bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics, efficacy, and prognosis analysis of newly diagnosed marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Wang Haotian , Zhang Ying , Li Zhaoxia , Bai Ou 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the characteristics of newly diagnosed marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) patients, evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens, and explore prognostic factors in the era of immunotherapy.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data of newly diagnosed MZL patients treated at the Department of Hematology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, from October 2013 to October 2023. Survival differences between groups were analyzed using the log-rank test, and prognostic factors were identified.ResultsA total of 265 newly diagnosed MZL patients were included, with a median age of 59 years (range 22-90). The most common pathological type was mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, accounting for 66.0% of cases. Among the 147 MZL patients included in the efficacy analysis, the median follow-up was 43.4 months. Both the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were not reached. The 5-year PFS and OS rates were 76.0% and 86.6%, respectively. Patients who achieved complete response (CR) after induction therapy had significantly better PFS (P=0.0045), OS (P&lt;0.001), and time to next treatment (TTNT) (P=0.0045) compared to those who did not achieve CR. A subgroup analysis was conducted on 51 MZL patients with high tumor burden who received ≥4 cycles of treatment. It was found that the CR rate (CRR) in patients receiving obinutuzumab (G) ± chemotherapy was significantly higher than in those receiving rituximab (R) ± chemotherapy (93.8% vs. 48.6%, P=0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that disease progression or death within 24 months of initial treatment (POD24) was an independent risk factor affecting OS (P&lt;0.001). Patients who experienced POD24 had a median survival of only 19.7 months, with a 3-year OS rate of just 37.6%, whereas those without POD24 had a 3-year OS rate of 97.3%.ConclusionMZL is predominantly seen in middle-aged and elderly patients and is a specific indolent B-cell lymphoma, with MALT lymphoma being the most common subtype. Achieving CR after induction therapy significantly prolongs survival in MZL patients. Compared to R ± chemotherapy, G ± chemotherapy achieves a higher CRR in high tumor burden MZL patients. In the era of immunotherapy, POD24 is an independent prognostic factor for MZL.
Medical residents’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding antibiotics, antimicrobial stewardship and multidrug-resistant bacteria: a cross-sectional study in a major university in Iran
Authors: Kiani Fatemeh , Sajadi Ghazaleh , Motamedi Narges , Salmasi Mehrzad , Solgi Hamid 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global public health systems. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practice about AMR, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.MethodsA web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among the residents of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from May to November 2023. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24.0 software.ResultsOverall, 400 out of 450 medical residents responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 88.9%. The participants’ ages ranged from 26 to 54 years, and the majority were female (227/400 56.8%). Average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 53.70 ± 15.88, 36.97 ± 5.89 and 24.69 ± 4.24, respectively. In terms of knowledge, only 26.8% had heard the term “ASPs” and knew what it was. Most incorrect answers appeared to the treatment of infection caused by MDR bacteria including ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (27.8%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (30.8%), as well as the atypical bacteria (45.5%). Approximately, 50 and 71.7% said they had received no specific training in the fields of microbiological sampling methods and the appropriate time to prescribe antibiotics, respectively. Surprisingly, regarding practice, 81.8% of the respondents stated that antibiotics are used to treat flu or the common cold.ConclusionResidents considered their training on important issues including ASPs, MDR bacteria and the spectrum of antibiotics insufficient. This result highlights the need for targeted training interventions about antibiotic prescription in the curriculum at the university with more emphasis on ASPs to limit the development of resistance.
Bacterial microbiota from the gut of Rhodnius ecuadoriensis, a vector of Chagas disease in Ecuador's Central Coast and Southern Andes
Authors: Villacís Juan F. , López-Rosero Andrea , Bustillos Juan José , Cadena Matías , Yumiseva César A. , Grijalva Mario J. , Villacís Anita G. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionChagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that is transmitted mainly by the feces of infected Triatomines. In Ecuador the main vector is Rhodnius ecuadoriensis which is distributed in several provinces of the country. More than 40% of these insects in the wild have T. cruzi as part of their intestinal microbiota. For this reason, the objective of this research was to characterize the intestinal bacterial microbiota of R. ecuadoriensis.MethodsThe methodology used was based on the DNA extraction of the intestinal contents from the wild collected insects (adults and nymphs V), as well as the insects maintained at the insectary of the CISeAL. Finally, the samples were analyzed by metagenomics extensions based on the different selected criteria.ResultsThe intestinal microbiota of R. ecuadoriensis presented a marked divergence between laboratory-raised and wild collected insects. This difference was observed in all stages and was similar between insects from Loja and Manabí. A large loss of microbial symbionts was observed in laboratory-raised insects.DiscussionThis study is a crucial first step in investigating microbiota interactions and advancing new methodologies.
DNA methylation-mediated FGFR1 silencing enhances NF-κB signaling: implications for asthma pathogenesis
Authors: Meng Minglu , Ma Yingjiao , Xu Jianguo , Chen Gao , Mahato Roshan Kumar 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is known to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of asthma, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate how DNA methylation-mediated silencing of FGFR1 contributes to the enhancement of NF-κB signaling, thereby influencing the progression of asthma.MethodsRT-qPCR was utilized to assess FGFR1 mRNA levels in the serum of asthma patients and BEAS-2B, HBEpiC, and PCS-301-011 cells. CCK8 assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of FGFR1 overexpression on the proliferation of BEAS-2B, PCS-301-011, and HBEpiC cells. Dual-luciferase and DNA methylation inhibition assays were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism of FGFR1 gene in asthma. The MassARRAY technique was employed to measure the methylation levels of the FGFR1 DNA.ResultsElevated FGFR1 mRNA levels were observed in the serum of asthma patients compared to healthy controls. Overexpression of FGFR1 in BEAS-2B cells significantly enhanced cell proliferation and stimulated NF-ĸB transcriptional activity in HERK-293T cells. Furthermore, treatment with 5-Aza-CdR, a DNA demethylating agent, markedly increased the expression of FGFR1 mRNA in BEAS-2B, PCS-301-011, and HBEpiC cells. Luciferase activity analysis confirmed heightened NF-ĸB transcriptional activity in FGFR1-overexpressing BEAS-2B cells and BEAS-2B cells treated with 5-Aza-CdR. Additionally, a decrease in methylation levels in the FGFR1 DNA promoter was detected in the serum of asthma patients using the MassARRAY technique.ConclusionOur findings reveal a potential mechanism involving FGFR1 in the progression of asthma. DNA methylation of FGFR1 inactivates the NF-ĸB signaling pathway, suggesting a promising avenue for developing effective therapeutic strategies for asthma.
A meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with cognitive training on working memory in healthy older adults
Authors: Lv Yanxin , Wu Shuo , Nitsche Michael A. , Yue Tian , Zschorlich Volker R. , Qi Fengxue 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundWorking memory (WM) loss, which can lead to a loss of independence, and declines in the quality of life of older adults, is becoming an increasingly prominent issue affecting the ageing population. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, is emerging as a potential alternative to pharmacological treatments that shows promise for enhancing WM capacity and May enhance the effects of cognitive training (CT) interventions.ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore how different tDCS protocols in combination with CT enhanced WM in healthy older adults.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of tDCS combined with CT on WM in healthy older adults were retrieved from the Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases. The search time period ranged from database inception to January 15, 2024. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed using the risk-of-bias criteria for RCTs from the Cochrane Collaboration Network, and RevMan 5.3 (Cochrane, London, United Kingdom) was used for the meta-analysis of the final literature outcomes.ResultsSix RCTs with a total of 323 participants were ultimately included. The results of the meta-analysis show that tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM performance compared to the control sham stimulation group in healthy older adults [standard mean difference (SMD) = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.11–0.59, I2 = 0%, Z = 2.86, p = 0.004]. The first subgroup analysis indicated that, when the stimulus intensity was 2 mA, a statistically significant improvement in WM performance in healthy older adults was achieved (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI: 0.08–0.70, I2 = 6%, Z = 2.46, p = 0.01). The second subgroup analysis showed that long-term intervention (≥ 10 sessions) with tDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improved WM compared to the control group in healthy older adults (SMD = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.22–1.21, I2 = 0%, Z = 2.85, p = 0.004).ConclusiontDCS combined with CT statistically significantly improves WM in healthy older adults. For the stimulus parameters, long-term interventions (≥ 10 sessions) with a stimulation intensity of 2 mA are the most effective.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of direct oral anticoagulants versus low-molecular-weight heparin and no thromboprophylaxis in primary prevention of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism in China
Authors: Wu Yue , Yin TianChen , Jian GuiLin , Wan Tao , Zhou Benhong 
Published: September 2024

Background and objectiveCancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAVTE) is a preventable, life-threatening complication with a considerable morbidity and mortality. Primary venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is currently recommended; however, the health and economic benefits have not been evaluated and compared in China. This study aimed to assess and compare the cost-effectiveness of anticoagulants in primary CAVTE prevention among cancer patients in China.MethodsA Markov model with a 5-year horizon was established to evaluate the costs and effectiveness of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared to low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) and no prevention in primary prophylaxis of CAVTE in China. Key clinical outcomes were obtained from the available clinical trials, comparing DOACs (rivaroxaban and apixaban) with LMWHs or with no thromboprophylaxis. Utility and the cost inputs were all obtained from the published literature or local data with public sources. The total costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were estimated as the main endpoints of the modal for each strategy. The assessment of uncertainty was performed involving deterministic sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Impact of time horizon, generic drug price, and individual DOACs were assessed in scenario and subgroup analyses.ResultsPrimary prophylaxis using DOACs were projected to yield 1.866 QALYs at a cost of $3,287.893, resulting in the ICERs of $12,895.851 (DOACs vs. no-thromboprophylaxis) and $43,613.184/QALYs (LMWHs vs. DOACs). Sensitivity analysis revealed that ICER was sensitive to the VTE and bleeding risk, drug cost of anticoagulants, self-payment ratio, and overall death rate of cancer. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that DOACs and LMWHs had a 48% and 45% probability of being cost-effective at a 5-year time horizon, respectively. When the time horizon extended to 10 years, DOACs achieved a cost-effective probability of 43%. Among individual DOACs, apixaban was found to be the preferred strategy in VTE prevention due to its incremental health gain with an acceptable cost increase.ConclusionPrimary thromboprophylaxis with DOACs was cost-effective in cancer patients at a willing-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37,125.24/QALY in China. Cancer death rate, risk of VTE and major bleeding, and the drug cost assumed greater relevance and importance in the decision-making process for primary thromboprophylaxis in cancer.
Study of transport, tissue distribution, depletion, and hepatotoxicity of Cyadox, a quinoxaline-1,4-dioxide derivative
Authors: Tao Zhu , Li Changchun , Zhang Aiqun , Zhang Zhilin , Huang Jing , Harnud Sechenchogt 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCyadox (CYA) is a derivative of quinoxaline 1,4-dioxide and a safe and effective synthetic antibacterial agent.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the drug transport in blood, distribution, depletion and hepatotoxicity of drugs in animals.MethodsThe transport of CYA in blood was studied using fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and molecular docking methods. Tissue distribution and depletion of CYA in rats were evaluated following oral administration of [3H]-CYA at different doses. Hepatotoxicity of drugs evaluated by transcriptomics.ResultsDuring transport in the bloodstream, the drug binds to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by hydrogen bonding and has only one binding site. Hydrogen bonds were formed between O (2) of CYA and ARG208, O (3) of CYA and LEU480, VAL481. The secondary protein conformation of BSA changed after binding with an increase in α-helix and a decrease in β-strand. After a single oral administration of [3H]-CYA, it was excreted rapidly within 7 days, with 34.81% from the urine and 60.25% from the feces. Higher and sustained levels of radioactivity were detected in the liver during the post-dose period, suggesting that the drug may concentrate in the liver. The transcriptomic data indicates that CYA exhibits low hepatotoxicity. However, there are indications that it may have an impact on steroid biosynthesis.ConclusionThis study could serve as a basis for conducting further studies on the use of CYA in food animals and improving the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and toxicologic effects of CYA on food animals.
Receptor activity-modifying protein modulation of parathyroid hormone-1 receptor function and signaling
Authors: Avgoustou Paris , Jailani Ameera B. A. , Desai Aditya J. , Roberts David J. , Lilley Ewan R. , Stothard Grant W. , Skerry Timothy M. , Richards Gareth O. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionReceptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) are known to modulate the pharmacology and function of several G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), including the parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R). However, the precise effects of different RAMPs on PTH1R signalling and trafficking remain poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of RAMP2 and RAMP3 on PTH1R function using a range of PTH and PTH-related protein (PTHrP)-derived ligands.MethodsWe employed FRET imaging to assess PTH1R interactions with RAMPs. Cell surface expression of PTH1R was evaluated in the presence of RAMPs. PTH1R-mediated cAMP accumulation, β-arrestin recruitment, and calcium signalling were measured in response to various ligands. Antibody-capture scintillation proximity assays were used to examine G-protein activation patterns.ResultsPTH1R preferentially interacted with RAMP2 and, to a lesser extent, RAMP3, but not with RAMP1. RAMP3 co-expression reduced cell surface expression of PTH1R. RAMP2 significantly enhanced PTH1R-mediated signalling responses to PTH (1-34), PTHrP (1-34), PTH (1-84), and PTH (1-17) analogue ZP2307, while RAMP3 co-expression attenuated or abolished these responses. Full-length PTHrP analogues exhibited lower potency and efficacy than PTHrP (1-34) in activating PTH1R. RAMP2 increased the potency and/or efficacy of these analogues, whereas RAMP3 reduced these responses. RAMP2 differentially modulated G-protein activation by PTH1R in a ligand-dependent manner, with PTH (1-34) and PTHrP (1-34) inducing distinct patterns of G-protein subtype activation.DiscussionThese findings highlight the complex role of RAMPs in regulating PTH1R signalling and trafficking, revealing differential effects of RAMP2 and RAMP3 on receptor function. The data suggest that targeting the PTH1R/RAMP2 complex may be a promising strategy for developing novel bone anabolic therapies by leveraging biased agonism and functional selectivity. Further research using physiologically relevant models is needed to elucidate the therapeutic potential of this approach.
Example-based learning in heuristic domains: can using relevant content knowledge support the effective allocation of intrinsic, extraneous, and germane cognitive load?
Authors: Udvardi-Lakos Nina , Weirich Marlene , Asbrand Julia , Renkl Alexander 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWorked examples support initial skill acquisition. They often show skill application on content knowledge from another, “exemplifying” domain (e.g., argumentation skills have to be applied to some contents). Although learners’ focus should remain on the skill, learners need to understand the content knowledge to benefit from worked examples. Previous studies relied on exemplifying domains that are familiar and contain simple topics, to keep learners’ focus on skill acquisition.AimWe examined whether using a relevant exemplifying domain would allow learners to acquire both skills and content knowledge simultaneously, or whether relevant content distracts from the main learning goal of skill acquisition.Methods and resultsIn a training study with 142 psychology students, we used example-based learning materials with an exemplifying domain that was either relevant or irrelevant for participants’ course outcomes. We assessed cognitive load, declarative knowledge about skills and course-related content knowledge, and argumentation quality. Incorporating relevant content knowledge in worked examples did not reduce learning outcomes compared to a condition using an irrelevant exemplifying domain.DiscussionContrary to previous research, the results suggest that worked examples with a relevant exemplifying domain could possibly be an efficient teaching method for fostering skills and content knowledge simultaneously.
A new neuropsychological tool for simultaneous reading and executive functions assessment: initial psychometric properties
Authors: de Oliveira Vinícius Figueiredo , Vial-Martins Jéssica , Pinto André Luiz de Carvalho Braule , Fonseca Rochele Paz , Malloy-Diniz Leandro Fernandes 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe development of reading and complex executive functions is fundamental for achieving social, academic, and professional success. So far, there is no single neuropsychological instrument that comprehensively assesses the domains of inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and reading comprehension. To assess executive functions related to reading, the “Assessment of Reading and Executive Functions” (AREF) was developed. In this study, we show initial evidence of validity and reliability for four subtests - Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility, Inhibitory Control, Flexibility, and Working Memory.MethodsA total of 93 students from 4th to 9th grade, aged 8-14, in public (n = 61) and private (n = 32) schools were evaluated. Tasks from the AREF instrument, as well as measures of reading comprehension, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and intelligence, were administered. Correlations between AREF scores and the other measures were performed to assess external construct validity. Performance differences between school groups on AREF subtests were analyzed using ANOVA, t-test, and Mann-Whitney tests, and the internal consistency of the instrument’s tasks was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.ResultsThe scores of the AREF subtests demonstrated significant positive correlations with reading measures (ranging from 0.339 to 0.367) and executive functions (ranging from 0.209 to 0.396). Significant differences were found in the performance of some AREF tasks when comparing individuals from public and private schools, as well as between 4th and 5th graders compared to students in higher grades. The internal consistency of the tasks was low for Graphophonological-Semantic Flexibility (Cronbach’s α = 0.566), moderate for Inhibitory Control and Flexibility (Cronbach’s α = 0.768), and high for Working Memory (Cronbach’s α = 0.881).DiscussionThe results provide initial evidence of construct validity and reliability for the AREF subtests. It is expected that this new neuropsychological test will contribute to the assessment of reading skills and executive functions, assisting in guiding clinical and educational interventions for individuals with and without neurodevelopmental disorders.
Neuropsychological impact of Sanda training on athlete attention performance
Authors: Teng Yuzhu , Wu Hailan , Zhou Xiaoyun , Li Feiyang , Dong Zhong , Wang Huafeng , Wang Kai , Yu Qianchun 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundSanda, a martial art that primarily involves punching, kicking, and throwing techniques, requires athletes to maintain high levels of concentration during combat. Sanda principally involves striking the opponent to secure victory, with trauma frequently occurring to the head; however, it remains unclear whether prolonged training enhances or impairs the athletes' attentional capacities. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Sanda training on athletes' attention by employing attention network tests.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 37 professional Sanda athletes from a certain sports academy; 38 college students from the same institution majoring in physical education were recruited as the control group. Control participants had no prior experience in Sanda training, and the Sanda and control groups were matched in terms of sex, age, and education level. The Attention Network Test (ANT) was administered to both groups to compare differences in efficiency across the alerting, orienting, and executive control networks.ResultsCompared to the control group, the Sanda athletes exhibited significantly higher executive control network efficiency values and executive control network efficiency ratios (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between the Sanda group and the control group regarding the efficiency values of the alerting and orienting networks (P &gt; 0.05). Additionally, total accuracy and total reaction time between the Sanda athletes and control participants showed no statistically significant differences (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionSanda practice has detrimental effects on attention, including a decrease in the efficiency of the executive control network and a prolongation of the total reaction time. Therefore, athletes should improve attention training and use head protection to prevent frequent head impacts during training.