bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative T and N Restaging of Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: An Accuracy Comparison Between MSCT and MRI
Authors: Liu Wenjuan , Li Yuyi , Zhang Xue , Li Jia , Sun Jing , Lv Han , Wang Zhenchang 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundIt is well established that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is better than multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) for the accurate diagnosis of pretreatment tumor (T) and node (N) staging of rectal cancer. However, the diagnostic value of MRI and MSCT in local restaging of rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) is controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the two imaging exams in restaging of patients with rectal cancer.MethodsPatients with rectal cancer from April 2015 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria are as follows: 1) diagnosis of rectal cancer through pathology; 2) NCRT had been performed; 3) all patients had undergone both MSCT and MRI examination before the surgery. Exclusion criteria are as follows: 1) incomplete clinical and imaging data; 2) previous history of pelvic surgery. Two radiologists performed T and N staging of patient images. Diagnostic accuracy, consistency analysis, and error restaging distribution of the two imaging exams for T and N restaging of rectal cancer were assessed using postoperative pathological staging as the gold standard.ResultsA total of 62 patients (49 men; mean age: 59 years; age range 29–83 years) were included in the study. The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT and MRI for T restaging was 51.6% (95% CI 39.3%–63.9%) and 41.9% (95% CI 29.6%–54.2%), respectively, and no statistical difference was found between them (p &gt; 0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of MSCT and MRI for N restaging was 56.5% (95% CI 44.2%–68.8%) and 53.2% (95% CI 40.8%–65.6%), respectively, and no statistical difference was found between them (p &gt; 0.05). The consistency analysis showed that T restaging (κ = 0.583, p &lt; 0.001) and N restaging (κ = 0.644, p &lt; 0.001) were similar between MSCT and MRI. There was no significant difference in the distribution of over, accurate, or low staging in T restaging (p &gt; 0.05) and N restaging (p &gt; 0.05) between MSCT and MRI.ConclusionsMSCT and MRI have similarly poor performance in the diagnosis of preoperative T and N restaging of rectal cancer after NCRT. Neither of them cannot effectively stage the ypT0-1 of rectal cancer. These findings may be of clinical relevance for planning less imaging exam.
Systematic Characterization of the Clinical Relevance of KPNA4 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bao Jingpiao , Xu Chaoliang , Li Bin , Wu Zengkai , Shen Jie , Song Pengli , Peng Qi , Hu Guoyong 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with poor prognosis. Karyopherin subunit alpha 4 (KPNA4) is a nuclear transport factor and plays tumor-promoting roles in multiple cancers. However, the roles of KPNA4 in PDAC still remain unknown. This study investigated the prognostic value of KPNA4 and its potential functions in PDAC and tumor microenvironment.MethodsLinkedOmics was utilized to screen genes with survival significance in PDAC. KPNA4 expression was analyzed using multiple datasets and verified in PDAC cells and clinical samples by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Clinical correlation and survival analyses were conducted to identify the clinical significance and prognostic value of KPNA4 in PDAC patients. Subsequently, KPNA4 was knocked down in PDAC cell lines, and CCK-8, colony formation and wound healing assays were performed to test the functions of KPNA4 in vitro. Immune infiltration analysis was performed to explore the potential roles of KPNA4 in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC. Moreover, functional analyses were conducted to explore the underlying mechanism of KPNA4 in the progression of PDAC.ResultsWe found KPNA4 was significantly upregulated in PDAC cells and tissues. KPNA4 expression was associated with tumor progression in PDAC patients. Survival analyses further revealed that KPNA4 could act as an independent predictor of unfavorable survival for PDAC patients. KPNA4 knockdown suppressed the viability, colony formation and migration of PDAC cells. Moreover, KPNA4 was correlated with immunosuppressive cells infiltration and T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment of PDAC. Finally, functional analyses indicated the association of KPNA4 with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling, and KPNA4 silencing significantly decreased the expression of FAK and PD-L1.ConclusionsThis study revealed that KPNA4 is an independent prognostic biomarker for PDAC and plays a tumor-promoting role by facilitating proliferation and migration of cancer cells and participating in immune infiltration, which may be mediated by FAK signaling and PD-L1 expression. These results provide a novel and potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
BAP1-Related ceRNA (NEAT1/miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1) Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Kidney Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Rui-ji , Xu Zhi-Peng , Li Shu-Ying , Yu Jun-Jie , Feng Ning-han , Xu Bin , Chen Ming 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundBAP1 is an important tumor suppressor involved in various biological processes and is commonly lost or inactivated in clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, the role of the BAP1-deficient tumor competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network involved in ccRCC remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to investigate the prognostic BAP1-related ceRNA in ccRCC.MethodsRaw data was obtained from the TCGA and the differentially expressed genes were screened to establish a BAP1-related ceRNA network. Subsequently, the role of the ceRNA axis was validated using phenotypic experiments. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were used to confirm the ceRNA network.ResultsNuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) expression was significantly increased in kidney cancer cell lines. NEAT1 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration, which could be reversed by miR-10a-5p inhibitor. Dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed miR-10a-5p as a common target of NEAT1 and Serine protease inhibitor family E member 1 (SERPINE1). FISH assays revealed the co-localization of NEAT1 and miR-10a-5p in the cytoplasm. Additionally, the methylation level of SERPINE1 in ccRCC was significantly lower than that in normal tissues. Furthermore, SERPINE1 expression was positively correlated with multiple immune cell infiltration levels.ConclusionsIn BAP1-deficient ccRCC, NEAT1 competitively binds to miR-10a-5p, indirectly upregulating SERPINE1 expression to promote kidney cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, NEAT1/miR-10a-5p/SERPINE1 were found to be independent prognostic factors of ccRCC.
Lung Ultrasound in Pediatric Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Received Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Yucai , Wang Chunxia , Wang Fei , Shi Jingyi , Dou Jiaying , Shan Yijun , Sun Ting , Zhou Yiping 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of the lung ultrasound (LUS) score in patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (pARDS) who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a tertiary hospital from January 2016 to June 2021. The severe pARDS patients who received ECMO were enrolled in this study. LUS score was measured at initiation of ECMO (LUS-0 h), then at 24 h (LUS-24 h), 48 h (LUS-48 h), and 72 h (LUS-72 h) during ECMO, and when weaned from ECMO (LUS-wean). The value of LUS scores at the first 3 days of ECMO as a prognostic predictor was analyzed.ResultsTwenty-nine children with severe pARDS who received ECMO were enrolled with a median age of 26 (IQR 9, 79) months. The median duration of ECMO support was 162 (IQR 86, 273) h and the PICU mortality was 31.0% (9/29). The values of LUS-72 h and LUS-wean were significantly lower in survivors than that in non-survivors (both P &lt; 0.001). Daily fluid balance volume during the first 3 days of ECMO support were strongly correlated with LUS score [1st day: r = 0.460, P = 0.014; 2nd day: r = 0.540, P = 0.003; 3rd day: r = 0.589, P = 0.001]. The AUC of LUS-72 h for predicting PICU mortality in these patients was 1.000, and the cutoff value of LUS-72 h was 24 with a sensitivity of 100.0% and a specificity of 100.0%. Furthermore, patients were stratified in two groups of LUS-72 h ≥ 24 and LUS-72 h &lt; 24. Consistently, PICU mortality, length of PICU stay, ratio of shock, vasoactive index score value, and the need for continuous renal replacement therapy were significantly higher in the group of LUS-72 h ≥ 24 than in the group of LUS-72 h &lt; 24 (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionLung ultrasound score is a promising tool for predicting the prognosis in patients with ARDS under ECMO support. Moreover, LUS-72 h ≥ 24 is associated with high risk of PICU mortality in patients with pARDS who received ECMO.
Baseline Values of Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Preterm Infants With Septic Shock: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Zhong Junjuan , Shuai Chun , Wang Yue , Mo Jing , Ma Dongju , Zhang Jing , Lin Yingyi , Yang Jie , Ye Xiuzhen 
Published: March 2022

Background and AimGuidelines recommended that cardiac index (CI) of term infants with septic shock should reach the target level of 3.3–6.0L/(min⋅m2). However, there are still no standard values for preterm infants with septic shock. Herein, we investigated the functional echocardiographic baseline values of left ventricular (LV) systolic functional parameters at the onset of septic shock in preterm infants and possible correlations between baseline values and poor outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis was a prospective, observational, and longitudinal single-center study. Eligible infants were monitored for LV systolic functional parameters using functional echocardiography at the onset of septic shock. The primary study outcome was the difference in the baseline value of LV systolic functional parameters in preterm infants with septic shock with different gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW). The secondary outcome was septic shock-associated death or severe brain injury (including grade 3–4 intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia).ResultsIn total, 43 subjects met the criteria, with a median GA of 321/7 weeks and BW of 1800 grams. No difference was observed in baseline values of LV systolic functional parameters among infants with different GA and BW. Infants were assigned to good and poor outcomes groups based on septic shock-associated death or severe brain injury. Out of 43 infants, 29 (67.4%) had good outcomes vs. 14 (32.6%) with poor outcomes. Stroke index (SI) [18.2 (11.1, 18.9) mL/m2 vs. 23.5 (18.9, 25.8) mL/m2, p = 0.017] and cardiac index (CI)[2.7 (1.6, 3.5) L/(min⋅m2) vs. 3.4 (3.0, 4.8) L/(min⋅m2), p = 0.015] in infants with poor outcomes were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the cut-off values of SI and CI for predicting poor outcomes in preterm infants with septic shock were 19.5 mL/m2 (sensitivity, 73.9%; specificity, 81.8%) and 2.9L/(min⋅m2) (sensitivity, 78.3%; specificity, 72.7%), with area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.755 and 0.759, respectively.ConclusionThere were no differences in baseline LV systolic functional values among preterm infants with septic shock with different GA and BW. However, preterm infants with SI&lt;19.5mL/m2 and/or CI&lt;2.9L/(min⋅m2) at the onset of septic shock were at high risk of having poor outcomes.
Association Between Obesity and Poor Prognosis in Patients Receiving Anlotinib for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Xiong Anning , Nie Wei , Cheng Lei , Zhong Hua , Chu Tianqing , Zhong Runbo , Lu Jun , Wang Shuyuan , Xu Jianlin , Shen Yinchen , Pan Feng , Han Baohui , Zhang Xueyan 
Published: March 2022

Background: Anlotinib is a novel anti-angiogenesis drug. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), high body mass index (BMI) was not associated with worse survival in patients treated with bevacizumab compared with those with normal or low BMI. However, it remains unknown whether such an association still exists in NSCLC patients receiving anlotinib therapy. Hence, we conducted this study to investigate whether BMI is associated with clinical outcomes in patients treated with anlotinib for advanced NSCLC.Methods: Data of 554 patients from the ALTER-0302 and the ALTER-0303 trials were analyzed in this study. The patients were classified into non-obesity (BMI &lt;28 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) subgroups. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). OS was defined as the interval between the first drug administration and death. PFS was defined as the time span from the date of initiating the treatment to the first documented progression or death from any cause, whichever occurred first. ORR included complete response (CR) and partial response (PR).Results: There were 354 patients (63.9%) who received anlotinib in this study. Restricted cubic spline model showed a U-shaped relation between BMI and the risk of death in the anlotinib group. In a multivariable Cox regression model, a trend of worse overall survival was observed in obese patients who received anlotinib compared with placebo (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 0.77–7.06; p = 0.136). The interaction between BMI stratification and treatment was significant for OS (P for interaction = 0.038).Conclusion: Our results revealed a U-shaped relationship between BMI and risk of death in patients receiving anlotinib for advanced NSCLC. More importantly, obesity (BMI ≥28 kg/m2) might be a potential predictor of use of anlotinib in advanced NSCLC.
An m6A-Related lncRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Fangkai , Zhang Jianlin , Zhan Wenjing , Zhang Gaosong , Li Chong , Zhang Tongyuan , Yuan Qianqian , Chen Jia , Guo Manyu , Xu Honghai , Yu Feng , Wang Hengyi , Wang Xingyu , Kong Weihao 
Published: March 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to establish an N6-methylandenosine (m6A)-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: Pearson correlation analysis was used to identify m6A-related lncRNAs. We then performed univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis to construct an m6A-related lncRNA signature. Based on the cutoff value of the risk score determined by the X-title software, we divided the HCC patients into high -and low-risk groups. A time-dependent ROC curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of the model. Finally, we constructed a nomogram based on the m6A-related lncRNA signature.Results: ZEB1-AS1, MIR210HG, BACE1-AS, and SNHG3 were identified to comprise an m6A-related lncRNA signature. These four lncRNAs were upregulated in HCC tissues compared to normal tissues. The prognosis of patients with HCC in the low-risk group was significantly longer than that in the high-risk group. The M6A-related lncRNA signature was significantly associated with clinicopathological features and was established as a risk factor for the prognosis of patients with HCC. The nomogram based on the m6A-related lncRNA signature had a good distinguishing ability and consistency.Conclusion: We identified an m6A-related lncRNA signature and constructed a nomogram model to evaluate the prognosis of patients with HCC.
Ultrafast Microfiber Humidity Sensor Based on Three Dimensional Molybdenum Disulfide Network Cladding
Authors: Guo Pan , Cui Danting , Dai Qiaofeng , Cheng Hongdao , Yu Jianhui , Guan Heyuan , Luo Yunhan , Lu Huihui , Xiao Yi , Zhong Yongchun , Zhu Wenguo , Chen Zhe 
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate an ultrafast humidity micro-fiber sensor based on molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) cladding with three dimensional network structure. The high surface-to-volume rations and porous mesh structure improve the interaction of between MoS2 and water molecules, further enhancing the performance of the humidity sensor. The results demonstrated that the sensor can perform in a wide relative humidity (RH) range between 10%RH to 90%RH with rapid dynamic behavior (response and recovery time are 0.090 and 0.130 s respectively). The sum of response and recovery time (total time) is 0.220 s, which is the fastest in the reported MoS2-based humidity sensors. The sensitivity of this sensor is up to -1.501 dB/%RH in the RH range (77%RH–90%RH). Such a high performance RH sensor will have a wide range of application potential in chemical processing, various medical diagnostics, and so on.
Regulated Monosyllabic Talk Test vs. Counting Talk Test During Incremental Cardiorespiratory Exercise: Determining the Implications of the Utterance Rate on Exercise Intensity Estimation
Authors: Mahmod Siti Ruzita , Narayanan Leela T. , Abu Hasan Rumaisa , Supriyanto Eko 
Published: March 2022

PurposeWhen utilizing breathing for speech, the rate and volume of inhalation, as well as the rate of exhalation during the utterance, seem to be largely governed by the speech-controlling system and its requirements with respect to phrasing, loudness, and articulation. However, since the Talk Test represents a non-standardized form of assessment of exercise intensity estimation, this study aimed to compare the utterance rate and the estimated exercise intensity using a newly introduced time-controlled monosyllabic Talk Test (tMTT) versus a self-paced Counting Talk Test (CTT) across incremental exercise stages and examined their associations with the exercise physiological measures.MethodsTwenty-four participants, 10 males and 14 females (25 ± 4.0 yr; 160 ± 10 cm; 62 ± 14.5 kg) performed two sessions of submaximal cardiorespiratory exercise at incremental heart rate reserve (HRR) stages ranging from 40 to 85% of HRR: one session was performed with a currently available CTT that was affixed to a wall in front of the participants, and the other session was conducted with a tMTT with a 1-s inter-stimulus interval that was displayed from a tablet. In each session, the participants performed six stages of exercise at 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 85% HRR on a treadmill and were also asked to rate their perceived exertion based on Borg’s 6 to 20 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) at each exercise stage.ResultsThe newly designed tMTT significantly delineated all the six stages of incremental exercise (p ≤ 0.017), while CTT could only delineate exercise stages at 60, 80, and 85% HRR. However, in estimations of exercise intensity, the tMTT demonstrated only moderate associations with HRR and Borg’s RPE, similarly to the CTT.ConclusionIf the purpose of exercise monitoring is to detect the intensity of light, moderate, and vigorous exercise intensity, the tMTT could be more universally applicable. However, due to its larger variability of speech rate across exercise intensities, the time-regulated approach may alter the speech breathing characteristics of the exercising individuals in other ways that should be investigated in future research.
Longitudinal Relationship Between Bullying Victimization and Depression Among Left-Behind Children: Roles of Negative Thoughts and Self-Compassion
Authors: Yan Ru , Xie Ruibo , Jiang Min , Li Jiayi , Lin Xiuyun , Ding Wan 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundLeft-behind children (LBC) in China have aroused widespread concern in society and the academic field because they have a high risk of psychological problems. For left-behind children, depression is the most serious problem. Bullying victimization has been evidenced as one of the most common causes of children’s depression. However, less is known about its longitudinal association and the process for how bullying victimization influences depression among left-behind children. Thus, the presentation aims to explore the mechanisms underlying by considering the roles of left-behind children’s negative thoughts and self-compassion.MethodsThe 3-wave longitudinal data were collected from a sample of 605 aged 8–11 from central China. We used the Olweus bully and victimization questionnaire, the children’s automatic thoughts scale, the depression scale, and the self-compassion scale.ResultsBullying victimization positively predicted the depression level of left-behind children. Negative thoughts and self-compassion mediate the relationship between bullying victimization and depression. In the mechanism of bullying victimization on depression exists gender differences among left-behind children.ConclusionThe present study suggested the association between bullying victimization and left-behind children’s depression and revealed the internal mechanism of negative thoughts and self-compassion. These findings provide a new perspective for left-behind children’s mental health education and intervention.
Predictors of Treatment Response to an Internet-Delivered Intervention Targeting Residual Cognitive Symptoms After Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Myklebost Sunniva Brurok , Gjestad Rolf , Inal Yavuz , Hammar Åsa , Nordgreen Tine 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveResidual cognitive symptoms after depression are common and associated with reduced daily life functioning and an increased risk of depression relapse. There is a lack of knowledge on treatments targeting residual cognitive symptoms after major depressive disorder (MDD), including the factors associated with treatment response. The aim of the current study is to explore factors of treatment response to a guided internet-delivered intervention for former depressed adults experiencing residual cognitive symptoms.MethodForty-three former depressed adults with residual cognitive symptoms were included. Linear mixed model analyses were used to investigate the impact of pre-treatment demographic-, illness, and symptom variables, and therapy process variables, such as credibility, expectancy, and user behavior, on reduction in residual cognitive symptoms from pre-treatment to 6-month follow-up.ResultsHaving had MDD for a year or less predicted more reductions in residual cognitive symptoms from pre- to 6-month follow-up. Higher levels of perceived treatment credibility and expectancy evaluated in the early course of treatment did also predict a positive treatment response. No demographic-, symptom-variables, previous number of episodes with MDD, and user behavior were associated with change in residual cognitive symptoms.ConclusionThis study suggests that individuals with shorter duration of previous depressions might have larger reductions in residual cognitive symptoms at 6-month follow-up compared to those with a longer duration of depression. Treatment credibility and expectancy also predicted treatment response and effort should also be made to ensure interventions credibility. Results should be interpreted with caution due to the study having a low sample size. Further investigation of predictors should be conducted in a full scale randomized controlled trial.