bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AATF inhibition exerts antiangiogenic effects against human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Suresh Diwakar , Srinivas Akshatha N. , Prashant Akila , Satish Suchitha , Vishwanath Prashant , Nataraj Suma M. , Koduru Srinivas V. , Santhekadur Prasanna K. , Kumar Divya P. 
Published: June 2023

Background and aimsAngiogenesis is a key factor in the growth and metastasis of hepatic tumors and thus a potential therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we aim to identify the key role of apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) in tumor angiogenesis and its underlying mechanisms in HCC.MethodsHCC tissues were analyzed for AATF expression by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Stable clones of control and AATF knockdown (KD) were established in human HCC cells. The effect of AATF inhibition on the angiogenic processes was determined by proliferation, invasion, migration, chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, zymography, and immunoblotting techniques.ResultsWe identified high levels of AATF in human HCC tissues compared to adjacent normal liver tissues, and the expression was found to be correlated with the stages and tumor grades of HCC. Inhibiting AATF in QGY-7703 cells resulted in higher levels of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) than controls due to decreased matric metalloproteinase activity. Conditioned media from AATF KD cells inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human umbilical vein endothelial cells as well as the vascularization of the chick chorioallantoic membrane. Furthermore, the VEGF-mediated downstream signaling pathway responsible for endothelial cell survival and vascular permeability, cell proliferation, and migration favoring angiogenesis was suppressed by AATF inhibition. Notably, PEDF inhibition effectively reversed the anti-angiogenic effect of AATF KD.ConclusionOur study reports the first evidence that the therapeutic strategy based on the inhibition of AATF to disrupt tumor angiogenesis may serve as a promising approach for HCC treatment.
Chemotherapy for the initial treatment of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma at diagnosis: real world application and impact in the SEER database (2004 –2018)
Authors: Wang Shihua , Yin Ming , Wang Peng , Folefac Edmund , Monk J. Paul , Tabung Fred K. , Clinton Steven K. 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundRandomized controlled phase III trials have reported significant improvements in disease response and survival with the addition of chemotherapy to androgen deprivation therapy for men presenting with metastatic prostate cancer. We examined the implementation of such knowledge and its impact within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.MethodThe administration of chemotherapy for men with an initial presentation of metastatic prostate cancer from 2004 to 2018 in the SEER database and its association with survival outcomes was examined. Kaplan–Meier estimates were applied to compare survival curves. Cox proportion hazard survival models were used to analyze the association of chemotherapy and other variables with both cancer- specific and overall survival.ResultA total of 727,804 patients were identified with 99.9% presenting with adenocarcinoma and 0.1% with neuroendocrine histopathology. Chemotherapy as initial treatment for men with de novo distant metastatic adenocarcinoma increased from 5.8% during 2004–2013 to 21.4% during 2014–2018. Chemotherapy was associated with a poorer prognosis during 2004–2013 but was associated with improved cancer-specific (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78–0.93, p=0.0004) and overall survival (HR= 0.78, 95% CI: 0.71–0.85, p &lt; 0.0001) during 2014–2018. The improved prognosis during 2014–2018 was observed in patients with visceral or bone metastasis and most impactful for patients aged 71–80 years. These findings were confirmed by subsequent propensity score matching analyses. Furthermore, chemotherapy was consistently provided to 54% of patients with neuroendocrine carcinoma at diagnosis from 2004 to 2018. Treatment was associated with improved cancer-specific survival (HR= 0.62, 95% CI: 0.45–0.87, p=0.0055) and overall survival (HR= 0.69, 95% CI: 0.51–0. 94, p=0.0176) during 2014–2018 but not significant in earlier years.ConclusionChemotherapy at initial diagnosis was increasingly employed in men with metastatic adenocarcinoma after 2014 and consistent with the evolution of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Benefits for chemotherapy are suggested after 2014 in the treatment of men with metastatic adenocarcinoma. The use of chemotherapy for neuroendocrine carcinoma at diagnosis has remained stable, and outcomes have improved in more recent years. Further development and optimization of chemotherapy continues to evolve for men with de novo diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer.
Determining the mechanism of pulsatilla decoction for treating gastric cancer: a network pharmacology-based study
Authors: Huang Siqi , Qu Manying , Chen Xiaowu , Yu Shaochen , Kong Fanhua 
Published: June 2023

Background and aimGastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy worldwide. Pulsatilla decoction (PD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, can treat inflammatory bowel disease and cancers. In this study, we explored the bioactive components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of PD in the treatment of GC.MethodsWe conducted a thorough search of online databases to gather gene data, active components, and potential target genes associated with the development of GC. Subsequently, we conducted bioinformatics analysis utilizing protein–protein interaction (PPI), network construction, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to identify potential anticancer components and therapeutic targets of PD. Finally, the efficacy of PD in treating GC was further validated through in vitro experiments.ResultsNetwork pharmacological analysis identified 346 compounds and 180 potential target genes associated with the impact of PD on GC. The inhibitory effect of PD on GC may be mediated through modulation of key targets such as PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, FOS, NFKBIA, and others. KEGG analysis showed that PD mainly exerted its effect on GC through the PI3K–AKT, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways. Cell viability and cell cycle experiments showed that PD could significantly inhibit proliferation and kill GC cells. Moreover, PD primarily induces apoptosis in GC cells. Western blotting analysis confirmed that the PI3K–AKT, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathways are the main mechanisms by which PD exerts its cytotoxic effects on GC cells.ConclusionWe have validated the molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets of PD in treating GC through network pharmacological analysis, thereby demonstrating its anticancer efficacy against GC.
Primary intracranial sarcomas: a clinicopathological investigation
Authors: Cai Yu-Xiang , Liu Jin-Sheng , Xu Jian , He Yong-Ze , Zhang Huai-Nian , Tian Su-Fang , Li Zhi-Qiang 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to present a series of primary intracranial sarcomas (PIS), a rare type of tumor of the central nervous system, in order to improve our understanding of the disease. These tumors are heterogeneous and prone to recurrence after resection, exhibiting a high mortality rate. As PIS has yet to be understood and studied on a large scale, it is vital for further evaluation and research.MethodsOur study included 14 cases of PIS. The patients’ clinical, pathological, and imaging features were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, targeted DNA next-generation sequencing (NGS) was applied for the 481-gene panel to detect gene mutations.ResultsThe average age for PIS patients was 31.4 years. Headache (7, 50.0%) was the most common symptom leading to the hospital visit. Twelve cases had PIS located in the supratentorial area and two in the cerebellopontine angle region. The maximum tumor diameter ranged from 19.0 mm to 130.0 mm, with an average diameter of 50.3 mm. Pathological types of tumors were heterogeneous, with chondrosarcoma being the most common, followed by fibrosarcoma. Eight of the 10 PIS cases that underwent MRI scanning showed gadolinium enhancement; 7 of these cases were heterogeneous, and 1 of them was garland-like. Targeted sequencing was performed in two cases and identified mutations in genes such as NRAS, PIK3CA, BAP1, KDR, BLM, PBRM1, TOP2A, DUSP2, and CNV deletions of SMARCB1. Additionally, the SH3BP5::RAF1 fusion gene was also detected. Of the 14 patients, 9 underwent a gross total resection (GTR), and 5 chose subtotal resection. Patients who underwent GTR displayed a trend toward superior survival. Among the 11 patients with available follow-up information, one had developed lung metastases, three had died, and eight were alive.ConclusionPIS is extremely rare compared to extracranial soft sarcomas. The most common histological type of intracranial sarcoma (IS) is chondrosarcoma. Patients who underwent GTR of these lesions showed improved survival rates. Recent advancements in NGS aided in the identification of diagnostic and therapeutic PIS-relevant targets.
Bronchoscopic instillation of amphotericin B is a safe and effective measure to treat pulmonary mycosis
Authors: Yang Lei , Yang Changqing , Wan Nansheng , Xie Wei , Tian Yu , Xiao Yangbao , Luo Li , Chen Enguo , Zhang Jisong , Wang Xiaoping , Xu Li , Wang Xingguang , Zhou Yunzhi , Guo Lu , Zou Jun , Liu Xingren , Wei Xuguang , Wang Yubao , Feng Jing 
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of pulmonary mycosis disease, and its mortality has increased. There are very few studies on treating pulmonary mycosiss with bronchoscopic instillation of amphotericin B. This study investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of bronchoscopic instillation of amphotericin B for treating pulmonary mycosiss.Methods: This was a multi-centre, retrospective clinical study of 80 patients with pulmonary mycosiss who were treated with bronchoscopic instillation of amphotericin B. The efficacy and safety of this treatment were evaluated.Results: Eighty patients were included {51 males; mean [standard deviation (SD)] age, 46 (15.9) years}. The most common underlying cause was haematological malignancy (73.75%). The mean number of bronchoscopic instillations of amphotericin B was 2.4 (SD 1.5). In terms of treatment success, 58 (72.5%) patients achieved complete or partial changes on imaging after treatment. A total of 62 (77.5%) patients achieved complete or partial changes on imaging and/or local limitation of the mycosis infection. Seventy-six (95%) patients achieved complete or partial changes on imaging and/or local limitation of mycosis infection and/or an immunotherapy time window. The efficacy rates for treatment of Aspergillus and Mucor infections in terms of the three treatment success criteria described above were 73.81% vs. 63.64%, 80.95% vs. 72.73%, and 92.86% vs. 90.91%, respectively.Conclusion: Bronchoscopic instillation of amphotericin B is safe and effective for treatment of pulmonary mycosiss.
Rapid automatic detection of water Ca, Mg elements using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Yijun , Ma Shixiang , Yang Guiyan , Tian Hongwu , Dong Daming 
Published: June 2023

Ca, Mg, as the main components in water, are not only essential nutrients for life but are also an important index of water hardness. Rapid detection of the element content is of great significance for water quality evaluation and nutrient balance in planting and breeding water. Traditional laboratory analysis methods are time consuming and involve complex procedures. Ion cross sensitivity and response drift also limit the application of online sensors. These disadvantages are not in line with the precise control and rapid response required for practical applications. Here, we propose a rapid automatic Ca, Mg ion concentration detection method using Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Based on a cation exchange membrane, an automatic control system integrating water sampling, hybrid reacting, attachment drying and spectra measuring was constructed. The testing time for one sample could be compressed to 5 min. Consequently, it met the requirements of accuracy and timeliness of water element regulation. The proposed system can provide new technical means for large-scale aquaculture, soilless cultivation of facilities and other scenarios aiming at accurate measurement and control of elements in water body.
Post-traumatic-stress in the context of childhood maltreatment: pathways from attachment through mentalizing during the transition to parenthood
Authors: Ensink Karin , Bégin Michaël , Martin-Gagnon Gabriel , Biberdzic Marko , Berthelot Nicolas , Normandin Lina , Fonagy Peter , Bernazzani Odette , Borelli Jessica L. 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to clarify the role of mentalizing in pathways from attachment to Post Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS) in survivors of childhood maltreatment (CM). We focused on the transition to parenting, a critical period for reworking parenting representations to reduce intergenerational maltreatment cycles.MethodStudy participants included 100 pregnant CM survivors. We assessed PTSS with the SCID and attachment and mentalizing with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), which was rated for Attachment and Reflective Functioning (RF).ResultsRegarding Re-experiencing trauma symptoms, the results of the path analysis were consistent with mediation. CM survivors' mentalizing about their early relationships with their parents (RF-Other) directly impacted Re-experiencing trauma symptoms, and attachment had an effect on Re-experiencing trauma symptoms through mentalizing (RF-Other). Regarding Arousal/Reactivity symptoms, the results of the pathways analysis were consistent with partial mediation by mentalizing about early relationships with parents (RF-Other). In addition to the pathway from attachment via mentalizing (RF-Other) to Arousal/Reactivity, the pathway between attachment and Arousal/Reactivity also remained significant.DiscussionThis study provides new evidence of a mentalizing and attachment model of PTSS in CM survivors. The findings indicate that increased mentalizing about early relationships with parents is an important process associated with lower PTSS. Finally, we discuss the implications of developing interventions for CM survivors to reduce PTSS. Scaffolding the development of mentalizing regarding attachment relationships in which CM occurred may help CM survivors reduce the intrusion of traumatic memories and decrease trauma-related arousal and reactivity symptoms. Interventions to help CM survivors mentalize regarding parents and attachment relationships in which trauma occurred may be particularly important during the transition to parenting when activation of representations of parenting can trigger PTSS.
Detecting microstructural alterations of cerebral white matter associated with breast cancer and chemotherapy revealed by generalized q-sampling MRI
Authors: Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Chuang Wei , Chen Chien-Wei , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , McIntyre Roger S. , Weng Jun-Cheng 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivePrevious studies have discussed the impact of chemotherapy on the brain microstructure. There is no evidence of the impact regarding cancer-related psychiatric comorbidity on cancer survivors. We aimed to evaluate the impact of both chemotherapy and mental health problem on brain microstructural alterations and consequent cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer survivors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary center, data from 125 female breast cancer survivors who had not received chemotherapy (BB = 65; 49.86 ± 8.23 years) and had received chemotherapy (BA = 60; 49.82 ± 7.89 years) as well as from 71 age-matched healthy controls (47.18 ± 8.08 years) was collected. Chemotherapeutic agents used were docetaxel and epirubicin. We used neuropsychological testing and questionnaire to evaluate psychiatric comorbidity, cognitive dysfunction as well as generalized sampling imaging (GQI) and graph theoretical analysis (GTA) to detect microstructural alterations in the brain.FindingsCross-comparison between groups revealed that neurotoxicity caused by chemotherapy and cancer-related psychiatric comorbidity may affect the corpus callosum and middle frontal gyrus. In addition, GQI indices were correlated with the testing scores of cognitive function, quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Furthermore, weaker connections between brain regions and lower segregated ability were found in the post-treatment group.ConclusionThis study suggests that chemotherapy and cancer-related mental health problem both play an important role in the development of white matter alterations and cognitive dysfunction.
Children's independent mobility during dark hours: a scoping review
Authors: Litsmark Anna , Rahm Johan , Mattsson Pimkamol , Johansson Maria 
Published: June 2023

IntroductionIndependent mobility is every child's right and has implications for their health, wellbeing, and development. This scoping review addresses children's needs and experiences of light conditions in their everyday outdoor life. The review examines peer-reviewed scientific literature that analyses associations between different light conditions and children's independent mobility (CIM) during dark hours.MethodsBy formulating a Boolean search string, including terms related to children independent mobility, light and outdoor environment, five scientific databases were searched. The search resulted in 67 eligible papers that were analyzed through an inductive, thematic analysis.ResultsFour overarching themes representing the researched topics of the effects of light conditions with importance for CIM during dark hours were identified: (1) physical activity (PA) and active travel, (2) outdoor activities and place use, (3) safety perception, and (4) outdoor risks. The findings highlight that darkness constitutes a major obstacle for CIM, and that fear of darkness is common among children. It restricts the degree of CIM and influences children's safety perception as well as how they navigate through public places outdoors. The findings show that the type and design of outdoor settings during dark hours and children's familiarity with places during daytime could play a role in the degree of CIM after dark. The presence of outdoor lighting is related to children's increased PA and active travel, and outdoor lighting seems to also influence children's place use and interaction with the environment. The presence and extent of outdoor lighting and lighting quality may play a role in children's safety perception, which in turn can influence CIM.DiscussionThe findings suggest that promoting CIM during dark hours might not only contribute to the accumulation of children's PA, confidence, and skills, but also support mental health. The understanding of children's perspectives on the quality of outdoor lighting needs to be deepened to support CIM. Highlighting the child perspective would aid the development of current recommendations for outdoor lighting and the implementation of the Agenda 2030 of ensuring healthy lives and promoting wellbeing for all at all ages, and making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable throughout the day and seasons.
Nearly one out of every five adult TB patients suffered from food insecurity in Grawa District, Eastern Ethiopia: a multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdulla Jabir H. , Gebremichael Berhe , Maruta Melat B. , Yuye Ibsa , Mohammed Abdusalam , Debella Adera , Mussa Ibsa 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundDespite a dramatic decline in tuberculosis mortality over the past 10 years, tuberculosis is still the leading cause of death globally. In the last 2 years, tuberculosis has affected an estimated 10 million individuals, and 1.4 million people have died worldwide. In Ethiopia, the weight of the problem is less known in the study area. As a result, the purpose of this study was to assess food insecurity and associated factors among adult patients with tuberculosis attending public health facilities in Grawa district, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 March to 31 March 2022, among 488 randomly selected adult tuberculosis patients on treatment follow-up at public health facilities in Grawa district, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview and document review, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The prevalence was reported using a 95% confidence interval (CI) and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt;0.05.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of food insecurity among the study participants was 19.5%, with a 95% CI (15.8%, 23.2%). Factors such as being male [AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: (0.34, 0.97)], being married [AOR = 2.93, 95% CI: (1.33, 6.47)], being merchant [AOR = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.04, 0.67)], having low wealth quintiles [AOR = 2.10,95%CI:(1.04–4.23)], receiving anti-TB treatment for two or fewer months [AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: (0.26–0.91)], using khat [AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: (1.29, 3.70)], and owning livestock (AOR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.29–0.94) were significantly associated with food insecurity.ConclusionsAccording to this study, nearly one out of every five adults TB patients is food insecure. Factors such as being male, being married, being merchant, having low wealth quintiles, receiving anti-TB treatment for two or less months, those who chew mKhat and having a livestock were significantly associated with food insecurity. As a result, all stakeholders and concerned entities should prioritize improving the livelihood of TB patients through social security system programs, which are critical to the success of TB control and prevention efforts.
Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines against Omicron infection and severe events: a systematic review and meta-analysis of test-negative design studies
Authors: Song Shangchen , Madewell Zachary J. , Liu Mingjin , Longini Ira M. , Yang Yang 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundA rapidly growing body was observed of literature evaluating the vaccine effectiveness (VE) against Omicron in test-negative design studies.MethodsWe systematically searched papers that evaluated VE of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, Scopus, bioRxiv, and medRxiv published from November 26th, 2021, to June 27th, 2022 (full doses and the first booster), and to January 8th, 2023 (the second booster). The pooled VE against Omicron-associated infection and severe events were estimated.ResultsFrom 2,552 citations identified, 42 articles were included. The first booster provided stronger protection against Omicron than full doses alone, shown by VE estimates of 53.1% (95% CI: 48.0–57.8) vs. 28.6% (95% CI: 18.5–37.4) against infection and 82.5% (95% CI: 77.8–86.2) vs. 57.3% (95% CI: 48.5–64.7) against severe events. The second booster offered strong protection among adults within 60 days of vaccination against infection (VE=53.1%, 95% CI: 48.0–57.8) and severe events (VE=87.3% (95% CI: 75.5–93.4), comparable to the first booster with corresponding VE estimates of 59.9% against infection and 84.8% against severe events. The VE estimates of booster doses against severe events among adults sustained beyond 60 days, 77.6% (95% CI: 69.4–83.6) for first and 85.9% (95% CI: 80.3–89.9) for the second booster. The VE estimates against infection were less sustainable regardless of dose type. Pure mRNA vaccines provided comparable protection to partial mRNA vaccines, but both provided higher protection than non-mRNA vaccines.ConclusionsOne or two SARS-CoV-2 booster doses provide considerable protection against Omicron infection and substantial and sustainable protection against Omicron-induced severe clinical outcomes.