bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whole exome-seq and RNA-seq data reveal unique neoantigen profiles in Kenyan breast cancer patients
Authors: Wagutu Godfrey , Gitau John , Mwangi Kennedy , Murithi Mary , Melly Elias , Harris Alexandra R. , Sayed Shahin , Ambs Stefan , Makokha Francis 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe immune response against tumors relies on distinguishing between self and non-self, the basis of cancer immunotherapy. Neoantigens from somatic mutations are central to many immunotherapeutic strategies and understanding their landscape in breast cancer is crucial for targeted interventions. We aimed to profile neoantigens in Kenyan breast cancer patients using genomic DNA and total RNA from paired tumor and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples of 23 patients.MethodsWe sequenced the genome-wide exome (WES) and RNA, from which somatic mutations were identified and their expression quantified, respectively. Neoantigen prediction focused on human leukocyte antigens (HLA) crucial to cancer, HLA type I. HLA alleles were predicted from WES data covering the adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples, identifying four alleles that were present in at least 50% of the patients. Neoantigens were deemed potentially immunogenic if their predicted median IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) binding scores were ≤500nM and were expressed [transcripts per million (TPM) &gt;1] in tumor samples.ResultsAn average of 1465 neoantigens covering 10260 genes had ≤500nM median IC50 binding score and &gt;1 TPM in the 23 patients and their presence significantly correlated with the somatic mutations (R2 = 0.570, P=0.001). Assessing 58 genes reported in the catalog of somatic mutations in cancer (COSMIC, v99) to be commonly mutated in breast cancer, 44 (76%) produced &gt;2 neoantigens among the 23 patients, with a mean of 10.5 ranging from 2 to 93. For the 44 genes, a total of 477 putative neoantigens were identified, predominantly derived from missense mutations (88%), indels (6%), and frameshift mutations (6%). Notably, 78% of the putative breast cancer neoantigens were patient-specific. HLA-C*06:01 allele was associated with the majority of neoantigens (194), followed by HLA-A*30:01 (131), HLA-A*02:01 (103), and HLA-B*58:01 (49). Among the genes of interest that produced putative neoantigens were MUC17, TTN, MUC16, AKAP9, NEB, RP1L1, CDH23, PCDHB10, BRCA2, TP53, TG, and RB1.ConclusionsThe unique neoantigen profiles in our patient group highlight the potential of immunotherapy in personalized breast cancer treatment as well as potential biomarkers for prognosis. The unique mutations producing these neoantigens, compared to other populations, provide an opportunity for validation in a much larger sample cohort.
Prognostic role of systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in patients with pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shen Huifen , Zuo Fei 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe significance of the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in predicting the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) has been extensively explored; however, findings remain controversial. As such, this meta-analysis was performed to more precisely determine the utility of the SIRI in predicting PC prognosis.MethodsA comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant studies, published up to June 25, 2024, was performed. The primary and secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), respectively. The prognostic utility of the SIRI in predicting PC prognosis was estimated by calculating pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsSeven studies comprising 1160 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. Pooled findings revealed that elevated SIRI was as a prominent prognostic marker of OS (HR 2.40 [95% CI 1.88–3.05]; p&lt;0.001) and PFS (HR 1.95 [95% CI 1.19–3.21]; p=0.008) in patients diagnosed with PC. According to subgroup analysis, the SIRI remained an outstanding prognostic marker for OS, irrespective of region, sample size, study center, study design, TNM stage, cancer type, cut-off value, treatment, or survival analysis type (all p&lt;0.05). Moreover, based on subgroup analysis, the SIRI demonstrated significant utility in predicting PFS, irrespective of region and threshold value (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionResults of the present meta-analysis revealed that an increased SIRI significantly predicted OS and PFS in patients diagnosed with PC. Considering its cost-effectiveness and availability, the SIRI may be a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis in patients with PC.
A real-world pharmacovigilance study of neuroleptic malignant syndrome based on FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Zhang Yu , Deng Wei , Wang Minjian , Luo Siying , Li Song 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction. This study aims to identify the most prevalent drugs associated with the risk of NMS according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.MethodsAnalyses were performed using data from the FAERS database from January 2004 to June 2024. Single-drug signals were evaluated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), information component (IC), and empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM). Meanwhile, comparisons were performed with drug labels. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted, focusing on adverse drug reaction signals among populations of different genders and age groups.ResultsA total of 10,433 adverse event reports related to NMS were identified, with the top 50 drugs ranked by ROR mainly involving antipsychotics (18, 36%), antiparkinson drugs (10, 20%), antidepressants (7, 14%), antiepileptics (3, 6%), anxiolytics (3, 6%), as well as hypnotics and sedatives (3, 6%). NMS is more prevalent in males (5,713, 54.76%). Among the top 20 drugs with the strongest signal strength, the pediatric group showed an additional presence of benzodiazepines and antiepileptic drugs compared to the adult group.ConclusionThe current comprehensive pharmacovigilance study identified more drugs associated with NMS and provides references to clinicians for clinical practice. Also, further research is needed to investigate the causal relationship between these drugs and NMS.
Developing a competency scale for selecting and assessing psychological peer counselors in ethnic-area colleges: a pilot study in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Guo Junru , Chen Wei , Liu Meilan , Jiang Lirong , Chen Yurong , Zhao Xiaoqing , Peng Dan , Jiang Xuefeng , Wang Li , Wang Dongmei 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPsychological peer counselors play a crucial role in the mental health education of college students, especially in ethnic regions. The study zeroes in on developing a tool for selecting and assessing psychological peer counselors in ethnic-area colleges and universities, using Guizhou Province as a case study.Materials and methodsFocusing on psychological peer counselors in ethnic-area higher education institutions, this study amalgamates open-ended questionnaire surveys, interviews, and literature analysis to construct a competency characteristics questionnaire. The questionnaire underwent pretesting with 450 psychological peer counselors in colleges and universities, involving entry analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Subsequently, it was administered formally to 570 psychological peer counselors for confirmatory factor analysis, coupled with internal consistency reliability tests at the empirical validity level. A subset of 230 psychological peer counselors was retested after three-month intervals. The Interpersonal Reaction Coefficient Scale (IRC-C) and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were employed for validity tests.ResultsThe questionnaire consists of 21 items across four factors—role identity, communication sensitivity, personal traits, and professional ethic—cumulatively explaining 66.26% of the variance. The validated factor analyses demonstrated a good model fit (X2/df = 2.67, SRMR = 0.04, TLI/NNFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05, AIC = 21960.17, BIC = 22261.10). The questionnaire’s total and factor scores correlated positively with the total scores of the IRC-C/GSES (r = 0.18–0.64; all p &lt; 0.01). The Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the total questionnaire and individual factors ranged from 0.73 to 0.95, retest reliability from 0.64 to 0.92, and split-half reliabilities from 0.71 to 0.94.ConclusionThe Competency Scale for Psychological Peer Counselors in Colleges of Ethnic Areas demonstrates robust reliability and validity, making it a reliable tool for future screening of psychological peer counselors in ethnic-area colleges and universities.
Contextual and psychosocial factors associated with latrine utilization in rural communities in Ethiopia
Authors: Bamlaku Golla Eyasu , Geremew Habtamu , Abate Alegntaw , Ahmed Ali Mohammed , Simegn Mulat Belay , Wondie Smegnew Gichew , Kumbi Hawi , Kuse Samuel Abdisa 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAlthough proper latrine utilization is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of infection, it remains a challenge in the majority of rural communities in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Studies have demonstrated the link between individual behavior and latrine use, but there is a paucity of evidence on individual risk perception, perceived social pressure norms, social identity, and perceived ability, which plays an indubitable role in health and behavior change, especially in rural communities.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify contextual and psychosocial factors associated with latrine utilization among rural communities in Lomabosa district, Ethiopia.MethodsA rural community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2022 among rural households (HHs) in Lomabosa district, Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was used to select participant households. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews and on-the-spot observations. Stata version 14.1 software was used for statistical analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to run the bivariable and multivariable analysis of the data. Variables with p &lt; 0.25 at bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength of the association, and the statistical significance was declared at p &lt; 0.05.ResultsOf the 682 computed sample sizes, 665 households participated in this study with a response rate of 97%. Accordingly, our analysis found that 67% (95% CI, 63.7–70.5) of households utilize their latrine properly. Educational status (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.01–2.08), wealth index (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.23–3.58), perceived susceptibility (AOR 3.2; 95% CI: 1.26–5.14), injunctive norm (AOR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.13–3.18), and perceived ability (AOR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.04–3.79) were identified as contextual and psychosocial factors associated with latrine utilization.Conclusion and recommendationsThis study found that educational status, wealth index, perceived susceptibility, injunctive norm, and perceived ability were the contextual and psychosocial factors associated with latrine utilization. Therefore, information intervention for the low perception of health risk, persuasive and normative interventions for changing norm factors, and infrastructural and other ability support for ability factors should be addressed.
Virtual friendly visitor program: combatting loneliness in community dwelling older adults
Authors: Gordon Barbara A. , Miceli Chelsea B. , Yankeelov Pamela A. , Cotton Samantha G. , Faul Anna C. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionLoneliness is a critical public health issue affecting older adults, with significant impacts on their mental and physical health, including increased risks of depression, cognitive decline, and higher mortality rates, necessitating distinct approaches for each condition given their unique implications and the exacerbation of these issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the implementation and outcomes of a Friendly Visitor Program (FVP) designed to mitigate loneliness among older adults. The program involved social work student interns providing virtual visits to older adults using computers and tablets, with the goal of enhancing social interaction and support.MethodsThe study utilized a qualitative narrative design for process evaluation and a longitudinal non-experimental, prospective research design for outcome evaluation, employing a three-level cross-classified longitudinal growth model to assess changes in loneliness among VFVP participants while also testing potential predictors of these changes.ResultsFindings indicated that the program was associated with reduced loneliness over time. Younger and White participants performed better in the program than older participants from other races and ethnicity. Satisfaction with visits and willingness to recommend the program were significant predictors of reduced loneliness. Unexpectedly, greater comfort with technology correlated with increased loneliness, suggesting overreliance on digital interactions may not substitute for in-person contact. Furthermore, improved social networks was associated with reduced loneliness, highlighting the importance of strong social networks.DiscussionThe study underscores the potential of friendly visitor interventions in addressing the challenges of lonely older adults and provides insights for optimizing such programs in the future.
Evaluation and analysis of respiratory infectious disease prevention behaviors in older adults
Authors: Yu Liliang , Liu Min , Tan Qing , Wang Dan , Chen Xiaoyun , Zhao Mingming , Long Jiang , Fan Mingyue , Zheng Daikun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundRespiratory infectious diseases (RIDs) are a global public health problem, characterized by strong infectivity, high transmissibility, and a high incidence in the population. This study aimed to explore RID prevention behaviors among older adults and analyze their influencing factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted to examine RID prevention behaviors among 2219 Chinese older adults. Analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to compare behaviors among subjects with different characteristics. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between knowledge, skills, and behavior, and a generalized linear model was used for multi-factor analysis.ResultsThe participants in this questionnaire survey were predominantly older adults individuals aged 65–70 years (45.65%), with no more than a primary school educational level (86.70%). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant associations between age, education, place of residence, living condition, marital status, annual income in the past year, type of medical insurance, health status, smoking status, drinking status, weekly exercise durations, and sleep status in older adults and their RID prevention behavior. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a moderate correlation between knowledge, skills, and behavioral scores. Multivariate analysis identified place of residence, annual income, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, exercise frequency, knowledge level, and skill level as influential factors for behaviors related to the prevention and control of RID in older adults.ConclusionOur results confirm the importance of a healthy lifestyle in RID prevention among older adults, especially in terms of smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise, and provide empirical evidence for the development of health promotion programs for older adults people, particularly in rural areas.
Increased physical activity frequency in primary school adolescents is related to reduced risk of self-reported adverse mental health symptoms
Authors: Li Chunmei , Han Xiong-Zhe 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe sedentary lifestyle and mental health issues of primary school students are major public health issues in China and globally. Some studies have shown that regular physical activity is beneficial to health, but there are few epidemiological investigations on the relationship between physical activity and psychological problems. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between physical activity and mental health.Materials and methodsWe used data from our study, which was based on the Yanbian University School of Physical Education health survey of primary education, in which 822 elementary school students in grades 4–6 participated. Physical activity is evaluated through three questions (intensity, frequency, and duration), and mental health issues are evaluated through SPSS.ResultsIn our study, 488 primary school students (200 males and 288 females) participated and completed self-reported data on physical activity and mental health variables. The findings revealed that a higher frequency of physical activity was significantly associated with decreased risks of various mental health symptoms. Specifically, students who reported a higher frequency of physical activity exhibited a lower risk of depressive symptoms (RR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.14–0.71, p &lt; 0.05), anxiety (RR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.18–0.67, p &lt; 0.05), low self-esteem (RR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.26–0.90, p &lt; 0.05), and life dissatisfaction (RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.35–0.96, p &lt; 0.05). The risk of somatic complaints reporting was slightly lesser if the prevalence of physical activity reported at screening was higher (RR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.50–1.76), although this result was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of regular physical activity in promoting mental health among primary school students.ConclusionGiven the dose–response relationship between poor mental health and lack of physical activity, it is necessary to actively promote primary school students to participate more actively in physical activities.
The nociceptive withdrawal reflex during spinal analgesia in pigs undergoing veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a prospective observational study
Authors: Petrucci Mariafrancesca , Spadavecchia Claudia , Bachmann Kaspar F. , Berger David , Mirra Alessandro , Casoni Daniela 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionUse of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is still in the focus of research, in which pigs are commonly involved. During VA-ECMO, cardiovascular parameters are artificially manipulated and therefore not reliable indicators of nociception. Nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) thresholds can be a suitable alternative in such a context. This study aimed at recording and comparing NWR thresholds before and after administering spinal analgesia in healthy pigs undergoing VA-ECMO.MethodsSixteen pigs were sedated with a mixture of ketamine, midazolam, and methadone; general anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with propofol and fentanyl in continuous rate infusion. Before surgery, ropivacaine 0.75% and morphine (RM) were injected via a spinal catheter (T13-L1). Nociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds were recorded before RM (baseline) and at 40 min, end of surgery, 240, 300, 360, 420 and 480 min afterward. If after spinal analgesia NWR thresholds increased ≥20% from their baseline values, the increase was deemed clinically relevant. If NWR thresholds decreased at least 20% from their baseline values, ropivacaine alone was injected (rescue analgesia). Thresholds were compared with baseline using ANOVA on Ranks followed by Dunn’s method. At each time point, the number of pigs showing a clinically relevant increase in thresholds, thresholds higher than the maximum stimulation intensity and the need of rescue analgesia, was assessed. Nine animals were included in the final data analysis.ResultsA clinically relevant increase of the thresholds was achieved in all the pigs at 240 min after the injection of RM. A statistically significant increase in NWR thresholds was found at 300 and 360 min (p = 0.009 and 0.048, respectively) compared to baseline. Rescue analgesia was required at 300 (one pig) and 420 (two pigs) and 480 (one pig) minutes.Discussion and conclusionNociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds increased significantly, both clinically and statistically following spinal injection. Their increase suggests that the combination of spinal morphine and ropivacaine can last on average up to 6 h. Particularly in those scenarios where cardiovascular variables are unreliable, NWR thresholds could be useful for evaluating antinociception following spinal analgesia in pigs.
Comprehensive Nutrition Intervention with Omega-3 Fatty Acid, Micronutrient, and Probiotic-Enriched Regimens Improves Malnutrition in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers
Authors: Yeh Kun-Yun , Hsia Simon , Chang Pei-Hung , Wang Cheng-Hsu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
Malnutrition is a common and unavoidable medical issue in patients with head and neck cancer during and after the treatment period, which deserves an intensive medical attention since nutrition status is often related with patients’ prognosis and treatment outcomes. In review of literature and our recent research, we found that an early and intensive nutrition intervention, including nasogastric tube feeding, minimized body weight loss, reduced treatmentinduced adverse effects, and increased survival benefits. Patients with BMI < 19 kg/m2 and were received the Ethanwell/Ethanzyme regimen enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, micronutrients, and probiotics showed significantly less body weight loss. Patients with the malnourished status at the time of 3 months after treatment completion showed early recurrence and had significant negative effect on overall survival. In conclusion, comprehensive nutrition intervention should be started as early as the treatment begins and be continued following therapy completion, in order to prevent or overcome malnutrition in patients with head and neck cancer.
Endoscopic Stricturotomy for Enteral Nutrition Access in Patients with Benign Gastrointestinal Strictures: a Review
Authors: Wang Yu Ping , Zhuang Ze Hao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract:
Benign gastrointestinal stricture significantly restricts enteral nutrition, which directly affects the quality of life of patients. Advances in endoscopic techniques have provided a minimally invasive means of reconstructing the enteral nutrition pathway in patients with gastrointestinal strictures. Endoscopic stricturotomy is a safe and effective way to open the nutritional pathway, especially for those with anatomic stricture length < 1 cm, and can be used either as the primary choice of treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stricture or as rescue therapy for refractory cases. Endoscopic stricturotomy can be executed with radial incision and cutting or circular incision and cutting. After the stricturotomy, other endoscopic treatments, such as endoscopic balloon dilation, stent implantation, and intra-lesional injection of steroids, can be used to prevent the development of re-stricture. This article reviews the clinical experiences with endoscopic stricturotomy for opening strictures along the enteral nutrition pathway in patients with gastrointestinal strictures.