bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint therapy demonstrates favorable safety profile in patients with autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease
Authors: Kocheise Lorenz , Piseddu Ignazio , Vonderlin Joscha , Tjwa Eric T. , Buescher Gustav , Meunier Lucy , Goeggelmann Pia , Fianchi Francesca , Dumortier Jérôme , Riveiro Barciela Mar , Gevers Tom J. G. , Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli Benedetta , Londoño Maria-Carlota , Frankova Sona , Roesner Thomas , Joerg Vincent , Schmidt Constantin , Glaser Fabian , Sutter Jan P. , Fründt Thorben W. , Lohse Ansgar W. , Huber Samuel , von Felden Johann , Sebode Marcial , Schulze Kornelius 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of many malignancies in recent years. However, immune−related adverse events (irAE) are a frequent concern in clinical practice. The safety profile of ICI for the treatment of malignancies in patients diagnosed with autoimmune and cholestatic liver disease (AILD) remains unclear. Due to this uncertainty, these patients were excluded from ICI clinical trials and ICI are withheld from this patient group. In this retrospective multicenter study, we assessed the safety of ICI in patients with AILD.MethodsWe contacted tertiary referral hospitals for the identification of AILD patients under ICI treatment in Europe via the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER). Fourteen centers contributed data on AILD patients with malignancies being treated with ICI, another three centers did not treat these patients with ICI due to fear of irAEs.ResultsIn this study, 22 AILD patients under ICI treatment could be identified. Among these patients, 12 had primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), five had primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), four had autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and one patient had an AIH-PSC variant syndrome. Eleven patients had hepatobiliary cancers and the other 11 patients presented with non-hepatic tumors. The applied ICIs were atezolizumab (n=7), durvalumab (n=5), pembrolizumab (n=4), nivolumab (n=4), spartalizumab (n=1), and in one case combined immunotherapy with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Among eight patients who presented with grade 1 or 2 irAEs, three demonstrated liver irAEs. Cases with grades ≥ 3 irAEs were not reported. No significant changes in liver tests were observed during the first year after the start of ICI.DiscussionThis European multicenter study demonstrates that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors appear to be safe in patients with AILD. Further studies on the safety of more potent dual immune checkpoint therapy are needed. We conclude that immunotherapy should not categorically be withheld from patients with AILD.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of liver venous deprivation versus portal vein embolization before hepatectomy: future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety
Authors: Chaouch Mohamed Ali , Mazzotta Alessandro , da Costa Adriano Carneiro , Hussain Mohammad Iqbal , Gouader Amine , Krimi Bassem , Panaro Fabrizio , Guiu Boris , Soubrane Olivier , Oweira Hani 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis systematic review aimed to compare liver venous deprivation (LVD) with portal vein embolization (PVE) in terms of future liver volume, postoperative outcomes, and oncological safety before major hepatectomy.MethodsWe conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines 2020 and AMSTAR 2 guidelines. Comparative articles published before November 2022 were retained.ResultsThe literature search identified nine eligible comparative studies. They included 557 patients, 207 in the LVD group and 350 in the PVE group. This systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that LVD was associated with higher future liver remnant (FLR) volume after embolization, percentage of FLR hypertrophy, lower failure of resection due to low FLR, faster kinetic growth, higher day 5 prothrombin time, and higher 3 years’ disease-free survival. This study did not find any difference between the LVD and PVE groups in terms of complications related to embolization, FLR percentage of hypertrophy after embolization, failure of resection, 3-month mortality, overall morbidity, major complications, operative time, blood loss, bile leak, ascites, post hepatectomy liver failure, day 5 bilirubin level, hospital stay, and three years’ overall survival.ConclusionLVD is as feasible and safe as PVE with encouraging results making some selected patients more suitable for surgery, even with a small FLR.Systematic review registrationThe review protocol was registered in PROSPERO before conducting the study (CRD42021287628).
Vitamin D status and its associations with bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, and parathyroid hormone in Chinese postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Xi , Shen Li , Gao Chao , Weng Rou , Fan Yier , Xu Shuqin , Zhang Zhenlin , Hu Weiwei 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundVitamin D is a key factor in bone metabolism, yet vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency are prevalent among postmenopausal women, with potential repercussions on bone mineral density (BMD), bone turnover markers (BTMs), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Nonetheless, the findings from existing studies exhibit inconsistency, and a notable gap exists in the availability of large-scale investigations.MethodsIn this real-world study, 8,532 postmenopausal women over 50 years old with a diagnosis of osteopenia (50.9%) and osteoporosis (49.1%) at the first visit were enrolled in this study. Serum 25(OH)D level, PTH, osteocalcin (OC) and Beta-CrossLaps of type 1 collagen containing cross-linked C-telopeptide (β-CTX), were measured. BMD at all sites, including the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip were obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The associations of serum 25(OH)D level with BMDs and BTMs were investigated using spearman correlation analysis and analysis of general linear model adjusted by age and body mass index.ResultsThe serum 25(OH)D level was 22.17 ± 9.75 ng/mL among all patients included in this study. For the osteopenia group, the serum 25(OH)D level was 22.40 ± 9.41 ng/mL, while for the osteoporosis group, it measured 21.93 ± 10.08 ng/mL. In the osteopenia group, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency was 45.8, 34.6, and 19.6%, respectively, which was close to that of the osteoporosis group (47.4, 34.3, and 18.3%) (p = 0.202). Spearman correlation analysis unveiled negative associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and both BTMs and PTH within both the osteopenia and osteoporosis group. In the osteoporosis group, there were positive correlations between 25(OH)D levels and femoral neck BMD (r = 0.040, p = 0.010) and total hip BMD (r = 0.053, p = 0.001). Furthermore, we found that for the osteopenia group, greater vitamin D levels were associated with greater femoral neck BMD (p = 0.020) and total hip BMD (p = 0.008) and lower β-CTX (p &lt; 0.001), OC (p &lt; 0.001), and PTH (p &lt; 0.001). The same trends were seen in osteoporosis patients (p &lt; 0.05), and with greater lumbar spine BMD with higher levels of 25(OH)D (p = 0.009).ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency in Chinese postmenopausal women with osteopenia and osteoporosis and the relationships between vitamin D and BMD, BTMs and PTH. The results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how vitamin D may impact bone health.
Association between dietary inflammatory index and anemia in US adults
Authors: Ma Huimiao , Deng Wenqi , Chen Haiyan , Ding Xiaoqing 
Published: January 2024

Background and aimsAnemia is a widespread global health concern, and recent research has unveiled a link between anemia and inflammation. The Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) is a novel tool used to assess the overall inflammatory potential of an individual’s diet. However, until now, there have been no studies demonstrating a connection between DII and anemia. This study aimed to explore the relationship between DII and the risk of anemia among Americans, as well as to examine the influence of other risk factors on this association.MethodsData from 32,244 patients were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning from 1999 to 2018. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the correlation between DII and anemia. Subgroup analyses and smoothed curve analyses were conducted to further investigate the association between DII and anemia.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant positive association between higher DII scores and increased anemia risk in the American population (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.03 to 1.09, p &lt; 0.0001). This association remained consistent in subgroup analyses, encompassing various age groups, distinct Body Mass Index (BMI) categories, varying diabetes mellitus statuses, histories of hypertension, females, individuals with a RIP &lt;3.5, and Non-Hispanic Black individuals. Notably, the association was particularly significant among non-smokers. Smoothed curve fitting analysis demonstrated a linear relationship between DII and the prevalence of anemia.ConclusionOur findings underscore a positive correlation between the inflammatory potential of one’s diet and the risk of anemia, especially when coupled with other risk factors. Consequently, reducing the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods may serve as one of the effective measures against the development of anemia. Given the variations in gender, age, BMI, and chronic diseases observed in our study, tailored policies could better cater to the specific needs of diverse populations.
Relationship between skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra with infection risk and long-term prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure
Authors: Wang Juan , Bai Jinjia , Wang Huimin , Xu Guofen , Yao Ruoyu , Li Jing , Zhang Wenrui , Wang Han , Yao Jia , Ren Xiaojing 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveInfection is a major cause of increased mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aims to examine the potential correlation of the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI) with infections among ACLF patients and to evaluate its impact on the long-term survival.MethodsThis retrospective study included 126 patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and were diagnosed with ACLF at our center between December 2017 and December 2021. L3-SMI was calculated using CT, and the clinical and biochemical data as well as MELD scores were also collected, so as to analyze the relationship between L3-SMI and infections in ACLF patients and the impact on long-term prognosis.ResultsOf the 126 ACLF patients enrolled, 50 had infections. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both L3-SMI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81 – 0.97, P = 0.011] and hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 8.20, 95% CI = 1.70 – 39.59, P = 0.009) were independently associated with the risk of infection development. The overall survival (OS) estimates were obtained using Kaplan-Meier curves, and it was found that patients in the lowest tertile of L3-SMI had significantly lower 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates than those in the highest tertile (P = 0.014; log-rank test).ConclusionLow L3-SMI is an independent risk factor for the development of infections and significantly influences the long-term survival in ACLF patients.
Comparing [18F]FET PET and [18F]FDOPA PET for glioma recurrence diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Pengbo , Wang Yinan , Su Fengbo , Chen Yan 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe purpose of our meta-analysis and systematic review was to evaluate and compare the diagnostic effectiveness of [18F]FET PET and [18F]FDOPA PET in detecting glioma recurrence.MethodsSensitivities and specificities were assessed using the DerSimonian and Laird methodology, and subsequently transformed using the Freeman-Tukey double inverse sine transformation. Confidence intervals were computed employing the Jackson method, while heterogeneity within and between groups was evaluated through the Cochrane Q and I² statistics. If substantial heterogeneity among the studies was observed (P &lt; 0.10 or I² &gt; 50%), we conducted meta-regression and sensitivity analyses. Publication bias was assessed through the test of a funnel plot and the application of Egger’s test. For all statistical tests, except for assessing heterogeneity (P &lt; 0.10), statistical significance was determined when the two-tailed P value fell below 0.05.ResultsInitially, 579 publications were identified, and ultimately, 22 studies, involving 1514 patients(1226 patients for [18F]FET PET and 288 patients for [18F]FDOPA PET), were included in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of [18F]FET PET were 0.84 (95% CI, 0.75-0.90) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.80-0.91), respectively, while for [18F]FDOPA PET, the values were 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86-1.00) for sensitivity and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.77-0.98) for specificity. A statistically significant difference in sensitivity existed between these two radiotracers (P=0.04), while no significant difference was observed in specificity (P=0.58).ConclusionIt seems that [18F]FDOPA PET demonstrates superior sensitivity and similar specificity to [18F] FET PET. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to emphasize that [18F]FDOPA PET results were obtained from studies with limited sample sizes. Further larger prospective studies, especially head-to-head comparisons, are needed in this issue.Systematic Review Registrationidentifier CRD42023463476
Probiotic Weizmannia coagulans MTCC 5856 as adjunct therapy in children's acute diarrhea—a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Majeed Muhammed , Nagabhushanam Kalyanam , Arumugam Sivakumar , Chadalavada Nagarjuna , Seepana Jyotsna , Annamalai Thumjaa , Murali Avinash , Prakasan Priji , Mundkur Lakshmi 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesAcute diarrhea in children is generally managed by replacing the lost fluid with oral rehydration solution (ORS). Probiotic supplementation has been reported to reduce the severity of diarrhea. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Weizmannia coagulans (Bacillus coagulans) MTCC 5856, along with ORS on acute diarrhea of all causes in non-hospitalized children.MethodsA total of 110 children of ages between 1 and 10 were enrolled in a double-blind placebo-controlled study and were randomly allocated to receive W. coagulans MTCC 5856 (4 × 108 spores, N = 54) + ORS and zinc (Zn) or a placebo (N = 56) + ORS and (Zn) for 5 days. The consistency of the stool, mean duration of diarrhea in hours, mean diarrhea frequency per day, and the dehydration status were collected as efficacy endpoints. Safety was evaluated by the occurrence of adverse events.ResultsThe mean age of the children was 5.55 ± 2.57 years (61 boys and 49 girls). The mean duration of diarrhea was 51.31 ± 20.99 h in the W. coagulans MTCC 5856 group and 62.74 ± 24.51 h in the placebo (p = 0.011) group. The frequency of diarrhea was lower in children supplemented with the probiotic, but the difference was not statistically significant. The perceived efficacy score and dehydration status improved significantly in the W. coagulans MTCC 5856 group compared with the placebo group. No adverse events were recorded.ConclusionThe results of the study suggest that W. coagulans MTCC 5856 could be supplemented along with ORS and zinc to reduce the duration of diarrhea in non-hospitalized children.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier CTRI/2022/06/043239.
Exploring the natural products chemical space to abrogate the F3L-dsRNA interface of monkeypox virus to enhance the immune responses using molecular screening and free energy calculations
Authors: Suleman Muhammad , Ahmad Tanveer , shah Khadim , Albekairi Norah A. , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Khan Abbas , Wei Dong-Qing , Yassine Hadi M. , Crovella Sergio 
Published: January 2024

Amid the ongoing monkeypox outbreak, there is an urgent need for the rapid development of effective therapeutic interventions capable of countering the immune evasion mechanisms employed by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). The evasion strategy involves the binding of the F3L protein to dsRNA, resulting in diminished interferon (IFN) production. Consequently, our current research focuses on utilizing virtual drug screening techniques to target the RNA binding domain of the F3L protein. Out of the 954 compounds within the South African natural compound database, only four demonstrated notable docking scores: −6.55, −6.47, −6.37, and −6.35 kcal/mol. The dissociation constant (KD) analysis revealed a stronger binding affinity of the top hits 1-4 (−5.34, −5.32, −5.29, and −5.36 kcal/mol) with the F3L in the MPXV. All-atom simulations of the top-ranked hits 1 to 4 consistently exhibited stable dynamics, suggesting their potential to interact effectively with interface residues. This was further substantiated through analyses of parameters such as radius of gyration (Rg), Root Mean Square Fluctuation, and hydrogen bonding. Cumulative assessments of binding free energy confirmed the top-performing candidates among all the compounds, with values of −35.90, −52.74, −28.17, and −32.11 kcal/mol for top hits 1-4, respectively. These results indicate that compounds top hit 1-4 could hold significant promise for advancing innovative drug therapies, suggesting their suitability for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Factors influencing college teachers’ adoption of live online teaching: a conditional process model of technology acceptance, user satisfaction and privacy concerns
Authors: Xiao Wan , Wang Meiqin , Mo Jiaqian 
Published: January 2024

PurposeIn recent times, live online teaching has emerged as a prominent trend in online education. However, teachers are confronted with the challenge of not only acquainting themselves with the associated technologies but also effectively integrating them into their teaching practices. This dual challenge exerts pressure on teachers to adopt live online teaching. This study aims to explore the factors and mechanisms influencing teachers’ attitudes and continuance intention toward live online teaching. It covers both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, as well as both enabling and inhibiting factors, thus providing valuable suggestions for encouraging teachers to engage in live online teaching actively.MethodThis study proposed a conceptual model based on the Technology Acceptance Model, Uses and Gratifications Theory, and Communication Privacy Management Theory. A simple random sampling method was employed to recruit participants from a university in eastern China. With 224 college teachers participating in the study, various analyses, including descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and simple slope analysis, were conducted to explore the factors and mechanisms influencing college teachers’ adoption of live online teaching.ResultsThe study revealed the following key findings: (a) perceived easy of use had a positive impact on perceived usefulness and user satisfaction; (b) perceived usefulness had a positive effect on user satisfaction; (c) both perceived usefulness and user satisfaction positively influenced teachers’ adoption of live online teaching; (d) perceived easy of use did not directly affect teachers’ adoption of live online teaching; (e) privacy concerns exhibited a moderated effect on the relationship between perceived easy of use and perceived usefulness, as well as the relationship between perceived easy of use and user satisfaction.ConclusionThe study reveals a conditional process model elucidating teachers’ adoption of live online learning. The model incorporates perceived ease of use as a predictor, perceived usefulness and user satisfaction as two mediators, and private concerns as a moderator. The findings suggest that stakeholders should collaborate closely to enhance the design and development of the live online teaching platforms. Additionally, efforts should be made to support and improve teachers’ information literacy, fostering their enthusiasm and facilitating their professional development in live online teaching practice.
Economic evaluation of preventive cognitive therapy versus care as usual in cognitive behavioral therapy responders
Authors: de Jonge Margo , Blankers Matthijs , Bockting Claudi L. H. , van Dijk Maarten K. , Kikkert Martijn J. , Dekker Jack J. M. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe highly recurrent nature of Major Depressive Disorder is a major contributor to disability and health care costs. Several studies indicate that recurrence may be prevented with Preventive Cognitive Therapy (PCT). This study is the first to perform an economic evaluation of PCT in comparison with care as usual for recurrently depressed patients who experienced two or more depressive episodes and remitted after receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.MethodsAn economic evaluation from the societal perspective was performed alongside a randomized trial (N = 214). Health-related quality of life (QALYs), depression-free days, health care utilization, and productivity losses were measured between randomization and 15 months follow-up. The costs were indexed to the reference year 2014.ResultsQALY gains did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.69). Depression-free days were higher after PCT (p = 0.02). Societal costs of PCT were 10,417 euro and for care as usual 9,545 euro per person. We found a 47% likelihood that PCT led to additional QALYs at higher costs, and there was a 26% likelihood that PCT led to fewer QALYs at higher costs. When depression-free days was used as an outcome, we found PCT had a 72% likelihood of leading to more depression-free days at higher costs than care as usual and a 27% likelihood of leading to more depression-free days at lower societal costs.LimitationsThe 15-month follow-up might be too short to draw long-term conclusions about the cost-effectiveness of the PCT. The data collected for this study is part of an RCT to examine the effectiveness of adding PCT to care as usual. Therefore, the study was powered primarily to detect an effect in time to relapse/recurrences.ConclusionThe economic evaluation is slightly in favour of the PCT condition when depression-free days is used as an outcome. PCT is not cost-effective given the high costs per additional QALYs from the societal perspective when QALYs are the effect measure.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.onderzoekmetmensen.nl/en, identifier NL2482.
Exercise or lie down? The impact of fitness app use on users' wellbeing
Authors: Cai Jie , Li Gang 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe use of fitness apps is becoming more and more widespread, and its impact on people's well-being has received more and more attention.MethodsThe relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being and the influence mechanism was explored using structural equation modeling with upward social comparison as the mediating variable and self-control as the moderating variable.ResultsThe questionnaire survey of 1,452 fitness app users over 18 years old shows that: (1) fitness app use is associated with users' well-being; (2) upward social comparison plays a mediating role in the relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being; (3) self-control has a moderating effect on the relationship between fitness app use and users' well-being.DiscussionSelf-control plays a significant moderating role between social comparison and well-being, upward social comparison can improve the well-being of high self-control users but reduce the well-being of low self-control users.