bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the cachexia index based on hand-grip strength (H-CXI) with the original CXI for the prediction of cancer cachexia and prognosis in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Yan Xia-Lin , Wu Lian-Ming , Tang Xiu-Bo , Li Zong-Ze , Zhang Zhao , Jiang Hao-Jie , Chen Zhang-Tao , Chen Ding-Hao , Li Jiang-Yuan , Shen Xian , Huang Dong-Dong 
Published: February 2024

Background and aimsThe cachexia index (CXI) is a novel biomarker for estimating cancer cachexia. The cachexia index based on hand-grip strength (H-CXI) has been recently developed as a simple proxy for CXI. The present study aims to compare both the H-CXI and CXI for the prediction of cancer cachexia and postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer.MethodsPatients who underwent radical operations for colorectal cancer were included in this study. Cancer cachexia was diagnosed according to the international consensus outlined by Fearon et al. The cachexia index (CXI) was calculated as [skeletal muscle index (SMI) × serum albumin/neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)]. The H-CXI was calculated as [hand-grip strength (HGS)/height2 × serum albumin/NLR]. The SMI was measured based on the preoperative CT images at the third lumbar vertebra (L3) level. HGS was measured before surgery.ResultsFrom July 2014 to May 2021, a total of 1,411 patients were included in the present study, of whom 361 (25.6%) were identified as having cancer cachexia. Patients with cachexia had a lower CXI (p &lt; 0.001) and lower H-CXI (p &lt; 0.001) than those without cachexia. A low CXI but not low H-CXI independently predicted cancer cachexia in the multivariate analysis (OR 1.448, p = 0.024). Both a low CXI (HR 1.476, p &lt; 0.001 for OS; HR 1.611, p &lt; 0.001 for DFS) and low H-CXI (HR 1.369, p = 0.007 for OS; HR 1.642, p &lt; 0.001 for DFS) were independent predictors for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after adjusting for the same covariates. A low H-CXI but not low CXI was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications (OR 1.337, p = 0.044). No significant association was found between cancer cachexia and postoperative complications.ConclusionThe CXI and H-CXI exhibited better prognostic value than cancer cachexia for the prediction of postoperative outcomes in patients who underwent radical colectomy for colorectal cancer. The H-CXI was a superior index over the CXI in predicting short-term clinical outcomes, whereas the CXI demonstrated a closer correlation with Fearon’s criteria for cancer cachexia. Ideal tools for the assessment of cancer cachexia should incorporate not only weight loss but also muscle mass, physical function, and inflammatory state.
A population-based study of 15,000 people on Knowledge and awareness of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlRabeeah Saad M. , Alzahrani Eidan M. , Aldhahir Abdulelah M. , Siraj Rayan A. , Alqarni Abdullah A. , AlDraiwiesh Ibrahim A. , Alqahtani Abdullah S. , Almqati Badr S. , Alharbi Turki G. , Almuntashiri Abdulraheem A. , Alghamdi Saeed M. , Aljohani Fahad E. , Almulhim Mohammed A. , Alshehri Ali F. , Naser Abdallah Y. , Alwafi Hassan , Alobaidi Nowaf Y. , Hjazi Ahmed M. , Alsulaimani Mujahid A. , Oyelade Tope , Alahmari Mushabbab , Alanazi Turki M. , Almeshari Mohammed A. , Alqahtani Jaber S. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundLung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases.MethodA cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer.ResultsMajority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionPublic awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.
Lower baseline testosterone level is related to earlier development of castration resistance in metastatic prostate cancer: a multi-center cohort study
Authors: Wong Ho Ming Chris , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Puche-Sanz Ignacio , Xue Zhao , Chen Dong-Ning , Gomez-Gomez Enrique , Heidegger Isabel , Kafka Mona , Wei Yong , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ng Anthony Chi Fai 
Published: February 2024

PurposeIn the era of concurrent combination therapy in metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer, the impact of the testosterone level before initiating androgen deprivation therapy on treatment outcome is still uncertain. We aimed to investigate its effect on time-to-castration-resistance in a metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer cohort.MethodsThis is a multi-center retrospective study of 5 databases from China, Japan, Austria and Spain including 258 metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer patients with androgen deprivation therapy initiated between 2002 and 2021. Baseline testosterone was divided into high and low groups using 12 nmol/L as cutoff level. Primary outcome was time-to-castration-resistance. Secondary outcomes were survival functions. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to evaluate the correlation between baseline testosterone and time-to-castration-resistance. Subgroup analysis was performed to elucidate the effect of upfront combination-therapy and metastatic volume.ResultsMedian age was 72 years. Median follow-up time was 31 months. Median pre-treatment prostate-specific-antigen level was 161 ng/mL. Majority of case were graded as International-Society-of-Urological-Pathology grade 5 (63.6%). 57.8% patients had high volume disease and 69.0% received upfront combination treatment. 44.6% of the cohort developed castration-resistance. The low testosterone group demonstrated shorter mean-time-to-castration-resistance (19.0 vs 22.4 months, p=0.031). The variance was more significant in patients without combination therapy (13.2 vs 26.3 months, p=0.015). Cancer-specific and overall survival were inferior in the low baseline testosterone level group without receiving combination therapy (p=0.001).ConclusionsLower pre-treatment testosterone level is correlated to shorter time-to-castration resistance and worse survival in metastatic prostate cancer patients without upfront combination therapy. Those with low baseline testosterone should be encouraged to adopt combination therapy to delay progression.
Comparison of clinical features and outcomes between two age groups of cryptorchidism testicular torsion in children: a retrospective study in single center
Authors: Wang Shengxiong , Tang Haohui , Zhang Jingmin , Qiu Ying , Xie Xianghui 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of children with cryptorchidism testicular torsion between the younger age group and the older age group.MethodsWe collected the clinical data of children with cryptorchidism complicated with testicular torsion in our hospital from January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2023. The patients were divided into two groups: the younger age group (1month∼4 years old, n = 7) and the older age group (4∼18 years old, n = 7). The differences of clinical manifestations and surgical results between the two groups were compared.ResultsA total of 14 patients with unilateral cryptorchidism testicular torsion were included in this study, including 9 on the left side and 5 on the right side. The main clinical manifestations were pain /swelling of groin. The rate of crying in the younger age group was significantly higher than those in the older age group [(5,71.4%) vs. (0,0.0%), P &lt; 0.05]. The median duration of symptoms of the younger group was less than the older group [42(7,96) h vs. 70(24, 96) h, P &gt; 0.05]. The ipsilateral testicular salvage rate in the younger age group was 14.3% (1/7), which was lower than the older age group 57.1% [(4/7), P &gt; 0.05]. The degree of testicular torsion in younger age group was more severe than the older age group [720(360, 1,080)° vs. 360(270, 360)°, P &gt; 0.05].ConclusionsThe overall salvage rate of cryptorchidism testicular torsion is low. Although the duration of symptoms in the older age group was longer, the salvage rate of the older age group seemed to be higher than that in the younger age group. In addition, physical and imaging examination of the reproductive system should be carried out in time to identify the children with cryptorchidism testicular torsion in the early stage.
Accurate and fast implementation of soybean pod counting and localization from high-resolution image
Authors: Yu Zhenghong , Wang Yangxu , Ye Jianxiong , Liufu Shengjie , Lu Dunlu , Zhu Xiuli , Yang Zhongming , Tan Qingji 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionSoybean pod count is one of the crucial indicators of soybean yield. Nevertheless, due to the challenges associated with counting pods, such as crowded and uneven pod distribution, existing pod counting models prioritize accuracy over efficiency, which does not meet the requirements for lightweight and real-time tasks.MethodsTo address this goal, we have designed a deep convolutional network called PodNet. It employs a lightweight encoder and an efficient decoder that effectively decodes both shallow and deep information, alleviating the indirect interactions caused by information loss and degradation between non-adjacent levels.ResultsWe utilized a high-resolution dataset of soybean pods from field harvesting to evaluate the model’s generalization ability. Through experimental comparisons between manual counting and model yield estimation, we confirmed the effectiveness of the PodNet model. The experimental results indicate that PodNet achieves an R2 of 0.95 for the prediction of soybean pod quantities compared to ground truth, with only 2.48M parameters, which is an order of magnitude lower than the current SOTA model YOLO POD, and the FPS is much higher than YOLO POD.DiscussionCompared to advanced computer vision methods, PodNet significantly enhances efficiency with almost no sacrifice in accuracy. Its lightweight architecture and high FPS make it suitable for real-time applications, providing a new solution for counting and locating dense objects.
Differences in proximal and intimacy-related defense mechanisms among patients with cancer in different psychological stages of dying
Authors: Zhou Jia , Li Mengxiang , Dong Jiarui , Shi Hui , Shi Meihong 
Published: February 2024

PurposeThis study measured three of the psychological stages of dying in patients with cancer and explored the differences in proximal and intimacy-related defense mechanisms at each stage.Patients and methodsA total of 220 cancer patients were recruited for this study; 168 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the data analysis. The participants were divided into three groups using the “Death Attitudes Questionnaire Revised” (1994) and then completed the Death-Thought Accessibility Test, Self-Control Questionnaire, Rumination Reflection Questionnaire, Attachment Type Test, Intimacy Test, External Control Test, and Positive and Negative Affect Scale.ResultsIn the death avoidance stage, which represents a defense stage without cognitive processes, patients are in an irrational state with the highest level of self-control and the lowest level of external control; they tend to prefer close relationships with many people while experiencing high levels of fear and depression. In the bargaining stage, which represents a biased cognitive defense stage, the level of rationality increases, the level of fear and depression decreases, and patients tend to prefer relationships with many people that do not involve intimacy. In the neutral death acceptance stage, which represents a defense stage without cognitive bias, self-control is lowest, external control is highest, patients tend to prefer intimate relationships with a few people, and experience the lowest levels of fear and depression.ConclusionThree psychological stages of death exist in cancer patients, with differences in proximal and intimacy-related defense mechanisms in each stage. The findings have theoretical and practical implications for psychological interventions for cancer patients.
The relationship between self-control and learning engagement among Chinese college students: the chain mediating roles of resilience and positive emotions
Authors: Yang Yue-Di , Zhou Chi-Liang , Wang Zi-Qing 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAs the main driver of talent cultivation in colleges and universities, the learning and development level of college students is a core indicator of the quality of talent cultivation. The current status of college students' learning has always been a heavily researched topic. However, there is a lack of academic research on the potential mechanisms of self-control about how it affects college students' learning engagement. This study explored the relationship between college students' self-control and learning engagement and the potential mechanisms underlying this relationship with reference to a large sample.MethodsA total of 765 college students from Guangxi, China, completed the self-control scale, the resilience scale, the positive emotions scale, and the learning engagement scale. SPSS 26.0 was used to conduct common method bias tests, descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and regression analyses. Structural equation modeling was constructed using AMOS 26.0, and mediation effects were tested.ResultsThis article mainly used questionnaires to collect data and, on this basis, examined the relationship between self-control, resilience, positive emotions, and the learning engagement of college students. The results showed that (1) self-control positively affected college students' learning engagement; (2) resilience partially mediated the relationship between self-control and college students' learning engagement; (3) positive emotions partially mediated the relationship between self-control and college students' learning engagement; and (4) resilience and positive emotions played a chain-mediating role between self-control and college students' learning engagement.ConclusionThe present study identifies the potential mechanism underlying the association between the self-control and learning engagement of college students. The results of this study have practical implications for enhancing the learning engagement of Chinese college students by increasing their psychological resources and improving the teaching of university teachers.
Prevalence and sociodemographic factors of depression, anxiety and stress in Saudi Arabia: a survey of respiratory therapists
Authors: Aldhahir Abdulelah M. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundDepression, anxiety and stress are prevalent among healthcare providers but limited data is available regarding respiratory therapists (RTs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress, and identify the associated sociodemographic factors among RTs in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was distributed to RTs in Saudi Arabia. Data were summarized using frequency and percentages. Stress, anxiety, and depression prevalence rates were expressed as proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The associated factors of stress, anxiety, and depression were subjected to logistic regression.ResultsOverall, 988 (91%) RTs, 661 (66.9%) males, completed the online survey. The prevalence (95% CI) of depression, anxiety and stress among RTs was 81.3% (0.787, 0.837), 89.6% (0.875, 0.914), and 45.5% (0.424, 0.487), respectively. RT staff who were ≥41 years old, divorced, widowed or separated, or had &gt; 10 years of clinical experience were more likely to experience stress. RTs who were (divorced, widowed or separated), did not live with their family, were current smokers, or worked the night shift were more likely to experience anxiety. RTs who were (divorced, widowed or separated), were current smokers, had &gt;10 years of clinical experience were more likely to experience depression.ConclusionStress, anxiety and depression are prevalent among RTs. Several sociodemographic factors are associated with the incidence of stress, anxiety and depression.
Lessons learned by adapting and implementing LUCHA: a deep-structure culturally tailored healthy eating randomized pilot intervention for ethnic-diverse Latinos
Authors: Mattei Josiemer , Caballero-González Areli , Maafs-Rodríguez Ana , Zhang Amelia , O’Neill H. June , Gago Cristina 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo report the adaptation and implementation of LUCHA (Latinos United for a Culturally Healthy Alimentation), a pilot intervention to improve dietary quality and behaviors (primary outcomes) of Latinos in Massachusetts, US, and the lessons learned during the process, including disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, to help shape future programs.MethodsThe cultural adaptation process was pre-planned using a framework, grounded in the Theory of Reasoned Action/Planned Behavior, and informed by formative mixed-methods research. A projected 75 self-identifying Latino adults (25–65y) were recruited with community-wide strategies and randomized to receive, in parallel, daily healthy eating text messages for 2 months, reinforced for 2 subsequent months, to either control (i.e., surface-level messages based on USDA MyPlate in Spanish), or intervention (i.e., deep-structure messages). The intervention messages were ethnically tailored to Caribbean or non-Caribbean heritages specifically, grounded in entrenched cultural attitudes, norms, and preferences. Trained research assistants administered questionnaires and clinical measurements at baseline, 2-months, and 4-months, in person (pre-pandemic) or via online video calls (at-pandemic). Clinicaltrials.gov registration #NCT04724382.ResultsLUCHA faced challenges and opportunities that conveyed lessons for future cultural adaptation and implementation of healthy eating programs. Recommendations are provided to improve digital programs for diverse ethnicities, such as widening language capabilities in texting services, using familiar video call applications, and instructing participants to measure their own clinical metrics at home using guided standardized protocols.ConclusionTailoring nutrition programs with deep-structure cultural messages is essential when promoting healthy eating in diverse Latino heritages. LUCHA can inform programs for similar ethnic groups.
Positive mental health and sense of coherence among emergency medical service professionals
Authors: Mantas-Jiménez Susana , Reig-García Glòria , Roqueta-Vall-Llosera Marta , Camara-Liebana David , Masià-Plana Afra , Lluch-Canut Maria Teresa , Juvinya-Canal Dolors 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPositive mental health (PMH) is a construct used to define and evaluate health from a positive perspective. Healthcare professionals in the emergency ambulance service are more likely to experience mental health disorders than the overall population. The demographic and occupational variables and Sense of Coherence (SOC) can act as predictors of PMH and can serve as protective elements against stress and demanding situations in the work environment.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate PMH and its relationship with demographic and occupational variables and determine if SOC is a predictive variable for PMH in health professionals working in the emergency ambulance service.MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with a sample of 406 healthcare professionals from the emergency ambulance service in eight health regions of Catalonia, Spain. The following variables were analyzed: Age, biological sex, household members, dependents family members, professional category, type of contract, job satisfaction and sense of collaboration with other institutions. The following assessment instruments were used: Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and Sense of Coherence scale.ResultsHigh scores were obtained in Positive Mental Health (PMH). Study participants who reported feeling completely satisfied in their work also showed a significant relationship with all PMH factors: greater satisfaction with their personal life, in their helpful prosocial attitude toward others, in their capability to deal effectively with stress and navigate conflict scenarios, in their ability to solve problems and self-realization, greater empathy and ability to understand the feelings of others, greater ability to establish interpersonal relationships. Comprehensibility, as a dimension of SOC, was identified as a predictor for some factors of PMH: a greater personal satisfaction, self-control, autonomy, interpersonal skills and total PMHQ. More than 43% of positive mental health in health professionals is explained by higher Meaningfulness and Comprehensibility values of the SOC, the absence of dependent family members and having a non-graduate background.ConclusionHealthcare workers in the emergency ambulance service had high PMH. Meaningfulness (ME) and Comprehensibility (C), dimensions of SOC, were identified as model predictors of greater PMH, showing higher scores in most of PMH factors. To enhance SOC as a mental health promotion measure, resilience programs should be implemented to help professionals develop skills to face and overcome adverse situations. Educating in stress management thought networks are key elements to strengthen SOC. Managers in emergency medical services play a key role in transforming healthcare work environments to promote positive outcomes in the mental health of their healthcare workers.