bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does endodontics influence radiological detection of external root resorption? an in vitro study
Authors: Parrales-Bravo C. , Friedrichsdorf S. P. , Costa C. , Paiva J. B. , Iglesias-Linares A.
Published: April 2023

Background

External root resorption (ERR) has a multifactorial etiology and is difficult to diagnose, which means that is continues to be of research interest. This work mainly aims to determine whether external root resorption can be differentially detected in root-filled versus non-endodontically treated teeth using digital periapical radiography (DPR) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

The Checklist for Reporting In-vitro Studies (CRIS) guidelines were followed throughout this study. This experiment highlights the preparation and generation of standardized synthetic teeth measured on three-dimensional records converted into Digital Imaging and Communication on Medicine (DICOM) file format. Twelve replicate maxillary incisors were randomized into two groups: (G1) six non-endodontically treated, and (G2) six endodontically treated teeth. In both groups, actual tooth lengths of all specimens were measured and compared with measurements obtained using DPR and CBCT. Simulated ERR lesions [0.12, 0.18, 0.20 mm × 0.5 mm depth in the mesial, distal and palatal apical regions] were created progressively, radiographic images were recorded, and 24 DPRs and 96 CBCTs were obtained in total. Eight blinded, previously calibrated researchers made a total of 1920 measurements (using Horos Software). Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon rank post-hoc tests [Bonferroni correction in multiple comparison tests (p < 0.05)].

Results

ICC values for intra- and inter-examiner agreement were appropriate. DPR overestimated ERR detection compared to the actual and CBCT measurements [Mean diff = 0.765 and 0.768, respectively]. CBCT diagnosis of ERR lesions in specimens without root canal treatment was significantly more accurate than DPR diagnoses on both non-endodontically and endodontically-treated specimens [p = 0.044; p = 0.037, respectively]. There was an 18.5% reduction in sensitivity in all DPR diagnoses made on endodontic teeth versus those made on non-endodontically treated teeth. For the smallest ERR lesions, this sensitivity was even more marked, with 27.8 and 25% less sensitivity, respectively.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight that both CBCT and DPR are good diagnostic methods for ERR. Nevertheless, root canal filling material influences diagnostic capability in ERR. The clinical significance was that the presence of intracanal material reduces the detection and diagnosis of ERR by DPR in teeth with root canal treatment.
Experiences of patients at high risk of opioid overdose accessing emergency department and behavioral health interventions: a qualitative analysis in an urban emergency department
Authors: Collins Alexandra B. , Baird Janette , Nimaja Evelyn , Ashenafi Yokabed , Clark Melissa A. , Beaudoin Francesca L.
Published: April 2023

Background

Emergency Departments (EDs) have become critical ‘touchpoints’ for the identification and early engagement of patients at risk of overdose or who have an opioid use disorder (OUD). Our objectives were to examine patients’ ED experiences, identify barriers and facilitators of service uptake in ED settings, and explore patients’ experiences with ED staff.

Methods

This qualitative study was part of a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the effectiveness of clinical social workers and certified peer recovery specialists in increasing treatment uptake and reducing opioid overdose rates for people with OUD. Between September 2019 and March 2020, semi-structured interviews were conducted 19 participants from the trial. Interviews sought to assess participants’ ED care experiences across intervention type (i.e., clinical social worker or peer recovery specialist). Participants were purposively sampled across intervention arm (social work,n = 11; peer recovery specialist,n = 7; control,n = 1). Data were analyzed thematically with a focus on participant experiences in the ED and social and structural factors shaping care experiences and service utilization.

Results

Participants reported varied ED experiences, including instances of discrimination and stigma due to their substance use. However, participants underscored the need for increased engagement of people with lived experience in ED settings, including the use of peer recovery specialists. Participants highlighted that ED provider interactions were critical drivers of shaping care and service utilization and needed to be improved across EDs to improve post-overdose care.

Conclusions

While the ED provides an opportunity to reach patients at risk of overdose, our results demonstrate how ED-based interactions and service provision can impact ED care engagement and service utilization. Modifications to care delivery may improve experiences for patients with OUD or at high risk for overdose.

Trial registration

Clinical trial registration: NCT03684681.
Regulation of Miwi-mediated mRNA stabilization by Ck137956/Tssa is essential for male fertility
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Xiangzheng , Jiang Jiayin , Luo Mengjiao , Tu Haixia , Xu Chen , Tan Huanhuan , Zhou Xin , Chen Hong , Han Xudong , Yue Qiuling , Guo Yueshuai , Zheng Ke , Qi Yaling , Situ Chenghao , Cui Yiqiang , Guo Xuejiang
Published: April 2023

Background

Sperm is formed through spermiogenesis, a highly complex process involving chromatin condensation that results in cessation of transcription. mRNAs required for spermiogenesis are transcribed at earlier stages and translated in a delayed fashion during spermatid formation. However, it remains unknown that how these repressed mRNAs are stabilized.

Results

Here we report a Miwi-interacting testis-specific and spermiogenic arrest protein, Ck137956, which we rename Tssa. Deletion of Tssa led to male sterility and absence of sperm formation. The spermiogenesis arrested at the round spermatid stage and numerous spermiogenic mRNAs were down-regulated in Tssa−/− mice. Deletion of Tssa disrupted the localization of Miwi to chromatoid body, a specialized assembly of cytoplasmic messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) foci present in germ cells. We found that Tssa interacted with Miwi in repressed mRNPs and stabilized Miwi-interacting spermiogenesis-essential mRNAs.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Tssa is indispensable in male fertility and has critical roles in post-transcriptional regulations by interacting with Miwi during spermiogenesis.
Phospholipase A2 regulates autophagy in gouty arthritis: proteomic and metabolomic studies
Authors: Fu Weili , Ge Minghao , Li Jian
Published: April 2023

Background

Acute gouty arthritis is inflammatory joint arthritis. Gouty arthritis (GA) involves multiple pathological processes. Deposition of joints by monosodium urate (MSU) crystals has been shown to play a critical role in the injury process. Due to the different effects of MSU stimulation on the joints, the exact changes in the synovial fluid are unknown. We want to explore the changes in proteins and metabolites in the joints of gouty arthritis. Regulating various functional substances in the joint can reduce inflammation and pain symptoms.

Methods

10 patients with gouty knee arthritis and 10 normal controls were selected from clinical, surgical cases. The biological function of the metabolome was assessed by co-expression network analysis. A molecular network based on metabolomic and proteomic data was constructed to study critical molecules. The fundamental molecular changes in the relevant pathways were then verified by western blot.

Results

Proteomic analysis showed that the expressions of proteases Cathepsin B, Cathepsin D, Cathepsin G, and Cathepsin S in synovial fluid patients with gouty arthritis were significantly increased. Enrichment analysis showed a positive correlation between lysosomal and clinical inflammatory cell shape changes. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that lipids and lipoids accumulate, inhibit autophagic flux, and modulate inflammation and immunity in gouty arthritis patients. It was determined that the accumulation of lipid substances such as phospholipase A2 led to the imbalanced state of the autophagy-lysosome complex, and the differentially expressed metabolites of Stearoylcarnitine, Tetradecanoylcarnitine, Palmitoylcarnitine were identified (|log2 fold change|> 1.5, adjusted P value < 0.05 and variable importance in prediction (VIP) > 1.5). The autophagy-lysosomal pathway was found to be associated with gouty knee arthritis. Essential molecular alterations of multi-omics networks in gouty knee arthritis patients compared with normal controls involve acute inflammatory response, exosomes, immune responses, lysosomes, linoleic acid metabolism, and synthesis.

Conclusions

Comprehensive analysis of proteomic and untargeted metabolomics revealed protein and characteristic metabolite alterations in gouty arthritis, it mainly involves lipids and lipid like molecules, phospholipase A2 and autophagic lysosomes. This study describes the pathological characteristics, pathways, potential predictors and treatment goals of gouty knee arthritis.
Type 1 diabetes and diet-induced obesity predispose C57BL/6J mice to PM2.5-induced lung injury: a comparative study
Authors: Chen Shen , Li Miao , Zhang Rui , Ye Lizhu , Jiang Yue , Jiang Xinhang , Peng Hui , Wang Ziwei , Guo Zhanyu , Chen Liping , Zhang Rong , Niu Yujie , Aschner Michael , Li Daochuan , Chen Wen
Published: April 2023

Background

Pre-existing metabolic diseases may predispose individuals to particulate matter (PM)-induced adverse health effects. However, the differences in susceptibility of various metabolic diseases to PM-induced lung injury and their underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated.

Results

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) murine models were constructed by streptozotocin injection, while diet-induced obesity (DIO) models were generated by feeding 45% high-fat diet 6 weeks prior to and throughout the experiment. Mice were subjected to real-ambient PM exposure in Shijiazhuang City, China for 4 weeks at a mean PM2.5 concentration of 95.77 µg/m3. Lung and systemic injury were assessed, and the underlying mechanisms were explored through transcriptomics analysis. Compared with normal diet (ND)-fed mice, T1D mice exhibited severe hyperglycemia with a blood glucose of 350 mg/dL, while DIO mice displayed moderate obesity and marked dyslipidemia with a slightly elevated blood glucose of 180 mg/dL. T1D and DIO mice were susceptible to PM-induced lung injury, manifested by inflammatory changes such as interstitial neutrophil infiltration and alveolar septal thickening. Notably, the acute lung injury scores of T1D and DIO mice were higher by 79.57% and 48.47%, respectively, than that of ND-fed mice. Lung transcriptome analysis revealed that increased susceptibility to PM exposure was associated with perturbations in multiple pathways including glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and tissue remodeling. Functional experiments confirmed that changes in biomarkers of macrophage (F4/80), lipid peroxidation (4-HNE), cellular senescence (SA-β-gal), and airway repair (CCSP) were most pronounced in the lungs of PM-exposed T1D mice. Furthermore, pathways associated with xenobiotic metabolism showed metabolic state- and tissue-specific perturbation patterns. Upon PM exposure, activation of nuclear receptor (NR) pathways and inhibition of the glutathione (GSH)-mediated detoxification pathway were evident in the lungs of T1D mice, and a significant upregulation of NR pathways was present in the livers of T1D mice.

Conclusions

These differences might contribute to differential susceptibility to PM exposure between T1D and DIO mice. These findings provide new insights into the health risk assessment of PM exposure in populations with metabolic diseases.
Mitral valve repair with the use of the “Memo 3D ReChord” ring
Authors: Baikoussis Nikolaos G. , Koumallos Nikolaos , Aggeli Κonstantina
Published: April 2023

Background

From a variety of ring types, semirigid ring is more preferred for mitral annuloplasty during mitral valve repair particularly in patients whose native mitral saddle shape annulus is well maintained. During mitral annuloplasty artificial chord implantation with the appropriate neochord length is surgically challenging. We present our experience of using the Memo 3D ReChord, a semirigid ring with additional chordal guiding system for mitral valve repair.

Patients and methods

From September 2018 to February 2020, we successfully treated ten patients with severe (4+/4+) degenerative mitral valve regurgitation due to posterior leaflet prolapse with chordal rupture with the implantation Memo 3D ReChord and neo-chords.

Results

We implanted from one to three neo-chords and always a ring in our patients. None of the patients had any residual mitral valve regurgitation at the end of the repair and on their discharge evaluated through transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography respectively. There was no mortality at 30-days or on midterm follow-up. During the 3-month follow-up no regurgitation was noticed either. We included in our study only the patients successfully treated. We also used it in two patients, who underwent valve replacement during the same operation due to mild to moderate mitral valve regurgitation.

Conclusions

This, in our knowledge, is the first Greek series of the implantation of the Memo 3D Rechord. The initial excellent results give us the enthusiasm to continue while long-term results and the durability of this technique are necessary to establish this semirigid annuloplastic ring in our every-day practice.
Acute Lung Injury in aortic dissection : new insights in anesthetic management strategies
Authors: Yang Ming
Published: April 2023

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a severe cardiovascular disease characterized by rapid progress and a high mortality rate. The incidence of acute aortic dissection is approximately 5 to 30 per 1 million people worldwide. In clinical practice, about 35% of AAD patients are complicated with acute lung injury (ALI). AAD complicated with ALI can seriously affect patients’ prognosis and even increase mortality. However, the pathogenesis of AAD combined with ALI remains largely unknown. Given the public health burden of AAD combined with ALI, we reviewed the anesthetic management advances and highlighted potential areas for clinical practice.
TM4SF1 upregulates MYH9 to activate the NOTCH pathway to promote cancer stemness and lenvatinib resistance in HCC
Authors: Yang Si-bo , Zhou Zi-han , Lei Jin , Li Xiao-wen , Chen Qian , Li Bo , Zhang Ye-wei , Ge Yu-zhen , Zuo Shi
Published: April 2023

TM4SF1, a member of the transmembrane 4 superfamily, is crucial for both healthy and malignant human tissues. The significant function of TM4SF1 in the incidence and progression of cancer has been widely recognized in recent years. Although some achievements have been made in the study of TM4SF1, the effect of TM4SF1 on cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its molecular basis are yet to be reported. We found through abundant in vitro and in vivo experiments which the expression of TM4SF1 was positively correlated with the progression and cancer stemness of HCC. We identified the downstream protein MYH9 of TM4SF1 and its final regulatory target NOTCH pathway using bioinformatics analysis and protein mass spectrometry. We cultivated a Lenvatinib-resistant strain from HCC cells to examine the relationship between cancer stemness and tumor drug resistance. The study confirmed that TM4SF1 could regulate the NOTCH pathway by upregulating MYH9, thus promoting cancer stemness and Lenvatinib resistance in HCC. This study not only provided a new idea for the pathogenesis of HCC but also confirmed that TM4SF1 might become a new intervention point to improve the clinical efficacy of Lenvatinib in treating HCC.
Green analytical chemistry and experimental design: a combined approach for the analysis of zonisamide
Authors: Elsheikh Soha G. , Hassan Abeer M. E. , Fayez Yasmin M. , El-Mosallamy Sally S.
Published: April 2023

Green analytical chemistry principles, as well as experimental design, are a combined approach adopted to develop sensitive reproducible stability indicating HPLC method for Zonisamide (ZNS) determination. The optimal conditions for three chromatographic parameters were determined using a central composite design of the response surface. Kromasil C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) was utilized with ethanol, H2O (30:70 v/v) as a mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL/min at 35 °C. Good reproducibility and high sensitivity were achieved along (0.5–10 µg/mL) concentration range. In contrast, the TLC-densitometric method was performed on aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60F254 as a stationary phase and chloroform: methanol: acetic acid (8:1.5:0.5 by volume) as a developing system. Reproducible results were obtained in the range of (2–10 μg/band). The chromatograms of HPLC and TLC were scanned at 280 nm and 240 nm, respectively. The suggested methods have been validated following ICH guidelines, and no statistically significant differences were detected between the results of the current study and the official USP method. It was also found that using experimental design implements the green concept by reducing the environmental impact. Finally, Eco-Scale, GAPI and AGREE were used to assess the environmental impacts of the suggested methods.
Can contrast-enhanced ultrasound differentiate the type of hepatic echinococcosis: cystic echinococcosis or alveolar echinococcosis?
Authors: Zhang Xuhui , Suolang Lamu , Ren Yelei , Wang Yifei , Jiang Yong , Zhong Xiaofei , Gou Zehui , Zhou Wu , Chen Juan , Li Yongzhong , Cai Diming
Published: April 2023

Background

Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus, and Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis are the most common, causing cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE), respectively. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is an imaging technique which has been recommended for identifying focal lesions in the liver. However, the effect of CEUS on the differentiation of hepatic echinococcosis type remains unclear.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with 46 HE lesions confirmed by histopathology in our hospital from December 2019 to May 2022 were reviewed by conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS examinations, respectively. After US was completed, the CEUS study was performed. A bolus injection of 1.0–1.2 ml of a sulfur hexafluoride-filled microbubble contrast agent (SonoVue®) was administered. The images and clips of the lesions by US and CEUS were reviewed retrospectively. The lesions detected using US were evaluated including the location, size, morphology, margin, internal echogenicity and the internal Doppler signal. The lesions detected using CEUS were evaluated including the enhancement degree, enhancement pattern and enhancing boundary in different phases. The diagnoses of lesions by US or CEUS were respectively recorded. By taking the histopathology as the gold standard, the paired Chi-square test was performed with statistical software (IBM SPSS; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and the results of differentiation of HE type by US and CEUS were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 46 lesions were involved in 25 patients, including 10 males (40.0%) and 15 females (60.0%) aged 15–55 (42.9 ± 10.3) years. By histopathology, 24 lesions of nine patients were diagnosed as CE and 22 lesions of 16 patients were diagnosed as AE. Among the 46 HE lesions, compared with histopathological examination, the accuracy rate was 65.2% and 91.3% in US and CEUS findings, respectively. Among the 24 CE lesions, 13 lesions were correctly differentiated by US, and 23 by CEUS. The difference between US and CEUS was statistically significant (Chi-square test, $${\chi }^{2}$$

χ

2

= 8.10, df = 23, P < 0.005). Among the total 46 HE lesions, 30 lesions were correctly differentiated by US, and 42 by CEUS. The difference between US and CEUS was statistically significant (Chi-square test, $${\chi }^{2}$$

χ

2

= 10.08, df = 45, P < 0.005).

Conclusions

CEUS is a more effective technique than US for differentiating the type of HE between CE and AE. It could be a reliable tool in the differentiation of HE.
Transforming growth factor beta 1 is associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gómez-Bernal Fuensanta , Quevedo-Abeledo Juan Carlos , García-González María , Fernández-Cladera Yolanda , González-Rivero Agustín F. , Martín-González Candelaria , González-Gay Miguel Á. , Ferraz-Amaro Iván
Published: April 2023

Background

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional cytokine that has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. TGF-β1 has been linked to cardiovascular disease in the general population. The immunosuppressive effect of TGF-β1 is believed to be dysregulated in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In the present work, we aimed to study the relationship of serum levels of TGF-β1 with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with SLE.

Methods

The study included 284 patients with SLE. Serum levels of TGF-β1 and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis (by carotid ultrasonography) were evaluated. In addition, the complete lipid profile and insulin resistance were analyzed. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the relationship of TGF-β1 with carotid subclinical atherosclerosis adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors that included lipid profile and insulin resistance.

Results

Circulating TGF-β1 was positively and significantly associated with higher levels of LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio and atherogenic index. TGF-β1 was also associated with significantly lower levels of HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1. Remarkably, TGF-β1 was associated with the presence of carotid plaque not only after adjustment for demographics (age, sex, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and aspirin use) but also after adjustment for relationships of TGF-β1 with lipid profile molecules, insulin resistance, and SLEDAI disease score (odds ratio 1.14 [95% confidence interval 1.003–1.30], p = 0.045).

Conclusion

TGF-β1 serum levels are positively and independently associated with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis disease in patients with SLE.
Exploring QSAR models for activity-cliff prediction
Authors: Dablander Markus , Hanser Thierry , Lambiotte Renaud , Morris Garrett M.
Published: April 2023

Introduction and methodology

Pairs of similar compounds that only differ by a small structural modification but exhibit a large difference in their binding affinity for a given target are known as activity cliffs (ACs). It has been hypothesised that QSAR models struggle to predict ACs and that ACs thus form a major source of prediction error. However, the AC-prediction power of modern QSAR methods and its quantitative relationship to general QSAR-prediction performance is still underexplored. We systematically construct nine distinct QSAR models by combining three molecular representation methods (extended-connectivity fingerprints, physicochemical-descriptor vectors and graph isomorphism networks) with three regression techniques (random forests, k-nearest neighbours and multilayer perceptrons); we then use each resulting model to classify pairs of similar compounds as ACs or non-ACs and to predict the activities of individual molecules in three case studies: dopamine receptor D2, factor Xa, and SARS-CoV-2 main protease.

Results and conclusions

Our results provide strong support for the hypothesis that indeed QSAR models frequently fail to predict ACs. We observe low AC-sensitivity amongst the evaluated models when the activities of both compounds are unknown, but a substantial increase in AC-sensitivity when the actual activity of one of the compounds is given. Graph isomorphism features are found to be competitive with or superior to classical molecular representations for AC-classification and can thus be employed as baseline AC-prediction models or simple compound-optimisation tools. For general QSAR-prediction, however, extended-connectivity fingerprints still consistently deliver the best performance amongs the tested input representations. A potential future pathway to improve QSAR-modelling performance might be the development of techniques to increase AC-sensitivity.

Graphical Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Authors: Roderburg Christoph , Krieg Sarah , Krieg Andreas , Demir Münevver , Luedde Tom , Kostev Karel , Loosen Sven H.
Published: April 2023

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the western world. The excess mortality in NAFLD patients is strongly related to extrahepatic comorbidities. Recently, an association between NAFLD and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been reported in various populations.

Methods

Based on the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database, this retrospective study examined two cohorts from Germany matched for sex, age, index year, annual visit frequency, hypertension, and diabetes, including 92,225 patients with and without NAFLD. The incidence of CKD was assessed as a function of NAFLD using Cox regression models.

Results

A total of 92,225 NAFLD patients as well as 92,225 patients without NAFLD were included into analyses. CKD was diagnosed in 19.1% vs. 11.1% of patients with and without NAFLD within the 10 years observation period (p < 0.001). Cox regression confirmed a significant association between NAFLD and CKD with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.80 (95%CI: 1.73–1.86, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed that this association was most pronounced in the age group of 18 to 50 years (HR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.91–2.37, p < 0.001) and among female NAFLD patients (HR 1.85, 95%CI: 1.76–1.95, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm a significantly increased risk of developing CKD in a large, real-world cohort of adult NAFLD patients in Germany. Interdisciplinary care of NAFLD patients, which is currently gaining importance worldwide, should be considered to include systematic measures for prevention and/or early detection of CKD with the aim of minimizing long-term renal complications.
Scalable and space-efficient Robust Matroid Center algorithms
Authors: Ceccarello Matteo , Pietracaprina Andrea , Pucci Geppino , Soldà Federico
Published: April 2023

Given a dataset V of points from some metric space, a popular robust formulation of the k-center clustering problem requires to select k points (centers) of V which minimize the maximum distance of any point of V from its closest center, excluding the z most distant points (outliers) from the computation of the maximum. In this paper, we focus on an important constrained variant of the robust k-center problem, namely, the Robust Matroid Center (RMC) problem, where the set of returned centers are constrained to be an independent set of a matroid of rank k built on V. Instantiating the problem with the partition matroid yields a formulation of the fair k-center problem, which has attracted the interest of the ML community in recent years. In this paper, we target accurate solutions of the RMC problem under general matroids, when confronted with large inputs. Specifically, we devise a coreset-based algorithm affording efficient sequential, distributed (MapReduce) and streaming implementations. For any fixed $$\varepsilon >0$$

ε
>
0

, the algorithm returns solutions featuring a $$(3+\varepsilon )$$

(
3
+
ε
)

-approximation ratio, which is a mere additive term $$\varepsilon$$
ε
away from the 3-approximations achievable by the best known polynomial-time sequential algorithms. Moreover, the algorithm obliviously adapts to the intrinsic complexity of the dataset, captured by its doubling dimension D. For wide ranges of $$k,z,\varepsilon , D$$

k
,
z
,
ε
,
D

, our MapReduce/streaming implementations require two rounds/one pass and substantially sublinear local/working memory. The theoretical results are complemented by an extensive set of experiments on real-world datasets, which provide clear evidence of the accuracy and efficiency of our algorithms and of their improved performance with respect to previous solutions.
The role of natural resources in financial expansion: evidence from Central Asia
Authors: Isiksal Aliya Zhakanova
Published: April 2023

Central Asian States (CAS) have diverse natural resources. This research aims to shed light on the finance–natural resource’s association in the context of CAS namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in 1996–2020 using the cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag technique. It seeks to examine the research question, “What is the effect of natural resource wealth on the financial expansion (FE) of Central Asia?” The results demonstrated an inverted U-shaped association between financial growth and natural resource rents. It implies that natural resources are initially a “resource blessing” that later becomes a “resource curse.” Additionally, the effect of institutional quality (INQ) and human development (HD) on financial growth is examined. The results reveal that INQ and HD positively affect FE. Moreover, a bidirectional causal relationship exists between FE and INQ. Finally, all variables contribute to a long term FE. Based on these outcomes, the major policy recommendations are that the CAS authorities diversify their financial services and products and direct the proceeds from natural resource rents to effective investments particularly in HD. In addition, the social and political infrastructures in CAS must be restructured to achieve a high-quality institutional environment, which is necessary to increase the role of the private sector.
Review of meningioma diagnosis and management
Authors: Hanna Chadwin , Willman Matthew , Cole Dwayne , Mehkri Yusuf , Liu Sophie , Willman Jonathan , Lucke-Wold Brandon
Published: April 2023

Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors in adult patients. Although the majority of meningiomas are diagnosed as benign, approximately 20% of cases are high-grade tumors that require significant clinical treatment. The gold standard for grading central nervous system tumors comes from the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the central nervous system. Treatment options also depend on the location, imaging, and histopathological features of the tumor. This review will cover diagnostic strategies for meningiomas, including 2021 updates to the World Health Organization’s grading of meningiomas. Meningioma treatment plans are variable and highly dependent on tumor grading. This review will also update the reader on developments in the treatment of meningiomas, including surgery, radiation therapy and monoclonal antibody treatment.
Evaluation of health-related quality of life and its domains in pediatric patients with cancer
Authors: Saleh Mai Sabry , Mohammed Asmaa Mahmoud , Bassiouni Dina , Mostafa Hend Helmy , Monir Zeinab Mohammed
Published: April 2023

Background

Health-related quality of life has emerged as a significant component in pediatric oncology research during the last several decades. Measures of health-related quality of life provide a thorough assessment of the child’s response to medical therapy, disease course, and adjustment outcomes in the context of pediatric oncology.

Methods

The aim of the present study was to assess the cancer-specific health-related quality of life in cancer pediatric patients and to evaluate the contribution of its domains and some of the anthropometric, sociodemographic, and treatment-related variables on the overall quality of life, by using the PedsQL™ 3.0 Cancer Module.

Results

The study included 110 cases. The mean value of the PedsQL™ 3.0 Cancer Module score was 49.3 ± 12.0. The lowest mean score of quality of life was for the “procedure anxiety” (8.7 ± 23.9), followed by the “worry” domains (16.6 ± 28.5). Higher “frequency of hospital visits” was associated with increased feeling of pain and treatment anxiety yet decrease in suffering from nausea and vice versa. The longer period of hospital admission for more than half of the recommended treatment period was associated with reduced pain suffering on the expense of increase in feeling of worry as well as communication problems. The perceived physical appearance was better among those patients who spent a treatment period for 3–6 months when compared to those who spent a treatment period less than 3 months or more than 6 months. There was a highly significant association between all the eight-cancer-specific quality-of-life domains except the pain domain- and the overall quality-of-life log scores. Nausea problem followed by worry and cognitive problems was the most effective domains on the overall quality-of-life score.

Conclusion

Cancer pediatric patients suffered low quality of life especially for anxiety procedure and worry domains with special consideration for the impact of nausea, worry, and cognitive problems on their perception of quality of life.
Chlorzoxazone reduced the paracetamol-induced toxicity via competitive inhibition of CYP2E1-mediated metabolism
Authors: Pingili Ravindra Babu , Vemulapalli Sridhar , Gadamsetty Manideep V. V. N. , Presingu Divya , Katuri Ruthvik , Rachamsetty Vijayalakshmi , Kilaru Naveen Babu
Published: April 2023

Background

Drug metabolism is crucial to attaining the therapeutic index of any drug. The metabolism and elimination of the drugs are governed mainly by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP). Paracetamol is mostly used as analgesic and antipyretic agent. The metabolism of paracetamol is primarily via Glucuronidation and sulphation at therapeutic doses. About 5–10% of paracetamol is metabolized via CYP mediated pathway. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is primarily responsible for forming a toxic metabolite of paracetamol called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI). Even at therapeutic doses, long-term usage of paracetamol leads to the hepatic and nephrotoxicity because of NAPQI. Several in-vitro and in-vivo studies conducted by different research groups and reported that chlorzoxazone is a substrate and inhibitor of CYP2E1. However, the effect of chlorzoxazone on the paracetamol (CYP2E1 substrate) metabolism via the CYP2E1 has not yet been reported. This study investigated the effect of chlorzoxazone on the CYP2E1-mediated metabolism of Paracetamol and NAPQI formation in Wistar rats.

Results

For 15 days, animals were orally administered with Paracetamol (300 mg/kg) with and without Silymarin (100 mg/kg) (standard CYP2E1 inhibitor) and Chlorzoxazone (50 and 100 mg/kg). Analysis was performed using RP-HPLC on the 15th day to determine paracetamol and NAPQI concentration in the plasma. Paracetamol combination with chlorzoxazone (50 and 100 mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent increase in the AUC0–∞ and the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of Paracetamol and a dose-dependent decrease of AUC0–∞ and Cmax of NAPQI compared to paracetamol control (p < 0.001). Chlorzoxazone significantly decreased the elevated liver and renal markers compared to paracetamol control. Simultaneously, Hepatic and nephrotic tissue studies showed that compared to the paracetamol control group, the combination of chlorzoxazone significantly ameliorated paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Conclusion

Finally, this study revealed that paracetamol in combination with chlorzoxazone led to a significant decrease in the plasma levels of NAPQI and enhanced absorption of paracetamol in rats via the inhibition of CYP2E1- mediated metabolism. In addition, chlorzoxazone significantly ameliorated paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
Evaluation of gastrointestinal complications in Egyptian patients after autologous stem cell transplantation using melphalan-based regimens
Authors: Abdelaty Mona Mahrous , Al-Hosiny Fatma , Mashaal Raghda Gabr
Published: April 2023

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a curative treatment for patients with hematological malignancies. Melphalan either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents is a widely used pre-transplant conditioning regimen with known gastrointestinal (GI) complications. We retrospectively evaluate the incidence and severity of GI toxicities, the possible risk factors, and their impact on transplant outcomes in 47 patients who received ASCT using melphalan-based conditioning.

Results

Median age was 50 years. Among our patients, 48.9% received melphalan at 200 mg/m2. Mucositis was developed in 93.6% of patients, nausea in 87.2% and grade 2 vomiting in 36.2% of patients. Grade 3 diarrhea was detected in 42.6%. Severe GI toxicities were associated with significantly delayed engraftment, longer hospital stay, and increased transfusion requirements but overall survival (OS) and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were not affected by the severity of GI symptoms.

Conclusion

Despite using prophylactic and supportive care, some patients developed severe GI complications following different doses of melphalan with a negative effect on some transplant outcomes. Melphalan dose or disease type was not identified as a risk factor for severe GI toxicity. Additional larger prospective studies with higher doses, different formulations, and better prophylactic measures are warranted to evaluate potential risk factors and their impact on GI toxicities.
A review—metastable β titanium alloy for biomedical applications
Authors: Pesode Pralhad , Barve Shivprakash
Published: April 2023

Titanium and its alloys have already been widely used as implant materials due to their outstanding mechanical characteristics and biocompatibility. Notwithstanding this, researchers and businesses alike have continued to actively pursue superior alloys since there are still problems which need urgent consideration. One of these is a noteworthy difference in the implant material’s elastics modulus and that of natural bone, which result into an issue of stress shielding. With prolonged use Ti alloys releases dangerous ions. The Ti alloy surface has a low bioactivity, which prolongs the healing process. β-Ti alloys could be used as viable alternatives when creating dental implants. Additionally, β-Ti alloys characteristics, such as low Young modulus, increased strength, appropriate biocompatibility, and strong abrasion and corrosion resistance, serve as the necessary evidence. Ti alloys when altered structurally, chemically, and by thermomechanical treatment thereby enabling the creation of material which can match the requirements of a various clinical practise scenarios. Additional research is needed which can focused on identifying next century Ti alloys consisting of some more compatible phase and transforming the Ti alloys surface from intrinsically bioinert to bioactive to prevent different issues. In order to give scientific support for adopting β-Ti-based alloys as an alternative to cpTi, this paper evaluates the information currently available on the chemical, mechanical, biological, and electrochemical properties of key β-titanium alloys designed from the past few years. This article is also focusing on β-titanium alloy, its properties and performance over other type of titanium alloy such as α titanium alloys. However, in-vivo research is needed to evaluate novel β titanium alloys to support their use as cpTi alternatives.
Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a cognitive behavior therapy text-message intervention among individuals with opioid use disorder in Kenya: a randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Kiburi Sarah Kanana , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Paruk Saeeda , Chiliza Bonginkosi
Published: April 2023

Background

Opioid use disorder is associated with a huge burden of disease and treatment gap. Delivery of psychosocial treatment using digital platforms can bridge the treatment gap to improve treatment access among individuals with opioid use disorder. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a text-message intervention in patients with opioid use disorder in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods

A feasibility pilot trial was conducted at a methadone clinic in Nairobi. A text-message intervention based on cognitive behaviour therapy was delivered for six weeks compared with a control group receiving standard treatment among 46 individuals on methadone treatment (30 in intervention and 16 in control group). Follow up was at six weeks and three months. Primary outcome was reduction in opioid use and retention in treatment. Implementation outcomes assessed were acceptability and feasibility of the intervention.

Results

The participants comprised 89.1% male with a mean age of 32 years (SD 8.7). There was a reduction in opioid use among all the participants post-intervention with higher reduction in the intervention group compared the control group with prevalence of opioid use at 35.7% and 56.3%, respectively although there was no statistically significance difference. Retention in methadone was 93.3% at six weeks and 83.3% at 3 months follow up among participants in the intervention group. High acceptability and satisfaction were reported with the intervention based on quantitative assessment post-intervention.

Conclusion

Results from this pilot feasibility study suggest that a text message intervention is acceptable and scan be implemented in substance use disorder treatment with promising effect in improving outcomes. Further research using a larger sample size is recommended.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: Registration number: PACTR202201736072847. Date of registration: 10/01/2022.
Remote Activity Monitoring and Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes Collection During Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ohri Nitin , Bar-Ad Voichita , Fernandez Christian , Rakowski Christine , Leiby Benjamin E. , Hoeltzel Gerard , Sung Anna , Zubair Nida , Henao Camilo , Dicker Adam P.
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Modern wearable devices provide objective and continuous activity data that could be leveraged to enhance cancer care. We prospectively studied the feasibility of monitoring physical activity using a commercial wearable device and collecting electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) during radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC).

METHODS

Patients planned for a course of external beam RT with curative intent for HNC were instructed to use a commercial fitness tracker throughout the RT course. During weekly clinic visits, physician-scored adverse events were recorded during using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0, and patients completed ePRO surveys using a clinic tablet or computer. Feasibility of activity monitoring was defined as collection of step data for at least 80% of the RT course for at least 80% of patients. Exploratory analyses described associations between step counts, ePROs, and clinical events.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with HNC were enrolled and had analyzable data. Overall, step data were recorded on 70% of the days during patients' RT courses, and there were only 11 patients (38%) for whom step data were collected on at least 80% of days during RT. Mixed effects linear regression models demonstrated declines in daily step counts and worsening of most PROs during RT. Cox proportional hazards models revealed a potential association between high daily step counts and both reduced risk of feeding tube placement (hazard ratio [HR], 0.87 per 1,000 steps, P < .001) and reduced risk of hospitalization (HR, 0.60 per 1,000 steps, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

We did not achieve our feasibility end point, suggesting that rigorous workflows are required to achieve continuous activity monitoring during RT. Although limited by a modest sample size, our findings are consistent with previous reports indicating that wearable device data can help identify patients who are at risk for unplanned hospitalization.
Higher-order dynamics in the replicator equation produce a limit cycle in rock-paper-scissors
Authors: Griffin Christopher , Wu Rongling
Published: April 2023

Recent work has shown that pairwise interactions may not be sufficient to fully model ecological dynamics in the wild. In this letter, we consider a replicator dynamic that takes both pairwise and triadic interactions into consideration using a rank-three tensor. We study these new nonlinear dynamics using a generalized rock-paper-scissors game whose dynamics are well understood in the standard replicator sense. We show that the addition of higher-order dynamics leads to the creation of a subcritical Hopf bifurcation and consequently an unstable limit cycle. It is known that this kind of behaviour cannot occur in the pairwise replicator in any three-strategy games, showing the effect higher-order interactions can have on the resulting dynamics of the system. We numerically characterize parameter regimes in which limit cycles exist and discuss possible ways to generalize this approach to studying higher-order interactions.
Pattern formation and transport for externally driven active matter on periodic substrates
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Authors: Reichhardt C. , Reichhardt C. J. O.
Published: April 2023

We investigate the transport of interacting active run-and-tumble particles moving under an external drift force through a periodic array of obstacles for increasing drive amplitudes. For high activity where the system forms a motility-induced phase-separated state, there are several distinct dynamic phases including a low drive pinned cluster phase, an intermediate uniform fluid, and a higher drive stripe crystal state. The transitions between the phases are correlated with signatures in the transport curves, differential mobility, and power spectra of the velocity fluctuations. In contrast, in the low activity regime the transport curves and power spectra undergo little change as a function of drive. We argue that in the high activity limit, the behavior is similar to that of driven solids on periodic substrates, while in the low activity limit the system behaves like a driven fluid.
Scales of Resistance
Authors: Blackwell Maylei
Published: April 2023

In Scales of Resistance Maylei Blackwell narrates how Indigenous women’s activism in Mexico and its diaspora weaves in and between local, national, continental, and transborder scales. Drawing on more than seventy testimonials and twenty years of fieldwork spent accompanying Indigenous women activists, Blackwell focuses on how these activists navigate the blockages to their participation and transform exclusionary spaces into scales of resistance. Blackwell shows how activists in Mexico and those in the migrant stream that runs from Oaxaca into California redefined women’s roles in community decision-making. They did so by scaling down Indigenous autonomy to their own bodies, homes, and communities; grounding their political claims within Indigenous epistemologies and the gendered nature of social organization; and scaling up to regional, national, and continental contexts. This allowed them to place themselves at the heart of Indigenous resistance and autonomy, decolonizing gender hierarchies and creating new scales of participation. Blackwell reveals the importance of moving across different types of scale and contrasting colonial divisions of scale itself with Indigenous conceptions of scale, space, solidarity, and connection.