bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evening cortisol levels are prognostic for progression-free survival in a prospective pilot study of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Cash Elizabeth , Beck Isak , Harbison Brooks , Albert Christy , Sephton Sandra E. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionCortisol rhythm disruptions predict early mortality in renal, colorectal, lung, and metastatic breast cancer. In head and neck cancer (HNC), various cortisol indices are known to correlate with adverse psychological and biological (e.g., inflammatory) outcomes, but links to mortality have yet to be demonstrated. We hypothesize that the prognostic value of diurnal cortisol aberrations will hold in HNC. Prior work leads us to predict that flattened or elevated diurnal cortisol profiles will be associated with elevations of serum inflammatory and tumor-promoting cytokines in this population, and that these immune markers would themselves predict poor progression-free survival.MethodWe prospectively recruited a pilot sample of HNC patients (N=40) at a multidisciplinary HNC clinic. Most patients presented with late-stage oral/oropharyngeal cancer, were older than 50, male, and subsequently received combined-modality (surgery and/or radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy) treatment with curative intent. Saliva was collected twice daily for six days to assess diurnal slope, mean, waking, and evening cortisol levels. Serum was assayed for an exploratory panel of inflammatory and tumor-promoting cytokines. Two years post study-entry, disease progression and survivorship status were abstracted from medical records. Bivariate correlations, linear regressions, and Cox Proportional Hazards models tested hypotheses.ResultsElevations of evening cortisol and diurnal mean levels were each associated with shorter progression-free survival (evening: Hazard Ratio [HR]=1.848, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.057-3.230, p=.031; diurnal mean: HR=2.662, 95% CI=1.115-6.355, p=.027). Bivariate correlations revealed that higher levels of the serum inflammatory marker interferon (IFN)-γ were linked with elevated evening (r=.405, p=.014) and mean (r=.459, p=.004) cortisol. Higher expression of IFN-γ also predicted poorer progression-free survival (HR=4.671, 95% CI=1.409-15.484, p=.012).DiscussionElevated evening and diurnal mean cortisol were both prognostic; suggesting cortisol secretion is both dysregulated and elevated among patients who subsequently experienced accelerated disease progression. These exploratory data from 40 HNC patients mirror relationships between cortisol and survival identified among patients with numerous other tumor types. This pilot study highlights the need for research on effects of cortisol rhythm disruption among HNC patients. Future research in larger samples should also examine the role of inflammatory and tumor-promoting factors–both systemically and within the tumor microenvironment–as potential mediators of cortisol rhythm disruption.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: perspectives from the United States and China
Authors: Lang Wenwang , Ai Qi , Zhang Wenwen , Jiang Qinling , He Yulong , Ouyang Ming 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe efficacy of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy in improving progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in unresectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer (GC/GEJC) has recently been emphasized. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy for the United States (US) and Chinese populations.MethodsUsing data from the RATIONALE-305 phase 3 trial, a Markov model was developed to analyze quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), incremental net health benefits (INHBs), and incremental net monetary benefits (INMBs). The health state utilities and direct medical costs were obtained from the relevant literature and local cost databases. The model uncertainty was evaluated using sensitivity analyses.FindingsIn the base-case analysis, the addition of tislelizumab to chemotherapy yielded an ICER of $37,768.48 per QALY in China, slightly below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $38,042.49 per QALY, showing marginal cost-effectiveness with an INHB of 0.05 QALYs and an INMB of $1,852.49. Subgroup analyses revealed ICERs of $23,853.52 for patients with a PD-L1 TAP score ≥ 5% (TAP ≥ 5%). In the US, the ICER was $502,786.22 per QALY in the intent-to-treat (ITT) and $321,395.28 per QALY in the TAP ≥ 5% subgroup, exceeding the US WTP threshold of $150,000.00.ImplicationsIn China, tislelizumab plus chemotherapy is a cost-effective first-line therapy for unresectable GC/GEJC in both ITT and TAP ≥ 5% subgroups. In the US, tislelizumab plus chemotherapy is not cost-effective.
Fast and precise dose estimation for very high energy electron radiotherapy with graph neural networks
Authors: Arsini Lorenzo , Caccia Barbara , Ciardiello Andrea , De Gregorio Angelica , Franciosini Gaia , Giagu Stefano , Guatelli Susanna , Muscato Annalisa , Nicolanti Francesca , Paino Jason , Schiavi Angelo , Mancini-Terracciano Carlo 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionExternal beam radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most common treatments against cancer, with photon-based RT and particle therapy being commonly employed modalities. Very high energy electrons (VHEE) have emerged as promising candidates for novel treatments, particularly in exploiting the FLASH effect, offering potential advantages over traditional modalities.MethodsThis paper introduces a Deep Learning model based on graph convolutional networks to determine dose distributions of therapeutic VHEE beams in patient tissues. The model emulates Monte Carlo (MC) simulated doses within a cylindrical volume around the beam, enabling high spatial resolution dose calculation along the beamline while managing memory constraints.ResultsTrained on diverse beam orientations and energies, the model exhibits strong generalization to unseen configurations, achieving high accuracy metrics, including a δ-index 3% passing rate of 99.8% and average relative error <1% in integrated dose profiles compared to MC simulations.DiscussionNotably, the model offers three to six orders of magnitude increased speed over full MC simulations and fast MC codes, generating dose distributions in milliseconds on a single GPU. This speed could enable direct integration into treatment planning optimization algorithms and leverage the model’s differentiability for exact gradient computation.
Trends and impacts of SARS-CoV-2 genome sharing: a comparative analysis of China and the global community, 2020–2023
Authors: Feng Yenan , Chen Songqi , Wang Anqi , Zhao Zhongfu , Chen Cao 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThe global sharing of pathogen genome sequences has been significantly expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to elucidate the global landscape of SARS-CoV-2 genome sharing between 2020 and 2023 with a focus on quantity, timeliness, and quality. Specifically, the characteristics of China are examined.MethodsSARS-CoV-2 genomes along with associated metadata were sourced from GISAID database. The genomes were analyzed to evaluate the quantity, timeliness, and quality across different countries/regions. The metadata characteristics of shared genomes in China in 2023 were examined and compared with the actual demographic data of China in 2023.ResultsFrom 2020 to 2023, European countries consistently maintained high levels of genomic data sharing in terms of quantity, timeliness, and quality. In 2023, China made remarkable improvements in sequence sharing, ranking among the top 3.89% globally for quantity, 22.78% for timeliness, and 17.78% for quality. The genome sharing in China in 2023 covered all provinces with Shanghai Municipality contributing the most genomes. Human samples accounted for 99.73% of the shared genomes and exhibited three distinct peaks in collection dates. Males constituted 52.06%, while females constituted 47.94%. Notably, there was an increase in individuals aged 65 and above within the GISAID database compared to China’s overall population in 2023.ConclusionThe global sharing of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in 2020–2023 exhibited disparities in terms of quantity, timeliness, and quality. However, China has made significant advancements since 2023 by achieving comprehensive coverage across provinces, timely dissemination of data, and widespread population monitoring. Strengthening data sharing capabilities in countries like China during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will play a crucial role in containing and responding to future pandemics caused by emerging pathogens.
Metabolic signatures of combined exercise and fasting: an expanded perspective on previous telomere length findings
Authors: Almuraikhy Shamma , Naja Khaled , Anwardeen Najeha , Sellami Maha , Al-Amri Hadaia Saleh , Al-Sulaiti Haya , Bashraheel Sara S. , Aden Amina Ali , Elrayess Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAging is a complex process marked by a gradual decline in physiological function and increased susceptibility to diseases. Telomere length is frequently regarded as one of the primary biomarkers of aging. Metabolic profiles are key features in longevity and have been associated with both age and age-related diseases. We previously reported an increase in the telomere length in healthy female subjects when Ramadan fasting was combined with physical training. This study aims to characterize the metabolic signature differentiating the combined effects of exercise and fasting from exercise alone and explore the correlations with the previously reported telomere length changes.MethodsTwenty-nine young, non-obese, and healthy female subjects were previously randomized into two groups: one group followed a 4-week exercise program, while the other group followed the same 4-week exercise program but also fasted during Ramadan. Metabolic profiles were assessed pre- and post-intervention using untargeted metabolomics.Results and DiscussionOur results showed a significant decrease in many lipid metabolites in the exercise-while-fasting group, particularly ceramides. Our study sheds light on the dynamic changes in lipid metabolism and its potential role in inflammation and age-related diseases, and contributes to the broader understanding of how lifestyle factors can influence cellular aging and metabolic health.
Predictive Role of Dark Triad of Personality in Social Skills and Lying Behavior of Adolescents
Authors: Anwar Mubeen , Zubair Aisha 
Published: November 2024

Objectives. The present study attempted to explore the predictive role of dark triad ofpersonality in social skills and lying behavior of adolescents. It was also intended to determinethe mediating role of lying behavior in predicting social skills.Method. Sample (N=350) comprised of school students of grade 9 and 10 (girls = 230 andboys = 120) with age range 15 to 18 years from the government and private schools. Dark Triadof Personality Scale (Paulhus, 2013), Lying Scale (Finkenauer, Engels, & Kooten, 2006), andMatson Evaluation of Social Skills (Matson, Rotatori, & Helsel, 1983) were employed toappraise the major constructs of the study.Results. Results showed that dark triad traits negatively predicted social skills and positivelypredicted lying behavior; whereas lying behavior was positively related with social skills. Inaddition, social skills significantly mediated the relationship between dark triads of personalityand lying behavior of adolescents. Gender differences indicated that boys reflected higher darktriad traits and lying behavior as compared to girls; while non-significant gender differenceswere found in relation to social skills.
Implications. Findings of the study would bear implications in clinical and educational settings to regulate inclinations to lie and enhancingbetter interpersonal skills.
Mediating Role of Social Self-Efficacy in Linking Positive Thinking to Satisfaction with Life among First Year University Students
Authors: Amin Rizwana , Hussain Zainab Noor , Mahmood Sara , Sadaf Anila , Saleem Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

Objectives. Present study was an attempt to examine how positive thinking amonguniversity freshers helps them to deal with challenges related to new setup and have an impacton their life satisfaction through social self-efficacy. Furthermore, it explores how changingone’s thoughts about different perspective into positive ones overcoming challenges of lifebecomes easier, consequently, people feel socially strong and satisfied with life.Method. In the present study, total 480 (Boys=218 Girls=262) newly admitted students inundergraduate programs from Faculty of Social Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya UniversityMultan, Pakistan with age range of 17-22 years (M=18.57 & SD=.835) participated.Participants responded on Life Oriented Test- Revised [LOT-R (Scheier et al., 1994)], SocialSelf-Efficacy Scale [SSES (Muris, 2001)] and Satisfaction with Life Scale [SWLS (Diener etal., 1985)] respectively. Data analyses consisted of Pearson product moment correlationcoefficient and linear regression by utilizing SPSS (25.0) whereas Process Macro 3.5.0 wasused to verify mediation model.Results. Findings indicated that positive thinking does not predict satisfaction with lifedirectly whereas it significantly predicts social self-efficacy (B= 0.45, p < 0.001) and socialself-efficacy predicts satisfaction with life (B= 0.23, p < 0.001). Thus, results showed that socialself-efficacy fully mediates the relationship of positive thinking with satisfaction in life amongstudents.Conclusion. Social self-efficacy has been found as an imperative facet of students’ life so itshould be considered while designing curricula and other activities related to students.
Mechanical Behavior of Thin Ceramic Laminates on Central Incisors
Authors: Favero Stephanie Soares , Monteiro Kelli Nunes , Rodrigues Aline , Cestari Ketuly Marques , Jurado Carlos Alberto , Alhotan Abdulaziz , Cesar Paulo Francisco 
Published: November 2024

Restorative dentistry often uses ceramic laminate veneers for aesthetic anterior teeth restorations due to their natural appearance and minimal invasiveness. However, the understanding of their clinical performance and how ceramic microstructure and processing affect longevity is limited. Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by determining the mechanical behavior, fracture load, and failure modes of CAD-CAM processed laminate veneers made of either lithium-disilicate-based glass ceramic (IPS e.max CAD) or feldspathic porcelain (Vita Mark II). It also aimed to develop a mechanical cycling methodology capable of determining the lifetime and failure modes of thin ceramic laminate veneers. Materials and Methods: Eighteen human maxillary central incisors were used to create the specimens. Minimal enamel preparation was required to ensure the proper adaptation of the thin ceramic laminates. Ceramic laminates made from lithium disilicate and feldspathic porcelain (Vita Mark II) were produced via CAD-CAM, with the final thicknesses less than 0.5 mm, then cemented with resin cement. Results: The mean fracture load for the glass ceramic was 431.8 ± 217.9 N, while for the porcelain, it was 454.4 ± 72.1 N. Failure modes differed considerably: porcelain showed more chipping, while lithium disilicate was associated with tooth structure failure. Conclusion: The material used did not significantly affect the fracture load of thin ceramic laminates in static tests. However, failure modes differed considerably. It was not possible to determine a set of mechanical cycling parameters that could establish the fatigue properties of thin ceramic laminates, as the maximum number of cycles reached was 536,818.
Survey on the Occurrence of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in the Feces of Wolves (Canis lupus italicus) Collected in a Protected Area in Central Italy
Authors: Bertelloni Fabrizio , Cagnoli Giulia , Ebani Valentina Virginia 
Published: November 2024

Previous investigations have explored the involvement of wolves in parasitic and viral diseases, but data on the zoonotic bacteria are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of bacterial zoonotic agents in 16 wolf (Canis lupus italicus) fecal samples collected in a protected area in Central Italy. Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) were investigated by culture, while polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect Coxiella burnetii, Mycobacterium spp., Brucella spp., and Francisella tularensis. The presence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was also evaluated, using selective isolation media and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes. All samples were negative for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., C. burnetii, Mycobacterium spp., Brucella spp., F. tularensis, and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. One sample tested positive for Yersinia aldovae and three for Yersinia enterocolitica BT1A. One L. monocytogenes (serogroup IIa) and one STEC, carrying the stx1 gene, were isolated. Two ESBL isolates were detected: one Serratia fonticola, carrying blaFONA-3/6 gene, and one Escherichia coli, carrying blaCTX-M-1 gene. Both ESBL isolates were resistant to different antimicrobials and therefore classified as multi-drug-resistant. Our data suggest that wolves are potential carriers of zoonotic bacteria and may contribute to the environmental contamination through their feces.
Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of A. platensis-Derived Peptides: A Green and Sustainable Protein-Rich Supplement
Authors: Begum Nabila , Qi Fei , Yang Fang , Khan Qudrat Ullah , Faizan  , Fu Qiang , Li Jie , Wang Xiu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wang Jun , Li Riwang , Liu Dahai , Zhang Wenqing 
Published: November 2024

Among cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) is a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds due to its high protein, essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. A. platensis is one of the most abundant sources of protein (50–70%). In the food industry, A. platensis is being used as an ingredient for the development of food flavor, taste, and nutritional composition. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the potential use of A. platensis in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases. Recently, extensive research has focused on the production and bioactivity of the A. platensis-derived bioactive peptides. A series of steps were used for the production of bioactive peptides including hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, and chromatographic techniques, coupled with an advanced detector. A. platensis peptides showed health benefits such as anti-hypertension, anti-diabetes, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer activities. This review aims to present the main nutritional composition of A. platensis, the processes of purification, and the identification of bioactive peptides, and the potential health benefits such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-microbial activities associated with the consumption of A. platensis-derived peptides are discussed. The originality of this review over the old review is that our review comprehensively studies the macro- and micronutrient composition and listed bioactive peptides to date, which can play an important role in the treatment of various diseases. Moreover, this review provides information related the research gaps of the various technologies that should be used for the development of the peptide as a pharmaceutical and functional food.
Community Twin Ecosystem for Disaster Resilient Communities
Authors: Luleci Furkan , Sevim Alican , Ozguven Eren Erman , Catbas F. Necati 
Published: November 2024

This paper presents COWINE (Community Twin Ecosystem), an ecosystem that harnesses Digital Twin (DT) to elevate and transform community resilience strategies. COWINE aims to enhance the disaster resilience of communities by fostering collaborative participation in the use of its DT among the decision-makers, the general public, and other involved stakeholders. COWINE leverages Cities:Skylines as its base simulation engine integrated with real-world data for community DT development. It is capable of capturing the dynamic, intricate, and interconnected structures of communities to provide actionable insights into disaster resilience planning. Through demonstrative, simulation-based case studies on Brevard County, Florida, the paper illustrates COWINE’s collaborative use with the involved parties in managing tornado scenarios. This study demonstrates how COWINE supports the identification of vulnerable areas, the execution of adaptive strategies, and the efficient allocation of resources before, during, and after a disaster. This paper further explores potential research directions using COWINE. The findings show COWINE’s potential to be utilized as a collaborative tool for community disaster resilience management.
Preliminary Study on Type I Interferon as a Mucosal Adjuvant for Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus F Protein
Authors: Hu Hongqiao , Zhang Li , Cao Lei , Jiang Jie , Shi Yuqing , Guo Hong , Wang Yang , Li Hai , Zhang Yan 
Published: November 2024

Background: Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) imposes a significant disease burden on infants and the elderly. Intranasal immunization using attenuated live vaccines and certain vector vaccines against HRSV has completed phase II clinical trials with good safety and efficacy.Recombinant protein vaccines for mucosal immunization require potent mucosal adjuvants. Type I interferon (IFN), as a natural mucosal adjuvant, significantly enhances antigen-presenting cell processing and antigen presentation, promoting the production of T and B cells. Methods: This study utilized human α2b interferon (IFN-human) and mouse α2 interferon (IFN-mouse) as nasal mucosal adjuvants in combination with fusion protein (F). Intranasal immunization was performed on BALB/c mice to evaluate the immunogenicity of the formulation in vivo. Results: Compared to the F protein immunization group, mice in the F + IFN-Human and F + IFN-Mouse experimental groups exhibited significantly increased neutralizing antibody titers and augmented secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 by lymphocytes, and both of them could induce the production of high-titer specific IgA antibodies in mice (p < 0.001).The F + IFN-Human immunization induced the highest IgG and IgG1 antibody titers in mice; however, the F + IFN-Mouse immunization group elicited the highest neutralizing antibody titers (598), lowest viral loads in the lungs (Ct value of 31), and fastest weight recovery in mice. Moreover, mice in the F + IFN-Mouse immunization group displayed the mildest lung pathological damage (Total score of pathological injury was 2). Conclusions: In conclusion, IFN-Mouse, as a mucosal adjuvant for HRSV recombinant protein vaccines, demonstrated superior protective effects in mice compared to IFN-Human adjuvants.