bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid peptide NTP-217 triggers ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells by induction of mitochondrial leakage
Authors: Yin Hao , Fu Xingyan , Gao Hanyu , Gao Han , Ma Yannan , Chen Xitong , Zhang Xueqi , Du Shan-Shan , Qi Yun-Kun 
Published: January 2023

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality globally, and &gt;830,000 patients with liver cancer undergoing treatment succumbed to the disease in 2020, which indicates the urgent need to develop a more effective anti-liver cancer drug. In our previous study, nucleus-targeting hybrid peptides obtained from the fusion of LTX-315 and the rhodamine B group possessed potent anti-adherent cancer cell activity. Hybrid peptides accumulated in the cell nucleus and damaged the nuclear membrane, resulting in the transfer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus and the induction of apoptosis. However, the source of the high concentration of ROS within the cytoplasm is unclear. Moreover, although our previous study demonstrated that hybrid peptides possessed potent anticancer activity against adherent cancer cells, their efficacy on liver cancer remained unexplored. The current study found that the hybrid peptide NTP-217 killed liver cancer cells after 4-h treatment with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 14.6-45.7 μM. NTP-217 could stably accumulate in the liver tumor tissue and markedly inhibited liver tumor growth in mice. Furthermore, NTP-217 destroyed mitochondria and induced the leakage of mitochondrial contents, resulting in the generation of a substantial quantity of ROS. Unlike the apoptosis induced by 24 h of treatment by NTP-217, 4 h of treatment caused ROS-mediated necrotic cell death. These findings suggested that short-time treatment with hybrid peptides could trigger ROS-mediated rapid necrosis in liver cancer cells, and provided a basis for the future development of hybrid peptides as anti-liver cancer agents.
Case report: Ewing sarcoma with EWSR–ERG fusion elevates procalcitonin extremely in the long term without infection
Authors: Chen Ying , Qin Tao , Chen Yan , Gao Ming 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundEwing sarcoma (ES) represents a rare, aggressive bone and soft-tissue cancer. Unlike breast, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers, Ewing sarcoma has had no representative tumor marker until now. The use of procalcitonin (PCT) as a tumor marker is also rarely reported. PCT is a clinically recognized and widely used inflammatory marker in recent years. In rare cases, PCT may also be falsely positive due to non-infectious factors. In the few previously reported papers regarding the correlation between tumors and PCT, we learned that abnormalities of PCT level can also be impacted by individual cancers.Case presentationHere, we first reported a case of Ewing sarcoma with markedly elevated PCT without infection and carried out some literature review. The patient was a middle-aged man with extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma whose lesion was located in the distal abdominal ileum. He had a sudden and unprovoked onset of high fever during chemotherapy before surgery. After multiple examinations, the patient’s blood routine, C-reactive protein, blood culture, and CT examination showed no signs of infection, and even the culture from the end of the central venous catheter showed no pathogen growth. Only PCT increased dramatically to more than 200 ng/ml. PCT remained at this level for several months until a single abdominal lumpectomy was performed before it dropped to near-normal levels.ConclusionIn our report, PCT is significantly elevated in Ewing sarcoma in the absence of infection. Not only that, but we particularly highlighted the precipitous drop in PCT following tumor resection.
Magnetic resonance imaging radiomics to differentiate ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors and primary epithelial ovarian cancers
Authors: Cheng Meiying , Tan Shifang , Ren Tian , Zhu Zitao , Wang Kaiyu , Zhang Lingjie , Meng Lingsong , Yang Xuhong , Pan Teng , Yang Zhexuan , Zhao Xin 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the diagnostic ability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based radiomics and traditional characteristics to differentiate between Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) and epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs).MethodsWe consecutively included a total of 148 patients with 173 tumors (81 SCSTs in 73 patients and 92 EOCs in 75 patients), who were randomly divided into development and testing cohorts at a ratio of 8:2. Radiomics features were extracted from each tumor, 5-fold cross-validation was conducted for the selection of stable features based on development cohort, and we built radiomics model based on these selected features. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the independent predictors in clinical features and conventional MR parameters for differentiating SCSTs and EOCs. And nomogram was used to visualized the ultimately predictive models. All models were constructed based on the logistic regression (LR) classifier. The performance of each model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Calibration and decision curves analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the performance of models.ResultsThe final radiomics model was constructed by nine radiomics features, which exhibited superior predictive ability with AUCs of 0.915 (95%CI: 0.869-0.962) and 0.867 (95%CI: 0.732-1.000) in the development and testing cohorts, respectively. The mixed model which combining the radiomics signatures and traditional parameters achieved the best performance, with AUCs of 0.934 (95%CI: 0.892-0.976) and 0.875 (95%CI: 0.743-1.000) in the development and testing cohorts, respectively.ConclusionWe believe that the radiomics approach could be a more objective and accurate way to distinguish between SCSTs and EOCs, and the mixed model developed in our study could provide a comprehensive, effective method for clinicians to develop an appropriate management strategy.
Systematic analysis and case series of the diagnosis and management of trichilemmal carcinoma
Authors: Sun Jiachen , Zhang Lihua , Xiao Minglu , Li Shiyi , Chen Runkai , Li Ying , Yang Yuguang 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundTrichilemmal carcinoma (TLC) is a rare malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasm, with no relatively comprehensive research.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to perform an updated statistical analysis so as to better understand TLC’s epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment.MethodsThe diagnosis and treatment of three TLC cases in our department were summarized. Then, all TLC cases published in the literature were retrieved for a comprehensive analysis, followed by the analysis of global trends and regional distribution, demographic characteristics, clinical features, pathogenesis, histopathological features, and treatment and prognosis of TLC.ResultsOf the 231 cases, the incidence of TLC has shown an upward trend recently, especially in China, in Asia. The susceptible population is men aged 60–80 and women over 80, and the most prone location is head and neck. The phenotype of TLC is not always typical and may be misdiagnosed because of the coexistence of other diseases. There is a linear relationship between the diameter and its duration or thickness. UV, locally present skin lesions, trauma, scarring, organ transplantation, and genetic disorders may trigger the occurrence of TLC. Periodic acid–Schiff staining and CD34, but not Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA), were helpful in the diagnosis of TLC. Although effective, surgical excision and Mohs micrographic surgery need further improvement to reduce recurrence of TLC. Carcinoma history is an independent risk factor for TLC recurrence.LimitationsThe limitation of this study is the lack of randomized controlled trial on TLC treatment and recurrence.ConclusionTLC has the possibility of invasive growth and recurrence, especially in patients with longer duration and carcinoma history.
Novel, alternative splicing signature to detect lymph node metastasis in prostate adenocarcinoma with machine learning
Authors: Xie Ping , Batur Jesur , An Xin , Yasen Musha , Fu Xuefeng , Jia Lin , Luo Yun 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundThe presence of lymph node metastasis leads to a poor prognosis for prostate cancer (Pca). Recently, many studies have indicated that gene signatures may be able to predict the status of lymph nodes. The purpose of this study is to probe and validate a new tool to predict lymph node metastasis (LNM) based on alternative splicing (AS).MethodsGene expression profiles and clinical information of prostate adenocarcinoma cohort were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the corresponding RNA-seq splicing events profiles were obtained from the TCGA SpliceSeq. Limma package was used to identify the differentially expressed alternative splicing (DEAS) events between LNM and non-LNM groups. Eight machine learning classifiers were built to train with stratified five-fold cross-validation. SHAP values was used to explain the model.Results333 differentially expressed alternative splicing (DEAS) events were identified. Using correlation filter and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, a 96 AS signature was identified that had favorable discrimination in the training set and validated in the validation set. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was the best classifier after 100 iterations of training. The LDA classifier was able to distinguish between LNM and non-LNM with an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.962 ± 0.026 in the training set (D1 = 351) and 0.953 in the validation set (D2 = 62). The decision curve analysis plot proved the clinical application of the AS-based model.ConclusionMachine learning combined with AS data could robustly distinguish between LNM and non-LNM in Pca.
Racial disparities in diabetes prevalence among cancer patients
Authors: Ashing Kimlin Tam , Song Gaole , Jones Veronica , Brenner Charles , Samoa Raynald 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionCancer inequity is one of the most critical public health issues faced by ethnic minorities and people of lower socioeconomic status. The disparate burden of cancer is caused by poor access to care and inadequate delivery of cancer treatment, as well as comorbid and co-occurring conditions. Diabetes is a common and serious comorbid condition of cancer.MethodsTo better understand diabetes prevalence among diverse cancer patients, this study analyzed and described characteristics of cancer patients with diabetes from local-level Service Planning Area (SPA) data using City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center data, and United States national-level data from The National Health Interview Survey.ResultsFindings from national level data showed that patients in racial/ethnic minority groups had a higher occurrence of being diagnosed with diabetes, especially for non-Hispanic Blacks (OR=1.76, 95% CI=1.51, 2.03) and Hispanic/Latino individuals (OR=1.34, 95% CI=1.18, 1.52). Cancer patients who are older, ethnic minority, overweight/obese and with lower educational levels were more likely to have co-occurring diabetes. SPA-level patient data found similar results.DiscussionIn response to our findings and other reports, clinicians and health system including health coverage organizations should routinely assess cancer patients for cooccurring chronic illnesses, in particular diabetes. Interventions improving coordinated care that integrates oncology, endocrinology and primary care, targeting cancer patients --especially racial/ethnic minorities, overweight/obese, and older patients who are at increased risk for diabetes -- ought to be considered as best practice Whole Person care. With coordinated care management, ethnic disparities in cancer may be better addressed and reduced. Additionally, policymakers can contribute by enacting policies improving access to and coverage of integrated oncology, chronic disease prevention, and associated specialty care i.e., endocrinology to equalize quality care for ethnic minority, lower educated, overweight/obese and older cancer patients who are more likely to suffer greater comorbidity, and inadequate oncology and coordinated care to reduce disparities.
Efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization plus sorafenib in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Xia , Cai Lirong , Fang Jian , Chen Fengsui , Pan Fan , Zhang Kun , Huang Qian , Huang Yuju , Li Dongliang , Lv Lizhi , Chen Man , Yan Ruiying , Lai Yanhua , Peng Yonghai , Wu Zhixian 
Published: January 2023

ObjectivesTo explore the benefit and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with sorafenib in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).MethodsIn this multi-center retrospective study, 106 patients with recurrent HCC after OLT were included. Fifty-two patients were treated with TACE plus sorafenib (TS group) and 54 were treated with TACE alone (TC group). Primary and secondary endpoints including overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), and safety were assessed.ResultsThe median OS (17 vs 10 months, P=0.035) and PFS (12 vs 6 months, P=0.004) in the TS group were longer than those in the TC group. On multivariate analysis, BCLC stage (HR [hazard ratio]=0.73 [95% CI, 0.27–0.99], P=0.036) and sorafenib medication (HR=2.26 [95% CI, 1.35–3.69], P=0.01) were identified as independent prognostic risk factors for OS. No severe adverse events related to sorafenib were noted in the TS group. Four patients discontinued sorafenib due to intolerance.ConclusionTACE in combination with sorafenib is a feasible regimen to improve the survival with mild toxicity in patients with recurrent HCC after OLT.
Clinical feasibility of miniaturized Lissajous scanning confocal laser endomicroscopy for indocyanine green-enhanced brain tumor diagnosis
Authors: Hong Duk Hyun , Kim Jang Hun , Won Jae-Kyung , Kim Hyungsin , Kim Chayeon , Park Kyung-Jae , Hwang Kyungmin , Jeong Ki-Hun , Kang Shin-Hyuk 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundIntraoperative real-time confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is an alternative modality for frozen tissue histology that enables visualization of the cytoarchitecture of living tissues with spatial resolution at the cellular level. We developed a new CLE with a “Lissajous scanning pattern” and conducted a study to identify its feasibility for fluorescence-guided brain tumor diagnosis.Materials and methodsConventional hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) histological images were compared with indocyanine green (ICG)-enhanced CLE images in two settings (1): experimental study with in vitro tumor cells and ex vivo glial tumors of mice, and (2) clinical evaluation with surgically resected human brain tumors. First, CLE images were obtained from cultured U87 and GL261 glioma cells. Then, U87 and GL261 tumor cells were implanted into the mouse brain, and H&amp;E staining was compared with CLE images of normal and tumor tissues ex vivo. To determine the invasion of the normal brain, two types of patient-derived glioma cells (CSC2 and X01) were used for orthotopic intracranial tumor formation and compared using two methods (CLE vs. H&amp;E staining). Second, in human brain tumors, tissue specimens from 69 patients were prospectively obtained after elective surgical resection and were also compared using two methods, namely, CLE and H&amp;E staining. The comparison was performed by an experienced neuropathologist.ResultsWhen ICG was incubated in vitro, U87 and GL261 cell morphologies were well-defined in the CLE images and depended on dimethyl sulfoxide. Ex vivo examination of xenograft glioma tissues revealed dense and heterogeneous glioma cell cores and peritumoral necrosis using both methods. CLE images also detected invasive tumor cell clusters in the normal brain of the patient-derived glioma xenograft model, which corresponded to H&amp;E staining. In human tissue specimens, CLE images effectively visualized the cytoarchitecture of the normal brain and tumors. In addition, pathognomonic microstructures according to tumor subtype were also clearly observed. Interestingly, in gliomas, the cellularity of the tumor and the density of streak-like patterns were significantly associated with tumor grade in the CLE images. Finally, panoramic view reconstruction was successfully conducted for visualizing a gross tissue morphology.ConclusionIn conclusion, the newly developed CLE with Lissajous laser scanning can be a helpful intraoperative device for the diagnosis, detection of tumor-free margins, and maximal safe resection of brain tumors.
Association of screen exposure with psychosocial problems in primary school students
Authors: Hu Zedan , Bi Sitong , Wang Wei , Liu Chunjing , Li Lihua 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the current status of screen exposure and the factors related to screen exposure in primary school students and explore the relationship between screen exposure and psychosocial problems, which may provide evidence for the scientific use of electronic products and psychological interventions used in these children.MethodsThe parents of 811 primary school students aged 6–12 years received a questionnaire survey in Beijing between January 13 and January 16, 2022. The demographic data and daily screen exposure time were collected, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) about their children was administered online.ResultsIn 793 students, the average daily screen exposure of &lt;2 h and ≥2 h was noted in 75.0% and 25% of patients, respectively. The mobile phone was the main medium for screen exposure (40.9%). The family’s economic level, parental relationship, and main supervisor were related to screen exposure time (χ2 = 44.8,14.5 and 12.4, P &lt; 0.05). A low family economic level with a monthly income not meeting the basic living needs, poor parental relationship, and an elderly person responsible for supervision were related to increased screen exposure time. The abnormal emotional and behavioral symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity inattention, peer communication, prosocial behaviors, and a total difficulties score were found in 11.6%, 9.8%, 15.3%, 22.1%, 6.8%, and 13.4% of children, respectively. Excessive screen exposure was related to peer interaction and prosocial behaviors (χ2 = 12.18 and 7.76, P &lt; 0.05). The children with excessive screen exposure were more likely to have abnormal peer interaction (χ2 = 12.09, P = 0.001) and prosocial behaviors (χ2 = 7.76, P = 0.005). Excessive screen exposure was a risk factor for peer interaction problems (P &lt; 0.05).DiscussionIn conclusion, the detection rate of excessive screen exposure is higher in primary school students, which is related to the family’s economic level, parental relationship, and main supervisor. Excessive screen exposure is harmful to the psychosocial health of these children, which is characterized by abnormal peer intercommunion and prosocial behaviors. More attention should be paid to screen exposure time in primary school students.
Application of direct PCR for phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium fujikuroi species complex isolated from rice seeds
Authors: Jeon Hosung , Kim Jung-Eun , Yang Jung-Wook , Son Hokyoung , Min Kyunghun 
Published: January 2023

Plant pathogenic fungi cause severe yield losses and mycotoxin contamination in crops. The precise and rapid detection of fungal pathogens is essential for effective disease management. Sequencing universal DNA barcodes has become the standard method for the diagnosis of fungal diseases, as well as for identification and phylogenetic analysis. A major bottleneck in obtaining DNA sequence data from many samples was the laborious and time-consuming process of sample preparation for genomic DNA. Here, we describe a direct PCR approach that bypasses the DNA extraction steps to streamline the molecular identification of fungal species. Using a direct PCR approach, we successfully sequenced the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for the representatives of major fungal lineages. To demonstrate the usefulness of this approach, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of theFusarium fujikuroispecies complex, which causes bakanae (“foolish seedling”) disease of rice and mycotoxin contamination. A total of 28 candidate strains were isolated from rice seeds in the Republic of Korea, and the identity of the isolates was determined using the DNA sequence of both ITS and translation elongation factor 1-α regions. In addition, 17 F. fujikuroiisolates were examined for fumonisin (FB) production in rice medium using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Phylogenetic and toxigenic analyses showed that theF. fujikuroistrains could be distinguished into two groups: FB producers (B14-type) and non-producers (B20-type). These results will accelerate the molecular identification of fungal pathogens and facilitate the effective management of fungal diseases.
Professional literacy that Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry talents should possess: Analyzing from a practical perspective
Authors: Fan Jing-Yun 
Published: January 2023

AimThis research aimed to explore the professional literacies that should be possessed by Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry talents. This understanding will also help the technical and vocational education system to cultivate talents in Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry.MethodsA qualitative research design was adopted. The outline of the interview on the professional literacy of Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry talents was compiled, and seven interviewees were selected by purposive sampling from those who had worked (including supervisors) in Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry for 21 to 42 years. One-on-one in-depth interviews with semi-structured interview questions were conducted. Using grounded theory, the content of the in-depth interviews was analyzed and discussed.Results and discussionThis study discusses what professional literacy of Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry talents should possess from the practical perspective of Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry leaders or senior managers. This study shows that bag manufacturing industry talents should possess knowledge, skills, and attitudes and values of common professional literacies. Moreover, bag designers, manufacturing technicians, patternmakers, hand stitchers, and production supervisors should acquire these professional literacies. The results of this study will help Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry leaders or senior managers to highlight the importance of professional literacy that Taiwan’s bag manufacturing industry talents should possess.ConclusionThis study summarized the professional literacy of bag manufacturing industry talents into three major aspects: knowledge, skills, and attitudes and values. Based on this, suggestions are made as a reference for the implementation of curriculum development for talent cultivation in higher education institutions, and a reference for the learning and on-the-job training of bag manufacturing industry practitioners in the workplace.