bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AFAP1L1 is indicative for a grim prognosis and immune microenvironment in gastric cancer
Authors: Gan Lin , Yang Changjiang , Zhao Long , Wang Shan , Ye Yingjiang , Gao Zhidong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The biological role of the actin filament associated protein 1 like 1(AFAP1L1) has been investigated in human malignancies, but its function in gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. This research sought to elucidate more about AFAP1L1's biological function in GC and its prognostic relevance by analyzing its expression profiles and prognostic significance using bioinformatic and immunohistochemical analysis based on large-scale databases and clinical samples. The comparative analysis of normal and tumor tissues indicated that the latter had elevated levels of AFAP1L1 expression level, which was linked to dismal survival in GC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that elevated AFAP1L1 expression was an independent factor for poor prognosis in GC patients. Functional enrichment analysis including GO, KEGG and GSEA illustrated that AFAP1L1 could act as an oncogene by regulating gene expression in essential functions and pathways of tumorigenesis, such as cell junction, protein kinase activity, angiogenesis-associated pathways, and immune response-associated pathways. Furthermore, immune cell infiltration results showed that AFAP1L1 was associated with the immune infiltration of macrophages and their polarization. In addition, AFAP1L1 was negatively related to the sensitivity of chemotherapy drug oxaliplatin, while positively with dabrafenib, indicating that AFAP1L1 could be used as a predictive marker of the curative effect of GC patients. In conclusion, AFAP1L1 may be employed as a diagnostic and prognostic biological marker, and it also offers more in-depth insights into the establishment of therapies and prognoses in GC individuals.
The impact and predictive value of refeeding syndrome on the short-term prognosis of patients with severe stroke
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Shengxiang , Tang Yun , Zhao Shoucai , Yu Tao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Refeeding syndrome (RFS) may have adverse effects on patients. However, the impact of RFS on the prognosis of severe stroke patients remain unclear. This study is aim to explore the impact on short-term prognosis of patientswith severe stroke. A total of 305 patients were included for retrospective analysis. The electrolyte changes and short-term prognosis between RFS and NRFS groups of patients were compared. Besides, the risk factors for prognosisof patients and the predictive efficacy of RFS in patient prognosiswere analyzed. The new acute liver injury (ALI), new acute kidney injury (AKI), new mechanical ventilation (MV), mortality within 28 d, and mRS scores at the discharge were higher in the RFS group than in the NRFS group (P < 0.05). The serum phosphorus level in the RFS group decreased after EN compared to before EN (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of RFS for predicting poor prognosis in patients with severe stroke was 0.678, with a sensitivity of 64.7%, and a specificity of 61.4%. RFS is an independent risk factor for the patient’s functional prognosis, therefore, medical staff should screen high-risk populations as early as possible and provide preventive treatment according to the guidelines.
Clinical characteristics of long-term survivors of pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Hashimoto Masaki , Nakamura Akifumi , Nakamichi Toru , Kuroda Ayumi , Takegahara Kyoshiro , Matsumoto Seiji , Kondo Nobuyuki , Fujiwara Masayuki , Kitajima Kazuhiro , Kuribayashi Kozo , Yamakado Koichiro , Kijima Takashi , Hasegawa Seiki 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective To identify the clinical characteristics of long-term survivors (> 5 years) with pleural mesothelioma (PM) who had previously undergone curative-intent surgery.Methods A total of 121 patients with PM undergone curative-intent surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy between January 2006 and June 2016were enrolled in this study. Long-term survivors were defined as patients survived > 5 years from the date of diagnosis. We determined the incidence and clinical characteristics of long-term survivors.Results Of 121, 41 (33.9%) survived > 5 years from the date of diagnosis. The median age was 62 years. There were 35 males, 23 right-sided, the performance status (PS) was 0 in 40, and all were epithelioid subtype. Nine had partial responses to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 32 had stable disease. The median sum of pleural thickness at three levels was 8.2 mm, 25 patients underwent pleurectomy/decortication, 14 were pathological T1, 33 were pathological node-negative, and 2 had severe postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification grade ≥ 3). Tumor relapse was observed in 31, and the relapse pattern was local only in 21, distant only in 2, and both in 8. Of 31 patients with tumor relapse, chemotherapy was performed in 30. Of the 41 long-term survivors, 24 died from PM, and 3 died from other causes. The median relapse-free survival was 51.4months, and the median post-relapse survival was 45.0 months.Conclusion In our cohort, 33.9% survived > 5 years after diagnosis. The clinical characteristics of long-term survivors were a good candidate (< 70-year-old, PS0), epithelioid subtype, tinner pleural thickness and an uneventful postoperative course.
Water Quality Assessment Using Water Quality Index and Land Use/Land Cover of Saryu River, Kumaon Himalaya, India
Authors: Sharma Madhuben , Rautela Ajay , Rawat Sameeksha , Gurav Ranjit 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Saryu River, a branch of the Sharda River (downstream of the Mahakali River), flows in the Kumaon Himalaya. This study utilized the physico-chemical parameters to assess water quality status and calculate the Water Quality Index (WQI), as well as Sentinel-2 satellite images of 10-meter resolution for 2022 and 2023 to analyse land use and land cover (LULC). The secondary water quality data was obtained from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board. The results revealed that the total hardness, calcium, magnesium, faecal coliform, and total coliform were beyond the acceptable limits set by Bureau of Indian Standards/World Health Organization. Ions are primarily released in water via the process of carbonate weathering. In both the seasons of 2022 and 2023, the concentration of the analysed cation and anion followed the sequence of calcium > magnesium > sodium > potassium, and sulphate > chloride > fluoride > nitrate-nitrogen, respectively. In both years, the WQI showed good water quality. The LULC shows the negative change detection of water (-0.31%), built area (-0.84%) and rangeland (-0.98%), whereas trees (+ 1.05%), crops (+ 0.39%) and bare ground (+ 0.69%) show positive change detection from 2022 to 2023. According to the study's findings, the Saryu River water is safe for drinking. However, the presence of faecal coliform and total coliform highlighted the need for enhanced sanitary infrastructure and protocols to mitigate bacterial contamination from river water.
NEoAdjuvant Radiohormonal Therapy Versus Standard of Care for Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer (NEAR-TOP): Study protocol of a multicenter, open-label, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fan Zhiguo , Li Duocai , Yan Shi , Zhao Xianzhi , Yin Lei , Xu Weidong , Wang Ye , Zhang Huojun , Chang Yifan , Ren Shancheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Metastatic prostate cancer is commonly treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and chemotherapy, which often leads to treatment resistance and disease progression with limited effective interventions. Recent advances in robotic surgery and precision radiotherapy have prompted research into comprehensive treatments for low-burden metastatic prostate cancer, particularly oligometastatic prostate cancer (OMPC). Our phase I/II clinical study confirmed the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant radiotherapy combined with endocrine therapy before radical prostatectomy, warranting further investigation.
Methods: This study protocol outlines a prospective, open-label, multicenter, randomized controlled trial to evaluate preoperative neoadjuvant radiohormonal therapy versus standard care in OMPC. The experimental group receives LHRHa, abiraterone, IMRT for pelvic lesions, and SBRT for extrapelvic lesions, followed by RARP and lymph node dissection. The control group receives long-term LHRHa and abiraterone. The primary endpoint is 3-year failure-free survival (FFS), and secondary endpoints include time to CRPC, 2-year FFS, OS, TRG rating, and complications.
Conclusion: This trial is the first to assess whether neoadjuvant radiohormonal therapy with robotic prostatectomy offers better prognostic outcomes than long-term endocrine therapy alone for OMPC. The results aim to provide high-level evidence for this approach, potentially influencing future treatment protocols.
Trial registration: The study has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05707468).
Carbon Footprint Assessment and Reconstruction Redesign of Recycled Discarded Military Training Uniforms
Authors: Huang Ge , Shi Sheng , Wang Qiaoling , Li Fei , Li Xiaoyan , Liu Feng , Lu Zhiwen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In response to the problem of resource waste and environmental pollution caused by the large amount of waste textiles in China, taking waste military training uniforms as an example, a thorough investigation was conducted to draw a life cycle diagram of military training uniforms, establish a recycling system for waste military training uniforms, and use Taiyuan University of Technology as a pilot for recycling. The carbon footprint of different recycling methods was calculated. A systematic method for the reorganization and redesign of discarded clothing, starting from clothing styling, has been developed. Utilizing discarded military training uniforms and other discarded textiles, practical applications have been completed in seven aspects: silhouette, style, segmentation, and components. Finally, based on the problems encountered during the pilot recycling and the insights gained from the restructuring and redesign, a derivative theoretical study was completed. Through the study of the carbon footprint of clothing lifecycle and recycling stages, the importance of reusing discarded clothing has been clarified in the form of data. The innovative "1A2B3C" principles for the recycling and redesign of discarded clothing have been proposed, providing a solid theoretical basis and practical experience for the secondary transformation of discarded clothing. The reuse of discarded military training uniforms has been promoted, and the lifecycle of military training uniforms has been extended from the source of the masses.
Six-year follow-up of phase II study exploring chemo-free treatment association with idelalisib and obinutuzumab in symptomatic relapsed/ refractory patients with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia
Authors: Tomowiak Cécile , Poulain Stéphanie , Nudel Morgane , Feugier Pierre , Herbaux Charles , Mahé Béatrice , Morel Pierre , Aurran Thérèse , Tournilhac Olivier , Leprêtre Stéphane , Assaad Souad , Villemagne Bruno , Casasnovas Olivier , Lhermitte A. , Roos-Weil Damien , Torregrosa-Diaz José , Chevret Sylvie , Leblond Véronique 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We present the 6-year update of a phase 2 study evaluating the combination of obinutuzumab and idelalisib in relapse/refractory Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia. The results of the REMODEL trial showed interesting efficacy in a high-risk genotype profile population. The primary endpoint was achieved with median PFS of 25.4 months (95% CI, 15.7 to 29.0). However, a major limitation of idelalisib is its toxicity. With median follow-up of 70.9 months, median OS was still not reached, and 5-year OS was 72.9% (95% CI, 61.3 to 86.6). We confirm that CXCR4 mutations had no impact on PFS or OS. However, TP53 mutated patients had shorter OS. At time of analysis, six patients are alive without relapse and 40 progressed. Among the 38 patients who received a new treatment, median time PFS2 was not reached in ibrutinib treated patients (n = 17) versus 30.8 months in patients treated with other options (95% CI, 16.9 to NA), p = 0.005. With longer follow-up our prospective study is the first to show an impact of TP53 mutations in patients treated with fixed duration chemo-free regimen leading to a significant shorter OS in this population. Moreover, ibrutinib remains an effective treatment after this association. This study was registered on the clinicaltrial.gov web (NCT02962401, November 9, 2016).
Managing type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana: A qualitative study
Authors: Amankwah-Poku Margaret , Gordon-Mensah Genevieva , Asante Kwaku Oppong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of many including individuals living with chronic illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Ghana. This study aimed to explore how people living with T2DM managed their chronic condition during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This study employed the phenomenological approach where interviews were conducted among 10 participants at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. A semi-structured interview guide was used to explore the experiences of participants during the pandemic, focusing on participants’ perceptions about COVID-19 and diabetes management, adherence to treatment regimen during the pandemic, experiences of psychological distress and coping strategies employed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.
Results
Four themes were identified related to participants’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. These were 1) participants’ perceptions about COVID-19, 2) changes and challenges with diabetes management, 3) psychosocial impact of COVID-19, and 4) coping with diabetes care during the pandemic. Some participants perceived that having diabetes meant they would automatically get infected with COVID-19. All the participants reported experiencing challenges with their diabetes management during the pandemic though a few of them recorded improvements in diabetes management. Psychosocial effects reported were stigmatisation, fear, worry and sadness, due to the ban on social gatherings. Notwithstanding these psychosocial challenges, participants indicated that maintaining diabetes care, engaging in recreational activities, support from family, and religious coping, were strategies used to lessen the COVID-19 psychological distress experienced.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that people with T2DM should be given psychological support and psychoeducation on appropriate coping skills during pandemics and other unexpected occurrences that could affect their diabetes management.
How tidal properties influence the future duration of coastal flooding
Authors: Talke Stefan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this manuscript, we explore how tidal properties influence the duration of coastal flooding, and therefore impact. We find analytically that 4 factors impact the duration of the high-water stand: the dominant tide-wave period, the maximum water-level above a datum, the tidal amplitude, and the interaction of diurnal and semidiurnal tidal amplitudes and phases. Some regions—such as the US Gulf Coast—have a combination of tidal properties that leads to long flood durations (>20 hours) for modest inundation depths (e.g., 0.2m). Regions with large semidiurnal tides (such as Gulf of Maine) are inundated for only 1-2 hours, for the same depth of flooding. Within individual estuaries, the potential duration of a 0.2m minor flood event varies by a factor of more than two (e.g., San Francisco Bay, Chesapeake Bay). Combined with relative sea-level rise (RSLR) rates that vary from less than 0 mm/yr to 10 mm/yr around North America, the observed timescale to transition from a zero to two hour flood length varies from 1-87 years. This large spatial variability in tidal inundation properties has implications for hazard planning, ecological adaptation and the future evolution of coastal flood events.
Research on Improving Ethical Sensitivity for Ethical Decision-Making in Conversational AI
Authors: Yoo Kyungsun , Ahn Seongjin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The development of large language models has significantly advanced the inferential capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI), surpassing human-level performance. Despite the rapid growth in AI's cognitive abilities and the consequent expectations for high-level ethical judgments, ethical issues have increased. This indicates a heightened risk of bias as AI models scale up and train on vast amounts of general data that inherently include social conventions related to gender, race, politics, and religion. This study proposes methods for enhancing ethical sensitivity to social bias. To achieve this, we defined 20 categories of social bias and developed a model that predicts the ethical sensitivity of sentences by leveraging the influence scores of words within these categories. The ethical sensitivity prediction model was validated using a paired-sample t-test, comparing the ethical sensitivity evaluations of 25 AI-generated responses assessed by both AI and human evaluators. The test revealed no significant differences between the two groups, thus confirming the validity of the model. The findings of this study suggest that recognizing and predicting the ethical sensitivity of utterances concerning social biases can enhance ethical sensitivity, mitigate the risk of bias, and contribute to more ethical decision-making in AI interactions.
Addressing Zero-Inflated Scores in Self-Reported Psychiatric Questionnaires: Utilizing Synthetic Minority Over-Sampling Technique (SMOTE) to Classify Mood and Energy Based on Extreme Activity Levels for Adolescents with Bipolar and ADHD
Authors: Bertocci Michele , Vahedifard Farzan , Iyengar Satish , Birmaher Boris , Wolfe Maria , Lepore Brianna , Chobany Mariah , Abdul-waalee Halimah , Malgireddy Greeshma , Hart Jonathan , Diler Rasim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accurate classification of bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescents is challenging due to symptom overlap and the prevalence of zero-inflated bias in self-report questionnaires. This study tests machine learning algorithms with and without Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to solve classification problems.
We analyzed data from 354 adolescent psychiatric inpatients between 2014 and 2023 diagnosed with BD, ADHD, or other psychiatric conditions. Self-reported mood scores and energy scores were categorized into four severity classes and machine learning models, with and without SMOTE, were tested to address zero inflation and correct class imbalances in the scores. Actigraphy was mapped onto these categories.
Applying SMOTE improved the cross-validated overall classification performance across all labels, with accuracy increasing from 58% to 98%, and substantial enhancements in F1 score, precision, and recall, particularly for minority classes. This approach not only boosts the models' sensitivity to minority classes but also enhances the accuracy and reliability of mood and energy assessments in clinical settings for adolescents with BD and ADHD.
Genome-wide CRISPRi-seq identified ferredoxin-NADP reductase FprB as a synergistic target for gallium therapy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Liu Xue , Zhang Yu , Zhang Tingting , Xiao Xue , Kawalek Adam , Ou Jinzhao , Ren Anmin , Sun Wenhao , de Bakker Vincent , Liu Yujie , Li Yuelong , Yang Liang , Jia Ning , Veening Jan-Willem , Wang Yejun , Ye Liang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, non-antibiotic therapies like gallium are increasingly gaining attention. Gallium ions exhibit potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and intravenous gallium nitrite is under phase 2 clinical trials to treat chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients. However, its clinical efficacy is constrained by the achievable peak concentration in human tissue. To address this limitation, we applied a genome-wide CRISPR interference approach (CRISPRi-seq), to identify potential synergistic targets with gallium. Through the systemic screening, we classified the essential genes by response time and growth reduction, pinpointing the most vulnerable therapeutic targets in this species. In addition, we identified a highly conserved gene fprB, encoding a ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase, the downregulation of which dramatically sensitized the cells to gallium. Using a null mutant, we confirmed the loss of fprB lowers the minimum inhibitory concentration of gallium from 320 µM to 10 µM and shifted gallium’s mode of action from bacteriostatic to bactericidal. Further investigation revealed that FprB plays a critical role in modulating oxidative stress induced by gallium, via control of the iron homeostasis and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Deleting fprB also enhanced gallium's efficacy against biofilms formation and improved outcomes in murine lung infection model of P. aeruginosa, suggesting FprB as a promising drug target in combination with gallium. Overall, our data showed CRISPRi-seq as a powerful tool for systematic genetic analysis of P. aeruginosa, advancing identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Papillary thyroid carcinoma in young patients in Tunisia: clinico-pathological characterization and treatment response
Authors: Houcine Yoldez , Sioud Rania , Elfekih Sirine , Salma Kamoun , Methneni Alia , Dhambri Sawssen , Driss Maha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
This study aims to investigate factors influencing survival in patients under 40 years old.
Methods:
A retrospective, study conducted at the Salah Azaiez Institute in Tunis.
Results:
Forty patients were selected. The average age was 26.57 years with a sex ratio of 0.14. Multifocality was observed in 50% of cases and some tumors had extra-thyroid extension (12%). Papillary architecture was present in the majority of cases (82%). CPTC was the most common histological type (90%). Coexistence of different nuclear atypia was observed in 32% of cases. The majority of carcinomas (85%) had a low mitotic count (<5mitosis/10CFG). Tumor necrosis was observed in 20% of cases. Angioinvasion was observed in 20% of cases. Lymph node metastases were present in 57% of patients. Nine patients had relapsed (between 2 and 14 months). Analysis of clinical and epidemiological factors showed a trend towards better survival in female patients and patients under 27 years old, with p-values close to significance, respectively (p=0.08, p=0.09).
Conclusions:
The histopathological prognostic factors recently put forth by the new WHO classification in 2022 may not be as applicable to patients under 40 years old.