bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of distant organ metastasis and overall survival of lung cancer patients: a SEER population−based cohort study
Authors: Hao Yongping , Li Guang 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundDistant organ metastasis is a common event in lung cancer (LC). However, the preferential metastatic pattern of different pathological types of LC and its effect on prognosis have not been comprehensively elucidated. This study aimed to explore the distant metastasis pattern and construct nomograms predicting the metastasis and survival of LC patients using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.MethodsLC data were downloaded from the SEER database to conduct logistic regression and investigate risk factors for developing organ metastasis. A Cox regression analysis was conducted to investigate prognostic factors of LC. A Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate overall survival outcomes. Nomograms were constructed to predict the probability of organ metastasis and the 1-, 3- and 5-year survival probability of LC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the nomograms. All statistical analyses were conducted within R software.ResultsThe liver is the most common metastatic organ of small cell carcinoma. The brain is the most likely metastasis site of large cell carcinoma, and bone is the most likely metastasis site for squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Patients with triple metastases (brain-bone-liver) have the worst prognosis, and for nonsquamous carcinoma with single organ metastasis, liver metastases conferred the worst prognosis. Our nomograms based on clinical factors could predict the metastasis and prognosis of LC patients.ConclusionDifferent pathological types of LC have different preferential metastatic sites. Our nomograms showed good performance in predicting distant metastasis and overall survival. These results will provide a reference for clinicians and contribute to clinical evaluations and individualized therapeutic strategies.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of minimally invasive total mesorectal excision versus transanal total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer
Authors: Gang Du Yong , Dong Lin , DeChun Zhang , Yichi Zhang , Ya Lu 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundMinimally invasive total mesorectal excision (MiTME) and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) are popular trends in mid and low rectal cancer. However, there is currently no systematic comparison between MiTME and TaTME of mid and low-rectal cancer. Therefore, we systematically study the perioperative and pathological outcomes of MiTME and TaTME in mid and low rectal cancer.MethodsWe have searched the Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science for articles on MiTME (robotic or laparoscopic total mesorectal excision) and TaTME (transanal total mesorectal excision). We calculated pooled standard mean difference (SMD), relative risk (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The protocol for this review has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022374141).ResultsThere are 11010 patients including 39 articles. Compared with TaTME, patients who underwent MiTME had no statistical difference in operation time (SMD -0.14; CI -0.31 to 0.33; I2=84.7%, P=0.116), estimated blood loss (SMD 0.05; CI -0.05 to 0.14; I2=48%, P=0.338), postoperative hospital stay (RR 0.08; CI -0.07 to 0.22; I2=0%, P=0.308), over complications (RR 0.98; CI 0.88 to 1.08; I2=25.4%, P=0.644), intraoperative complications (RR 0.94; CI 0.69 to 1.29; I2=31.1%, P=0.712), postoperative complications (RR 0.98; CI 0.87 to 1.11; I2=16.1%, P=0.789), anastomotic stenosis (RR 0.85; CI 0.73 to 0.98; I2=7.4%, P=0.564), wound infection (RR 1.08; CI 0.65 to 1.81; I2=1.9%, P=0.755), circumferential resection margin (RR 1.10; CI 0.91 to 1.34; I2=0%, P=0.322), distal resection margin (RR 1.49; CI 0.73 to 3.05; I2=0%, P=0.272), major low anterior resection syndrome (RR 0.93; CI 0.79 to 1.10; I2=0%, P=0.386), lymph node yield (SMD 0.06; CI -0.04 to 0.17; I2=39.6%, P=0.249), 2-year DFS rate (RR 0.99; CI 0.88 to 1.11; I2=0%, P = 0.816), 2-year OS rate (RR 1.00; CI 0.90 to 1.11; I2=0%, P = 0.969), distant metastasis rate (RR 0.47; CI 0.17 to 1.29; I2=0%, P = 0.143), and local recurrence rate (RR 1.49; CI 0.75 to 2.97; I2=0%, P = 0.250). However, patients who underwent MiTME had fewer anastomotic leak rates (SMD -0.38; CI -0.59 to -0.17; I2=19.0%, P&lt;0.0001).ConclusionThis study comprehensively and systematically evaluated the safety and efficacy of MiTME and TaTME in the treatment of mid to low-rectal cancer through meta-analysis. There is no difference between the two except for patients with MiTME who have a lower anastomotic leakage rate, which provides some evidence-based reference for clinical practice. Of course, in the future, more scientific and rigorous conclusions need to be drawn from multi-center RCT research.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022374141.
Eating habits matter for sleep difficulties in children and adolescents: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Qu Diyang , Liang Kaixin , Bao Ran , Chen Sitong 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundSleep difficulties are a common sleep-related problem among children and adolescents. However, the association between eating habits and sleep difficulties has not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between eating habits and sleep difficulties in children and adolescents.MethodsThis study utilized cross-sectional data from the 2013/2014 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey. A total of 213,879 young adolescents provided self-reported information on their weekday and weekend breakfast consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, sweet and soft drink consumption, and sleep difficulties. Covariates such as sex, age, family affluence, physical activity, and body mass index were also assessed. Multilevel generalized linear modelling was used to analyse the association between independent and dependent. Results were reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsOf all study participants, approximately 50% were girls. Regression models indicated that more frequent breakfast consumption was associated with fewer sleep difficulties (e.g., consuming breakfast on weekdays for 5 days: OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.45–1.54). Fruit and vegetable consumption once a week or more was also linked to fewer sleep difficulties (all OR &gt; 1.08, ≥ 1.07). In addition, consuming fewer sweets and soft drinks was generally associated with fewer sleep difficulties.ConclusionThis study provides evidence supporting the association between healthier eating habits and reduced sleep difficulties in children and adolescents. Future research using longitudinal or experimental designs is encouraged to confirm or negate these findings. Additionally, this study offers practical guidance for nutritional counselling professionals and sleep health promotion practitioners.
Effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapy with house dust mite drops in asthmatic children at different ages
Authors: Ai Tao , Zhang Peilin , Luo Ronghua , Fan Yinghong , Xia Wanmin , Wang Li 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundRespiratory allergies in children, such as asthma and rhinitis, are becoming progressively common every year. Recent studies found that pediatric patients with asthma receiving regular medication and specific immunotherapy (SIT) had improved therapeutic outcomes in a wide age range. However, there are few studies that have examined the effectiveness of SIT treatment in children with allergic asthma at different ages in terms of the degree of asthma control, improvements in lung function, and changes in exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO).MethodA total of 200 asthmatic pediatric patients who had been receiving regular treatment for at least a year were split into the observation and the control groups, which depended on whether sublingual immunotherapy was added based on conventional treatment medicines. The children who were divided by an age cut-off of 6 years old in these two groups were compared before and after therapy based on the exhaled levels of FeNO, pulmonary function, visual analog scale, medication scores, daytime and nighttime ratings of asthma symptom, and rhinitis symptom scores.ResultsBefore treatment, there was no significant difference between the observation group and the control group in various indicators of the patients under 6 years old; and in the older children (6–16 years old) group, the scores of FVC, FEV1, and FEF25 in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The FEF75, FEF50, FEF25, and MMEF75/MMEF25 indexes in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after treatment (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no statistical significance in other indexes (P &gt; 0.05). The scores of ACT, FEF75, FEF50, MMEF72/MMEF25, and FeNO in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group after treatment (P &lt; 0.05), and the differences in other indexes were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Between the young-age group and the elder group, there was no significant difference in all indexes in the observation group before and after treatment (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionChildren with asthma of all ages can considerably benefit from sublingual immunotherapy. Specifically, younger patients showed greater tendency on the improvement of small airway resistance, whereas school-age children with asthma significantly improved their small airway resistance as well as their asthma control and inflammation alleviation.
The aqueous root extract of Withania somnifera ameliorates LPS-induced inflammatory changes in the in vitro cell-based and mice models of inflammation
Authors: Sharma Phulwanti Kumari , Kumar Lokesh , Goswami Yamini , Pujani Mukta , Dikshit Madhu , Tandon Ruchi 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Most critically ill COVID-19 patients have bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to excessive inflammatory conditions. Corticosteroids have largely been prescribed for the management of inflammation in these patients. However, long-term use of corticosteroids in patients with comorbidities such as metabolic, cardiovascular, and other inflammatory disorders is ideally not recommended due to safety issues. A potential and safer anti-inflammatory therapy is therefore the need of the hour. Withania somnifera (WS), a well-known herbal medicine used during the pandemic in India to prevent SARS-CoV2 infection, also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.Methods: In the present study, we, therefore, evaluated the effect of the aqueous extract of the roots of W. somnifera in the cell-based assays and in the experimental animal models of LPS-induced inflammation.Results: In the NCI-H460, A549 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) pre-treatment with W. somnifera reduced the LPS-induced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, W. somnifera extract also showed potent anti-inflammatory activity in the lung tissues of BALB/c mice challenged intranasally with LPS. We observed a marked reduction in the neutrophil counts in the broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, inflammatory cytokines, and fibrosis in the mice lungs pre-treated with W. somnifera. Results obtained thus suggest the potential utility of W. somnifera extract in reducing airway inflammation and recommend the clinical evaluation of W. somnifera extract in COVID-19 patients with a high propensity for lung inflammation.
Safety profile of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in pediatrics: a pharmacovigilance disproportionality analysis
Authors: Xue Yifei , Feng Shuo , Li Guangyao , Zhang Chao 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: existing research on children consists primarily of phase I/II clinical trials for VEGFR-TKI. System reports of safety on the use of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics are lacking.Aim: to investigate the safety profiles of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics via the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).Method: data regarding VEGFR-TKIs were extracted from the FAERS between 2004Q1 to 2022Q3 and categorized by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedDRA). Population characteristics were analyzed, and reporting odds ratio (ROR) was performed to identify risk signals associated with VEGFR-TKI.Results: 53,921 cases containing 561 children were identified in the database from 18 May 2005, to 30 September 2022. Among those in the system organ class, skin, subcutaneous tissue disorders, and blood and lymphatic system disorders in pediatrics contributed to over 140 cases. Palmar-plantar eythrodysesthesia syndrome (PPES) in VEGFR-TKI presented the most significant 340.9 (95% 229.2–507.0). And pneumothorax also gave a high reporting odds ratio of 48.9 (95% 34.7–68.9). For a specific drug, musculoskeletal pain gave a ROR of 78.5 (95% 24.4–252.6) in cabozantinib and oesophagitis in lenvatinib with a ROR of 95.2 (95% 29.5–306.9). Additionally, hypothyroidism presented a high signal, especially sunitinib, with a ROR of 107.8 (95% 37.6–308.7).Conclusion: the present study explored the safety profile of VEGFR-TKI in pediatrics using the FAERS database. Multiple skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, as well as blood and lymphatic system disorders, were common VEGFR-TKI-related AEs in system organ class. No serious hepatobiliary AEs were detected. For the specific AEs, PPES and pneumothorax were VEGFR-TKI-related AEs that presented significantly higher signals than those in the general population.
Protective effect of cafestol against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats by activating the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Al-Kenany Sara A. , Al-Shawi Nada N. 
Published: June 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient antineoplastic agent with a broad antitumor spectrum; however, doxorubicin-associated cardiotoxic adverse effect through oxidative damage and apoptosis limits its clinical application. Cafestol (Caf) is a naturally occurring diterpene in unfiltered coffee with unique antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities by activating the Nrf2 pathway. The present study aimed to investigate the potential chemoprotective effect of cafestol on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Wistar albino rats of both sexes were administered cafestol (5 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days by oral gavage alone or with doxorubicin which was injected as a single dose (15 mg/kg intraperitoneally at day 14) to induce toxicity. The result showed that Caf significantly improved cardiac injury induced by doxorubicin, decreased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, ALP, and ALT, and improved histopathological changes. In addition, cafestol significantly inhibited DOX-induced cardiac oxidative stress as seen in the reduced level of MDA and increased GSH, SOD, CAT, and Gpx-1 cardiac tissue levels; cafestol significantly enhanced Nrf2 gene and protein expression and promoted the expression of downstream antioxidant genes HO-1 and NQO-1 and downregulated Keap1 and NF-κB genes’ expression; in addition, Caf significantly reduced inflammatory mediators, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels and inhibited cardiac apoptosis by modulating Bax and Casp 3 tissue levels and reduced TUNEL-positive cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, the present study confirmed that cafestol improved the cardiotoxic effects induced by doxorubicin through the regulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress response through the Nrf2 pathway; this study suggests that cafestol may serve as a potential adjuvant in chemotherapy to alleviate DOX-induced toxicities.
Seropositivity and flight-associated risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among asylum seekers arriving in Berlin, Germany – a cross-sectional study
Authors: Brandt Ariadne , Breucker Lena , Keller Jan , Corman Victor Max , Bethke Norma , Seybold Joachim 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionRefugees and asylum seekers might be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to precarious living conditions during flight.MethodsBetween March 24th and June 15th 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study among adult asylum seekers arriving in Berlin. Each participant was tested for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection with a nasopharyngeal swab using reverse transcriptase PCR (rt-PCR), and for anti-SARS-CoV-2-S1 IgG antibodies using ELISA. Seropositivity, antibody avidity, and data on flight history were used to categorize individuals into two groups according to the estimated time of infection before or during flight. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 related symptoms, hygiene behaviors, and living conditions during transit were assessed using two self-report questionnaires.ResultsAmong 1041 participants (34·5% female, mean age 32·6 years), most frequently reported countries of origin were Moldova (20·5%), Georgia (18·9%), Syria (13·0%), Afghanistan (11·3%), and Vietnam (9·1%). Seropositivity rate was 25·1% and incidence rate of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was 2·8%. A higher likelihood for seropositivity was observed in women (OR [95%CI]=1·64 [1·05-2·57]) but reduced by frequent hygiene behaviors (OR [95%CI]=0·75 [0·59-0·96]) or traveling by plane (OR [95%CI]=0·58 [0·35-0·96]). Other associated factors were lower educational level, accommodation in refugee shelters, traveling with children or by foot, and COVID-19 information seeking.ConclusionFlight-associated risk factors such as accommodation in a refugee shelter and poor hygiene behaviors are associated with an elevated risk of infection, which should be addressed by public health interventions.Clinical trial registration[https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN17401860], identifier [17401860].
The determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention: a meta-review
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , Gautam Rajesh K. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundA large number of systematic reviews have been published that synthesized various determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention (CVI). However, they reported inconsistent evidence. Therefore, we conducted a meta-review (systematic review of systematic reviews) to provide a comprehensive synthesis of factors influencing CVI.MethodsThis meta-review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched for systematic reviews published from 2020 to 2022 that examined the determinants of CVI. AMSTAR-2 critical appraisal tool was used to ensure the quality of included reviews, and ROBIS tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias.ResultsGlobally, the average rate of COVID-19 vaccination intention was 56.97%. We identified 21 main determinants of CVI: socio-demographic, geographical location, social, political, government role, study timeline, attitude, perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy and perceived behavioral control, norms, trust, conspiracy theory/propaganda/misinformation, knowledge, information and communication, vaccination recommendation, vaccination history, history of COVID-19 infection, and health status and well-being.ConclusionsThese results suggest that COVID-19 vaccination intention is a complex process and is affected by numerous multidimensional factors. Therefore, integrated communication strategies and multifaceted interventions may be effective for improving vaccination intention against COVID-19.
Support- and meaning-focused coping as key factors for maintaining adult quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Cohrdes Caroline , Pryss Rüdiger , Baumeister Harald , Eicher Sophie , Knoll Nina , Hölling Heike 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about both consequences and helpful strategies to maintain quality of life (QoL) have become increasingly important. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of coping factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, their associations with QoL and the moderating role of certain sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsAnalyses were based on cross-sectional self-reports from German adult participants (N = 2,137, 18–84 years, 52.1% female) of the CORONA HEALTH APP Study from July 2020 to July 2021. Multivariate regression analyses were used to predict (a) coping factors assessed with the Brief COPE and (b) QoL assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF while taking measurement time, central sociodemographic, and health characteristics into account.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, German adults mostly pursued problem- and meaning-focused coping factors and showed a relatively good QoL [Mean values (M) from 57.2 to 73.6, standard deviations (SD) = 16.3−22.6], except for the social domain (M = 57.2, SD = 22.6), and with a decreasing trend over time (β from −0.06 to −0.11, ps &lt; 0.01). Whereas, escape-avoidance coping was negatively related to all QoL domains (β = −0.35, p &lt; 0.001 for psychological, β = −0.22, p &lt; 0.001 for physical, β = −0.13, p = 0.045 for social, β = −0.49, p &lt; 0.001 for environmental QoL), support- and meaning-focused coping showed positive associations with various QoL domains (β from 0.19 to 0.45, ps &lt; 0.01). The results also suggested differences in the pursuit of coping factors as well as in the strength of associations with QoL by sociodemographic characteristics. Escape-avoidance-focused coping was negatively associated with QoL levels in older and less educated adults (simple slopes differed at ps &lt; 0.001), in particular.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated what types of coping may be helpful to avoid QoL deterioration (i.e., support- and meaning-focused coping) and provide implications for future universal or targeted health promotion (i.e., older or less educated adults who lack social or instrumental support) and preparedness in the face of unknown challenging societal situations similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional trends of enhanced use of escape-avoidance-focused coping and QoL deterioration point toward a need for increased attention from public health and policy.
Comparing outcomes of ultra-low-cost hearing aids to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high frequency hearing loss in Malawi: a feasibility study
Authors: Parmar Bhavisha , Phiri Mwanaisha , Jailos Louis , Kachapila Regina , Saleb Benjamin , Mulwafu Wakisa , Manchaiah Vinay , Bhamla M. Saad 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionAccess to ear and hearing health services are limited or non-existent in low-income countries, with less than 10% of the global production of hearing aids distributed to this population. The aim of this feasibility study was to compare the outcomes of an ultra-low-cost hearing aid (LoCHAid) to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high-frequency hearing loss, in Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsSixteen adults with high frequency hearing loss, and no prior experience of hearing aids, took part in this study, nine were fitted with the LoCHAid and seven were fitted with refurbished, programmable hearing aids, for a one-month trial. Five standardized hearing qualities questionnaires were used to compare outcomes pre and post device fitting and between devices. Questionnaire scales were analysed using general linear models and inductive thematic analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data.ResultsOverall, there was no significant difference found between LoCHAid and refurbished hearing aids, and the two device types each showed a similar degree of improvement after fitting. Qualitative data analysis identified two key themes: Sound Quality and User experience.ConclusionThe results from this feasibility study are encouraging, but a comprehensive, larger clinical study is needed to draw firm conclusions about the LoCHAid's performance. This study has identified key improvement indicators required to enhance sound quality and user experience of the LoCHAid.