bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new Simple Endoscopic Score for Ulcerative Colitis – the SES-UC
Authors: Bergqvist Viktoria , Gedeon Peter , Hertervig Erik , Marsal Jan 
Published: December 2024

Background &amp; objectivesEndoscopy is the current gold standard for evaluation of disease activity in ulcerative colitis. The Mayo Endoscopic Subscore (MES) is commonly used for quantifying disease activity, but it has several weaknesses. Numerous new endoscopic indices have been developed but none of these have been widely implemented, likely due to limited feasibility. The primary objective of this study was thus to develop a simple, reliable, endoscopic index for ulcerative colitis. Secondary objectives were to evaluate and compare the MES, the Ulcerative Colitis Endoscopic Index of Severity (UCEIS), and the Ulcerative Colitis Colonoscopic Index of Severity (UCCIS), as well as examining the agreement between full colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy.MethodsConsecutive adult ulcerative colitis patients had their routine colonoscopies video recorded, each edited into five shorter segment-specific video sequences. In parallel, blood, fecal, and mucosal samples were collected, together with data on symptoms and quality-of-life. The video sequences were scored by three gastroenterologists and one resident gastroenterologist according to a form comprising six endoscopic disease activity descriptors and an overall endoscopic disease severity assessment.ResultsOne hundred unique video sequences from twenty patients were each evaluated three times by four assessors, generating a total of 7200 unique segment-specific data-points for the six descriptors and 1200 unique assessments of overall endoscopic disease severity. The intra- and interobserver agreement for the individual descriptors were overall moderate to very good. The MES, UCEIS, and UCCIS performed similarly with the latter being slightly superior in terms of reliability and correlation to biomarkers of disease activity. The descriptor vascular pattern was the best discriminator at the lower end of the disease activity spectrum, whereas the descriptor ulcers was the best at the medium to high end. These two descriptors were combined into a new index, the Simple Endoscopic Score for Ulcerative Colitis (SES-UC), which displayed similar levels of reliability and accuracy as the established indices. Finally, comparison of sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy showed that up to 38% of patients had their most inflamed segment located proximally to the sigmoid colon.ConclusionsWe propose a new simplified endoscopic index for ulcerative colitis, the SES-UC, which is based on the two descriptors vascular pattern and ulcers. The performance of the SES-UC was similar to, and in some regards better than, that of the established indices (MES, UCEIS, and UCCIS). This together with its simplicity makes SES-UC a candidate index for use in clinical practice as well as in clinical studies.
Study on serum TL1A levels and their correlation with Th17 cells, IL-17 and IL-21 in children with Graves’ disease
Authors: Hao Lijun , Yang Jiong , Lian Biyao , Yin Chunyan , Xiao Yanfeng , Liu Yuesheng 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate serum TL1A levels and their correlation with Th17 cells, IL-17, and IL-21 in children with Graves’ disease (GD).MethodsThirty-seven children (12 males and 25 females) aged 9-14 years with newly diagnosed and untreated GD were enrolled in this study. Serum TL1A, IL-17, and IL-21 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The percentage of Th17 cells in peripheral blood was determined by flow cytometry. The correlation between serum TL1A levels and Th17 cells, IL-17, and IL-21 was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.ResultsSerum TL1A levels and the percentage of Th17 cells were significantly higher in children with GD compared to healthy controls (P&lt;0.05). Serum IL-17 and IL-21 levels were also significantly elevated in GD patients (P&lt;0.05). Serum TL1A levels positively correlated with the percentage of Th17 cells (r=0.625, P&lt;0.05), IL-17 (r=0.573, P&lt;0.05), and IL-21 (r=0.542, P&lt;0.05) in children with GD.ConclusionSerum TL1A levels are increased in children with GD and positively correlate with Th17 cells, IL-17, and IL-21, suggesting that TL1A may play a role in the pathogenesis of GD by regulating Th17 cell differentiation and the production of IL-17 and IL-21.
Immunotherapy for lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastases: who really needs it
Authors: Huang Zhangheng , Tong Yuexin , Zhu Lujian , Yang Binbin , Chen Kai , Dai Peiling 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundLung adenocarcinoma patients are often found to have developed bone metastases at the time of initial diagnosis. With the continuous development of technology, we have successfully entered the era of immunotherapy. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma patients with bone metastases (LABM) through a multicenter retrospective analysis and to develop a novel tool to identify the population that could benefit most from immunotherapy.MethodsTo assess the impact of immunotherapy on LABM in terms of overall survival, we used analytical tools such as Kaplan-Meier analysis, Log-ranch test, and propensity score matching (PSM) method. A predictive model for constructing overall survival was constructed using Cox regression modeling. Based on this, we developed a risk classification system depicting Kaplan-Meier curves for subgroup analysis to determine the optimal beneficiary population for immunotherapy in different risk subgroups.ResultsA total of 20073 eligible patients were enrolled in this study, of whom 8010 did not receive immunotherapy, while 12063 patients received immunotherapy. After 1:1 PSM, 15848 patients were successfully coordinated, yielding a balanced cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significantly enhanced overall survival (P &lt; 0.001) in patients who received immunotherapy compared to those who did not. The results of Cox regression analyses showed that age, race, sex, primary site, immunotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, lung metastasis, and marital status were independent prognostic factors. The area under the curve for all three cohorts was close to 0.7, indicating that the model was well-discriminating. The calibration curves further proved that the model had a high predictive accuracy. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model could achieve a high net clinical benefit. The risk classification system developed based on the model successfully screened the best beneficiary population for immunotherapy.ConclusionThis study provides convincing evidence that immunotherapy provides a significant survival advantage for LABM. Secondly, the clinical tools constructed in this study can help clinicians identify the optimal population to benefit from immunotherapy in LABM, thus enabling precise treatment and avoiding the waste of medical resources and over-treatment of patients.
MAFG-DT promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Wang Chongwen , Zhou Zheng , Ye Yongjie , Zhou Liqiang , Wang Jialun , Zhang Zhi 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality among men. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to play a regulatory role in the development of various human cancers. LncRNA MAFG-divergent transcript (MAFG-DT) was reported to play a crucial role in tumor progression of multiple human cancers, such as pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, and gastric cancer. Nevertheless, the specific function of MAFG-DT in the context of bone metastasis in PCa remains inadequately understood.MethodsThe expression level of MAFG-DT was analyzed in published datasets and further confirmed in clinical samples and cell lines by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization assays. Additionally, we further examined the effect of MAFG-DT on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and bone metastasis through CCK8, EdU, colony formation, transwell assays and bone metastasis model with intracardiac injection. Subsequently, the specific mechanism of MAFG-DT in PCa was investigated by RIP, ChIP, bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assays.ResultsWe found that MAFG-DT expression was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues exhibiting bone metastasis. Elevated levels of MAFG-DT expression were found to be positively associated with poor prognostic outcomes in PCa patients. Functionally, the knockdown of MAFG-DT resulted in a pronounced inhibition of cellular proliferation, migration, invasion, and bone metastasis. Moreover, it was demonstrated that MAFG-DT enhanced the expression of FZD4 and FZD5 mRNAs by sequestering miR-24-3p, thereby activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, the transcription factor MAFG was found to transcriptionally activate MAFG-DT in PCa.ConclusionThis study confirms the oncogenic role of MAFG/MAFG-DT/miR-24-3p/Wnt/β-catenin in PCa, which suggests that MAFG-DT could serve as a potential therapeutic target for PCa.
Primary Care Academy: lessons learned from a large-scale innovative primary care project
Authors: Steurs Manon , Verté Emily , De Loof Hans , Weemaes Isabel , Remmen Roy , Anthierens Sibyl , De Vriendt Patricia 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and contextThe social and healthcare system faces numerous challenges, with primary care playing a key role in achieving universal and equitable health coverage. However, the primary care field often struggles with limited research capacity, activity, and funding.The Primary Care AcademyTo address these gaps, the Primary Care Academy (PCA) - a large-scale, innovative, interdisciplinary research and networking organization, encompassing then organization in the primary care field, was established and funded in 2019 by the Fund Dr. Daniel De Coninck, a charity foundation, managed by the King Baudouin Foundation, attempted to fil this gap.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was identifying lessons learned on the implementation and achievements of a large-scale, innovative research and network organization, specifically the PCA.MethodThis study evaluates the PCA’s development process, focusing on its key achievements and critical elements by using a mixed-method data collection approach. After 5 years of rigorous collaboration, several lessons can be drawn regarding accomplishments and process flow, particularly in terms of a shared and clear vision, governance, leadership, and organizational culture.Discussion and conclusionThese lessons can inform future adaptations in the continuation of the PCA and serve as a guide for other caritative large-scale innovative initiatives.
Longitudinal trends and predictors of limitations in activities of daily living in community-dwelling older adults: evidence from the KLoSA study
Authors: Oh Eunmi , Moon SeolHwa , Hong Gwi-Ryung Son 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundAs life expectancy increases, the number of older adults with functional limitations is also increasing. Functional limitations are associated with adverse health outcomes such as reduced independence, diminished quality of life (QoL), and disability. Therefore, identifying which activities of daily living (ADLs) are limiting and understanding the influencing factors are crucial for developing tailored interventions. Although various factors influence ADL limitations, few studies have identified the longitudinal factors associated with each ADL. This study explores the longitudinal trends and factors associated with the ADL total score and functional limitations with each ADL among older adults in Korea.MethodsUsing data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA) from 2006 to 2020, we analyzed 1,388 people aged 65 and older who had no ADL limitations in 2006. An ADL limitation was defined as partial or complete dependence in any of the following ADLs: getting dressed, washing face and hands, bathing, eating, transferring, toileting, and continence. We used repeated measures analysis of variance and multivariate logistic regression to investigate the trends and predictors of ADL limitations over a 14-year period.ResultsIn 2006, the mean age of the participants was 69.88 years (SD = ±4.11), and 60.20% were female. The prevalence of total ADL limitations and limitations in each of the seven ADLs increased gradually during the 14 years of follow up. In 2020, the ADL items with the highest prevalence of limitations were bathing, getting dressed, and washing face and hands. The common significant predictors for total ADL limitations and limitation in the top three ADLs were age and cognitive function.ConclusionADL limitations among Korean older adults significantly increase over time, which highlights the need for integrated early intervention and continuous support for bathing limitations, including the application of integrated assistive technologies. In particular, because age and cognitive function were identified as the major predictors for limitations in both total ADLs and the top three ADLs, early assessment and appropriate intervention strategies need to consider those factors to prevent ADL limitations in older adults or to meet the immediate needs of those already experiencing ADL limitations. This approach could enhance the QoL for older adults and contribute to the development of long-term healthcare plans.
Intersection of race and socio-economic status on criminal judgments: high status reduces blame for Black juveniles but increases blame for White juveniles
Authors: Gilbert Elizabeth A. , Guinn Alexander D. , Reppucci N. Dickon 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionBoth Black juveniles and low-socioeconomic status (SES) juveniles are disproportionately represented in the U.S. legal system. Yet minimal experimental work has teased apart how a juvenile's race and SES interact when affecting judgments about guilt, blame, and punishment.MethodsTwo vignette experiments (N= 1074) varied a juvenile defendant's race (Black or White) and SES (low or high) in two types of crimes (stereotypically Black or stereotypically White).ResultsRace and SES interacted: across crime type, high-SES White juveniles were assigned more guilt and blame whereas high-SES Black juveniles were assigned less guilt and blame than their low-SES counterparts. Low-SES Black juveniles were also judged relatively harshly when their guilt was certain or when excluding participants who guessed the study was about race or SES. Moreover, stereotype-related judgments such as likelihood of recidivism and character mediated these effects.DiscussionThese surprising results highlight the need to investigate the intersection between race and SES. Potential explanations including aversive racism, social ecology, and changing stereotypes are considered.
Effects of canopy management of umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii Fres.) on microclimate and maize (Zea mays L.) yield in agroforestry parkland of South Ari District, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Handiso Mitiku Ayele , Asfaw Zebene , Glaser Bruno , Bromm Tobias , Gross Arthur , Lemma Bruk 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionTraditionally, some smallholder farmers in the South Ari District of southern Ethiopia retain natural forest remnant trees on their crop fields, and they manage them through pruning and pollarding techniques. Among these, the umbrella tree (Terminalia brownii) is one of the most preferred and dominant species, with numerous multipurpose uses. However, the effects of canopy management on microclimate and crop yield have not yet been investigated. Here, we present the effects of Terminalia brownii canopy management on microclimate and maize yield in agroforestry parkland.MethodsMicroclimate and maize yield data from three radial distances from the tree trunks to the open field: D1 (0–4.1 m), D2 (4.1–8.2 m), and D3 (&gt;15 m outside the tree canopy cover) were collected. Three tree canopy management treatments (pollarding, pruning, and control) were considered and replicated three times in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for applying canopy management treatments.Results and discussionOur results revealed that the canopy management of the tree affected the microclimate, which in turn influenced maize yield. In all treatments, there were statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) observed in maize yield and yield components under tree canopy and open fields of both canopy-managed trees and control. The mean highest grain yields were observed in plots with pruned (3,717 kg ha−1) and pollarded (3,718 kg ha−1) trees, while the lowest yield (2,146 kg ha−1) was obtained from the control plot. The observed differences in yield might be due to a higher accumulation of soil nutrients, modified microclimate under the tree canopy, and reduced shading effects via canopy management. Therefore, we conclude that either pruning or pollarding of Terminalia brownii enhances maize yield by modifying microclimate and improving soil nutrients. Pruning, in particular, offers a balance of shade and light, creating a stable microclimate with consistent seasonal light and reduced temperature fluctuations, which supports better maize growth in agroforestry systems.
Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1, uma breve revisão literária
Authors: Borges Isabel Oliveira , Oliveira  João Vitor Cunha , Pereira  Raquel de Castro , Silva Daniel Dutra Romualdo da 
Published: December 2024

O diabetes mellitus tipo 1 (DM1) é uma doença crônica não transmissível e está entre as mais comuns na infância. É ocasionada pela destruição das células beta pancreáticas produtoras de insulina, que é um hormônio anabólico essencial para a manutenção da homeostase de glicose no organismo. Em decorrência disso, o indivíduo passa a ter níveis altos de glicemia podendo ocasionar sinais e sintomas, sendo as manifestações clínicas polidipsia, poliúria e perda de peso com hiperglicemia e cetonemia até um quadro clássico de cetoacidose diabética (CAD). Em casos raros, a descoberta da doença também pode ser incidental e assintomática. O diagnóstico do DM1 é feito a partir dos sinais e sintomas inequívocos da falta de insulina, associados a exames laboratoriais para confirmação, como a glicemia aleatória >200 mg/dl, glicemia de jejum >126 mg/dl e a hemoglobina glicada >6,5%. A glicemia 2 horas após ingestão oral de 75 g de glicose raramente é utilizada para o diagnóstico. O tratamento consiste na reposição do hormônio insulina visando a mimetizar a secreção de insulina pancreática. A insulinoterapia é uma ferramenta vital no manejo do DM1, mas sua implementação eficaz é repleta de desafios. Ajustar as doses de insulina de maneira precisa, monitorar constantemente os níveis de glicose, prevenir hipoglicemias e educar os pacientes sobre autogestão são componentes críticos e complexos desse tratamento. Além disso, o impacto psicológico e a necessidade de adesão ao tratamento aumentam a dificuldade da insulinoterapia. Abordagens inovadoras, como tecnologias avançadas de monitoramento de glicose e sistemas automatizados de administração de insulina, bem como suporte educacional e emocional contínuo, são essenciais para melhorar os resultados e a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com DM1. Além disso, identificar os mecanismos patológicos e imunológicos desta doença é de fundamental importância para avançar no seu tratamento e no seu manejo. A compreensão detalhada desses mecanismos pode levar a inovações terapêuticas, melhores estratégias de prevenção e melhorias significativas na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Dessa forma, o propósito deste artigo consistiu em discorrer sobre as principais características do diagnóstico, tratamentos e complicações do DM1, assim como analisar os avanços no seu manejo imunológico e no estudo patológico.
Associação entre a síndrome de Sjögren primária e linfomas: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Bacha Felipe Lage , Nascimento Gabriel Maia , Alvares Sophia Fraga Waldolato , Gama Henrique Valladão Pires 
Published: December 2024

Introdução: Síndrome de Sjogren é uma doença crônica autoimune que está diretamente associada a disfunção de glândulas exócrinas como um todo. A doença acomete principalmente mulheres entre os 40 e 60 anos de vida, tendo como manifestações clássicas a xeroftalmia e a xerostomia. A associação de linfomas com a SS primária pode ser atribuída a patogênese da doença com a participação de infiltrado linfocitário e depósito de imunocomplexo, além de fatores ambientais, genéticos e epidemiológicos. Metodologia: Revisão narrativa da literatura utilizando-se base de dados Medline/PUBMED com busca de artigos em inglês e português os anos de 2023 e 2024, excluindo-se os trabalhos do tipo “Books and Documents” e “Systematic Review”. Discussão: A patogênese da SS é multifatorial e envolve linfócitos B e T. Os dois principais mecanismos da doença envolvem infiltração linfocitária em glândulas exócrinas (que podem ser verificadas por biópsia da glândula e/ou exames de imagem) e deposição de imunocomplexos que tem participação considerável em manifestações extraglandulares. Essa síndrome apresenta diversas manifestações, podendo ser citadas xerostomia, xeroftalmia, sinovites, doença pulmonar intersticial, alterações cardiovasculares e gastrointestinais, bem como linfomas não-Hodgkin. O diagnóstico da SS é determinado pela associação de manifestações clínicas características, exame físico e exames complementares. Conclusão: A presença da SS aumenta o risco do desenvolvimento do linfoma não-Hodgkin de células B, por esse motivo esses pacientes devem ser acompanhados e tratados de forma correta. Em paralelo, devem ser realizados mais ensaios para validação de drogas direcionadas que reduzam os riscos de complicações desses pacientes. Os tratamentos para os linfomas são direcionados ao seu subtipo, estadiamento, sintomas e estado geral do paciente.
Metodología ágil para el branding y el registro de marca ante la Superintendencia de Industrial y comercio (SIC): caso butterflay revolution biocosmectic
Authors: Arévalo Natalia Molina , Cuellar Javier Auguto Romero , Cortes Lida Margarita Zambrano , Escobar Claudia Yazmine Beltran , Moica Diana Katherine Trilleros , Echevery Yenifer Stefy Capera , Caycedo Albeiro Nicolas Rojas , Betancourt Jeferson Antonio Abril 
Published: December 2024

Este artículo tiene como finalidad el desarrollo integral de la marca Butterfly Revolution Biocosmetic, una firma cosmética emergente que, en su fase inicial, se enfocará en la comercialización de productos como jabones artesanales, perfumes y bombas de jabón para jacuzzi. La marca Butterfly Revolution Biocosmetic fue desarrollada por un equipo de docentes investigadores de la Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia. El artículo presenta la metodología ágil Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), para gestionar tanto el proceso creativo del branding como los requerimientos legales del registro de marca ante la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), siguiendo los lineamientos de la Clasificación Internacional de Niza. En el artículo se presenta un diagrama de processos BPMN que respresenta la posible implementación de la metodología ágil Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM), el branding de una marca y su registro ante la SIC presentando la marca Butterfly Revolution Biocosmetic como caso de estudio.