermark-based authentication system. The system comprises a generator responsible for creating a secure 2D code, and an authenticator designed to extract watermark information and verify product authenticity. To authenticate the secure 2D code, we propose various features, including the analysis of the spatial domain, frequency domain, and grayscale watermark distribution. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate interpolation methods to enhance counterfeit detection. Our proposed approach demonstrates remarkable performance, achieving precision, recall, and specificities surpassing 84.8%, 83.33%, and 84.5%, respectively, across different datasets.
Analytical Performance of a Novel Latex Turbidimetric Immunoassay, “Nanopia TARC”, for TARC/CCL17 Measurement: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Yamashita Keita , Takebayashi Shiori , Murata Wataru , Hirai Nao , Ito Yui , Mitsui Mayuka , Saito Mina , Sato Kei , Terada Miyuki , Niizeki Noriyasu , Suzuki Akira , Ogitani Kenya , Fujikawa Toshihiko , Komori Marie , Inoue Nozomi , Arai Norimitsu , Maekawa Masato
Published: September 2023

Thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC, also known as CCL17) is used as a biomarker for atopic dermatitis. The methods currently used for its measurement are complex, time-consuming, and require large machinery, warranting the need for a method that is simple, has a quick turnaround time, and requires less complex machinery. We evaluated the analytical performance of a novel latex turbidimetric immunoassay method, “Nanopia TARC”, on 174 residual serum samples from patients with skin or allergic diseases. This evaluation included the assessment of the limit of blank/detection/quantification (LOB/D/Q), precision, accuracy, linearity, interference, and commutability between Nanopia TARC and “HISCL TARC”, based on the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) method. The LOB/D/Q values were 13, 57, and 141 pg/mL, respectively. The coefficient of variation of the repeatability was 0.9–3.8%, and that of the intermediate precision was 2.1–5.4%. The total error of the accuracy was 1.9–13.4%. The linearity was 141 and 19,804 pg/mL for TARC. The correlation coefficient between Nanopia TARC and HISCL TARC determined using the Passing–Bablok regression analysis was 0.999. Furthermore, the concordance of diagnostic criteria with AD was 92%. Nanopia TARC was confirmed to have the same analytical performance for TARC measurement as the existing CLEIA method.
Development and Validation of a Radiomics Nomogram for Liver Metastases Originating from Gastric and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Yuying , Li Jingjing , Meng Mingzhu , Duan Shaofeng , Shi Haifeng , Hang Junjie
Published: September 2023

The origin of metastatic liver tumours (arising from gastric or colorectal sources) is closely linked to treatment choices and survival prospects. However, in some instances, the primary lesion remains elusive even after an exhaustive diagnostic investigation. Consequently, we have devised and validated a radiomics nomogram for ascertaining the primary origin of liver metastases stemming from gastric cancer (GCLMs) and colorectal cancer (CCLMs). This retrospective study encompassed patients diagnosed with either GCLMs or CCLMs, comprising a total of 277 GCLM cases and 278 CCLM cases. Radiomic characteristics were derived from venous phase computed tomography (CT) scans, and a radiomics signature (RS) was computed. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that gender (OR = 3.457; 95% CI: 2.102–5.684; p < 0.001), haemoglobin levels (OR = 0.976; 95% CI: 0.967–0.986; p < 0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (OR = 0.500; 95% CI: 0.307–0.814; p = 0.005), and RS (OR = 2.147; 95% CI: 1.127–4.091; p = 0.020) exhibited independent associations with GCLMs as compared to CCLMs. The nomogram, combining RS with clinical variables, demonstrated strong discriminatory power in both the training (AUC = 0.71) and validation (AUC = 0.78) cohorts. The calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and clinical impact curves revealed the clinical utility of this nomogram and substantiated its enhanced diagnostic performance.
Bandwidth Density Analysis of Coded Free-Space Optical Interconnects
Authors: Aldiabat Hasan A. , Al-Ababneh Nedal K. , Alqudah Asma A.
Published: September 2023

The performance of free-space optical interconnects (FSOIs) system is significantly influenced by noise, similar to any wireless communication system. This noise has a notable impact on both the bandwidth density and data rate of FSOIs system. To address these challenges, this study proposes the utilization of vertical-cavity-surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays on the transmitter side and photodetector arrays on the receiver side for FSOIs. The study investigates the bandwidth density of the system with and without coding while maintaining a specific bit error rate. An analysis is conducted in the presence of higher-order modes in the laser beams of the FSOIs system and a fundamental Gaussian operating mode. The presence of the higher-order modes leads to degradation in the performance of the FSOIs system in terms of bandwidth density. In addition, we examine the impact of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) on the system’s bandwidth density for each considered operating mode. The provided simulation results clearly demonstrate that coding significantly enhances the bandwidth density of the systems, with the extent of improvement being closely tied to the employed code rate and codeword length.
Seasonal Variation in the Thermal Environment and Health-Related Factors in Two Clustered Recreational Bamboo Forests
Authors: Tang Haixiong , Yang Qin , Jiang Mingyan , Wang Tianxing , Li Xi , Chen Qibing , Luo Zhenghua , Lv Bingyang
Published: September 2023

Forest thermal environments and health-related factors have a significant impact on user experience and physical benefits. Therefore, it is important to study changes in the thermal environment and health-related factors in recreational forests. Clustered bamboo forests have unique structures featuring high canopy density and extensive understory spaces suitable for recreational activities. However, there is no relevant report on the recreational use of these forests. This study investigated seasonal characteristics in the thermal comfort and health-related factors in two clustered bamboo forests in Southwest China. Microenvironmental parameters and health-related factors (negative air oxygen ions (NAI), airborne particulate matter, airborne microorganisms, and biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs)) were measured in four seasons. The microenvironmental parameters were converted into a physiological equivalent temperature (PET) for each period. The results showed that (1) most of the time, the thermal comfort, air particle, NAI, and bacteria concentrations in the two bamboo forests were superior to the controls and met the standard for recreational activities; (2) thermal comfort environments and health-related factors levels varied between two bamboo forests; and (3) the most abundant compounds in the two bamboo forests in each season were leaf alcohol and 2-hexenal. The two clustered bamboo forests provided a comfortable thermal environment and had clean air and bactericidal abilities in all seasons. The forests emitted BVOCs with fresh grass and leaf fragrances, helping to alleviate the sense of depression among visitors. The results confirm that clustered bamboo forests can provide suitable recreational conditions. The results can be used to guide the management of recreational forests and provide support for the development of bamboo forests.
The Spatio-Temporal Variations of GPP and Its Climatic Driving Factors in the Yangtze River Basin during 2000–2018
Authors: Nie Chong , Chen Xingan , Xu Rui , Zhu Yanzhong , Deng Chenning , Yang Queping
Published: September 2023

Terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) is the major carbon input to the terrestrial ecosystem. The Yangtze River Basin (YRB) holds a key role in shaping China’s economic and social progress, as well as in ecological and environmental protection. However, how the GPP in the YRB responds to the climate factors remain unclear. In this research, we applied the Vegetation Photosynthesis Model (VPM) GPP data to explore the spatial and temporal variations of GPP in the YRB during 2000–2018. Based on the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD), the partial least squares regression (PLSR) method was employed to identify the GPP responses to changes in precipitation, temperature, and shortwave radiation between 2000 and 2018. The findings showed that the long-term average of GPP in the YRB was 1153.5 ± 472.4 g C m−2 yr−1 between 2000 and 2018. The GPP of the Han River Basin, the Yibin-Yichang section of the Yangtze River mainstream, and the Poyang Lake Basin were relatively high, while the GPP of the Jinsha River Basin above Shigu and the Taihu Lake Basin were relatively low. A significant upward trend in GPP was observed over the 19-year period, with an annual increase rate of 8.86 g C m−2 yr−1 per year. The GPP of the Poyang Lake Basin and Jialing River Basin grew much faster than other water resource regions. Savannas and forests also had relatively higher GPP rate of increase compared to other vegetation types. The relative contributions of precipitation, temperature, and shortwave radiation to GPP variations in the YRB were 13.85 ± 13.86%, 58.87 ± 9.79%, and 27.07 ± 15.92%, respectively. Our results indicated that temperature was the main climatic driver on the changes of GPP in the YRB. This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the variations and climate-impacting factors of vegetation productivity in the YRB.
Inhibitory Mechanism of Quercimeritrin as a Novel α-Glucosidase Selective Inhibitor
Authors: Guo Fengyu , An Jie , Wang Minlong , Zhang Weibo , Chen Chong , Mao Xueying , Liu Siyuan , Wang Pengjie , Ren Fazheng
Published: September 2023

In this study, 12 flavonoid glycosides were selected based on virtual screening and the literature, and Quercimeritrin was selected as the best selective inhibitor of α-glucosidase through in vitro enzyme activity inhibition experiments. Its IC50 value for α-glucosidase was 79.88 µM, and its IC50 value for α-amylase >250 µM. As such, it could be used as a new selective inhibitor of α-glucosidase. The selective inhibition mechanism of Quercimeritrin on the two starch-digesting enzymes was further explored, and it was confirmed that Quercimeritrin had a strong binding affinity for α-glucosidase and occupied the binding pocket of α-glucosidase through non-covalent binding. Subsequently, animal experiments demonstrated that Quercimeritrin can effectively control postprandial blood glucose in vivo, with the same inhibitory effect as acarbose but without side effects. Our results, therefore, provide insights into how flavone aglycones can be used to effectively control the rate of digestion to improve postprandial blood glucose levels.
Recent Advances in the Determination of Veterinary Drug Residues in Food
Authors: Pratiwi Rimadani , Ramadhanti Shinta Permata , Amatulloh Asyifa , Megantara Sandra , Subra Laila
Published: September 2023

The presence of drug residues in food products has become a growing concern because of the adverse health risks and regulatory implications. Drug residues in food refer to the presence of pharmaceutical compounds or their metabolites in products such as meat, fish, eggs, poultry and ready-to-eat foods, which are intended for human consumption. These residues can come from the use of drugs in the field of veterinary medicine, such as antibiotics, antiparasitic agents, growth promoters and other veterinary drugs given to livestock and aquaculture with the aim of providing them as prophylaxis, therapy and for promoting growth. Various analytical techniques are used for this purpose to control the maximum residue limit. Compliance with the maximum residue limit is very important for food manufacturers according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Union (EU) regulations. Effective monitoring and control of drug residues in food requires continuous advances in analytical techniques. Few studies have been reviewed on sample extraction and preparation techniques as well as challenges and future directions for the determination of veterinary drug residues in food. This current review focuses on the overview of regulations, classifications and types of food, as well as the latest analytical methods that have been used in recent years (2020–2023) for the determination of drug residues in food so that appropriate methods and accurate results can be used. The results show that chromatography is still a widely used technique for the determination of drug residue in food. Other approaches have been developed including immunoassay, biosensors, electrophoresis and molecular-based methods. This review provides a new development method that has been used to control veterinary drug residue limit in food.
An Integrative Review of the Influence on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Adherence among Adolescents
Authors: Shin Hyewon , Choi Sunyeob , Lee Ju-Young
Published: September 2023

To enhance the vaccination rate of adolescents against HPV, understanding their current vaccination intentions and identifying the factors that influence their decision to vaccinate are imperative. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) was used to search for relative literature. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Web of science, Research Information Sharing Service (RISS) and Korea Citation Index (KCI)) were searched from 2007 to 2022, and 19 studies were selected for final review. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT) was used as a critical appraisal tool to evaluate the quality for various types of research designs. This integrative review revealed three themes, including facilitators (personal characteristics and environmental factors), barriers (lack of awareness and knowledge about HPV, concerns about side effects, and the burden of costs), and ways to increase vaccination uptake (knowledge promotion and HPV vaccines coverage by public insurance). To encourage HPV vaccine uptake, it is essential to enhance public knowledge, create compelling advertisements, and ensure that the vaccines are covered by public insurance. Moreover, providing educational programs that emphasize the effectiveness and significance of HPV vaccines to adults who can influence the vaccination decisions of adolescents is vital.
Insights to Improve Dietary Guidelines for Americans Communication and Policy
Authors: Macias Wendy
Published: September 2023

This study aims to tease out why the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have largely failed to support positive attitudinal and behavioral dietary change in the U.S. over the past decade. Dervin’s sense-making methodology (SMM) is employed as a theoretical framework to postulate why DGA has not been more successful with its past communication approaches. A brief history of DGA is shared along with criticisms and literature discussing its potentially politicized nature. Thirteen semi-structured qualitative interviews with individual people and various experts (government, dietitians, communicators, and school-lunch administrators) reveal successes and failures and, ultimately, gaps in the communication process. Key themes emerged indicating the importance of mothers, coaches, and significant others, but rarely DGA, in American’s nutritional upbringing. Industry expert interviews exposed areas where competing systems may cancel out efforts and how too many people are looking at narrowly focused details without seeing the big picture. Systems thinking embedded in social change theories may be advantageous over traditional, less coordinated linear-thinking approaches to improve awareness and attitudes. A systems map is proposed to guide the process and bring key parties together to move beyond the contentious, only one winner mentality that has dominated in the past. In conclusion, this article adds qualitative insights to this area of inquiry and makes suggestions to improve organizational communication and policy.
Predisposing, Enabling, and Need Factors Associated with Psychotropic Medication and Mental Health Service Use among Children in Out-of-Home Care in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Xu Yanfeng , Winters Andrew M. , Soto-Ramírez Nelís , McCarthy Lauren , Betz Gail , Liu Meirong
Published: September 2023

This scoping review aimed to identify predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with the use of mental health services, including psychotropic medications, among children in out-of-home care in the United States. We searched the PsycInfo, SocINDEX, Medline, and Scopus databases, and 22 studies met inclusion criteria and were systematically analyzed. Among the included studies, 7 studies examined predictors associated with taking psychotropic medications, and 16 examined factors associated with using other mental health services. Significant predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with greater use of mental health services, including psychotropic medications, were identified. The most frequently identified predisposing factors were child race/ethnicity, age, gender, and maltreatment. Important enabling factors were out-of-home placement type and length of care, and need factors included children’s mental/behavioral problems. The results provide insight into maximizing factors facilitating children’s use of mental health services to address mental health problems of children in out-of-home care. Further, the results imply the importance of the appropriate use of psychotropic medication (e.g., the type and dosage of medications) among children in out-of-home care. The identified factors can inform child welfare agencies and stakeholders on ways to improve access to mental health services and the appropriate use of psychotropic medications among children in out-of-home care in the United States.
Spatio-Temporal Information Extraction and Geoparsing for Public Chinese Resumes
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Zhang Wu , Wang Yanjie , Tan Yongbin , Xia Jing
Published: September 2023

As an important carrier of individual information, the resume is an important data source for studying the spatio-temporal evolutionary characteristics of individual and group behaviors. This study focuses on spatio-temporal information extraction and geoparsing from resumes to provide basic technical support for spatio-temporal research based on resume text. Most current studies on resume text information extraction are oriented toward recruitment work, such as the automated information extraction, classification, and recommendation of resumes. These studies ignore the spatio-temporal information of individual and group behaviors implied in resumes. Therefore, this study takes the public resumes of teachers in key universities in China as the research data, proposes a set of spatio-temporal information extraction solutions for electronic resumes of public figures, and designs a spatial entity geoparsing method, which can effectively extract and spatially locate spatio-temporal information in the resumes. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, text information extraction models such as BiLSTM-CRF, BERT-CRF, and BERT-BiLSTM-CRF are selected to conduct comparative experiments, and the spatial entity geoparsing method is verified. The experimental results show that the precision of the selected models on the named entity recognition task is 96.23% and the precision of the designed spatial entity geoparsing method is 97.91%.
Identification of Follow-Up Markers for Rehabilitation Management in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma
Authors: Xavier Frédéric , Chouin Emmanuelle , Tighilet Brahim , Lavieille Jean-Pierre , Chabbert Christian
Published: September 2023

This study delves into the absence of prognostic or predictive markers to guide rehabilitation in patients afflicted with vestibular schwannomas. The objective is to analyze the reweighting of subjective and instrumental indicators following surgery, at 7 days and 1 month postoperatively. This retrospective cohort encompasses 32 patients who underwent unilateral vestibular schwannoma surgery at the Marseille University Hospital between 2014 and 2019. Variations in 54 indicators and their adherence to available norms are calculated. After 1 month, one-third of patients do not regain the norm for all indicators. However, the rates of variation unveil specific responses linked to a preoperative error signal, stemming from years of tumor adaptation. This adaptation is reflected in a postoperative visual or proprioceptive preference for certain patients. Further studies are needed to clarify error signals according to lesion types. The approach based on variations in normative indicators appears relevant for post-surgical monitoring and physiotherapy.
Sodium Valproate Use in Japanese Patients with Schizophrenia and Coronavirus Disease Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Pneumonia
Authors: Arai Yusuke , Sasayama Daimei , Kuraishi Akira , Sahara Reiko , Murata Shiho , Tanaka Akira , Amemiya Kotaro , Usuda Nobuteru , Kuraishi Kazuaki , Washizuka Shinsuke
Published: September 2023

Schizophrenia is a known risk factor for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection and severity, and certain psychotropic drugs have been linked to increased mortality in infected patients with schizophrenia. However, little evidence exists regarding this risk. We retrospectively examined the association between mood stabilizers and the risk of pneumonia in patients with schizophrenia. This study included 99 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were infected with COVID-19 in 2022 and met the inclusion criteria. After conducting propensity score matching to align patient backgrounds and concomitant medications, we assessed the impact of mood stabilizers, specifically sodium valproate, on the risk of pneumonia development. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with schizophrenia and COVID-19 who developed pneumonia were more likely to be older (64.5 [14.2] vs. 57.4 [11.5] years, p = 0.008) and using sodium valproate (44.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.004). Even after propensity score matching, patients who developed pneumonia were still more likely to be receiving sodium valproate than not (58.8% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.003). Sodium valproate use may be a risk factor for the development of pneumonia in patients with chronic schizophrenia who are infected with COVID-19 during long-term hospitalization.
Management of Patients Treated with Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Clinical Practice and Challenging Scenarios
Authors: Lucà Fabiana , Oliva Fabrizio , Abrignani Maurizio Giuseppe , Di Fusco Stefania Angela , Parrini Iris , Canale Maria Laura , Giubilato Simona , Cornara Stefano , Nesti Martina , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Pozzi Andrea , Binaghi Giulio , Maloberti Alessandro , Ceravolo Roberto , Bisceglia Irma , Rossini Roberta , Temporelli Pier Luigi , Amico Antonio Francesco , Calvanese Raimondo , Gelsomino Sandro , Riccio Carmine , Grimaldi Massimo , Colivicchi Furio , Gulizia Michele Massimo
Published: September 2023

It is well established that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the cornerstone of anticoagulant strategy in atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) and should be preferred over vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) since they are superior or non-inferior to VKAs in reducing thromboembolic risk and are associated with a lower risk of intracranial hemorrhage (IH). In addition, many factors, such as fewer pharmacokinetic interactions and less need for monitoring, contribute to the favor of this therapeutic strategy. Although DOACs represent a more suitable option, several issues should be considered in clinical practice, including drug–drug interactions (DDIs), switching to other antithrombotic therapies, preprocedural and postprocedural periods, and the use in patients with chronic renal and liver failure and in those with cancer. Furthermore, adherence to DOACs appears to remain suboptimal. This narrative review aims to provide a practical guide for DOAC prescription and address challenging scenarios.
IL-31—Pruritus Interleukin: Serum Values and Clinical Impact in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria—A Romanian Retrospective Study
Authors: Dobrican-Băruța Carmen-Teodora , Deleanu Diana Mihaela , Muntean Ioana Adriana , Pintea Irena , Florea Cristian Marius , Filip Gabriela Adriana
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the implications of interleukin-31 (IL-31) in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and to assess the differences that occur between its serum values compared to controls. Additionally, the serum IL-31 levels were measured alongside other clinical and paraclinical parameters that were identified in the patients to understand its immunological importance in this skin disease and to determine if it could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in CSU in the future. (2) Methods: The serum levels of IL-31 were estimated in 50 patients diagnosed with CSU according to the accepted international guidelines. Additionally, 38 controls who had not experienced any episodes of urticaria during their lifetime were included. (3) Results: Significantly elevated serum IL-31 levels were observed in CSU patients compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Although no direct correlations were found between IL-31 and inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)), eosinophils, or total immunoglobulins E (IgE), significant differences in IL-31 levels were identified based on CSU severity, quality of life impact, itch intensity, and response to histamine H1 receptor antagonists (H1 antihistamines) (p < 0.05 for all). (4) Conclusions: Our findings underscore that IL-31 is not directly associated with general inflammation, eosinophilic response, or atopy in CSU. Nevertheless, its expression is influenced by key disease characteristics: severity, pruritus, and H1 antihistamine response. This investigation provides essential insights into CSU pathogenesis, potentially leading to novel therapeutic interventions. An enhanced understanding of these mechanisms is crucial due to the limitations of current treatment modalities in terms of fully managing CSU symptoms.
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) after Surgery for Rectal Cancer: An Inevitable Price to Pay for Survival, or a Preventable Complication?
Authors: Muttillo Edoardo , La Franca Alice , Coppola Alessandro , Li Causi Francesco , Checchelani Marzia , Ceccacci Alice , Castagnola Giorgio , Garbarino Giovanni , Osti Mattia , Balducci Genoveffa , Mercantini Paolo
Published: September 2023

Background: Rectal cancer is frequent and often treated with sphincter-saving procedures that may cause LARS, a syndrome characterized by symptoms of bowel disfunction that may severely affect quality of life. LARS is common, but its pathogenesis is mostly unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of LARS and to identify potential risk factors. Methods: We performed an observational retrospective single center analysis. The following data were collected and analyzed for each patient: demographics, tumor-related data, and intra- and peri-operative data. Statistical analysis was conducted, including descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors. Results: Total LARS incidence was 31%. Statistically significant differences were found in tumor distance from anal verge, tumor extension (pT and diameter) and tumor grading (G). Multivariate analysis identified tumor distance from anal verge and tumor extension as an independent predictive factor for both major and total LARS. Adjuvant therapy, although not significant at univariate analysis, was identified as an independent predictive factor. Time to stoma closure within 10 weeks seems to reduce incidence of major LARS. Conclusions:bold LARS affects a considerable portion of patients. This study identified potential predictive factors that could be useful to identify high risk patients for LARS.
Role of α-Defensin and the Microbiome in Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Prospective Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Baek Yae Jee , Lee Youn-Jung , Lee Jung Ah , Kim Jung Ho , Kwon Hyuck Min , Yeom Joon-Sup , Park Kwan Kyu , Jeong Su Jin
Published: September 2023

The utility of α-defensin (AD), leukocyte esterase (LE) levels, and metagenomics sequencing as diagnostic tools for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been suggested, but there are few studies among the Asian population. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of various biomarkers for PJI and the role of the microbiome in the synovial fluid of patients with prostheses. Patients with suspected knee PJI were enrolled, and their blood and synovial fluid were collected. The cases were classified into the PJI and non-PJI groups. Significant differences between the two groups were observed in the levels of AD (4698 µg/L vs. 296 µg/L, p < 0.001) and positivity for LE (62.5% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.01). AD had 94.4% sensitivity and 89.5% specificity for diagnosing PJI, whereas LE had 37.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Microbiome taxonomic profiling showed high sensitivity. The number of operational taxonomic units and the richness of the microbiome in the synovial fluid were higher in the non-PJI than in the PJI group. AD has shown encouraging results in the Asian population as a diagnostic biomarker for PJI, and LE can be used as a diagnostic adjunct. The bacterial richness of the synovial fluid is likely associated with infections.
Real-World Experience with Cemiplimab Treatment for Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma—A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Kuzmanovszki Daniella , Kiss Norbert , Tóth Béla , Tóth Veronika , Szakonyi József , Lőrincz Kende , Hársing Judit , Kuroli Enikő , Imrédi Eleonóra , Kerner Tünde , Patyánik Mihály , Wikonkál Norbert M. , Szabó Ákos , Brodszky Valentin , Rencz Fanni , Holló Péter
Published: September 2023

Background: The systemic treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) has seen significant developments in recent years. The anti-PD1 inhibitor cemiplimab has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials, but real-world data are still limited. Here, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of cemiplimab in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out for all patients who received at least two doses of cemiplimab at our department between February 2020 and January 2023. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), the objective response rate (ORR), the disease control rate (DCR) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. Results: Twenty-five patients were included with a median age of 78 (65–82) years. The median treatment duration was 48 (16–72) weeks. Five (20%) patients were immunocompromised. Sixteen patients (64%) developed AEs, including 36% serious AEs (SAEs) of grade ≥ 3. Six patients (24%) were withdrawn from treatment due to the occurrence of AEs. Among the 25 patients, 52% showed an objective response (3 complete and 10 partial responses), 76% had controlled disease and 24% experienced progression. Among the five immunocompromised patients, the ORR was 60%, while the DCR was 80%. Conclusions: This retrospective real-world study revealed that locally advanced or metastatic cSCC could be effectively treated with cemiplimab even in elderly, polymorbid and immunocompromised patients.
The Added Value of Systematic Sampling in In-Bore Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Prostate Biopsy
Authors: Lazarovich Alon , Drori Tomer , Zilberman Dorit E. , Portnoy Orith , Dotan Zohar A. , Rosenzweig Barak
Published: September 2023

We sought to quantify the additive value of systematic biopsy (SB) using in-bore magnetic resonance (MR)-guided prostate biopsy (IBMRGpB) by retrospectively reviewing the records of 189 patients who underwent IBMRGpB for suspected prostate cancer or as part of the surveillance protocol for previously diagnosed prostate cancer. The endpoints included clinically significant and non-clinically significant cancer diagnosis. SB detected clinically significant disease in 67 (35.5%) patients. Five (2.65%) patients whose targeted biopsies indicated benign or non-clinically significant disease had clinically significant disease based on SB. SB from the lobe contralateral to the lesion detected clinically significant disease in 15 (12%) patients. The size of the prostate was larger and the percentage of lesions located in the peripheral zone of the prostate was higher in patients with SB-detected clinically significant disease. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone of the prostate was a predictor for clinically significant disease in the multivariate analysis (OR = 8.26, p = 0.04), a finding supported by a subgroup analysis of biopsy-naïve patients (OR = 10.52, p = 0.034). The addition of SB during IBMRGpB increased the diagnosis of clinically significant as well as non-clinically significant prostate cancer. The location of the main lesion in the peripheral zone emerged as a positive predictive factor for clinically significant disease based on SB. These findings may enhance patient-tailored management.