bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets for advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Zheng Cheng-Wan , Yang Yun-Mo , Yang Hui 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains a challenging malignancy with poor prognosis. The combination of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab has shown promising results in AGC treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC and to explore their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment response.
AIM
To investigate the impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum markers and T cell subsets in patients with AGC.
METHODS
This prospective study enrolled 60 patients with AGC. All patients received oxaliplatin (130 mg/m2, every 3 weeks) and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg loading dose, followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks) for six cycles. Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and cancer antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) were measured before and after treatment. T-lymphocyte subsets, including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+ /CD8+ ratios, were also evaluated. The clinical response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.
RESULTS
After six cycles of treatment, the CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 serum levels significantly decreased compared to baseline levels (P < 0.001). The percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocytes increased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the percentage of CD8+ T lymphocytes decreased (P < 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ ratio also significantly increased after treatment (P < 0.05). Patients with a higher decrease in serum tumor markers (≥ 50% reduction) and a higher increase in CD4+/CD8+ ratio (≥ 1.5-fold) showed better clinical response rates (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy effectively reduced serum tumor marker levels and modulated T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC. Combination therapy not only has a direct antitumor effect, but also enhances the immune response in patients with AGC. Serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for treatment response in patients with AGC receiving combination therapy.
Network pharmacology study and in vitro experimental validation of Xiaojianzhong decoction against gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Guo-Qing , Nan Yi , Ning Na , Huang Shi-Cong , Bai Yu-Ting , Zhou Zi-Ying , Qian Gu , Li Wei-Qiang , Yuan Ling 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Cancer is one of the most serious threats to human health worldwide. Conventional treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy are associated with some drawbacks. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine treatment has been increasingly advocated by patients and attracted attention from clinicians, and has become an indispensable part of the comprehensive treatment for gastric cancer.
AIM
To investigate the mechanism of Xiaojianzhong decoction (XJZ) in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC) by utilizing network pharmacology and experimental validation, so as to provide a theoretical basis for later experimental research.
METHODS
We analyzed the mechanism and targets of XJZ in the treatment of GC through network pharmacology and bioinformatics. Subsequently, we verified the impact of XJZ treatment on the proliferative ability of GC cells through CCK-8, apoptosis, cell cycle, and clone formation assays. Additionally, we performed Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR to assess the protein and mRNA expression of the core proteins.
RESULTS
XJZ mainly regulates IL6 , PTGS2 , CCL2 , MMP9 , MMP2 , HMOX1 , and other target genes and pathways in cancer to treat GC. The inhibition of cell viability, the increase of apoptosis, the blockage of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase, and the inhibition of the ability of cell clone formation were observed in AGS and HGC-27 cells after XJZ treatment. In addition, XJZ induced a decrease in the mRNA expression of IL6 , PTGS2 , MMP9 , MMP2 , and CCL2 , and an increase in the mRNA expression of HOMX1 . XJZ significantly inhibited the expression of IL6, PTGS2, MMP9, MMP2, and CCL2 proteins and promoted the expression of the heme oxygenase-1 protein.
CONCLUSION
XJZ exerts therapeutic effects against GC through multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways. Our findings provide a new idea and scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of XJZ in the treatment of GC.
Burden of gastrointestinal cancers among working-age population over past thirty years in China
Authors: Dong Yu , Fan Zhuan-Zhuan , Li Wen-Ting , Kang Jian , Zhang Yan , Guan Yue , Xu Hui-Qing , Yuan Jie , Xu Fei 
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND
Although gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have been becoming a great public health concern in China, there is currently a lack of comprehensive literature on the overall burden and changing trends of GI cancers in the working-age population.
AIM
To assess the burden of GI cancers and to examine the overall, age- and gender-specific trends among the working-age population in China from 1990 to 2019.
METHODS
Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The burden of GI cancers was indicated by incidence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized DALYs rate. Trends in the burden of GI cancers from 1990 to 2019 were examined using annual percent change and average annual percent change with Joinpoint regression models.
RESULTS
For overall GI cancers, a declining trend was observed in the ASIR, age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized DALYs rate, with reductions of 0.74%, 2.23%, and 2.22%, respectively, from 1999 to 2019 in the Chinese working-age population. However, an increasing trend was observed in the ASIR for overall GI cancers from 2016-2019. The number of either incident cases, mortality cases, and DALYs was higher for colon/rectum cancer and liver cancer in younger participants but lower for esophageal, gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreatic, and stomach cancer among older subjects. Moreover, sex disparity in the GI cancers burden was also examined over 30 years.
CONCLUSION
The total burden of GI cancers remained heavy among the working-age population in China, although declining trends were observed from 1999 to 2019. Disparities in the GI cancers burden existed between sexes, age groups, and cancer types. Population-based precision prevention strategies are needed to tackle GI cancers among working-age individuals, considering the age, sex, and cancer type disparities in China.
SUCH VARIOUS ACUTE TONSILLOPHARYNGITIS
Authors: Карпищенко С.А. , Колесникова О.М. 
Published: September 2024

Острый тонзиллит – заболевание, сопровождаемое выраженной общей интоксикацией. Это обусловлено тем, что небные миндалины входят в число основных составляющих иммунной системы и их воспаление связано с выраженными системными эффектами. Причинами острого тонзиллофарингита чаще всего являются вирусы, реже бактерии и грибы. В клинической практике может понадобиться время для постановки правильного диагноза. Для облегчения симптомов пациенту необходимо назначить терапию. В ряде исследований показана достоверно превосходящая динамика улучшения показателей общего состояния пациентов с острым тонзиллофарингитом, получавших Тонзилгон® Н. В отличие от традиционных растительных препаратов Тонзилгон® Н является официнальным комбинированным лекарственным средством и разрешен к продаже в аптеках многих стран. К его терапевтическим показаниям относятся острые и хронические заболевания верхних дыхательных путей (тонзиллит, фарингит, ларингит), профилактика осложнений при респираторных вирусных инфекциях, а также применение в дополнение к терапии антибиотиками при бактериальных инфекциях. Компоненты препарата оказывают противовирусное, антибактериальное, противовоспалительное и иммуномодулирующее действие. Включение в схему терапии острого тонзиллофарингита препарата Тонзилгон® Н способствует значительному снижению выраженности клинических симптомов, улучшению общего состояния больных и качества их жизни, снижению частоты использования жаропонижающих средств и, как следствие, лекарственной нагрузки на печень.
Acute tonsillitis is a disease that is always accompanied by severe general intoxication. This is due to the fact that the palatine tonsils are among the main components of the immune system, and their inflammation is associated with severe systemic effects. Acute tonsillopharyngitis is most often caused by viruses, less often by bacteria and fungi. In clinical practice, it may take time to establish a correct diagnosis. To relieve symptoms, the patient must be prescribed therapy. A number of studies have shown significantly superior dynamics of improvement in the general condition of patients who received Tonsilgon® N for acute tonsillopharyngitis. Unlike traditional herbal medicines, Tonsilgon® N is an official combination drug and is approved for sale in pharmacies in many countries. Its therapeutic indications include acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis), prevention of complications in respiratory viral infections, as well as use in addition to antibiotic therapy for bacterial infections. The components of the drug have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. In the treatment of acute tonsillopharyngitis, the inclusion of Tonsilgon® N in the treatment regimen helps to significantly reduce the severity of clinical symptoms, improve the general condition of patients and their quality of life, reduce the frequency of use of antipyretic drugs and, as a result, the drug load on the liver.
PLANT TERPENS IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY PATIENTS WITH URILOSTICAL DISEASE
Authors: Руденко В.И. , Демидко Ю.Л. 
Published: September 2024

Мочекаменная болезнь (МКБ) занимает одно из ведущих мест по распространенности среди урологических заболеваний. Важным фактором риска камнеобразования у пациентов с метаболическим синдромом является ожирение. В настоящее время отмечена связь возникновения и рецидива МКБ с метаболическим синдромом, однако точный механизм этой связи не известен. В частности, абдоминальное ожирение у женщин и мужчин c кальциевым уролитиазом сопровождается повышением сывороточной концентрации мочевой кислоты, что является фактором неблагоприятного прогноза течения распространенных форм МКБ. Препарат Роватинекс уменьшает вероятность рецидива камнеобразования путем повышения концентрации защитных коллоидов и глюкуроновой кислоты в моче. Проведенное нами исследование показало, что продолжительность и частота рецидивов камнеобразования меньше у пациентов с нормальным индексом массы тела (ИМТ), принимавших Роватинекс, по сравнению с пациентами, которые принимали Роватинекс и имели повышенный ИМТ и ожирение 1-й степени. Кроме того, ИМТ может оказывать влияние на эффективность применения растительных терпенов, что необходимо принимать во внимание при определении длительности приема и дозировки лекарственного препарата.
Urolithiasis occupies one of the leading places in terms of prevalence among urological diseases. An important risk factor for stone formation in patients with metabolic syndrome is obesity. Currently, there is a connection between the occurrence and relapse of urolithiasis and metabolic syndrome, but the exact mechanism of this connection is not known. In particular, abdominal obesity in women and men with calcium urolithiasis is accompanied by an increase in serum uric acid concentration, which is a factor in the unfavorable prognosis of common forms of KSD. The drug Rowatinex reduces the likelihood of recurrent stone formation by increasing the concentration of protective colloids and glucuronic acid in the urine. Our study showed that the duration and frequency of recurrence of stone formation is less in patients with a normal body mass index (BMI) who took Rovatinex, compared with patients who took Rovatinex and had an increased BMI and grade 1 obesity. In addition, BMI may influence the effectiveness of the use of plant terpenes, which must be taken into account when determining the duration of use and dosage of the drug.
Challenges of Teaching English Language as a Second Language in Sierra Leon
Authors: Kpaka Amadu Alusine 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: English language is not the Language of anyone and no one owns proprietary right over English language not even Britain neither America. The Language has today gained global relevance and it is by far the most widely used Language in the world. The teaching and learning of English are important in Sierra Leone due to its status. English in Sierra Leone is a Second language and it is our official language. It is the Language of the Government, Parliament and the Court. It is the Language that is used in our schools, colleges and universities. It is the Language of instruction in academic institutions. It is a compulsory discipline for secondary education in Sierra Leone. It is compulsory in the first- and second-year levels of tertiary education according to the Tertiary Education Commission policy in the Country. However, the standard of teaching English in Sierra Leone has fallen drastically and the need to examine the challenges of teaching English language as a second language is eminent.
Materials and Methods: The Research adopted a mixed method. The use of this methodology plays out in maintaining the validity and reliability of the Research.
Findings: The Research shows that the lack of teaching proficiency by the teachers is the most relevant challenge that faces the teaching of English in Sierra Leone. This was seconded by lack of structured department and thereafter the negligence of the Government of Sierra Leone.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Research recommends that the Government should encourage citizens to study and master the Discipline at tertiary levels through the provision of scholarships and other facilities. Besides, the Government and other stakeholders in education need to invest in the teaching of English language through professional training, provision of learning materials amongst others.
Influence of Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the Value of Istiqamah Attitude on the Quality of Education
Authors: Ansori Aan , Tarihoran Naf’an , Nugraha Enung 
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the influence of the Learning Management System (LMS) and the Value of Istiqamah Attitude on the Quality of Education at Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin State Islamic University, Banten. This research is motivated by a profound need to understand the factors that can affect and enhance the quality of education. The research method uses a quantitative approach by collecting data through surveys of students at UIN SMH Banten. Regression analysis techniques are used to test the research hypotheses. The main findings of this study are that the Learning Management System and the Value of Istiqamah Attitude positively influence the Quality of Education at UIN SMH Banten. The results of the analysis conclude that effective coordination in the implementation of LMS and the values of istiqamah can improve the quality of education. The partial influence of LMS on the quality of education is significant, with a T-statistic value of 3.526, indicating that the T-statistic value for LMS is greater than 1.96. The Value of Istiqamah Attitude also influences the quality of education, with a T-statistic value of 5.665, indicating that the T-statistic value for the Value of Istiqamah Attitude is greater than 1.96. Furthermore, LMS and the Value of Istiqamah Attitude strongly influence the quality of education, with an effect size of 0.793 or 79.3%, which falls into the strong category. These findings provide important references for relevant stakeholders in developing strategies and policies focused on improving the quality of education. This research significantly contributes to the educational policy-making at UIN SMH Banten to improve the quality of education and provides a basis for policy and practice improvements. The implications of these findings can also assist similar institutions in their efforts to raise educational standards and produce graduates who are both high-quality and embody Islamic values in facing global dynamics.
O DIREITO FUNDAMENTAL À ÁGUA: UMA ABORDAGEM FILOSÓFICA, CONSTITUCIONAL E CIVILIZATÓRIA
Authors: Calisto Cavalcante Marcio 
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo tratará sobre a indisponibilidade do direito à utilização da água como forma de subsistência, bem como sobre a impossibilidade de sua privatização, seja do próprio elemento, seja dos serviços de fornecimento para o seu consumo e de saneamento. Com isso, inevitavelmente, traremos à tona pequena discussão sobre o nível de participação do Estado nas questões relacionadas aos bens essenciais à vida, de importâncias estratégicas e civilizatórias e a escolha realizada pelo Constituinte sobre referido tema, tentando assim, em uma visão multidisciplinar e para além do positivismo jurídico e da dicotomia (ser e dever ser), trazer uma reflexão sobre nossa existência e os riscos causados ao ser humano pela comercialização da água e de todos os processos que direta ou indiretamente a envolve. O recorte histórico deste estudo se dará no período pós 2ª guerra mundial, momento pelo qual entendemos haver surgido no mundo diversos novos sujeitos de direito e novas teorias que nos permitem dialogar e encontrar melhores soluções para o propósito do texto, qual seja, se a água e os serviços de tratamento e fornecimento devam ser privatizados e em que medida.
Quality of life and psychosexual functioning of infertile women and men based on their specific diagnosis
Authors:   Reprofit International s.r.o., Ostrava, Czech Republic, Daňková Kučerová Jana , Klapilová Kateřina , Rákosová Kagánková Andrea , Otevřel Pavel , Štelcl Jan , Kudela Milan , Martinec Nováková Lenka 
Published: September 2024

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a specific diagnosis of infertile women and men on their life quality and psychosexual functioning based on internationally validated questionnaires. Materials and methods: A total of 853 couples seeking treatment for infertility completed the gender-specific batteries comprised of Fertility Quality of Life tool (FertiQoL), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in women, and Brief Sexual Function Inventory (BSFI) in men. Women were fol lowed in the group of primary and secondary infertility and then with specific diagnoses – polycystic ovary syndrome, tubal factor, endometriosis, and idiopathic sterility. Men’s categories reflected spermiogram results, i.e., normozoospermia, merged categories of milder disorders of a spermiogram (teratozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and oligoasthenoteratospermia), oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) gravis, azoospermia, and when the man was not examined. Results: When evaluating the quality of life in women, we found statistically significant differences between primary and secondary sterility. Primary infertile women scored worse especially in the social area. Worse assessment appeared also in mind-body (area evaluating affliction of the body). Emotional and relational domains included similar results in primary and secondary infertile women. With a specific diagnosis, statistically significant differences were not proved. Using the orientational cut-off score, FertiQoL stated that approximately 10% of women experienced adverse quality of life in relation to fertility. In the domain of sexual functioning, 30% of women demonstrated clinically significant dysfunctions. In men, respondents in the normozoospermic and non-diagnosed categories scored higher than those in the merged category and OAT gravis. Only 2% of men felt their quality of life was poor due to fertility, and clinically significant dysfunctions appeared only in 3% of them. Conclusion: In women, impaired fertility-related quality of life and psychosexual functioning are significantly linked to primary sterility, where specifically the social domain is affected. The impact of a specific diagnosis appears to be minimal. We found high levels of sexual dysfunctions in women. In men, we follow the link of evaluated quality of life in connection with their results of the spermiogram. With spermiogram defects, both areas of functioning can be affected. Key words: infertility – diagnosis – women and men – quality of life – sexual functioning
Surgical treatment of recurrent gynecological malignancies
Authors:   Gynecological Oncology Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic, Crha Tomáš , Weinberger Vít , Minář Luboš , Felsinger Michal , Bednaříková Markéta , Hausnerová Jitka 
Published: September 2024

Objective: A comprehensive overview of surgical treatment of recurrent gynecological malignancies. Recurrent breast malignancies are not included in this review. Methodology: A review providing overview of surgical treatment options for recurrent malignancies of adnexa of the uterus (ovary, fallopian tube), uterine corpus, uterine cervix, and carcinoma of the vagina and vulva. Conclusion: Optimal surgical treatment for patients with recurrent cancer is based on multidisciplinary approach with stratification according to individual prognostic markers. These include patient’s performance status, outcome of primary surgery, current extent of recurrence, and histopathological, molecular, and biochemical characteristics. Decision about choice of treatment should be individually discussed and evaluated by the multidisciplinary oncogynecological commission board. Key words: endometrial cancer – cervical cancer – vulvar cancer – ovarian cancer – recurrent cancer – surgery
Understanding the Health Implications of Spice Adulterations
Authors: Choudhary Bhanu Priya , Lal Rameshwar , Kum Praveen 
Published: September 2024

Spice adulteration is a growing concern in India, with recent reports indicating that 15-20% of spices in the market are adulterated. This study explores the various types of spice adulteration prevalent in India, including substitution, color, weight, non-edible substance, quality degradation, chemical, and flavor adulterations. The impact of spice adulteration on human health is also examined, with a focus on the potential risks associated with consuming adulterated spices. The study draws insights from Ayurveda, which emphasizes the importance of using pure and authentic spices for their medicinal properties. The adulteration of spices not only compromises their quality and flavor but also poses significant health risks, such as exposure to toxic substances, gastrointestinal issues, and long-term health complications. The globalization of the spice trade and inadequate enforcement of regulations are identified as factors contributing to the persistence of this issue. The study highlights the need for stringent quality control measures, regular testing, and consumer awareness to combat spice adulteration.