bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-dose adropin stimulates inflammasome activation of macrophage via mitochondrial ROS involved in colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Jia Linghui , Liao Liting , Jiang Yongshuai , Hu Xiangyu , Lu Guotao , Xiao Weiming , Gong Weijuan , Jia Xiaoqin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAdropin is encoded by the energy homeostasis-associated (ENHO) gene and widely present in liver, pancreas, heart, kidney, brain, and vascular tissues. Abnormal adropin is associated with metabolic, inflammatory, immune, and central nervous disorders. Whether adropin is involved in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) is still unclear. Here, decreased adropin expression of tumor-nest cells in advanced-stage CRC was demonstrated. Adropin expressed by carcinoma cells was negatively correlated with macrophage infiltration in the matrix of CRC tissues. However, tumor macrophages enhanced adropin expression and were positively correlated with tumor invasion and metastasis. ENHO gene transfection into colon cancer (MC38) cells inhibited tumor growth in vivo, accompanying the increase of M1 macrophages. Treatment with low-dose adropin (< 100 ng/mL) on macrophages ex vivo directly increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species for inflammasome activation. Furthermore, ENHO−/− mice had less M1 macrophages in vivo, and ENHO−/− macrophages were inert to be induced into the M1 subset ex vivo. Finally, low-dose adropin promoted glucose utilization, and high-dose adropin enhanced the expression of CPT1α in macrophages. Therefore, variations of adropin level in carcinoma cells or macrophages in tumor tissues are differently involved in CRC progression. Low-dose adropin stimulates the antitumor activity of macrophages, but high-dose adropin facilitates the pro-tumor activity of macrophages. Increasing or decreasing the adropin level can inhibit tumor progression at different CRC stages.
The role of spleen volume change in predicting immunotherapy response in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Aslan Volkan , Karabörk Kılıç Atiye Cenay , Özet Ahmet , Üner Aytuğ , Günel Nazan , Yazıcı Ozan , Savaş Gözde , Bayrak Ahmet , Eraslan Emrah , Öksüzoğlu Berna , Kılıç Hüseyin Koray , Özdemir Nuriye 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is a significant issue in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), as it is in the majority of cancer types. An important deficiency in immunooncology today is the lack of a predictive factor to identify this patient group. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a type of cell that contributes to immunotherapy resistance by inhibiting T cell activity. While it accumulates in the tumor microenvironment and blood, it can also accumulate in lymphoid organs such as the spleen and cause splenomegaly. Therefore we aimed to evaluate the effect of increase in splenic volume, which can be considered as an indirect indicator of increased MDSC cells, on survival outcomes in mRCC patients.

Methods
We analyzed 45 patients with mRCC who received nivolumab as a second-line or subsequent therapy. Splenic volume was analyzed from baseline imaging before starting nivolumab and from control imaging performed within the first 6 months of treatment initiation. Additionally, we analyzed how patients’ body mass index (BMI), IMDC risk score, ECOG performance status, nephrectomy status, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and sites of metastasis.

Results
Median splenic volume change was 10% (ranging from − 22% to + 117%) during follow-up. Change in splenic volume was found to be associated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.025, 0.04). The median PFS in patients with increased splenic volume was 5 months, while it was 17 months in patients without increased splenic volume. (HR 2.1, 95% CI (1–4), p = 0.04). The median OS in patients with increased splenic volume was 9 months, while it was 35 months in patients without increased splenic volume (HR 2.7, 95% CI (1.1–6.2), p = 0.025). In four patients with decreased splenic volume, neither PFS nor OS could reach the median value. Log-rank p value in respectively (0.015, 0.035), The group in which an increase in volume was accompanied by a high NLR had the shortest survival rate. Basal splenic volume was analyzed separately. However, neither PFS nor OS differed significantly.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the change in splenic volume throughout immunotherapy regimens may be utilized to predict PFS and OS in mRCC patients undergoing treatment.
Non-use of diabetes medication and its associated factors: a comparative analysis of female and male patients in four Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Ayebeng Castro , Okyere Joshua , Dickson Kwamena Sekyi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Globally, the burden of disease is shifting towards non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces an increasing prevalence of diabetes, hindering the achievement of global health goals. This study investigates the determinants of non-use of diabetes medication, specifically exploring potential sex differences in four SSA countries.

Methods
This cross-sectional study analyzed recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data (2017–2021) from four SSA countries (Benin, Cameroon, Madagascar, and Mauritania). Samples included 23,695 women and 25,339 men, focusing on individuals with diabetes not using medication (248 women, 162 men). Descriptive and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression models, were conducted using Stata version 14. Odds ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval to determine the associations.

Results
This study found that a larger proportion of female patients with diabetes (64.1%) were not using diabetes medication compared to their male counterparts (59.4%). Age influenced medication non-use in males, with older individuals exhibiting lower odds of non-usage. Higher wealth status was associated with lower odds of non-use of diabetes medications. The presence of heart disease was associated with a lower likelihood of medication non-use among females.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates sex disparities, age differences, wealth status, heart disease, and country-specific variations in medication non-use. Tailored interventions for different age groups, as well as socioeconomic support, are critical, as is integrated cardiovascular and diabetes care. These actions can improve medication use and adherence, quality of life, and long-term diabetes management outcomes.
DC/TMD axis I subtyping: generational and gender variations among East Asian TMD patients
Authors: Yap Adrian Ujin , Liu Chengge , Lei Jie , Park Ji Woon , Kim Seong Hae , Lee Byeong-min , Fu Kai Yuan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study examined the generational-gender distinctions in Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) subtypes among East Asian patients.MethodsConsecutive “first-visit” TMD patients presenting at two university-based TMD/orofacial pain clinics in China and South Korea were enlisted. Demographic information along with symptom history was gathered and clinical examinations were performed according to the DC/TMD methodology. Axis I physical diagnoses were rendered with the DC/TMD algorithms and categorized into painful and non-painful TMDs. Patients were categorized into three birth cohorts, specifically Gen X, Y, and Z (born 1965–1980, 1981–1999, and 2000–2012 respectively) and the two genders. Data were evaluated using Chi-square/Kruskal-Wallis plus post-hoc tests and logistic regression analyses (α = 0.05).ResultsGen X, Y, and Z formed 17.2%, 62.1%, and 20.7% of the 1717 eligible patients examined (mean age 29.7 ± 10.6 years; 75.7% women). Significant differences in prevalences of arthralgia, myalgia, headache (Gen X ≥ Y > Z), and disc displacements (Gen Z > Y > X) were observed among the three generations. Gen Z had substantially fewer pain-related and more intra-articular conditions than the other generations. Women presented a significantly greater frequency of degenerative joint disease and number of intra-articular conditions than men. After controlling for generation-gender interactions, multivariate analyses showed that “being Gen X” and female increased the risk of painful TMDs (OR = 2.20) and reduced the odds of non-painful TMDs (OR = 0.46).ConclusionsGenerational-gender diversities in DC/TMD subtypes exist and are important for guiding TMD care and future research endeavors.
Effects of simulation in improving the self-confidence of student nurses in clinical practice: a systematic review
Authors: Alrashidi Nojoud , Pasay an Eddieson , Alrashedi Maha Sanat , Alqarni Aidah Sanad , Gonzales Ferdinand , Bassuni Enas Mohammed , Pangket Petelyne , Estadilla Lorraine , Benjamin Lizy Sonia , Ahmed Kawther Elthayeb 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Considering the positive influence of simulation from previous literature may encourage educators to regard it as a valuable teaching strategy in nursing schools. This literature review aims to investigate whether the use of simulation improves undergraduate nurses’ self-confidence during clinical practice.

Methodology
This study employed a literature-based design. Five academic databases, including CINAHL, EBSCO, ProQuest, PubMed and Medline, were utilised to extract relevant studies using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators. Studies published in the last 15 years (2005–2020) were included in the search. Studies were retrieved using the Exclusion and Inclusion criteria. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) was used to critically appraise the studies.

Results
A total of 15 primary research studies were extracted for review. Four major themes emerged from the review: Improved self-confidence to carry out clinical tasks, Increased ability to work in teams, Improved self-confidence to perform community work and Improved self-confidence in communicating with patients and team members.

Conclusion
Clinical simulation is a useful tool in increasing the self-confidence of nursing students to perform clinical tasks, make clinical judgements, communicate with patients and team members and improve their teamwork. To improve the quality of care received by patients, it is recommended that clinical simulations be integrated into the nursing curriculum in Saudi Arabia. Increasing the confidence of students has been shown to be associated with greater confidence in performing clinical tasks.
Dealing with missing data in laboratory test results used as a baseline covariate: results of multi-hospital cohort studies utilizing a database system contributing to MID-NET® in Japan
Authors: Komamine Maki , Fujimura Yoshiaki , Omiya Masatomo , Sato Tosiya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
To evaluate missing data methods applied to laboratory test results used for confounding adjustment, utilizing data from 10 MID-NET®-collaborative hospitals.

Methods
Using two scenarios, five methods dealing with missing laboratory test results were applied, including three missing data methods (single regression imputation (SRI), multiple imputation (MI), and inverse probability weighted (IPW) method). We compared the point estimates of adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between the five methods. Hospital variability in missing data was considered using the hospital-specific approach and overall approach. Confounding adjustment methods were propensity score (PS) weighting, PS matching, and regression adjustment.

Results
In Scenario 1, the risk of diabetes due to second-generation antipsychotics was compared with that due to first-generation antipsychotics. The aHR adjusted by PS weighting using SRI, MI, and IPW by the hospital-specific-approach was 0.61 [95%CI, 0.39–0.96], 0.63 [95%CI, 0.42–0.93], and 0.76 [95%CI, 0.46–1.25], respectively. In Scenario 2, the risk of liver injuries due to rosuvastatin was compared with that due to atorvastatin. Although PS matching largely contributed to differences in aHRs between methods, PS weighting provided no substantial difference in point estimates of aHRs between SRI and MI, similar to Scenario 1. The results of SRI and MI in both scenarios showed no considerable changes, even upon changing the approaches considering hospital variations.

Conclusions
SRI and MI provide similar point estimates of aHR. Two approaches considering hospital variations did not markedly affect the results. Adjustment by PS matching should be used carefully.
Predictive value of machine learning algorithm of coronary artery calcium score and clinical factors for obstructive coronary artery disease in hypertensive patients
Authors: Wang Minxian , Sun Mengting , Yu Yao , Li Xinsheng , Ren Yongkui , Yin Da 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The addition of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) to prediction models has been verified to improve performance. Machine learning (ML) algorithms become important medical tools in an era of precision medicine, However, combined utility by CACS and ML algorithms in hypertensive patients to forecast obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is rare.

Methods
This retrospective study was composed of 1,273 individuals with hypertension and without a history of CAD, who underwent dual-source computed tomography evaluation. We applied five ML algorithms, coupled with clinical factors, imaging parameters, and CACS to construct predictive models. Moreover, 80% individuals were randomly taken as a training set on which 5-fold cross-validation was done and the remaining 20% were regarded as a validation set.

Results
16.7% (212 out of 1,273) of hypertensive patients had obstructive CAD. Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) posted the biggest area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.83 in five ML algorithms. Continuous net reclassification improvement (NRI) was 0.55 (95% CI (0.39–0.71), p < 0.001), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) was 0.04 (95% CI (0.01–0. 07), p = 0.0048) when the XGBoost model was compared with traditional Models. In the subgroup analysis stratified by hypertension levels, XGBoost still had excellent performance.

Conclusion
The ML model incorporating clinical features and CACS may accurately forecast the presence of obstructive CAD on CCTA among hypertensive patients. XGBoost is superior to other ML algorithms.
Nurses’ job crafting, work engagement, and well-being: a path analysis
Authors: Han Sujeong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Nurses’ well-being is a topic of interest at both individual and organizational levels. Studies that explore the relationship between nurses’ job crafting, work engagement, and well-being are scarce. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to confirm the effect of job crafting and work engagement on nurses’ well-being.

Methods
This cross-sectional survey study involved 207 nurses within a week in July 2022 across two centers, among whom the response rate was 99%. Three following instruments were used in the survey: the 14-item well-being scale, the 12-item job crafting scale, and the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scores (UWES). Path analysis was performed and goodness of fit was evaluated.

Results
Job crafting and work engagement were strongly correlated with well-being, and nurses’ well-being was affected by job crafting and work engagement. Path model fit indices were adequate. The mediating effect of work engagement on the relationship between job crafting and well-being revealed that task job crafting influenced psychological well-being through work engagement (Effect: 0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08–0.22, p = 0.001). Furthermore, relational job crafting influenced social well-being through work engagement (Effect: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.11–0.38, p = 0.001).

Conclusion
The study’s findings can help strategize human resource management programs to enhance relational job crafting to improve nurses’ social well-being and enhance task job crafting to improve their psychological well-being. Furthermore, through job crafting, improved human resource policies can enhance work engagement and improve nurses’ well-being.
Individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics of lung cancer screening participants undergoing telemedicine shared decision making
Authors: Shusted Christine S. , Juon Hee-Soon , Ruane Brooke , Till Brian , Zeigler-Johnson Charnita , McIntire Russell K. , Grenda Tyler , Okusanya Olugbenga , Evans Nathaniel R. , Kane Gregory C. , Barta Julie A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Although lung cancer screening (LCS) for high-risk individuals reduces lung cancer mortality in clinical trial settings, many questions remain about how to implement high-quality LCS in real-world programs. With the increasing use of telemedicine in healthcare, studies examining this approach in the context of LCS are urgently needed. We aimed to identify sociodemographic and other factors associated with screening completion among individuals undergoing telemedicine Shared Decision Making (SDM) for LCS.

Methods
This retrospective study examined patients who completed Shared Decision Making (SDM) via telemedicine between May 4, 2020 – March 18, 2021 in a centralized LCS program. Individuals were categorized into Complete Screening vs. Incomplete Screening subgroups based on the status of subsequent LDCT completion. A multi-level, multivariate model was constructed to identify factors associated with incomplete screening.

Results
Among individuals undergoing telemedicine SDM during the study period, 20.6% did not complete a LDCT scan. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that Black/African-American race, Medicaid insurance status, and new patient type were associated with greater odds of incomplete screening. On multi-level, multivariate analysis, individuals who were new patients undergoing baseline LDCT or resided in a census tract with a high level of socioeconomic deprivation had significantly higher odds of incomplete screening. Individuals with a greater level of education experienced lower odds of incomplete screening.

Conclusions
Among high-risk individuals undergoing telemedicine SDM for LCS, predictors of incomplete screening included low education, high neighborhood-level deprivation, and new patient type. Future research should focus on testing implementation strategies to improve LDCT completion rates while leveraging telemedicine for high-quality LCS.
Scent detection of Brucella abortus by African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei)
Authors: Mwampashi Raphael , Cutright Ellie , Fast Cynthia D. , Bonfoh Bassirou , Kazwala Rudovick R. , Mathew Coletha 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Brucellosis is a contagious zoonosis caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. While the disease has been eradicated in most developed countries, it remains endemic in sub–Saharan Africa where access to reliable diagnostics is limited. African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) have been trained to detect the scent of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to increase case detection in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the similar diagnostic challenges facing brucellosis and tuberculosis, we explored the feasibility of training African giant pouched rats to detect Brucella.

Results
After 3 months of training, rats reliably identified cultured Brucella, achieving an average sensitivity of 93.56% (SD = 0.650) and specificity of 97.65% (SD = 0.016). Rats readily generalized to novel, younger Brucella cultures that presumably generated a weaker volatile signal and correctly identified at least one out of three fecal samples spiked with Brucella culture during a final test of feasibility.

Discussion
To our knowledge, these experiments are the first to demonstrate Brucella emits a unique odor profile that scent detection animals can be trained to identify. Importantly, cultured E. coli samples were included throughout training and test to ensure the rats learned to specifically identify Brucella bacteria rather than any bacteria in comparison to bacteria-free culture medium. E. coli controls therefore served a crucial function in determining to what extent Brucella abortus emits a unique odor signature. Further research is needed to determine if a Brucella-specific volatile signature is present within clinical samples. If confirmed, the present results suggest trained rats could serve as a valuable, novel method for the detection of Brucella infection.
A novel protein purification scheme based on salt inducible self-assembling peptides
Authors: Zeng Guang , Zheng Yinzhen , Xiang Ya , Liu Run , Yang Xiaofeng , Lin Zhanglin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Protein purification remains a critical need for biosciences and biotechnology. It frequently requires multiple rounds of chromatographic steps that are expensive and time-consuming. Our lab previously reported a cleavable self-aggregating tag (cSAT) scheme for streamlined protein expression and purification. The tag consists of a self-assembling peptide (SAP) and a controllable self-cleaving intein. The SAP drives the target protein into an active aggregate, then by intein-mediated cleavage, the target protein is released. Here we report a novel cSAT scheme in which the self-assembling peptide is replaced with a salt inducible self-assembling peptide. This allows a target protein to be expressed first in the soluble form, and the addition of salt then drives the target protein into the aggregated form, followed by cleavage and release.

Results
In this study, we used MpA (MKQLEDKIEELLSKAAMKQLEDKIEELLSK) as a second class of self-assembling peptide in the cSAT scheme. This scheme utilizes low salt concentration to keep the fusion protein soluble, while eliminating insoluble cellular matters by centrifugation. Salt then triggers MpA-mediated self-aggregation of the fusion, removing soluble background host cell proteins. Finally, intein-mediated cleavage releases the target protein into solution. As a proof-of-concept, we successfully purified four proteins and peptides (human growth hormone, 22.1 kDa; LCB3, 7.7 kDa; SpyCatcherΔN-ELP-SpyCatcherΔN, 26.2 kDa; and xylanase, 45.3 kDa) with yields ranging from 12 to 87 mg/L. This was comparable to the classical His-tag method both in yield and purity (72–97%), but without the His-tag. By using a further two-step column purification process that included ion-exchange chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography, the purity was increased to over 99%.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrate that a salt-inducible self-assembling peptide can serve as a controllable aggregating tag, which might be advantageous in applications where soluble expression of the target protein is preferred. This work also demonstrates the potential and advantages of utilizing salt inducible self-assembling peptides for protein separation.