bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abdominal synthetic CT generation for MR-only radiotherapy using structure-conserving loss and transformer-based cycle-GAN
Authors: Lee Chanwoong , Yoon Young Hun , Sung Jiwon , Kim Jun Won , Cho Yeona , Kim Jihun , Chun Jaehee , Kim Jin Sung 
Published: January 2025

PurposeRecent deep-learning based synthetic computed tomography (sCT) generation using magnetic resonance (MR) images have shown promising results. However, generating sCT for the abdominal region poses challenges due to the patient motion, including respiration and peristalsis. To address these challenges, this study investigated an unsupervised learning approach using a transformer-based cycle-GAN with structure-preserving loss for abdominal cancer patients.MethodA total of 120 T2 MR images scanned by 1.5 T Unity MR-Linac and their corresponding CT images for abdominal cancer patient were collected. Patient data were aligned using rigid registration. The study employed a cycle-GAN architecture, incorporating the modified Swin-UNETR as a generator. Modality-independent neighborhood descriptor (MIND) loss was used for geometric consistency. Image quality was compared between sCT and planning CT, using metrics including mean absolute error (MAE), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structure similarity index measure (SSIM) and Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence. Dosimetric evaluation was evaluated between sCT and planning CT, using gamma analysis and relative dose volume histogram differences for each organ-at-risks, utilizing treatment plan. A comparison study was conducted between original, Swin-UNETR-only, MIND-only, and proposed cycle-GAN.ResultsThe MAE, PSNR, SSIM and KL divergence of original cycle-GAN and proposed method were 86.1 HU, 26.48 dB, 0.828, 0.448 and 79.52 HU, 27.05 dB, 0.845, 0.230, respectively. The MAE and PSNR were statistically significant. The global gamma passing rates of the proposed method at 1%/1 mm, 2%/2 mm, and 3%/3 mm were 86.1 ± 5.9%, 97.1 ± 2.7%, and 98.9 ± 1.0%, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed method significantly improves image metric of sCT for the abdomen patients than original cycle-GAN. Local gamma analysis was slightly higher for proposed method. This study showed the improvement of sCT using transformer and structure preserving loss even with the complex anatomy of the abdomen.
The trends of lung cancer burden in BRICS from 1990 to 2021 and its projection to 2035
Authors: Wang Yifan , Zhu Jingwen , Wang Shaoqiang , Zhou Jihong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundLung cancer has become the malignant tumor with the highest morbidity and mortality in the world. This study aims to analyze the burden of lung cancer and risk factors associated with lung cancer in the BRICS from 1990-2021 and to project the burden of lung cancer in the BRICS from 2021-2035.MethodsThe Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database was searched to collect the incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and risk factors of lung cancer in the BRICS. Trends in lung cancer burden from 1990-2021 were analyzed using Joinpoint 4.9.1.0, and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) analyses were performed using R4.4.1 to project the disease burden of lung cancer from 2021-2035.ResultsAAPC(average annual percentage change) and EAPC(estimated average percentage change) of ASIR(age-standardized incidence), ASPR(age-standardized prevalence), ASMR(age-standardized mortality), and ASDR(age-standardized disability-adjusted life year) for lung cancer in Brazil, Russia, and Ethiopia 1990-2021 were less than 0. Egypt’s AAPC and EAPC for ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR were all greater than 0 for 1990-2021, and China’s ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR were all at the top of the BRICS in 2021. According to BAPC projection Brazil, Iran, Russia, and South Africa will have a decreasing trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR from 2021-2035. Egypt will have an increasing trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR from 2021-2035. With the exception of Ethiopia, the top tier level 1 and level 2 risk factors in the rest of the BRICS were behavioral factors and smoking factors, respectively.ConclusionThe BRICS still have a heavy burden of lung cancer, and there are significant differences in the burden of lung cancer among the BRICS. At the same time, many BRICS lung cancer prevention and control measures are worth learning from other developing countries.
Prediction of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma by habitat analysis based on different sequence of contrast-enhanced CT
Authors: Zhang Yubo , Ma Hongyan , Lei Peng , Li Zhiyuan , Yan Zhao , Wang Xinqing 
Published: January 2025

AimTo develop a habitat imaging method for preoperative prediction of early postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to collect data on 344 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC. The internal subregion of the tumor was objectively delineated and the clinical features were also analyzed to construct clinical models. Radiomics feature extraction was performed on tumor subregions of arterial and portal venous phase images. Machine learning classification models were constructed as a fusion model combining the three different models, and the models were assessed.ResultsA comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of 344 patients who underwent hepatic cancer resection at one of the two centers. it was found that the combined SVM model yielded superior results after comparing various metrics, such as the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and DCA.ConclusionsHabitat analysis of sequential CT images can delineate distinct subregions within a tumor, offering valuable insights for early prediction of postoperative HCC recurrence.
Inappropriate prescribing of drugs for peptic ulcer and gastro-esophageal reflux disease remains a matter of concern: Results from the LAPTOP-PPI cluster randomized trial
Authors: Casula Manuela , Ardoino Ilaria , Pierini Laura , Perrella Lara , Scotti Stefano , Mucherino Sara , Orlando Valentina , Menditto Enrica , Franchi Carlotta 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundProton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most commonly and inappropriately prescribed drugs by general practitioners (GPs), resulting in increased risk of adverse outcomes for patients and in avoidable costs for Italy’s National Health Service (NHS). This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost and easily implementable informative intervention directed at GPs to enhance the appropriate prescription of PPIs.MethodsThe LAPTOP-PPI study is a pragmatic, cluster-randomized controlled trial designed to improve the appropriateness of PPI prescriptions among community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years. In June 2021, GPs in the Local Health Units (LHUs) of Bergamo (Northern Italy) and Caserta (Southern Italy) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (summary reports on prescribing habits, scientific documents on the Italian Medicine Agency’s therapeutic indications, strategies for PPI de-prescribing, along with educational materials for patients), and a control group (standard practice). PPI appropriateness was assessed through an algorithm specifically designed and based on NHS prescription appropriateness and reimbursement criteria. Intervention efficacy was evaluated by comparing data from the baseline period (July 1 to 31 December 2019) with those from the follow-up period (July 1 to 31 December 2021), 6 months after randomization. The analysis was performed on the intention-to-treat principle and according to GP level. To estimate the effectiveness of the intervention, we used a difference-in-differences (DID) approach.ResultsOverall, 942 GPs (540 from Bergamo and 402 from Caserta LHUs) were included in the analysis. At baseline, 171,978 patients aged ≥65 received drug prescriptions for acid-related diseases and were assessable for evaluation of appropriateness. At follow-up, this number was 137,699. The overall inappropriateness rate at baseline among GPs included in the analysis was 57.4% (std.dev. 8.4%) in the intervention arm and 57.6% (std.dev. 8.8%) in the control arm; 6 months after the intervention delivery, they were 59.2% (std.dev. 8.0%) and 58.5% (std.dev. 7.3%), respectively.ConclusionGiven their widespread use, improving the prescription quality of PPIs is a major concern. Educational interventions for GPs and patients are routine strategies to address inappropriateness, but they appear to be insufficient for independently improving prescribing practice, especially in a critical situation such as the post-pandemic period.
Cardioprotective effects of the electrolyte solution sterofundin and the possible underlying mechanisms
Authors: Chen Min , Xiao Yingying , Zheng Jijian , Zhao Peibin , Cheng Lin , Jiang Chuan , Zheng Sixie , Wang Zheng , Sun Sijuan , Ye Lincai , Chen Guozhen , Zhang Hao , Huang Yanhui 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundSterofundin (SF) is one of the most widely used electrolyte solutions in almost all areas of medicine, with particular importance in intensive care. It provides powerful correction of acid-base imbalances, ion fluctuations, and impaired energy metabolism, which are the three most important characteristics after myocardial infarction (MI). However, whether and how SF protects the heart from post-MI damage are largely unknown.Methods and ResultsPretreating mice with SF before MI surgery reduced the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-positive and TUNEL-positive cells. As a result, the infarcted area cardiac fibrosis in the MI mice was reduced and cardiac performance in the MI mice improved. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that SF caused the gene expression profile of MI mice to shift toward that of sham mice, with a significant decrease in apoptosis-, ROS-, and inflammation-associated gene enrichment. RNA-seq analysis also demonstrated that SF induced the upregulation of autophagy-associated gene enrichment. Western blotting confirmed the RNA-seq analysis results, showing that SF induced the upregulation of an autophagic flux. When the autophagic flux was blocked with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, the protective effect of SF was reduced.ConclusionSF protects the heart from post-MI damage, and one of the underlying mechanisms could be its autophagy modifications. This study is the first to reveal a previously unrecognized role of electrolyte solutions in post-MI intensive care.
FGF21 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through CDK1-dependently regulating the cell cycle
Authors: Zhang Yudie , Wang Fan , Zhang Chongyang , Yao Fan , Zhang Bin , Zhang Yongping , Sun Xiaobo 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundDiabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent global renal illness and one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). FGF21 has been shown to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy, and in addition FGF-21-treated mice impeded mitogenicity, whereas it is unclear whether FGF21 can influence DN progression by regulating the cell cycle in diabetic nephropathy.MethodsIn order to create a diabetic model, STZ injections were given to C57BL/6J mice for this investigation. Then, FGF21 was administered, and renal tissue examination and pathological observation were combined with an assessment of glomerular injury, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the fibrinogen system in mice following the administration of the intervention. Furthermore, we used db/db mice and FGF21 direct therapy for 8 weeks to investigate changes in fasting glucose and creatinine expression as well as pathological changes in glomeruli glycogen deposition, fibrosis, and nephrin expression. To investigate the mechanism of action of FGF21 in the treatment of glycolytic kidney, transcriptome sequencing of renal tissues and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differential genes were performed.ResultsThe study’s findings demonstrated that FGF21 intervention increased clotting time, decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, and avoided thrombosis in addition to considerably improving glomerular filtration damage. After 8 weeks of FGF21 treatment, glomerular glycogen deposition, fibrosis, and renin expression decreased in db/db mice. Moreover, there was a notable reduction of creatinine and fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, the CDK1 gene, a key player in controlling the cell cycle, was discovered through examination of the transcriptome sequencing data. It was also shown that FGF21 dramatically reduces the expression of CDK1, which may help diabetic nephropathy by averting mitotic catastrophe and changing the renal cell cycle.ConclusionIn short, FGF21 improved the development of diabetic nephropathy in diabetic nephropathy-affected animals by reducing glomerular filtration damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress, inhibiting the formation of thrombus, and controlling the cell cycle through CDK1.
Assessing the relationships of 1,400 blood metabolites with abdominal aortic aneurysm: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guo Qian , Xu Xinghua , Li Xiaohui , Mao Yang , Li Shengqiang , Yao Yuxin , Li Xiang , Li Yaxing , Feng Jiayue , Shu Yan , Xu Xingli 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the most dangerous types of vascular diseases worldwide. Metabolic disturbance affects disease risk and provide underlying therapeutic targets. Previous studies have reported an association between metabolic disorders and AAA. However, evidence of a causal relationship between blood metabolites and AAA is still lacking at present.MethodsUsing Mendelian randomization (MR), we assessed the causal association between 1,400 serum metabolites and AAA. The inverse variance weighted method (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, as well as weighted mode methods were used for evaluating the causality between blood metabolites and AAA. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests were further conducted.ResultsThrough strict screening, 17 known metabolites, 7 unknown metabolites and 5 metabolite ratios related to AAA were identified. Among all the metabolites, 24 were found to have negative associations, while 5 exhibited positive associations. The top five metabolites associated with an increased risk of AAA were Oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1/18:2) [2], Glycosyl-N-(2-hydroxynervonoyl)-sphingosine (d18:1/24:1(2OH)), Glycochenodeoxycholate 3-sulfate, X-21441 and X-24328. In contrast, the top five metabolites that were linked to a reduced risk of AAA included Uridine to pseudouridine ratio, Octadecanedioate, Phosphate to oleoyl-linoleoyl-glycerol (18:1 to 18:2) [2] ratio, 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-GPE (p-16:0), and 1-stearoyl-GPG (18:0).ConclusionAmong the 1,400 blood metabolites, we identified 17 known metabolites, 7 unknown metabolites, and 5 metabolite ratios associated with AAA. This MR study may provide a novel significant insight for the screening and prevention of AAA.
Protein-ligand binding affinity prediction using multi-instance learning with docking structures
Authors: Kim Hyojin , Shim Heesung , Ranganath Aditya , He Stewart , Stevenson Garrett , Allen Jonathan E. 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionRecent advances in 3D structure-based deep learning approaches demonstrate improved accuracy in predicting protein-ligand binding affinity in drug discovery. These methods complement physics-based computational modeling such as molecular docking for virtual high-throughput screening. Despite recent advances and improved predictive performance, most methods in this category primarily rely on utilizing co-crystal complex structures and experimentally measured binding affinities as both input and output data for model training. Nevertheless, co-crystal complex structures are not readily available and the inaccurate predicted structures from molecular docking can degrade the accuracy of the machine learning methods.MethodsWe introduce a novel structure-based inference method utilizing multiple molecular docking poses for each complex entity. Our proposed method employs multi-instance learning with an attention network to predict binding affinity from a collection of docking poses.ResultsWe validate our method using multiple datasets, including PDBbind and compounds targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrate that our method leveraging docking poses is competitive with other state-of-the-art inference models that depend on co-crystal structures.DiscussionThis method offers binding affinity prediction without requiring co-crystal structures, thereby increasing its applicability to protein targets lacking such data.
The effect of the teacher-student relationship on the academic adjustment of returned migrant children: the chain mediating role of school attitude and resilience
Authors: Wang Chuanyan 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionReturned migrant children have not received widespread attention in China, and research on their academic adjustment is still limited. Teachers are important individuals who influence the academic development of returned migrant children, and the aim of the study is to analyze the mechanism by which the teacher-student relationship affects their academic adjustment.MethodsThis study followed a sample of 1921 returned migrant children across 8 counties in central and western China, using an academic adjustment scale, a teacher-student relationship scale, a school attitude scale, and a resilience scale. Pearson-moment correlations were used to analyze the the correlations among all variables, and the PROCESS macro (Model 6) in SPSS was used to examine the mediating effects.ResultsThe findings indicated that the teacher-student relationship significantly and positively predicted academic adjustment. Furthermore, the relationship indirectly influenced academic adjustment through school attitude and resilience, which acted as chain mediators.DiscussionThe findings highlight the importance of the teacher-student relationship in development outcomes. Moreover, early intervention and prevention efforts should be taken to improve their educational experience.
The novel manualized RELIEVE-group treatment for burdened relatives of cancer patients: a feasibility study
Authors: Neumann Jessica , Beckord Jil , Hesse Helen Samira , Martin Carl , Mons Carlotta , Chur Diana , Hense Jörg , Tewes Mitra , Teufel Martin , Skoda Eva-Maria 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe experience of cancer among relatives is characterized by an increase in anxiety and depression, stress, and a reduction in quality of life. However, there is a paucity of psychosocial support programmes for relatives and a dearth of evidence-based, manualized interventions. Accordingly, the present study aims to assess the acceptability, defined as participant drop-out and satisfaction, and feasibility, in terms of mental health improvement, of a novel manualized psycho-educational group intervention.MethodsThe manual was developed on the basis of previous research into psychotherapy. A total of 33 relatives of cancer patients were recruited from the West German Tumor Center and participated in the five modules of the RELIEVE treatment which included an introduction, communication skills, stress and anxiety management and self-care. The primary outcome was assessed using a range of measures, including anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), stress (PSQ), self-efficacy (SES), need for support (SCNSP&amp;C-G), and quality of life (WGOQOL-BREF) before and after the completion of the treatment programme. A paired samples T-test was employed to assess the feasibility of the treatment, with pre- and post-scores being compared. The secondary outcome of treatment acceptance was evaluated by calculating the drop-out rate and scoring a treatment satisfaction questionnaire.ResultsA high level of satisfaction was reported by participants. The drop-out rate for the treatment was minimal, at only 2.86%. Following the completion of the treatment programme, there were significant improvements in anxiety, depression and stress scores, as well as an improvement in quality of life. No significant improvements were observed in self-efficacy, work and social security needs, and quality of life in the social relationships domain.DiscussionThe RELIEVE intervention demonstrated high feasibility and acceptance among emotionally affected relatives of cancer patients, addressing a gap in previous interventions that were often limited in scope and lacked standardised manuals.ConclusionThis feasibility study on treatment acceptance underlines the importance of measures that are tailored to the specific needs of cancer patients’ relatives, and of integrating them into the general healthcare system.
Personality traits, mindfulness, and perceived stress in Chinese adults: a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach
Authors: Zhao Litang 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThis study explores how personality traits and mindfulness facets interact to influence perceived stress, focusing on a Chinese adult sample. It aims to address gaps in understanding the combined effects of dispositional and mindfulness factors on stress.MethodsA sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed. In the quantitative phase, 637 Chinese adults completed surveys measuring personality traits, mindfulness (attention, acceptance), and perceived stress. Hierarchical multiple regression, moderation, and mediation analyses were conducted. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with selected participants provided deeper insights into the quantitative findings.ResultsNeuroticism (β = 0.29, p &lt; 0.001) and conscientiousness (β = 0.15, p &lt; 0.01) were positively associated with perceived stress, while mindfulness-acceptance (β = −0.25, p &lt; 0.001) was a significant negative predictor. Neuroticism and mindfulness-acceptance uniquely explained 8 and 6% of the variance in stress, respectively. Mindfulness-attention moderated the relationship between agreeableness and stress, amplifying agreeableness’ stress-buffering effect in individuals with low mindfulness-attention. Mediation analysis revealed mindfulness-acceptance partially mediated the agreeableness-stress link. Qualitative interviews underscored the role of personality and mindfulness in shaping stress responses and coping mechanisms.ConclusionThe findings highlight mindfulness-acceptance as a critical factor in reducing stress, particularly in individuals with agreeable personalities. These results support the development of mindfulness-based interventions targeting acceptance to enhance stress resilience across diverse personality profiles.