bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy of microwave ablation and radiofrequency ablation for treating metastatic liver cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zheng , Yan Tingting , Cai Xiujun 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims at evaluating and juxtaposing the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatic metastases treatment.MethodsWe undertook an extensive literature search across the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, CNKI, and databases for studies published up to December 2023, assessing the outcomes of RFA versus MWA in hepatic metastases treatment. Studies were included or excluded based on established criteria. Continuous variables were analyzed with the aid of the weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), while the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% CI was utilized for dichotomous variables. Data were processed by use of STATA 17.0 software. Key outcomes assessed included ablation time, post-operative local tumor progression (LTP), disease-free survival (DFS), and post-operative complications (POCs).ResultsSeven studies, comprising 357 patients undergoing MWA and 452 patients undergoing RFA, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. As unveiled by the meta-analysis, RFA and MWA did not significantly differ in ablation time, DFS, and POCs. Nonetheless, MWA resulted in a strikingly reduced rate of post-operative LTP versus RFA.ConclusionMWA offers superior control over post-operative LTP, suggesting better overall efficacy in hepatic metastases treatment compared with RFA.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023385201.
Sexual life in adults treated for brain tumors: a retrospective study
Authors: Leonetti Antonella , Puglisi Guglielmo , Rossi Marco , Viganò Luca , Conti Nibali Marco , Gay Lorenzo , Sciortino Tommaso , Fornia Luca , Cerri Gabriella , Bello Lorenzo 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveSexual functioning is a multifaceted aspect of human life that can be profoundly affected in patients with glioma. Most frequent symptoms include reduced sexual desire, difficulties in sexual arousal, or low satisfaction. Such symptoms may cause distress or interpersonal difficulties, inevitably resulting in negative outcomes on different domains of patients’ quality of life. Despite this, sexuality is rarely addressed by medical staff and remains understudied. An important question still unanswered is whether sexual dysfunctions in glioma patients correlate with features of the tumor itself, with its treatment, or with the secondary effects of the tumor on the patient’s psychological status. To answer this question, the present study aims to investigate the incidence of sexual life impairments in a very large population of patients with low- and high-grade gliomas, focusing on demographic, clinical, and treatment factors associated with their occurrence and developments.MethodsA total of 148 patients treated for glioma were evaluated for sexual functioning, i.e., sexual dysfunction (SD), relationship status (RS), intercourse frequency (IF), and sexual satisfaction (SS), by using a specific anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were utilized to investigate participant characteristics and to evaluate the occurrence of sexual problems. Chi-squared tests were performed to detect the association between “SS” or “IF” and different clinical/demographic factors as well as between “SS” or “IF” and the “subjective–personal skills judgment”.ResultsResults showed no difference between male and female patients, a very low frequency (1.4%) of SD, but a consistent percentage (25%) of subjective deterioration in sexual wellbeing. Notably, 24% of patients reported to have interrupted their relationship after the diagnosis. Chi-squared analyses reveal an association between adjuvant treatments (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) and reduction of IF. Interestingly, “SS” or “IF” was not associated with demographic, clinical, or histomolecular factors.ConclusionOur study showed that sexual problems in glioma patients are not uncommon, and they are especially linked to SS, RS, and IF. Specifically, intercourse frequency reduction is associated with the adjuvant treatments. Results highlight the need for improved assessment strategies and interventions tailored to the unique needs of brain tumor patients.
First case report of a vertebral osteomyelitis caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae treated with imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam prolonged infusion then meropenem/vaborbactam in continuous infusion
Authors: Laffont-Lozes Paul , Naciri Tayma , Pantel Alix , Martin Aurélie , Pruvot-Occean Anne-Sophie , Haignere Vincent , Loubet Paul , Sotto Albert , Larcher Romaric 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBone and joint infections (BJIs) caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria are becoming more frequent. However, data on the use of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors, such as imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam (I-R) and meropenem/vaborbactam (MVB), to treat BJIs is lacking. Furthermore, prolonged infusions of these β-lactams should theoretically optimize pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics target in these indications, but there are currently no reports on this type of infusions, especially in the setting of BJI.Case PresentationWe report a case of a vertebral osteomyelitis caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae successfully treated with extended-infusion of I-R (1.25 g q6h over 2 h), then with continuous infusion of MVB (2 g q4h as over 4 h). Therapeutic drug monitoring confirmed that extended-infusion of I-R and continuous infusion of MVB achieved serum concentrations up to 12 mg/L of imipenem and 19 mg/L of meropenem, respectively.ConclusionThe favourable outcome of this patient treated for a vertebral osteomyelitis caused by carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae suggest that extended- and continuous infusions of I-R and MVB, are promising regimens for treatment of BJIs caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales.
Immune-related adverse events in small-cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a comprehensive analysis from the FDA adverse event reporting system
Authors: Bai Yifeng , Wang Xiaomei , Dai Xiaoqin , Ma Qinghua , Hu Honglin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe discovery and development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have resulted in their application as a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, a comprehensive analysis of the potential adverse effects of ICIs in patients with SCLC remains to be conducted.MethodsAdverse event (ADE) reports relating to SCLC patients, submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the first quarter of 2013 to the second quarter of 2022, were extracted for analysis. The extracted data were subsequently screened and analyzed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) method to assess the AE reports.ResultsA total of 4,522 ADE reports were obtained from patients with SCLC who had received either chemotherapy alone or a combination of ICIs with chemotherapy. The ROR analysis identified a total of 91 immune-related adverse events in SCLC patients associated with the ICIs (SCLC-irAEs).ConclusionThis study revealed that the adverse effects resulting from irAEs in SCLC patients predominantly affected the hematologic and gastrointestinal systems, with the most severe cases potentially leading to fatality.
Efficacy and safety of guanxinshutong capsule combined with western medicine on stable angina pectoris: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Liyuan , Wu Lulu , Peng Weihang , Huang Peiying , Chen Li , Deng Yi , Wang Meida , Zeng Jing , Chen Bojun 
Published: October 2024

Aims: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Guanxinshutong capsule (GXST) combined with Western medicine (WM) in treating stable angina pectoris (SAP).Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of GXST combined with WM for the treatment of patients with SAP were searched across several databases, including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wan Fang, from inception until 30 April 2024. Two independent reviewers rigorously performed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) was employed to assess the methodological quality of included RCTs. R version 4.2.2 was applied for data synthesis.Results: Between 2012 and 2024, 31 RCTs involving 4,172 patients were identified, with 2,101 in the experimental group and 2,071 in the control group. GXST and WM combination was significantly more effective than WM alone across several metrics: clinical efficacy rate (odds ratio [OR] = 4.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.42–4.80), electrocardiogram improvement (OR = 3.39, 95% CI = 2.35–4.87), enhancement in left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference [MD] = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.69–1.46), reduction in total cholesterol levels (MD = −0.78, 95% CI = −1.20 to −0.35), decrease in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (MD = −1.36, 95% CI = −2.18 to −0.53), and improvement in Chinese medicine evidence score (OR = 3.77, 95% CI = 2.20–6.43). No significant difference was observed in the reduction in C-reactive protein levels (MD = −6.66, 95% CI = −15.91 to 2.59), triglyceride levels (MD = −1.62, 95% CI = −3.39 to 0.15), or in the occurrence of adverse drug reactions (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.23–1.57). Based on meta-regression and subgroup analyses, the observed heterogeneity was attributed to variations in GXST capsule dosage, the duration of treatment, and the baseline characteristics of patients.Conclusion: GXST and WM combination therapy demonstrates the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for SAP patients. Nevertheless, additional rigorous studies are imperative to substantiate the reliability and safety of this combined treatment modality.Systematic Review Registration: The protocols for this meta-analysis were registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=543537, Identifier CRD42024543537).
Combining single-cell RNA sequencing and network pharmacology to explore the target of cangfu daotan decoction in the treatment of obese polycystic ovary syndrome from an immune perspective
Authors: Liu Danqi , Wei Chaofeng , Guan Lu , Ju Wenhan , Xiang Shan , Lian Fang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous gynecological endocrine disorder linked to immunity. Cangfu Daotan Decoction (CFDT), a classic Chinese medicine prescription, is particularly effective in treating PCOS, specifically in patients with obesity; however, its specific mechanism remains unclear.MethodsPart 1: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were collected on egg retrieval day from obese and normal-weight patients with PCOS and healthy women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer. Next, scRNA-seq was performed to screen the key genes of bese patients with PCOS. Part 2: Active ingredients of CFDT and obesity-related PCOS targets were identified based on public databases, and the binding ability between the active ingredients and targets was analyzed. Part 3: This part was a monocentric, randomized controlled trial. The obese women with PCOS were randomized to CFDT (6 packets/day) or placebo, and the healthy women were included in the blank control group (43 cases per group). The clinical manifestations and laboratory outcomes among the three groups were compared.ResultsBased on the scRNA-seq data from Part 1, CYLD, ARPC3, CXCR4, RORA, JUN, FGL2, ZEB2, GNLY, FTL, SMAD3, IL7R, KIR2DL1, CTSD, BTG2, CCL5, HLA, RETN, CTSZ, and NCF2 were potential key genes associated with obese PCOS were identified. The proportions of T, B, and natural killer cells were higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy women, with even higher proportions observed in obese patients with PCOS. Gene ontology and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis depicted that the differentially expressed genes were related to immune regulation pathways. Network pharmacology analysis identified that the key active components in CFDT were quercetin, carvacrol, β-sitosterol, cholesterol, and nobiletin, and TP53, AKT1, STAT3, JUN, SRC, etc. were the core targets. The core targets and their enrichment pathways overlapped with those in Part 1. Clinical trials in Part 3 found that CFDT reduced the dosage of gonadotropins use in patients with PCOS, increased the number of high-quality embryos, and improved the ongoing pregnancy rate.ConclusionCFDT can improve the immune microenvironment of patients to some extent, reduce their economic burden, and enhance IVF outcomes. The improvement in the immune microenvironment in obese patients with PCOS may be linked to targets such as JUN and AKT.
The role of candidate pharmacogenetic variants in determining valproic acid efficacy, toxicity and concentrations in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Yazbeck Hady , Youssef Joe , Nasreddine Wassim , El Kurdi Abdullah , Zgheib Nathalie , Beydoun Ahmad 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAntiseizure medications (ASM) exhibit considerable interindividual variability in terms of efficacy and adverse events. Genetic variation is thought to contribute to these differences in clinical outcomes. Specifically, the response to valproic acid (VPA), a widely used ASM, is influenced by multiple pharmacogenetic factors. However, and in contrast to other ASMs such as phenytoin and carbamazepine, there is a paucity of data on the association between VPA and various gene variants. The aim of this study was hence to evaluate the influence of candidate pharmacogenetic variants on VPA efficacy, toxicity and serum concentrations in a homogeneous cohort of patients newly diagnosed with genetic generalized epilepsies (GGE).MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, demographic, clinical and treatment outcomes of GGE patients were retrieved from their medical records. Whole exome sequencing was performed in collaboration with Epi25. Gene variants associated with VPA efficacy, metabolism and toxicities were retrieved from PharmGKB. An analysis was then conducted to explore potential associations between these gene variants and VPA clinical outcomes.ResultsOf the 166 patients included, 60 (36.1%) experienced treatment failure while 106 (63.9%) achieved treatment success. After adjusting for VPA maintenance dose, carriers of the rs3892097 (CYP2D6) variant were 2.5 times more likely to experience treatment failure compared to wildtype (p = 0.026). The rs1057910 variant (CYP2C9*3) was associated with increased serum VPA concentrations (p = 0.034). Moreover, the rs1137101 variant (LEPR gene, a metabolism regulator) was significantly associated with a higher risk of weight gain (regression coefficient of 3.430 [0.674; 6.186], p = 0.015) and a higher frequency of hair loss (OR = 3.394 [1.157; 9.956], p = 0.026), while the rs4480 variant (SOD2 gene, encoding for a mitochondrial scavenging enzyme) was correlated with a lower frequency of hair loss (OR = 0.276 [0.089; 0.858], p = 0.026).ConclusionThese findings highlight the role of genetic factors in VPA treatment and underscore the potential for developing therapeutic strategies to enhance patient outcomes and minimize adverse effects.
Nonlinear pathological trajectory of a high-myopia C57/BL6J mouse model induced by form deprivation
Authors: Wen Yue , Li Yan , Zhu Li , Tang Tao , Yan Huichao , Hu Jie , Wang Kai , Zhao Mingwei , Xu Qiong 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionTo establish a high myopia model in C57BL/6J mice with monocular form deprivation myopia (FDM) and investigate its ocular structure pathological trajectory.MethodsHealthy 3-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into an FDM group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 24). The left eyes of the FDM group were patched, while the right eyes served as controls. Biometric parameters and fundus morphology were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of form deprivation.ResultsSignificant differences were observed in the deprived eyes, including longer axial length, higher refractive power, deeper vitreous chambers, thinner retina, choroid, and sclera, and smaller scleral fibers’ diameters under a transmission electron microscope. Retinal vascular area proportion in covered eyes decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05), with a decline rate of 11% from weeks 4 to 8 and a faster decline of 19% from weeks 8 to 12, while this proportion increased significantly in control eyes.DiscussionThis study successfully induced a high myopia model in mice with long-term form deprivation. The axial length grew dramatically in FDM in the first 8 weeks, while the pathological progress of the fundus accelerated from weeks 8 to 12.
Mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between Big Five personality and medication adherence in Chinese hypertensive patients: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Du Mingliang , Wu Yibo , Wang Boran , Jiang Miao , Chen Jiangyun , Hui Hui 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate personality characteristics, self-efficacy, and medication adherence in Chinese patients with hypertension, while also investigating how self-efficacy mediates the relationship between personality traits and medication adherence.MethodsThis investigation included 787 Chinese patients diagnosed with hypertension, as reported in the “2021 China Family Health Index Survey Report.” The study employed several assessment tools such as a General Information Questionnaire, the Brief Big Five Inventory (BFI-10), the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSES), and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). Statistical analyses encompassed the Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test, multiple logistic regression, Spearman’s rank correlation, standardized regression coefficients, and Bootstrap techniques.Results(1) Individuals with debt, who also possess high levels of self-efficacy, tend to adhere more consistently to their medication regimens. (2) An analysis of personality traits indicated that Extroversion,Conscientiousness and Openness positively influences self-efficacy,while Agreeableness and Neuroticism negatively impacts it. (3) Self-efficacy plays a mediating role in the indirect relationship between personality traits such as Extroversion and neuroticism and medication adherence.ConclusionIn the context of Chinese adults, both self-efficacy and Extroversion positively influence medication adherence, whereas high levels of neuroticism adversely impact it. Furthermore, self-efficacy serves as a mediating factor in the linkage between personality traits and medication adherence.
The influence of family socioeconomic status on college students’ mental health literacy: the chain mediating effect of parenting styles and interpersonal relationships
Authors: Wu Jie , Shen Haoyuan , Shen Yunbo , Liao Xianglin , Yu Xianglian 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWith the increasing prevalence of mental health challenges among college students, understanding how family background and interpersonal dynamics affect mental health literacy is critical. This study examined the relationships between family socioeconomic status, mental health literacy, parenting styles, and interpersonal relationships among 1,107 college students.MethodsUsing an online questionnaire, the study explored how family socioeconomic status, parenting styles, and interpersonal relationships influence mental health literacy.Results and discussionThe results showed that family socioeconomic status significantly and positively predicts mental health literacy. Both positive and negative parenting styles were found to partially mediate the relationship between family socioeconomic status and mental health literacy. Additionally, interpersonal relationships partially mediated this relationship. Finally, the study revealed that positive and negative parenting styles acted as sequential mediators between family socioeconomic status and mental health literacy through interpersonal relationships. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which family socioeconomic factors shape mental health literacy among college students.
Health literacy and loneliness among physically inactive Danes aged 18–65: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sarmanlu Delal , Heuck Iben Rask , Maindal Helle Terkildsen , Lim Michelle H. , Ryom Knud 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBoth physical inactivity and loneliness are public health threats bringing huge costs to society and quality of life. The two health challenges often co-exist, suggesting physically inactive and lonely individuals to be a high-risk group. Health literacy as a concept is understood as a modifiable health determinant, and it has been proposed for promoting equity in future health promotion.AimThe aim of this study was to examine the association between health literacy and loneliness among physically inactive adults.MethodsA representative sample of 6,196 Danish adults, aged 18–65 years, was invited to a screening on a set of health outcomes for physical inactivity, which was based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. A total of 1,033 adults were classified as physically inactive and therefore received the full questionnaire screening on a set of different health outcomes including the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS). Two statistical approaches were applied: (1) health literacy expressed as nine different continuous variables corresponding to the domains of HLQ using logistic regressions analyses to examine the association between health literacy and loneliness; (2) health literacy expressed as nine different binary variables showing proportions of low literacy among lonely versus non-lonely participants. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/IC version 16.1.ResultsAmong a sample of 1,010 physically inactive adults, 23.7% felt lonely with a T-ILS score below ≥7. Regression analyses predicted a negative association between health literacy and loneliness in all HLQ domains, after adjusting for gender, age, education, and occupation. Adjusted ORs ranged from 0.21 (95% CI: 0.16; 0.27) to 0.69 (95% CI: 0.57; 0.83) in domains 1–5 and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.41; 0.61) to 0.70 (95% CI: 0.55; 0.89) in domains 6–9. A similar pattern was found in the analysis with health literacy as a binary variable as the proportions of low health literacy were the highest among persons with loneliness in all HLQ domains.ConclusionEven after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, a negative association was predicted between health literacy and loneliness in physically inactive adults. This suggests that strategies for improving physical activity among inactive individuals might be more effective if they include a focus on enhancing health literacy and addressing loneliness.