bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of triple-negative breast cancer and androgen receptor expression based on histogram and texture analysis of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI
Authors: Xu Wen-juan , Zheng Bing-jie , Lu Jun , Liu Si-yun , Li Hai-liang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly malignant and has a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. Androgen receptor (AR) has been investigated as a possible therapeutic target. This study quantitatively assessed intratumor heterogeneity by histogram analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters and texture analysis on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to discriminate TNBC from non-triple-negative breast cancer (non-TNBC) and to identify AR expression in TNBC.MethodsThis retrospective study included 99 patients with histopathologically proven breast cancer (TNBC: 36, non-TNBC: 63) who underwent breast DCE-MRI before surgery. The pharmacokinetic parameters of DCE-MRI (Ktrans, Kepand Ve) and their corresponding texture parameters were calculated. The independent t-test, or Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare quantitative parameters between TNBC and non-TNBC groups, and AR-positive (AR+) and AR-negative (AR-) TNBC groups. The parameters with significant difference between two groups were further involved in logistic regression analysis to build a prediction model for TNBC. The ROC analysis was conducted on each independent parameter and the TNBC predicting model for evaluating the discrimination performance. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were derived.ResultsThe binary logistic regression analysis revealed that Kep_Range(p = 0.032) and Ve_SumVariance(p = 0.005) were significantly higher in TNBC than in non-TNBC. The AUC of the combined model for identifying TNBC was 0.735 (p < 0.001) with a cut-off value of 0.268, and its sensitivity and specificity were 88.89% and 52.38%, respectively. The value of Kep_Compactness2(p = 0.049), Kep_SphericalDisproportion(p = 0.049), and Ve_GlcmEntropy(p = 0.008) were higher in AR + TNBC group than in AR-TNBC group.ConclusionHistogram and texture analysis of breast lesions on DCE-MRI showed potential to identify TNBC, and the specific features can be possible predictors of AR expression, enhancing the ability to individualize the treatment of patients with TNBC.
Effect of leukoaraiosis on collateral circulation in acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Wang , Qin Yijie , Yang Shuna , Yang Lei , Hou Yutong , Hu Wenli 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and objective
The recruitment of collateral circulation correlates with a balance of the microvasculature. Uncertainty remains to be made about the association of leukoaraiosis with leptomeningeal collaterals. To explore the effect of leukoaraiosis on leptomeningeal collaterals in patients treated with endovascular therapy.

Methods
Observational studies exploring the correlation between leukoaraiosis and leptomeningeal collaterals in large vessel occlusion treated with endovascular therapy were searched from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Libraries databases. Two independent reviewers retrieved eligible literature, extracted purpose-related data, and utilized the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale to evaluate the risk of bias. A Mantel–Haenszel method was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to clarify heterogeneity.

Results
Data from 10 studies with 1606 patients were extracted for pooled analysis. Compared to non-severe leukoaraiosis, patients with severe leukoaraiosis showed significant relevance to poor leptomeningeal collaterals (OR, 2.13; 95% confidence interval [1.27–3.57]; P = 0.004). Meta-regression indicated that sample size (coefficient = -0.007299, P = 0.035) and the number of female patients (coefficient = -0.0174709, P = 0.020) were sources of heterogeneity. Furthermore, all of the countries (USA versus France versus China, Q = 3.67, P = 0.159), various assessment scales of leukoaraiosis (the Fazekas scale versus Non-Fazekas scales, Q = 0.77, P = 0.379), and different imaging methods of leukoaraiosis (computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging, Q = 2.12, P = 0.146) and leptomeningeal collaterals (computed tomography angiography versus digital subtraction angiography, Q = 1.21, P = 0.271) showed no contribution to the effect size.

Conclusion
Severe leukoaraiosis is associated with poor leptomeningeal collaterals in patients treated with endovascular therapy. Further studies may focus on whether the finding applies to different stroke subtypes.
The impact and outcomes of cancer-macrophage fusion
Authors: Li Mengtao , Basile John R. , Mallya Sanjay , Lin Yi-Ling 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Cancer’s hallmark feature is its ability to evolve, leading to metastasis and recurrence. Although genetic mutations and epigenetic changes have been implicated, they don’t fully explain the leukocytic traits that many cancers develop. Cell fusion between cancer and somatic cells, particularly macrophages, has been suggested as an alternative pathway for cancer cells to obtain new traits by acquiring exogenous genetic material.

Methods
This study aims to investigate the potential biological outcomes of tumor-myeloid cell fusion by generating tumor-macrophage hybrid cells. Two clones with markedly different tumorigenicity were selected, and RNA-seq was used to compare their RNA expressions with that of the control cells. Based on the results that the hybrid cells showed differential activation in several upstream regulator pathways that impact their biological behaviors, the hybrid cells’ abilities to recruit stromal cells and establish angiogenesis as well as their cell cycle distributions were investigated through in vitro and in vivo studies.

Results
Although both hybrid clones demonstrated p53 activation and reduced growth rates, they exhibited distinct cell cycle distributions and ability to grow in vivo. Notably, while one clone was highly tumorigenic, the other showed little tumorigenicity. Despite these differences, both hybrid clones were potent environmental modifiers, exhibiting significant abilities to recruit stromal and immune cells and establish angiogenesis.

Conclusions
The study revealed that tumor-somatic cell fusion is a potent environmental modifier that can modulate tumor survival and evolution, despite its relatively low occurrence. These findings suggest that tumor-somatic cell fusion could be a promising target for developing new cancer therapies. Furthermore, this study provides an experimental animal platform to investigate cancer-myeloid fusion and highlights the potential role of tumor-somatic cell fusion in modulating the tumor environment.
The potential of high-order features of routine blood test in predicting the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Luo Liping , Tan Yubo , Zhao Shixuan , Yang Man , Che Yurou , Li Kezhen , Liu Jieke , Luo Huaichao , Jiang Wenjun , Li Yongjie , Wang Weidong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Numerous studies have demonstrated that the high-order features (HOFs) of blood test data can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with different types of cancer. Although the majority of blood HOFs can be divided into inflammatory or nutritional markers, there are still numerous that have not been classified correctly, with the same feature being named differently. It is an urgent need to reclassify the blood HOFs and comprehensively assess their potential for cancer prognosis.

Methods
Initially, a review of existing literature was conducted to identify the high-order features (HOFs) and classify them based on their calculation method. Subsequently, a cohort of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was established, and their clinical information prior to treatment was collected, including low-order features (LOFs) obtained from routine blood tests. The HOFs were then computed and their associations with clinical features were examined. Using the LOF and HOF data sets, a deep learning algorithm called DeepSurv was utilized to predict the prognostic risk values. The effectiveness of each data set’s prediction was evaluated using the decision curve analysis (DCA). Finally, a prognostic model in the form of a nomogram was developed, and its accuracy was assessed using the calibration curve.

Results
From 1210 documents, over 160 blood HOFs were obtained, arranged into 110, and divided into three distinct categories: 76 proportional features, 6 composition features, and 28 scoring features. Correlation analysis did not reveal a strong association between blood features and clinical features; however, the risk value predicted by the DeepSurv LOF- and HOF-models is significantly linked to the stage. Results from DCA showed that the HOF model was superior to the LOF model in terms of prediction, and that the risk value predicted by the blood data model could be employed as a complementary factor to enhance the prognosis of patients. A nomograph was created with a C-index value of 0.74, which is capable of providing a reasonably accurate prediction of 1-year and 3-year overall survival for patients.

Conclusions
This research initially explored the categorization and nomenclature of blood HOF, and proved its potential in lung cancer prognosis.
Oral cancer screening knowledge and practices among dental professionals at the University of Toronto
Authors: Mavedatnia Dorsa , Cuddy Karl , Klieb Hagen , Blanas Nick , Goodman Jade , Gilbert Melanie , Eskander Antoine 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Opportunistic oral cancer screening during visits to the dentist is a non-invasive and accessible option for detection of pre-malignant lesions and early-stage malignancies. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards oral cancer screening among dentists.

Methods
A 42-item survey was sent to 650 dental professionals affiliated with the University of Toronto. Data regarding training/practice characteristics, knowledge of oral cavity cancer, current screening practices, attitudes towards screening, and remuneration were collected.

Results
Ninety-one dentists responded. Most obtained their dental degree from Canada (71.4%) and were practicing in large urban centers (87.9%). Most dentists correctly identified the oral tongue (87.8%) and floor of mouth (80%) as the two of most common sites of oral cavity cancer but only 56% correctly identified the most common presentation. 91% performed intra/extra oral examinations at every patient visit. Only 9.9% of dentists discussed the risk factors of oral cancer and 33% were not familiar with resources for smoking cessation and alcohol abuse. International medical graduates were more likely to discuss risk factor management than Canadian medical graduates (p < 0.01). Over 80% of dentists referred to a specialist when a suspected lesion was found. The greatest barrier for oral cancer screening was lack of time. Almost all dentists (98.8%) reported that their screening practices do not differ depending on the patient’s insurance status and 63.8% reported compensation would not influence their decision to perform oral examinations.

Conclusion
Most dentists have a good knowledge of the presentation and risk factors associated with oral cavity cancer. Most dentists perform screening with every patient, with no influence from compensation and insurance status. Dentists are therefore an excellent first contact for oral cavity cancer screening for the general public and for high-risk populations.
The menstrual cycle regularity and skin: irregular menstrual cycle affects skin physiological properties and skin bacterial microbiome in urban Chinese women
Authors: Ma Laiji , Jiang Hong , Han Tingting , Shi Yanqin , Wang Man , Jiang Shanshan , Yang Suzhen , Yao Lingyun , Jia Qingwen , Shao Li 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The regularity of the menstrual cycle directly affects women’s health. Many studies have focused on menstrual health; however, menstrual cycle regularity-related variations in skin physiological characteristics and skin microbiota have been seldom investigated.

Methods
To investigate the menstrual cycle regularity-related variations in skin physiological characteristics and skin microbiota of 197 cases of Chinese women aged 18–35 years living in shanghai in 2021. Based on a self-evaluation questionnaire, the volunteers were divided into three groups C1 (those with a regular menstrual cycle), C2 (those with a less regular menstrual cycle) and C3 (those with an irregular menstrual cycle). The physiological parameters of facial skin were measured by non-invasive methods and the skin microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

Results
In the C3 group, the hydration content was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), the TEWL was significantly increased (p < 0.05), and the sebum content was increased (p > 0.05), indicating that the skin barrier integrity weakened with increased menstrual cycle irregularity. Additionally, the melanin level, L value and b value were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the C3 group, but the a value was significantly increased (p < 0.001), which indicated that the skin color became darker. Furthermore, the skin microbiota diversity decreased with increasing cycle irregularity, but the differences were not significant. The skin microbiota composition showed that the proportion of Firmicutes, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus and Cutibacterium were increased in those with an irregular menstrual cycle, indicating that alterations in the ratio of bacterial phyla and/or genera might disturb skin homeostasis. Spearman correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between the microbiota and skin physiological parameters. Based on the associations among hormones, skin physiological parameters and skin microbiota, it is possible that the skin physiological parameters, as well as the skin microbial diversity and composition, change with hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.

Conclusions
An irregular menstrual cycle can affect skin physiological characteristics and the skin microbiota. Female with an irregular menstrual cycle should strengthen skin care practices and use skin care products with moisturising and soothing effects to protect their skin.
Screening of key functional components of Taohong Siwu Decoction on ischemic stroke treatment based on multiobjective optimization approach and experimental validation
Authors: Xu Anqi , Li Wenxing , Cai Jieqi , Wen Zhuohua , Wang Kexin , Chen Yupeng , Li Xifeng , Guan Daogang , Duan Chuanzhi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundTaohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription in the treatment of ischemic stroke. There are thousands of chemical components in THSWD. However, the key functional components are still poorly understood. This study aimed to construct a mathematical model for screening of active ingredients in TCM prescriptions and apply it to THSWD on ischemic stroke.MethodsBotanical drugs and compounds in THSWD were acquired from multiple public TCM databases. All compounds were initially screened by ADMET properties. SEA, HitPick, and Swiss Target Prediction were used for target prediction of the filtered compounds. Ischemic stroke pathological genes were acquired from the DisGeNet database. The compound–target–pathogenic gene (C-T-P) network of THSWD was constructed and then optimized using the multiobjective optimization (MOO) algorithm. We calculated the cumulative target coverage score of each compound and screened the top compounds with 90% coverage. Finally, verification of the neuroprotective effect of these compounds was performed with the oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model.ResultsThe optimized C-T-P network contains 167 compounds, 1,467 predicted targets, and 1,758 stroke pathological genes. And the MOO model showed better optimization performance than the degree model, closeness model, and betweenness model. Then, we calculated the cumulative target coverage score of the above compounds, and the cumulative effect of 39 compounds on pathogenic genes reached 90% of all compounds. Furthermore, the experimental results showed that decanoic acid, butylphthalide, chrysophanol, and sinapic acid significantly increased cell viability. Finally, the docking results showed the binding modes of these four compounds and their target proteins.ConclusionThis study provides a methodological reference for the screening of potential therapeutic compounds of TCM. In addition, decanoic acid and sinapic acid screened from THSWD were found having potential neuroprotective effects first and verified with cell experiments, however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to explore the precise mechanisms involved.
Development and validation of an instrument to measure the Micro-Learning Environment of Students (MLEM)
Authors: Akbar Zainab , Khan Rehan Ahmed , Khan Humaira Fayyaz , Yasmeen Rahila 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
There are multiple instruments to measure different learning environments but no valid and reliable instrument is present for measuring the micro-learning environment. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument to measure the micro-learning environment of students. Measuring the micro-learning environment can give insight into the real-life experiences of students and enlighten us about the disparity between taught, delivered, and learned curricula.

Methods
Multi-institutional Mixed methods study design with consecutive qualitative and, quantitative components was used based on information processing theory. Literature review, results of semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussion were combined to develop a questionnaire. Content and response process validity were established followed by pilot testing, reliability calculation, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results
A forty-nine-item preliminary draft instrument was reduced to a total of twenty-four items final instrument having five themes regarding teaching practices, learners support, competence in teaching, progressive faculty, and teaching environment. The values of SCVI/Ave and S-CVI/UA were calculated to be 0.92 and 0.62 respectively. Reliability was calculated to be 0.94. Fit indices values were within the normal range.

Conclusion
The instrument for measuring the micro-learning environment has excellent content, construct, response process validity, and reliability.
Cost-utility analysis of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) and biosimilar DMARDs (bsDMARDs) combined with methotrexate for Thai rheumatoid arthritis patients with high disease activity
Authors: Prawjaeng Juthamas , Leelahavarong Pattara , Budtarad Nuttakarn , Pilasant Songyot , Chanjam Chonticha , Katchamart Wanruchada , Narongroeknawin Pongthorn , Kitumnuaypong Tasanee 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundNew biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), targeted synthetic DMARDs (tsDMARDs) and biosimilar DMARDs (bsDMARDs) all showed greater clinical benefits in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with high disease activity, but imposed higher costs than standard treatment. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of 11 alternative treatment strategies for RA patients with high disease activity whose treatment with three conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs) failed.MethodsA Markov model was constructed using a societal perspective to estimate relevant costs and health outcomes in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for a lifetime horizon (100 years), given a 3% annual discount. Alternative treatment strategies including five bDMARDs, two tsDMARDs, and four bsDMARDs in combination with methotrexate (MTX) were compared with the standard of care (SoC), i.e., cyclosporine and azathioprine. Direct and non-medical care costs were estimated by identifying the resources used, then multiplied by the standard costing menu in the year 2022. Utility and transitional probabilities were collected in three advanced tertiary hospitals. A network meta-analysis was used to estimate the efficacy of each treatment. Lifetime cost, QALYs and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated and compared to the cost-effectiveness threshold of 160,000 THB per QALY gained (US $4,634, where 1 USD = 34.53 THB in 2022). Probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses were performed to estimate parameter uncertainties.ResultsThe bDMARDs, tsDMARDs or bsDMARDs combined with MTX provided 0.09 to 0.33 QALYs gained with additional costs of 550,986 to 2,096,744 THB (US $15,957 to $60,722) compared to the SoC. The ICER ranged from 2.3 to 8.1 million THB per QALY (US $65,935 to $234,996) compared to the SoC. None of these combinations was cost-effective in the Thai context. The results were sensitive to the mortality hazard ratio of patients with high disease activity.ConclusionsCombinations of MTX with either bDMARDs, tsDMARDs or bsDMARDs were not economically attractive compared to the standard practice. However, they reduced disease activity and improved patient quality of life. The price negotiation process for these treatments must be conducted to ensure their financial value and affordability before they are included in the pharmaceutical reimbursement list.
A serological survey of pathogens associated with the respiratory and digestive system in the Polish European bison (Bison bonasus) population in 2017–2022
Authors: Didkowska Anna , Klich Daniel , Nowak Magdalena , Wojciechowska Marlena , Prolejko Kinga , Kwiecień Ewelina , Rzewuska Magdalena , Olech Wanda , Anusz Krzysztof 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants.

Results
In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals.

Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison.