bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between nutritional status and prognosis in advanced gastrointestinal cancer patients in palliative care: an observational cohort study
Authors: MAO Ting , Yorke Janelle , ZHANG Xiaoju , SHI Yan , WANG Jingyi , KONG Xiaoqian , Lam Ka Wai , LIU Qi , YANG Funa , HO Ka Yan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective The study aimed to determine the nutritional status and its prognostic effect on survival of patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
Methods An observational cohort study design was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. The study consisted of 202 advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients from a palliative care unit. The following data was collected from the patients: biochemical indicators, i.e. anemia (hemoglobin levels), albumin, pre-albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and anthropometric parameters, i.e. body mass index, nutritional status by Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), symptoms in nutrition by a structured questionnaire and performance status by Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS). Severe malnutrition was confirmed with the PG-SGA score of ≥9. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test were used to calculate overall survival (OS). The effect of nutritional status on survival was performed by Cox regression analysis.
Results Severe malnutrition was found in 71.3% of patients according to the cutoff of the PG-SGA. PG-SGA score ≥ 9, albumin level < 35 g/L and CRP level ≥10 mg/L predicted shorten life expectancy. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that PG-SGA score ≥ 9 and the albumin level < 35 g/L were predictive of OS.
Conclusion Our data supported that severe malnutrition was a predictor for OS in advanced GI cancer patients. Information on nutritional status should be considered to individualize palliative care plan for these patients, and hence improve their quality of life.
Postoperative CT Evaluation of Anterior-inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Anatomical Repair and Augmentation with an Anchor-rope System
Authors: wang Sijie , Ren Yapeng , Wang Chengliang , Hao Dongsheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to evaluate syndesmosis injury treatment involving anatomical repair of the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and augmentation with an anchor-rope system and to evaluate the reduction of the syndesmosis through computed tomography (CT).
Methods
This retrospective analysis included 34 patients treated for syndesmotic injuries at our hospital between July 2018 and February 2022. All 34 patients underwent anatomical repair of the AITFL and augmentation with an anchor-rope system. Plain radiography and CT scans were obtained preoperatively. Postoperative radiographic assessments included anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and CT scans of both ankles. Additionally, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score was used for postoperative assessment of the ankle.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 38.3 ± 16.0 (range, 16–72) years. The mean follow-up time was 16.2 ± 4.1 (range, 12–25) months. Malreduction occurred in five cases (14.7%) in our study. No significant differences were observed in any of the measurements between the affected and normal sides in the remaining patients after surgery. No complications, such as delayed wound healing, lateral pain, or fracture nonunion, occurred in any patient. The mean AOFAS score at the last follow-up was 95.9 ± 5.2 points (range, 82–100 points).
Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that anatomical repair of the AITFL and augmentation with an anchor-rope system can effectively reduce syndesmosis and achieve good radiologic and patient-reported outcomes.
NRF2 signaling plays an essential role in cancer progression through the NRF2-GPX2-NOTCH3 axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Jin Xiaoye , Lou Xiayuan , Qi Haoxiang , Zheng Chao , Li Bo , Siwu Xuerong , Lv Qiaoli , Zhao An , Ruan Jian , Jiang Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2) has been observed in various cancers. Yet its exact contribution to the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains undetermined.
Methods: We systematically investigated the role of NRF2 in HNSCC, ultimately selecting GPX2, which exhibited a marked downregulation, for a detailed mechanistic analysis. Firstly, we knocked out NRF2 by CRISPR-Cas9, and subsequently confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western Blot. The role of NRF2was evaluated through various assays, including cell growth assays, colony formation assays, 3D cultures, cell migration and invasion assessments, ROS detection, and xenograft tumor models. Furthermore, we performed RNA sequencing on NRF2-KO cells compared to NRF2-WT cells identified GPX2 as a downstream target of NRF2. This finding led us to examine the role of GPX2 in the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Notably, CSC analysis indicated the involvement of the NOTCH signaling pathway in HNSCC progression, and the critical role of NOTCH3 was confirmed using the serious experimental approaches mentioned earlier.
Results: We previously found that NRF2 signaling is critical for the differentiation of squamous basal progenitor cells, while disruption of NRF2 causes basal cell hyperplasia. In this study, we revealed a correlation between elevated NRF2 activity and poor outcomes in HNSCC patients. We demonstrated that NRF2 facilitates tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion, as evidenced by both in vitro and in vivo studies. Significantly, NRF2 augments the expression of the antioxidant enzyme GPX2, thereby enhancing the proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties of HNSCC cells. Activation of GPX2 is critical for sustaining CSCs by up-regulating NOTCH3, a key driver of cancer progression.
Conclusions: NRF2 regulates HNSCC progression through the NRF2-GPX2-NOTCH3 axis. Our findings proposed that pharmacological targeting of the NRF2-GPX2-NOTCH3 axis could be a potential therapeutic approach against HNSCC.
A rare case of prosthetic joint infection caused by group D Salmonella
Authors: Barbiero Anna , Graziani Lucia , Piccica Matteo , Raspanti Francesco , Zanna Luigi , Mugnaini Marco , Attala Letizia , Pietro Massimo Antonio Di 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are gaining growing attention as a health-care issue. Salmonella spp. is a rare cause of PJI, mostly involving hip-arthroplasty rather than knee arthroplasty. Therefore, indications for the best management of PJI involving knee-arthroplasties caused by Salmonella spp. are not clear. We report a case of knee-PJI caused by group D Salmonella, successfully treated with a two-stage revision surgery and appropriate antibiotic therapy, based on antimicrobial susceptibility of the cultural isolate. Such challenging cases evidence that clinical success is achievable through appropriate medical and surgical management, combined with a strong collaboration between orthopedics and infectious disease specialists.
Development of a machine learning model for predicting the expression of proteins associated with targeted therapy in endometrial cancer
Authors: Sun Chenwen , Li Qianling , Huang Ya'nan , Xia Yang , Li Meiping , Zhu Xiucong , Zhu Jinke , Zhao Zhenhua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: To develop a machine learning model integrates multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features and clinicopathological features to predict the expression status of phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PI3KCA), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which are frequently linked with targeted therapy for endometrial cancer (EC), in order to establish a dependable foundation for personalized adjuvant therapy for EC patients.
Methods: we retrospectively recruited 82 EC patients who underwent preoperative MRI and radical resection at two independent hospitals. 60 patients from Center 1 were utilized as the training set for constructing the machine learning model, while 22 patients from Center 2 served as an external validation set to assess the model's performance. We evaluated the performance of models predicted three proteins’ expression using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Result: To construct machine learning models for predicting the expression of PTEN, PI3KCA, and mTOR, we respectively screened 5 radiomic and 7 clinicopathologic features, 4 radiomic and 9 clinicopathologic features, and 3 radiomic and 10 clinicopathologic features. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the radscore, clinicopathology, and combination models predicting PTEN expression were 0.875, 0.703, and 0.891 in the training set, and 0.750, 0.844, and 0.833 in the validation set, respectively. The AUC values for the models predicted PI3KCA expression in the training set were 0.856, 0.633, and 0.880, respectively, in the validation set, they were 0.842, 0.667, and 0.825. The AUC of each model for mTOR were 0.896, 0.831, and 0.912 in the training set, and 0.729, 0.847, and 0.829 in the validation set. Calibration curve analysis and DCA showed that the combination models were both well calibrated and clinically useful.
Conclusion: Machine learning models integrating multi-parametric MRI radiomics and clinicopathological features can be a potential tool for predicting PTEN, PI3KCA, and mTOR expression status in EC patients.
Relationship between musculoskeletal body region pain complaints, depression and physical activity level in major hospitals of Abbottabad, Pakistan
Authors: Shah* Rizwan Ullah , Tanoli Maheen , Wajid Zawish , Khan Konain Bint , Khan* Najeeb Ullah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction/Aim
The growing recognition of musculoskeletal disorders in the northern region of Pakistan, specifically Abbottabad, lacks contextually relevant data for devising effective prevention and intervention strategies in the mitigation of MSDs burden. This study aims to explore the relationship between musculoskeletal body region pain complaints, depression and physical activity of those visiting major hospitals in Abbottabad.
Methodology
The cross-sectional study design aimed to determine the incidence of MSDs (NMQ: Nordic Musculoskeletal complaints rating questionnaire) in 384 female participants in Abbottabad. Informed consent was obtained from all the subjects. Secondly, the relationship between MSD regions, depression (PHQ-9: patient depression questionnaire) and physical activity (IPAQ: International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was sought via phi value, Cramer's V value and logistic regression.
Results
The incidence of MSDs was noticeably higher in females above 40 years of age and who were employees. There was a significant (p < 0.05) negative weak to moderate correlation (Phi − 0.103 to -0.148) between employment and MSDs regions. In contrast, depression and physical activities had a significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation (Cramer's V: 0.129 to 0.225) with the upper back, shoulders and elbow. Individuals who were depressed were more likely to complain about their upper back and shoulders (OR 1.4, p < 0.01).
Conclusion
A significant relationship was observed between depression and MSDs. Higher musculoskeletal pain complaints were noticed in females who were not employees. The study suggested that awareness and multi-dimensional interventions addressing physical, psychological and social barriers are required for prevention and decrease in MSD complaints.
Onyx prevent the bleeding of ruptured aneurysms during interventional embolization
Authors: Yang Chenxing , Liao Yiwei , Peng Gang , Shen Chenfu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Endovascular treatment has been acknowledged as an effective treatment for intracranial aneurysms, showcasing favorable clinical outcomes and providing robust protection against rebleeding and rupture. Notably, during the endovascular procedure, significant complications include surgical aneurysm rupture induced by microcatheters, microguidewires, or spring coils, along with thromboembolic events, significantly escalating patient mortality and disability. Current approaches for treating intraprocedural aneurysmal rupture involve various strategies such as heparin reversal, compression of the common carotid artery or upstream soft guidewire to mitigate blood flow, management of intracranial pressure and blood pressure, and balloon-assisted or unassisted rapid dense embolization of the aneurysm. Nevertheless, these measures may prove insufficient in halting hemorrhage, especially in scenarios where additional coils cannot be added for dense embolization due to inherent limitations. In this context, we introduce a novel strategy for the prompt, safe, and effective cessation of aneurysm bleeding, which involves injecting an appropriate quantity of Onyx into the aneurysm through a microcatheter while safeguarded by an aneurysm-carrying arterial braided stent. Initially, we attempted dense embolization by filling multiple coils. However, in cases where continued coil filling proved unfeasible or failed to sufficiently prevent contrast agent extravasation, we opted for Onyx injection into the aneurysm. Utilizing Onyx effectively prevented further blood extravasation without adversely impacting the aneurysm-carrying artery or distal vessels, leading to favorable prognoses for all patients. This article delineates our surgical strategy, highlighting the efficacy and safety of Onyx injection as an alternative or complementary measure in managing complications arising from endovascular coil embolization.
Spectral quantization of discrete random walks on half-line, and orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle
Authors: Doliwa Adam , Siemaszko Artur 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We define quantization scheme for discrete-time random walks on the half-line consistent with Szegedy's quantization of finite Markov chains. Motivated by the Karlin and McGregor description of discrete-time random walks in terms of polynomials orthogonal with respect to a measure with support in the segment [-1,1], we represent the unitary evolution operator of the quantum walk in terms of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. We find the relation between transition probabilities of the random walk with the Verblunsky coefficients of the corresponding polynomials of the quantum walk. We show that the both polynomials systems and their measures are connected by the classical Szegö map. Our scheme can be applied to arbitrary Karlin and McGregor random walks and generalizes the so called Cantero--Grünbaum--Moral--Velázquez method. We illustrate our approach on example of random walks related to the Jacobi polynomials. Then we study quantization of random walks with constant transition probabilities where the corresponding polynomials on the unit circle have two-periodic real Verblunsky coefficients. We present geometric construction of the spectrum of such polynomials (in the general complex case) which generalizes the known construction for the Geronimus polynomials. In the Appendix we present the explicit form, in terms of Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind, of polynomials orthogonal on the unit circle and polynomials orthogonal on the real line with coefficients of arbitrary period.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. 81P68, 05C81, 42C05, 94A11.
Examining immune-inflammatory mechanisms of probiotic supplementation in depression: secondary findings from a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sempach Lukas , Doll Jessica , Limbach Verena , Marzetta Flavia , Schaub Anna-Chiara , Schneider Else , Kettelhack Cedric , Mählmann Laura , Schweinfurt Nina , Ibberson Mark , Lang Undine , Schmidt André 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We recently indicated that four-week probiotic supplementation significantly reduced depression along with microbial and neural changes in people with depression. Here we further elucidated the biological modes of action underlying the beneficial clinical effects of probiotics by focusing on immune-inflammatory processes.
The analysis included a total of N=39 participants with depression, from which N=18 received the probiotic supplement and N=21 received a placebo over four weeks, in addition to treatment as usual. Blood and saliva were collected at baseline, at post-intervention (week 4) and follow-up (week 8) to assess immune-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, CRP, MIF), gut-related hormones (ghrelin, leptin), and a stress marker (cortisol). Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses were conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEG). Finally, we analyzed the associations between probiotic-induced clinical and immune-inflammatory changes.
We observed a significant group x time interaction for the gut hormone ghrelin, indicative of an increase in the probiotics group. Additionally, the increase in ghrelin was correlated with the decrease in depressive symptoms in the probiotics group. Transcriptomic analyses identified 51 up- and 57 down-regulated genes, which were involved in functional pathways related to enhanced immune activity. We identified a probiotic-dependent upregulation of the genes ELANE, DEFA4 and OLFM4 associated to immune activation and ghrelin concentration.
These results underscore the potential of probiotic supplementation to produce biological meaningful changes in immune activation in patients with depression. Further large-scale mechanistic trials are warranted to validate and extend our understanding of immune-inflammatory measures as potential biomarkers for stratification and treatment response in depression.
Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02957591.
The Effect of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sleep Pattern on Success in Medical Students
Authors: Mutlu Serra Nur , Pasin Özge , Konar Naime Meriç 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of nutrition, physical activity, and sleep patterns on the academic performance of medical students. A questionnaire-based survey involving 330 medical students from two universities was conducted to collect data on demographic characteristics, nutrition, sleep patterns, and physical activity. Academic performance was assessed by obtaining students’ grade point averages (GPAs) from the respective faculties' deanships. The relationship between lifestyle factors and academic success was examined using advanced statistical analysis methods: cluster analysis and biplot method. The correlation of the lifestyle factors and GPAs was visualized in a low-dimensional space with a biplot. The findings revealed that students residing with their families, without outside work commitments, engaging in daily walking, and maintaining regular sleep patterns achieved significantly higher GPAs. Students were divided into two distinct clusters based on lifestyle factors and differences in GPA to determine the factors with the greatest impact on academic performance including the impact of studying on physical activity, self-perception of nutritional quality, engagement in daily walking, and self-perception of physical activity. There was a significant statistical difference in GPA values between the clusters. This study highlights the impact of nutrition, physical activity, and sleep patterns on students’ GPAs, emphasizing the importance of a stable family life, regular sleep routines, and engagement in physical activity for better academic performance. Further research is needed to establish causal relationships and explore potential interventions to support medical students in achieving optimal lifestyle habits for academic success.
High standard uptake value on FDG-PET/CT of the primary lesion of hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with early recurrence after curative resection
Authors: Kato Kazuya , Noda Takehiro , Kobayashi Shogo , Yamanaka Chihiro , Sasaki Kazuki , Iwagami Yoshifumi , Yamada Daisaku , Tomimaru Yoshito , Takahashi Hidenori , Asaoka Tadafumi , Shimizu Junzo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is useful for detecting the presence of distant metastases in many types of cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the clinical significance of the standard uptake value (SUV) in primary HCC lesions is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the SUV, clinicopathological factors, and prognosis in HCC.
Methods
The retrospective analysis included 86 patients with HCC who underwent FDG-PET/CT prior to liver resection. The distribution of SUV was compared in three groups: no recurrence after surgery, recurrence within 2 years, and recurrence after 2 years. The optimal cut-off SUV were determined based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to detect the recurrence within 2 years. All patients were divided into two groups based on the cut-off: low and high SUV. Cox univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for disease-free survival.
Results
The SUV was significantly higher in patients with recurrence within 2 years. The optimal cut-off SUV was 5.0. The patients in the high SUV group had significantly higher des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, poorer differentiation, and larger tumor diameter than the low SUV group, and presented with pathologically positive intrahepatic metastases. Moreover, high SUV was a significant and independent prognostic factor. In a subgroup analysis, high SUV had a significantly lower 2-year disease-free survival rate than the low SUV group in tumors ≤ 3.5 cm.
Conclusion
High SUV (≥ 5) on FDG-PET/CT of the primary HCC lesion, especially tumors ≤ 3.5 cm, correlates with early recurrence after curative resection and is an independent prognostic factor.