bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Irreversible electroporation as a focal therapy for localized prostate cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Prabhakar Pushan , Avudaiappan Arjun Pon , Sandman Mayer , Eldefrawy Ahmed , Caso Jorge , Narayanan Govindarajan , Manoharan Murugesan 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a new and promising focal therapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. In this systematic review, we summarize the literature on IRE for prostate cancer published over the last decade.

Methods:
PubMed and EMBASE were searched with the end date of May 2023 to find relevant publications on prostate cancer ablation using IRE. Original studies with focal IRE as the primary curative treatment which reported on functional or oncological outcomes were included. The bibliography of relevant studies was also scanned to identify suitable articles.

Results:
A total of 14 studies reporting on 899 patients treated with IRE for localized prostate cancer were included. Of all the studies reviewed, 77% reported on recurrence within the zone of ablation, and it ranged from 0% to 38.9% for in-field and 3.6% to 28% for out-of-field recurrence. Although, a standardised follow-up protocol was not followed, all the studies employed serial prostate-specific antigen monitoring, a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and a biopsy (6–12 months post-treatment). Across all the studies, 58% reported that the urinary continence returned to the pretreatment levels and 25% reported a minor decrease in the continence from the baseline at 12-months of follow-up. Erections sufficient for intercourse varied from 44% to 75% at the baseline to 55% to 100% at 12-months of follow-up across all the studies.

Conclusion:
IRE, as a focal therapy, shows promising results with minimal complications and reasonably effective oncological control, but the data comparing it to the standard of care is still lacking. Future research should focus on randomized definitive comparisons between IRE, radical prostatectomy, and radiation therapy.
Aberrantly expressed HIF-1α enhances HCC stem cell-like traits via Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation after insufficient radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Ruoxue , Cao Xin , Wang Lu 
Published: December 2023

Background:Radiofrequency ablation has become a favorable treatment modality for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recently; however, insufficient radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was shown to lead to enhanced invasiveness and metastasis of HCC in our previous study, while the underlying molecular mechanism has not been understood.Materials and Methods:In order to explore the influence of the hypoxic microenvironment on residual cancer and cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics of HCC cells in this process, anin vitrohypoxic model and an insufficient RFA mouse model were established with HCC cancer cell lines. Immunochemistry staining and western blot were used to examine the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and liver CSC markers. The 3D colon formation assay, tumor cell invasion assay, and gene transfection assays were applied to test the change in liver CSC stemness and HCC cell invasion.Results:After insufficient RFA treatment, the upregulated HIF-1α expression was associated with an increase in the CSC-like population in residual cancer.In vitro, hypoxic tumor cells showed aggressive CSC-like properties and phenotypes. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation was shown to be necessary for the acquisition of liver CSC-like characteristics under hypoxic conditions.Conclusion:Overall, the aberrantly enhanced HIF-1α expression enhanced the liver CSC-like traits via abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation after insufficient RFA, and the overexpressed HIF-1α would be a vital factor and useful biomarker during the HCC recurrence and metastasis.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microsphere-transarterial chemoembolization in large hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Chunhui , Peng Changli , Liu Fei , Xiao Juxiong , Li Gang , Chen Changyong , Shi Liangrong , Li Haiping 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
The prognosis of large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unfavorable due to limited and challenging treatment. CalliSpheres® microsphere-transarterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE) is an effective therapy for general HCC but not frequently applied for large HCC. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CSM-TACE in large HCC patients.

Materials and Methods:
This prospective study analyzed 100 large HCC (tumor size >5 cm) patients receiving CSM-TACE. Treatment response, survival, change in liver function indexes, and adverse events were recorded.

Result:
The best complete response, partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease rates were 2.0%, 31.3%, 65.7%, and 1.0%, respectively, leading to the best objective response rate (ORR) of 33.3% and disease control rate of 99.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that intrahepatic metastasis was independently related to poor ORR (odd ratio = 0.366, P = 0.023). The 1- and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 88.9% and 80.6%, with a mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] PFS of 21.6 (20.4–22.9) months. The 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates were 99.0% and 99.0%, with a mean (95% CI) OS of 23.8 (23.3–24.2) months. Total bilirubin (P < 0.001), alanine transaminase (P < 0.001), aspartate transaminase (P < 0.001), and α-fetoprotein (P = 0.045) were abnormal in a short-term period then stably recovered from 1 month ± 15 days after drug-eluting bead-TACE to 24 months ± 15 days. During hospitalization and postdischarge, tolerable abdominal pain and decreased appetite were common adverse events.

Conclusions:
CSM-TACE shows favorable treatment response and survival with acceptable tolerance among large HCC patients, indicating that it may promote the management of these patients.
EGFR-targeting peptide conjugated polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles for delivery of salinomycin to osteosarcoma
Authors: Du Longhai , Xu Yanlong , Han Binxu , Wang Yu , Zeng Qingmin , Shao Minghao , Yu Zuochong 
Published: December 2023

Context:
Salinomycin (SAL) is a chemotherapeutic drug with anti-osteosarcoma efficacy, but its hydrophobic properties have hindered its application. Nanoparticles have been widely used as drug carriers to improve the solubility of hydrophobic drugs. The dodecapeptide GE11 has been shown to have great binding affinity to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is highly overexpressed in osteosarcoma.

Materials and Methods:
We designed novel SAL-loaded GE11-conjugated polymer–lipid hybrid nanoparticles (GE11-NPs-SAL) to target osteosarcoma. The characterization and antitumor activity of GE11-NPs-SAL were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Results:
The results showed that GE11-NPs-SAL had a size of ~100 nm with a high encapsulation efficacy of ~80%. Compared with the non-targeted nanoparticles, GE11-NPs-SAL showed increased internalization in osteosarcoma cells and improved therapeutic efficacy in osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions:
GE11-NPs-SAL is a promising treatment for osteosarcoma.
In vitro characteristics of Epirubicin-loaded thermosensitive liquid embolic agent
Authors: He Ji’an , Li Mei , Xu Yan , Fan Ning , Tian Chong , Lv Tianye , Xing Wenge , Yu Haipeng 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
To investigate the drug loading and release rate of epirubicin-loaded thermosensitive liquid embolic agents in vitro.

Materials and Methods:
The drug loading and stability of epirubicin-loaded thermosensitive liquid embolic agents with or without iopromide were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the same method was used to determine the drug release rate of thermosensitive liquid embolic agents at different time points.

Results:
For epirubicin-loaded thermosensitive liquid embolic agents without iopromide, the average drug loading after filtration by membrane was (0.78 ± 0.02) mg and the drug loading rate was (16.1 ± 0.35)%, while the average drug loading without membrane was (0.73 ± 0.06) mg and the drug loading rate was (15.07 ± 1.17)%. After adding iopromide, the drug loading capacity was measured from 0 h–24 h solution and the drug loading was calculated indirectly and conclude that the drug loading capacity of thermosensitive liquid embolic agents decreased or disappeared. The sustained release rate of epirubicin from 0 to 48 hours was 42.65% in 48 hours.

Conclusion:
Epirubicin can be successfully loaded into the thermosensitive liquid embolic agents with good stability and sustained release. After adding iopromide, the drug loading capacity of thermosensitive liquid embolic agents decreased or disappeared.
Tamoxifen induces ferroptosis in MCF-7 organoid
Authors: Ye Lei , Zhong Fei , Sun Shishen , Ou Xiaowei , Yuan Jie , Zhu Jintao , Zeng Zhiqiang 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Breast cancer is the most common female malignant tumor type globally. The occurrence and development of breast cancer involve ferroptosis, which is closely related to its treatment. The development of breast cancer organoids facilitates the analysis of breast cancer molecular background and tumor biological behavior, including clinical pathological characteristics, drug response, or drug resistance relationship, and promotes the advancement of precision treatment for breast cancer. The three-dimensional (3D) cell culture of breast cancer MCF-7 organoid is more similar to the in vivo environment and thus obtains more realistic results than 2D cell culture. Our study examined the new mechanism of tamoxifen in treating breast cancer through breast cancer MCF-7 organoids.

Methods:
We used 3D cells to culture breast cancer MCF-7 organoid, as well as tamoxifen-treated MCF-7 and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7 TAMR) cells. We used transcriptome sequencing. We detected GPX4 and SLC7A11 protein levels using Western blotting and the content of ATP, glutathione, and ferrous ions using the Cell Counting Lite 3D Kit. We assessed cell viability using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay.

Results:
Tamoxifen significantly inhibited the growth of MCF-7 organoids and significantly induced ferroptosis in MCF-7 organoids. The ferroptosis inhibitor reversed the significant tamoxifen-induced MCF-7 organoid inhibition activity. Moreover, the ferroptosis activator enhanced the tamoxifen-induced MCF-7 TAMR cell activity inhibition.

Conclusion:
Our study revealed that ferroptosis plays an important role in tamoxifen-induced MCF-7 organoid cell death and provides a new research idea for precise treatment of breast cancer through an organoid model.
Prevalence and predictors of smartphone addiction and insomnia among nurses working in the outpatient department after the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Mehra Manisha , Joshi Poonam , Tiwari Surya Kant , Aggrawal Praveen , Chandelia Kamlesh , Raghavan Srinithya 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
The present study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of smartphone addiction and insomnia among nurses working in the outpatient department (OPD) after the second wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Materials and Methods:
A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out among 117 OPD nurses between October and December 2021 using a purposive sampling technique. Two self-reported standardized scales, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and Insomnia Severity Index were used. Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis H test were used. Pearson’s correlation and Scatter plot were used to determine the relationship between the study variables. A stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was also performed.

Results:
The majority of participants had slight smartphone addiction (78.6%) and suffered from sub-threshold to severe forms of insomnia (73.5%). A significant mild positive correlation was found between smartphone addiction and insomnia (r = 0.195, P < 0.05). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis predicted factors such as female gender and exposure to smartphones for more than 5 years influencing smartphone addiction. A strong influence of exposure to the smartphone for more than 5 years was found on insomnia severity.

Conclusion:
Smartphone addiction and insomnia were identified problems among nurses working in the OPD after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring an urgent need to identify and manage various factors responsible for smartphone addiction and insomnia such as female gender and years of exposure to smartphones.
Exploring internship nursing students’ perception of gerontological nursing competencies: A descriptive study at Cairo University Hospitals
Authors: Eldardery Naglaa El-Sayed , Ebied Ebtesam Mo’awad El-Sayed , Mohammed Yousef , Khodary Kholoud , Mohammed Basmala , Mohammed Sara , Mohammed Kholoud , Kamal Ahmed , Shaban Mostafa 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This research study explores the perceptions of gerontological nursing competencies, attitudes toward older individuals, and the willingness to provide care for the elderly among internship nursing students.

Materials and Methods:
A convenience sample of 350 internship nursing students from Cairo University Faculty of Nursing participated in the study. Data were collected using a set of comprehensive tools, including personal data and work experience assessment, the Hartford geriatric nurse competency tool, Kogan’s attitudes toward old people scale, and the modified elderly patient care inventory.

Results:
Descriptive analysis revealed balanced gender representation, with 60% identifying as female. Seventy percent of participants reported prior experience in gerontological care. Self-assessed competency scores indicated moderate proficiency in communication, physiological changes, and functional status assessment. Areas such as pain management and restraint use demonstrated potential gaps in self-perceived skills. Attitudes toward older individuals were predominantly positive, and the willingness to provide care showed positive tendencies, with a minor degree of hesitation noted.

Conclusion:
The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in nursing education to address competency gaps, enhance positive attitudes, and alleviate potential hesitations in caregiving for older individuals. As the elderly population continues to grow, nursing education programs must prepare future practitioners to deliver comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of older adults.
Executive Functions, Processing Speed, and Memory Performance: Untangling the Age-related Effects
Authors: Saikia Bhaswati , Tripathi Ravikesh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Context:
Age-related decline in memory function is a universal phenomenon. However, several factors are known to affect memory decline associated with aging.

Aim:
The present research aimed to study the differences between young adults and older adults in neurocognitive functions. It also aimed to examine the relative contribution of aging and executive functions to memory performance.

Subjects and Methods:
The sample consisted of two groups: 43 young adults and 40 older adults. Participants were selected from the community using purposive sampling. Each participant underwent screening using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory, Modified Mini Screen, and Global Cognitive Screen. A detailed neuropsychological assessment was individually conducted using standardized measures of executive functions, processing speed, episodic memory, and semantic memory. We examined group differences between younger and older participants using the Mann Whitney U test. Additionally, we investigated the contributions of age, processing speed, and executive function to memory through stepwise multiple regression analysis.

Results:
Analysis of the results suggests significantly worse performance by older participants compared to younger participants on learning and memory (p<.001), semantic memory (p<.001), processing speed (p<.001), and executive functions (p<.001). Our results further indicate that age, processing speed, and executive functions were associated with better performance in learning and memory. However, age emerged as the strongest predictor, followed by processing speed and working memory.

Conclusion:
Our study demonstrates that aging plays the most significant role in predicting the decline of learning and memory, as well as semantic memory. However, executive functions and processing speed can differentially influence age-associated memory decline. Future studies are warranted on larger populations and more diverse age groups to better comprehend the differential roles of speed, executive functions, and aging on memory performance. We recommend developing age- and education-based normative data for neuropsychological tools specifically tailored to the Indian population.
Environmental Quality of Life and Psychological Distress of Emerging Adults in Flood-Affected Areas of Assam, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Basistha Banani , Paul Fayaz Ahmad , Ali Arif , Saikia Sekhar Jyoti 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Psychological reactions after any catastrophe can vary from person to person and from disaster to disaster depending upon the level of exposure, the extent of loss, coping mechanisms, and social support available at that time.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to examine mental health-related issues experienced by emerging adults as a result of flooding in various localities of Assam, which are considered to be as worst affected areas.

Materials and Methods:
It was a cross-sectional research study and was conducted among the emerging adults of flood-affected areas of Assam amid the issues of ongoing floods between June and July 2022. The convenience sampling method was used in the selection of emerging adults in the age group of 18–25 years, residing in Assam during flooding situations. To measure psychological distress, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale was used. Additionally, to measure an individual’s perception of general health, environmental quality of life, and people’s perception of the overall quality of life, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Scale was used.

Results:
The findings show that a significant difference was not found between emerging adults who had flood issues on their property and those who had not gone through in the domain of depression (Mann–Whitney U = 1644.0, p=.85), anxiety (Mann–Whitney U = 1657.0, p=.91), and stress (Mann–Whitney U = 1634.0, p=.81). Significant group difference was seen in the environmental quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 945.5, p<.001), the individual’s perception of general health (Mann–Whitney U = 1225.0, p=.01), and the individual’s perception of overall quality of life (Mann–Whitney U = 991.5, p<.001). It was found that depression had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.172, p=.045). Additionally, anxiety had a significant negative correlation with the individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.193, p=.024). Stress had a significant negative correlation with an individual’s perception of general health (r = −0.169, p=.048).

Conclusion:
The results in the present study help to comprehend emerging adults’ psychological responses to disasters and have practical insinuations for service planning and delivery. It is very important to strengthen mental health care and psychological consultation facilities, to mitigate, control, and prevent mental health problems.
Prescription Pattern of Antipsychotics in Patients with Schizophrenia: An Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural Karnataka
Authors: Javed Nameerah , Binny Benison , Sequeira Dafney Viola , Mathew Vinod K. , Pandiyan Kasthuri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric condition that affects approximately 24 million people worldwide. The complex pathophysiology of schizophrenia presents various challenges for researchers and doctors. Therefore, it is crucial to curate robust pharmacotherapy for patients with schizophrenia to ease their symptoms. Establishing proper standards for patient care requires an ammunition of research studies done on the disease and its therapy, upon which health-care practitioners can rely for future patient care. Unfortunately, there is a void of adequate research studies done on understanding the prescription patterns of schizophrenia in India, especially in rural areas. To improve patient outcomes, there is a need for increased research on this particular subject.

Aim:
The aim of this study was to assess the prescription pattern of antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia at a tertiary care hospital in rural Karnataka.

Setting and Design:
This is an observational study carried out in MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru, India.

Materials and Methods:
The study included a total of 139 inpatients, regardless of their age and sex, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. The study was conducted for a period of 6 months, from February 2022 to July 2022. Data collection involved a case record form (CRF) designed for assessing treatment patterns. An investigator was assigned to the Department of Psychiatry, where patients with schizophrenia were discovered and after reviewing their medication chart, necessary data were filled into the CRF. The obtained data were then compiled and assessed.

Results:
Paranoid schizophrenia was the major subclass (90.0%). The prescription pattern showed that second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) were prescribed more than first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs), 112 (81.29%) and 41 (29.5%) prescriptions, respectively. In SGAs, tablet olanzapine received the most prescriptions which was 42 (30.22%). Tablet haloperidol was the major FGA to be prescribed receiving 18 prescriptions (12.95%). This study also included the assessment of combination drugs which showed that tablet risperidone + tablet trihexyphenidyl was the most prescribed combination drug 118 (78.43%).

Conclusion:
Our study showed that our findings aligned with several similar studies and also differed from a few, underscoring the need for further research and individualized treatment approaches to manage this complex psychiatric disorder.