bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OCT4 and SOX2 Specific Cytotoxic T Cells Exhibit Not Only Good Efficiency but Also Synergize PD-1 Inhibitor (Nivolumab) in Treating Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Drug-Resistant Breast Cancer Mice
Authors: Peng Wei , Chang Liang , Li Wenqiang , Liu Yanan , Zhang Min 
Published: March 2022

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of OCT4&amp;SOX2 specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) plus programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitor (nivolumab) on treating breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSCs) in vitro and drug-resistance breast cancer (DRBC) mice in vivo.MethodsIn total, 160 breast cancer patients were enrolled following the immunofluorescence assay to detect tumor OCT4 and SOX2 expressions. CD154-activated B cells were co-cultured with CD8+ T cells (from breast cancer patients) in the presence of OCT4&amp;SOX2 peptides, CMV pp65 peptides (negative control), and no peptides (normal control). MCF7-BCSCs were constructed by drug-resistance experiment and sphere-formation assay, then DRBC mice were constructed by planting MCF7-BCSCs. Subsequently, different doses of OCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs and PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) were used to treat MCF7-BCSCs and DRBC mice.ResultsOCT4 and SOX2 correlated with poor differentiation, more advanced stage, and worse prognosis in breast cancer patients. In vitro, OCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs with effector-target ratio (ETR) 5:1, 10:1 and 20:1 presented with increased cytotoxic activity compared to CMV pp65 CTLs with ETR 20:1 (negative control) and Control CTLs with ETR 20:1 (normal control) on killing MCF7-BCSCs. Besides, PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) improved the cytotoxic activity of OCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs against MCF7-BCSCs in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, OCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs plus PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) decreased tumor volume and tumor weight while increased tumor apoptosis rate compared to OCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs alone, PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) alone, and control.ConclusionOCT4&amp;SOX2 CTLs exhibit good efficiency and synergize PD-1 inhibitor (nivolumab) in treating BCSCs and DRBC.
Investigating the Prognostic Significance of Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Gastric Cancer and Their Impact on Cells’ Biological Functions
Authors: Yin Jie , Che Gang , Wang Wankun , Chen Shitu , Liu Jian 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo probe into the role of pyroptosis-related genes in gastric cancer.MethodsTo establish pyroptosis-related genes, observe their expression in gastric cancer, and analyze the prognosis of pyroptosis-related genes in gastric cancer by single-factor COX, which showed that only GSDME had prognostic significance in gastric cancer. The mRNA expression profiles and lncRNA expression profiles of gastric cancer downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas were combined for weighted gene regulatory network analysis, after which the lncRNA nodes of the module to which GSDME belongs were extracted to obtain the lncRNAs−GSDME interactions, which were visualized with Cytoscape network plots. Finally, the effects of GSDME on the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells were observed with CCK8, and flow cytometry.ResultsOur results show that only GSDME has prognostic significance in gastric cancer, and show that it has an important role in a variety of tumors. In addition, our results show that 16 lncRNAs have a significant interaction with GSDME. Finally, the experimental analysis showed that knocking down the expression level of GSDME could affect the growth as well as apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.ConclusionThe significant prognostic significance of GSDME in gastric cancer and the fact that affecting GSDME expression inhibits gastric cancer cell growth suggest that GSDME can be used as a predictive biomarker.
Results Reporting and Early Termination of Childhood Obesity Trials Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Long Youlin , Yang Liu , Huang Jin , Du Liang 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveChildhood obesity is one of the most severe challenges of public health in the twenty-first century and may increase the risk of various physical and psychological diseases in adulthood. The prevalence and predictors of unreported results and premature termination in pediatric obesity research are not clear. We aimed to characterize childhood obesity trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and identify features associated with early termination and lack of results reporting.MethodsRecords were downloaded and screened for all childhood obesity trials from the inception of ClinicalTrials.gov to July 29, 2021. We performed descriptive analyses of characteristics, Cox regression for early termination, and logistic regression for lack of results reporting.ResultsWe identified 1,312 trials registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Among clinicalTrials.gov registered childhood obesity-related intervention trials, trial unreported results were 88.5 and 4.3% of trials were prematurely terminated. Additionally, the factors that reduced the risk of unreported outcomes were US-registered clinical studies and drug intervention trials. Factors associated with a reduced risk of early termination are National Institutes of Health (NIH) or other federal agency funding and large trials.ConclusionThe problem of unreported results in clinical trials of childhood obesity is serious. Therefore, timely bulletin of the results and reasons for termination remain urgent aims for childhood obesity trials.
Analgesic and Anti-Arthritic Activities of Polysaccharides in Chaenomeles speciosa
Authors: Huang Doudou , Jiang Shenggui , Du Zenan , Chen Yanhong , Xue Dan , Wang Xiujuan , Li Mengshuang , Zhang Feng , Chen Wansheng , Sun Lianna 
Published: March 2022

Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai has been long used as a folk medicine for rheumatic diseases treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanism of polysaccharides in Chaenomeles speciosa (CSP) on the pro-inflammatory cytokines and MAPK pathway in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis and LPS-induced NR8383 cells. We used acetic acid (HAc)-induced writhing and CFA induced paw edema to determine the analgesic activity and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. CFA rats were administered CSP (12.5, 25.0, and 50.0 mg/kg) daily for 3 weeks via oral gavage. The analgesic test was done using three different doses of the extract (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). The anti-arthritic evaluation involved testing for paw swelling, swelling inhibition, and histological analysis in CFA rats. Finally, ELISA, western blot, qRT-PCR were done to determine the effect of CSP on the activation of MAPK pathway, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NR838 macrophage cells. In pain models, oral uptake of CSP greatly reduced pain perception. Furthermore, in CFA rats, CSP substantially decreased paw swelling as well as synovial tissue proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration. In addition, CSP was shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and COX-2) as well as JNK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in LPS-stimulated NR8383 cells. Thus, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and MAPK signaling downregulation promoted the analgesic and anti-arthritic effects of CSP.
Opioid Use at End-Of-Life Among Nova Scotia Patients With Cancer
Authors: Minard Laura V. , Fisher Judith , Broadfield Larry , Walsh Gordon , Sketris Ingrid 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To determine the factors associated with opioid analgesic prescriptions as measured by community pharmacy dispensations to all Nova Scotia (NS) patients with cancer at end-of-life from 2005 to 2009.Methods: The NS Cancer Registry and the NS Prescription Monitoring Program (NSPMP) were used to link Nova Scotians who had a cancer diagnosis and received a prescription for opioids in their last year of life (n = 6,186) from 2005 to 2009. The association of factors with opioid dispensations at end-of-life were determined (e.g., patient demographics, type of prescriber, type of cancer, and opioid type, formulation, and dose).Results: Almost 54% (n = 6,186) of the end-of-life study population with cancer (n = 11,498) was linked to the NSPMP and therefore dispensed opioids. Most prescriptions were written by general practitioners (89%) and were for strong opioids (81%). Immediate-release formulations were more common than modified-release formulations. Although the annual average parenteral morphine equivalents (MEQ) did not change during the study period, the number of opioid prescriptions per patient per year increased from 5.9 in 2006 to 7.0 in 2009 (p &lt; 0.0001). Patients age 80 and over received the fewest prescriptions (mean 3.9/year) and the lowest opioid doses (17.0 MEQ) while patients aged 40–49 received the most prescriptions (mean 14.5/year) and the highest doses of opioid (80.2 MEQ).Conclusion: Our study examined opioid analgesic use at end-of-life in patients with cancer for a large real-world population and determined factors, trends and patterns associated with type and dose of opioid dispensed. We provide information regarding how general practitioners prescribe opioid therapy to patients at end-of-life. Our data suggest that at the time of this study, there may have been under-prescribing of opioids to patients with cancer at end-of-life. This information can be used to increase awareness among general practitioners, and to inform recommendations from professional regulatory bodies, to aid in managing pain for cancer patients at end-of-life. Future work could address how opioid prescribing has changed over time, and whether efforts to reduce opioid prescribing in response to the opioid crisis have affected patients with cancer at end-of-life in Nova Scotia.
Experimental Study and DEM Simulation of Size Effects on the Dry Density of Rockfill Material
Authors: Zhao Xiaolong , Zhu Jungao , Wu Yunlong , Jia Yun , Bur Nicolas , Colliat Jean-Baptiste , Bian Hanbing 
Published: March 2022

The initial dry density has a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of rockfill material (RFM). The size effects on the minimum/maximum dry density (referred to as dry density,ρd) of RFM still need further study. To investigate the relationship betweenρdanddM, a series of surface vibration compaction tests and DEM simulations are performed on the samples with different maximum particle sizesdM. Both the physical and numerical results exhibit thatρdincreases fast whendMranges from 10 to 40 mm. WhendMexceeds 40 mm,ρdincreases slowly and tends to be a constant. Results indicate thatρdis affected by the gradation. To consider the gradation effect, a normalized parameterλis introduced, and the relation betweenρdanddMcan be characterized by an empirical equation.
Ultra-Short-Pulse Laser Filaments for Float Glass Cutting: Influence of Laser Parameters on Micro Cracks Formation
Authors: Werr Ferdinand , Eppelt Urs , Müllers Ludger , Ligny Dominique de 
Published: March 2022

Utilizing ultra-short-pulse laser filamentation of glass is one of the latest developed techniques to cut glass. In comparison with other techniques the superior benefits are a small heat-affected zone, a quasi-non-gap cut, and the possibility to free from cut. However, despite the large interest in the laser/glass interaction for various laser sources and pulse durations, the process of cleaving and the underlying mechanisms are fairly undescribed. In this study, we utilized a Nd:YAG laser with an average power of 100 W, a center wavelength of 1,064 nm, and a pulse duration of 12 ps via a specially designed optic to generate laser filamentation in soda-lime- and borosilicate glass with varying Pitch and Burst parameters. The filaments and cut edge are analyzed with scanning electron- and laser scanning microscopy to study the topological phenomena and roughness. Photoelastic measurements were done to assess the stress distribution within the glass and show cumulative interactions at the filament extremity. From the observations made, phenomenological models are proposed to describe the initial micro crack formation considering the shock wave and thermal influence caused by the laser pulses. Two types of micro cracks are identified, with radial cracks passing through the filament and bypass cracks that form around the laser-affected zone. Models are elaborated for both glass types to evaluate the influence of a parameter change on the micro crack formation and the cleaving guidance. The different behavior between soda-lime- and borosilicate glass, with their distinct physical properties, helps to interpret the influence of laser parameters on the micro crack formation and the cleaving guidance.
Is the Health Behavior in School-Aged Survey Questionnaire Reliable and Valid in Assessing Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Young Populations? A Systematic Review
Authors: Su Yang , Zhang Yanjie , Chen Si-Tong , Hong Jin-Tao , Wang Hongying 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundsUsing the self-reported questionnaire to assess the levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) has been a widely recognized method in public health and epidemiology research fields. The selected items of the Health Behavior in School-aged (HBSC) Survey Questionnaire have been used globally for measurements and assessments in PA and SB of children and adolescents. However, there are no comprehensive and critical reviews to assess the quality of studies on reliability and validity of selected items for PA and SB measurement and assessment derived from the HBSC. Thus, this review aimed to critically assess the quality of those studies and summary evidence for future recommendations.MethodsA systematic review protocol was used to search potentially eligible studies on assessing reliability and validity of PA and SB measures of the HBSC questionnaire. electronically academic databases were used. The information on the reliability and validity of the PA and SB measures were extracted and evaluated with well-recognized criteria or assessment tools.ResultsAfter a literature search, six studies were included in this review. The reliability of PA measures of the HBSC questionnaire showed a moderate agreement while the reliability of SB measures showed a great variation across the different items in the different subgroups. The validity of the PA measures had acceptable performance, whereas no studies assess the validity of the SB measures. The included studies all had quality weaknesses on reliability or validity analysis.ConclusionsThe PA and SB measures of the HBSC questionnaires were reliable in assessing PA and SB among adolescents. However, a little evidence showed that PA measures are partially valid in assessing PA, but no evidence confirmed the validity of SB measures. The included studies all had methodological weaknesses in examining the reliability and validity of the PA and SB measures, which should be addressed in the future. Further studies are encouraged to use a more standardized study design to examine the reliability and validity of the PA and SB measures in more young populations.
The Incidence and Characteristics of Perinatal Stroke in Beijing: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Xia Qianqian , Yang Zhao , Xie Yao , Zhu Ying , Yang Zixin , Hei Mingyan , Ding Yingxue , Kong Weijing , Kang Limin , Yang Shengnan , Mei Yabo , Feng Zhichun , Zhang Li , Lei Yanzhe , Wang Ping , Dong Jingyu , Yang Li , Ju Jun , Chang Hesheng , Zhan Shina , Yu Jinqian , Zhang Peng , Wang Ran , Guo Hui , Liu Xinli , Tan Huaqing , Liu Yakun , Zhang Zhenzong , Zhen Lixia , Yan Jinting , Liu Zhan , Yang Chunxia , Wang Qingqing , Wang Jinfeng , Sun Lifang , Zeng Huihui , Li Jing , Qu Wenwen , Wang Xuemei , Liu Guiying , Yang Xi , Liu Xinxin , Zhang Xuefeng , Xu Xiaojing , Gu Yanan , Long Hui , Zhang Li , Liu Lili , Tang Zezhong , Hou Xinlin 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of perinatal stroke in Beijing.MethodsThis multicenter prospective study included all the live births from 17 representative maternal delivery hospitals in Beijing from March 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020. Neonates with a stroke were assigned to the study group. Clinical data, including general information, clinical manifestations, and risk factors, were collected. Up until 18 months after birth, neonates were routinely assessed according to the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and/or the Bayley scale. Statistical analysis was done using the chi-squared, t-tests, and logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 26.0.OutcomesIn total, 27 cases were identified and the incidence of perinatal stroke in Beijing was 1/2,660 live births, including 1/5,985 for ischemic stroke and 1/4,788 for hemorrhagic stroke. Seventeen cases (62.96%) of acute symptomatic stroke and convulsions within 72 h (10 cases, 37.04%) were the most common presentations. Ten patients showed no neurological symptoms and were found to have had a stroke through routine cranial ultrasonography after being hospitalized for non-neurological diseases. The risk factors include primiparity, placental or uterine abruption/acute chorioamnionitis, intrauterine distress, asphyxia, and severe infection. In the study group, 11.1% (3/27) of patients had adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. The patients in the study group had lower scores for the ASQ than those in the control group in the communication, gross, and fine motor dimensions.ConclusionThe incidence of perinatal stroke in Beijing was consistent with that in other countries. Routine neuroimaging of infants with risk factors may enable identification of asymptomatic strokes in more patients. Patients who have suffered from a stroke may have neurological sequelae; therefore, early detection, treatment, and regular follow-ups are beneficial for improving their recovery outcomes.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Virus (COVID-19) Preventative Measures on Communication: A Scoping Review
Authors: Oosthuizen Ilze , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Manchaiah Vinaya , Swanepoel De Wet 
Published: March 2022

IntroductionFace coverings and distancing as preventative measures against the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019 may impact communication in several ways that may disproportionately affect people with hearing loss. A scoping review was conducted to examine existing literature on the impact of preventative measures on communication and to characterize the clinical implications.MethodA systematic search of three electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, CINAHL) was conducted yielding 2,158 articles. After removing duplicates and screening to determine inclusion eligibility, key data were extracted from the 50 included articles. Findings are reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Extension for Scoping Reviews, including the PRISMA-ScR checklist.ResultsStudies fell into three categories: Studies addressing the impacts of personal protective equipment (PPE) and/or distancing on communication in healthcare contexts (n = 20); studies examining the impact of preventative measures on communication in everyday life (n = 13), and studies measuring the impact of face coverings on speech using acoustic and/or behavioral measures (n = 29). The review revealed that masks disrupt verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as emotional and social wellbeing and they impact people with hearing loss more than those without. These findings are presumably because opaque masks attenuate sound at frequencies above 1 kHz, and conceal the mouth and lips making lipreading impossible, and limit visibility of facial expressions. While surgical masks cause relatively little sound attenuation, transparent masks and face shields are highly attenuating. However, they are preferred by people with hearing loss because they give access to visual cues.ConclusionFace coverings and social distancing has detrimental effects that extend well beyond verbal and non-verbal communication, by affecting wellbeing and quality of life. As these measures will likely be part of everyday life for the foreseeable future, we propose that it is necessary to support effective communication, especially in healthcare settings and for people with hearing loss.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Nutritional Supplement Use Among Older Chinese Adults: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Dong Wanyue , Sun Zhonghe , Bai Ruhai 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThis study identified the prevalence of nutritional supplement (NS) use among older Chinese adults and explored the factors associated with NS use in this population.MethodsWe used data from 11,089 Chinese men and women aged ≥ 65 years from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The chi-square test was used to examine the differences in demographics, health status and lifestyles at different levels. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between NS use and demographic and lifestyle characteristics.ResultsTwelve percent of Chinese adults aged 65 years and above used NS. In terms of the type of supplement used, the most commonly used was calcium (8.49%), followed by protein (2.73%) and multivitamins (2.40%). In terms of demographic characteristics, women, older people, urban residents with other marital status, higher educational level, better living conditions and better lifestyle habits showed a greater use of some kinds of NS to varying degrees. Factors associated with the use of any NS included female gender [OR = 1.71, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.09–1.44], age 85–94 (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08–1.58), urban household registration (hukou) (OR = 1.25, 95% CI:1.46–2.00), higher education (primary school and middle school: OR = 1.32, 95% CI:1.14–1.52; high school and above: OR = 1.56, 95% CI:1.25–1.94), average and poor living standard (average: OR = 0.64, 95% CI:0.56–0.73; poor: OR = 0.42, 95% CI:0.32–0.55), poor health status (OR = 1.36, 95% CI:1.13–1.63), former smoking (OR = 1.33, 95% CI:1.11–1.60), and having exercise habits (former exercise: OR = 2.24, 95% CI:1.83–2.74; current exercise: OR = 2.28, 95% CI:2.00–2.61). Women reported taking 2–3 kinds of NSs, and more than 50% of NS users reported taking supplements often.ConclusionThis study provides information on the current prevalence of NS use among older Chinese adults, and it clarifies the association of NS use with demographic, lifestyle and other factors. Providing scientifically based health guidance on NS use for older people is crucial to promoting their health.