bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple predictive model for puerperal infections: emphasizing risk factors and pathogen analysis
Authors: Wen Yanqing , Ming Xin , Yang Jing , Qi Hongbo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPuerperal infection (PI) accounting for approximately 11% of maternal deaths globally is an important preventable cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This study aims to analyze the high-risk factors and pathogenic bacteria of PI, design a nomogram to predict the risk of PI occurrence, and provide clinical guidance for prevention and treatment to improve maternal outcomes.MethodsA total of 525 pregnant women were included in the study. The mothers were randomly divided into a training cohort (n=367) and a test cohort (n=158). The performance of our model was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses. All the women in the group of PI underwent blood culture tests, if the bacteria were detected, drug sensitivity tests were performed. The drug sensitivity spectrum was recorded and analyzed.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that 12 indicators were significantly different (P &lt; 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed 6 factors, such as parity, number of vaginal examinations, amount of postpartum bleeding, antibiotics administered in one week before admission, induced labor, and indwelling catheter were significantly different between the PI group and control group (P &lt; 0.05). The area under the ROC curve was 0.904 (95% CI: 0.871-0.936) in the training set and 0.890 (95% CI: 0.837-0.942) in the test set. The calibration curve of the nomogram showed good agreement between prediction and observation. The analysis of the clinical decision curve showed that the nomogram is of practical significance. There were 100 patients with positive blood cultures in the PI group, and Escherichia.coli was the main pathogenic bacteria, accounting for 89%. The sensitivity to Meropenem and Imipenem was 100%, to Piperacillin tazobactam 97.75%, to Ceftazidime 95.51%, and to Amoxicillin/Clavulanat (AMC) was 93.26%.ConclusionThe risk of PI will be significantly reduced by controlling the number of vaginal examinations less than 4 times, postpartum hemorrhage less than 414ml, and reducing the time of urethral catheter indwelling. If PI was clinically diagnosed or highly suspected, it was recommended to use antibiotics that were sensitive to Escherichia. coli, such as Piperacillin tazobactam, Ceftazidime, and AMC
HOMA-beta independently predicts survival in patients with advanced cancer on treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Watanabe Mayu , Eguchi Jun , Takamoto Atsushi , Kanzaki Hiromitsu , Noda Yohei , Kagawa Syunsuke , Wada Jun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAlthough immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective cancer drugs, ICI-induced diabetes is a rare but a life-threatening adverse event for patients. The deleterious action of ICI on pancreatic beta-cell function is a concern. However, the influence of ICI on insulin synthesis and secretion in patients with cancer without diabetes remains unknown.MethodsThis study included 87 patients diagnosed with advanced cancer. Glucose metabolism markers (HbA1c, HOMA-IR) and indicators of insulin secretory capacity (HOMA-beta, C-peptide) were prospectively evaluated in patients with ICI-treated cancers to determine their association with cancer prognosis.ResultsPatients with overall survival (OS) ≥ 7 months had substantially higher HOMA-beta levels at baseline (p=0.008) and 1 month after ICI administration (p=0.006) compared to those with OS &lt;7 months. The median OS was significantly longer in patients with HOMA-beta ≥ 64.24 (13 months, 95%CI: 5.849–20.151, 37 events) than in those with HOMA-beta &lt; 64.24 (5 months, 95%CI: 3.280–6.720, 50 events) (p=0.013). Further, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer in patients with HOMA-beta ≥ 66.43 (4 months, 95%CI: 3.073–4.927, 33 events) than in those with HOMA-beta &lt; 66.43 (2 months, 95%CI: 1.410–2.590, 54 events) (p=0.025). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that a HOMA-beta value ≥ 64.24 independently predicted longer OS in ICI-treated patients.ConclusionsPre-ICI HOMA-beta level is linked to longer OS in ICI-treated patients. This connection is significant and shows that insulin secretory capacity may predict ICI efficacy.
Cytokine screening identifies TNF to potentially enhance immunogenicity of pediatric sarcomas
Authors: Gassmann Hendrik , Thiede Melanie , Weiß Jennifer , Biele Emilie , Flohé Luisa , Lachermaier Helena , Prexler Carolin , Evdokimova Valentina , Radvanyi Laszlo , Akhtar Irfan , Morcos Mina N. F. , Auer Franziska , Schober Sebastian J. , Hauer Julia , Thiel Uwe , von Heyking Kristina 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPediatric sarcomas, including osteosarcoma (OS), Ewing sarcoma (EwS) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) carry low somatic mutational burden and low MHC-I expression, posing a challenge for T cell therapies. Our previous study showed that mediators of monocyte maturation sensitized the EwS cell line A673 to lysis by HLA-A*02:01/CHM1319-specific allorestricted T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic CD8+ T cells (CHM1319 CD8+ T cells).MethodsIn this study, we tested a panel of monocyte maturation cytokines for their ability to upregulate immunogenic cell surface markers on OS, EwS and RMS cell lines, using flow cytometry. xCELLigence, SRB and ELISpot assays were used to assess whether TNF pretreatment increases CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity.ResultsWe observed that TNF and IL-1β upregulated MHC class I, ICAM-1 as well as CD83 and PD-L1 on the surface of pediatric sarcoma cell lines, while IL-4, GM-CSF, IL-6 and PGE2 failed to induce respective effects. Although pretreatment of pediatric sarcoma cell lines with TNF did not improve unspecific peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cytotoxicity, TNF enhanced specific lysis of 1/3 HLA-A2+ EwS cell lines by CHM1319 CD8+ T cells depending on MHC-I expression and ICAM-1 upregulation.DiscussionOur study supports utilization of TNF or TNF-inducing regimens for upregulation of MHC-I and costimulatory surface molecules on pediatric sarcoma cells and for enhancing recognition of responsive HLA-A2+ EwS tumor cells by antigen-specific CD8+ T cells.
The mitochondrial function of peripheral blood cells in cognitive frailty patients
Authors: Qin Li , Huang Tingting , Zhang Danmei , Wei Liqin , Li Guochao , Zhu Qianqian , Tong Qiangwei , Ding Guoxian , Liu Juan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCognitive frailty (CF), characterized by the coexistence of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, is linked to increased morbidity and mortality in older adults. While CF has been linked to multiple physiological and lifestyle factors, the underlying biological mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the risk factors for CF and explored the relationship between mitochondrial function and CF in hospitalized patients.MethodsA total of 279 hospitalized individuals were recruited from December 2020 to August 2022, conducted comprehensive clinical assessments, and collected peripheral blood samples. CF was evaluated using the Physical Frailty Phenotype and Montreal Cognitive Assessment scales. Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutritional Assessment, and depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale. DNA was obtained from the peripheral blood and interrogated for mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from peripheral blood were examined for respiratory function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, plasma samples were analyzed for inflammatory markers and Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase II (CPT2).ResultsAmong the participants, 90 were classified as CF and 46 as non-CF. Logistic regression analysis revealed that increased age (OR 1.156, 95% CI 1.064–1.255), lower educational attainment (OR 0.115, 95% CI 0.024–0.550), malnutrition (OR 0.713, 95% CI 0.522–0.973), and higher depression scores (OR 1.345, 95% CI 1.065–1.699) were significantly associated with CF. The independent t tests and Mann–Whitney U tests showed the CF group exhibited impaired mitochondrial function, characterized by reduced mtDNAcn and respiratory activity, coupled with elevated ROS, interleukin-6, and CPT2 levels compared with the non-CF group. After adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, compared with non-CF group, the OR values for the CF group of mtDNAcn and ROS were 0.234 (95% CI = 0.065–0.849) (p = 0.027) and 1.203 (95% CI = 1.075–1.347) (p = 0.001), respectively. The Sensitive analysis showed that the area under curve values for mtDNAcn and ROS were 0.653 and 0.925.ConclusionAge, lower educational attainment, malnutrition, and depression are significant risk factors for CF. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction, characterized by decreased mtDNAcn, impaired respiratory function and increased ROS levels appears to be a critical phenotype of CF.
Case report: A successful live birth after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer in a patient with endometrial cancer who was treated conservatively
Authors: Fan Yifan , Song Hui , Chen Xu , Zhang Pei , Si Jingwen , Dong Hui 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo describe a patient conceiving with in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer(IVF-ET) after conservative treatment of early stage endometrial cancer.PatientA 31-year-old multiparous woman diagnosed with highly-differentiated (G1) endometrial adenocarcinoma (grade IA).Intervention(s)After four courses of conservative treatment each followed by hysteroscopic biopsy and endometrial curettage,assisted reproductive technology was performed.Main outcome measure(s)Successful pregnancy and delivery without residual endometrial cancer.Results(s)A healthy normal female infant with a birth weight of 3,690 g was born by cesarean section at 38 + 2 weeks’ gestation. No residual malignant cells was detected on a biopsy during cesarean section.Conclusion(s)Conservative fertility-sparing treatment are crucial for young patients with early stage endometrial cancer. Assisted reproductive technologies may be considered to assist such patients to conceive as soon as possible.
Global research trends and frontiers in ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma: a bibliometric and visualization study
Authors: Ning Lin , Chen Di , Han Jie , Xie Guanyue , Sun Jianguang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundSince the emergence of the hot topic of “ferroptosis,” numerous studies have explored its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), revealing its significance in the disease’s pathogenesis, progression, and treatment. However, there remains a significant gap in the quantitative analysis of ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively assess the research progress and evolution in this field through bibliometric and citation analysis.MethodOn June 27, 2024, the author conducted a literature search, extracting relevant publications from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) spanning from January 2010 to December 2023. Subsequently, the compiled documents were subjected to bibliometric evaluation and analysis using visualization tools such as R package “bibliometrix”, CiteSpace and VOSviewer.ResultThe search yielded 576 papers by 3,925 authors, encompassing contributions from 34 countries and 685 institutions, published across 250 journals, including 25,889 co-cited references from 2,600 journals. Notably, China leads with a significant publication count of 481 articles (accounting for 83.5%) and demonstrates the strongest collaboration with the United States. The multifaceted role of ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has garnered considerable attention. In recent years, research into disease prognosis, the tumor microenvironment, and targeted therapies involving immunology has become key themes and emerging frontiers in this field.ConclusionThis study meticulously compiled and analyzed the current discourse and emerging perspectives on ferroptosis in HCC. Identifying research trends and hotspots offers valuable guidance for future investigations and provides a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to improve HCC prognosis and treatment outcomes.
Ailanthone blocks mitophagy to promote mtDNA leakage through BAX-BAK1 pores and suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation
Authors: Qin Yan , Gao Ying , Wu Dan , Liu Qing-Qing , Su Chang , Liu Guan , Yang Le , Zhao Ming-Gao , Yao Jing-Yue 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third leading cancer mortality worldwide, shows rising incidence. The mitochondria in HCC cells are prone to damage from metabolic stress and oxidative stress, necessitating heightened mitophagy for mitochondrial homeostasis and cell survival. Thus, mitophagy inhibition is a promising HCC therapy. The traditional Chinese medicinal herb ailanthone have proved promote mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibits HCC. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.MethodsCCK8 assay was applied to detect the proliferation. JC-1, MitoTracker Red/Green and MitoSOX staining were applied to detect the mitochondrial homeostasis. Inflammatory factors were analysed via ELISA and WB assay. Mitochondria and cytoplasm separation, genome extraction and qPCR were used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. Mitochondria ultrastructure was detected by transmission electron microscopy. WB and IHC experiments were applied to detect protein expression. Protein-protein interactions detected by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence imaging. The in vivo antitumor effect was validated by the xenograft mouse model.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrated the potent anti-HCC properties of ailanthone and revealed its molecular mechanism. In vitro studies demonstrated that ailanthone effectively inhibited PINK1-PRKN mediated mitophagy and promoted BAX-BAK1 mitochondrial pores formation through PRKN inhibition. This process led to the mitochondrial mtDNA leakage into the cytoplasm, which subsequently triggered the induction of inflammatory factors. The inhibition of mitophagy and the activation of inflammatory response ultimately led to HCC proliferation inhibition. In vivo studies demonstrated that ailanthone exhibited stronger anti-HCC activity than 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), with no significant adverse effects on animal body weight or the physiological functions of vital organs.ConclusionThis study highlighted the efficacy of ailanthone against HCC and elucidated its underlying molecular mechanisms, suggesting the promising therapeutic potential of ailanthone for HCC.
Integrating drivers of pro-environmental behavior and physical activity to explore (in) compatibilities between an active and an environmentally sustainable lifestyle
Authors: Eriksson Louise , Linde Stefan 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSport and outdoor activities have benefits on people’s health and well-being but may also increase the frequency of unsustainable behaviors. The present study explores drivers of travel mode choice and consumption of material (clothes and equipment) associated with physical activity to clarify the extent to which an active and sustainable lifestyle is compatible. The role of identity and varying levels of internalized motivation for pro-environmental behaviors (autonomous and controlled environmental motivation) and engagement in physical activity (autonomous and controlled activity motivation) was examined. In addition, socio-demographic, physical context, and life situation correlates of environmentally significant behaviors associated with physical activity were analyzed.MethodsA survey of a random sample of the general public in Sweden (n = 1013) was conducted.ResultsAfter controlling for hours of physical activity, the study showed that environmental self-identity was related to a lower likelihood of using the car alone via autonomous environmental motivation and to a higher likelihood of buying and selling used material via controlled environmental motivation. Physical activity drivers displayed diverse impacts on environmentally significant behaviors, e.g., athlete identity was associated with a higher likelihood of using the car alone and buying new material, but also selling used material. Being a member of a sport or outdoor organization was related to a higher likelihood of using the car alone and buying new material, but also using active travel modes as well as buying and selling used material.DiscussionWith a better understanding of the drivers of environmentally significant behaviors in this domain, strategies to encourage sustainable transport and circular flows of material in sports and outdoors can be outlined.
Stress, mental symptoms and well-being in students: a gender analysis
Authors: del Pino María-José , Matud M. Pilar 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionStress is a major problem among students, threatening their health and well-being. The aim of the research is to analyze the sources of stress in students and to investigate whether there are gender differences and differences between university and non-university students in stress, coping styles, mental symptoms and well-being. A second aim is to know the relevance of age, education, stress, coping styles, self-esteem and social support on mental symptoms, psychological well-being and life satisfaction of boys and girls.MethodsThe study was cross-sectional. The sample consisted of 1,426 students between the ages of 16 and 26.Results and discussionThe results of the ANOVAs showed that although there were some gender differences, being a university student or not explained more variance than gender. University students had more chronic stress than non-university students. However, they were more satisfied with their studies, had healthier coping styles, fewer mental symptoms, and greater well-being. For both genders, the main predictor of more mental symptoms was a higher emotional coping style. This was followed by lower self-esteem, a higher number of stressful life events, and higher chronic stress. Higher study dissatisfaction was associated with lower psychological well-being and lower life satisfaction. Higher chronic stress was associated with lower life satisfaction. It is concluded that stress and coping styles are relevant to students’ mental health. The results of this study are relevant to the design of policies, strategies, and programs to improve students’ mental health and well-being.
Development and validation of interpretable machine learning models for postoperative pneumonia prediction
Authors: Xiang Bingbing , Liu Yiran , Jiao Shulan , Zhang Wensheng , Wang Shun , Yi Mingliang 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPostoperative pneumonia, a prevalent form of hospital-acquired pneumonia, poses significant risks to patients’ prognosis and even their lives. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for postoperative pneumonia in surgical patients using nine machine learning methods.ObjectiveOur study aims to develop and validate a predictive model for POP in surgical patients using nine machine learning algorithms. By evaluating the performance differences among these machine learning models, this study aims to assist clinicians in early prediction and diagnosis of POP, providing optimal interventions and treatments.MethodsRetrospective data from electronic medical records was collected for 264 patients diagnosed with postoperative pneumonia and 264 healthy control surgical patients. Through correlation screening, chi-square tests, and feature importance ranking, 47 variables were narrowed down to 5 potential predictive factors based on the main cohort of 528 patients. Nine machine learning models, including k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, random forest, decision tree, gradient boosting machine, adaptive boosting, naive bayes, general linear model, and linear discriminant analysis, were developed and validated to predict postoperative pneumonia. Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating curve, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. A distribution plot of feature importance and feature interaction was obtained to interpret the machine learning models.ResultsAmong 17,190 surgical patients, 264 (1.54%) experienced postoperative pneumonia, which resulted in adverse outcomes such as prolonged hospital stay, increased ICU admission rates, and mortality. We successfully established nine machine learning models for predicting postoperative pneumonia in surgical patients, with the general linear model demonstrating the best overall performance. The AUC of the general linear model on the testing set was 0.877, with an accuracy of 0.82, specificity of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.74, precision of 0.88, and F1 score of 0.80. Our study revealed that the duration of bed rest, unplanned re-operation, end-tidal CO2, postoperative albumin, and chest X-ray film were significant predictors of postoperative pneumonia.ConclusionOur study firstly demonstrated that the general linear model based on 5 common variables might predict postoperative pneumonia in the general surgical population.
Study of Microbiota Associated to Early Tumors Can Shed Light on Colon Carcinogenesis
Authors: Aspesi Anna , La Vecchia Marta , Sala Gloria , Ghelardi Emilia , Dianzani Irma 
Published: December 2024

An increasingly important role for gut microbiota in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been described. Even in the early stages of transformation, i.e., colorectal adenomas, changes in gut microbiota composition have been observed, and several bacterial species, such as pks+ Escherichia coli and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis, have been proposed to drive colon tumorigenesis. In recent years, several strategies have been developed to study mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM), which is more closely associated with CRC development than lumen-associated microbiota (LAM) derived from fecal samples. This review summarizes the state of the art about the oncogenic actions of gut bacteria and compares the different sampling strategies to collect intestinal microbiota (feces, biopsies, swabs, brushes, and washing aspirates). In particular, this article recapitulates the current knowledge on MAM in colorectal adenomas and serrated polyps, since studying the intestinal microbiota associated with early-stage tumors can elucidate the molecular mechanisms underpinning CRC carcinogenesis.
Nutritional Management of Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy and Chemoradiation Therapy
Authors: Sakurai Yoichi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
Although chemotherapy and chemoradiation therapy improve the clinical outcomes and decrease locoregional failure in patients with advanced cancer, they may lead to an increased risk of malnutrition in these patients due to their gastrointestinal side effects. Many cancer patients are already malnourished as a result of their cancer-bearing status. Consequently, these patients experience poor clinical outcomes due to various infectious and noninfectious complications. Nutritional management that is based on frequent monitoring of the nutritional status of patients can ensure that they receive adequate calories and certain nutrients, which is vital to improve their clinical outcomes and quality of life.
Muscle Loss in Cancer Patients: Pathophysiology and Impact on the Outcome
Authors: Salandini Maria Chiara , Pecorelli Nicolò , De Nardi Paola , Braga Marco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
A generalized loss of skeletal muscle can be associated with malnutrition, cancer, inflammation or neurodegenerative processes. Most cancer patients undergoing surgery are sarcopenic although only a minority of them suffer from severe weight loss. The cancer stage is a major determinant of sarcopenia, while nutritional factors seem to be less important. In cancer patients sarcopenia has been associated with a worse physical performance, a reduced response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a higher postoperative morbidity rate, and a reduced life expectancy.