bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turkish version of a short nutrition literacy scale for young adults: cultural adaptation and validation
Authors: Koc Mustafa Can , Yildirim Elif , Isik Ozkan , Aksen Pelin , Talaghir Laurentiu-Gabriel , Zanfir Ciprian 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundRecent changes in nutrition trends may lead to health issues. In particular, the unhealthy eating habits of young adults suggest that future generations may be at risk. Therefore, the importance and necessity of nutrition literacy is becoming increasingly apparent.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to create a Turkish version of a short nutrition literacy (S-NutLit-Tr) scale for young adults developed by Vrinten et al (2023).MethodsThis research involved 115 young adults from Istanbul Gelişim University, who were selected through convenience sampling, a non-probability sampling method. After the original S-NutLit scale was translated into Turkish, the validity and reliability of the determined factor structure were tested on 115 young adults. Internal consistency was examined with the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to validate the two sub-scale structures. Finally, measurement invariance was tested concerning participants’ gender, aiming to ascertain whether the scale captured equivalent characteristics across different groups.ResultsAs a result of the reliability analysis conducted with the scale of S-NutLit-Tr, the Cronbach Alpha coefficient was obtained as 0.86 for the scale of S-NutLit-Tr. Additionally, it was found to be 0.84 and 0.77 for the “information skills” and “expert skills” sub-scales, respectively. Accordingly, the scale of S-NutLit-Tr was found to be reliable. To examine the two sub-scale factor structures of the S-NutLit-Tr scale, fit indices were examined: χ2/df (1.246), GFI (0.923), IFI (0.975), TLI (0.967), CFI (0.974), RMSEA (0.046), and SRMR (0.055) and it was observed that the indices were within acceptable limits. In the analysis results obtained through the multi-group confirmatory factor analysis for measurement invariance, it was observed that the ∆CFI and ∆TLI values across all indices were less than or equal to 0.01. Consequently, it was observed that the item-factor structure, factor loadings, variances, covariances, and error variances of the scale were equivalent for both male and female young adults.ConclusionThe study found that the scale of S-NutLit-Tr for young adults was a valid and reliable measurement tool in Turkish culture.
Associations between novel anthropometric indices and the prevalence of gallstones among 6,848 adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liang Depeng , Xu Lidong , Liu Yanhong , Jiang Shan , Han Xiaomeng , Wu Huili , Jiang Yuanyuan 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundTraditional anthropometric measures, including body mass index (BMI), are insufficient for evaluating gallstone risk. This study investigated the association between novel anthropometric indices and gallstone risk among 6,848 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States.MethodsMeasures calculated included weight (WT), BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WtHR), conicity index (CI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Body Roundness Index (BRI), Abdominal Volume Index (AVI), and Weight-adjusted Waist Index (WWI). Logistic regression and smooth curve fitting assessed the relationships between these indices and gallstones, complemented by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate their discriminative power.ResultsThe results indicated significant differences between study groups, with a positive and independent correlation identified between gallstones and all measures except ABSI. Specifically, per 1 SD increase in WC, WT, BMI, WtHR, and AVI was associated with a 57%, 59%, 52%, 53%, and 53% increased risk of gallstones, respectively. Dose-response analysis confirmed a positive correlation between these indices and gallstone risk. ROC analysis highlighted WtHR and BRI as having superior discriminative abilities (AUC = 0.6703). Further, among participants with a BMI &lt; 30 kg/m2, elevated levels of WT, WtHR, CI, BRI, and WWI significantly increased the risk of gallstones (P &lt; 0.001). Likewise, elevated BMI heightened the risk at low levels of WT, WC, WtHR, BRI, AVI, and CI (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis study supports the positive association between various anthropometric indicators and gallstones, recommending that newer anthropometric indices be considered more extensively to enhance gallstone prevention and treatment strategies.
Initial treatment for surgery-naïve desmoid tumors by high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Shen Jiayi , Zhao Jing , Zhong Xian , Xie Shuyi , Wu Lanqi , Hu Chenlu , Hu Xiaoye , Shen Hong 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionDesmoid tumor (DT) is a rare proliferative disease occurring in connective tissues, characterized by high infiltration and recurrence rates. While surgery remains the primary treatment, its recurrence risk is high, and some extra-abdominal desmoid tumors are inoperable due to their locations. Despite attempts with radiotherapy and systemic therapy, the efficacy remains limited.MethodsWe used low-power cumulative high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy as an initial treatment for desmoid tumor patients either ineligible or unwilling for surgery. Low-power cumulative HIFU employs slower heat accumulation and diffusion, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues while enhancing efficacy.ResultsFifty-seven non-FAP desmoid tumor patients, previously untreated surgically, underwent low-power cumulative HIFU therapy. Among them, 35 had abdominal wall DT, 20 had extra-abdominal DT, and 2 had intra- abdominal DT, with an 85% median ablation ratio. Abdominal wall DT patients showed significantly better response rates (91.4% vs. 86%) and disease control rates (100% vs. 32%) than that of non-abdominal wall DT patients. Median event- free survival time was not reached after a median follow-up duration of 34 months.DiscussionWith its high response rate, durable efficacy, and mild adverse effects, our findings suggest that low-power cumulative HIFU presents a promising novel treatment for desmoid tumors, particularly abdominal wall DT patients.
Introducing MCC-PS: a novel prognostic score for Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Abu Rached Nessr , Becker Jürgen C. , Lonsdorf Anke S. , Keller Aric , Zeglis Ioannis A. , Gambichler Thilo 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis, which only improved with the introduction of immunotherapies. An MCC prediction model with high diagnostic accuracy is lacking. The aim was to develop an MCC prognostic score (MCC-PS) based on combinations of previously proposed risk factors.MethodsA multicentric, retrospective study was conducted to develop MCC-PS, which included age, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, bilirubin, and international normalized ratio (INR). Creatinine, bilirubin, and INR were used to calculate the model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. A total of 98 patients were included in the study, including 36.7% with stage I according to American Joint Committee on Cancer 2018 (n = 36), 30.6% with stage II (n = 30), 25.5% with stage III (n = 25), and 7.1% with stage IV (n = 7). Survival data of MCC patients were correlated with selected laboratory parameters and risk factors. Primary endpoint was MCC-specific survival (MSS) and the secondary endpoint was progression-free survival. Several statistical methods were used to develop the prognostic score, including correlation analysis, Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox regression, and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis.ResultsThe MCC-PS is based on the sum of the following baseline variables: elevated CRP (≥5.5 mg/l), elevated NSE (≥22.8 µg/l), MELD score ≥ 11, and age ≥ 75 years. An MELD score ≥ 11 was scored as 4 points, elevated NSE level as 3 points, elevated CRP level as 2 points, and age ≥ 75 years as 1 point. A high-risk group according to the MCC-PS was characterized by a score of 4 or more points. The high-risk group was associated with a worse prognosis than the low-risk group (1-year MSS 62%, 2-year 43.1%, 5-year 17.6% as compared to 1-year MSS 79.5%, 3-year 75%, 5-year 72%). Notably, the developed MCC-PS predicts MCC outcome measures with high accuracy (3-year MSS: area under the curve (AUC) 0.934, sensitivity 87.5% and specificity 82.2%; 5-year MSS: AUC 0.93, sensitivity 89% and specificity 82%).ConclusionMCC-PS is the first prognostic score predicting MCC outcome with a high accuracy based on five easily available laboratory parameters and patient’s age. An MCC-PS of 4 or more indicates a high-risk patient associated with a poor prognosis.
The beneficial effect of probiotics in the prevention of irinotecan-induced diarrhea in colorectal cancer patients with colostomy: a pooled analysis of two probiotic trials (Probio-SK-003 and Probio-SK-005) led by Slovak Cooperative Oncology Group
Authors: Mego Michal , Kasperova Barbora , Chovanec Jozef , Danis Radoslav , Reckova Maria , Bystricky Branislav , Konkolovsky Peter , Jurisova Silvia , Porsok Stefan , Vaclav Vladimir , Wagnerova Maria , Stresko Marian , Brezinova Bibiana , Sutekova Dagmar , Ciernikova Sona , Svetlovska Daniela , Drgona Lubos 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundProbiotics could decrease irinotecan-induced diarrhea due to the reduction of intestinal beta-d-glucuronidase activity. This study included a combined analysis of two clinical trials aimed to determine the effectiveness of the probiotics in the prophylaxis of irinotecan-induced diarrhea in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.MethodsThis combined analysis included 46 patients with CRC enrolled in the Probio-SK-003 (NCT01410955) and 233 patients from Probio-SK-005 (NCT02819960) starting a new line of irinotecan-based therapy with identical eligibility criteria. Patients were randomized in a ratio 1:1 to probiotic formulas vs. placebo administered for 12 and 6 weeks, respectively. Due to the different durations of study treatments, only the first 6 weeks of therapy were used for analysis.ResultsIn total, 279 patients were randomized, including 142 patients in the placebo and 137 participants in the probiotic arm. Administration of probiotics did not significantly reduce the incidence of grade 3/4 diarrhea compared to placebo (placebo 12.7% vs. probiotics 6.6%, p = 0.11). Neither the overall incidence of diarrhea (placebo 48.6% vs. probiotics 41.6%, p = 0.28) nor the incidence of enterocolitis (placebo 4.2% vs. probiotics 0.7%, p = 0.12) was different in the placebo vs. probiotic arm. However, subgroup analysis revealed that patients with a colostomy who received a placebo had a significantly higher incidence of any diarrhea (placebo 51.2% vs. probiotics 25.7%, p = 0.028) and grade 3/4 diarrhea (placebo 14.6% vs. probiotics 0.0%, p = 0.03) compared to the probiotic arm.ConclusionsThis combined analysis suggests that probiotics could be beneficial in the prevention of irinotecan-induced diarrhea in colorectal cancer patients with colostomy.
Comparative analysis of the safety and effectiveness of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Azvudine in older patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study from a tertiary hospital in China
Authors: Shang Nan , Li Xianlin , Guo Zhiyu , Zhang Lan , Wang Shanshan 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Numerous studies have explored the treatment outcomes of Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Azvudine in older patients with COVID-19. However, direct comparisons between these two drugs are still relatively limited. This study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of these two drugs in Chinese older patients with early infection to provide strategies for clinical treatment.Methods: Older COVID-19 patients (age ≥65) hospitalized during the winter 2022 epidemic in China were included and divided into Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir and Azvudine. Demographics, medication information, laboratory parameters, and treatment outcomes were collected. All-cause 28-day mortality, delta cycle threshold (ΔCt), nucleic acid negative conversion time, and incidence of adverse events were defined as outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM), Kaplan-Meier, Cox proportional hazards model, subgroup analysis, and nomograms were selected to evaluate the outcomes.Results: A total of 1,508 older COVID-19 patients were screened. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 1,075 patients were eligible for the study. After PSM, the final number of older COVID-19 patients included in the study was 375, and there were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to the Azvudine group, the Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir group showed a higher incidence of multiple adverse events (12.8% vs 5.2%, p = 0.009). The incidence of adverse events related to abnormal renal function was higher in the Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir group compared to the Azvudine group (13.6% vs 7.2%, p = 0.045). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of all-cause 28-day mortality (HR = 1.020, 95% CI: 0.542 - 1.921, p = 0.951), whereas there were significant differences in nucleic acid negative conversion time (HR = 1.659, 95% CI: 1.166 - 2.360, p = 0.005) and ΔCt values (HR = 1.442, 95% CI: 1.084 - 1.918, p = 0.012).Conclusion: Azvudine and Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir have comparable effectiveness in reducing mortality risk. Azvudine may perform better in nucleic acid negative conversion time and virus clearance and shows slightly better safety in older patients. Further studies with a larger sample size were needed to validate the result.
Synthesis, characterization, and mechanistic insights into the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin butyl ester via the PI3K-AKT pathway
Authors: Du Hongxu , Li Zhangxun , Su Lijuan , He Zhengke , Tan Xiaoyan , Hou Fengzhi , He Tanjie , Pan Yu , Xu Shuang , Cao Liting , Dong Shiqi , Ma Yue 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of Baicalin derivative (Baicalin butyl ester, BE).MethodsBE was synthesized and identified using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Its anti-inflammatory potential was explored by an in vitro inflammation model. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the anti-inflammatory targets of BE, construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and analysis topological features and KEGG pathway enrichment. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between BE and its core targets. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate the network pharmacology results. The organizational efficiency was further evaluated through octanol-water partition coefficient and transmembrane activity analysis.ResultsUV-Vis, FT-IR, MS, and HPLC analyses confirmed the successfully synthesis of BE with a high purity of 93.75%. In vitro anti-inflammatory research showed that BE could more effectively suppress the expression of NO, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments validated that BE’s anti-inflammatory effects was mediated through the suppression of SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, JAK2, AKT1, and NF-κB via PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding affinities of BA to the core targets were lower than those of BE. The Log p-value of BE (1.7) was markedly higher than that of BA (−0.5). Furthermore, BE accumulated in cells at a level approximately 200 times greater than BA.ConclusionBE exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory activity relative to BA, possibly attributed to its better lipid solubility and cellular penetration capabilities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of BE may be mediated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
Comparison of nanovesicles derived from Panax notoginseng at different size: physical properties, composition, and bioactivity
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Huang Liyu , Zhang Mengyuan , Lin Shuoqi , Xie Jing , Li Hengyi , Wang Xing , Lu Youguang , Zheng Dali 
Published: July 2024

AimPlant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as potential agents for combating tumors. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Panax notoginseng-derived nanovesicles (PnNVs) on the proliferation and migration of squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, we explored the relationship between plant tuber size and the physical properties, composition and bioactivity of these nanovesicles.MethodsWe isolated PnNVs from Panax notoginseng tubers of varying sizes: small-sized (s_PnNVs), medium-sized (m_PnNVs) and large-sized (l_PnNVs), and evaluated for size, potential, and morphology. Cellular uptake efficiency was assessed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The ability of different PnNVs to inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cells was evaluated using plate cloning, CCK8 assay, and scratch healing assay. Off-target metabolomics was used to compare metabolic compounds of different PnNVs.ResultsOur findings revealed that s_PnNVs exhibited lower potential but had the highest cellular uptake efficiency, whereas m_PnNVs were characterized by the smallest size and lowest cellular uptake efficiency. Notably, m_PnNVs demonstrated the most effective inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma growth and migration. Compositional analyses showed that PnNVs were rich in proteins and contained lower levels of RNA, with l_PnNVs having the highest protein content. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of specific antitumour-related metabolites in m_PnNVs compared to s_PnNVs and l_PnNVs.ConclusionOverall, our results underscore the influence of plant tuber size on the bioactivity of the nanovesicles from which they are derived, emphasizing its importance for experimental design and study reproducibility.
Efficacy and safety of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tang Gang , Zhang Jie , Zhang Linyu , Xia Lingying , Tang Xiaojuan , Chen Rui , Zhou Rongxing 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPeroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists are recognised as a promising treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, the effects and safety of these agonists on PBC remain unexplored. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of PPAR agonists in treating PBC.MethodsWe searched Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase databases from inception to 15 March 2024 for randomised controlled studies (RCTs) that enrolled individuals with PBC treated with PPAR agonists compared with placebo. The primary outcomes were biochemical response and normalization of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level.ResultsEight RCTs involving 869 participants in total were included. The meta-analysis revealed that compared to placebo, PPAR agonists increased the rate of biochemical response (RR: 5.53; 95% CI: 3.79, 8.06) and normalization of the ALP level (RR: 17.18; 95% CI: 5.61, 52.61). In addition, PPAR agonists can also reduce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (MD: −12.69 U/L; 95% CI: −18.03, −7.35), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (MD: −4.18 U/L; 95% CI: −7.28, −1.08), ALP (MD: −142.95 U/L; 95% CI: −167.29, −118.60), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) (MD: −63.03 U/L; 95% CI: −92.08, −33.98), and total cholesterol (TC) levels (SMD: −0.71; 95% CI: −1.38, −0.04), and there was no significant difference in overall adverse reactions (RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.92, 1.05), serious adverse reactions (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.72) between the two groups.ConclusionPPAR agonists are safe and well-tolerated in patients with PBC and are effective in improving the rate of biochemical response and related biomarkers.
The evolution of plant phenomics: global insights, trends, and collaborations (2000-2021)
Authors: Awada Lana , Phillips Peter W. B. , Bodan Ana Maria 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionPhenomics, an interdisciplinary field that investigates the relationships between genomics and environmental factors, has significantly advanced plant breeding by offering comprehensive insights into plant traits from molecular to physiological levels. This study examines the global evolution, geographic distribution, collaborative efforts, and primary research hubs in plant phenomics from 2000 to 2021, using data derived from patents and scientific publications. MethodsThe study utilized data from the EspaceNet and Lens databases for patents, and Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus for scientific publications. The final datasets included 651 relevant patents and 7173 peer-reviewed articles. Data were geocoded to assign country-level geographical coordinates and underwent multiple processing and cleaning steps using Python, Excel, R, and ArcGIS. Social network analysis (SNA) was conducted to assess collaboration patterns using Pajek and UCINET.ResultsResearch activities in plant phenomics have increased significantly, with China emerging as a major player, filing nearly 70% of patents from 2010 to 2021. The U.S. and EU remain significant contributors, accounting for over half of the research output. The study identified around 50 global research hubs, mainly in the U.S. (36%), Western Europe (34%), and China (16%). Collaboration networks have become more complex and interdisciplinary, reflecting a strategic approach to solving research challenges.DiscussionThe findings underscore the importance of global collaboration and technological advancement in plant phenomics. China's rise in patent filings highlights its growing influence, while the ongoing contributions from the U.S. and EU demonstrate their continued leadership. The development of complex collaborative networks emphasizes the scientific community's adaptive strategies to address multifaceted research issues. These insights are crucial for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders aiming to innovate in agricultural practices and improve crop varieties.