bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin 17 in early invasive breast cancer
Authors: Popović Marina , Dedić Plavetić Natalija , Vrbanec Damir , Marušić Zlatko , Mijatović Davor , Kulić Ana 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionInterleukin 17 (IL-17) has a key role in inflammatory responses. Increased serum concentrations of IL-17 have been reported in patients with different types of cancer. Some studies suggest antitumor activity of IL-17 while others speak in favor of its association with poorer prognosis. The lack of data on IL-17 behavior in vivo hinders the efforts to clarify the exact role of IL-17 in breast cancer patients and precludes the usage of IL-17 as potential therapeutic target.MethodsThe study included 118 patients with early invasive breast cancer. The serum concentration of IL-17A was measured before surgery and during adjuvant treatment and compared with healthy controls. The correlation of serum IL-17A concentration and different clinical and pathological parameters, including IL-17A expression in the corresponding tumor tissue samples, was analyzed.ResultsSignificantly higher serum concentrations of IL-17A were found in women with early breast cancer before surgery, but also during adjuvant treatment in comparison to healthy controls. No significant correlation to tumor tissue IL-17A expression was observed. There was a significant postoperative decrease of serum IL-17A concentrations even in patients with relatively lower preoperative values. A significant negative correlation was found between serum IL-17A concentrations and the tumor estrogen receptor expression.ConclusionThe results suggest that the immune response in early breast cancer is mediated by IL-17A, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer. IL-17A-mediated inflammatory response subsides postoperatively, but IL-17A concentrations remain elevated compared to the values in healthy controls, even after the removal of the tumor.
Lymph node metastasis-related gene signature shows good performance in predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in cervical cancer
Authors: Guo Yilin , Wang Lu , Xu Zhen , Li Mengqi , Wang Wuliang , Bai Yangyang , Xu Xingyue , Li Rui , Zhao Hu 
Published: June 2023

AimsThis study aimed to construct a lymph node metastasis-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immune infiltration in patients with cervical cancer.MethodsClinical and RNA sequencing data of 193 patients with cervical cancer, which were divided into lymph node metastasis (N1) and non-lymph node metastasis (N0) groups, were acquired from TCGA. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the N1 and N0 groups were detected, and protein-protein interaction combined with LASSO analysis was conducted to further screen lymph node metastasis-related genes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to establish a predictive signature. The genetic features, potential biological behavior, and immune infiltration characteristics of the predictive signature were explored. Furthermore, the sensitivity of patients to chemotherapy drugs was estimated based on the predictive signature and the expression of TEKT2 and RPGR was investigated in the cervical cancer tissue samples.ResultsA total of 271 lymph node metastasis-related DEGs, including 100 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes, were identified. Two genes, TEKT2 and RPGR, were associated with lymph node metastasis and prognosis in cervical cancer, and were used to construct a lymph node metastasis-related predictive signature. Based on the predictive signature, patients with cervical cancer were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The high-risk group, characterized by a higher tumor mutation burden and somatic mutation rate, indicated a poor overall survival. The activation of immune infiltration and increased expression of checkpoint genes were observed in the high-risk group, indicating that they might benefit from immunotherapy. Cytarabine, FH535, and procaspase-activating compound-1 were estimated as reasonable chemotherapy options for patients in the high-risk group, whereas two taxanes and five tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including etoposide and vinorelbine, had therapeutic significance for patients in the low-risk group. The expression of TEKT2 and RPGR was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer tissues, especially in metastatic lymph node tissues.DiscussionThe lymph node metastasis-related predictive signature based on TEKT2 and RPGR showed good performance in predicting the survival outcomes of patients with cervical cancer. The risk score of the predictive signature was related to genetic variation and immune infiltration, which could guide immunotherapy and chemotherapy strategies.
Novel nomograms for predicting survival for immediate breast reconstruction patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer—a single-center 15-year experience
Authors: He Shanshan , Chen Qingjinan , Li Gang , Ding Bowen , Wang Shu , Han Chunyong , Sun Jingyan , Huang Qingfeng , Yin Jian 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundImmediate breast reconstruction is widely accepted following oncologic mastectomy. This study aimed to build a novel nomogram predicting the survival outcome for Chinese patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following mastectomy for invasive breast cancer.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients undergoing immediate reconstruction following treatment for invasive breast cancer was performed from May 2001 to March 2016. Eligible patients were assigned to a training set or a validation set. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to select associate variables. Two nomograms were developed based on the training cohort for breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Internal and external validations were performed, and the C-index and calibration plots were generated to evaluate the performance (discrimination and accuracy) of the models.ResultsThe 10-year estimated BCSS and DFS were 90.80% (95% CI: 87.30%–94.40%) and 78.40% (95% CI: 72.50%–84.70%), respectively, in the training cohort. In the validation cohort, they were and 85.60% (95% CI, 75.90%–96.50%) and 84.10% (95% CI, 77.80%–90.90%), respectively. Ten independent factors were used to build a nomogram for prediction of 1-, 5- and 10-year BCSS, while nine were used for DFS. The C-index was 0.841 for BCSS and 0.737 for DFS in internal validation, and the C-index was 0.782 for BCSS and 0.700 for DFS in external validation. The calibration curve for both BCSS and DFS demonstrated acceptable agreement between the predicted and actual observation in the training and the validation cohorts.ConclusionThe nomograms provided valuable visualization of factors predicting BCSS and DFS in invasive breast cancer patients with immediate breast reconstruction. The nomograms may have tremendous potential in guiding individualized decision-making for physicians and patients in choosing the optimized treatment methods.
An integrative multi-omics analysis based on disulfidptosis-related prognostic signature and distinct subtypes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Dong , Zhang Xi , Liu Zhanpeng , Han Tian , Zhao Kai , Xu Xinchi , Zhang Xu , Ren Xiaohan , Qin Chao 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe association between clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and disulfidoptosis remains to be thoroughly investigated.MethodsWe conducted multiple bioinformatics analyses, including prognostic analysis and cluster analysis, using R software. Additionally, we utilized Quantitative Real-time PCR to measure RNA levels of specific genes. The proliferation of ccRCC was assessed through CCK8 and colony formation assays, while the invasion and migration of ccRCC cells were evaluated using the transwell assay.ResultsIn this study, utilizing data from multiple ccRCC cohorts, we identified molecules that contribute to disulfidoptosis. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the prognostic and immunological roles of these molecules. Among the disulfidoptosis-related metabolism genes (DMGs), LRPPRC, OXSM, GYS1, and SLC7A11 exhibited significant correlations with ccRCC patient prognosis. Based on our signature, patients in different groups displayed varying levels of immune infiltration and different mutation profiles. Furthermore, we classified patients into two clusters and identified multiple functional pathways that play important roles in the occurrence and development of ccRCC. Given its critical role in disulfidoptosis, we conducted further analysis on SLC7A11. Our results demonstrated that ccRCC cells with high expression of SLC7A11 exhibited a malignant phenotype.ConclusionsThese findings enhanced our understanding of the underlying function of DMGs in ccRCC.
Characterization and outcome of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders within a collaborative study
Authors: Lückemeier Philipp , Radujkovic Aleksandar , Holtick Udo , Kurch Lars , Monecke Astrid , Platzbecker Uwe , Herling Marco , Kayser Sabine 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundPost-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) are heterogeneous lymphoid disorders ranging from indolent polyclonal proliferations to aggressive lymphomas that can arise after solid organ transplantation (SOT) and allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation (allo-HSCT).MethodsIn this multi-center retrospective study, we compare patient characteristics, therapies, and outcomes of PTLD after allo-HSCT and SOT. Twenty-five patients (15 after allo-HSCT and 10 after SOT) were identified who developed PTLD between 2008 and 2022.ResultsMedian age (57 years; range, 29-74 years) and baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (allo-HSCT vs SOT), but median onset of PTLD was markedly shorter after allo-HSCT (2 months vs. 99 months, P&lt;0.001). Treatment regimens were heterogeneous, with reduction of immunosuppression in combination with rituximab being the most common first-line treatment strategy in both cohorts (allo-HSCT: 66%; SOT: 80%). The overall response rate was lower in the allo-HSCT (67%) as compared to the SOT group (100%). Consequently, the overall survival (OS) trended towards a worse outcome for the allo-HSCT group (1-year OS: 54% vs. 78%; P=0.58). We identified PTLD onset ≤150 days in the allo-HSCT (P=0.046) and ECOG &gt;2 in the SOT group (P=0.03) as prognostic factors for lower OS.ConclusionPTLD cases present heterogeneously and pose unique challenges after both types of allogeneic transplantation.
Recent advances in nanomedicine preparative methods and their therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer: a critical review
Authors: Jain Arinjay , Bhattacharya Sankha 
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy that affects a large percentage of the global population. The conventional treatments for CRC have a number of limitations. Nanoparticles have emerged as a promising cancer treatment method due to their ability to directly target cancer cells and regulate drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. This compilation examines the use of nanoparticles as drug delivery systems for CRC treatment. Different nanomaterials can be used to administer anticancer drugs, including polymeric nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles. In addition, we discuss recent developments in nanoparticle preparation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, salting-out, ion gelation, and nanoprecipitation. These methods have demonstrated high efficacy in penetrating epithelial cells, a prerequisite for effective drug delivery. This article focuses on the various targeting mechanisms utilized by CRC-targeted nanoparticles and their recent advancements in this field. In addition, the review offers descriptive information regarding numerous nano-preparative procedures for colorectal cancer treatments. We also discuss the outlook for innovative therapeutic techniques in the management of CRC, including the potential application of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. The review concludes with a discussion of current nanotechnology patents and clinical studies used to target and diagnose CRC. The results of this investigation suggest that nanoparticles have great potential as a method of drug delivery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Atrial arrhythmias following lung transplant: a single pediatric center experience
Authors: Sill Jordan , Baskar Shankar , Zang Huaiyu , Spar David , Iliopoulos Ilias , Morales David L. S. , Hayes Don , Koh Wonshill 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundOutcomes after lung transplant (LTx) in children have slowly improved. Although atrial arrhythmia (AA) is a common and adverse complication following LTx among adults, there is limited data on pediatric recipients. We detail our pediatric single-center experience while providing further insights on occurrence and management of AA following LTx.MethodsA retrospective analysis of LTx recipients at a pediatric LTx program from 2014 to 2022 was performed. We investigated timing of occurrence and management of AA following LTx, and its effect on post-LTx outcome.ResultsThree out of nineteen (15%) pediatric LTx recipients developed AA. The timing of occurrence was 9–10 days following LTx. Those patients in the older age group (age &gt;12 years old) were the only ones who developed AA. Developing AA did not have a negative effect on hospital stay duration or short-term mortality. All LTx recipients with AA were discharged home on therapy that was discontinued at 6 months for those who was on mono-therapy without recurrence of AA.ConclusionsAA is an early post-operative complication in older children and younger adults undergoing LTx at a pediatric center. Early recognition and aggressive management can mitigate any morbidity or mortality. Future investigations should explore factors that place this population at risk for AA in order to prevent this complication post-operatively.
Efficacy and safety of trastuzumab deruxtecan in the treatment of HER2-low/positive advanced breast cancer: a single-arm meta-analysis
Authors: Li Zongyu , Guo Shangwen , Xue Haoyi , Li Luying , Guo Yuyuan , Duan Sinuo , Zhu He 
Published: June 2023

Background: Clinical trials have shown that the use of trastuzumab deruxtecan (DS-8201) alone is expected to provide novel therapeutic options for HER2-low/positive patients. Nevertheless, there are some variations in the efficacy of trial results, with potential risks at the safety level. Most DS-8201 trials in HER2 advanced breast cancer (ABC) have been conducted in the form of small-sample nonrandomized controlled studies, resulting in a lack of validated indicators to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DS-8201. Thus, this meta-analysis aimed to pool the results of various trials of DS-8201 alone to explore the efficacy and safety of DS-8201 in patients with HER2-low/positive advanced breast cancer.Methods: Relevant studies were searched in seven databases, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP database and WanFang data, to collect single-arm studies on DS-8201 for HER2-low/positive ABC. MINORS was adopted for quality assessment and STATA 16.0 for data analysis.Results: Ten studies involving 1,108 patients were included in this meta-analysis. As for the tumor response rate, the pooled ORR and DCR of all studies reached 57% (95% CI: 47%–67%) and 92% (95% CI: 89%–96%) respectively, and the pooled ORRs of the HER2-low expression group and the HER2-positive expression group were 46% (95% CI: 35%–56%) and 64% (95% CI: 54%–74%). Only the low expression group achieved median survival time, with a pooled median PFS and median OS of 9.24 (95% CI: 7.54–10.94) months and 23.87 (95% CI: 21.56–26.17) months, respectively. The most common treatment-related adverse events from DS-8201 were nausea (all grades: 62%; ≥ grade III: 5%), fatigue (all grade: 44%; ≥ grade III: 6%), and alopecia (all grades: 38%; ≥ grade III: 0.5%). Drug-related interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis occurred in 13% of the 1,108 patients, with only a 1% incidence of AE ≥ grade III.Conclusion: The present study suggests that DS-8201 is effective and safe in the treatment of ABC with low or positive HER2 expression, providing additional relevant information for its clinical application. However, further strengthening of the pairs is needed, as well as more clinical studies to support individualized treatment.Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023390316.
Analysis of emotional prosody as a tool for differential diagnosis of cognitive impairments: a pilot research
Authors: Oh Chorong , Morris Richard , Wang Xianhui , Raskin Morgan S. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThis pilot research was designed to investigate if prosodic features from running spontaneous speech could differentiate dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT), vascular dementia (VaD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and healthy cognition. The study included acoustic measurements of prosodic features (Study 1) and listeners’ perception of emotional prosody differences (Study 2).MethodsFor Study 1, prerecorded speech samples describing the Cookie Theft picture from 10 individuals with DAT, 5 with VaD, 9 with MCI, and 10 neurologically healthy controls (NHC) were obtained from the DementiaBank. The descriptive narratives by each participant were separated into utterances. These utterances were measured on 22 acoustic features via the Praat software and analyzed statistically using the principal component analysis (PCA), regression, and Mahalanobis distance measures.ResultsThe analyses on acoustic data revealed a set of five factors and four salient features (i.e., pitch, amplitude, rate, and syllable) that discriminate the four groups. For Study 2, a group of 28 listeners served as judges of emotions expressed by the speakers. After a set of training and practice sessions, they were instructed to indicate the emotions they heard. Regression measures were used to analyze the perceptual data. The perceptual data indicated that the factor underlying pitch measures had the greatest strength for the listeners to separate the groups.DiscussionThe present pilot work showed that using acoustic measures of prosodic features may be a functional method for differentiating among DAT, VaD, MCI, and NHC. Future studies with data collected under a controlled environment using better stimuli are warranted.
Speech recognition in noise task among children and young-adults: a pupillometry study
Authors: Trau-Margalit Avital , Fostick Leah , Harel-Arbeli Tami , Nissanholtz-Gannot Rachel , Taitelbaum-Swead Riki 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionChildren experience unique challenges when listening to speech in noisy environments. The present study used pupillometry, an established method for quantifying listening and cognitive effort, to detect temporal changes in pupil dilation during a speech-recognition-in-noise task among school-aged children and young adults.MethodsThirty school-aged children and 31 young adults listened to sentences amidst four-talker babble noise in two signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) conditions: high accuracy condition (+10 dB and  + 6 dB, for children and adults, respectively) and low accuracy condition (+5 dB and + 2 dB, for children and adults, respectively). They were asked to repeat the sentences while pupil size was measured continuously during the task.ResultsDuring the auditory processing phase, both groups displayed pupil dilation; however, adults exhibited greater dilation than children, particularly in the low accuracy condition. In the second phase (retention), only children demonstrated increased pupil dilation, whereas adults consistently exhibited a decrease in pupil size. Additionally, the children’s group showed increased pupil dilation during the response phase.DiscussionAlthough adults and school-aged children produce similar behavioural scores, group differences in dilation patterns point that their underlying auditory processing differs. A second peak of pupil dilation among the children suggests that their cognitive effort during speech recognition in noise lasts longer than in adults, continuing past the first auditory processing peak dilation. These findings support effortful listening among children and highlight the need to identify and alleviate listening difficulties in school-aged children, to provide proper intervention strategies.
How, when and why abilities go social: researching children’s empathy and prosocial behaviors in context
Authors: Roerig Simone , van Wesel Floryt , Evers Sandra J. T. M. , van der Meulen Anna , Krabbendam Lydia 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThe current paper undertakes interdisciplinary research on empathy in children by combining insights and methodological tools from the fields of psychology, education and anthropology. The researchers aim to map how children’s individual empathic abilities studied on a cognitive level do or do not coincide with their empathic expressions as part of group dynamics in daily life at the classroom level.MethodWe combined qualitative and quantitative methods within three different classrooms at three different schools. In total, 77 children aged between 9 to 12 years participated.ResultsThe results indicate how such an interdisciplinary approach can provide unique insights. Through the integration of data from our different research tools we could reveal the interplay between different levels. More specifically this meant showing the possible influence of rule-based prosocial behaviors versus empathy based prosocial behaviors, the interplay between community empathic abilities and individual empathic abilities, and the role of peer culture and school culture.DiscussionThese insights can be seen as encouragement toward a research approach that extends beyond the single disciplinary field in social science research.