mdpi-ai/citelens huggingface dataset:
A case report of two instances of colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma, accompanied by a comprehensive literature review
Field: ONCOLOGY

Objective: The study aimed to explore the clinical and pathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors of colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Methods: We performed two cases of colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma treated at the Oncology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. We also reviewed literature up to the present and performed a retrospective study of colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Results: Among the 39 patients included in this study, 28 had primary tumors in the colon, 9 in the rectum, and 2 in the rectosigmoid junction. The median age was 52 years (range 31–75 years); 28 patients (71.8%) were male. Out of the 32 patients for whom survival data were available, 24 patients succumbed to disease-related causes. The median overall survival of 32 patients was 8 months, with 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates of 31.0% and 16.0%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that depth of infiltration, presence of liver metastases, TNM stage, and the completeness of surgical resection were significantly associated with the overall survival period of colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Colorectal hepatoid adenocarcinoma exhibits a high degree of aggressiveness and poor prognosis. The major strategy for early-stage HAC was radical surgery and chemoradiotherapy demonstrates limited efficacy for extending survival.
Post-traumatic growth and influencing factors among parents of premature infants: a cross-sectional study
Field: PSYCHOLOGY

Background: Post-traumatic growth is a positive psychological change that may aid recovery in individuals experiencing trauma. Owing to the lack of research in the area of parental care for premature infants, we decided to explore the levels and factors influencing post-traumatic growth among parents of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. We believe that these findings will help reassess existing care practices so that healthcare providers can promptly identify negative emotions and take necessary measures to help develop the potential to enhance post-traumatic growth. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling between February and September 2022. Data were analysed using independent sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bivariate correlations were analysed using the Pearson’s or Spearman’s method, and related factors were analysed using multiple linear regression. We followed the SRQR checklist throughout the study period. Results: A total of 217 patients were effectively treated, with a recovery rate of 98.64%. Univariate analysis showed that the length of hospital stay, presence of only one child, parents’ age, marital status, education level, working status, and per capita monthly familial income were influencing factors. Bivariate analysis showed that post-traumatic growth was moderately and positively correlated with perceived social support, rumination, and family resilience. Multiple linear regression showed that purposeful contemplation, family resilience, education, family support, age, and marital status entered into the regression equation and together accounted for 47.4% of the total variation. Conclusions: It is necessary to pay attention to post-traumatic growth and familial stability in these families, provide aid in building a good support system, and encourage parents to mobilise their family and favourable factors to increase post-traumatic growth levels.
The Influence of the Exposome in the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Multicenter Case–Control Study
Field: ONCOLOGY

Introduction: The concept of exposome refers to the total of harmful and beneficial environmental exposures that can help predict the organism’s biological responses over time. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from sun exposure has been recognized as the main etiological agent of skin cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one most commonly associated with chronic exposure. However, in recent years, evidence suggests that lifestyle, environmental pollution, and contaminants in water and food can have an influence. Objectives: To study the relationship between SCC and sun exposure, pollution, stress, and lifestyle in a Spanish cohort. Materials and Method: A multicenter case–control study was carried out in which 13 dermatologists from different regions of Spain recruited cases and controls between April 2020 and August 2022. The group of cases were patients diagnosed with SCC and, as a control group, people who attended Dermatology consultations as companions with no history of skin cancer. Results: A total of 62 patients with SCC and 126 controls were included (62.9% males, median age 76.46 (10.1) and 33.3%, median age 55.7 (15), respectively). The SCC group had experienced more outside work than the controls (75% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001), less recreational exposure (sunbathing, p = 0.05, and outdoor sports, p = 0.01), and a lower annual income (p = 0.01), with an increase in tobacco exposure (p < 0.001), without differences in other carcinogens, such as ionizing radiation or chemical exposure. The control group had a higher daily screentime use (p < 0.001) and practiced more relaxation activities (p = 0.03). A higher linolenic acid intake and lower coffee consumption were the only dietary variables associated with SCC (p < 0.05). Some chronic medications (anxiolytics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, statins, hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, metformin, and omeprazole) were also statistically associated with SCC. Statistical significance for all aforementioned variables was maintained in the multivariate analysis (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study found a significant association between SCC and multiple exposome-related factors in addition to chronic sun exposure in the Spanish population. Primary prevention strategies should target specific populations, such as outdoor workers promoting sun-safe behaviors and stress-reducing activities, in addition to adequate skin photoprotection in patients under certain medications associated with SCC.
Motivational climate predicts effort and achievement in a large computer science course: examining differences across sexes, races/ethnicities, and academic majors
Field: EDUCATION

Background: The motivational climate within a course has been shown to be an important predictor of students’ engagement and course ratings. Because little is known about how students’ perceptions of the motivational climate in a computer science (CS) course vary by sex, race/ethnicity, and academic major, we investigated these questions: (1) To what extent do students’ achievement and perceptions of motivational climate, cost, ease, and effort vary by sex, race/ethnicity, or major? and (2) To what extent do the relationships between students’ achievement and perceptions of motivational climate, cost, and effort vary by sex, race/ethnicity, and major? Participants were enrolled in a large CS course at a large public university in the southeastern U.S. A survey was administered to 981 students in the course over three years. Path analyses and one-way MANOVAs and ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences between groups. Results: Students’ perceptions of empowerment, usefulness, interest, and caring were similar across sexes and races/ethnicities. However, women and Asian students reported lower success expectancies. Students in the same academic major as the course topic (i.e., CS) generally reported higher perceptions of the motivational climate than students who did not major or minor in the course topic. Final grades in the course did not vary by sex or race/ethnicity, except that the White and Asian students obtained higher grades than the Black students. Across sex, race/ethnicity, and major, students’ perceptions of the motivational climate were positively related to effort, which was positively related to achievement. Conclusions: One implication is that females, Asian students, and non-CS students may need more support, or different types of support, to help them believe that they can succeed in computer science courses. On average, these students were less confident in their abilities to succeed in the course and were more likely to report that they did not have the time needed to do well in the course. A second implication for instructors is that it may be possible to increase students’ effort and achievement by increasing students’ perceptions of the five key constructs in the MUSIC Model of Motivation: eMpowerment, Usefulness, Success, Interest, and Caring.
Predictors of Neurological Worsening after Resection of Spinal Meningiomas
Field: ONCOLOGY

Background: Due to the slow-growing nature of spinal meningiomas, they are mostly asymptomatic for a long time, and become symptomatic after the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for a poor clinical outcome after the surgical resection of spinal meningiomas and thereby to allow a preoperative identification of high-risk spinal meningiomas. Methods: Data acquisition was conducted as a single-center retrospective analysis. From 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2019, 121 patients who underwent surgical resection of a spinal meningioma were reviewed. Clinical and radiological data (such as tumor size, location, occupation ratio of the spinal canal, and the degree of spinal cord compression) were assessed. The functional clinical findings of the patients were recorded using the Karnofsky Performance Score, modified McCormick scale, and Frankel scale preoperatively, at discharge, and 3–6 months after surgery. Results: The mean patient age was 66 ± 13 years. A total of 104 (86%) patients were female and 17 (14%) were male. The thoracic spine (68%) was the most common location, followed by the cervical (29%) and lumbar (3%) spine. Preoperatively, 11.7% of patients were categorized as McCormick 1, 35.8% as 2, 39.2% as 3, 11.7% as 4, and 1.7% as 5. The neurological function of the patients with a functional deficit prior to surgery improved in 46% of the patients, remained unchanged in 52%, and worsened in 2% at discharge. At early follow-up, the proportions were 54%, 28%, and 5%, respectively. Preoperative Frankel scale was a significant predictor of a postoperative deterioration. Patients with Frankel score A to C preoperatively had a 9.2 times higher chance of clinical deterioration postoperatively (OR = 9.16). We found that the Frankel scale weakly correlated with the degree of spinal cord compression. In this study, other radiological parameters, such as the degree of cord compression and spinal canal occupation ratio, did not show a significant effect on the outcome. Conclusions: Surgery of intraspinal meningiomas can be considered safe. Neurological function improves in a large proportion of patients after surgery. However, a relevant preoperative deficit according to the Frankel scale (grade A–C) was a significant predictor of a postoperative neurological deterioration.
College Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Prior to and during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Field: EDUCATION

Student mental health was a growing concern globally prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on the psychological wellbeing of college students. Baseline data were collected pre-pandemic in September 2019 among students attending a university in Northern Ireland and an Institute of Technology in the Republic of Ireland. Surveys were also conducted with this cohort during the pandemic, at the start of the academic years 2020 and 2021 (499 students fully completed all three waves). A follow-up survey was conducted at the end of their third year, in summer 2022 (n = 229). High levels of mental health problems were already present among students commencing college. The subsequent pandemic had a very negative impact on student’s academic experience and other aspects of life. Rates of depression (PHQ-9) increased significantly from the onset of the pandemic and remained high. Anxiety (GAD-7) initially decreased but then escalated at the end of college. The study highlights the importance of early intervention and makes recommendations for addressing the needs of students during times of stress. Additional supports may be required to deal with the long-lasting impact of the pandemic.
Epidemiology of Neuroendocrine Neoplasms and Results of Their Treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE or [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and [90Y]Y-DOTA-TATE—A Six-Year Experience in High-Reference Polish Neuroendocrine Neoplasm Center
Field: ONCOLOGY

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a group of neoplasms arising from neuroendocrine cells. The worldwide incidence and prevalence of the NENs are estimated to be 6/100,000 and 35/100,000, respectively. Those numbers are increasing every decade, requiring higher and higher diagnosis and treatment costs. Radioligand therapy (RLT) using beta-emitting radioisotopes is an efficient and relatively safe method of treatment, typically used as a second-line treatment. RLT tolerability is higher than other available pharmacotherapies (chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitors). Recent studies show an increase in overall survival among patients treated with RLT. The present study aimed to learn the epidemiology of NENs in Poland and assess the effectiveness of RLT in a high-reference center. A prospective analysis of 167 patients treated with RLT in one of Poland’s highest-reference NEN centers was performed. The analysis covered 66 months of observation (1 December 2017–30 May 2023), during which 479 RLT single administrations of radioisotope were given. The standard procedure was to give four courses of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE alone, or tandem therapy—[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and [90Y]Y-DOTA-TATE. Grading analysis showed that most patients had non-functioning G2 NEN with a mean Ki-67 of 6.05% (SD ± 6.41). The most common primary tumor location was the pancreas. Over two-thirds of patients did undergo surgery due to primary tumors or distant metastases. The majority of patients were using lanreotide as a chronically injected somatostatin analog. Median progression-free survival (PFS) on somatostatin analogs was 21.0 (IQR = 29.0) months. Directly after the last course of RLT, disease stabilization was noted in 69.46% of patients, partial regression was noted in 20.36% of patients, complete regression was noted in 0.60% of patients, and progression was noted in 9.58% of patients. In long-term follow-up, the median observation time among patients who underwent four treatment cycles (n = 108) was 29.8 (IQR = 23.9) months. Stabilization of the disease was observed in 55.56% of the patients and progression was observed in 26.85% of the patients, while 17.59% of patients died. Median PFS was 29.3 (IQR 23.9), and the median OS was 34.0 months (IQR 16.0). The mean age of NEN diagnosis is the sixth decade of life. It takes almost three years from NEN diagnosis to the start of RLT. In long-term observation, RLT leads to disease stabilization in over half of the patients with progressive disease. No differences in PFS or OS depend on the radioisotope used for RLT. In Poland, organized coordination of NEN treatment in high-reference centers ensures the continuity of patient care.
Enhancing Tuta absoluta Detection on Tomato Plants: Ensemble Techniques and Deep Learning
Field: AI

Early detection and efficient management practices to control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) infestation is crucial for safeguarding tomato production yield and minimizing economic losses. This study investigates the detection of T. absoluta infestation on tomato plants using object detection models combined with ensemble techniques. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of utilizing a dataset captured in real settings in open-field and greenhouse environments to address the complexity of real-life challenges in object detection of plant health scenarios. The effectiveness of deep-learning-based models, including Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet, was evaluated in terms of detecting T. absoluta damage. The initial model evaluations revealed diminishing performance levels across various model configurations, including different backbones and heads. To enhance detection predictions and improve mean Average Precision (mAP) scores, ensemble techniques were applied such as Non-Maximum Suppression (NMS), Soft Non-Maximum Suppression (Soft NMS), Non-Maximum Weighted (NMW), and Weighted Boxes Fusion (WBF). The outcomes shown that the WBF technique significantly improved the mAP scores, resulting in a 20% improvement from 0.58 (max mAP from individual models) to 0.70. The results of this study contribute to the field of agricultural pest detection by emphasizing the potential of deep learning and ensemble techniques in improving the accuracy and reliability of object detection models.
Niosomal formulation of mefenamic acid for enhanced cancer targeting; preparation, characterization and biodistribution study using radiolabeling technique
Field: ONCOLOGY

Background: This work aimed to prepare niosomal formulations of an anticancer agent [mefenamic acid (MEF)] to enhance its cancer targeting.131I was utilized as a radiolabeling isotope to study the radio-kinetics of MEF niosomes.Methods: niosomal formulations were prepared by the ether injection method and assessed for entrapment efficiency (EE%), zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI) and particle size (PS). MEF was labeled with131I by direct electrophilic substitution reaction through optimization of radiolabeling-related parameters. In the radio-kinetic study, the optimal131I-MEF niosomal formula was administered intravenously (I.V.) to solid tumor-bearing mice and compared to I.V.131I-MEF solution as a control.Results: the average PS and ZP values of the optimal formulation were 247.23 ± 2.32 nm and − 28.3 ± 1.21, respectively. The highest131I-MEF labeling yield was 98.7 ± 0.8%. The biodistribution study revealed that the highest tumor uptake of131I-MEF niosomal formula and131I-MEF solution at 60 min post-injection were 2.73 and 1.94% ID/g, respectively.Conclusion: MEF-loaded niosomes could be a hopeful candidate in cancer treatment due to their potent tumor uptake. Such high targeting was attributed to passive targeting of the nanosized niosomes and confirmed by radiokinetic evaluation.
Research on the Prediction of Tire Radial Load Based on 1D CNN and BiGRU
Field: AI

As an important indicator of vehicle systems, tire load is a key factor in the structural design and safety assessment of vehicles. Direct measurement methods for tire loads are expensive and complicated, while conventional load identification methods are limited by low accuracy and poor robustness. This study aimed to propose a radial load identification method for rubber-tired vehicles based on a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN) and bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU). Considering a priori information of the radial load data of tires and based on the observability of the vehicle vibration system, the proposed method selected feature sets and then retained the effective feature subsets through feature selection to construct samples with multiple time steps as input and with a single time step as output for network training. In doing so, the load prediction results were obtained, and the theoretical model was modified by integrating prediction accuracy, generalization performance, and robustness. Compared with traditional algorithms, the proposed method could effectively reduce the error of load identification, improve adaptability under different operating conditions, and handle the measurement error of different noise levels, which are of practical application value in the engineering field.
Real-World Systemic Treatment Patterns after Atezolizumab and Bevacizumab in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United States
Field: ONCOLOGY

Real-world (RW) evidence is needed to evaluate atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo + bev) utilization for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in clinical practice. This retrospective cohort study used administrative claims databases to evaluate treatment patterns in individuals with HCC ≥18 years of age who were initiated on atezo + bev between June 2020 and June 2022. The endpoints of this study were the proportion of individuals who discontinued atezo + bev and received subsequent systemic therapies, time to discontinuation (TTD), and time to next treatment. Overall, 825 individuals were eligible (median age 67 years; 80% male). Over a median follow-up of 15.3 months, most (72%) discontinued atezo + bev, with a median TTD of 3.5 months. A minority (19%) received subsequent therapies, with the most common second-line agents being lenvatinib (6%), cabozantinib (4%), and nivolumab (4%). The median time from index to next treatment post-atezo + bev was 5.4 months. Further research is needed to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from atezo + bev as well as later-line HCC therapies to optimize overall survival.
Wicked from the Start: Educational Impediments to Teaching about Climate Change (and How Geography Education Can Help)
Field: EDUCATION

Climate change is a wicked problem, defying simple resolution. Education in various forms and at various levels has sought to improve understanding and stimulate climate change action in young people. There exists, however, a certain wickedness in education systems as well that makes climate change education difficult to enact successfully. These include an unsupportive education environment where academic standards related to climate change are missing, the lack of an inquiry-based pedagogy that can be well-suited to investigating topics like climate change with no easy answers, and ill-prepared teachers who do not fully know both the physical science and social aspects of the topic. A review of education standards in the United States and the literature on the latter two issues is used to make the argument that it is the geography classroom that can serve as the best unifying space that is most supportive of holistic and meaningful climate change education. This future is possible should we be successful in amending standards, pedagogy, and teacher preparation.