bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of moderately hypofractionated radiotherapy in NSCLC cell model
Authors: Lüdeking Marcus , Stemwedel Katharina , Ramachandran Dhanya , Grosche Sinja , Christiansen Hans , Merten Roland , Henkenberens Christoph , Bogdanova Natalia V. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe current standard of radiotherapy for inoperable locally advanced NSCLCs with single fraction doses of 2.0 Gy, results in poor outcomes. Several fractionation schedules have been explored that developed over the past decades to increasingly more hypofractionated treatments. Moderate hypofractionated radiotherapy, as an alternative treatment, has gained clinical importance due to shorter duration and higher patient convenience. However, clinical trials show controversial results, adding to the need for pre-clinical radiobiological studies of this schedule.MethodsWe examined in comparative analysis the efficiency of moderate hypofractionation and normofractionation in four different NSCLC cell lines and fibroblasts using several molecular-biological approaches. Cells were daily irradiated with 24x2.75 Gy (moderate hypofractionation) or with 30x2 Gy (normofractionation), imitating the clinical situation. Proliferation and growth rate via direct counting of cell numbers, MTT assay and measurements of DNA-synthesizing cells (EdU assay), DNA repair efficiency via immunocytochemical staining of residual γH2AX/53BP1 foci and cell surviving via clonogenic assay (CSA) were experimentally evaluated.ResultsOverall, the four tumor cell lines and fibroblasts showed different sensitivity to both radiation regimes, indicating cell specificity of the effect. The absolute cell numbers and the CSA revealed significant differences between schedules (P &lt; 0.0001 for all employed cell lines and both assays) with a stronger effect of moderate hypofractionation.ConclusionOur results provide evidence for the similar effectiveness and toxicity of both regimes, with some favorable evidence towards a moderate hypofractionation. This indicates that increasing the dose per fraction may improve patient survival and therapy outcomes.
Drug-eluting beads transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with systemic therapy versus systemic therapy alone as first-line treatment for unresectable colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Wang Fuquan , Chen Lei , Bin Chai , Cao Yanyan , Wang Jihua , Zhou Guofeng , Zheng Chuansheng 
Published: April 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy and safety of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with systemic therapy to systemic therapy alone as first-line treatment for unresectable patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).MethodsFrom December 2017 to December 2022, patients with unresectable CRLM who received systemic therapy with or without DEB-TACE as first-line treatment were included in the study. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints were tumor response, conversion rate and adverse events.ResultsNinety-eight patients were enrolled in this study, including 46 patients who received systemic therapy combined with DEB-TACE (DEB-TACE group) and 52 patients who received systemic therapy alone (control group). The median PFS was elevated in the DEB-TACE group compared with the control group (12.1 months vs 8.4 months, p = 0.008). The disease control rate was increased in the DEB-TACE group compared with the control group (87.0% vs 67.3%, p = 0.022). Overall response rates (39.1% vs 25.0%; p = 0.133) and conversion rate to liver resection (33.8% vs 25.0%; p = 0.290) were no different between the two groups. The multivariate analysis showed that treatment options, size of liver metastasis, number of liver metastasis, synchronous metastases, and extrahepatic metastases were independent prognostic factor of PFS. Further subgroup analyses illustrated that PFS was beneficial with the DEB-TACE group in patients with age ≥ 60, male, left colon, synchronous metastases, bilobar, number of liver metastasis &gt; 5, extrahepatic metastases, non-extrahepatic metastases, CEA level &lt; 5 (ng/ml), and KRAS wild-type. No grade 4 or 5 toxicities related to DEB-TACE procedures were observed.ConclusionIn patients with unresectable CRLM, systemic chemotherapy with DEB-TACE as first-line treatment may improve progression-free survival and disease control rate outcomes over systemic chemotherapy alone with manageable safety profile.
Plasma IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 levels are decreased during acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder patients
Authors: Fernández-Pereira Carlos , Penedo Maria Aránzazu , Alonso-Núñez Adrián , Rivera-Baltanás Tania , Viéitez Irene , Prieto-González José María , Vilariño-Vilariño María Isabel , Olivares José Manuel , Ortolano Saida , Agís-Balboa Roberto Carlos 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent and disabling psychiatric disorder related to low-grade peripheral inflammation and altered levels of the members of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), IGFBP-3, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-7, and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β).Methods: We used the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) to determine the severity of the symptomatology, while proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We included 20 patients with BD who suffered a manic episode and 20 controls. Some BD patients (n = 10) were evaluated after a period (17 ± 8 days) of pharmacological treatment.Results: No statistical difference was found in IGF-2, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-7, TNF-α, and MIP-1β levels. However, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 levels were found to be statistically decreased in BD patients. Conversely, the MCP-1 level was significantly increased in BD patients, but their levels were normalized after treatment. Intriguingly, only IGFBP-1 levels were significantly decreased after treatment. No significant correlation was found between the YMRS and any of the proteins studied either before or after treatment or between IGF proteins and inflammatory markers.Discussion: To some extent, IGFBP-3 and IGFBP-5 might be further explored as potential indicators of treatment responsiveness or diagnosis biomarkers in BD.
Establishment of a prognostic risk model for osteosarcoma and mechanistic investigation
Authors: Jiang Hongyuan , Zhao Xuliang , Zang Jinhui , Wang Ruijiao , Gao Jiake , Chen Jinli , Yu Tengbo 
Published: April 2024

Objective: To investigate the immune mechanism of osteosarcoma (OS)-specific markers to mitigate bone destruction in the aggressive OS, prone to recurrence and metastasis.Methods: Gene expression patterns from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE126209) were analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) modeling, and survival analysis to identify charged multivesicular body protein 4C (CHMP4C). Subsequently, its role in regulating the immune system and immune cell infiltration was explored. CHMP4C expression and signaling molecules in OS were assessed in osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63, U2OS, HOS) and hFOB1.19 cells using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and immunofluorescence staining. The impact of CHMP4C upregulation and interference on OS-related signaling molecules in MG63 cells was studied. Functional validation of CHMP4C in MG63 OS cells was confirmed through cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell, and colony formation assays. In vivo experiments were conducted using Specific Pathogen Free (SPF)-grade male BALB/C nude mice for OS xenograft studies.Results: Based on the gene expression profiles analysis of six osteosarcoma samples and six normal tissue samples, we identified 1,511 upregulated DEGs and 5,678 downregulated DEGs in normal tissue samples. A significant positive correlation between the “yellow-green” module and OS was found through WGCNA analysis. Expression levels of CHMP4C, phosphorylated Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (p-GSK3β), and β-catenin were notably higher in U2OS, HOS, and MG63 OS cells than in hFOB1.19 human osteoblasts. Overexpressing CHMP4C in MG63 OS cells upregulated CHMP4C, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin while downregulating GSK3β, leading to increased proliferation and migration of MG63 cells. Conversely, interrupting CHMP4C had the opposite effect. High expression of CHMP4C significantly accelerated the growth of OS in nude mice, resulting in substantial upregulation of CHMP4C, p-GSK3β, and β-catenin expression and suppression of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) expression in OS tissues.Conclusion: CHMP4C may serve as a specific immunomodulatory gene for OS. Its activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, mainly by increasing the phosphorylation echelon of GSK3β, promotes the invasion and spread of OS.
Exploring the interplay of trunk and shoulder rotation strength: a cross-sport analysis
Authors: Hank Mikulas , Miratsky Petr , Ford Kevin R. , Clarup Christian , Imal Osman , Verbruggen Ferdia Fallon , Zahalka Frantisek , Maly Tomas 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Trunk and shoulder strength are consistently shown to be involved in performance limitations, as well as contributing to stability, power output, and reducing the risk of injury. Although their biomechanical interaction is a critical aspect for athletes, there is limited research on the relationship between trunk and shoulder strength in sports where upper body mechanics are critical for optimal performance.Purpose: This study examined the differences and relationships between trunk rotational strength and shoulder rotational strength among athletes participating in mixed martial arts (MMA), tennis, swimming, and baseball.Methods: Maximal voluntary contraction tests were performed to evaluate strength of 39 professional adult male athletes from disciplines of MMA (n = 6), tennis (n = 11), swimming (n = 11) and baseball (n = 11). Peak force data were used in sports comparison and relationship analysis between trunk and shoulder rotation strength parameters.Results: The findings revealed a complex and significant relationship between trunk and shoulder strength, with unique patterns for each athletic discipline. Tennis players exhibited a strong correlation between trunk bilateral differences and internal shoulder rotation, while other disciplines demonstrated a more balanced use of trunk asymmetry. Swimmers displayed the best interactions between trunk and shoulder overall, emphasizing the aquatic environment’s biomechanical demands. In MMA, the strongest correlation was between shoulder internal and external rotation with the trunk, mainly due to the number of defensive movements in addition to offensive ones. Baseball pitchers showed a significant correlation between internal/external shoulder rotation strength ratio and trunk asymmetry.Conclusion: While no differences in peak force variables were found, unique relationships between trunk and shoulder rotational performance were discovered. The results suggest a long-term sport-specific adaptation of the trunk-shoulder interaction in sports that require upper limb power movements. It seems, that the relationship between the various parameters of trunk and shoulder was influenced by the movement stereotype of each sport. Therefore, recognition of sport-specific interactions is critical to the development of effective training programs that enhance performance and potentially reduce injury risk in different sports. Researchers and practitioners should focus on longitudinally monitoring fluctuations in TRS and SRS relationships throughout each sport season and examining potential associations with injury incidence.
Effects on growth performance and immunity of Monopterus albus after high temperature stress
Authors: Mao Yifan , Lv Weiwei , Huang Weiwei , Yuan Quan , Yang Hang , Zhou Wenzong , Li Mingyou 
Published: April 2024

To investigate the impact of the effect of high temperature stimulation on Monopterus albus larvae after a certain period of time, five experimental groups were established at different temperatures. Then, the M. albus under high temperature stress was fed at 30°C for 70 days. After that, the growth index of the M. albus was counted and analyzed. In terms of growth index, high temperature stress had significant effects on FCR, FBW, WGR, and SGR of M. albus (p &lt; 0.05). The SR increased after being stimulated by temperature (p &lt; 0.1). The study revealed that liver cells of M. albus were harmed by elevated temperatures of 36°C and 38°C. In the experimental group, the activities of digestive enzymes changed in the same trend, reaching the highest point in the 32°C group and then decreasing, and the AMS activity in the 38°C group was significantly different from that in the 30°C group (p &lt; 0.05). The activities of antioxidase in liver reached the highest at 34°C, which was significantly different from those at 30°C (p &lt; 0.05). In addition, the expression levels of TLR1, C3, TNF-α, and other genes increased in the experimental group, reaching the highest point at 34°C, and the expression level of the IL-1β gene reached the highest point at 32°C, which was significantly different from that at 30°C (p &lt; 0.05). However, the expression level of the IRAK3 gene decreased in the experimental group and reached its lowest point at 34°C (p &lt; 0.05). The expression level of the HSP90α gene increased with the highest temperature stimulus and reached its highest point at 38°C (p &lt; 0.05). In the α diversity index of intestinal microorganisms in the experimental group, the observed species, Shannon, and Chao1 indexes in the 34°C group were the highest (p &lt; 0.05), and β diversity analysis revealed that the intestinal microbial community in the experimental group was separated after high temperature stimulation. At the phylum level, the three dominant flora are Proteus, Firmicutes, and Bacteroides. Bacteroides and Macrococcus abundance increased at the genus level, but Vibrio and Aeromonas abundance decreased. To sum up, appropriate high-temperature stress can enhance the immunity and adaptability of M. albus. These results show that the high temperature stimulation of 32°C–34°C is beneficial to the industrial culture of M. albus.
Self-regulation training improves stress resilience in elite pre-pubescent female gymnasts
Authors: Proietti Giorgia , Borozan Milos , Chaigneau Amine , Cannito Loreta , Palumbo Riccardo , Thouvarecq Regis , Iodice Pierpaolo 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIn the context of young female athletes, namely elite gymnasts, effective stress management strategies not only enhance performance, but also reduce the risk of injuries and promote overall well-being. This study aims to investigate the effects of biofeedback-based training on stress management in prepubescent elite female gymnasts, recognizing its pivotal role in promoting healthy growth and proper training load management.MethodsEight elite young female athletes from a top flight French national league club participated in an experimental condition involving four-week biofeedback training program to improve self-regulation skills, during both rest and stress phases. Additionally, each subject experienced a control condition, with entailed exposure to domain-specific motivational videos. Comprehensive evaluations of physiological parameters were conducted to assess the impact of biofeedback training, both before and after the training, as well as during the stress and recovery phases. Furthermore, an interoceptive body awareness test, using the MAIA questionnaire, was performed.ResultsThe results highlight a significant enhancement of the self-regulatory skills of the gymnasts in managing the selected physiological parameters—peripheral temperature (p &lt; 0.05) and blood volume pressure (p &lt; 0.05)—after the biofeedback treatment. Moreover, psychological data from the MAIA questionnaire revealed a noteworthy increase in interoceptive awareness (p &lt; 0.001), particularly in the subscales of Not Distracting (p &lt; 0.001), Attention regulation (p &lt; 0.05), Emotional awareness (p &lt; 0.05), and Self-regulation (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionThus, we conclude that biofeedback training improves self-regulatory and psychological resilience under stressful conditions, while reducing sensitivity to gymnastics-specific stress.
Validation of the Chinese version of the exercise empowerment scale among college students (EES-C)
Authors: Weng Shaojing , Yuan Junfeng , Luo Lin 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveThe escalating prevalence of physical inactivity among college students represents a significant public health challenge, particularly in light of its correlation with detrimental health outcomes. A growing body of evidence underscores the necessity of adhering to recommended levels of regular physical activity to thwart the onset of chronic diseases. One primary aim of school physical education initiatives is to elevate physical activity levels and bolster student motivation toward engaging in physical exercise. Engagement in sports activities has demonstrated efficacy in augmenting students’ motor skills, elevating their self-efficacy, and enhancing cognitive competencies related to physical prowess, while also promoting sustained participation in physical activities. The Exercise Empowerment Scale (EES) has been formulated to quantitatively assess the degree of exercise empowerment. To date, no validated Chinese version of the EES has been reported in the literature. To address this, this present study developed and validated a Chinese version of the EES in a large sample of Chinese college students.MethodsA sample of Chinese college students (n = 885) was analyzed using Rasch analysis to examine the validity of the Exercise Empowerment Scale. In addition, physical activity and psychological resilience were used to investigate the potential associations with exercise empowerment.ResultsThe EES-C was found to be a unidimensional scale, and the distribution of item difficulty was relatively even. The scale had good reliability (individual reliability of 0.87, and item reliability of 0.99). No differential item functioning (DIF) was observed across genders for any of the 13 EES-C items, suggesting equitable and unbiased applicability for both male and female respondents. The five-point scoring method of the EES scale was consistent with the overall distribution of the items and subjects. Exercise empowerment was positively correlated with autonomous physical activity and psychological resilience.ConclusionThe results of the study indicate that the EES-C possesses robust psychometric properties, rendering it suitable for application among Chinese college student populations. The adapted version of the EES-C provides a basis for further exploration of the predictive factors of physical activity in Chinese samples. The generalizability of our findings should be further verified in other populations in the future.
Experience of naturally occurring peer support among people using psychiatric day-care in China: an interpretative phenomenology approach
Authors: Fan Yijun , Liu Xiao , Li Conghong 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionChina presently does not have an established peer support system, and the efforts of peer support workers are not acknowledged in the context of the growing global trend of community-based mental rehabilitation. This study aims to examine the first-hand experiences of persons who participate in psychiatric day-care facilities in Shanghai, China, and receive support from their peers. The goal is to gain a better understanding of how these informal peer support programs function and provide valuable knowledge for the establishment of more structured peer support programs that align with Chinese social culture.MethodsA total of 14 participants attending psychiatric day-care centres were selected for face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews using snowball sampling. The interviews took place between July 2021 and February 2022. The text data of the interview were acquired through transcription and then augmented using the interview scripts and additional resources. The data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis until the themes reached saturation.ResultsA total of three overarching themes and eight corresponding sub-themes were produced: 1. reconstructing a social network: an ordinary interpersonal connection, becoming and conducting oneself, proceeding the process of adaptation in the company of peers; 2. balance and multiple roles within the relationship: selective self-exposure, managing proximity and distance; 3. sense of meaning and sense of community: supporting others while empowering oneself, love as expanding consciousness, advocating for the notion of group identity.DiscussionThis study is the initial examination of the contact and naturally occurring peer support that takes place among individuals in psychiatric day-care centres in China. The study’s findings revealed that participants interact with others who have undergone similar conditions in the day-care setting, enabling them to rebuild an important social network. It is crucial to consider the possible benefits of peer support, assess the obstacles, and facilitate the personal recovery of individuals with mental disorders using the theory of recovery.
Prevalence and risk factors for depression in factitious disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Comacchio Carla , Misca Delia Manuela , Bortoletto Riccardo , Palese Alvisa , Balestrieri Matteo , Colizzi Marco 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveFactitious disorder is characterized by a pattern of abnormal behavior in which patients deliberately produce, falsify, or exaggerate physical and/or psychological symptoms that have no, or little, organic basis, to assume the sick role. In the context of a factitious disorder, depression can be both a feigned disease and an associated comorbidity. We performed a systematic review to provide an overview of the relationship between factitious disorder and depression, describe the prevalence of depression in factitious disorder, and identify factors that can contribute to the development of depression in patients suffering from factitious disorder.MethodsA literature search was performed using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were eligible for inclusion in this review if they investigated factitious disorder or Munchausen Syndrome with comorbid depression.ResultsDepression was found to be highly prevalent in factitious disorder, affecting around 30% of the samples. Risk factors for depression in factitious disorder included having suffered from childhood and adulthood traumatic experiences and having a history of psychosocial problems.ConclusionThe treatment of factitious disorder is challenging and requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Given the high levels of depression in patients with factitious disorder, we recommend to always screen for depression once a factitious disorder is diagnosed.