bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the predictive value of smoking history for immunotherapy outcomes in bladder cancer patients
Authors: Kong Jianqiu , Zou Yitong , Zhou Hua , Huang Yi , Lin Ying , Fang Shuogui , Chen Zhijian , Zheng Junjiong , Huang Yaqiang , Shen Zefeng , Xie Weibin , Fan Xinxiang 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThe therapeutic effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in bladder cancer varies among individuals. Identifying reliable predictors of response to these therapies is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed 348 bladder cancer patients treated with ICIs, with additional validation using data from 248 patients at our institution who underwent PD-L1 immunohistochemical staining. We examined patient smoking history, clinicopathological characteristics, and immune phenotypes. The main focus was the correlation between smoking history and immunotherapy outcomes. Multivariate logistic and Cox proportional hazard regressions were used to adjust for confounders.ResultsThe study cohort comprised 348 bladder cancer patients receiving ICIs. Among them, 116 (33.3%) were never smokers, 197 (56.6%) were former smokers (median pack-years = 28), and 35 (10.1%) were current smokers (median pack-years = 40). Analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in overall survival across different smoking statuses (objective response rates were 11.4% for current smokers, 17.2% for never smokers, and 22.3% for former smokers; P = 0.142, 0.410, and 0.281, respectively). However, a notable trend indicated a potentially better response to immunotherapy in former smokers compared to current and never smokers. In the validation cohort of 248 patients from our institution, immunohistochemical analysis showed that PD-L1 expression was significantly higher in former smokers (55%) compared to current smokers (37%) and never smokers (47%). This observation underscores the potential influence of smoking history on the tumor microenvironment and its responsiveness to ICIs.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study demonstrates the importance of incorporating smoking history in predicting the response to immunotherapy in bladder cancer patients, highlighting its role in personalized cancer treatment approaches. Further research is suggested to explore the comprehensive impact of lifestyle factors on treatment outcomes.
Self-administered gerocognitive examination (SAGE) aids early detection of cognitive impairment at primary care provider visits
Authors: Scharre Douglas W. , Vrettos Nicole E. , Nagaraja Haikady N. , Wexler Randell K. , Clark Aaron D. , Nguyen Christopher M. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCurrent estimates indicate that up to 50–75% of dementia cases are undiagnosed at an early stage when treatments are most effective. Conducting robust accurate cognitive assessments can be time-consuming for providers and difficult to incorporate into a time-limited Primary Care Provider (PCP) visit. We wanted to compare PCP visits with and without using the self-administered SAGE to determine differences in identification rates of new cognitive disorders.MethodsThree hundred patients aged 65–89 without diagnosed cognitive disorders completing a non-acute office visit were enrolled (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04063371). Two PCP offices conducted routine visits for 100 consecutive eligible patients each. One office used the SAGE in an additional 100 subjects and asked available informants about cognitive changes over the previous year. Chart reviews were conducted 60 days later. One-way analysis of variance and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the groups and outcomes.ResultsWhen SAGE was utilized, the PCP documented the detection of new cognitive conditions/concerns six times (9% versus 1.5%) as often (p = 0.003). The detection rate was nearly 4-fold for those with cognitively impaired SAGE scores (p = 0.034). Patients having impaired SAGE score and informant concerns were 15-fold as likely to have new cognitive conditions/concerns documented (p = 0.0007). Among providers using SAGE, 86% would recommend SAGE to colleagues.DiscussionSAGE was easily incorporated into PCP visits and significantly increased identification of new cognitive conditions/concerns leading to new diagnoses, treatment, or management changes. The detection rate increased 15-fold for those with impaired SAGE scores combined with informant reports.
Terfenadine, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, induces apoptosis by suppressing STAT3 signaling in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells
Authors: Baniya Manoj Kumar , Kim Eun-Hee , Chun Kyung-Soo 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionColorectal cancer is a highly aggressive and metastatic cancer with inadequate clinical outcomes. Given the crucial role of histamine and histamine receptors in colorectal carcinogenesis, this study aimed at exploring the anticancer effects of terfenadine against colorectal cancer HCT116 cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.MethodsHerein, we examined the effect of terfenadine on growth and proliferation of HCT116 cells in vitro and in vivo. Various experimental techniques such as flow cytometry, western blot, immunoprecipitation, luciferase assay were employed to unveil the mechanism of cell death triggered by terfenadine.ResultsTerfenadine markedly attenuated the viability of HCT116 cells by abrogating histamine H1 receptor (H1R) signaling. In addition, terfenadine modulated the balance of Bax and Bcl-2, triggering cytochrome c discharge in the cytoplasm, thereby stimulating the caspase cascade and poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) degradation. Moreover, terfenadine suppressed murine double minute-2 (Mdm2) expression, whereas p53 expression increased. Terfenadine suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation and expression of its gene products by inhibiting MEK/ERK and JAK2 activation in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, treatment with U0126, a MEK inhibitor, and AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, dramatically diminished the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and JAK2, respectively, leading to STAT3 downregulation. Likewise, terfenadine diminished the complex formation of MEK1/2 with β-arrestin 2. In addition, terfenadine dwindled the phosphorylation of PKC substrates. Terfenadine administration (10 mg/kg) substantially retarded the growth of HCT116 tumor xenografts in vivo.ConclusionTerfenadine induces the apoptosis of HCT116 cells by abrogating STAT3 signaling. Overall, this study supports terfenadine as a prominent anticancer therapy for colorectal cancer.
Effects of four types of natural bait on water quality, feeding, growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity of Monopterus albus in a recirculating aquaculture system
Authors: Yuan Quan , Wu Chengcheng , Yang Hang , Lv Weiwei , Huang Weiwei , Zhang Qinghua , Zhou Wenzong 
Published: June 2024

Monopterus albus is one of China’s renowned and superior aquaculture species, with its seedlings mainly sourced from wild capture. One of the bottlenecks in M. albus aquaculture is the high mortality rate and low feeding initiation rate from stocking wild fry to the initiation of feeding. In production, trash fish is commonly used to wean M. albus juveniles onto feeding. In this study, we introduced three other natural feeds, earthworms (EW), yellow mealworms (YMW), and fly maggots (FM), with frozen trash fish (TF) serving as the control group, to evaluate the effects of these four natural feeds on the survival rate, feeding initiation, antioxidant enzymes activity, and body composition of M. albus juveniles under recirculating water aquaculture conditions. The experiment comprised four treatments, each with three replicates. Each replicate consisted of stocking 150 M. albus juveniles weighing 10.02 ± 0.89 g in size, raised for 5 weeks. The survival rate of the YMW group was 73.33%–85.33%, which was significantly higher than that of the other three bait groups (p &lt; 0.05). The four bait groups showed no significant differences in final body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) (p &gt; 0.05). The EW group showed the highest final body weight, with an average SGR of 2.73, whereas the YMW group had an average SGR of 1.87. The average daily feeding amount was significantly higher in EW and YMW groups than in the other two groups (p &lt; 0.05). The percentage of feeding amount to fish weight in the EW group reached 7.3% in the fifth week. After 5 weeks of cultivation, NO2−-N content was significantly higher in the waters of the TF and EW groups than in the waters of the FM and YMW groups (p &lt; 0.05), there was no significant difference in TAN content among the treatment groups (p &gt; 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the other bait groups (p &lt; 0.05). GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the EW group than in the FM group and YMW group. No significant differences in SOD and CAT activity and T-AOC were observed among the bait groups (p &gt; 0.05). The increase in crude protein content was significantly higher in the TF group than in the FM group, but the increase in crude ash content was significantly lower in the TFgroup. In conclusion, Tenebrio molitor could potentially serve as one of the alternative feeds during the initial stages of M. albus juveniles stocking.
Exploring the impact of biological alterations in the superior thalamic radiations on exploratory eye movements in attenuated psychosis syndrome
Authors: Arai Yu , Katagiri Naoyuki , Tagata Hiromi , Uchino Takashi , Saito Junichi , Shido Yusuke , Kamiya Kouhei , Hori Masaaki , Mizuno Masafumi , Nemoto Takahiro 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAberrant fixation and scan paths in visual searches have been repeatedly reported in schizophrenia. The frontal eye fields (FEF) and thalamus may be responsible for fixation and scan paths. These two regions are connected by superior thalamic radiation (STR) in humans. Studies have reported reduced fixation numbers and shortened scan path lengths in individuals with attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) and schizophrenia. In this study, we hypothesized that STRs in the white matter fiber bundles of impairments underlie abnormalities in fixation and scan path length in individuals with APS.MethodsTwenty-one individuals with APS and 30 healthy controls participated in this study. All participants underwent diffusion tensor imaging, and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the left and right STR were analyzed using the novel method TractSeg. The number of eye fixations (NEF), total eye scanning length (TESL), and mean eye scanning length (MESL), derived using the exploratory eye movement (EEM) test, were adopted to evaluate the fixation and scan path length. We compared the FA values of the bilateral STR and EEM parameters between the APS and healthy control groups. We investigated the correlation between bilateral STR and EEM parameters in the APS and healthy control groups.ResultsNEF, TESL, MESL, and the FA values of the left STR were significantly reduced in individuals with APS compared to healthy controls. The left STR FA value in the APS group was significantly positively correlated with the MESL (r = 0.567, p = 0.007). In addition, the right STR FA value of the APS group was significantly correlated with the TESL (r = 0.587, p = 0.005) and MESL (r = 0.756, p = 0.7×10-4).DiscussionThese results demonstrate that biological changes in the STR, which connects the thalamus and FEF, underlie abnormalities in fixation and scanning. Recently, aberrations in the thalamus–frontal connection have been shown to underlie the emergence of psychotic symptoms. STR impairment may be a part of the biological basis of APS in individuals with subthreshold psychotic symptoms.
Biomarkers in exposure-based treatment of anxiety in virtual reality: a systematic review
Authors: Ernst Mathias Torp , Hyldig Nielsen Jakob , Runge Eik , Bouchard Stéphane , Clemmensen Lars 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundA large proportion of individuals with anxiety-related disorders refrain from seeking treatment. This may be because traditional exposure treatments induce anxiety. However, advances in exposure using virtual reality technology may encourage more individuals to seek treatment. Furthermore, using biomarkers with VR-based exposure may enable clinicians to assess anxiety levels objectively and collect data in a naturalistic setting.Methods:Here, we conduct a systematic review of the literature on the use of biomarkers in VR-based exposure treatment for anxiety. Twenty-seven studies were included, with a total of 1046 participants.ResultsWe found that heart rate was the only biomarker that tentatively could identify changes within (75% of instances) and between sessions (60% of instances). The levels of synchrony between the findings for overall biomarkers and the results from questionnaires showed inconclusive results. Regarding the levels of synchrony between the findings for particular biomarkers and the results from questionnaires, only skin conductance level was highly synchronous for differences between groups (87% of instances).ConclusionBased on the present review, biomarkers cannot yet be used reliably to distinguish differences in self-reported symptoms of anxiety in VR-based exposure treatments.
Establishment of an acute arterial mesenteric ischaemia model in canines with an endovascular approach
Authors: Shi Yadong , Zhou Yangyi , Yuan Yuan , Kong Jie , Gong Maofeng , Chen Liang , He Xu , Su Haobo , Gu Jianping 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an arterial acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) model in canines using transcatheter autologous thrombus administration.Materials and methodsTen canines were divided into the experimental group (Group A, n = 5) and the sham group (Group B, n = 5). The canines in Group A received thrombus administration to the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) through a guiding catheter, while the canines in Group B received normal saline administration. Blood samples were collected and tested at baseline and 2 h after modelling. Canines in Group A underwent manual thromboaspiration after blood and intestine samples were collected. Ischaemic grades of intestinal mucosa were evaluated under light microscopes.ResultsThe AMI models were successfully conducted in all canines without procedure-related vessel injury or death. At the 2-h follow-up, the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and D-dimer in Group A were significantly higher than in Group B (5.72 ± 1.8 mg/L vs. 2.82 ± 1.5 mg/L, p = 0.024; 2.25 ± 0.8 μg/mL vs. 0.27 ± 0.10 μg/mL, p = 0.005; respectively). The mean histopathologic intestinal ischaemic grade in Group A was significantly higher than in Group B (2.4 ± 0.5 vs. 0.8 ± 0.4, p &lt; 0.001). After a median of 2 times of thromboaspiration, 80% (4/5) of the canines achieved complete SMA revascularisation.ConclusionThis experimental study demonstrated that establishing an arterial model in canines using endovascular approaches was feasible. The present model may play an important role in the investigation of endovascular techniques in the treatment of arterial AMI.
Defined Pig Microbiota Mixture as Promising Strategy against Salmonellosis in Gnotobiotic Piglets
Authors: Modrackova Nikol , Horvathova Kristyna , Mekadim Chahrazed , Splichal Igor , Splichalova Alla , Amin Ahmad , Mrazek Jakub , Vlkova Eva , Neuzil-Bunesova Vera 
Published: June 2024

Probiotics are a potential strategy for salmonellosis control. A defined pig microbiota (DPM) mixture of nine bacterial strains previously exhibited probiotic and anti-Salmonella properties in vitro. Therefore, we evaluated its gut colonization ability and protection effect against S. typhimurium LT2-induced infection in the gnotobiotic piglet model. The DPM mixture successfully colonized the piglet gut and was stable and safe until the end of the experiment. The colon was inhabited by about 9 log CFU g−1 with a significant representation of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli compared to ileal levels around 7–8 log CFU g−1. Spore-forming clostridia and bacilli seemed to inhabit the environment only temporarily. The bacterial consortium contributed to the colonization of the gut at an entire length. The amplicon profile analysis supported the cultivation trend with a considerable representation of lactobacilli with bacilli in the ileum and bifidobacteria with clostridia in the colon. Although there was no significant Salmonella-positive elimination, it seems that the administered bacteria conferred the protection of infected piglets because of the slowed delayed infection manifestation without translocations of Salmonella cells to the blood circulation. Due to its colonization stability and potential protective anti-Salmonella traits, the DPM mixture has promising potential in pig production applications. However, advanced immunological tests are needed.
El juego como Estrategia Lúdico Pedagógica para Fortalecer las Habilidades Sociales en Niños de Preescolar
Authors: López Jimenez Luis Miguel , Fuentes Garces Cristian Fabian , Diaz Bernal Jorge Andrés 
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo surge de la investigación sobre Las habilidades sociales, estas son el punto de partida de esta investigación que tiene como interés primordial lograr implementar en el aula de clases del grado jardín de la sede Santo Domingo Sabio del colegio Lacides C Bersal. Con este proyecto se busca identificar cuáles son las estrategias lúdico Pedagógicas que puedan ser útiles para fortalecer las habilidades sociales en niños de primera infancia. Metodológicamente se define como una investigación cualitativa de tipo fenomenológica, ya que tiene como principio comprender los fenómenos tal como son experimentados por las personas. La población está representada por 17 niños de grado preescolar y una docente del colegio Santo domingo Sabio. Los resultados preliminares muestran que los niños a través del juego fortalecen sus habilidades, que su aprendizaje es mucho más asertivo, este refuerza la escucha, toma de decisiones y mejora su autocontrol, ya que logran comprender mejor las instrucciones, colaborar con sus compañeros y resolver los problemas que se les presenten de una manera más eficaz.
Computable species descriptions and nanopublications: applying ontology-based technologies to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae)
Authors: Montanaro Giulio , Balhoff James , Girón Jennifer , Söderholm Max , Tarasov Sergei 
Published: June 2024

Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a framework for modelling semantic phenotypes that are understandable by computers and compliant with FAIR principles. In this paper, we explore the use of Phenoscript, an emerging language designed for creating semantic phenotypes, to produce computable species descriptions. Our case study centers on the application of this approach to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae).We illustrate the effectiveness of Phenoscript for creating semantic phenotypes. We also demonstrate the ability of the Phenospy python package to automatically translate Phenoscript descriptions into natural language (NL), which eliminates the need for writing traditional NL descriptions. We introduce a computational pipeline that streamlines the generation of semantic descriptions and their conversion to NL. To demonstrate the power of the semantic approach, we apply simple semantic queries to the generated phenotypic descriptions. This paper addresses the current challenges in crafting semantic species descriptions and outlines the path towards future improvements. Furthermore, we discuss the promising integration of semantic phenotypes and nanopublications, as emerging methods for sharing scientific information. Overall, our study highlights the pivotal role of ontology-based technologies in modernising taxonomy and aligning it with the evolving landscape of big data analysis and FAIR principles.
Coproduire un transnationalisme d’État
Authors: Benhaim Yohanan 
Published: June 2024

À partir de la guerre du Golfe et ses répercussions en 1990-1991, la présence de populations turkmènes en Irak commence à être perçue comme une ressource pour l’État turc qui y voit un outil de légitimation et de mise en œuvre de sa politique en Irak, et notamment vis-à-vis de la région kurde. L’État turc met alors progressivement en place un « transnationalisme d’État » [Waterbury, 2010], s’appuyant sur la communauté turkmène en Irak pour développer sa politique étrangère. Cet article vise à mettre en évidence comment cette politique est le fruit d’une convergence d’agendas entre acteurs bureaucratiques turcs, réseaux diasporiques turkmènes d’Irak en Turquie et partis politiques turkmènes en Irak. Cette coproduction transnationale de la politique étrangère, au croisement de dynamiques migratoires, diplomatiques et partisanes, favorise l’émergence d’un écosystème institutionnel dédié à la politique turque vis-à-vis de la communauté turkmène d’Irak.
Une deuxième vie politique en Turquie
Authors: Naji Aljabzi Mustafa 
Published: June 2024

La guerre au Yémen, qui débute à l’été 2014 par la prise de pouvoir des Houthis et s’intensifie en 2015 par une intervention militaire régionale menée par l’Arabie saoudite et les Émirats arabes unis en faveur du gouvernement yéménite internationalement reconnu, a contraint de nombreuses élites yéménites à l’exil. Dans ce contexte, certains membres du parti islamiste Al-Islah ont choisi la Turquie comme lieu d’exil, motivés par des considérations idéologiques, après avoir transité principalement par l’Arabie saoudite. Depuis, une diaspora politiquement et socialement active s’est formée en Turquie. Il convient de noter que le statut de réfugié n’est pas accordé aux Yéménites en Turquie qui y résident légalement au moyen d’autres types de documents : visa de tourisme, d’étudiant, de séjour permanent ou carte humanitaire. Cette communauté, composée d’exilés politiques, d’hommes d’affaires ou d’étudiants et organisée grâce à la capacité organisationnelle du parti Al-Islah bénéficiant de bonnes relations avec les autorités turques, entreprend un militantisme transnational soutenu par un réseau associatif comprenant des organisations solidaires, des médias influents tels que trois chaînes de télévision et des centres d’études, des unions étudiantes, et surtout une structure communautaire appelée jālīah , qui facilite l’action transnationale des Yéménites. Bien que cette communauté englobe des Yéménites de divers horizons politiques et sociaux, les Islahis parviennent à dominer, utilisant l’action diasporique yéménite pour promouvoir leurs objectifs politiques et idéologiques. Ainsi, Al-Islah cherche à se réinventer politiquement en exil.
Aristote et le paradoxe zénonien « à partir de la dichotomie »
Authors: Santoro Alessio 
Published: June 2024

Cet article reconstruit la réception d’un paradoxe zénonien formulé « à partir de la dichotomie » dans la Physique et dans la Métaphysique d’Aristote. Dans la Physique , Aristote remarque que ce paradoxe a conduit certains philosophes à poser l’existence de grandeurs indivisibles ( Physique I, 3) et découvre le présupposé erroné qui produit l’absurdité (VIII, 8). Après avoir montré que ce groupe de philosophes inclut Platon, l’article démontre que, dans la Métaphysique , Aristote invoque explicitement le raisonnement à la base du paradoxe dans le cadre de sa critique de la conception platonicienne et pythagoricienne de l’unité comme substance ( Métaphysique III, 4). Plus précisément, Aristote retourne contre Platon un « axiome de Zénon » qu’il extrait du paradoxe « à partir de la dichotomie ».