bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multiple-time-scale comparative study for the added value of magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics in predicting pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Peng Wenjing , Wan Lijuan , Wang Sicong , Zou Shuangmei , Zhao Xinming , Zhang Hongmei 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveRadiomics based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows potential for prediction of therapeutic effect to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC); however, thorough comparison between radiomics and traditional models is deficient. We aimed to construct multiple-time-scale (pretreatment, posttreatment, and combined) radiomic models to predict pathological complete response (pCR) and compare their utility to those of traditional clinical models.MethodsIn this research, 165 LARC patients undergoing nCRT followed by surgery were enrolled retrospectively, which were divided into training and testing sets in the ratio of 7:3. Morphological features on pre- and posttreatment MRI, coupled with clinical data, were evaluated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis for constructing clinical models. Radiomic parameters were derived from pre- and posttreatment T2- and diffusion-weighted images to develop the radiomic signatures. The clinical-radiomics models were then generated. All the models were developed in the training set and then tested in the testing set, the performance of which was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Radiomic models were compared with the clinical models with the DeLong test.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-five patients (median age, 55 years; age interquartile range, 47–62 years; 116 males) were enrolled in the study. The pretreatment maximum tumor length, posttreatment maximum tumor length, and magnetic resonance tumor regression grade were selected as independent predictors for pCR in the clinical models. In the testing set, the pre- and posttreatment and combined clinical models generated AUCs of 0.625, 0.842, and 0.842 for predicting pCR, respectively. The MRI-based radiomic models performed reasonably well in predicting pCR, but neither the pure radiomic signatures (AUCs, 0.734, 0.817, and 0.801 for the pre- and posttreatment and combined radiomic signatures, respectively) nor the clinical-radiomics models (AUCs, 0.734, 0.860, and 0.801 for the pre- and posttreatment and combined clinical-radiomics models, respectively) showed significant added value compared with the clinical models (all P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe MRI-based radiomic models exhibited no definite added value compared with the clinical models for predicting pCR in LARC. Radiomic models can serve as ancillary tools for tailoring adequate treatment strategies.
m7G-related genes predict prognosis and affect the immune microenvironment and drug sensitivity in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lin Zili , Wu Ziyi , Yuan Yuhao , Zhong Wei , Luo Wei 
Published: August 2023

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS), a primary malignant bone tumor, confronts therapeutic challenges rooted in multidrug resistance. Comprehensive understanding of disease occurrence and progression is imperative for advancing treatment strategies. m7G modification, an emerging post-transcriptional modification implicated in various diseases, may provide new insights to explore OS pathogenesis and progression.Methods: The m7G-related molecular landscape in OS was probed using diverse bioinformatics analyses, encompassing LASSO Cox regression, immune infiltration assessment, and drug sensitivity analysis. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of AZD2014 for OS was investigated through cell apoptosis and cycle assays. Eventually, multivariate Cox analysis and experimental validations, were conducted to investigate the independent prognostic m7G-related genes.Results: A comprehensive m7G-related risk model incorporating eight signatures was established, with corresponding risk scores correlated with immune infiltration and drug sensitivity. Drug sensitivity analysis spotlighted AZD2014 as a potential therapeutic candidate for OS. Subsequent experiments corroborated AZD2014's capability to induce G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in OS cells. Ultimately, multivariate Cox regression analysis unveiled the independent prognostic importance of CYFIP1 and EIF4A1, differential expressions of which were validated at histological and cytological levels.Conclusion: This study furnishes a profound understanding of the contribution of m7G-related genes to the pathogenesis of OS. The discerned therapeutic potential of AZD2014, in conjunction with the identification of CYFIP1 and EIF4A1 as independent risk factors, opens novel vistas for the treatment of OS.
Application of a warfarin dosing calculator to guide individualized dosing versus empirical adjustment after fixed dosing: a pilot study
Authors: Cai Xiaofang , Chen Jiana , Chen Maohua , Xia Xiaotong , Fang Guanhua , Zhang Jinhua 
Published: August 2023

Background: Warfarin has a narrow therapeutic window and individual variation, and patients require regular follow-up and monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) for dose adjustment. The calculation method of Warfarin Dosing Calculator (WDC) software is based on the European and American populations, and its accuracy in the Chinese population is yet to be verified.Objective: This study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Warfarin Dosing Calculator software intervention in a real-world clinical research setting in China.Methods: The pilot study divided the included patients after valve replacement into an experimental group and a control group, with 38 cases in each group. In the control group, the initial dose was fixed at 2.5 mg/d and the dose was adjusted empirically during the study period; in the experimental group, the Warfarin Dosing Calculator software was applied to guide the dosing, and patients in both groups were followed up for 3 months. Analysis of the incidence anticoagulation outcomes and excessive anticoagulation events in both groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the correlation between different dosing regimens and first International Normalized Ratio attainment, and Logrank tests were performed.Results: The mean time required for first International Normalized Ratio compliance in the experimental group was 4.38 days less than in the control group, and the mean number of tests was 1.43 less (p &lt; 05). Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p &lt; 05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the first International Normalized Ratio attainment rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p = 01). No major bleeding events occurred in either group, but other excessive anticoagulation events (INR&gt;3.5 and minor bleeding) were significantly reduced in the experimental group compared with the control group (p &lt; 05).Conclusion: Application of Warfarin Dosing Calculator software to guide individualized warfarin dosing may be better than a fixed dose of 2.5 mg/d. It may be shorten the time to first International Normalized Ratio attainment, and the attainment rate in the same time, and can better improve the mean Time in therapeutic range level value and reduce excessive anticoagulation events, which improves the safety of warfarin anticoagulation therapy in clinical practice.Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=52793, ChiCTR2000032393.
FG-4592 relieves diabetic kidney disease severity by influencing metabolic profiles via gut microbiota reconstruction in both human and mouse models
Authors: Jiang Yumin , Cui Wen , Zhang Yiding , Wang Ting , Zheng Xuejun , Li Huangmin , Shang Jin 
Published: August 2023

Objective: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and is highly associated with devastating outcomes. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), the main transcription factor that regulates cellular responses to hypoxia, plays an important role in regulating erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis. FG-4592 is the HIF stabilizer that is widely used in patients with renal anemia. We investigated the effect of FG-4592 on DKD phenotypes and the pharmacologic mechanism from the perspective of gut microbiota and systemic metabolism.Design: We collected the clinical data of 73 participants, including 40 DKD patients with combined renal anemia treated with FG-4592, and 33 clinical index-matched DKD patients without FG-4592 treatment from The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University at the beginning and after a 3–6-month follow-up period. We established DKD mouse models treated by FG-4592 and performed fecal microbiota transplantation from FG-4592-treated DKD mice to investigate the effects of FG-4592 on DKD and to understand this mechanism from a microbial perspective. Untargeted metabolome–microbiome combined analysis was implemented to globally delineate the mechanism of FG-4592 from both microbial and metabolomic aspects.Result: DKD phenotypes significantly improved after 3–6 months of FG-4592 treatment in DKD patients combined with renal anemia, including a decreased level of systolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, and increased estimated glomerular infiltration rate. Such effects were also achieved in the DKD mouse model treated with FG-4592 and can be also induced by FG-4592-influenced gut microbiota. Untargeted plasma metabolomics-gut microbiota analysis showed that FG-4592 dramatically altered both the microbial and metabolic profiles of DKD mice and relieved DKD phenotypes via upregulating beneficial gut microbiota-associated metabolites.Conclusion: FG-4592 can globally relieve the symptoms of DKD patients combined with renal anemia. In the animal experiment, FG-4592 can reconstruct the intestinal microbial profiles of DKD to further upregulate the production of gut-associated beneficial metabolites, subsequently improving DKD phenotypes.
Infrared light elicits endothelium-dependent vasodilation in isolated occipital arteries of the rat via soluble guanylyl cyclase-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Lewis Tristan H. J. , Zhuo Junqi , McClellan Jacob X. , Getsy Paulina M. , Ryan Rita M. , Jenkins Michael. J. , Lewis Stephen J. 
Published: August 2023

The left and right occipital arteries provide blood supply to afferent cell bodies in the ipsilateral nodose and petrosal ganglia. This supply is free of an effective blood-ganglion barrier, so changes in occipital artery blood flow directly affect the access of circulating factors to the afferent cell bodies. The application of infrared (IR) light to modulate neural and other cell processes has yielded information about basic biological processes within tissues and is gaining traction as a potential therapy for a variety of disease processes. To address whether IR can directly modulate vascular function, we performed wire myography studies to determine the actions of IR on occipital arteries isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. Based on our previous research that functionally-important differences exist between occipital artery segments close to their origin at the external carotid artery (ECA) and those closer to the nodose ganglion, the occipital arteries were dissected into two segments, one closer to the ECA and the other closer to the nodose ganglion. Segments were constricted with 5-hydroxytryptamine to a level equal to 50% of the maximal response generated by the application of a high (80 mM) concentration of K+ ions. The direct application of pulsed IR (1,460 nm) for 5 s produced a rapid vasodilation in occipital arteries that was significantly more pronounced in segments closest to the ECA, although the ECA itself was minimally responsive. The vasodilation remained for a substantial time (at least 120 s) after cessation of IR application. The vasodilation during and following cessation of the IR application was markedly diminished in occipital arteries denuded of the endothelium. In addition, the vasodilation elicited by IR in endothelium-intact occipital arteries was substantially reduced in the presence of a selective inhibitor of the nitric oxide-sensitive guanylate cyclase, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). It appears that IR causes endothelium-dependent, nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilation in the occipital arteries of the rat. The ability of IR to generate rapid and sustained vasodilation may provide new therapeutic approaches for restoring or improving blood flow to targeted tissues.
Immunotoxic effects of exposure to the antifouling copper(I) biocide on target and nontarget bivalve species: a comparative in vitro study between Mytilus galloprovincialis and Ruditapes philippinarum
Authors: Cima Francesca , Varello Roberta 
Published: August 2023

Edible bivalves constitute an important bioresource from an economic point of view, and studies on their immune responses to environmental pollutants are crucial for both the preservation of biodiversity and economic reasons. The worldwide diffusion of copper(I)-based antifouling paints has increased copper leaching into coastal environments and its potential impact on both target and nontarget organisms. In this study, immunotoxicity assays were carried out with short-term (60 min) cultures of hemocytes from the bivalves Mytilus galloprovincialis—a mussel dominant in the macrofouling community—and Ruditapes philippinarum—a clam dominant in the soft-sediment community—exposed to CuCl to compare the toxic effects on their immune responses. The LC50 values were similar, 40 μM (3.94 mg L-1) for the mussel and 44 μM (4.33 mg L-1) for the clam. In both species, apoptosis occurred after exposure to 1 µM (98.9 μg L-1) CuCl, the concentration able to significantly increase the intracellular Ca2+ content. Biomarkers of cell morphology and motility revealed microfilament disruption, a significant decrease in yeast phagocytosis and lysosome hydrolase (β-glucuronidase) inhibition beginning from 0.5 µM (49.5 μg L-1) CuCl in both the mussel and clam. The same concentration of CuCl affected biomarkers of oxidative stress, as a significant decrease in reduced glutathione content in the cytoplasm and inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase (COX) were detected in both species. Comparison of the biomarkers showed that clam is more sensitive than the mussel regarding alterations to the lysosomal membrane and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, which supports the potential harmful effects of antifouling biocides on the survival of nontarget pivotal species in the coastal community.
Associations among stressors, perceived stress, and psychological distress in nursing students: a mixed methods longitudinal study of a Hong Kong sample
Authors: Cheng Winnie Lai Sheung , Chow Peggy Pik Kei , Wong Florence Mei Fung , Ho Mandy Man 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundNursing students are at risk for high-stress levels and psychological distress. Limited longitudinal studies have been conducted examining factors associated with stress levels and psychological distress of nursing students in their course of study.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the levels of stress and corresponding stressors, particularly those predicting psychological distress, among nursing students over their 5 years of study.MethodsA longitudinal design, using questionnaires and focus group interviews of a single cohort of nursing students in Hong Kong and following them over their 5 years of training. The Stressors in Nursing Students Scale-Chinese version and the Chinese version of General Health Questionnaire-12 were used to assess stress levels and psychological distress, respectively.ResultsNinety-seven participants completed the questionnaires 5 times. Quantitative findings revealed that the overall stress levels of the nursing students increased over 5 years (from mean = 3.08 to 3.33), with the highest levels in the second wave (mean = 3.33). Nursing students experienced higher stress during years 2 (p = 0.006) and 4 (p = 0.037). Psychological distress was the highest in year 3 (sum score = 18.47) (p = 0.002) but declined from year 4 (p &lt; 0.001). Thematic analysis revealed that academic performance issues, coping challenges, unfavorable learning environments, relationships were identified as the stressors. However, nursing students also used positive coping strategies to pursue success and seek support.ConclusionThis study suggests that the year of study is a significant predictor of stress levels among nursing students, especially during the first and senior years due to heavy academic workload. Psychological distress was observed among nursing students, and those who worked more part-time jobs tended to report higher levels of distress. The junior year was associated with higher levels of distress related to financial and time-related stress, while academic and personal problems were more prevalent during the senior year.
Tobacco treatment incorporating contingency management, nicotine replacement therapy, and behavioral counseling for pregnant women who use substances: a feasibility trial
Authors: Jackson Melissa A. , Brown Amanda L. , Baker Amanda L. , Bonevski Billie , Haber Paul , Bonomo Yvonne , Blandthorn Julie , Attia John , Perry Natasha , Barker Daniel , Gould Gillian S. , Dunlop Adrian J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMost pregnant women with substance use problems smoke, and few will quit during their pregnancy. Tobacco treatment is often overlooked, with the focus usually placed on other substance use. Additionally, few targeted effective treatments for this group exist. To address this, the feasibility of an intensive tobacco treatment incorporating contingency management (CM) that featured non–face-to-face delivery was examined.MethodsA single-arm pre-post design feasibility trial was conducted in three antenatal services that support women who use substances in metropolitan Australia. Participants were over the age of 15, had &lt;33-week gestation, and smoked tobacco daily. They received financial incentives for daily carbon monoxide-verified smoking abstinence or reduction through an internet-based CM programme, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) posted to women and partners or household members who smoked and telephone-delivered behavioral counseling from study enrolment to birth.ResultsOf the 101 referrals, 46 women (46%) consented. The mean (SD) age was 31(±6) years, and the gestation period was 22(±6) weeks. Nineteen (41%) of those enrolled were retained for 12-week postpartum. Of 46 women, 32 (70%) utilized CM; 32 (70%) used NRT for ≥2 weeks; 23 (50%) attended ≥1 counseling session; and 15 (22%) received NRT for partners/household members. Fifteen (33%) were verified abstinent from tobacco at delivery after a median (IQR) period of abstinence of 65(36–128) days. All non-smokers at birth utilized NRT and financial incentives, and 9/15 (60%) utilized counseling. Four (9%) were abstinent at 12-week postpartum. Median cigarettes smoked/day reduced from baseline to delivery (10(6–20) to 1(0-6) p =&lt; 0.001). Women who quit smoking had more education (72% vs. 33% p =&lt; 0.02), completed more CO samples (median (IQR) 101(59–157) vs. 2(0–20) p =&lt; 0.001), and received more incentives (median (IQR) $909($225–$1980) vs. $34($3–$64) p =&lt; 0.001). Intervention acceptability was rated favorably by participants (9 items rated 0–10 with scores &gt;5 considered favorable).DiscussionThis study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a consumer-informed, non–face-to-face intensive tobacco treatment, highlighting the potential of remotely delivered technology-based CM to reduce the health impact of tobacco smoking in high-priority populations. The intervention demonstrates scale-up potential. Future studies should extend treatment into the postpartum period, utilizing new technologies to enhance CM delivery and improve counseling provision and partner support.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374196, ACTRN1261800056224.
The roles of nurses in supporting health literacy: a scoping review
Authors: Wilandika Angga , Pandin Moses Glorino Rumambo , Yusuf Ah 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe importance of health literacy in achieving optimum health is highly significant, particularly in the nursing profession where it is an integral part of the roles and functions of nurses. Therefore, this scoping review aims to describe the roles of nurses in promoting patient health literacy and identify the determinant factors of health literacy in nursing practices.MethodsAn integrative search was conducted through four databases, namely, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, SAGE Journal, and PubMed, using various keyword combinations such as “health literacy,” “health information,” “patient health literacy,” “patient literacy,” and “nurses.” Furthermore, the inclusion criteria employed were peer-reviewed articles focused on the nursing profession, explicitly discussing health literacy related to nursing, and including original studies, such as cross-sectional, quasi-experimental, and qualitative studies. The selected review articles were all published between 2017 and 2022.ResultsIn total, 13 articles met the criteria and were applied in this scoping review. Most of these discuss health literacy related to nursing practice in clinical and community settings, as well as educational institutions. Health literacy is an essential aspect of professional nursing practice. Consequently, the supportive roles of nurses include acting as caregivers, facilitators, and educators to help patients overcome their literacy limitations and attain improved wellbeing.ConclusionNurses can improve the health literacy skills of patients by making health information related to their illnesses easier to access, understand, evaluate, and use. They must also recognize various factors influencing health literacy and use the factors as opportunities to optimize health literacy improvement. A health literacy approach can be applied by nurses to solve health problems and improve the quality of care for patients.