bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing knowledge and behavior gaps in breast cancer risks: implications for health promotion and intervention strategies
Authors: Effiong Magdalene Eno , Afolabi Israel Sunmola , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe growing incidence and high mortality rate of breast cancer (BC) in Nigeria is attributed to increased risk levels, poor prognosis and late detection.MethodsThis study aimed at identifying education-based disparities in BC risk knowledge, lifestyle/ dietary patterns among females in Ogun state, Nigeria. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from 1135 study participants across various levels of education and analyzed using Epi-info software and Graphpad prism.ResultsThe lifestyle/dietary pattern assessment revealed that the participants in the secondary level smoked the most (4.50%), accompanied by high red wine (31.00%), fruits and vegetable (73.00%) consumption. Graduates had the highest antibiotics intake (54.50%) and alcohol consumption (12.00%), the undergraduates were the most physically inactive (63.90%) with the highest consumption of carbonated drinks (73.90%), postgraduates consumed red meat/smoked foods the most (70.70%).DiscussionThe knowledge of BC risk positively impacted carbonated drinks, physical inactivity, smoking, antibiotics and alcohol intake. However, it did not affect family history, red meat/smoked foods, fruits and vegetables consumption. Overall, Education has an impact on the knowledge of BC risks which influences the lifestyle/dietary patterns of females in Nigeria.
Rhus verniciflua stokes extract, a traditional herbal medicine, combined with first-line chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer: a prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Jin Hayun , Lee Su Hyeon , Kim Eun Hye , Park Su Bin , Park Namyoung , Joo Kwang Ro , Yoon Seong Woo 
Published: November 2024

Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers with limited treatment options. Traditional herbal medicines have been explored as potential adjunct therapies for enhancing the effectiveness of standard chemotherapies. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) in combination with first-line chemotherapy for unresectable locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer in a prospective setting. This prospective observational pilot study enrolled patients with confirmed inoperable stage III or IV pancreatic cancer undergoing or scheduled to receive 5-fluorouracil-based or gemcitabine-based first-line chemotherapy with RVS treatment and were followed up for up to 20 months. The primary endpoint was the safety profile of RVS, which was assessed through adverse events. The secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Cox regression analysis identified possible prognostic factors for PFS and OS. Of the enrolled 25 patients, 18 completed the follow-up. The median RVS treatment duration was 6.14 months (range 2.23–8.01 months) and the median RVS daily dose was 3.8 capsules/day (range 2.1–5.7 capsules/day). RVS showed a favorable safety profile, with only one case of non-severe pruritus possibly related to RVS treatment. No hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity related to RVS was reported. The ORR and DCR were 5.6% and 72.2%, respectively. The median PFS and OS were 7.24 months (95% CI: 3.15–12.9) and 13.9 months (95% CI: 1.14–27.72), respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that baseline CA19-9 level was an independent prognostic factor for OS, and the daily dose of RVS was an independent prognostic factor for PFS and OS. In conclusion, RVS can be administered safely to patients with unresectable locally advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer who are undergoing first-line chemotherapy, and the daily dose was an independent prognostic factor for cancer survival. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to confirm the exact benefits of RVS treatment.Clinical trial registrationhttps://cris.nih.go.kr, identifier KCT0007496.
Causal relationship between the composition of the Gut Microbiota and central precocious puberty: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Minhong , Huang Xueqin , Huang Wanhong , Ding Chuangang 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPrevious observational research has demonstrated a possible association between the gut microbiota (GM) and central precocious puberty (CPP). Nevertheless, whether there is a causal relationship between the GM and CPP is uncertain due to the possibility of confounding factors influencing the result.MethodsWe collected summary data from genome-wide association studies of the GM (MiBioGen, n = 18,340) and CPP (FinnGen Consortium, 185 case groups and 395,289 controls). Most of the participants were of European origin. Mendelian randomization analysis was utilized to investigate the causal relationship between the GM and CPP using the inverse-variance weighted average technique, the weighted median, and Mendelian randomization Egger. The reliability of the results was evaluated using the leave-one-out test and sensitivity analyses, including heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy testing.ResultsAccording to the inverse-variance weighted average technique, there was a substantial correlation between CPP and the composition of the GM. Specifically, the relative abundance of the genus Bacteroides (OR 0.222, 95% CI 0.06–0.822, P = 0.024) and Alistipes (OR 0.197, 95% CI 0.056–0.697, P = 0.012), and others, showed significant associations. Furthermore, associations with the phylum Euryarchaeota, the orders Gastranaerophilales, and Rhodospirillales, the families Bacteroidaceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae were also observed. Sensitivity analyses and the leave-one-out test generated positive results for the genus Alistipes, implying that this genus is reliable and reduces the risk of CPP.ConclusionsThe composition of the GM may have a causal effect on CPP. The present finding that Alistipes may be protective against CPP is expected to offer novel insights into the management of CPP.
The association between VEGF genetic variations and the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Golshan-Tafti Mohammad , Bahrami Reza , Dastgheib Seyed Alireza , Hosein Lookzadeh Mohamad , Mirjalili Seyed Reza , Yeganegi Maryam , Aghasipour Maryam , Shiri Amirmasoud , Masoudi Ali , Shahbazi Amirhossein , Azizi Sepideh , Noorishadkam Mahmood , Neamatzadeh Hossein 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivePrevious studies on the link between VEGF gene polymorphisms and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have yielded inconsistent results. This meta-analysis sought to clarify the relationship between genetic variations in the VEGF gene and the risk of BPD.MethodsData were collected from multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and CNKI, up to January 5, 2024.ResultsNineteen case-control studies were analyzed, featuring 1,051 BPD cases and 1,726 healthy neonates. The analysis included four studies on the −460T/C polymorphism (312 cases, 536 controls), four on the −2578C/A polymorphism (155 cases, 279 controls), six on the +405G/C polymorphism (329 cases, 385 controls), and five on the +936C/T polymorphism (225 cases, 526 controls). The meta-analysis suggests that the −460T/C polymorphism may protect against BPD (C vs. T: OR = 0.715, 95% CI 0.543–0.941, p = 0.017; CC vs. TT: OR = 0.478, 95% CI 0.233–0.983, p = 0.045; CC vs. CT + TT: OR = 0.435, 95% CI 0.248–0.764, p = 0.004). No significant associations were found between the −2578C/A, +405G/C, and +936C/T polymorphisms and BPD susceptibility.ConclusionsThis meta-analysis indicates that the C allele of the −460T/C polymorphism may offer protection against BPD. No significant associations were observed for the −2578C/A, +405G/C, and +936C/T polymorphisms.
Novel genomic variants influencing methotrexate delayed clearance in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Choi Jung Yoon , Kwon Hoshik , Kim Hyery , Hong Kyung Taek , Ma Youngeun , Koh Kyung-Nam , Yun Sunmin , Yoo Keon Hee , Song Sang Hoon , Im Ho Joon , Kim Ju Han , Kang Hyoung Jin 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMethotrexate (MTX) is the primary drug used in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, some patients exhibit delayed clearance of high-dose (HD) MTX, which induces severe nephrotoxicity, mucositis, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. We sought to identify relevant variants associated with delayed clearance of HD-MTX in pediatric patients with ALL.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing of germline DNA was performed in 51 Korean pediatric patients with ALL. A total of 341 HD-MTX infusion data points from 51 patients were analyzed. MTX levels and laboratory measurements reflecting toxicity outcomes were obtained. Correlations between peak serum MTX levels at 24 h and toxicity outcomes were assessed. Analyses were performed to identify variants affecting delayed MTX clearance.ResultsThe 24 h MTX level strongly correlated with the subsequent creatinine (Cr) level. Moreover, rs2229866 in contactin 2 (CNTN2), rs200687372 in myotubularin Related Protein 9 (MTMR9), rs777260512 in polymerase iota (POLI), rs16954698 in polycystic kidney disease 1-like 2 (PKD1L2), rs117765468 in NSE1 Homolog, SMC5-SMC6 Complex Component (NSMCE1), and rs1800956 in endoglin (ENG) were identified as candidate variants associated with delayed MTX clearance. In particular, ENG rs1800956 was significantly associated with delayed MTX clearance in all analyses and PKD1L2 rs16954698 was replicated in an external dataset (phs000637.v1.p1) from the Database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP).ConclusionThis is the first whole-exome sequencing-based analysis of delayed MTX clearance in pediatric patients with ALL. ENG rs1800956 and PKD1L2 rs16954698 were found to be potentially influential variants associated with delayed MTX clearance. These findings provide insights into HD-MTX-induced nephrotoxicity and may contribute to reducing adverse reactions through treatment modification.
In vitro anti-prostate cancer efficacy and phytochemical composition of the dichloromethane and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of Vitex doniana (sweet)
Authors: Moriasi Gervason , Ngugi Mathew , Mwitari Peter , Omwenga George 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundProstate cancer is a significant global health concern, particularly among ageing male populations, with a disproportionately higher burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Conventional treatments, though effective, are costly and cause devastating side effects which limit their clinical benefits. Hence, this study evaluated the in vitro antiprostate cancer properties and secondary metabolites of dichloromethane and ethyl acetate lead extracts of Vitex doniana to explore safer and efficacious natural alternatives based on ethnomedicinal claims.MethodsPhytochemical profiling was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify secondary metabolites in the extracts. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts were determined through the MTT assay using Vero CCL-81 cells and DU-145 cells. The expression profile of the selected genes (ar, bcl2, caspase-3, cdk1, and p53) in DU-145 cells treated with the study extracts was investigated using RT-qPCR.ResultsGC-MS analysis revealed 10 secondary metabolites in the dichloromethane extract and 27 secondary metabolites in the ethyl acetate extract of V. doniana leaves, with the majority being sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, and phytosterols. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate leaf extracts of V. doniana exhibited low cytotoxicity against normal mammalian epithelial cells (Vero CCL-81), with CC50 values of 1,238.85 μg/mL and 964.81 μg/mL, respectively. Besides, the ethyl acetate leaf extract of the studied plant demonstrated potent anti-prostate cancer activity against DU-145 cells, with an IC50 of 35.68 μg/mL and a high selectivity index (SI) of 27.04. Likewise, the dichloromethane leaf extract of this plant displayed cytotoxic effects (IC50: 287.01 μg/mL) and a selectivity index of 4.32. The reference drug (Doxorubicin) showed a higher toxicity against Vero CCL-81(IC50: 0.41 μg/mL) and DU-145 (IC50: 0.28 μg/mL) cells and a lower selectivity index of 1.46. The DU-145 cells treated with the studied plant extracts exhibited notable upregulation of ar and bcl2, and normalization of caspase 3, cdk1 and p53 expression.ConclusionThe studied plant extracts possess in vitro anti-prostate cancer properties and could be promising candidates for further preclinical studies aimed at developing novel botanical-based therapies for the management of prostate cancer.
Speech characteristics that differentiate stuttering and cluttering in Japanese speakers
Authors: Tomisato Shuta , Mori Takanori , Asano Kazumi , Iimura Daichi , Yada Yasuto , Takahashi Saburo , Wasano Koichiro , Kono Takeyuki , Ozawa Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundCluttering is a speech disorder distinct from stuttering. Despite this distinction, there is no established method to clearly differentiate the two disorders. This study aimed to use objective criteria to differentiate cluttering from stuttering in Japanese speakers.MethodsParticipants were 32 consecutive native-Japanese speakers who visited the Keio University Hospital between July 2020 and January 2023 with a chief complaint of speech disfluency. One physician and two speech-language-hearing therapists concurred on a stuttering or cluttering diagnosis of the 32 patients based on recordings of the Kitsuon kensa-ho test. The frequencies of stuttering-like disfluencies (SDF) and normal disfluencies (NDF) were calculated from the Kitsuon kensa-ho, and the ratio of disfluencies (RDF) was calculated as the ratio of SDF to NDF. Differences between the cluttering and stuttering groups in the RDF and the mean articulatory rate (MAR) for oral reading and a monologue task were tested using the Mann–Whitney U test. ROC curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity that well-distinguished subjects with cluttering from those with stuttering; the experts’ diagnosis was the gold standard.ResultsOf the 32 participants, 12 (38%) were diagnosed with cluttering and 20 (62%) with stuttering. The cluttering and stuttering groups were comparable in demographic characteristics. The RDF on monologue task had the highest sensitivity in diagnosing cluttering, and the MAR on monologue task had the highest specificity. Adopting provisional criteria of a monologue RDF greater than 1.2 and a monologue MAR greater than 7.5 produced a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.95.ConclusionWe conclude that combining monologue RDF and monologue MAR well-distinguished cluttering from stuttering. This method provides new objective diagnostic criteria, which can aid clinicians, therapists, and basic researchers.
Impact of perceived threats, benefits, and athlete brand image on attitudes toward naturalized athletes in the context of China
Authors: Lu Haixiang , Liu Dongfeng , Pu Haozhou , Persaud Alan Robert 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionChina’s implementation of athletic naturalization has sparked controversy, yet empirical studies on the factors influencing public attitudes toward naturalized athletes remain scarce. This study aims to address this gap by constructing a theoretical model based on social identity theory, examining the impact of various psychological variables on respondents’ attitudes toward naturalized athletes in China’s national teams.MethodsData were collected from 704 online respondents. Descriptive and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were conducted using SPSS 25.0. Structural equation modeling with partial least squares (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses, utilizing SmartPLS 3.0.ResultsThe findings indicate that perceived threats negatively impact attitudes (β = −0.134, p &lt; 0.001), while perceived benefits positively influence athlete brand image (β = 0.494, p &lt; 0.001) and attitudes (β = 0.169, p &lt; 0.001). Athlete brand image positively affects attitudes (β = 0.623, p &lt; 0.01) and mediates the relationship between perceived benefits and attitudes. Additionally, sport event involvement positively moderates the relationship between athlete brand image and attitudes. The model explained 33.7% of the variance in athlete brand image and 68.5% of the variance in attitudes.DiscussionThese findings suggest that naturalization decisions should consider the candidates’ overall brand image, with the naturalization process being more transparent and the naturalized athletes’ contribution being effectively communicated to the public. Additionally, fostering public involvement in sport events can create a more favorable atmosphere for athletic naturalization.
An in-depth analysis of the personal factors and their pathways in shaping self-directed learning abilities among undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Li Xiangxiang , Wang Meifang , Feng Xiujuan , Yin Xiumin , Liang Juan 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundDeveloping self-directed learning in undergraduate nursing students affects not only their learning and their lives, but also their future professional development and the quality of their future practice in clinical nursing. Hence, it is paramount to prioritize and cultivate self-directed learning capabilities among undergraduate nursing students, as this not only enhances their academic pursuits but also equips them with essential lifelong learning skills crucial for the dynamic healthcare landscape.ObjectiveTo delve into the intricate relationship between metacognitive abilities and self-directed learning practices among nursing students, while concurrently examining the mediating roles of psychological capital and interpersonal communication in this interconnected framework. This exploration aims to provide insights into how these factors interplay to influence the self-directed learning capabilities of nursing students.MethodsA total of 662 undergraduate nursing students from one university in China were selected as participants in the survey, utilizing stratified random sampling between September 2023 and December 2023. Of these, an impressive 639 students (96.52%) provided valid responses. The Metacognitive Assessment Inventory, Adolescent Sense of Psychological Capital Scale, Supportive Communication Scale, and Self-Directed Learning Ability Scale were employed to comprehensively assess the metacognitive abilities, psychological capital, interpersonal communication skills, and self-directed learning capacities of nursing students. Pearson correlation analysis was subsequently utilized to delve into the related relationships among these variables. To test the mediating effects, the Bootstrap method, specifically Model 6 of the SPSS-Process package devised by Hayes, was applied.ResultsThe findings revealed a robust positive correlation among metacognitive ability, psychological capital, interpersonal communication ability, and self-directed learning ability, with all associations reaching statistical significance at P &lt; 0.01. Notably, the mediating roles of psychological capital and interpersonal communication in the relationship between metacognitive ability and self-directed learning were significant, as evidenced by the analysis (R2 = 0.347, F = 67.278, P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the results indicated that metacognitive ability exerts an indirect influence on self-directed learning through a sequential chain of mediation involving psychological capital and interpersonal communication ability.ConclusionsThis finding highlights the intricate interplay between these factors, suggesting that enhancing nursing students' metacognitive abilities may indirectly bolster their self-directed learning by first fortifying their psychological capital and then fostering stronger interpersonal communication skills.
Validation and psychometric properties of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for Youth in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Jiang Jian , Chen Jianhua , Lin Zhifeng , Tang Xuwei , Hu Zhijian 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDepression and anxiety are the most common mental health problems among adolescents. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales for Youth (DASS-Y) is a newly developed instrument designed to assess these problems in adolescents.AimThe present study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of the DASS-Y among Chinese adolescents.MethodsA total of 326 secondary school students aged 14–18 years participated in the study. A convenience sampling method was adopted to conduct a test–retest of the DASS-Y among Chinese secondary school students. McDonald’s omega, Cronbach’s alpha, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) along with their 95% CI were used to assess the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the DASS-Y. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) evaluated the structural validity and convergent validity of the DASS-Y through the Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), as well as Average Variance Extracted (AVE) and Composite Reliability (CR). Pearson correlation coefficients with the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) assessed criterion validity.ResultsThe CFA confirmed the validity the DASS-Y three-factor model consisting of depression, anxiety, and stress. The internal consistency reliability of the DASS-Y was found to be robust, with McDonald’s omega and Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.8 for all dimensions across two measurements. The test–retest reliability was stable. The structural validity was reasonable and effective. Additionally, convergent validity is satisfactory, while criterion validity is also satisfactory. The three-factor model consisting of depression, anxiety and stress was confirmed through CFA.ConclusionThe DASS-Y exhibits satisfactory psychometric properties among Chinese secondary school adolescents, reliably and appropriately screening for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety within this population. Consequently, it can be employed as a standard tool for routine mental health surveillance in secondary schools.
Do early-life circumstances predict late-life suicidal ideation? Evidence from SHARE data using machine learning
Authors: Zong Xu , Wang Huaiyue 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundA number of studies have demonstrated that suicidal ideation in late life is associated with early-life circumstances. However, the importance of early-life circumstances in predicting suicidal ideation is not entirely clear. This study aims to use a machine learning approach to evaluate the importance of 32 early-life circumstances from six domains in predicting suicidal ideation in old age.MethodsThe data in this study come from a cross-national longitudinal survey, the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Participants recalled information on early-life circumstances in SHARE wave 7 and reported suicidal ideation in SHARE wave 8. The XGBoost model was employed to evaluate the importance of 32 circumstances in six domains (early-life socioeconomic status, early-life health and healthcare, early-life relationship, etc.) in predicting the suicidal ideation of middle-aged and older adults over 50.ResultsThere were 46,498 participants in this study, of which 26,672 (57.36%) were females and 19,826 (42.64%) were males. XGBoost showed a strong predictive performance, with an area under the curve of 0.80 and accuracy of 0.77. Top predictors were mainly in the domains of childhood relationship, childhood socioeconomic status, childhood health, and healthcare. In particular, having a group of friends most critically influences suicidal ideation in old age.DiscussionThese findings suggest that early-life circumstances may modestly predict suicidal ideation in late life. Preventive measures can be taken to lower the risk of suicidal ideation in middle-aged and older individuals.