bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of Baricitinib Treatment in COVID-19 Patients: a real-world study
Authors: Cheng Mengyu , Zhang Junyan , Xue Zhifeng , Li Jian , Pang Zhigang , Wang Ruiying , Wang Lei , Li Ping , Kurts Christian , Wei Jia , Mei Qi , Wei Shuang , Liu Xiansheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Backgroud
This retrospective cohort study assessed the real-world effectiveness and safety of Baricitinib (BAR) in hospitalized adult patients with severe or critical COVID-19 infection.
Methods
Utilizing real-world data. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were applied to address imbalances in baseline characteristics. The Cox regression model was employed to assess the hazard ratio of treatment efficacy, utilizing both unmatched and matched datasets. The primary outcome focused on all-cause mortality among hospitalized patients.
Results
Among initially screened 2,731 adults with COVID-19 infection, 2,454 were included in this analysis (2,312 non-BAR, 142 BAR). In total, there were 39 deaths, with 36 occurring in the non-BAR group and 3 in the BAR group. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that BAR was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07–0.83, p < 0.024). Analysis based on the PSM datasets consistently showed that BAR reduced the risk of all-cause mortality in 1:1 (HR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.01–0.86), 1:2 (HR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.88, p = 0.038), and 1:3 (HR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.66) matched databases. Analysis based on the IPTW dataset also indicated that BAR reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–0.41, p = 0.004). The incidence of Venous Thrombosis Events (VTE) was higher in the BAR group compared to the non-BAR group (11.27% vs. 6.14%, p = 0.016).
Conclusions
BAR demonstrated effectiveness in reducing all-cause mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with an acceptable safety profile.
The indication of palliative whole-brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases: A simple prognostic scoring system in the era of stereotactic radiosurgery
Authors: Hirose Toshiaki , Deguchi Shoichi , Yasui Kazuaki , Inoue Minoru , Onoe Tsuyoshi , Ogawa Hirofumi , Asakura Hirofumi , Mitsuya Koichi , Harada Hideyuki , Murayama Shigeyuki , Hayashi Nakamasa , Nishimura Tetsuo , Saito Ryuta 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Stereotactic irradiation has become the mainstay treatment for brain metastases (BM), and whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) is often used for symptom palliation. However, the survival time of patients with BM undergoing palliative WBRT (pWBRT) is limited, making it difficult to select patients who should receive treatment.
Methods:We collected patient data from 2016 to 2022 at the Shizuoka Cancer Center and retrospectively analyzed the factors related to survival time. Overall survival (OS) was defined as the survival time after WBRT.
Results:A total of 322 patients (median age, 66 years) who underwent pWBRT were included. The primary cancers were lung, breast, gastrointestinal tract, and other cancers in 210 (65%), 46 (14%), 38 (12%), and 28 (9%) patients, respectively. Median OS of all patients was 4.0 months. In the multivariate analysis, male sex (hazard ratio [HR]:1.4), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≤60 (HR:1.7), presence of extracranial metastasis (ECM) (HR:1.6), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ≥5 (HR:1.6), and albumin <3.5 g/dl (HR:1.4) were significantly associated with shorter OS (all P<0.05). To predict the OS, we created a prognostic scoring system (PSS). We gave one point to each independent prognostic factor. Patients with scores of 0–2 showed a significantly better survival than those with scores of 3–5 (median OS, 7.4 vs. 2.1 months, P<0.01).
Conclusions:Male sex, KPS ≤60, presence of ECM, NLR ≥5, and albumin <3.5 g/dl were poor prognostic factors for patients with BM undergoing pWBRT. By PSS combining these factors, it may be possible to select patients who should undergo pWBRT.
Distribution Patterns of Ceracris kiangsu (Orthoptera ： Arcypteridae) Under Global Climate Change Scenarios - A Case Study of China and Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Li ChuRui , Yue CaiRong , Duan YunFang , Liu Yu , Yang Song , Wang ZeMing , Chen Peng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ceracris kiangsu (Orthoptera: Arcypteridae), is greatly affected by climatic factors and exhibits strong adaptability, posing a serious threat to the ecological environment. Therefore, predicting its potential suitable habitat distribution provides a proactive theoretical basis for pest control. This study using the Biomod2 package of R simulated and predicted the current and future potential distribution, area changes, changes in the center points of suitable habitats, and niche shifts of C. kiangsu under two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, SSP1-26 and SSP5-85. The results show that: (1) Currently, the high suitability areas for C. kiangsu are mainly distributed in Yunnan, Jiangxi, Hunan provinces in southern China and phongsaly province in northern Laos. In the future, the center of the suitable habitat distribution pattern of C. kiangsu will remain unchanged, primarily expanding outward from medium and high suitability areas. Additionally, significant suitable habitats for C. kiangsu were discovered in Southeast Asian countries without previous pest records. (2) Compared to the present, the overall suitable habitat area for C. kiangsu is expected to expand, particularly under the SSP5-85 climate change scenario. (3) In the SSP1-26 and SSP5-85 climate scenarios, the geometric center of the suitable habitat generally shows a trend of gradually shifting northeast. (4) Under different climate scenarios, the suitable habitat of C. kiangsu has highly overlapping, indicating that the suitable habitat of C. kiangsu in the invaded areas is broader than in its native regions. In conclusion, the research findings represent a breakthrough in identifying the potential distribution areas of C. kiangsu, which is of great practical significance for the monitoring and control of C. kiangsu pest infestation in China and Southeast Asian countries.
Exploring the Deep Learning of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing: A Concept Analysis with Walker and Avant’s Approach
Authors: Wangpitipanit Supichaya , Lininger Jiraporn , Anderson Nick 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: In recent years, increased attention has been given to the use ofartificial intelligence (AI) or artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning(DL) in healthcare to address nursing challenges. However, the adoption of new technologies in nursing needs to be improved, and AI in nursing is still in its early stages. However, the current literature needs more clarity, which affects clinical practice, research, and theory development. This study aimed to clarify the meaning of deep learning and identify the defining attributes of artificial intelligence within nursing.
Methods: We conducted a concept analysis of the deep learning of AI in nursing care using Walker and Avant's 8-step approach. Our search strategy employed Boolean techniques across databases, including BMC, CINAHL, ClinicalKey for Nursing, Embase, Google Scholar, Ovid, Scopus, SpringerLink, ProQuest, PubMed, and Web of Science. By focusing on relevant keywords in titles and abstracts from articles published between 2018 and 2024, we initially found 574 sources.
Results: Thirty-six articles that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in this study. The attributes of evidence included four themes: focus and immersion, coding and understanding, arranging layers and algorithms, and implementing within the process of use cases to modify recommendations. Antecedents, unclear systems and communication, insufficient data management knowledge and support, and compound challenges can lead to suffering and risky caregiving tasks. The application of DL deep learning techniques enables nurses to simulate scenarios, predict outcomes, and plan care with greater precision. Embracing deep learning equipment allows nurses to makebetter decisions and empower them with enhanced knowledge, while ensuring adequate support and resources is essential for caregiver and patient well-being, and access to necessary equipment is vital for high-quality home healthcare.
Conclusion: This study provides a clearer understanding of the use of deep learning in nursing and its implications for nursing practice. Future research should focus on exploring the impact of deep learning on healthcare operations management through quantitative and qualitative studies. Additionally, the development of a framework to guide the integration of deep learning into nursing practice is recommended to facilitate its adoption and implementation.
The relationship between physical activity and general self-efficacy: a three-way interaction model
Authors: Liu Chong , Ding Zifan , Sun Zongchen , Chen Hanwen , Lu Tianci , Yan Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

General self-efficacy is crucial for university students who are about to enter the workplace and society. However, the association between physical activity, a widely recognized and convenient way to promote various psychological qualities, and general self-efficacy or other aspects of self-efficacy is often overlooked. Through psychological measurements of 480 university students, this study found that social comparison orientation and perceived social support jointly moderate the impact of physical activity on general self-efficacy among university students. Specifically, under conditions of high social comparison orientation and high levels of perceived social support, physical activity has a significant predictive effect on individuals' general self-efficacy. These findings suggest that universities and social institutions should pay attention to the importance of physical activity for university students' general self-efficacy. By encouraging their participation in physical activity and providing appropriate social support, they can help them establish positive self-evaluation and confidence to better cope with future challenges and difficulties.
Treatment of corneal dermoid with fibrin glue boned multi-layer lenticules derived from SMILE surgery
Authors: Li Zhen , Cheng Zhongxia , Jia Ziyu , Tang Yuyan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Dermoid resection combined with lamellar keratoplasty was one of the most common surgical techniques for corneal dermoid. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of FG boned SMILE-derived multi-layer lenticules as corneal grafts to treat corneal dermoid.
Methods
5 patients with corneal dermoid were involved in this study. All patients were treated with dermoid resection combined with FG boned multi-layer corneal lenticules transplantation. Ocular appearance, corneal grafts’ growth, location, epithelialization, transparency, and limbal pannus were assessed using slit lamp microscopy and anterior-segmental optical coherence tomography. The change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and astigmatism were examined preoperatively and postoperatively.
Results
Total of 5 patients were satisfied with the postoperative ocular appearance. All FG boned multi-layer lenticules grafts were successfully adhered to the corneal beds, without any dislocation or Interlayer separation. The lenticule grafts grew well and kept transparent during the follow-up time. Corneal epithelialization was observed in one week after transplantation, with smooth corneal epithelial coverage on the corneal surface, meanwhile, the grafts gradually merged with the recipient corneal stroma after 1mo post-operation. BCVA had been statistically improved from 0.36 ± 0.21 to 0.76 ± 0.17 in decimal at 3mo post-operation (Z=-2.060, P = 0.039). Postoperative corneal astigmatism also had been statistically decreased from 2.65 ± 0.42 D to 1.25 ± 0.18 D at 3mo postoperative (Z=-2.023, P = 0.043).
Conclusion
FG boned multi-layer lenticules would be the novel and feasible substitute for lamellar keratoplasty in the treatment of corneal dermoid. FG could not be only used as binder adhering multi-layer lenticules, closing the interlayer space of multi-layer lenticules, preventing the formation of interlayer fluid, but also increasing the thickness and toughness of lenticules, and therefore which is more facilitate to intraoperative suture.
Impact of co-morbid common mental disorder symptoms in people with epilepsy in Ethiopia on quality of life and functional disability: cohort study
Authors: Tsigebrhan Ruth , Medhin Girmay , Belina Merga , Newton Charles , Hanlon Charlotte 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
There is very limited prospective evidence on the impact of co-morbid mental health conditions in people with epilepsy living in low and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of common mental disorder (CMD; depression/anxiety) symptoms and risky substance use in people with epilepsy in Ethiopia on quality of life and functioning over six months.
Methods
A prospective cohort study of people with epilepsy was carried out in four districts of south-central Ethiopia. Comorbid CMD symptoms, risky substance uses (exposures) and the primary outcome, quality of life (QoL) was measured at baseline and 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes functional disability and seizure frequency were measured at follow-up. Multivariable linear regression was employed to evaluate whether comorbid CMD symptoms predicted a change in QoL and functional disability. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine direct and indirect pathways linking co-morbid CMD symptoms with QoL or functional disability.
Results
In the multivariable regression model, neither CMD symptoms (β coef= -0.37, 95%CI -1.30, + 0.55) nor moderate to high risk of alcohol use (β= -0.70, 95% CI -9.20, + 7.81) were significantly associated with a change in QoL, and there was no effect modification by treatment engagement. In SEM, QoL at 6 months was significantly predicted by seizure frequency. The summative effect of CMD on QoL was significant (B= -0.27, 95%CI -0.48, -0.056), although direct and indirect associations were non-significant. Change in functional disability was not significantly associated with baseline CMD symptoms (β coef.= -0.03, 95% CI-0.48,+0.54) or with moderate to high risk of alcohol use (β coef.= -1.31, 95% CI -5.89, 3.26). However, in the SEM model, functional disability at 6 months was predicted by both baseline CMD symptoms (B = 0.24, 95% CI 0.06, 0.41) and seizure frequency (B = 0.67, 95% CI 0.46, 0.87).
Conclusions
In this rural Ethiopian setting, co-morbid CMD symptoms and seizure frequency in PWE independently predicted functional disability in people with epilepsy. The association between CMD symptoms and QoL was less conclusive. Integrated management of mental health and neurological conditions is needed to better address the psychosocial needs and improved functioning of people with epilepsy.
Evolutionary Dynamics in the Genome of Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Strains from Northern Tanzania, pre- and post- Mass Drug Administration
Authors: Ghasemian Ehsan , Ramadhani Athumani , Harte Anna , Mafuru Elias , Derrick Tamsyn , Mtuy Tara , Massae Patrick , Malissa Aiweda , Breuer Judith , Pickering Harry , Bailey Robin L. , Mabey David , Burton Matthew J. , Holland Martin J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), remains a leading cause of preventable infection induced blindness worldwide. We conducted a four-year longitudinal study in three trachoma-endemic villages in Northern Tanzania, tracking infection dynamics and factors influencing trachomatous scarring progression and persistence pre- and post-Mass Drug Administration (MDA) interventions.
We analysed 118 whole genomes of Ct originating from ocular swabs of children. Sample collection was conducted at three-month intervals over four years, encompassing 15 timepoints. We studied Ct phylogeny, patterns of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) accumulation in individual isolates and single nucleotide variation (SNV) in the population, with association of clinical signs of trachoma and scarring progression.
Seventy-one (60.2%) samples were classified as serovar A (SvA) and 47 (39.8%) as serovar B (SvB) genomes. Initially, SvB dominated among pre-MDA samples (36/40, 90%), but SvA gradually became dominant after the first round of MDA (67/78, 85.9%) (P<0.0001). Two distinct subsets of SvA were found: subset_1 (29 sequences) pre-MDA, aligning with Tanzanian reference strain A/2497; subset_2 (42 sequences) post-MDA, showing a mutation rate roughly twice as high as subset_1, a 6 kbp genome reduction in the PZ, and forming a distinct cluster. Similarly, 13 SvB sequences exhibited diverse PZ genome reduction (~4 and ~10 kbp), yet all grouped with Tanzanian reference strain B/TZ1A828/OT.
Importantly, we observed a shift in the types of Ct serovars after the first round of MDA, with the emergence of a unique SvA subset with distinct genetic characteristics compared to those circulating before MDA. The observed decrease in the size of the Ct genome suggests a process where the Tanzanian ocular Ct strains may be streamlining, highlighting ongoing evolution. Further research is needed to understand the factors driving these changes and their impact on Ct biology and response to azithromycin.
Is it feasible to selectively perform axillary lymph node surgery for patients with biopsy diagnosed Ductal Carcinoma in Situ? A study based on developed and validation of nomogram
Authors: Peng Yuan , Wu Jinbo , Guo Hanyin , Xie Fei , Yang Houpu , Wang Siyuan , Wang Chaobin , Yang Yang , Du Wei , Lliu Miao , Wang Shu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
It is still unclear which patients diagnosed with DCIS through biopsy can benefit from lymph node surgery. We aimed to developed and validated a nomogram to predict the risk of upstaging to invasion, and explore the factors related to lymph node metastasis in biopsy diagnosis of DCIS patients.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on 526 cases diagnosed with DCIS before surgery in the period of January 2016 to December 2022. Nomograms for predicting the probability of invasion disease were constructed according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. This nomogram was validated using a second data set of 133 patients between January to December 2023. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis.
Results
Underestimating invasive carcinoma occurred in 42.0% of patients, of whom 37 had positive lymph node. Core needle biopsy, mass on mammography, moderate nuclear grade of DCIS and increased Ki-67 expression were associated with upstaging. Nomogram developed depending on these factors showed acceptable performance on predicting upstaging (AUC 0.724). This nomogram was validated in a second dataset with an AUC of 0.641. calcification on mammography, mass on MRI performance and large radiological size were independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis.
Conclusion
Underestimating invasive carcinoma with DCIS detected prior to surgery is common, but with a low probability of lymph node metastasis. This nomogram and factors associated with positive lymph node may provide help in selecting suitable patients for axillary lymph node excision.
Therapeutic protein targets for cardiometabolic diseases: Mendelian randomization integrating plasma proteomes with genome-wide association data
Authors: Zhou Ruixin , Qiao Jun , Cai Liuyang , Pauklin Siim , Feng Yuliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, and its risk is inseparable from metabolic abnormalities. Through summary-data-based Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis, we investigated the causal relationships between plasma proteins, 6 cardiovascular diseases, and 19 metabolic phenotypes. We identified 49 proteins genetically associated with CVDs, validated across two platforms, with 35 associated with one or more metabolic phenotypes and six having support of colocalization. These six candidate proteins were classified into three categories based on the utilization of drugs that are currently approved or in clinical trial phases, with PCSK9 already successful in drug development for CVDs and hypercholesterolemia. DUSP13B, LRIG1, APOH, INHBC, and GUSB also showed high drug potential. Further phenome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis indicated no potential side effects from targeting PCSK9 and APOH. This study revealed causal proteins for the onset of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic abnormalities, which contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis and the development of related drugs.
Limited Immunogenicity of an HLA-A*03:01-restricted Epitope of Erv-k-env in Non-hiv-1 Settings: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy in Cancer
Authors: Grundy Erin E. , Shaw Lauren C. , Wang Loretta , Powell Daniel J. , Ostrowski Mario , Jones R. Brad , Cruz C. Russell Y. , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Bollard Catherine M. , Chiappinelli Katherine B. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Repetitive elements (REs) are often expressed at higher levels in tumor cells than normal cells, implicating these genomic regions as an untapped pool of tumor-associated antigens. In ovarian cancer (OC), protein from the RE ERV-K is frequently expressed by tumor cells. Here we determined whether the targeting of a previously identified immunogenic epitope in the envelope gene (env) of ERV-K resulted in target antigen specificity in non-HIV-1 settings. We found that transducing healthy donor T cells with an ERV-K-Env-specific T cell receptor construct resulted in antigen specificity only when co-cultured with HLA-A*03:01 B lymphoblastoid cells. Furthermore, these transduced T cells were not specific for HLA-A*03:01 + OC cells nor for the cognate peptide in HLA-matched systems from multiple healthy donors. These data suggest that the ERV-K-Env epitope recognized by this T cell receptor is of low immunogenicity and has limited potential as a T cell target for OC.
Manganese primed immunochemotherapy in platinum-resistant/refractory ovarian cancer: a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial
Authors: Han Weidong , Mei Qian , Zhang Yan , Liu Jiejie , Chen Meixia , Gong Yandong , Liu Yang , Wang Tiance , Ye Mingxia , Jiang Zhengfan , Ming Qianyi , Lv Zijian , Fan Runjia , Yang Qingming , Du Yuan , Meng Yuanguang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Platinum-resistant or refractory ovarian cancer (PROC) remains without immunotherapy approval and dismal prognosis, emphasizing the urgent need for novel therapies. This phase 2, single-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial evaluated the safety and efficacy of manganese chloride or placebo plus sintilimab, nab-paclitaxel and cisplatin in these patients. 84 patients were randomized to the Mn2+ (n=55) or placebo (n=29) arm. The primary endpoint of objective response rate (ORR) was met at 61.8% in the Mn2+ and 13.8% in placebo group. The secondary endpoints of median PFS (9.8 vs. 3.9 months), OS (21.4 vs. 7.9 months) and DOR (14.9 vs. 1.8 months) were significantly prolonged in the Mn2+ group. No significant differences in AEs and quality of life were document during the treatment period. The serum cytokines and scRNA-seq evidenced the cGAS-STING agonist function of Mn2+. Our study supported Mn2+-priming immunochemotherapy as a promising treatment regimen for PROC patients. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03989336.