bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life of Metastatic Prostate Cancer Patients Treated with Prostate Radiotherapy
Authors: Ayoub Heba Maged , Zamzam Maha Lotfy , Elsemary Eman Essam , Hassanin Ihab Mohamed , Elsayed Fifi Mostafa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The impact of prostate radiotherapy on patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) significantly influences the outcomes of metastatic prostate cancer. We measured and compared HRQoL of metastatic prostate cancer patients who received cytoreductive prostate radiotherapy.
Methods
Between November 23, 2020, and November 21, 2022, we recruited 70 metastatic prostate cancer patients at the Department of Clinical Oncology at Suez Canal University Hospital. Patients were eligible if they had synchronous and metachronous histopathological confirmed metastatic adenocarcinoma and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤ 2. Random allocation was performed for either definitive local radiotherapy concurrent with the standard androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or to the standard ADT alone. Definitive radiotherapy was delivered conventionally (70 Gy/35 fractions) or through the hypofractionated regimen (55 Gy/20 fractions). Patients completed the comprehensive European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-PR25) at baseline, then at three-month intervals for one year. The primary endpoint was patient-reported HRQoL, with secondary endpoints including toxicity and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS). Mean HRQoL scores between groups were compared using the independent samples t-test.
Results
We observed clinically significant improvements in urinary and bowel functions between baseline, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals after receiving definitive prostate radiotherapy. Patients in the radiotherapy group had significantly lower urinary symptoms scores than the control group. However, sexual activity and functioning showed significant deterioration.
Conclusion
Cytoreductive prostate radiotherapy in metastatic prostate cancer patients significantly improved urinary functioning, preserved bowel functioning but was associated with worsening of sexual functioning.
Trial Registration
This trial was registered on (27/04/2023) with pactr.samrc.ac.za, PACTR202305854600529, URL: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=25510
Investigation into the role of MITA-TRIM38 interaction in regulating pyroptosis and maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface
Authors: Yang jing , Liu Jun , Deng Yan , Wang An , Liu Bowen , Zhou Xi , Yin Tailang , Wang Yan , Tang Tao , Qiu Yang , Chen Jiao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Maternal-fetal interface shares similarities with tumor tissues in terms of immune microenvironment. Normal pregnancy is maintained due to the immunosuppressed state, but pyroptosis induced by MITA can trigger the body's immune response and disrupt the immunosuppressed state of the maternal-fetal interface, leading to abortion. In this study, we explored the role of MITA and TRIM38 in regulating pyroptosis and maintaining the immune tolerance of the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy. Our findings show that the interaction between MITA and TRIM38 plays a crucial role in maintaining the immunosuppressed state of the maternal-fetal interface. Specifically, we observed that TRIM38-mediated K48 ubiquitination of MITA was higher in M2 macrophages, leading to low expression levels of MITA and thus, inhibiting pyroptosis. Conversely, in M1 macrophages, the ubiquitination of K48 was lower, resulting in higher expression levels of MITA and promoting pyroptosis. Our results also indicated that pyroptosis played a significant role in hindering the transformation of M1 to M2 and maintaining the immunosuppressed state of the maternal-fetal interface. The discoveries presented offer significant understanding into the mechanisms that support the preservation of the immune tolerance microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, playing a vital role in ensuring successful pregnancy results.
Evaluating Strategic Implementation and Sustaining Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes in Sultanate of Oman: The Impact of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abdelfattah Fadi , AL_Alawi Abrar , Asrawi Iman , Darwazeh Riyad , Salah Mohammed , Alwashahi Maryam Ahmed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose – This study evaluates the strategic implementation and sustainability of therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLCs) in the Sultanate of Oman in response to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the study examines the effectiveness of pharmacological measures used to manage NCDs during the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach – Drawing from an extensive literature review, a conceptual model is developed, highlighting various external factors influencing the management of NCDs. The researchers adopt a quantitative research approach, collecting a representative sample of 412 participants from Oman. Statistical analysis is conducted using SPSS and PLS software to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings – The results reveal significant direct effects between therapeutic lifestyle changes, the healthcare system, health behaviour, and NCDs management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, health behaviour is shown to mediate the relationship between therapeutic lifestyle changes and NCDs management, as well as the relationship between the healthcare system and NCDs management under pandemic conditions.
Practical implications – The findings suggest that the implementation of therapeutic lifestyle changes should be supported by the healthcare system and community involvement. The development of improved assessment tools to evaluate the impact of these strategies can aid in tailoring TLC interventions to the specific characteristics of the population. Moreover, effectively addressing the prevalence of NCDs in Oman requires policy changes and improvements in the healthcare system.
Originality/value – This study presents a unique conceptual model that contributes to the existing literature on NCDs and specifically addresses the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The research results and recommendations provided advance the role of TLCs in managing NCDs and contribute to filling the knowledge gap in this area.
TRAP1 controls the crosstalk between SDHA/HIF-1α, HIF/ERK1/2/Twist, and HIF/FoxC/Twist pathways via HIF-1α during EMT in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zou hongling , Yang Liu , Zhao Yingqi , Yi Peipei , Lu Liu , Yao Du , Lu Yuanming 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) is highly-expressed during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here, we investigated the mechanism underlying the high expression of TRAP1 during EMT and evaluated the potential of TRAP1 as a therapeutic target for metastatic CRC treatment. Moreover, we discussed ways to improve the clinical effectiveness of CRC treatments.
Methods
HCT116 colon cancer cell lines (either over-expressing or lacking TRAP1), nude mouse tumor experiments, and human CRC tissue were used. The effect of TRAP1 gene expression on the migration of CRC cells was studied using methods characterizing cellular function. The mechanism of the effect of TRAP1 expression on EMT in CRC was studied using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting methods.
Results
High TRAP1 expression was found to increase the migration of CRC cells, reduce apoptosis rates, regulate the E-cadherin and vimentin expression in opposite directions, as well as increase expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Twist, forkhead box protein C2 (FoxC2), and reduce the expression of succinate dehydrogenase complex flavoprotein subunit A (SDHA) proteins. These results indicate that TRAP1 regulates EMT in CRC by affecting the crosstalk between SDHA/HIF-1α, HIF/ERK1/2/Twist, and HIF/FOXC/Twist pathways.
Conclusion
High TRAP1 expression was found to promote EMT in CRC. TRAP1 activates expression of genes encoding proteins involved in SDHA/HIF-1α, HIF-1α/ERK1/2/Twist/Snail, and HIF-1α/FoxC/Twist/Snail pathways via HIF-1α. TRAP1 also regulates the expression of E-cadherin, the downstream protein of EMT.
Comparison of antioxidant, antiradical and antibacterial activities of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) fruit and leaves growing on different host tree genus
Authors: ÇİFTCi BEYZA , Karaman Kevser , KAPLAN Mahmut 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Mistletoe is a hemi-parasitic shrub and grows on different host trees and used as a remedy for some disease therapies. In this study, mistletoe fruits and leaves growing on different host tree genera were compared in terms bioactivity and antibacterial efficiency. For this purpose, mistletoe samples were collected from seven different tree genera (black locust, wild pear, pine, hawthorn, willow, apricot and almond) and removed their fruits and leaves. At the beginning, the most suitable solvent for the extraction was determined using optimization procedure of simplex lattice mixture design. The most effective solvent showing the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antiradical activity (ARA) was determined as ethanol:water (92.5:7.5) for the fruit and ethanol:water (30:70) for the leaf extraction. TPC values of the leaf and fruit samples ranged between 7-21.2 and 3.2–6.9 mgGAE/g, respectively. The results showed significant differences based on the tree genus and the highest antioxidant and antiradical activities were monitored for the black locust tree while the lowest values were in willow tree. For antibacterial activity, the highest inhibition zone was obtained from wild pear leaf extract for Salmonella tyhpimurium. Mistletoe leave extracts showed a remarkable superiority bioactive performance than those of the mistletoe fruits for all tree genus.
RefCap: Image Captioning with Referent Objects Attributes
Authors: Park Seokmok , Paik Joonki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In recent years, significant progress has been made in visual-linguistic multi-modality research, leading to advancements in visual comprehension and its applications in computer vision tasks. One fundamental task in visual-linguistic understanding is image captioning, which involves generating human-understandable textual descriptions given an input image. This paper introduces an end-to-end referring expression image captioning model that incorporates supervision of interesting objects. Our model utilizes user-specified object keywords as a prefix to generate specific captions that are relevant to the target object. The model consists of three modules including: i) visual grounding, ii) referring object selection, and iii) image captioning modules. To evaluate its performance, we conducted experiments on the RefCOCO and COCO captioning datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method effectively generates meaningful captions aligned with users' specific interests.
Hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging detects long-lasting metabolic alterations following mild repetitive traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chaumeil Myriam , Guglielmetti Caroline , Qiao Kai , Tiret Brice , Ozen Mustafa , Krukowski Karen , Nolan Amber , Paladini Maria Serena , Lopez Carlos , Rosi Susanna 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Career athletes, active military, and head trauma victims are at increased risk for mild repetitive traumatic brain injury (rTBI), a condition that contributes to the development of epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases. Standard clinical imaging fails to identify rTBI-induced lesions, and novel non-invasive methods are needed. Here, we evaluated if hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (HP 13C MRSI) could detect long-lasting changes in brain metabolism 3.5 months post-injury in a rTBI mouse model. Our results show that this metabolic imaging approach can detect changes in cortical metabolism at that timepoint, whereas multimodal MR imaging did not detect any structural or contrast alterations. Using Machine Learning, we further show that HP 13C MRSI parameters can help classify rTBI vs. Sham and predict long-term rTBI-induced behavioral outcomes. Altogether, our study demonstrates the potential of metabolic imaging to improve detection, classification and outcome prediction of previously undetected rTBI.
Role of partially consumed acorn remains in scatter hoards and their implication in oaks colonization process.
Authors: Arco Sergio Del , Arco Jose María Del 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In previous studies, authors have demonstrated the benefits of rodent participation in the colonization process carried out by oak species. We have observed that certain rodent species (Apodemus sylvaticus and Mus spretus) partially consume acorns, beginning at the basal part and preserving the embryo. Perea et al. (2011) and Yang and Yi (2012) found that during periods of abundance the remains produced after partial consumption are left on the surface without being transported to caches because they see as leftovers.
The objective of this study is to know the role played by the remains of partially consumed acorns in the caches. To verify if these remains are seen as offal and are therefore rejected. To test this, we provided rodents with intact, partially eaten acorns to ascertain their preferences for own or foreign remains or the rejection of both. The results indicate that preferences are directed towards consuming first the remains produced by other rodents, then their own, leaving intact acorns for last. The reasons are based on questions of energy balance. Removing the shells from acorns is very costly in terms of energy, so it is preferable to use the shelled remains first, even if they must pass through a layer of fungi and molds to reach the cotyledons. The first remains to be consumed are those of others, because in case of scarcity it is convenient to conserve one's own resources.
Binary decisions of artificial intelligence to classify third molar development around the legal age thresholds of 14, 16 and 18 years
Authors: Franco Ademir , Murray Jared , Heng Dennis , Lygate Anna , Moreira Debora , Ferreira Jaqueline , Paulo Djessyca Miranda e , Machado Carlos Palhares , Bueno Juliano , Mânica Scheila , Porto Lucas , Abade André , Paranhos Luiz Renato 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Third molar development is used for dental age estimation when all the other teeth are fully mature. In most medicolegal facilities, dental age estimation is an operator-dependent procedure. During the examination of unaccompanied and undocumented minors, this procedure may lead to binary decisions around age thresholds of legal interest, namely the ages of 14, 16 and 18 years. This study aimed to test the performance of artificial intelligence to classify individuals below and above the legal age thresholds of 14, 16 and 18 years using third molar development. The sample consisted of 11.640 (9.680 used for training and 1.960 used for validation) panoramic radiographs of males (n = 5.400) and females (n = 6.240) between 6 and 22.9 years. Computer-based image annotation was performed with V7 software (V7labs, London, UK). The region of interest was the semi-automated contour of the mandibular left third molar (T38). DenseNet 121 was the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) of choice. Transfer Learning architecture was used. After Receiver-operating characteristic curves, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.87 and 0.86 to classify males and females below and above the age of 14, respectively. For the age threshold of 16, the AUC values were 0.88 (males) and 0.83 (females), while for the age of 18, AUC were 0.94 (males) and 0.83 (females). Specificity rates were always between 0.80 and 0.92. Artificial intelligence was able to classify male and females below and above the legal age thresholds of 14, 16 and 18 years with high accuracy.
Laying the foundations for an integrated weather pattern and power outage forecasting system in the United Kingdom
Authors: Souto Laiz , Neal Robert , Pope James , Gonzalez Paula , Wilkinson Jonathan , Taylor Philip 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In the UK, lightning strikes, snow and ice, wind and gale are common causes of power system failures. Their frequency of occurrence varies according to weather conditions given by weather patterns and seasons. With the objective of identifying relevant trends to predict and prepare for power outages, this article investigates relationships between weather patterns and weather-induced power system failures in the UK. It uses a set of 30 predefined weather patterns, with each date assigned to a specific pattern between 2010 and 2019. The results reveal that certain weather patterns and pattern transitions are related to a higher failure risk across seasons. These insights are extremely valuable for distribution network operators in Europe, as high-risk weather patterns can be reliably forecast in advance to improve their preparedness to adverse weather conditions. Further applications of this work are also discussed, including reliability and resilience enhancement decisions in future climate scenarios.
Molecular Characteristic of Proximal and Distal Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Xu Lin , Shang Bin , Guo Chenran , Wang Xiaozhen , Bi Mingming , Zhong Wei , Zhao Yu , Wang Zhou , Chen Gang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction
: Esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas (00000000) are devastating diseases with increasing incidence. The Siewert classification is the well accepted anatomical classification system for EGJA to guide surgical approaches. However, the definition of EGJA and its optimal resection strategy are still debatable.
Methods
198 EGJA patients, of which 140 (70.7%) were distal EGJA, 58 (29.3%) were proximal EGJA, 42 gastric adenocarcinoma (GCA) patients and 36 esophageal squammous cell carcinomas (ESCC) patients were enrolled. Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 450 cancer-related genes was performed to identify the genomic alterations. The molecular characteristics of the above EGJA, GCA and ESCC were analyzed and compared.
Results
Gene alterations with a high mutation frequency in EGJA in this cohort were identified: TP53 (74%), CCNE1 (14%), ERBB2 (12%), FAT3 (11%), ARID1A (11%), PIK3CA (10%), SPTA1 (10%), CDK6 (9%), FGF3 (9%), LRP1B (9%). Compared with GCA and ESCC, EGJA may better benefit from PIK3CA inhibitors due to high-frequency mutations in PIAK-AKT-related genes. We also found that FRFR2, ZNF127 and MYC mutations maybe biomarkers to distinguish distal EGJA from proximal EGJA.
Conclusion
Our data identify differences of EGJA from GCA and ESCC, as well as distal/proximal EGJA at the genomic level, suggesting that a unique TNM staging for EGJA may be required.
Structural characteristics of Niaouli forests, biodiversity, and ethnobotanical importance of the valuable species
Authors: GANGLO Isis Togbédji , KOURA Kourouma , KIKI Edmond , HOUNSA Michael , KINGBO Armand , AOUDJI Augustin K. N. , GANGLO Jean Cossi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In Benin, forest resources are limited and are in the grip of alarming degradation. In southern Benin, the Niaouli forests (6°40' to 6°45' North Lat. and 2°05' to 2°10' East Long.) require special attention given their state of degradation leading to loss of biodiversity. In order to contribute to the sustainable management of the forests, our investigations focused on the characterization of the structure, floristic diversity, and forms of use of the valuable species. The data was collected by systematic sampling with rectangular meshes of 100 m × 200 m in square plots of one (01) ha each. In total, seven (07) plots were installed for the determination of dendrometric and biodiversity parameters. The regeneration of the species was counted in quadrats of 100 m² installed on a diagonal of each plot. Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out within local populations, on a sample of 188 people made of heads of peasant households or their representatives, carpenters, traditional healers, and loggers in order to identify valuable species and appraise their ethnobotanical importance. Four valuable species were identified. They were Albizia zygia, Antiaris toxicaria, Ceiba pentandra, and Newbouldia laevis. The diversity parameters showed that the forests of Niaouli are characterized by a low floristic diversity in comparison with the forest ecosystems of southern Benin. The main valuable species of the Niaouli forests were experiencing a regeneration problem likely to hinder their sustainability and sustainable use. Albizia zygia, Antiaris toxicaria, and Ceiba pentandra are used more in the form of wood respectively by 85 %, 50 %, and 75 % of respondents. Newbouldia laevis is used more in the form of an infusion by 33 %, fodder by 21 %, and wood by 21 % of respondents. Respondents cited 58 diseases treated with species from the Niaouli forests. Considering the results obtained, regular reforestation and the introduction of new adapted species must be carried out to increase the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the forests.
Effect of Probucol and Atorvastatin Combination Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Yu Ning , Zhang Chi , Sun Yuan , Li Yun , Han Yueying , Han Xue , Gao Yanjun , Dou Zhijie , Zhang Xiaoxuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of probucol combined with atorvastatin on cognitive impairment after infarction in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and to compare the evaluation methods of cognitive impairment.
Patients and methods:
A total of 81 patients with acute ischaemic stroke admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College between November 2020 and May 2021 were enrolled in this study. Using a random number table method, they were divided into probucol combined with atorvastatin (n = 40) and atorvastatin (n = 41) groups. Cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) scores and blood lipid levels were assessed six months after treatment and compared between the two groups.
Results
Approximately 60.5% (49/81) of patients in the acute phase of stroke experienced cognitive decline. After six months, 39.5% (32/81) of the patients improved from baseline, with 27.5% (11/40) in the combined therapy group and 51.2% (21/41) in the atorvastatin group presenting with cognitive impairment. Patients with cognitive impairment after six months were significantly different between the two groups (t = 4.766, P = 0.029). Serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in the common carotid artery intimal thickness and plaque area (P > 0.05) between the treatment groups. In terms of factors affecting cognition, the multivariate generalised estimating equations suggested a statistically significant difference in terms of previous cerebrovascular history, measurement stage, combination therapy, infarct area, and LDL levels (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Probucol combined with atorvastatin can significantly improve post-stroke cognitive function and quality of life in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and is safe, feasible, and worthy of clinical promotion.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000040461) registed time:2020-11-28