bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of factors influencing the efficacy of NAC and prognosis between HER2-zero and HER2-low HR negative breast cancer
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Zhang Yi , Zhang Shi-Chao , Liu Xu , Wang Shu-Nan , Liu Xin-Yu , Zhang Jin 
Published: November 2024

Objective: The aim of this paper was to assess the differences in clinicopathological characteristics, efficacy and prognosis of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in human epidermal growth factor receptor2(HER2)-zero and HER2-low hormone receptor (HR)-negative breast cancer (BC) patients, and the impact of HER2-evolution on prognosis before and after NAC.Methods: 319 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who completed NAC and surgery from August 2014 to August 2018 at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were included. Clinicopathological features, efficacy of NAC and assessment of prognosis were retrospectively analysed. The evolution of HER2-zero to HER2-low after NAC is defined as HER2-gain, the evolution of HER2-low to HER2-zero after NAC is defined as HER2-loss, and HER2 unchanged after NAC is defined as HER2-stable.Results: In HR-negative BC, the pathological complete response (pCR) rate was significantly higher in HER2-zero compared with HER2-low patients, and the difference was statistically significant (38.9% vs 23.2%, p = 0.004), but there was no significant difference in the prognosis between the two groups. The overall rate of HER2-evolution after NAC was 19.7%, and there was a significant correlation between HER2-loss and histological grading, whereas HER2-gain was significantly associated with Ki-67 expression. In terms of prognosis, HER2-gain was better compared to the other two groups.Conclusion: In this study, we found that HER2-low HR-negative BC showed different clinicopathological features and response to NAC compared with HER2-zero, as well as HER2-evolution before and after NAC had a significant impact on prognosis.
Selection of rhythm intervention strategies in atrial fibrillation patients with cancer and efficacy and safety of catheter ablation
Authors: Wang Xin , Han Xu , Yang Xiaolei , Hidru Tesfaldet Habtemariam , Wang Chengfang , Xia Yunlong , Che Ying 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe risk of comorbidity of cancer is increased in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, which is a massive challenge for clinical management in cardiovascular settings. This study aimed to analyze whether cancer affects the decision of radiofrequency ablation and to explore the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation in AF patients with cancer.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who were first diagnosed AF and identified who were with cancer. The propensity score matching method was utilized to balance the differences between the cancer and non-cancer groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to study the related factors affecting the ablation of AF. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of cancer on the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation.ResultsAmong 9,159 patients who were first diagnosed AF, the prevalence of cancer was 4.48%. Cancer did not affect the decision of rhythm intervention in AF patients (P = 0.46). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perioperative complications, bleeding events, and embolization events between cancer and non-cancer groups (P = 1.000). The median follow-up time was 342 (293,866) days, and 45 patients had AF recurrence. Multivariable Cox regression showed no statistically significant relationship between concomitant cancer and AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.36–1.83, P = 0.62).ConclusionsThe combination of cancer did not affect the decision of patients to perform ablation therapy. Radiofrequency catheter ablation could be used as a strategy to maintain long-term sinus rhythm in patients with concomitant cancer without affecting AF recurrence.
Transactional e-health literacy and its association with e-health services use in Polish adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Smoła Paulina , Zwierczyk Urszula , Duplaga Mariusz 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe transactional model of e-health literacy addresses not only the skills needed for handling online health-related information but also the capacity to communicate regarding health issues on the Internet. It also emphasizes a critical component of e-health literacy: enabling appraisal and selection of information adequate to individual needs. Our study aimed to culturally adapt the instrument assessingTransactional e-Health Literacy (TeHL) and examine the association between TeHL and the use of e-health services by Polish adult Internet users.MethodsThe analysis was conducted on data from an online survey among 1,661 respondents. After cultural adaptation and piloting of the Polish version of the instrument measuring TeHL, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on two samples obtained by random splitting of the original data set. The roles of TeHL categories in the use of several types of e-health services were assessed with multivariable logistic regression models.ResultsWe have found that the four-factor model of the Polish version of the TeHL instrument, consisting of 17 items, obtained after excluding item 13, shows the best fit to the measurement data (NFI = 0.950, RFI 0.938, TLI = 0.951, CFI = 0.960, GFI = 0.932, RMSEA = 0.066). Regression modeling revealed that Functional e-health literacy is a significant positive predictor of the use of remote physician advice, the Internet Patient Account Portal, portals providing general health-related information, and websites allowing for checking laboratory test results. Communicative eHL was significantly negatively related to the use of general health-related information portals and positively related to the use of portals offering paid medical advice. Critical e-health literacy was a significant negative predictor of the use of remote physician advice and the laboratory test results websites but a positive predictor of using portals offering paid medical advice and websites offering easy access to e-prescriptions. Finally, Translational e-health literacy was significantly positively associated with the use of the Internet Patient Account Portal, general health-related information portals, and laboratory test results websites.DiscussionPolish version of the instrument assessing TeHL is a tool of confirmed validity that can be used for e-health research in Poland. The relationships between four types of TeHL and the use of concrete e-health solutions show a complex pattern requiring further evaluation.
Oral health-related quality of life in Northland Māori children and adolescents with Polynesian amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Martin Michelle , Gowda Sunitha , Foster Page Lyndie , Thomson W. Murray 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAmelogenesis Imperfecta (AI) is a hereditary developmental disorder of tooth enamel with few known variants with differing characteristics, depending on where in the amelogenesis process an error has occurred. Polynesian AI (or Poly AI) is prevalent among people of Polynesian descent and is prevalent among New Zealand Māori. While the impact of AI on the quality of life has been reported in some studies, however, the role of Poly AI on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is not known. This study explores OHRQoL among New Zealand Māori with and without AI.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken, with ethical approval obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committee. 30 Māori children and adolescents with Poly AI and 60 Māori children and adolescents with no Poly AI as the comparison group matched by age and sex, were randomly selected and recruited participated in the study. OHRQoL was measured using the 19-item COHIP-SF.ResultsStatistically significant differences were observed in the OHRQoL between those with Poly AI and the comparison group. Linear regression analyses controlling for age and deprivation showed significantly poorer OHRQoL among those with Poly AI than in those with no Poly AI.DiscussionThe study findings highlight poorer OHRQoL among Māori children with Poly AI, emphasizing the need for early detection and management of the condition and the importance of providing appropriate training in diagnosing Poly AI and managing hypersensitivity. Further research among Polynesian populations is needed to understand the impact OHRQoL among those with Poly AI.
Global and regional genetic association analysis of ulcerative colitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus and causal validation analysis of two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization
Authors: Hu Yan-zhi , Chen Zhe , Zhou Ming-han , Zhao Zhen-yu , Wang Xiao-yan , Huang Jun , Li Xin-tian , Zeng Juan-ni 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundClinical co-occurrence of UC (Ulcerative Colitis) and T2DM (Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus) is observed. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential causal relationship between Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) using LDSC and LAVA analysis, followed by genetic verification through TSMR, providing insights for clinical prevention and treatment.MethodsGenetic loci closely related to T2DM were extracted as instrumental variables from the GWAS database, with UC as the outcome variable, involving European populations. The UC data included 27,432 samples and 8,050,003 SNPs, while the T2DM data comprised 406,831 samples and 11,914,699 SNPs. LDSC and LAVA were used for quantifying genetic correlation at both global (genome-wide) and local (genomic regions) levels. MR analysis was conducted using IVW, MR-Egger regression, Weighted median, and Weighted mode, assessing the causal relationship between UC and diabetes with OR values and 95% CI. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy were tested using Egger-intercept, MR-PRESSO, and sensitivity analysis through the “leave-one-out” method and Cochran Q test. Subsequently, a reverse MR operation was conducted using UC as the exposure data and T2DM as the outcome data for validation.ResultsUnivariable and bivariable LDSC calculated the genetic correlation and potential sample overlap between T2DM and UC, resulting in rg = -0.0518, se = 0.0562, P = 0.3569 with no significant genetic association found for paired traits. LAVA analysis identified 9 regions with local genetic correlation, with 6negative and 3 positive associations, indicating a negative correlation between T2DM and UC. MR analysis, with T2DM as the exposure and UC as the outcome, involved 34 SNPs as instrumental variables. The OR values and 95% CI from IVW, MR-Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode were 0.917 (0.848~0.992), 0.949 (0.800~1.125), 0.881 (0.779~0.996), 0.834(0.723~0.962) respectively, with IVW P-value &lt; 0.05, suggesting a negative causal relationship between T2DM and UC. MR-Egger regression showed an intercept of -0.004 with a standard error of 0.009, P = 0.666, and MR-PRESSO Global Test P-value &gt; 0.05, indicating no pleiotropy and no outliers detected. Heterogeneity tests showed no heterogeneity, and the “leave-one-out” sensitivity analysis results were stable. With UC as the exposure and T2DM as the outcome, 32 SNPs were detected, but no clear causal association was found.ConclusionThere is a causal relationship between T2DM and UC, where T2DM reduces the risk of UC, while no significant causal relationship was observed from UC to T2DM.
G. vaginalis increases HSV-2 infection by decreasing vaginal barrier integrity and increasing inflammation in vivo
Authors: Rahman Nuzhat , Mian M. Firoz , Hayes Christina L. , Nazli Aisha , Kaushic Charu 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionClinically, a dysbiotic vaginal microbiota (VMB) colonized with anaerobic species such as Gardnerella vaginalis has been linked to increased susceptibility to viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2). The mechanism is poorly understood due to the lack of small animal models.MethodsMice were inoculated with 107 CFU of the eubiotic bacteria Lactobacillus crispatus, the dysbiotic bacteria G. vaginalis, or PBS as a negative control every 48 h for ten days. On day ten, mice were inoculated with 105 PFU WT HSV-2 333 and survival, pathology, and viral titers were assessed. To elucidate changes in the vaginal microenvironment following bacterial inoculations, vaginal tissue and washes were collected following ten days of inoculations. To assess barrier integrity, tissue was fixed and stained for the barrier protein Desmoglein-1 (DSG-1). To evaluate the immune microenvironment, tissue was processed for flow cytometry to examine tissue-resident T cells and cytokine production by T cells. Vaginal washes were used for multiplex cytokine/chemokine analysis.ResultsG. vaginalis inoculated mice infected with HSV-2 had significantly decreased survival rates, increased pathology, and higher viral titers than PBS and L. crispatus inoculated mice. The vaginal epithelium of G. vaginalis inoculated mice showed decreased DSG-1 staining compared to other groups, indicating compromised barrier function. Decreased total numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing activated mucosal immune markers CD44, CD69, and CD103 were observed in the vaginal tract of G. vaginalis inoculated mice. They also showed increased proportions of T cells expressing inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, while L. crispatus inoculated mice had increased proportions and absolute counts of T cells expressing the regulatory cytokine IL-10. In the multiplex assay, vaginal washes from G. vaginalis mice had increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared to L. crispatus and PBS groups.DiscussionThese results suggest G. vaginalis inoculation may be increasing HSV-2 infection by disrupting the epithelial barrier, decreasing protective immune responses and increasing tissue inflammation in the vaginal tract.
Natural infection of hybrid sturgeon (Acipenser baerii♀×Acipenser schrenckii♂) with Nocardia seriolae and white sturgeon iridovirus: pathological and transcriptomic analyses
Authors: Ni Luyun , Li Pengcheng , Zou Qiaolin , Li Feiyang , Chen Yeyu , Chen Haoting , Lai Jiansheng , Du Jun , Liu Ya 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionIn August 2023, hybrid sturgeons (Acipenser baerii♀×Acipenser schrenckii♂) cultured in Sichuan, China, showed infectious disease symptoms, including ulcers, liver and spleen nodules, and high mortality rates.MethodsPathogenic bacteria were isolated from the liver of diseased sturgeons and analyzed for their phenotypic and molecular traits. Furthermore, iridovirus-specific TaqMan real-time PCR (RT-PCR) analyses were conducted. The histopathological characteristics were analyzed using paraffin sectioning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Transcriptome sequencing was performed to elucidate the impact of pathogen exposure and immune response profiles in infected sturgeon.ResultsPathogenic bacteria isolation and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene confirmed that the isolated bacteria clustered within the Nocardia seriolae group. The TaqMan RT-PCR assay was performed to detect the presence of white sturgeon iridovirus (WSIV), indicating a weakly positive signal. Histopathological examination revealed severe damage to various tissues, and a notable presence of bacteria was observed through acid-fast staining. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the presence of abundant bacteria and virus particles, indicating cellular invasion and subsequent damage. In summary, the disease in hybrid sturgeons was diagnosed as infection of N. seriolae and WSIV. To investigate the immune response of hybrid sturgeons to this infection, spleen transcriptomes were analyzed. Numerous immune-related genes and pathways, including the “Toll-like receptor”, “B-cell receptor”, and “T-cell receptor” signaling pathways, were altered in response to pathogenic threats. Significantly downregulated of key components of TCR and BCR signaling pathways, such as ZAP70, BTK, and CD79A, suggested a temporary inhibition of these pathways critical for cellular immunity post-infection. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant suppression of the apoptosis signaling pathway and activation of autophagy and mitophagy signaling pathways following infection. Specifically, in the death receptor-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway, downregulation of TNFα, TRAIL, CASP6, and CASP8 was observed, while several genes in the autophagy and mitophagy pathways showed upregulated expression post-infection.DiscussionWe report the initial occurrence of N. seriolae infection in cultured sturgeons. These findings could provide a theoretical basis for diagnosing and preventing this disease, as well as enhance the understanding of host-pathogen interactions in fish.
Sub-optimal use of anti-malarial therapy for SLE in the Asia Pacific region: observations from the Asia Pacific lupus cohort
Authors: Kandane-Rathnayake Rangi , Hoi Alberta , Louthrenoo Worawit , Chen Yi-Hsing , Cho Jiacai , Lateef Aisha , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Chan Shirley , Luo Shue Fen , Jan Wu Yeong-Jian , Navarra Sandra , Zamora Leonid , Li Zhanguo , Yao Haihong , Sockalingam Sargunan , Katsumata Yasuhiro , Harigai Masayoshi , Hao Yanjie , Zhang Zhuoli , Basnayake BMDB , Chan Madelynn , Kikuchi Jun , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Oon Shereen , Bae Sang-Cheol , O’Neill Sean , Goldblatt Fiona , Ng Kristine (Pek Ling) , Law Annie , Tugnet Nicola , Kumar Sunil , Ohkubo Naoaki , Tee Michael L. , Tee Cherica , Tanaka Yoshiya , Lau Chak S. , Golder Vera , Nikpour Mandana , Morand Eric F. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe guidelines for management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) recommend the use of anti-malarial (AM) drugs [commonly hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)] in all patients, unless contraindicated. We evaluated the prevalence of AM use in patients with SLE in countries across the Asia Pacific region.MethodsWe used data from the Asia Pacific Lupus Collaboration (APLC) cohort, collected prospectively from SLE patients meeting ACR or/and SLICC criteria, between 2013 and 2020. Demographic factors were collected at enrolment; disease activity indicators (SLEDAI-2K, PGA, SFI) and medication (glucocorticoids (GC), immunosuppressants (IS) and AM) details were captured at enrolment and at routine visits, and organ damage was assessed at enrolment and at annual visits using SLICC/ACR Damage Index. We examined medication use in relation to clinical and serological activity, defined based on SLEDAI-2K.ResultsWe analyzed 4,086 patients and 41,653 visits of data; 3,222 (79%) patients used AM at least once during observation (AM-ever users), but this proportion varied significantly between countries (31%–95%). Overall, the total number of visits with AM use was 27,474 (66%). AM-never users were older and had lower disease activity at study enrolment when compared with AM-ever users. AM-ever users had lower GC and IS exposure; experienced fewer severe flares, and less organ damage.DiscussionAM use was suboptimal and varied significantly across countries, highlighting disparities between current practice and SLE management guidelines. This study further reiterates that patients who used AM during the study period had lower exposure to GC and IS and experienced fewer severe flares and organ damage.
Factors influencing the self-management ability among older adults experiencing intrinsic capacity decline: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Qingcai , Li Xiaoyang , Hu Mingyue , Zhao Yinan , Wu Shuang , Feng Hui 
Published: November 2024

AimsThis study investigated the current status of intrinsic capacity and self-management abilities and analyzed the factors influencing the self-management abilities of older adults experiencing intrinsic capacity decline.MethodsWe included a sample of 382 older adults, with an average age of 72.92 ± 6.81 years, exhibiting intrinsic capacity decline in 38 communities in China. Questionnaires were administered using the sociodemographic questionnaire, the intrinsic capacity questionnaire, the social support scale, the self-rated health item, the eHealth literacy scale, and the self-management ability scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and linear regression analysis.ResultsIn this study, 43.5% of older people had impairments in three of the five dimensions of intrinsic capacity, the most significant proportion. The self-management ability score of older adults experiencing intrinsic capacity decline was 67.05 ± 12.53 out of 100. There were significant associations between age, perceived social support, and intrinsic ability composite score with self-management abilities (Age: β = −0.263; p &lt; 0.001; social support: β = 0.291; p &lt; 0.001; intrinsic capacity composite score: β = 0.179; p &lt; 0.001). Higher levels of self-management ability were associated with more effective maintenance of psychological capacity, regardless of the type of older adults experiencing IC decline (all p &lt; 0.05). For example, among older adults experiencing cognitive decline, maintaining psychological function was positively associated with self-management abilities (β = 0.294; p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThe highest prevalence of concurrent impairments across three dimensions of intrinsic capacity was observed among older adults experiencing diminished intrinsic capacity. Fostering self-management abilities through social support and mental health interventions may benefit people experiencing intrinsic capacity decline.
A novel SBF1 missense mutation causes autosomal dominant Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 4B3
Authors: Liu Huaqi , Dong Jing , Xie Zhe , Yu Li 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionWe present a case of autosomal dominant Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 4B3 (CMT4B3) in a family caused by a novel SBF1 missense mutation.MethodsTwo patients, a mother and daughter, were recruited from our hospital. Both exhibited early-onset symptoms, including distal muscle atrophy of the limbs, without cranial nerve involvement. Electromyography was performed to assess nerve amplitudes and conduction velocities. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify genetic mutations.ResultsElectromyography revealed a significant decline in nerve amplitudes, while the nerve conduction velocities (NCVs) remained normal in the extremities. Sequencing identified a novel missense mutation (c.1398C &gt; A, p.H466Q) in exon 13 of the SET binding factor 1 (SBF1) gene in both patients, indicating an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.DiscussionPathogenicity and protein predictions suggest that the myotubularin-related protein 5 (MTMR5), encoded by the mutated SBF1, may possess an altered structure, resulting in disease. These findings will help expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of CMT4B3.