bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obesity-specific improvement of lung cancer outcomes and immunotherapy efficacy with metformin
Authors: Smith Randall J , Zollo Robert , Kalvapudi Sukumar , Vedire Yeshwanth , Pachimatla Akhil Goud , Petrucci Cara , Shaller Garrison , Washington Deschana , Rr Vethanayagam , Sass Stephanie N , Srinivasan Aravind , Kannisto Eric , Bawek Sawyer , Jain Prantesh , Rosario Spencer , Barbi Joseph , Yendamuri Sai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Preclinical cancer studies ascribe promising anticancer properties to metformin. Yet, clinical findings vary, casting uncertainty on its therapeutic value for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We hypothesized that metformin could benefit obese and overweight patients with NSCLC.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 2 clinical cohorts and employed complementary mouse models to test our hypothesis. One cohort included NSCLC patients with overweight body mass index (≥25 kg/m2, n = 511) and nonoverweight body mass index (&lt;25 kg/m2, n = 232) who underwent lobectomy, evaluating metformin’s impact on clinical outcomes. Another cohort examined metformin’s effect on progression-free survival after immune checkpoint inhibitors in overweight (n = 284) vs nonoverweight (n = 184) NSCLC patients. Metformin’s effects on tumor progression, antitumor immunity, and immune checkpoint inhibitor response in obese and normal-weight mice were assessed with lung cancer models.

Results
Metformin is associated with increased recurrence-free survival in overweight patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24 to 0.94; P = .035) after lobectomy. It also corrected accelerated tumor growth in diet-induced obese mouse models in a lymphocyte-specific manner while reversing several mechanisms of immune suppression potentiated by obesity. Programmed cell death 1 blockade coupled with metformin was more effective at limiting tumor burden in obese mice and correlated with progression-free survival only in overweight patients on immunotherapy (HR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.93; P = .024).

Conclusions
Metformin may improve lung cancer–specific clinical outcomes in obese and overweight lung cancer patients and enhance immunotherapy efficacy in this growing population. This work identifies obesity as a potential predictive biomarker of metformin’s anticancer and immunotherapy-enhancing properties in lung cancer while shedding light on the underlying immunological phenomena.
A case of post-traumatic acute appendicitis: uncommon consequence of blunt abdominal trauma
Authors: Alabdulaaly Norah I , Alghamdi Shahad , Albahli Mashael , Alabdullah Hisham , Alghuliga Abdullah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Acute appendicitis is known to be caused by intraluminal obstruction of the appendiceal lumen. Nonobstructive causes of acute appendicitis are rarely reported. Posttraumatic appendicitis is uncommon, and few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a case of acute appendicitis in a 21-year-old male confirmed via a computed tomography scan 5 days after a blunt abdominal injury. A laparoscopic appendectomy was performed, and the diagnosis of acute perforated appendicitis and peri appendicitis was confirmed histopathologically. The patient had an uneventful recovery following surgery.
“No doctor ever asked me…so I thought it wasn't a valid concern”: endometriosis patients’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators to sexual health communication in general practice
Authors: Davenport Rebekah Allison , Mills Jacqueline , McHardy Hannah , Lores Taryn , Sherman Kerry , Misajon RoseAnne , Van Niekerk Leesa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual health communication between general practitioners (GPs) and individuals with chronic diseases is well documented as an important component of sexual well-being. However, a notable gap exists in understanding factors that contribute to sexual health communication in the endometriosis context. Endometriosis-related research has focused on the assessment of sexual functioning and its role in influencing health-related quality of life, with a limited understanding of the management of sexual well-being in primary healthcare settings.

Aim
To explore how individuals with endometriosis perceive their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs to understand the barriers and facilitators of this communication in general practice.

Methods
This study formed part of a larger online quantitative survey measuring psychological and sexual well-being in individuals with endometriosis. In total 141 participants provided responses via open-ended unlimited free-text questions focused on their experiences of sexual health communication with GPs, including their perspectives on barriers and facilitators.

Results
Four overarching themes regarding barriers to sexual health communication were identified through thematic template analysis: (1) systemic factors; (2) practitioner factors; (3) patient factors; and (4) interpersonal factors. Facilitators mirrored strategies to address these barriers. Additionally, participants offered recommendations for developing resources to improve sexual health communication.

Clinical Implications
Despite patients’ interest, sexual health concerns in endometriosis are commonly overlooked in general practice due to various barriers, which individuals suggest could be addressed through comprehensive GP education and practical aids including communication tools.

Strengths and Limitations
Although the sample is large for a qualitative study, the potential selection bias—stemming from participants’ high levels of sexual dysfunction and motivation to discuss sexual health with a GP—may limit the diversity of perspectives. GP perspectives were not evaluated, precluding any assessment of the accuracy of individuals’ perceptions of practitioner factors.

Conclusions
Individuals with endometriosis encounter various systematic, practitioner, personal, and interpersonal factors that hinder or facilitate sexual health communication in general practice. Future research should prioritize strategies to improve sexual health communication for both GPs and patients.
Bacterial composition and cultural dynamics of microgreens-associated microbiota during selective enrichment for Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Haniford Laura S E , Dussault Forest , Shay Julie A , Cooper Ashley , Blais Burton W , Lau Calvin Ho-Fung 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Widely regarded as a so-called “superfood,” microgreens have become an increasingly significant food crop from both nutritional and agricultural standpoints. However, similar to other produce commodities that are also cultivated using modernized indoor farming methods, there have been mounting concerns over the potential risks of consuming microgreens contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. To gain insights into the microbial properties of microgreens, this study characterized the bacterial composition of fresh microgreen retail products using amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, a total of 36 shared genera were identified as putative constituents of the microgreen core microbiome. By monitoring the dynamics of microgreen-borne bacteria undergoing a Listeria-selective cultural enrichment procedure, it was revealed that, regardless of the presence or absence of L. monocytogenes, off-target bacteria of the Klebsiella and Enterococcus genera were significantly enriched from microgreens by the primary enrichment step, with the secondary enrichment step continuing to promote the expansion of Enterococcus population. While Listeria was generally neither the most-enriched nor the dominant taxon in cultures sampled at different enrichment stages, significant enrichment of Lysinibacillus and Bacillus bacteria was detected in microgreens contaminated with L. monocytogenes, suggesting they could be co-enriched in competition with Listeria.
Predictions for the abundance and clustering of H α emitting galaxies
Authors: Madar Makun S , Baugh Carlton M , Shi Difu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
We predict the surface density and clustering bias of H $\alpha$ emitting galaxies for the Euclid and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope redshift surveys using a new calibration of the galform galaxy formation model. We generate 3000 galform models to train an ensemble of deep learning algorithms to create an emulator. We then use this emulator in a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) parameter search of an eleven-dimensional parameter space, to find a best-fitting model to a calibration data set that includes local luminosity function data, and, for the first time, higher redshift data, namely the number counts of H $\alpha$ emitters. We discover tensions when exploring fits for the observational data when applying a heuristic weighting scheme in the MCMC framework. We find improved fits to the H $\alpha$ number counts while maintaining appropriate predictions for the local universe luminosity function. For a flux limited Euclid-like survey to a depth of $2\times 10^{-16}~\textrm {erg}^{-1}~\textrm {s}^{-1}~\textrm {cm}^{-2}$ for sources in the redshift range $0.9&lt; z&lt; 1.8$, we estimate 2962–4331 H $\alpha$ emission-line sources deg$^{-2}$. For a Nancy Grace Roman survey, with a flux limit of $1\times 10^{-16}~\textrm {erg}^{-1}~\textrm {s}^{-1}~\textrm {cm}^{-2}$ and a redshift range $1.0&lt; z&lt; 2.0$, we predict 6786–10 322 H $\alpha$ emission-line sources deg$^{-2}$.
Immunotherapy benefits for large brain metastases in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Sadagopan Narayanan , Komlodi-Pasztor Edina , Veytsman Irina 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with large brain metastases (BrM) defined as &gt;2 cm in diameter historically face grim prognoses. With immunotherapy emerging as a promising avenue for BrM management and being commonly used in NSCLC, its application in addressing large BrM remains underexplored.

Methods
This retrospective study conducted across the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Network aimed to assess the efficacy of immunotherapy in non-biomarker driven NSCLC patients with large BrM following initial treatment.

Results
Thirty-six patients were included, all of whom underwent neurosurgery and/or radiation before commencing immunotherapy. The median intracranial progression-free survival (PFS) was 9.2 months and the median overall survival (OS) reached 31 months. Utilizing multivariable Cox penalized regression, the intracranial PFS hazard ratio (HR) was 0.07 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02-0.26) for patients who received at least 90 days of immunotherapy compared to those who did not. Each additional 30 days of immunotherapy was associated with an OS HR 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67-0.90).

Conclusion
This real-world data highlights the potential of immunotherapy in large BrM NSCLC patients, a population often excluded from clinical trials. This study contributes insights that can inform future treatment approaches, emphasizing the need for further exploration of immunotherapy’s role in enhancing outcomes for this challenging patient population.
Smads and AP‐1 activation of TGF‐β signaling upregulate transcription of Osteoprotegerin in Cementoblasts to inhibit osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Mo Lijuan , Zhu Jiaqi , Li Mengying , Zhang Gengming , Cao Zhengguo , Li Biao , Du Mingyuan , He Hong 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOrthodontically induced root resorption (OIRR) is a common side effect during orthodontic tooth treatment (OTM). The function of osteoprotegerin (OPG) is considered to protect cementum from excessive resorption to maintain root integrity. In this study, we observed that the expression of TGF‐β1 and OPG was upregulated under the loading of orthodontic force in periodontal tissues. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of TGF‐β1‐induced OPG expression in cementoblasts are not fully elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effect of Smads and AP‐1 stimulated by TGF‐β signaling on the transcription of OPG in cementoblasts. In vitro, we demonstrated that TGF‐β/Smad and AP‐1 signaling involved in TGF‐β1‐induced extracellular secretion of OPG in conditioned media (CM) from cementoblasts, which further inhibited osteoclastogenesis. Reporter gene plasmids containing OPG promoter sequences of different lengths (0.5–3 kb) were constructed to investigate the potential binding sites of Smads and AP‐1. We identified nine binding sites of Smads and AP‐1 concentrated in the 0–0.5 and 2.3–3 kb regions of OPG promoter in cementoblasts. ChlP results showed that Smad2/3/4 and c‐Jun were bound more to the OPG promoter under TGF‐β1 stimulation. In vivo, localized administration of TGF‐β1 in the OTM model increased OPG expression, which resulted in the inhibition of OIRR. In summary, TGF‐β1‐induced Smads and AP‐1 can bind to the OPG promoter to promote the transcription, expression, and secretion of OPG in cementoblasts, which inhibits osteoclast differentiation and protects cementum from excessive resorption.
miR‐203 modulates pregnant myometrium contractility via transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 channel expression
Authors: Ying Lihua , Fornes Daiana D. , Dobberfuhl Amy D. , Ansari Jessica R. , Alvira Cristina M. , Cornfield David N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPreterm labor is the leading cause of neonatal death and major morbidity but remains a poorly understood process with no effective tocolytic therapies. Recent work has identified the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel, a membrane calcium channel upregulated in uterine smooth muscle through gestation, as integral in the transition from quiescence to contraction in the gravid uterus. The present study builds upon these findings and investigates regulation of the TRPV4 channel during pregnancy in the murine and human uterus by micro‐RNA 203 (miR‐203). We find a progressive decrease in miR‐203 expression during gestation, accompanied by a reciprocal increase in TRPV4 mRNA and protein expression. In human uterine smooth muscle cells (UtSMC), miR‐203 overexpression reduces, and si‐RNA‐mediated silencing increases, TRPV4 expression. Studies using murine UtSMC demonstrate that miR‐203 expression modulates TRPV4‐mediated cytosolic calcium entry and contractility. Consistent with these findings, the response to pharmacologic TRVP4 agonists is increased in myometrial tissue from miRNA203 −/− mice compared to control mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that miR‐203 binds specifically on the promoter region of TRPV4 to decrease expression. In murine inflammatory models of preterm labor, miR‐203 overexpression prolongs pregnancy. Estradiol (E2) decreases miR‐203 and increases TRPV4 expression, providing a potential physiologic link for the unique reciprocal relationship in UtSMC. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that miR‐203 modulates uterine contractility during pregnancy via negative regulation of TRPV4. These findings support the hypothesis that targeting miR‐203 holds the promise of an entirely novel approach to prevent prematurity and treat preterm labor.
Barriers to Nursing School Admissions for Students With Physical or Sensory Disabilities: Do Essential Abilities Requirements Align With Licensure Standards and Legal Precedence?
Authors: Llewellyn Sarah , Alderden Jenny , Madsen Leslie , Christenson Jadison , Mecham Sharece , Trujillo Tanner Corinna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

AIM
The aim of the study was to examine sensory and motor essential abilities required by nursing boards and assess their inclusion in prelicensure nursing program admissions.

BACKGROUND
The nursing workforce should mirror diverse patient populations for better concordance; however, essential abilities restrictions hinder admissions for students with disabilities.

METHOD
Requirements for licensure were collected from state boards of nursing and compared with essential abilities admissions requirements from 58 prelicensure programs.

RESULTS
No state boards mandated sensory or motor abilities for licensure. Thirty-one (53%) programs had restrictive essential abilities criteria. Some criteria conflicted with safety standards or the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CONCLUSION
Disparity of essential abilities requirements was observed. Restrictive essential abilities criteria may create barriers to admission of students with disabilities, thus limiting the diversity and capacity of the nursing workforce.
The “F-Words” in Pediatric Oncology: Improving Pediatric Cancer Care Through Innovative Thinking and Rehabilitation for Optimal Quality of Life
Authors: Wright Marilyn , Gorter Jan Willem 
Published: November 2024

Conceptual frameworks inform and advance clinical practice, research, and education. The “F-words for child development” is a child/youth/family friendly model that embeds the words fitness, functioning, family, friends, fun, and future into the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This perspectives paper explores how the concepts and use of the F-words for child development are conducive to the practice of pediatric oncology rehabilitation and promotion of quality of life of children and their families.
Pediatric oncology rehabilitation is explored in the context of the ICF and F-words through a review of relevant literature, clinical expertise, and child/youth/family perspectives. The F-words framework is congruent with recognized rehabilitation strategies, preferences, and best practices during and after treatment for cancer in children and youth. The concepts can be used to promote the engagement, health, well-being, and quality of life of children/youth and their families.
Nonabstinence among US Adults in Recovery from an Alcohol or Other Drug Problem
Authors: Pasman Emily , Evans-Polce Rebecca J. , Schepis Ty S. , Engstrom Curtiss W. , McCabe Vita V. , Drazdowski Tess K. , McCabe Sean Esteban 
Published: November 2024

Objectives
Most US treatment and recovery services are abstinence-based. However, many people in recovery from an alcohol or other drug (AOD) use problem do not abstain completely. This study estimated the prevalence of and characteristics associated with nonabstinence among US adults in recovery.

Methods
Nonabstinence—operationalized as past-month use of alcohol, illicit drugs, or nonmedical use of prescription drugs—was estimated among a sample of 3763 US adults in self-identified recovery from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, weighted to be nationally representative. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with nonabstinence.

Results
An estimated 65.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 62.6–67.8) of adults in self-identified recovery reported past-month AOD use. Half (50.8%) reported alcohol use, and one-third (33.2%) reported cannabis use. Females had lower odds of use than males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54–0.99), and lesbian/gay-identified individuals had greater odds of use than heterosexual/straight-identified individuals (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.13–5.07). Greater religiosity (AOR = 0.90, 0.84–0.96) and mutual aid attendance (AOR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.06–0.27) were associated with lower odds of use. Significant differences were not detected for self-reported health, psychological distress, and other measures of functioning. However, relative to those without a past-year substance use disorder (SUD), odds of nonabstinence were greater among those with one mild (AOR = 14.60, 9.05–23.55), one moderate or severe (AOR = 13.05, 7.06–24.14), and multiple (AOR = 23.33, 10.59–51.37) past-year SUDs.

Conclusions
Most US adults who self-identified as in recovery from an AOD use problem were nonabstinent. Treatment and recovery services may improve engagement and outcomes by supporting nonabstinent goals.
Continuing Education Certificate in Trauma Skills Among Emergency Nurses: A National Sample Survey Analysis
Authors: Castner Jessica , Zazzera Erin A. , Burchill Christian N. 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Trauma population health indicators are worsening in the United States. Nurses working in trauma care settings require specialized training for patient care. Little is known about national enumeration of nurses who hold skill-based trauma certificates.

Objective:
The purpose of this project was to estimate (1) skill-based certificate status among U.S. nurses who primarily work with emergency or trauma patients, (2) demographic and work characteristic differences between those who report skill-based trauma certificates and those who do not, and (3) continuing education learning needs among nurses who hold skill-based trauma certificates.

Methods:
This was an applied epidemiologic analysis of the 2022 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses.

Results:
The weighted analysis of 239,893 emergency nurses indicated 57% held skill-based trauma certificates with disparities by rural practice, racial identity, age, and marital status. Among those who held skill-based trauma certificates, the greatest need for continuing education was on topics of mental health, quality improvement, and substance use disorders. Approximately 87% of emergency nurses with trauma skill-based certificates only spoke English fluently.

Conclusions:
Population health management interventions are needed to enhance workforce equity and continuing education opportunities for trauma nurses. Professional nursing organizations, emergency nursing employers, and academic settings should offer continuing education in mental health and quality improvement. These findings also support the need for ongoing activities to enhance language accessibility for non-English speaking patients in the trauma care system.
The Influence of Genital Lichen Sclerosus on Sexual Health and Well-being: A Tripartite Comparative Analysis
Authors: Bettolini Luca , Maione Vincenzo , Arisi Mariachiara , Rovaris Sara , Romanò Carola , Tomasi Cesare , Calzavara-Pinton Piergiacomo , Zerbinati Nicola , Bighetti Stefano 
Published: November 2024

Objectives
Genital lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic mucocutaneous disorder causing considerable discomfort. Despite this, comprehensive comparison of LS impacts on quality of life (QoL), particularly on men's health or relative to other dermatological conditions like pemphigus, are sparse. This research aims to discern the effects of LS on sexual functionality and overall QoL, benchmarking against pemphigus patients and healthy controls. The study's intent is to broaden the understanding of sexual dysfunction, satisfaction, and psychological distress attributable to LS.

Materials and Methods
From March 2021 to September 2023, this observational multicenter study at the affiliated university hospitals involved 176 individuals, 120 females and 56 males, with LS, pemphigus, or as controls. Questionnaires employed were the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function depending upon subject's gender, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Clinical Lichen Sclerosus Score, and Pemphigus Disease Area Index. Differences in QoL were analyzed using either the Fisher exact test or the Mann-Whitney U test, and the correlation between Clinical Lichen Sclerosus Score sexual QoL using Spearman's coefficient.

Results
LS patients faced more sexual health challenges than pemphigus patients and healthy people. Women with LS had difficulties with lubrication and pain, men had less satisfaction during intercourse, and all had increased psychological distress, although less than those with pemphigus. A strong link between LS severity and worse sexual QoL, especially for women, was identified.

Conclusions
LS significantly affects sexual function and psychological well-being, both for men and women, reaffirming the need for comprehensive management.