bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
METTL3 affects the biological function of lung adenocarcinoma through the FGF2/PI3K/AKT /mTOR pathway
Authors: Chen Shaoting , Shen Xiuqing , Cao Pengju , Chen Qianshun , Zhong Rongxin , Cao Yingping 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis study aims to investigate the role of the m6A regulatory factor METTL3 in LUAD.MethodsBy examining the expression of METTL3 in LUAD and conducting cellular functional experiments, the biological functions of METTL3 were discussed. mRNA-seq and MeRIP-qPCR were used to identify downstream target genes and pathways.ResultsThe expression level of METTL3 in LUAD is lower than that in the control group. The downregulation of METTL3 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LUAD cells, while overexpression of METTL3 results in the opposite effects. Furthermore, we found that FGF2 was negatively regulated by METTL3. Inhibiting FGF2 reversed the tumor-promoting effects caused by METTL3 downregulation in LUAD cells. Silencing METTL3 enhanced the stability of FGF2 mRNA. Silencing FGF2 resulted in reduced activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in METTL3 knockdown LUAD cells.DiscussionIn summary, our findings unveil an intricate signaling network involving METTL3/FGF2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR in LUAD and provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor progression, thus holding significant implications for targeted therapy and advancing LUAD research.
The impact of nutritional intervention on quality of life and outcomes in patients with head and neck cancers undergoing chemoradiation
Authors: Cardellini Sara , Deantoni Chiara Lucrezia , Paccagnella Matteo , Casirati Amanda , Pontara Andrea , Marinosci Alessandro , Tresoldi Moreno , Giordano Leone , Chiara Anna , Dell’Oca Italo , Di Muzio Nadia Gisella , Caccialanza Riccardo , Mirabile Aurora 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionChemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients has a curative intent but often deteriorates nutritional status leading to sarcopenia and cachexia.MethodsIn this observational and single-centered study, a prospective evaluation of several biochemical and anthropometrical parameters, weight loss, handgrip strength, visual analogue scale of appetite, questionnaires associated with malnutrition &amp; quality of life and body composition (obtained by Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis) was performed before and after high-dose cisplatin chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy in 60 patients affected by head and neck cancer. Oral nutritional supplements were used to reach the correct number of daily calories and proteins.Results and discussionAll patients completed radiotherapy as planned and the 96,4% of them did not interrupt chemotherapy for toxicity, reaching a total dose of at least 200mg/m2. Despite a rapid deterioration of body composition during treatment, nutritional support helped patients to maintain (or in some cases improve) anthropometric parameters from the end of chemoradiotherapy to the following 3 months. Low prealbumin and albumin pre-treatment led to higher risk of toxicities with consequent reduction of cisplatin dose intensity, whereas weight at the end of the treatment seems to be an interesting predicting factor for disease free and overall survival (p=0.007; p=0.015).
A survey on management practices of hypotension in preterm neonates: an Indian perspective
Authors: Das Rupam , Nagpal Rema , Deshpande Sujata , Kumar Gunjana , Singh Anita , Kallimath Aditya , Suryawanshi Pradeep 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundHypotension is a common entity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and is reported in 24%–50% of preterm infants with birth weight less than 1,500 g. Rapid diagnosis and aggressive management is crucial to reduce its detrimental effects on end-organs especially the brain. Physicians often rely on blood pressure alone as a reliable indicator of tissue perfusion, but variations exist in the definition of this crucial parameter. There are also practice variations in the use of diagnostic tools and management modalities among physicians.MethodologyA physician-based cross-sectional survey of management practices of hypotension in preterm neonates in Indian NICUs was conducted using an online survey tool. The questionnaire addressed diagnostic criteria used, utility of echocardiography for the assessment of hypotension, and management strategies used, such as volume expansion, inotropes and steroids.ResultsThree hundred and twenty physicians, working predominantly in Level III NICUs, responded to the survey. The practice of delayed cord clamping was followed in the units of 78% respondents. Only 44% respondents had an institutional written protocol for the management of hypotension. The criteria for the diagnosis of hypotension varied, with 52% using mean blood pressure (BP) less than gestational age as the criteria. Capillary refill time, blood pressure and heart rate were the most common clinical criteria used. 85% respondents used echocardiography in the NICU, but only 73% utilised it for assessment of a hypotensive neonate. Physicians preferred a ‘volume-inotrope-echo-steroid’ strategy, with 85% respondents using volume expansion. Dopamine was the preferred first line inotrope, followed by norepinephrine and low-dose epinephrine.ConclusionThis survey reflects significant variations in practice amongst neonatal physicians in India. Bedside targeted echocardiography needs to be better utilised as a vital tool to determine the pathophysiology of disease and hemodynamic monitoring in the management of hypotension in neonates. While further research is needed on outcome-oriented objectives, awareness and dissemination of already existing guidelines would be useful to standardize clinical practice.
Efficacy of the cardiac glycoside digoxin as an adjunct to csDMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: El-Mahdy Nageh A. , Tadros Mariam G. , El-Masry Thanaa A. , Binsaleh Ammena Y. , Alsubaie Nawal , Alrossies Amani , Abd Elhamid Medhat I. , Osman Enas Y. , Shalaby Hadeel M. , Saif Dalia S. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundInflammation and angiogenesis are two main mechanisms that act as mutual pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This work aimed to study the efficacy of digoxin as an adjunct therapy to conventional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) in active RA patients.MethodsIn a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 60 adult patients with active RA received a placebo or digoxin (0.25 mg every other day) combined with csDMARDs for 6 months. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates and the disease activity score (DAS28) were assessed for patients. Flow cytometric analysis of Th17 cells and serum concentrations of IL-17A, IL-23, HIF-1α, and VEGF were evaluated before and after three and 6 months of therapy.ResultsFollowing three and 6 months of digoxin therapy combined with csDMARDs, significant differences were detected in laboratory and clinical parameters relative to the control group. After 6 months, 83.3% of patients in the digoxin group, compared to 56.7% in the control group, achieved an ACR20 response (p = 0.024). The digoxin group had a significantly higher percentage of patients who achieved DAS28 remission after 6 months (p = 0.024). Notable improvements in the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, ACR50, and ACR70 were detected in the digoxin group.ConclusionDigoxin was well tolerated and exerted profound immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in RA patients, and may also exhibit anti-angiogenic properties, indicating that it might be an effective adjunct to csDMARDs in treating RA.Clinical Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04834557.
Effects of variable resistance training within complex training on strength and punch performance in elite amateur boxers
Authors: Liu Yongfu , Huang Zijing , Zhou Zixiang , Zhang Liqin , Guo Yuqiang , Chen Chao 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesThis study explored the effects of 6 weeks of variable resistance training (VRT) and constant resistance training (CRT) within complex training, on muscle strength and punch performance.MethodsTwenty-four elite female boxers from the China National team were divided randomly between an experimental group (VRT) and a control group (CRT). Maximum strength of the upper and lower limbs, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, and punch performance (single, 10s and 30s continuous) were assessed pre- and post- intervention.ResultsVRT and CRT showed significant increases (p &lt; 0.001) in the bench press (ES = 1.79 and 1.07, respectively), squat (ES = 1.77 and 1.10, respectively), and CMJ (ES = 1.13 and 0.75, respectively). The bench press (p &lt; 0.05) and squat (p &lt; 0.05) improved significantly more following VRT compared to CRT. Additionally, single punch performance (speed, force, and power) increased significantly in the experimental group (ES = 1.17–1.79) and in the control group (ES = 0.58–1.32), except for the lead punch force in the control group (p &gt; 0.05, ES = 0.20). 10s continuous punch performance (number, speed, force, and power) increased significantly (both p &lt; 0.05) in the experimental group (ES = 0.52–1.65) and in the control group (ES = 0.32–0.81). 30s continuous punch performance (number, force, and power) increased significantly increased significantly (both p &lt; 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for punch performance.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that VRT may improve maximum muscle strength in both upper and lower limbs, vertical jump and punch performance in elite amateur boxers.
Understanding contrast perception in amblyopia: a psychophysical analysis of the ON and OFF visual pathways
Authors: Wei Junhan , Cheng Ziyun , Kong Deying , Lin Wenman , Hess Robert F. , Zhou Jiawei , Reynaud Alexandre 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe study aimed to explore potential discrepancies in contrast sensitivity in the ON and OFF visual pathways among individuals with amblyopia compared to controls.MethodsEleven adult amblyopes (26.2 ± 4.4 [SD] years old) and 10 controls (24.6 ± 0.8 years old) with normal or corrected to normal visual acuity (logMAR VA ≤ 0) participated in this study. Using the quick contrast sensitivity function (qCSF) algorithm, we measured balanced CSF which would stimulate the ON and OFF pathways unselectively, and CSFs for increments and decrements that would selectively stimulate the ON and OFF visual pathways. Contrast sensitivity and area under log contrast sensitivity function were extracted for statistical analysis.ResultsFor the balanced CSF, we found significant interocular differences in sensitivity and area under log contrast sensitivity function in both amblyopes [F(1,10) = 74.992, p &lt; 0.001] and controls [F(1,9) = 35.6, p &lt; 0.001], while such differences were more pronounced in amblyopes than in controls. For increment and decrement CSFs, we found that the increment sensitivity (p = 0.038) and area under log contrast sensitivity function (p = 0.001) were significantly lower than the decrement in the amblyopic eye. Such differences between increment and decrement CSFs were not observed in the fellow eye of the amblyopes or in the controls.ConclusionThere is a subtle difference in the contrast sensitivity of the amblyopic eye when exposed to stimulation in the ON and OFF pathways.
Medication adherence among Japanese patients with developmental disabilities: a survey study
Authors: Ando Mutsumi , Taki Iori , Yamazaki Taigi , Hida Noriko 
Published: October 2024

AimDevelopmental disabilities (DD) often persist into adulthood, necessitating early and continuous treatment. Although pharmacotherapy is a viable treatment option, managing medication can be challenging. Prior research has not explored medication use among patients with DD in Japan. Thus, this study aimed to identify the medication challenges faced by these patients.MethodsA questionnaire survey was administered to 200 outpatients to collect data on the number of prescribed medications, the timing of administration, the frequency of missed doses, and the use of medication notebooks. This was a prospective observational study without intervention and a random sampling.ResultsThe survey revealed that 57.0% of the participants were non-adherent to their medication regimen. Specifically, medication non-adherence rates were 44.7% among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 86.9% for those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 30.4% for patients with comorbid ASD and ADHD. Despite 48.3% of the participants taking measures to prevent forgetting their medication, 65.3% of them still failed to take their medication as prescribed. The possession rate of medication record books was 96.0%.ConclusionThe study indicates that the frequency of medication non-adherence among patients with DD in Japan mirrors that in other countries. Patients who reported taking preventative measures still experienced high rates of non-adherence, suggesting limited effectiveness of these strategies. It is essential to develop more effective measures to improve adherence, enhance disease awareness, and increase understanding of medication instructions. The high possession rate of medication record books suggests they could play a significant role in managing DD, and their use is expected to increase in the future.
Gambling-related attitudes and dimensional structure of the GABS-15 in outpatient addiction care patients: associations with gambling disorder
Authors: Bickl Andreas M. , Loy Johanna K. , Kraus Ludwig , Grüne Bettina , Hoch Eva , Schwarzkopf Larissa 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIndividuals with gambling disorder (GD) harbor cognitive distortions and dysfunctional beliefs about gambling that may foster problematic gambling behaviour. Evidence on particularly detrimental attitudes and beliefs is however lacking. To close this knowledge gap, we analysed associations between gambling attitudes and beliefs (Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (GABS-15)) and severity of gambling disorder (DSM-5 criteria met) in a German cohort of 123 individuals receiving outpatient gambling treatment.MethodsData from the "Katamnese-Study" covering a 36-months timeframe with 5 assessment points was pooled. The multidimensional structure of the GABS-15 was examined using explorative and confirmatory factor analyses, followed by mixed-effect regression models using different operationalizations of the GABS-15.ResultsA three-factorial structure comprising “attitudes while gambling”, “sensation-seeking / excitement”, and "gambling fallacies” demonstrated better fit indices than the GABS-15 sum score. Only the "gambling fallacies " factor (1.00, p&lt;0.05; 15.36, p &lt; 0.01) was significantly associated with increased severity of GD.DiscussionAs a one-dimensional conceptualization of gambling-related attitudes and beliefs might not sufficiently guide staff of outpatient treatment facilities regarding priority setting in gambling care, evidence on attitudes with particularly detrimental associations is highly warranted. Here, focussing on mitigating "gambling' fallacies" by tailored treatment strategies appears promising.
Peer effects of health behaviors and the moderating role of Internet use among middle-aged and older adults: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Cui Yanyin , Bao Hongrui , Xia Fang , Zhang Liya , Ren Jie 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study investigates peer effects on the health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China and examines the moderating role of Internet use.MethodsA total of 16,188 respondents were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2020 data set. Ordinary Least Squares and Quantile Regression were used to validate the peer effect of health behaviors on middle-aged and older adults, and a moderating effects model was used to test the moderating roles of Internet use and Internet proficiency. Finally, the peer effect was analyzed for heterogeneity according to Internet use preferences.ResultsThe peer effect had a positive influence on the individual health behaviors of middle-aged and older adult people in China (β = 0.5341, p &lt; 0.001). Middle-aged and older adult people were more sensitive to the average health behavior level of the community when they lived in rural communities and/or had a low level of education. Internet use positively moderated the health behavior peer effect in the older adult population (β = 0.0094, p &lt; 0.1), and Internet proficiency negatively moderated the peer effect of the health behaviors of the middle-aged population (β = 0.1589, p &lt; 0.1). According to the magnitude of the influence of peer effect, the Internet preference type can be ranked from social and entertainment (β = 0.6250, p &lt; 0.01), to cultural and entertainment (β = 0.5835, p &lt; 0.01), to comprehensive (β = 0.4622, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThere is a peer effect on the health behaviors of middle-aged and old-aged individuals, in which Internet use plays a moderating role. The construction of healthy communities should be promoted, giving full play to the community’s active role in health promotion. Attention should be paid to the health-enabling function of the Internet, encouraging middle-aged and older adult people to use the Internet actively, moderately, and diversely, and making full use of the advantages of short videos for online health education.
Does cardiorespiratory fitness moderate the relationship between overweight, cardiovascular risk markers and mental health among forcibly displaced individuals living in a Greek refugee camp?
Authors: Gerber Markus , Filippou Konstantinia , Knappe Florian , Morres Ioannis D. , Tzormpatzakis Emmanouil , Havas Elsa , Seelig Harald , Colledge Flora , Ludyga Sebastian , Meier Marianne , Theodorakis Yannis , von Känel Roland , Pühse Uwe , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesRefugees may have an increased risk of developing overweight/obesity as they often experience a nutritional transition. Because maintaining good cardiorespiratory fitness can help reduce the negative impact of excess weight on overall health, the objective of this study was to examine whether fitness moderates the relationship between weight status and cardiovascular and mental health outcomes in forcibly displaced individuals living in a Greek refugee camp.MethodsA sample of 142 forcibly displaced individuals were recruited. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed with the submaximal Åstrand-Rhyming bicycle ergometer test. Blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, and hs-CRP were assessed as physical health outcomes, whereas post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety symptoms, pain, and quality of life were assessed as mental health outcomes. Main and interaction effects were tested via analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs).ResultsAlmost 50% of the participants were overweight/obese, more than 60% presented with very poor fitness levels, and the percentage of participants with very poor fitness levels was particularly high among overweight/obese participants. Whereas overweight/obesity was associated with a less favorable body composition and cardiovascular risk profile, poor fitness was associated with a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of muscle mass. Cardiorespiratory fitness did not moderate the relationship between overweight/obesity and most of the assessed health outcomes.ConclusionsOnly limited support was found for the applicability of the fit-but-fat concept to our population of forcibly displaced individuals. Public health services should prioritize measures to prevent overweight/obesity and associated diseases in refugee camps. Moreover, efforts are needed to improve the fitness of camp residents via exercise/sport interventions.
The intermediate role of farmland transfer in the impact of digital financial inclusion on agricultural total factor productivity in China
Authors: Yang Jiali , Meseretchanie Abate 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionEnhancing agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable development in China are critical priorities, given their significant contribution to food security and rural development. However, achieving consistent agricultural productivity growth across regions and sectors has been challenging, leading to inefficiencies and environmental pressures. To address this, the potential of digital inclusive finance (DIF) as a catalyst for progress has been explored.MethodsThis study investigates the impact of DIF on agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP) through farmland transfer, with implications for rural revitalization and high-quality agricultural development. Using the HMB index method, we calculate and decompose China’s inter-provincial ATFP from 2011 to 2020. Employing the dynamic panel fixed effect model and SYS-GMM method, we empirically test the influence of DIF on agricultural productivity in relation to farmland transfer.Results and discussionOur findings reveal a slow upward trend in China’s ATFP, driven primarily by scale efficiency. Notably, a 1% increase in the general index of DIF correlates with a 0.136% increase in ATFP. We analyze the sub-classification indexes of digital inclusive finance, namely coverage breadth, depth of use, and digitalization degree. Their contributions to agricultural productivity growth are significant, with coverage breadth having the greatest impact, followed by depth of use and digitalization degree. Farmland transfer acts as a crucial intermediary, enhancing agricultural allocation efficiency and driving the relationship between digital finance and total factor productivity growth. Interestingly, the western region exhibits the highest growth rates, followed by the eastern region, while the central region shows no significant effects.ConclusionTo comprehensively enhance ATFP, aligning supply and demand for digital financial services, leveraging service depth, and guiding farmland transfer according to local conditions are essential. These findings offer valuable insights into effective strategies for maximizing the potential of DIF, promoting rural development, and achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
Reexamining the Mycovirome of Botrytis spp.
Authors: Muñoz-Suárez Hugo , Ruiz-Padilla Ana , Donaire Livia , Benito Ernesto Pérez , Ayllón María A. 
Published: October 2024

Botrytis species cause gray mold disease in more than 200 crops worldwide. To control this disease, chemical fungicides are usually applied. However, more sustainable control alternatives should be explored, such as the use of hypovirulent mycovirus-infected fungal strains. To determine the mycovirome of two Botrytis species, B. cinerea and B. prunorum, we reanalyzed RNA-Seq and small RNA-Seq data using different assembly programs and an updated viral database, aiming to identify new mycoviruses that were previously not described in the same dataset. New mycoviruses were identified, including those previously reported to infect or be associated with B. cinerea and Plasmopara viticola, such as Botrytis cinerea alpha-like virus 1 and Plasmopara viticola lesion-associated ourmia-like virus 80. Additionally, two novel narnaviruses, not previously identified infecting Botrytis species, have been characterized, tentatively named Botrytis cinerea narnavirus 1 and Botrytis narnavirus 1. The analysis of small RNAs suggested that all identified mycoviruses were targeted by the antiviral fungal mechanism, regardless of the viral genome type. In conclusion, the enlarged list of newly found viruses and the application of different bioinformatics approaches have enabled the identification of novel mycoviruses not previously described in Botrytis species, expanding the already extensive list.