bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ΔPSap4#5 surface-functionalized abiraterone-loaded nanoparticle successfully inhibits carcinogen-induced prostate cancer in mice: a mechanistic investigation
Authors: Al Hoque Ashique , Dutta Debasmita , Paul Brahamacharry , Kumari Leena , Ehsan Iman , Dhara Moumita , Mukherjee Biswajit , Quadir Mohiuddin , Kaipparettu Benny Abraham , Laha Soumik , Ganguly Shantanu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the fatal illnesses among males globally. PCa-treatment does not include radiotherapy. Chemotherapy eventually causes drug resistance, disease recurrence, metastatic advancement, multi-organ failure, and death. Preclinical data on PCa-induced by carcinogens are truly scarce. Although some data on xenograft-PCa in animals are available, they mostly belonged to immuno-compromised animals. Here, we developed ΔPSap4#5 aptamer surface-functionalized abiraterone-loaded biodegradable nanoparticle (Apt-ABR-NP) to investigate its targeting ability to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in carcinogen-induced PCa mice and the therapeutic efficacy of the formulation. Aptamers are called synthetic monoclonal antibodies for their target specificity. However, they are devoid of the toxicity problem generally associated with the antibody. Abiraterone is a testosterone and androgen inhibitor, a new drug molecule that shows good therapeutic efficacy in PCa. The developed nanoparticles were physicochemically characterized and used for various in vitro and in vivo investigations. Nanoparticles had an average size of 149 nm with sustained drug release that followed Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics. In vitro investigation showed that Apt-ABR-NP produced 87.4% apoptotic cells and 95.3% loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in LNCaP cells after 48 h of incubation. In vivo gamma scintigraphy, live imaging, and biodistribution studies in prostate cancer animal models showed the predominant targeting potential of Apt-ABR-NP. Histopathological investigation showed the remarkable therapeutic efficacy of the formulation. The pharmacokinetic study showed an increased biological half-life and enhanced blood residence time of Apt-ABR-NP. Apt-ABR-NP therapy can thus minimize off-target cytotoxicity, reduce drug loss due to site-specific delivery, and deliver abiraterone in a sustained manner to the organ of interest. Thus, the present study brings new hope for better therapeutic management of PCa in the near future.Graphical Abstract
Nomogram for the prediction of crescent formation in IgA nephropathy patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Zaoqiang , Feng Liuchang , Zeng Huan , Lin Xuefei , Lin Qizhan , Lu Fuhua , Wang Lixin , Mai Jianling , Fang Pingjun , Liu Xusheng , Tan Qinxiang , Zou Chuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The 2017 Oxford classification of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) recently reported that crescents could predict a worse renal outcome. Early prediction of crescent formation can help physicians determine the appropriate intervention, and thus, improve the outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to establish a nomogram model for the prediction of crescent formation in IgA nephropathy patients.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 200 cases of biopsy-proven IgAN patients. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) regression and multivariate logistic regression was applied to screen for influencing factors of crescent formation in IgAN patients. The performance of the proposed nomogram was evaluated based on Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, and decision curve analysis.

Results
Multivariate logistic analysis showed that urinary protein ≥ 1 g (OR = 3.129, 95%CI = 1.454–6.732), urinary red blood cell (URBC) counts ≥ 30/ul (OR = 3.190, 95%CI = 1.590–6.402), mALBU ≥ 1500 mg/L(OR = 2.330, 95%CI = 1.008–5.386), eGFR < 60ml/min/1.73m2(OR = 2.295, 95%CI = 1.016–5.187), Serum IgA/C3 ratio ≥ 2.59 (OR = 2.505, 95%CI = 1.241–5.057), were independent risk factors for crescent formation. Incorporating these factors, our model achieved well-fitted calibration curves and a good C-index of 0.776 (95%CI [0.711–0.840]) in predicting crescent formation.

Conclusions
Our nomogram showed good calibration and was effective in predicting crescent formation risk in IgAN patients.
The translation process of the culturally sensitive active aging scale for community-dwelling older adults in Pakistan
Authors: Bibi Rashida , Yan Zhang , Zeb Akhter , Anwar Nasir , Mian Nasar , Khan Roheeda Amanullah 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The assessment of active aging levels in Pakistani older adults is crucial yet; research tools are scarce in the local language. Therefore, this study aims to translate and validate the English version of an Active Aging Scale into a cross-culturally sensitive Urdu version to assess active aging levels in Pakistani older adults.

Methods
To translate and validate the scale, we used the ISPOR (International Society for Pharmacy Economic and Outcome Research) standards. Reliability, concurrent validity, construct validity, convergent validity, and discriminatory validity were checked on a total sample of 160 community-dwelling older adults. After two weeks, the test–retest reliability was examined. AMOS version 23 and SPSS version 23 were used to analyze the data.

Results
The average content validity index for clarity was 0.91 and relevancy was 0.80. The total variance in the pilot study of all items secured > 0.3 variances except for two items scored < 0.30 that were omitted before the validity and reliability test. The remaining items explained 65.46% of the overall variation and had factor loadings ranging from 0.46 to 0.90 in the principal factor analysis (PFA). The confirmatory factor analysis of the Active Aging Scale revealed that the model fit was good with a Chi-square value (418.18 (DF = 2.2) which is less than 3.00. This is further evidenced by the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.042, goodness of fit index (GFI) of 0.92, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) of 0.94, and comparative fit index (CFI) values of 0.92 and 0.96 (unstandardized and standardized, respectively). The scale’s Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.88, indicating dependability and its test–retest reliability with the significance of (P. < 0.05).

Conclusion
The Urdu version of the Active Aging Scale was successfully translated and validated in a culturally sensitive manner, and can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of various active aging interventions for older adults in Pakistan.
The direct disease burden of COVID-19 in Belgium in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Devleesschauwer Brecht , Willem Lander , Jurčević Jure , Smith Pierre , Scohy Aline , Wyper Grant M. A. , Pires Sara Monteiro , Van Goethem Nina , Beutels Philippe , Franco Nicolas , Abrams Steven , Van Cauteren Dieter , Speybroeck Niko , Hens Niel , De Pauw Robby 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundBurden of disease estimates have become important population health metrics over the past decade to measure losses in health. In Belgium, the disease burden caused by COVID-19 has not yet been estimated, although COVID-19 has emerged as one of the most important diseases. Therefore, the current study aims to estimate the direct COVID-19 burden in Belgium, observed despite policy interventions, during 2020 and 2021, and compare it to the burden from other causes.MethodsDisability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are the sum of Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and Years of Life Lost (YLLs) due to disease. DALYs allow comparing the burden of disease between countries, diseases, and over time. We used the European Burden of Disease Network consensus disease model for COVID-19 to estimate DALYs related to COVID-19. Estimates of person-years for (a) acute non-fatal disease states were calculated from a compartmental model, using Belgian seroprevalence, social contact, hospital, and intensive care admission data, (b) deaths were sourced from the national COVID-19 mortality surveillance, and (c) chronic post-acute disease states were derived from a Belgian cohort study.ResultsIn 2020, the total number of COVID-19 related DALYs was estimated at 253,577 [252,541 − 254,739], which is higher than in 2021, when it was 139,281 [136,704 − 142,306]. The observed COVID-19 burden was largely borne by the elderly, and over 90% of the burden was attributable to premature mortality (i.e., YLLs). In younger people, morbidity (i.e., YLD) contributed relatively more to the DALYs, especially in 2021, when vaccination was rolled out. Morbidity was mainly attributable to long-lasting post-acute symptoms.ConclusionCOVID-19 had a substantial impact on population health in Belgium, especially in 2020, when COVID-19 would have been the main cause of disease burden if all other causes had maintained their 2019 level.
The Dunning–Kruger effect: subjective health perceptions on smoking behavior among older Chinese adults
Authors: Jia Zhike , Li Shubin , Luo Zhihua , Tong Minjun , Gao Tianyue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The intrinsic damage and external hazards of smoking are major risk factors for poorer health and are recognized as a global health issue of concern in geriatric health. This study aims to assess the Dunning–Kruger effect through the influence of subjective health perceptions on smoking behavior in older adults.

Methods
This study used data from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (N = 9,683) provided by the Center for Healthy Aging and Development Studies at Peking University. A binary logistic model was used to examine whether the Dunning–Kruger effect affects smoking behavior in older adults, and a linear probability model was used as a commentary baseline model for logistic regression to prevent measurement bias. In addition, a mediating analysis was used to examine the mechanisms through which the Dunning–Kruger effect occurs.

Results
Older adults often overestimated their current health status and underestimated the health risks of smoking, causing the Dunning–Kruger effect to arise from their inadequate self-perceived health (i.e., older adults are more likely to smoke when they have better self-rated health or when hypertension, cardiopathy, stroke, and diabetes have little or no impact on their daily lives). These observations can be explained by the older adults’ subjective health perceptions arising from their ingenuous understanding of their health, which indirectly influences their smoking behavior to some extent.

Conclusion
Older adults’ self-perceived health was associated with smoking behavior. Public health institutions should improve older adults’ health perceptions so that they objectively understand their own health status.
The impacts of knowledge and attitude on behavior of antibiotic use for the common cold among the public and identifying the critical behavioral stage: based on an expanding KAP model
Authors: Wang Qianning , Wu Yuanyang , Wang Dan , Lai Xiaoquan , Tan Li , Zhou Qian , Duan Lixia , Lin Rujiao , Wang Xi , Zheng Feiyang , Yu Tiantian , Wang Lu , Fan Si , Wang Yanting , Zhang Xinping , Liu Chenxi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aims to explore the impacts of knowledge and attitude on the behavior of antibiotic use during the treatment of the common cold based on the expanding KAP model, and then identify the critical behavioral stage.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 815 public from 21 community health centers (CHCs) in Chongqing, China. Based on the expanding KAP model, a self-administered questionnaire was designed to measure knowledge, attitude, multi-stage behavior, and perceived threat, in which multi-stage behavior was divided into pre-use antibiotic behavior, during-use antibiotic behavior, and post-use antibiotic behavior. A structural equation model was used to examine the model fit and the direct, indirect, mediating effects, and moderating effect of the variables.

Results
The expanding KAP showed good model fit indices with χ²/df = 0.537, RMSEA = 0.033, CFI = 0.973, GFI = 0.971, NFI = 0.934, TLI = 0.979. Knowledge had a positive effect on attitude (β = 0.503, p < 0.05), pre-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.348, p < 0.05), during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.461, p < 0.001), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.547, p < 0.001). Attitude had a positive effect on during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.296, p < 0.001), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.747, p < 0.001). The mediating effect of attitude was positive among knowledge, during-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.149, p < 0.05), and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.376, p < 0.001). Perceived threat also had a positive moderating effect between knowledge and post-use antibiotic behavior (β = 0.021, p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Knowledge, attitude and perceived threat had different effects on different stages of antibiotic behavior. The critical behavioral stage prioritized the post-use antibiotic behavior and during-use antibiotic behavior over pre-use antibiotic behavior.
Adaptation and validation of the Longer-term Unmet Needs after Stroke (LUNS) monitoring tool in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wellappuli Nalinda Tharanga , Perera Hettiarachchige Subashini Rasanja , Kasthuriratne Gunendrika , Chang Thashi , Gunawardena Nalika Sepali 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Unmet needs are defined as expressed needs that are not fulfilled by services provided and are considered an important indicator of the adequacy and quality of stroke follow-up care. This study aimed to culturally adapt, modify, translate and validate, the Longer-term Unmet Needs after Stroke (LUNS) monitoring tool, to Sri Lanka. Currently, there is no validated tool in Sri Lanka to assess unmet needs among stroke survivors and unmet needs are not systematically assessed.MethodsA phased approach followed to culturally adapt, translate, establish its factorial validity and evaluate the convergent and divergent validity, reliability, and overall acceptability. The process of culturally adapting the tool was carried out using two rounds of the modified Delphi technique. The modified tool was translated to Sinhala and pretested among 10 stroke survivors. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 119 stroke survivors to establish the factorial validity and convergent and discriminant validity using the GHQ-12 and Barthel Index. The Socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants are presented. Communalities were assessed for 21 items and 2 items were dropped. Factor structure was confirmed with varimax and oblique rotations. The correlation coefficient was calculated to assess convergent and divergent validity. Cronbach’s alpha value was calculated to assess internal reliability.ResultsFollowing the modified Delphi technique, 5 items of LUNS tool were removed, and 5 items were modified. Three new items were added based on expert recommendation. One item related to driving also removed as it does not fit with the factor structure emerged. In establishing factorial validity 5 factors emerged from the exploratory factor analysis. In assessing the convergent and discriminant validity, test results revealed that both General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and Barthel Index significantly correlated as expected with unmet needs. The results of Cronbach’s alpha showed that all the factors were moderately high confirming the reliability of the tool.ConclusionsThe Sinhala version of the LUNS monitoring tool is a valid and reliable instrument to assess the unmet needs of stroke survivors. Assessment of unmet needs will add new insight into evaluation of the quantity, quality, and effectiveness of healthcare interventions received by stroke survivors in Sri Lanka.
Ulnar nerve anteposition with adipofascial flap, an alternative treatment for severe cubital syndrome
Authors: Riccio Michele , Gravina Pasquale , Pangrazi Pier Paolo , Cecconato Valentina , Gigante Antonio , De Francesco Francesco 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Ulnar nerve entrapment at the elbow is the second most common cause of nerve entrapment in the upper limb. Surgical techniques mainly include simple decompression, decompression with anterior transposition and medial epicondylectomy.

Methods
We performed decompression with anterior transposition and protected ulnar nerve by adipofascial flap (a random flap with radial based vascularization, harvested through the avascular plane of Scarpa’s fascia. We analyzed patients who underwent ulnar nerve ante-position from 2015 to 2022 according to inclusion and exclusion criteria for a total of 57 patients. All patients included were graded on the McGowan's classification Messina criteria and the British Medical Research Council modified by Mackinnon and Dellon.

Results
The average McGowan’s score was 2.4 (± 0.6), Messina’s criteria 91.2% indicated a satisfactory or excellent result, sensibility at 6 months was 98.5% S3 or more. A preferential technique has not yet been defined.

Conclusions
The adipofascial flap offers numerous advantages in providing a pliable, vascular fat envelope, which mimics the natural fatty environment of peripheral nerves and creates favorable micro-environmental conditions to contribute to neural regeneration via axon outgrowth.
Upper airway changes after rapid maxillary expansion: three-dimensional analyses
Authors: de Julián-López Carlos , Veres Jesús , Marqués-Martínez Laura , García-Miralles Esther , Arias Santiago , Guinot-Barona Clara 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate volumetric changes in the upper airway using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in orthodontic patients with maxillary transversal hypoplasia undergoing maxillary disjunction. The influence of factors such as sex, age, and growth pattern on airway volumetric changes was also assessed. The sample consisted of 50 growing patients from the dental clinic of Cardenal Herrera CEU University of Valencia. Airway volume was measured in mm3 before treatment (T0) and after palatal disjunction (T1). The final sample included 37 subjects in the treatment group and 13 in the control group. The volume gained exclusively from the disjunction treatment was determined to differentiate it from natural growth. The control group showed a mean volume increase from 10,911.3 ± 1,249.6 mm3 to 13,168.9 ± 1,789.7 mm3, representing a mean increase of 2,257.6 mm3 or + 20.9%. The treatment group exhibited an increase from 14,126.3 ± 4,399.8 mm3 at T0 to 18,064.1 ± 4,565.9 mm3 at T1, corresponding to a gain of 3,937.8 mm3 or + 31.8%. Significant differences in airway volume were observed after palatal disjunction compared to the control group. The expansion of the maxilla led to a significant increase in airway volume in the treated patients, estimated at 5,183 mm3 (+ 41.5%).
Ethnic differences in the association between age at diagnosis of diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular complications: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Ke Calvin , Stukel Thérèse A. , Thiruchelvam Deva , Shah Baiju R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
We examined ethnic differences in the association between age at diagnosis of diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Methods
We conducted a population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada among individuals with diabetes and matched individuals without diabetes (2002-18). We fit Cox proportional hazards models to determine the associations of age at diagnosis and ethnicity (Chinese, South Asian, general population) with cardiovascular complications. We tested for an interaction between age at diagnosis and ethnicity.

Results
There were 453,433 individuals with diabetes (49.7% women) and 453,433 matches. There was a significant interaction between age at diagnosis and ethnicity (P < 0.0001). Young-onset diabetes (age at diagnosis < 40) was associated with higher cardiovascular risk [hazard ratios: Chinese 4.25 (3.05–5.91), South Asian: 3.82 (3.19–4.57), General: 3.46 (3.26–3.66)] than usual-onset diabetes [age at diagnosis ≥ 40 years; Chinese: 2.22 (2.04–2.66), South Asian: 2.43 (2.22–2.66), General: 1.83 (1.81–1.86)] versus ethnicity-matched individuals. Among those with young-onset diabetes, Chinese ethnicity was associated with lower overall cardiovascular [0.44 (0.32–0.61)] but similar stroke risks versus the general population; while South Asian ethnicity was associated with lower overall cardiovascular [0.75 (0.64–0.89)] but similar coronary artery disease risks versus the general population. In usual-onset diabetes, Chinese ethnicity was associated with lower cardiovascular risk [0.44 (0.42–0.46)], while South Asian ethnicity was associated with lower cardiovascular [0.90 (0.86–0.95)] and higher coronary artery disease [1.08 (1.01–1.15)] risks versus the general population.

Conclusions
There are important ethnic differences in the association between age at diagnosis and risk of cardiovascular complications.
MALAT1/ mir-1-3p mediated BRF2 expression promotes HCC progression via inhibiting the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Guang-Zhen , Meng Guang-Xiao , Pan Guo-Qiang , Zhang Xiao , Yan Lun-Jie , Li Rui-Zhe , Ding Zi-Niu , Tan Si-Yu , Wang Dong-Xu , Tian Bao-wen , Yan Yu-Chuan , Dong Zhao-Ru , Hong Jian-Guo , Li Tao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been reported to play a vital role in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the underlying mechanism of MALAT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been thoroughly elucidated.

Methods
The expression levels of MALAT1 in HCC tissues and different cell lines were detected by qRT-PCR. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO)-MALAT1 transfected cells were used to explore the biological effects of MALAT1 in HCC cells by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), colony formation, transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry analysis. Western blotting was performed to measure AMPK and apoptosis-related protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to verify the relationship between MALAT1 and its specific targets.

Results
We found that MALAT1 was upregulated in HCC, and MALAT1 knockdown in HCC cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. Further studies demonstrated that MALAT1 positively regulated the expression of transcription factor II B‑related factor 2 (BRF2), which was associated with tumor recurrence, large tumor size, and poor prognosis in HCC. Mechanistically, MALAT1 was found to act as a competitive endogenous RNA to sponge has-miR-1-3p, which upregulated BRF2 expression. Knockdown of BRF2 inhibited the progression of HCC by activating the LKB1/AMPK signaling pathway. Overexpression of BRF2 reversed the inhibitory effect of MALAT1 knockdown on HCC cell viability. Moreover, ASO targeting MALAT1 inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate a novel MALAT1/miR-1-3p/BRF2/LKB1/AMPK regulatory axis in HCC, which may provide new molecular therapeutic targets for HCC in the future.