bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptance of peer physical examination in medical students in Wuhan, China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Khadour Younes A. , Khadour Ahmad M. , Ebrahem Bashar M. , Khadour Fater A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeer physical examination (PPE) is an essential part of the education of medical students. This study aimed to assess the acceptance level of PPE in Chinese society as well as other related factors. While there have been numerous studies on PPE acceptance in Western societies, there have been relatively few studies on this topic in China.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed via social media to clinical‐year medical students in China. With 1890 students participating overall, the response rate was 86.9%. The questionnaire collected demographic information and previous experience with PPE, and utilized a 5‐point Likert scale to assess acceptance of PPE and factors influencing it.ResultsOne thousand six hundred and forty‐four percent of Chinese medical students accepted PPE, with 13% rejecting it and 19% neutral. Males were more accepting of PPE than females, and females were less accepting of being examined by someone of the opposite gender. The groin/thigh and breast areas were the most rejected for examination. There were no significant differences in acceptance rates between universities or academic performance groups. However, society had a significant impact on the acceptance of PPE.ConclusionsWith a 67% acceptance rate of PPE among Chinese medical students, it could be considered a viable alternative to absent life models in Chinses universities. However, implementing PPE may come with its own set of difficulties, so it is recommended that a supervisor is present and that single‐gender groups are formed, with friends paired together if possible.
Efficacy and tolerability of Helicobacter pylori eradication regimes in South Kivu, Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo: A single center observational study
Authors: Shindano Tony A. , Masimango Manix I. , Kishabongo Antoine S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsTreating Helicobacter pylori infections has become a major challenge due to increased antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of the main standard regimens recommended for H. pylori eradication in Bukavu, Eastern of the Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsThe study enrolled patients with evidence of H. pylori infection in histological examination or serology testing combined with a positive fecal antigen test. As first‐line treatment, patients were randomized to either a 10‐days (OAC‐10) or a 14‐days (OAC‐14) regimen, employing a combination of omeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily. In case of failure, a second line regimen was evaluated and included two others protocols: OAC‐10 regimen + levofloxacin 500 mg (OAC‐10+) and the bismuth‐based therapy (pantoprazole + bismuth salt + metronidazole + tetracycline) during 10 days. Our primary endpoint was H. pylori eradication and secondarily, the compliance and adverse effects were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 179 patients were enrolled. The eradication rate was 79.2% and 80.5% with the OAC‐10 and OAC‐14 regimen, respectively (p = 0.796). Adverse effects were significant higher in the OAC‐14 group than in the OAC‐10 group (36.5% vs. 57.8%; p < 0.001). On the other hand, the compliance rate was slightly higher in the OAC‐10 group (97.9% vs. 91.6%, p = 0.052) while clinical improvement was almost similar in both groups. Regarding the second line regimen, the bismuth‐based therapy (n = 18) seemed to show a better response with 100% of eradication rate and 100% of clinical improvement.ConclusionThe classic 10‐days triple therapy seems to be as effective as the 14‐days regimen while having in addition a good tolerance. Apart from cost issues, the bismuth‐based therapy seems to be a very good alternative in case of first‐line treatment failure.
Does the duration of diabetes increase the risk of cancer? A nationwide population‐based cohort of patients with new‐onset diabetes and a matched reference cohort
Authors: Lohi Petrus , Auvinen Anssi , Niskanen Leo , Partonen Timo , Haukka Jari 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDiabetes mellitus and cancer are both common health issues, but the correlation between these two diseases remains unclear. We investigated the association of cumulative exposure of diabetes mellitus as an indication of hyperglycemia in terms of disease duration on multiple cancer types. We hypothesized that the risk of cancer would increase over time after the onset of diabetes. The study population consisted of a population‐based cohort of 398,708 people and it was constructed from the Finnish CARING project. The Diabetes group consisted of 185,258 individuals, and the non‐diabetic reference group comprised 187,921 individuals. Over 4.1 million person‐years were accumulated, and the median follow‐up time was 10.55 years. In the diabetes group, 25,899 cancer cases were observed compared with 23,900 cancers in the non‐diabetic group. We did not find a clear relationship between the duration of diabetes mellitus and most cancer types examined. However, for cancers of the pancreas, prostate gland, bronchus, and lungs, a temporal relationship was found. Furthermore, even within the cancer types where the relationship was detected, it did not change over time. These findings indicate that diabetes does not independently increase the risk of cancer. Instead, the development of diabetes may be attributed to shared risk factors with cancer, such as obesity and/or insulin resistance accompanied by hyperinsulinemia. Thus, it is likely that the clock for increased cancer risk starts ticking already before onset of diabetes and hyperglycemia.
Directors' and officers' liability insurance and minority shareholders' participation in corporate governance
Authors: Zhang Ruigang , Yang Runze , Huo Hanwen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study empirically investigates the influence of directors' and officers' liability insurance (D&O insurance) on minority shareholders' participation in corporate governance. Using a sample from Chinese A‐share listed companies between 2011 and 2018, we find that D&O insurance can significantly decrease the participation of minority shareholders, and this conclusion remains valid after robustness checks. The mechanism analysis demonstrates that D&O insurance plays a positive role in diminishing minority shareholders' participation through the enhancement of firm performance. Further analyses suggest that the negative association between D&O insurance and minority shareholders' participation is more pronounced in firms with weaker corporate governance practices. These findings provide evidence for the supervisory governance role of D&O insurance, suggesting China should consider encouraging listed companies to purchase D&O insurance for the protection of minority shareholders.
Prostate brachytherapy seed migration to the right renal artery due to right‐to‐left shunting across a patent foramen ovale
Authors: Nakiri Makoto , Ueda Kosuke , Hoshino Ryuji , Ito Naoki , Kurose Hirofumi , Nohara Shoichiro , Muraki Koichiro , Hattori Chikayuki , Ogo Etsuyo , Igawa Tsukasa 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe seeds used in brachytherapy for prostate cancer may migrate through the surrounding venous plexus to other sites in the body, most commonly to the pulmonary vasculature.Case presentationA 78‐year‐old Japanese man received iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate prostate brachytherapy. Computed tomography revealed that one seed had migrated to the right kidney. No seed was observed in the ureter upon ureteroscopy. Transesophageal echocardiography confirmed a right‐to‐left shunt due to a patent foramen ovale, suggesting that the seed had migrated into the right renal artery. Three years after treatment, no recurrence of prostate cancer and no adverse events due to seed migration or due to the patent foramen ovale occurred.ConclusionArteriovenous malformations and a right‐to‐left shunt should be suspected if a brachytherapy seed has migrated to an artery of the systemic circulatory system.
Diagnostic approaches for monkeypox virus
Authors: Fan Guohao , Kuang Jiahua , Zhang Shengjie , Yang Yang , Liu Yingxia , Lu Hongzhou 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMpox (formerly Monkeypox) is a zoonotic infection caused by Monkeypox virus (MPXV). Since 2022, Mpox epidemics have occurred in many non‐endemic countries and regions, leading the World Health Organization to declare a public health emergency of international concern. With the persistent transmission and evolution of MPXV, symptoms of Mpox have become milder, with some infections being asymptomatic. In addition, MPXV has become more contagious. Therefore, rapid and accurate diagnosis and screening of MPXV is vital to prevent and control MPXV epidemics. Here, we review and summarize the technical details, application scenarios, and the advantages and disadvantages of MPXV‐specific diagnostic methods.
Biophysical characteristics, distribution and conservation challenges of critically endangered Bhutan poppy (Papaver bhutanicum) in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan
Authors: Dendup Pema , Kuenzang Pema , Dorji Tandin , Wangchuk Wangchuk 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe occurrence of certain rare plant species in specific ecological habitats is intricately linked to a myriad of environmental conditions, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors. The prioritisation of monitoring efforts becomes more impactful when conservationists possess a comprehensive understanding of the ecology and distribution of rare species within their designated habitats and across the entire range of the species. In September 2023, a study was conducted in Jigme Dorji National Park to assess the ecology, distribution and threats to the critically endangered Bhutan poppy. This survey, employing random sampling, covered approximately 87 ha across Tshophu, Tshophu base and Jichudrakey base in Soe Gewog and analysed 202 2 × 2 m plots. The survey revealed 57 plant species from 24 families, with Asteraceae (17.5%) and Papaveraceae (12.3%) dominating. Notably, 46% of families comprised a single species, and significant species richness differences were observed between Tshophu, Tshophu base and Jichudrakey base. Correlations between species richness and environmental variables, including slope, rock cover (%), bare soil cover (%) and herb cover (%), were identified as significant. The Bhutan poppy was positively and significantly associated with the southwest aspect, occupying 59% of surveyed plots. Species distribution modelling predicted a distribution area of approximately 37.29 square kilometres within the national park. However, future climate scenarios indicated a significant shift in the distribution of the Bhutan poppy. By 2041–2060, there is an anticipated decrease of 33% in its distribution area, with a shift towards the northeast. In the period from 2061 to 2080, the distribution is expected to increase by 8% from its current range, maintaining the northeast shift. The study identified three primary threats: grazing, trampling and harvesting, with livestock activities prevalent in 92% of plots and signs of harvesting in 45%. These findings provide crucial insights into the ecological dynamics, distribution patterns and potential conservation challenges facing the Bhutan poppy in Jigme Dorji National Park's alpine habitats, emphasising the need for informed conservation strategies amidst changing environmental conditions.
Current progress and future perspectives in total‐body positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Part II: Clinical applications
Authors: Chen Ruohua , Sun Tao , Huang Gang , Zhou Yun , Liu Jianjun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTotal‐body positron emission tomography (TB‐PET) has significantly advanced from initial conception to global commercial availability. The high sensitivity of TB‐PET has led to superior lesion detection, thereby expanding the range of clinical applications. TB‐PET technology offers several advantages: (a) It enables the detection of small lesions, facilitating precise cancer staging and targeted cancer formulation. (b) The technology shortens the acquisition time while maintaining the quality of diagnostic images. (c) TB‐PET allows for a reduction in the amount of administered radiotracer, which minimizes image noise, reduces the effective radiation dose to patients, and enhances staff safety. (d) The scanner supports the development of new tracers and the dynamic imaging of these tracers throughout the entire body. (e) TB‐PET accommodates delayed scanning, which has been shown to improve the detection of small and previously undetected malignant lesions by enhancing the clearance in areas of significant background activity. (f) Owing to its high‐quality images, TB‐PET is suitable for parametric imaging, which offers several advantages over conventional standardized uptake value imaging. However, TB‐PET still faces several challenges. There is a lack of consensus on the optimal dose and scan duration for clinical diagnosis using TB‐PET. Additionally, unified standards for parametric imaging via TB‐PET are yet to be established, and the full clinical significance of this technology remains under‐explored. The accompanying review (Part 1) covers TB‐PET data manipulation and analysis.
Particulate matters 2.5 induce tumor progression in lung cancer by increasing the activity of hnRNPA2B1 resulting in retarding mRNA decay of oxidative phosphorylation
Authors: Bian Wen , Yu Haifeng , Zhang Xiaofei , Wang Yuxuan , Ni Bin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractParticulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) has been implicated in lung injury and various cancers, yet its precise mechanistic role remains elusive. To elucidate the key signaling pathways underpinning PM2.5‐induced lung cancer progression, we embarked on a study examining the impact of PM2.5 both in vitro and in vivo. Lung cancer cell lines, A549 and H157, were employed for the in vitro investigations. Overexpression or knockdown techniques targeting the hnRNPA2B1 protein were implemented. Lung cancer cells were treated with a medium containing PM2.5 and subsequently prepared for in vitro evaluations. Cell growth, invasion, and migration were gauged using transwell and CCK‐8 assays. Apoptosis was ascertained through flow cytometry and western blotting of pertinent proteins. Seahorse analyses probed the influence of PM2.5 on lung cancer energy metabolism. The RNA stability assay was employed to discern the impact of PM2.5 on the stability of oxidative phosphorylation‐related genes in lung cancer. Our findings revealed that PM2.5 augmented cell proliferation, migration, and invasion rates. Similarly, a diminished apoptosis rate was observed in PM2.5‐treated cells. Elevated expression of hnRNPA2B1 was detected in lung cancer cells exposed to PM2.5. Moreover, in cells treated with PM2.5, hnRNPA2B1 knockdown markedly curtailed cell proliferation by inducing G1–S cell cycle arrest and bolstered lung cancer cell apoptosis in vitro; it also curbed xenograft tumor growth. Mechanistically, our data suggest that PM2.5 undermines the stability of mRNA transcripts associated with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and augments the formation of processing bodies (P‐bodies), leading to an upsurge in OXPHOS levels. In conclusion, PM2.5 appears to drive lung cancer progression and migration by modulating the energy metabolism of lung cancer in a hnRNPA2B1‐dependent manner.
30–100 kHz, 2 ns passively Q‐switched laser for fast and efficient photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: He Hongsen , Wang Hanjie , You Huiyue , Dong Xin , Shi Jiawei , Dong Jun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractActively Q‐switched (AQS) fiber laser and solid‐state laser (SSL) are widely used for photoacoustic microscopy (PAM). In contrast, passively Q‐switched (PQS) SSL not only maintains most of the merits of AQS lasers, but also exhibits unique advantages, including the pulse width (PW), pulse repetition rate (PRR) tunability, wavelength, compactness, and cost. These advantages all benefit the PAM. However, there are few reports demonstrating the performance of PQS‐SSL on PA imaging. Here, we demonstrate a compact PQS‐SSL for fast and efficient PA imaging. The laser uniquely maintains a constant PW (~2 ns) and pulse energy (~3 μJ) during the PRR variation (30–100 kHz), which is valuable for preserving a stabilized imaging performance at different scanning rates. The PA imaging performance is compared by a resolution target and showcased by whole‐body scanning of an embryonic zebrafish in vivo. The performance indicates that PQS‐SSL is a promising candidate for PAM.
On the performance of composite schemes in determining equilibrium molecular structures
Authors: Sahoo Nitai P. , Franke Peter R. , Stanton John F. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDetermination of equilibrium molecular structures is an essential ingredient in predicting spectroscopic parameters that help in identifying molecular carriers of microwave transitions. Here, the performance of two different ab initio composite approaches for obtaining equilibrium structures, “energy scheme” and “geometry scheme,” is explored and compared to semi‐experimental equilibrium structures. This study is performed for a set of 11 molecules which includes diatomics, linear triatomics, and a few non‐linear molecules. The ab initio calculations were performed using three tiers of composite chemical recipes. The current results show that as the overall rigor of calculation is increased, the semi‐experimental and the ab initio numbers agree to within 0.0003 Å for all molecules in the test set. The composite approach based on correcting the potential energy surface (energy scheme) and the one based on correcting the geometry directly (geometry scheme) show excellent agreement with each other. This work represents a step toward development of efficient and highly accurate procedures for computing ab initio equilibrium structures.
Interleukin‐35 protein inhibits osteoclastogenesis and attenuates collagen‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Yuan Lin , Li Yuxuan , Liu Dan , Zhang Hui , Yang Jie , Shen Hui , Xia Liping , Yao Lutian , Lu Jing 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Its pathological features include synovial inflammation, bone erosion, and joint structural damage. Our previous studies have shown that interleukin (IL)‐35 is involved in the pathogenesis of bone loss in RA patients. In this study, we are further evaluating the efficacy of IL‐35 on collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) in the mouse model. Male DBA/1J mice (n = 10) were initially immunized, 2 μg/mouse IL‐35 was injected intraperitoneally every week for 3 weeks after the establishment of the CIA model. Clinical arthritis, histopathological analysis, and three‐dimensional micro‑computed tomography (3D micro‑CT) were determined after the mice were anesthetized on the 42th day. In vitro, RANKL/M‐CSF induced mouse preosteoclasts (RAW264.7 cells line) was subjected to antiarthritis mechanism study in the presence of IL‐35. The results of clinical arthritis, histopathological analysis, and 3D micro‑CT, the expression of RANK/RANKL/OPG axis, inflammatory cytokines, and osteoclastogenesis‐related makers demonstrated decreasing severity of synovitis and bone destruction in the ankle joints after IL‐35 treatment. Furthermore, IL‐35 attenuated inflammatory cytokine production and the expression of osteoclastogenesis‐related makers in a mouse preosteoclasts cell line RAW264.7. The osteoclastogenesis‐related makers were significantly reduced in IL‐35 treated RAW264.7 cells line after blockage with the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway. These results demonstrated that IL‐35 protein could inhibits osteoclastogenesis and attenuates CIA in mice. We concluded that IL‐35 can exhibit anti‐osteoclastogenesis effects by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and osteoclastogenesis‐related makers, thus alleviating bone destruction in the ankle joint and could be a potential therapeutic target for RA.
Ultrasound contrast‐enhanced diagnosis of testicular Leydig cell tumor: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yang Xu , Quan Li‐juan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLeydig cell tumor (LCT) is a rare testicular tumor. We report a case of an elderly male patient who discovered a left testicular mass during a regular health examination four years ago. The patient did not experience any significant discomfort and opted for regular follow‐up visits. During the most recent visit, we performed routine ultrasound and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations. By observing the lesion's location, echogenicity, margins, vascular distribution, as well as the rapid enhancement and slow washout characteristics on contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, we arrived at a diagnosis of LCT. Subsequently, the patient underwent left inguinal orchiectomy. Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of LCT. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive review of LCT‐related literature from PubMed and SCOPUS, summarizing the clinical features, follow‐up duration, prognosis, and ultrasound characteristics associated with LCT.
Structure‐based design of diarylpyrimidines and triarylpyrimidines as potent HIV‐1 NNRTIs with improved metabolic stability and drug resistance profiles
Authors: Xie Minghui , Wang Zhao , Zhao Fabao , Li Ye , Zhuo Zongji , Li Xin , De Clercq Erik , Pannecouque Christophe , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong , Kang Dongwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNon‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are an important component of anti‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome treatment regimen. In the present work, with the previously reported compound K‐16c as lead, a series of novel 2,4,5‐trisubstituted pyrimidine derivatives were designed based on the cocrystal structure of K‐16c/RT, with the aim to improve the anti‐human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) activities and metabolic stability properties. Compound 11b1 exhibited the most potent antiviral activity against wild‐type (WT) and a panel of single mutant HIV‐1 strains (EC50 = 2.4−12.4 nM), being superior to or comparable to those of the approved drug etravirine. Meanwhile, 11b1 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity (CC50 = 4.96 μM) and high selectivity index (SI = 1189) toward HIV‐1 WT strain. As for HIV‐1 RT inhibition test, 11b1 possessed excellent inhibitory potency (IC50 = 0.04 μM) and confirmed its target was RT. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation was performed to elucidate the improved drug resistance profiles. Moreover, 11b1 was demonstrated with favorable safety profiles and pharmacokinetic properties in vivo, indicating that 11b1 is a potential anti‐HIV‐1 drug candidate worthy of further development.