bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical predictive value of geriatric nutritional risk index in elderly rectal cancer patients received surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hu Chenhao , Li Ruizhe , Zhang Zhe , Wang Ya , Zhao Jiamian , Liu Ruihan , Li Zhenghui , She Junjun , Shi Feiyu 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe assessment of nutritional status has been recognized as crucial in the treatment of geriatric cancer patients. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical predictive value of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in predicting the short-term and long-term prognosis of elderly rectal cancer (RC) patients who undergo surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy.MethodsBetween January 2014 and December 2020, the clinical materials of 639 RC patients aged ≥70 years who underwent surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy were retrospectively analysed. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline potential confounders. Logistic regression analysis and competing risk analysis were conducted to evaluate the correlation between the GNRI and the risk of postoperative major complications and cumulative incidence of cancer-specific survival (CSS). Nomograms were then constructed for postoperative major complications and CSS. Additionally, 203 elderly RC patients were enrolled between January 2021 and December 2022 as an external validation cohort.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that GNRI [odds ratio = 1.903, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.120–3.233, p = 0.017] was an independent risk factor for postoperative major complications. In competing risk analysis, the GNRI was also identified as an independent prognostic factor for CSS (subdistribution hazard ratio = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.46–6.19, p &lt; 0.001). The postoperative major complication nomogram showed excellent performance internally and externally in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots and decision curve analysis (DCA). When compared with other models, the competing risk prognosis nomogram incorporating the GNRI achieved the highest outcomes in terms of the C-index, AUC, calibration plots, and DCA.ConclusionThe GNRI is a simple and effective tool for predicting the risk of postoperative major complications and the long-term prognosis of elderly RC patients who undergo surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy.
COVID−19 hospitalization increases the risk of developing glioblastoma: a bidirectional Mendelian-randomization study
Authors: Dong Jiajun , Wang Shengnan , Xie Haoqun , Mou Yanhao , Zhu Hao , Peng Yilong , Xi Jianxin , Zhong Minggu , Xie Zhengyuan , Jiang Zongyuan , Wang Kang , Chen Hongyu , Yang Wenzhuo , Zhu Mingqin , Wen Yufeng , Wu Yi 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundAs a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with glioblastoma (GBM) are considered a highly vulnerable population. Despite this, the extent of the causative relationship between GBM and COVID-19 infection is uncertain.MethodsGenetic instruments for SARS-CoV-2 infection (38,984 cases and 1,644,784 control individuals), COVID-19 hospitalization (8,316 cases and 1,549,095 control individuals), and COVID-19 severity (4,792 cases and 1,054,664 control individuals) were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) from European populations. A total of 6,183 GBM cases and 18,169 controls from GWAS were enrolled in our study. Their associations were evaluated by applying Mendelian randomization (MR) including IVW meta-analysis, MR-Egger regression, and weighted-median analysis. To make the conclusions more robust and reliable, sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsOur results showed that genetically predicted COVID−19 hospitalization increases the risk of GBM (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.035–1.395, p = 0.016). In addition, no increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 hospitalization and severity were observed in patients with any type of genetically predicted GBM.ConclusionOur MR study indicated for the first time that genetically predicted COVID−19 hospitalization was demonstrated as a risk factor for the development of GBM.
Stromal-epithelial interaction induces GALNT14 in prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Czyrnik Elena D. , Wiesehöfer Marc , Dankert Jaroslaw T. , Wach Sven , Wagner Mathias , Spahn Martin , Kruithof de Julio Marianna , Wennemuth Gunther 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCell-cell communication is an important process in healthy tissue but also gains enhanced attention regarding pathological tissue. To date, the tumor microenvironment is gradually brought into focus when studying tumorigenesis. In the prostate gland, stromal and epithelial cells greatly interact to maintain homeostasis or tissue integrity. This study focuses on an indirect communication via soluble factors.MethodsTo investigate the cell-cell interaction via soluble factors, the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP and the stromal primary cells p21 were co-cultured without direct contact and RNA was isolated at defined time points. Differences in gene expression were finally analyzed by RNA sequencing.ResultsRNA sequencing revealed a time-depending differential expression profile. Selected factors were subsequently characterized at molecular level and analyzed in human prostate tissue of different developmental stages as well as pathology. GALNT14 was one of the highest induced co-culture-specific genes in LNCaP cells. Detection in healthy tissue and BPH revealed an age-dependent decrease in GALNT14 expression. Moreover, in prostate carcinoma, GALNT14 expression heavily varied independent of the Gleason score.ConclusionOverall, this work provides a basis for further studies related to paracrine stromal-epithelial interaction in prostate carcinoma and highlights the importance of GALNT14.
Visceral obesity and anastomotic leakage rates in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Linchong , Wu Wenjiang , Xia Shijun , Li Yue , Xu Zhigang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundNumberous studies have heatedly discussed whether obesity is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage (AL) because of the increasing number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and high incidence of CRC in patients with obesity.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the relationship between visceral obesity(VO) and AL after CRC surgery. The databases of Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant data and articles published until November 1, 2022. We identified the difference in the incidence of AL after CRC surgery between patients with and without VO. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle- Ottawa Scale, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were used to assess the association between VO and AL.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 7 studies with 2,136 patients. The OR of patients with VO versus those without VO was 2.15 (95%CIs = 1.46–3.15, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.29, I2 = 18%) based on the fixed-effect model in seven studies. Notably, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z = 3.91 P &lt; 0.0001). Patients with VO in the colon cancer group exhibited a higher incidence of AL (OR = 2.88, 95% CIs = 1.38–5.99, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.27, I2 = 20%) than those in the rectal cancer group (OR = 2.74, 95% CIs = 1.13–6.65, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.20, I2 = 38%). In the studies in the relevant literature, heterogeneity was low. Regarding patients with VO, four Asian studies reported increased morbidity due to AL (OR = 2.79, 95% CIs = 1.35–5.78, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.35, I2 = 9%) compared with three non-Asian studies.ConclusionsOur findings confirmed the significant relationship between VO and AL. Thus, VO could be considered a reliable risk factor of surgery for colon cancer.
Identifying central symptom clusters and correlates in children with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy: a network analysis
Authors: Fang Jia , Wong Cho-Lee , Liu Chun-Qin , Huang Hai-Ying , Qi Yi-Shu , Xu Li-Ling , Wang Mei-Xiang , Lin Yan 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia, yet a knowledge gap persists regarding central symptom clusters and their influencing factors. By identifying these central clusters and associated factors, healthcare providers can enhance their understanding and effective management of symptoms. Our study seeks to address this gap by identifying symptom clusters, exploring central clusters, and investigating the demographic and health-related factors associated with these clusters in children with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsA total of 586 children with acute leukemia from January 2021 to April 2023 were recruited from China. They were investigated using Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale 10-18 during chemotherapy. The principal component analysis was used to identify the symptom clusters. An association network was conducted to describe the relationships among symptoms and clusters. A multiple linear model was used to investigate the associated factors for the severity of overall symptoms and each symptom cluster.ResultsFive clusters were identified, including oral and skin cluster, somatic cluster, self-image disorder cluster, gastrointestinal cluster and psychological cluster. Gastrointestinal cluster was the most central symptom cluster. Age, sex, clinical classification, number of having chemotherapy and education degree and marital status of the primary caregiver are associated with the severity of these five symptom clusters.ConclusionOur study highlights the importance of evaluating symptom clusters in children with acute leukemia during chemotherapy. Specifically, addressing gastrointestinal symptoms is crucial for effective symptom management and overall care.
Exploring the natural products chemical space through a molecular search to discover potential inhibitors that target the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)
Authors: Sayaf Abrar Mohammad , Ullah Khalid Saif , Hameed Jawad Ahmed , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Khan Abbas , Mohammad Anwar , Alghamdi Saeed , Wei Dong-Qing , Yeoh KarKheng 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) enzymes are major therapeutic targets of anemia and ischemic/hypoxia diseases. To overcome safety issues, liver failure, and problems associated with on-/off-targets, natural products due to their novel and unique structures offer promising alternatives as drug targets.Methods: In the current study, the Marine Natural Products, North African, South African, East African, and North-East African chemical space was explored for HIF-PHD inhibitors discovery through molecular search, and the final hits were validated using molecular simulation and free energy calculation approaches.Results: Our results revealed that CMNPD13808 with a docking score of −8.690 kcal/mol, CID15081178 with a docking score of −8.027 kcal/mol, CID71496944 with a docking score of −8.48 kcal/mol and CID11821407 with a docking score of −7.78 kcal/mol possess stronger activity than the control N-[(4-hydroxy-8-iodoisoquinolin-3-yl)carbonyl]glycine, 4HG (−6.87 kcal/mol). Interaction analysis revealed that the target compounds interact with Gln239, Tyr310, Tyr329, Arg383 and Trp389 residues, and chelate the active site iron in a bidentate manner in PHD2. Molecular simulation revealed that these target hits robustly block the PHD2 active site by demonstrating stable dynamics. Furthermore, the half-life of the Arg383 hydrogen bond with the target ligands, which is an important factor for PHD2 inhibition, remained almost constant in all the complexes during the simulation. Finally, the total binding free energy of each complex was calculated as CMNPD13808-PHD2 −72.91 kcal/mol, CID15081178-PHD2 −65.55 kcal/mol, CID71496944-PHD2 −68.47 kcal/mol, and CID11821407-PHD2 −62.06 kcal/mol, respectively.Conclusion: The results show the compounds possess good activity in contrast to the control drug (4HG) and need further in vitro and in vivo validation for possible usage as potential drugs against HIF-PHD2-associated diseases.
Efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs: a prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled protocol
Authors: Sun Xiaoxiao , Zhang Meixian , Zhang Hui , Fei Xuejie , Bai Gang , Li Cheng 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Critically ill patients who receive mechanical ventilation after endotracheal intubation commonly experience discomfort and pressure. The major sedative drugs that are currently used in clinical practice present with many complications, such as hypotension, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Ciprofol (HSK3486), which is a newly developed structural analog of propofol, is a short-acting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist, and its mechanism of action is sedation or anesthesia by enhancing GABA-mediated chloride influx. The high efficacy of ciprofol for short-term sedation is comparable to that of propofol, and it has a relatively low incidence of adverse effects and high level of safety, which has been confirmed by multiple clinical studies. However, few studies have examined its safety and efficacy for long-term sedation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated patients.Methods: A prospective, single-center, double-blind, randomized, propofol-controlled, non-inferiority trial is proposed. The study will enroll 112 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital affiliated with Tongji University based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study, and randomly assign them to a group sedated with either ciprofol or propofol. The primary outcome is the percentage of time spent under target sedation, and secondary outcomes include drug dose, number of cases requiring additional dextrometropine, incidence of systolic blood pressure &lt;80 or &gt;180 mmHg, incidence of diastolic blood pressure &lt;50 or &gt;100 mmHg, incidence of heart rate &lt;50 beats per minute (bpm) or &gt;120 bpm, inflammatory indicators, blood lipid levels, liver and kidney functions, nutritional indicators, ventilator-free days within the 7-day period after enrollment, 28-day mortality, ICU stay duration, and hospitalization costs.Discussion: We hypothesize that the efficacy and safety of ciprofol for long-term sedation in mechanically ventilated ICU patients will not be inferior to that of propofol.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry identifier ChiCTR2200066951.
Fast screening of total nutrient contents in strawberry leaves and spent growing media using NIRS
Authors: Vandecasteele Bart , Van Waes Chris 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionIn closed-loop soilless cultivation, the main nutrient sinks are nutrients retained either by the crop or in spent growing media. Measurement of nutrients in spent growing media and in the aboveground vegetative plant biomass at crop termination can be a tool for assessing and optimizing nutrient efficiency. The first aim of this study was to test the potential of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to forecast the various nutrient contents in strawberry leaves, which would then allow for assessment of crop nutrient status and total nutrient uptake by strawberry plants. The second aim was to test NIRS as a high throughput technique for assessing the N, K, Ca, Mg and organic matter (OM) content and the pH, EC and C:N and C:P ratios for a dataset of composts, plant fibers and spent growing media. The NIRS prediction model for fast screening of the total nutrient contents in spent growing media was compared with a single extraction method.MethodsA database with 369 dried and ground strawberry leaf samples with known contents of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were scanned using NIRS. The database covered a range of leaf contents of 6-35 g N/kg dry matter (DM), 0.7-6.3 g P/kg DM and 2-29 g K/kg DM. A dataset of 458 samples of different types of materials used in growing media was validated with a dataset of 109 samples.ResultsValidation for the strawberry leaves indicated potential for this application, with R2 values of 0.90 or higher for N, K and Ca, and R2 values higher than 0.85 for P and Mg. Validation for the dataset of composts, plant fibers and spent growing media also indicated the potential for this application, with R2 values of 0.90 or higher for organic matter, and with R2 values of 0.85 or higher for total Ca, pH and C:N. A first test indicated potential for the calibration based on fresh samples of compost, plant fiber as well as spent growing media or dried (not ground) samples.DiscussionUse of NIRS on fresh samples would eliminate the need for drying and grinding the samples and would reduce screening time. The ammonium acetate extraction is a reliable alternative to NIRS for fast screening of the total P, K, Ca, and Mg contents in composts, plant fibers and spent growing media.
Genome-wide analysis of cold imbibition stress in soybean, Glycine max
Authors: Haidar Siwar , Lackey Simon , Charette Martin , Yoosefzadeh-Najafabadi Mohsen , Gahagan A. Claire , Hotte Thomas , Belzile Francois , Rajcan Istvan , Golshani Ashkan , Morrison Malcolm J. , Cober Elroy R. , Samanfar Bahram 
Published: August 2023

In Canada, the length of the frost-free season necessitates planting crops as early as possible to ensure that the plants have enough time to reach full maturity before they are harvested. Early planting carries inherent risks of cold water imbibition (specifically less than 4°C) affecting seed germination. A marker dataset developed for a previously identified Canadian soybean GWAS panel was leveraged to investigate the effect of cold water imbibition on germination. Seed from a panel of 137 soybean elite cultivars, grown in the field at Ottawa, ON, over three years, were placed on filter paper in petri dishes and allowed to imbibe water for 16 hours at either 4°C or 20°C prior to being transferred to a constant 20°C. Observations on seed germination, defined as the presence of a 1 cm radicle, were done from day two to seven. A three-parameter exponential rise to a maximum equation (3PERM) was fitted to estimate germination, time to the one-half maximum germination, and germination uniformity for each cultivar. Genotype-by-sequencing was used to identify SNPs in 137 soybean lines, and using genome-wide association studies (GWAS - rMVP R package, with GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU as methods), haplotype block analysis, and assumed linkage blocks of ±100 kbp, a threshold for significance was established using the qvalue package in R, and five significant SNPs were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, and 13 for maximum germination after cold water imbibition. Percent of phenotypic variance explained (PVE) and allele substitution effect (ASE) eliminated two of the five candidate SNPs, leaving three QTL regions on chromosomes 3, 6, and 13 (Chr3-3419152, Chr6-5098454, and Chr13-29649544). Based on the gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, 14 candidate genes whose function is predicted to include germination and cold tolerance related pathways were identified as candidate genes. The identified QTLs can be used to select future soybean cultivars tolerant to cold water imbibition and mitigate risks associated with early soybean planting.
Simultaneous editing of two DMR6 genes in grapevine results in reduced susceptibility to downy mildew
Authors: Giacomelli Lisa , Zeilmaker Tieme , Giovannini Oscar , Salvagnin Umberto , Masuero Domenico , Franceschi Pietro , Vrhovsek Urska , Scintilla Simone , Rouppe van der Voort Jeroen , Moser Claudio 
Published: August 2023

The reduction of pesticide treatments is of paramount importance for the sustainability of viticulture, and it can be achieved through a combination of strategies, including the cultivation of vines (Vitis vinifera) that are resistant or tolerant to diseases such as downy mildew (DM). In many crops, the knock-out of Downy Mildew Resistant 6 (DMR6) proved successful in controlling DM-resistance, but the effect of mutations in DMR6 genes is not yet known in grapevine.Today, gene editing serves crop improvement with small and specific mutations while maintaining the genetic background of commercially important clones. Moreover, recent technological advances allowed to produce non-transgenic grapevine clones by regeneration of protoplasts edited with the CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein. This approach may revolutionize the production of new grapevine varieties and clones, but it requires knowledge about the targets and the impact of editing on plant phenotype and fitness in different cultivars.In this work we generated single and double knock-out mutants by editing DMR6 susceptibility (S) genes using CRISPR/Cas9, and showed that only the combined mutations in VviDMR6-1 and VviDMR6-2 are effective in reducing susceptibility to DM in two table-grape cultivars by increasing the levels of endogenous salicylic acid. Therefore, editing both genes may be necessary for effective DM control in real-world agricultural settings, which could potentially lead to unwanted phenotypes. Additional research, including trials conducted in experimental vineyards, is required to gain a deeper understanding of DMR6-based resistance.
Norwegian music students’ perceptions and experiences of challenges and resources for health
Authors: Ege Grete , Ottemöller Fungisai Puleng Gwanzura , Frisk Bente 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionMusic students in higher education experience health-related challenges linked to practice and performance, while an understanding of these challenges and access to resources to deal with them are required to promote the students´ health. Health literacy and health education are integral parts of health promotion and resources for health, which encompasses health-related knowledge and competence aiming to improve health. The aim of this study was to explore Norwegian music students’ perceptions and experiences of resources and challenges for health and address the following research question: What health-related challenges do music students in higher music education meet, and what health promoting resources do they need and use to deal with these challenges and promote their health?MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study including three focus group interviews with 13 music students aged between 19 and 31 years studying classical, folk, jazz or rhythmic genres from five different music departments in Norwegian universities. The Salutogenic model of health was used as theoretical framework and a few questions regarding the concept of health literacy were included in the interviews. We used thematic network analysis to analyze the data.ResultsMain health challenges were related to performance pressure and difficulties implementing good health habits in the students` daily lives. Furthermore, the findings revealed several resources that promoted the students’ health: (1) Personal resources included situational understanding, using adequate coping strategies, high motivation and participating in regular physical activity. (2) Social resources involved an understanding of the importance of social support from peers and teachers and synergy created between themselves and the audience through sharing of music. (3) Environmental resources were linked to access to good rehearsal rooms. The music students expressed a need for increased competence in health promoting routines during practice and performance and suggested that health-related topics should be an integrated part of education.