bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of multifocality in predicting central lymph node metastasis in initially treated 18-55 years old female patients with unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Han , He Yuqin , Song Yixuan , Kong Ziren , Liu Yang , Wang Jian , Zhu Yiming , Yan Dangui , Liu Shaoyan 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo determine the predictive ability of multifocality for central lymph node metastasis in initially treated 18-55 years old female patients with unilateral papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.Study designRetrospective review.SettingTertiary medical center.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data from initially treated papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients at Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical and sciences between January 1st, 2018, and December 31st, 2018. Data from 975 initially treated 18-55 years old female patients with unilateral PTMC was collected. We also collected data from 340 initially treated 18-55 years old male patients with unilateral PTMC patients to compare the results between genders. Clinicopathological factors associated with central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results(1) In the female group, there were 196 (20.1%) cases that had tumor multifocality, including 126 (12.9%) with 2 foci and 70 (7.2%) with &gt;2 foci. The risk of CLNM in patients with 2 foci was not significantly higher than patients with 1 focus (37.3% vs 38.6%, P=0.775). However, diagnosed with &gt;2 foci were independently and positively correlated with CLNM (OR=2.708, 95%CI=1.592-4.607, P&lt;0.001), as was tumor diameter &gt;0.55cm (OR=2.047, 95%CI=1.535-2.730, P&lt;0.001). (2) In the male group, the risk of CLNM with 2 foci was significantly higher than 1 focus (P=0.008). Compared to female patients, the risk of CLNM was significantly higher in patients with 1 focus (P&lt;0.001) or 2 foci (P&lt;0.001).ConclusionIn summary, the risk of CLNM in patients with 2 foci was not significantly higher than patients with 1 focus, while multifocality with over 2 foci was an independent risk factor of CLNM. Therefore, multifocality in this subgroup should not be simply defined as “more than 1 focus”. Future models that include multifocality as a predictive factor for cervical lymph node metastasis could consider stratifying the cohort into smaller subgroups for more accurate conclusions.
GRPR versus PSMA: expression profiles during prostate cancer progression demonstrate the added value of GRPR-targeting theranostic approaches
Authors: Verhoeven Marjolein , Ruigrok Eline A. M. , van Leenders Geert J. L. H. , van den Brink Lilian , Balcioglu Hayri E. , van Weerden Wytske M. , Dalm Simone U. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionCentral to targeted radionuclide imaging and therapy of prostate cancer (PCa) are prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiopharmaceuticals. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) targeting has been proposed as a potential additional approach for PCa theranostics. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent and at what stage of the disease GRPR-targeting applications can complement PSMA-targeting theranostics in the management of PCa.MethodsBinding of the GRPR- and PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals [177Lu]Lu-NeoB and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, respectively, was evaluated and compared on tissue sections of 20 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), 16 primary PCa and 17 progressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) fresh frozen tissue specimens. Hematoxylin-eosin and alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase stains were performed to identify regions of prostatic adenocarcinoma and potentially high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. For a subset of primary PCa samples, RNA in situ hybridization (ISH) was used to identify target mRNA expression in defined tumor regions.ResultsThe highest median [177Lu]Lu-NeoB binding was observed in primary PCa samples, while median and overall [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 binding was highest in CRPC samples. The highest [177Lu]Lu-NeoB binding was observed in 3/17 CRPC samples of which one sample showed no [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 binding. RNA ISH analyses showed a trend between mRNA expression and radiopharmaceutical binding, and confirmed the distinct GRPR and PSMA expression patterns in primary PCa observed with radiopharmaceutical binding.ConclusionOur study emphasizes that GRPR-targeting approaches can contribute to improved PCa management and complement currently applied PSMA-targeting strategies in both early and late stage PCa.
A nomogram based on platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio for predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer
Authors: Wu Hongyu , Liu Wen , Yin Minyue , Liu Lu , Qu Shuting , Xu Wei , Xu Chunfang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundPreoperative assessment of the presence of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) remains difficult. We aimed to develop a practical prediction model based on preoperative pathological data and inflammatory or nutrition-related indicators.MethodsThis study retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 1,061 patients with EGC who were randomly divided into the training set and validation set at a ratio of 7:3. In the training set, we introduced the least absolute selection and shrinkage operator (LASSO) algorithm and multivariate logistic regression to identify independent risk factors and construct the nomogram. Both internal validation and external validation were performed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsLNM occurred in 162 of 1,061 patients, and the rate of LNM was 15.27%. In the training set, four variables proved to be independent risk factors (p &lt; 0.05) and were incorporated into the final model, including depth of invasion, tumor size, degree of differentiation, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). The AUC values were 0.775 and 0.792 for the training and validation groups, respectively. Both calibration curves showed great consistency in the predictive and actual values. The Hosmer–Lemeshow (H-L) test was carried out in two cohorts, showing excellent performance with p-value &gt;0.05 (0.684422, 0.7403046). Decision curve analysis demonstrated a good clinical benefit in the respective set.ConclusionWe established a preoperative nomogram including depth of invasion, tumor size, degree of differentiation, and PLR to predict LNM in EGC patients and achieved a good performance.
miRNome expression analysis in canine diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Elshafie Nelly O. , Gribskov Michael , Lichti Nathanael I. , Sayedahmed Ekramy. E. , Childress Michael O. , dos Santos Andrea P. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionLymphoma is a common canine cancer with translational relevance to human disease. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most frequent subtype, contributing to almost fifty percent of clinically recognized lymphoma cases. Identifying new biomarkers capable of early diagnosis and monitoring DLBCL is crucial for enhancing remission rates. This research seeks to advance our knowledge of the molecular biology of DLBCL by analyzing the expression of microRNAs, which regulate gene expression by negatively impacting gene expression via targeted RNA degradation or translational repression. The stability and accessibility of microRNAs make them appropriate biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of diseases.MethodsWe extracted and sequenced microRNAs from ten fresh-frozen lymph node tissue samples (six DLBCL and four non-neoplastic).ResultsSmall RNA sequencing data analysis revealed 35 differently expressed miRNAs (DEMs) compared to controls. RT-qPCR confirmed that 23/35 DEMs in DLBCL were significantly upregulated (n = 14) or downregulated (n = 9). Statistical significance was determined by comparing each miRNA's average expression fold-change (2-Cq) between the DLCBL and healthy groups by applying the unpaired parametric Welch's 2-sample t-test and false discovery rate (FDR). The predicted target genes of the DEMs were mainly enriched in the PI3K-Akt-MAPK pathway.DiscussionOur data point to the potential value of miRNA signatures as diagnostic biomarkers and serve as a guideline for subsequent experimental studies to determine the targets and functions of these altered miRNAs in canine DLBCL.
Routine use of automated FiO2 control in Poland: prospective registry and survey
Authors: Wilinska M. , Bachman T. E. , Piwowarczyk P. , Kostuch M. , Tousty J. , Berła K. , Hajdar R. , Skrzypek M. 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveThe performance of automated control of inspired oxygen (A-FiO2) has been confirmed in dozens of studies but reports of routine use are limited. Broadly adopted in Poland, our aim is to share that experience.MethodsWe used a prospectively planned observational study of the performance, general use patterns, unit practices, and problems with A-FiO2, based on a web registry of case reports, complemented by surveys of subjective impressions.ResultsIn 2019, a total of 92 A-FiO2 systems were in routine use in 38 centers. Of the 38 centers, 20 had agreed in 2013 to participate in the project. In these centers, A-FiO2 was applied in infants of all weights, but some centers restricted its use to weaning from oxygen and unstable infants. A cohort had reported their experience with each use (5/20 centers, 593 cases). A quarter of those infants were managed with a lower target range and three-quarters with alarms looser than European guidelines for manual SpO2 control. The perceived primary advantages of A-FiO2 were as follows: keeping the readings in the target range, reducing exposure to SpO2 extremes, reducing risk from nurse distraction, reducing workload, and reducing alarm fatigue. Practices did evolve with experience, including implementing changes in the alarm strategy, indications for use, and target range. The potential for over-reliance on automation was cited as a risk. There were a few reports of limited effectiveness (moderate 12/593 and poor 2/593).ConclusionsAutomated oxygen control is broadly perceived by users as an improvement in controlling SpO2 with infrequent problems.
Feasibility of using remotely delivered Spring Forest Qigong to reduce neuropathic pain in adults with spinal cord injury: a pilot study
Authors: Van de Winckel Ann , Carpentier Sydney T. , Deng Wei , Zhang Lin , Philippus Angela , Battaglino Ricardo , Morse Leslie R. 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Approximately 69% of 299,000 Americans with spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer debilitating chronic neuropathic pain, which is intractable to treatment. The aim of this study is to determine feasibility, as the primary objective, and estimates of efficacy of a remotely delivered Qigong intervention in adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, as the secondary objective.Methods: We recruited adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with SCI ≥3 months, with complete or incomplete SCI, and highest neuropathic pain level of &gt;3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), using nationwide volunteer sampling. Using a non-randomized controlled trial design, participants practiced Spring Forest Qigong’s “Five Element Qigong Healing Movements” (online video) by combining movement to the best of their ability with kinesthetic imagery, at least 3x/week for 12 weeks. Adherence was automatically tracked through the Spring Forest Qigong website. Outcomes of neuropathic pain intensity (NPRS) were assessed weekly, and SCI-related symptoms were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks of Qigong practice and at 6-week and 1-year follow-ups.Results: We recruited 23 adults with chronic SCI (7/2021–2/2023). In total, 18 participants started the study and completed all study components, including the 6-week follow-up. Twelve participants completed the 1-year follow-up assessment. Feasibility was demonstrated through participants’ willingness to participate, adherence, and acceptability of the study. Mean age of the 18 participants was 60 ± 12 years, and they were 15 ± 11 years post-SCI with the highest baseline neuropathic pain of 7.94 ± 2.33, which was reduced to 4.17 ± 3.07 after 12 weeks of Qigong practice (Cohen’s d = 1.75). This pain relief remained at 6-week and 1-year follow-ups. Participants reported reduced spasm frequency (change score 1.17 ± 1.20, d = 0.98) and severity (0.72 ± 1.02, d = 0.71), reduced interference of neuropathic pain on mood (3.44 ± 2.53, d = 1.36), sleep (3.39 ± 2.40, d = 1.41), daily activities (3.17 ± 2.77, d = 1.14), greater ability to perform functional activities (6.68 ± 3.07, d = 2.18), and improved mood (2.33 ± 3.31, d = 0.70) after Qigong.Discussion: Remote Spring Forest Qigong’s “Five Element Qigong Healing Movements” practice is feasible in adults with SCI-related neuropathic pain, with promising prolonged results of neuropathic pain relief and improvement in SCI-related symptoms after Qigong practice.Clinical trial registration:https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04917107, identifier NCT04917107
Estimating the production of withaferin A and withanolide A in Withania somnifera (L.) dunal using aquaponics for sustainable development in hill agriculture
Authors: Singh Manali , Bhutani Shivani , Dinkar Nisha , Mishra Anita , Perveen Kahkashan , Alfagham Alanoud T. , Khanam Mehrun Nisha , Bhatt Santosh Chandra , Suyal Deep Chandra 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHumanity is suffering from huge and severe difficulties, including changes in climate, soil degradation, scarcity of water and the security of food and medicines, among others. The aquaponics system acts as a closed loop consisting of aquaculture elements and hydroponics, which may contribute to addressing these problems. The aquaponics method is quickly expanding as the requirement to increase the production of sustainable herbal products, including medicinal compounds and foods, in freshwater systems and replenish phosphorous reserves shrinks.MethodsThe current work is designed to increase the production of the antioxidants withaferin A and withanolide A in two varieties (Jawahar-20 and Poshita) of W. somnifera using the aquaponics technique. Total 100 seedlings (one month old) grown in soil initially were taken to be grown in aquaponics for a time period of 6 months.And 100 seedlings were placed in pots containing soil as control for study after six months.ResultsIt was observed that the higher content of withaferin A was analyzed in the root and stem samples of Jawahar-20 and Poshita from the six-month-old plant of W. somnifera. The maximum content of withanolide A was examined in the root samples of the six month-old plants of Poshita (1.879 mg/g) and Jawahar-20 (1.221 mg/g). While the 6 month old Poshita seedling grown in soil recorded less withaferin A (0.115 ± 0.009b) and withanolide A (0.138 ± 0.008d).DiscussionIt is concluded that Poshita was found to be more promising for the enhanced production of withaferin A and withanolide A in the aquaponics system. Moreover, the root was observed as the best source for the production of withaferin A and withanolide A and the best age of the plant is 2 years for the production compounds in medicinal plants with futuristic perspective to hill agriculture integrated farming. compounds. Thus aquaponics can be an effective approach with enhanced yield of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants with futuristic perspective to hill agriculture and integrated farming.
Applying Rasch analysis in refinement and validation of interpersonal skills measure for gifted children
Authors: Yang Jie , Reheman Zulhumar , Liu Yunjie , Zhao Sijie 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundInterpersonal characteristics of gifted adolescents is important because of the potential influence on individuals’ psychological health and future professional success. Understanding the interpersonal characteristics requires valid and reliable measures. This study attempted to explicitly describe the application of Rasch analysis in the validation and development process of an existing measure of interpersonal skills among gifted adolescent in Ohio.MethodsWe extensively evaluated the psychometric properties of the 40-item scale measuring the interpersonal competence of adolescents among the gifted population in Ohio (N = 127) using Rasch analysis. Multiple aspects of reliability and validity were tested including dimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics.ResultsThe internal consistency reliability of the scale was confirmed with an adequate fit to the Rasch model. However, the scale demonstrates relatively poor performance in terms of unidimensionality with our sample. Also, the rating scale categories were confusing given that our sample could not effectively distinguish some adjacent categories. Corresponding refinements have been made and the revised scale formed a meaningful linear progression with improved performance on unidimensionality, rating scale functioning, and fit statistics.ConclusionThe study provided evidence that the construct of interpersonal skills is measurable. Based upon the original Interpersonal Competence Questionnaires consists of 40 items, the author extracted and piloted a refined measure consisting of 31 items that performed a meaningful, theoretically consistent linear progression measure that could be used to measure the level of interpersonal skills of gifted children.
Treatment outcomes of alcohol use disorder by traditional medicine practitioners using plant derivatives in southwestern Uganda: findings from in-depth interviews
Authors: Maling Samuel , Kabakyenga Jerome , Muchunguzi Charles , Olet Eunice Apio , Alele Paul Erasmus 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundGlobally, 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury is attributable to alcohol in addition to its significant negative socio-economic impact. Uganda is ranked among the highest alcohol consuming countries in Africa with a reported alcohol per capita consumption of 9.5 liters, much higher than the 6.3 for the African region. Additionally, almost 10% of Ugandans aged 18 and older have an alcohol use disorder. African traditional medicine plays an important role towards universal health coverage in sub-Saharan Africa especially in rural areas. Anecdotal evidence shows that herbal medicines are used by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs) to treat alcohol drinking problems in Uganda. Data on the outcomes of alcohol treatment by TMPs is scarce. We aimed at documenting the treatment outcomes and secondary benefits of people treated by TMPs using plant derivatives in southwestern Uganda.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional semi-structured qualitative study that investigated alcohol drinking history and treatment outcomes of adults living in Bushenyi district, southwestern Uganda. We used a semi-structured questionnaire to conduct face-to-face in-depths interviews with individuals who had been treated for alcohol drinking problems by TMPs using plant derivatives. Three trained research assistants collected the data using audio recordings backed by field notes. The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and two independent researchers coded the transcripts guided by a priori themes developed by the research team.ResultsWe conducted 44 in-depths interviews, majority of the participants (70.5%, 31/44) were male with a mean age of 47 years. Most participants (86.2%, 38/44) consumed spirits in addition to other types of alcohol and the mean duration of alcohol drinking before seeking treatment was 14 years. Most participants (93.3%, 41/44) abstained from drinking after treatment by the TMPs with only 6.7% (3/44) continuing to drink but less amounts. All participants described additional benefits after treatment including improvement in health, family relations and image in society.ConclusionPeople who were treatment for alcohol drinking problems by traditional healers using plant derivatives in this study described personal and social benefits after stopping drinking. This calls for further research to the plants used.
Challenges with using popular entertainment to address mental health: a content analysis of Netflix series 13 Reasons Why controversy in mainstream news coverage
Authors: Wang Hua , Yue Zhiying , S Divya 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMental health conditions and psychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of illness, disability, and death among young people around the globe. In the United States, teen suicide has increased by about 30% in the last decade. Raising awareness of warning signs and promoting access to mental health resources can help reduce suicide rates for at-risk youth. However, death by suicide remains a taboo topic for public discourse and societal intervention. An unconventional approach to address taboo topics in society is the use of popular media.MethodWe conducted a quantitative content analysis of mainstream news reporting on the controversial Netflix series13 Reasons WhySeason 1. Using a combination of top-down and bottom-up search strategies, our final sample consisted of 97 articles published between March 31 and May 31, 2017, from 16 media outlets in 3,150 sentences. We systematically examined the news framing in these articles in terms of content and valence, the salience of health/social issue related frames, and their compliance with the WHO guidelines.ResultsNearly a third of the content directly addressed issues of our interest: 61.6% was about suicide and 38.4% was about depression, bullying, sexual assault, and other related health/social issues; it was more negative (42.8%) than positive (17.4%). The criticism focused on the risk of suicide contagion, glamorizing teen suicide, and the portrayal of parents and educators as indifferent and incompetent. The praise was about the show raising awareness of real and difficult issues young people struggle with in their everyday life and serving as a conversation starter to spur meaningful discussions. Our evaluation of WHO guideline compliance for reporting on suicide yielded mixed results. Although we found recommended practices across all major categories, they were minimal and could be improved.ConclusionDespite their well intentions and best efforts, the13 Reasons Whyproduction team missed several critical opportunities to be better prepared and more effective in creating social impact entertainment and fostering difficult dialogs. There is an urgent need to train news reporters about established health communication guidelines and promote best practices in media reporting on sensitive topics such as suicide.