bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grip strength is an important predictor for nutritional risk and early postoperative ambulation in gastrointestinal tumors undergoing laparoscopic surgery: a prospective multicenter clinical study
Authors: Zhou Jing , Liu Xiao , Guo Xin , Yang Xiuxiu , Ma Xiaonan , Liu Weinan
Published: August 2023

Background

Using grip strength as a predictor of nutritional risk and early ambulation for gastrointestinal tumor surgery and determining its critical value have not been reported. This study was designed to explore the influencing factors of early postoperative ambulation ability for patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Four-hundred twenty-seven patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent laparoscopic surgery at three tertiary A hospitals in Beijing were prospectively enrolled. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent predictors of early postoperative ambulation. Logistic regression analyses for the different gender were also performed. In addition, the effectiveness of preoperative grip strength measurement in nutritional risk assessment was analyzed by using nutritional risk score 2002 (NRS 2002) as a control.

Results

The included cases were comprised of 283 male and 144 female patients, with an age of 59.35 ± 11.70 years. Gender, preoperative grip strength, operative time, and number of indwelling tubes were independent predictors of early postoperative ambulation. In the male group, lower preoperative grip strength and more indwelling tubes were independent risk factors for early postoperative ambulation. In the female group, lower preoperative grip strength and extended operating time were independent risk factors. Moreover, preoperative grip strength (male < 32 kg, female < 21 kg) can be used as a risk predictor for both preoperative nutritional risk and early postoperative ambulation.

Conclusions

As a simple and objective measure of muscle strength, grip strength measurement is expected to be an effective predictor for both early postoperative ambulation ability and nutritional status of patients.
Effect of the level of alveolar atrophy on implant placement accuracy in guided surgery for full-arch restorations supported by four implants: an in vitro study
Authors: Göçmen Gökhan , Bayrakçıoğlu Ahmet , Bayram Ferit
Published: August 2023

Background

A fixed screw-retained full-arch restoration supported by four implants is a popular treatment option for edentulous arches. Optimal alignment of implants is quite challenging in extremely atrophied edentulous cases, and a small amount of deviation is expected during guided surgery. This study aimed to compare implant accuracy among edentulous jaws with various levels of atrophy.

Methods

Five separate copies of each Cawood and Howell model (III–V) were produced for the maxilla and mandible. A total of 120 implants (30 models). The implant accuracy was assessed based on angular deviations at the base (angle, 3D offset, distal, vestibular, and apical) and tip (3D offset, distal, vestibular, and apical).

Results

The atrophy level of the jaws had a statistically significant effect on deviation; implants showed greater deviation from the planned location as the atrophy level increased.

Conclusion

Given that implant deviation increased with the degree of atrophy, a greater safety margin from important anatomical structures is recommended when planning implant location for guided surgery in Cawood and Howell V cases.
Ilizarov technique in the treatment of bone defects of the radius and ulna: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamiti Yimurang , Yalikun Ainizier , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang , Yushan Maimaiaili
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of radius and ulna bone defects.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published up to May 2023. The quality of the studies was evaluated using a modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. The effect size and confidence intervals at 95% for the main results were calculated. The heterogeneity was evaluated. The demographic data, defect size (DS), external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), and complications were extracted and analyzed using the Stata version 16.

Results

This meta-analysis identified and included seven studies involving 98 patients. The union rate of 100% was reported in all studies. According to the findings of the single-arm meta-analysis, the pooled DS was 3.42 cm (95% CI [2.64, 4.21], I2 = 53.5%, P = 0.045), EFT was 148.43 days (95% CI [97.49, 199.38], I2 = 91.9%, P = 0.000), and EFI was 41.32 days/cm (95% CI [35.72, 46.91], I2 = 62.2%, P = 0.021). Pin tract infection was the most common complication, as reported in six studies.

Conclusion

The findings of the present meta-analysis indicate that the Ilizarov technique is a successful treatment option for bone defects in the radius and ulna. This method has demonstrated efficacy in achieving expected clinical outcomes.
A de novo mutation of ADAMTS8 in a patient with Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome
Authors: Wang Sifeng , Yan Shuyuan , Xiao Jingjun , Chen Ying , Chen Anji , Deng Aimin , Wang Tuanmei , He Jun , Peng Xiangwen
Published: August 2023

Background

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the KMT2A gene and is usually characterized by hairy elbows, short stature, developmental delay, intellectual disability and obvious facial dysmorphism.

Case presentation

Here, we report a 5-year-old girl with clinical features similar to WDSTS, including postnatal growth delay, retarded intellectual development, and ocular hypertelorism. Through whole-exome sequencing (WES), a frameshift variant of KMT2A was found in the patient but not in her parents’ genomic DNA. By bioinformatics analysis, the KMT2A variant was demonstrated to be the top candidate pathogenic variant for the clinical phenotype consistent with WDSTS. Moreover, a duplication of exon 1 in ADAMTS8 (belonging to the zinc metalloproteinase family) was found in the genomic DNA of this patient, which may be responsible for the characteristics that are different from those of WDSTS, including early teething, rapid tooth replacement, and dysplastic enamel.

Conclusions

From the above results, we propose that in our patient, the frameshift variant in KMT2A is the main reason for the WDSTS phenotype, and the unreported mutation in ADAMTS8 may be the candidate reason for other characteristics that are different from those of WDSTS. Therefore, this study not only provides a new KMT2A variant associated with WDSTS but is also a reminder that combined mutations may be present in a case with more characteristics than those seen in WDSTS.
A novel UHPLC‒MS/MS method for quantitative analysis of zanubrutinib in rat plasma: application to an in vivo interaction study between zanubrutinib and triazole antifungal
Authors: Tang Peng-fei , Bao Su-su , Xiao Zhong-xiang , Xie Wei-fei , Wu Xue-meng , Ge Hong-lei , Shao Chuan-feng
Published: August 2023

Background

This study establishes a UHPLC‒MS/MS method for the detection of zanubrutinib and explores its interaction with fluconazole and isavuconazole in rats.

Methods

A protein precipitation method using acetonitrile was used to prepare plasma samples using ibrutinib as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of the analytes and internal standards were performed on a Shimadzu 8040 UHPLC‒MS/MS equipped with a Shim-pack velox C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 2.7 µm). Methanol and 0.1% formic acid-water were used as mobile phases. Intraday and interday precision and accuracy, extraction recoveries, and matrix effects of this method were determined. The linearity and sample stability of the method were assessed. Eighteen male Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups with zanubrutinib (30 mg/kg) alone, zanubrutinib in combination with fluconazole (20 mg/kg) or zanubrutinib in combination with isavuconazole (20 mg/kg). Blood samples (200 µL) were collected at designated time points (ten evenly distributed time points within 12 h). The concentration of zanubrutinib was determined using the UHPLC‒MS/MS method developed in this study.

Results

The typical fragment ions were m/z 472.15 → 290.00 for zanubrutinib and m/z 441.20 → 138.10 for ibrutinib (IS). The range of the standard curve was 1-1000 ng/mL with a regressive coefficient (R2) of 0.999. The recoveries and matrix effects were 91.9-98.2% and 97.5-106.3%, respectively, at different concentration levels. The values for intra- and interday RSD% were lower than 9.8% and 5.8%, respectively. The RSD% value was less than 10.3%, and the RE% value was less than ± 4.0% under different storage conditions. Analysis of pharmacokinetic results suggested that coadministration with isavuconazole or fluconazole significantly increased the area under the curve (1081.67 ± 43.81 vs. 1267.55 ± 79.35 vs. 1721.61 ± 219.36), peak plasma concentration (332.00 ± 52.79 vs. 396.05 ± 37.19 vs. 494.51 ± 130.68), and time to peak (1.83 ± 0.41 vs. 2.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.17 ± 0.41) compared to zanubrutinib alone.

Conclusion

This study provides information to understand the metabolism of zanubrutinib with concurrent use with isavuconazole or fluconazole, and further clinical trials are needed to validate the results in animals.
Barriers to infection prevention and control in long-term care/assisted living settings in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Srigley Jocelyn A. , Cheng Brooke , Collet Jun Chen , Donovan Towell Tara , Han Guanghong , Keen Dave , Leung Ka Wai , Mori Julie , Ali R. Ayesha
Published: August 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted long-term care and assisted living (LTC/AL) facilities in Canada, where infection prevention and control (IPAC) programs had been suboptimal. We aimed to identify barriers affecting healthcare workers’ (HCW) adherence to IPAC practices during the pandemic in British Columbia in LTC/AL compared to acute care settings.

Methods

We conducted a web-based survey of direct care providers and IPAC professionals across BC from August to September 2021, focused on knowledge and attitudes toward IPAC within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and barriers that affected respondents’ abilities to follow IPAC practices throughout the pandemic.

Results

The final analysis included 896 acute care respondents and 441 from LTC/AL. More LTC/AL respondents reported experiencing the following barriers: following IPAC guidance was of lower priority compared to other tasks (29.1% vs. 14.7%, FDR = 0.001) and not their responsibility (28.0% vs. 11.2%, FDR = 0.001); limited supplies for personal protective equipment (PPE) (49.0% vs. 33.6%, FDR = 0.001), hand hygiene products (42.2% vs. 28.8%, FDR = 0.001), and cleaning/disinfection products (44.1% vs. 30.3%, FDR = 0.001); deficits in IPAC leadership support (46.2% vs. 38.9%, FDR = 0.012), IPAC education and training (46.9% vs. 32.0%, FDR = 0.001), and patient care knowledge for managing COVID-19 infections (46.6% vs. 36.0%, FDR = 0.001).

Conclusions

This survey found that barriers to HCWs’ adherence to IPAC practices during the COVID-19 pandemic were different in LTC/AL settings compared to acute care. Improvement efforts should focus on strengthening IPAC programs in LTC/AL, particularly enhanced IPAC staffing/leadership, increased training and education, and improving access to PPE, hand hygiene, and cleaning products.
Do beluga whales truly migrate? Testing a key trait of the classical migration syndrome
Authors: Storrie Luke , Loseto Lisa L. , Sutherland Emma L. , MacPhee Shannon A. , O’Corry-Crowe Greg , Hussey Nigel E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Migration enables organisms to access resources in separate regions that have predictable but asynchronous spatiotemporal variability in habitat quality. The classical migration syndrome is defined by key traits including directionally persistent long-distance movements during which maintenance activities are suppressed. But recently, seasonal round-trip movements have frequently been considered to constitute migration irrespective of the traits required to meet this movement type, conflating common outcomes with common traits required for a mechanistic understanding of long-distance movements. We aimed to test whether a cetacean ceases foraging during so-called migratory movements, conforming to a trait that defines classical migration.

Methods

We used location and dive data collected by satellite tags deployed on beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Eastern Beaufort Sea population, which undertake long-distance directed movements between summer and winter areas. To identify phases of directionally persistent travel, behavioural states (area-restricted search, ARS; or Transit) were decoded using a hidden-Markov model, based on step length and turning angle. Established dive profiles were then used as a proxy for foraging, to test the hypothesis that belugas cease foraging during these long-distance transiting movements, i.e., they suppress maintenance activities.

Results

Belugas principally made directed horizontal movements when moving between summer and winter residency areas, remaining in a Transit state for an average of 75.4% (range = 58.5–87.2%) of the time. All individuals, however, exhibited persistent foraging during Transit movements (75.8% of hours decoded as the Transit state had ≥ 1 foraging dive). These data indicate that belugas actively search for and/or respond to resources during these long-distance movements that are typically called a migration.

Conclusions

The long-distance movements of belugas do not conform to the traits defining the classical migration syndrome, but instead have characteristics of both migratory and nomadic behaviour, which may prove adaptive in the face of unpredictable environmental change. Such patterns are likely present in other cetaceans that have been labeled as migratory. Examination of not only horizontal movement state, but also the vertical behaviour of aquatic animals during directed movements is essential for identifying whether a species exhibits traits of the classical migration syndrome or another long-distance movement strategy, enabling improved ecological inference.
Anesthesia outcomes of pregnant women with spinal diseases: a single-center case-series study
Authors: Yakhup Adila , Okada Hisako , Kawagoe Izumi , Sumikura Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

Background

Neuraxial anesthesia is widely used as the most effective and standard method in obstetric anesthesia. However, there is a concern that neuraxial anesthesia may be technically difficult or ineffective in pregnant women with spinal disease. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the implementation rate of neuraxial anesthesia among pregnant women with spinal diseases and their success rate at our institution.

Methods

The subjects of this study were pregnant patients who delivered at Juntendo University Nerima Hospital between April 2017 and December 2020. After obtaining ethics committee approval, data were collected from patients’ medical records.

Results

Of the 2682 pregnant women who delivered, 1550 underwent preanesthetic evaluation. There were 42 deliveries in 39 pregnant women with spinal diseases (1.7% of all pregnant women and 2.7% of those who underwent preanesthetic evaluation). The diagnoses included adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (51.3%), lumbar disc herniation (23.1%), and others. The mode of delivery was the elective cesarean section in 5 cases, emergent cesarean section in 8 cases, and vaginal delivery in 29 cases. Only one case required general anesthesia. Of the 38 cases of labor analgesia, the neuraxial block was inadequate in 3 cases (7.9%) and technically difficult in 3 cases (7.9%). However, the patients complained of no lower extremity neuropathy, infection, or inadvertent dural puncture.

Discussion

Neuraxial anesthesia was an option in most cases, even in pregnant women complicated with spinal disease, if an anesthesiologist’s plan before delivery after careful preanesthetic evaluation.
First-in-human study of a novel cell death tracer [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin: safety, biodistribution and radiation dosimetry in healthy volunteers
Authors: Metelerkamp Cappenberg Taco , De Schepper Stijn , Vangestel Christel , De Lombaerde Stef , wyffels Leonie , Van den Wyngaert Tim , Mattis Jeffrey , Gray Brian , Pak Koon , Stroobants Sigrid , Elvas Filipe
Published: August 2023

Background

Imaging of cell death can provide an early indication of treatment response in cancer. [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin is a small-peptide SPECT tracer that recognizes both apoptotic and necrotic cells by binding to phosphatidylethanolamine present in the cell membrane. Preclinically, this tracer has shown to have favorable pharmacokinetics and selective tumor accumulation early after the onset of anticancer therapy. In this first-in-human study, we report the safety, biodistribution and internal radiation dosimetry of [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin in healthy human volunteers.

Results

Six healthy volunteers (3 males, 3 females) were injected intravenously with [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin (dose: 6 MBq/kg; 473 ± 36 MBq). [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin was well tolerated in all subjects, with no serious adverse events reported. Following injection, a 30-min dynamic planar imaging of the abdomen was performed, and whole-body (WB) planar scans were acquired at 1, 2, 3, 6 and 23 h post-injection (PI), with SPECT acquisitions after each WB scan and one low-dose CT after the first SPECT. In vivo 99mTc activities were determined from semi-quantitative analysis of the images, and time-activity curves were generated. Residence times were calculated from the dynamic and WB planar scans. The mean effective dose was 7.61 ± 0.75 µSv/MBq, with the kidneys receiving the highest absorbed dose (planar analysis: 43.82 ± 4.07 µGy/MBq, SPECT analysis: 19.72 ± 3.42 μGy/MBq), followed by liver and spleen. The median effective dose was 3.61 mSv (range, 2.85–4.14). The tracer cleared slowly from the blood (effective half-life of 2.0 ± 0.4 h) due to high plasma protein binding with < 5% free tracer 3 h PI. Excretion was almost exclusively renal.

Conclusion

[99mTc]Tc-Duramycin demonstrated acceptable dosimetry (< 5 mSv) and a favorable safety profile. Due to slow blood clearance, optimal target-to-background ratios are expected 5 h PI. These data support the further assessment of [99mTc]Tc-Duramycin for clinical treatment response evaluation.

Trial registration: NCT05177640, Registered April 30, 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05177640.
Optimal PV array reconfiguration under partial shading condition through dynamic leader based collective intelligence
Authors: Wang Yutong , Yang Bo
Published: August 2023

This paper applies the innovative idea of DLCI to PV array reconfiguration under various PSCs to capture the maximum output power of a PV generation system. DLCI is a hybrid algorithm that integrates multiple meta-heuristic algorithms. Through the competition and cooperation of the search mechanisms of different metaheuristic algorithms, the local exploration and global development of the algorithm can be effectively improved to avoid power mismatch of the PV system caused by the algorithm falling into a local optimum. A series of discrete operations are performed on DLCI to solve the discrete optimization problem of PV array reconfiguration. Two structures (DLCI-I and DLCI-II) are designed to verify the effect of increasing the number of sub-optimizers on the optimized performance of DLCI by simulation based on 10 cases of PSCs. The simulation shows that the increase of the number of sub-optimizers only gives a relatively small improvement on the DLCI optimization performance. DLCI has a significant effect on the reduction in the number of power peaks caused by PSC. The PV array-based reconstruction system of DLCI-II is reduced by 4.05%, 1.88%, 1.68%, 0.99% and 3.39%, when compared to the secondary optimization algorithms.
Pillars for successful operationalization of one health as an ecosystem approach: experience from a human-animal interface in the Maasai steppe in Tanzania
Authors: Gwakisa Paul , George Janeth , Sindato Calvin , Ngonyoka Anibariki , Nnko Happiness , Assenga Justine , Kimera Sharadhuli , Nessele Moses Ole
Published: August 2023

Background

Solving complex public health challenges requires integrated approaches to health, such as One Health. A key element of the One Health approach is the interrelationship between human, animal and environmental health and the associated multistakeholder collaboration across many cultural, disciplinary, institutional and sectoral boundaries. Here we describe a pragmatic approach for One Health operationalisation basing on our long-term engagement with communities faced with health challenges in a human-livestock-wildlife interface in the Maasai steppe in northern Tanzania.

Methods

Using a qualitative study design we performed an outcome mapping to document insights on results integration from our previous project. Data were collected through participatory community meetings, in-depth interviews and field observations. Field notes were coded and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

We found that effective implementation of One Health interventions in complex ecosystems works best by understanding local conditions and their context and by working closely with the local people and relevant disciplinary players as one complex adaptive system. Community engagement, systems analysis, transdisciplinarity as well as political commitment played critical roles in successful operationalization of One Health. We have further emphasized that project ownership is as important to the local community as it is to the researchers. When used in combination, these elements (community engagement, systems analysis, transdisciplinarity) provide essential pillars for co-creation and maintaining collective action to set a common vision across disciplines, serving as inputs for a metrics-based toolbox for One Health operationalisation.

Conclusion

Considering the novelty and complexity of One Health operationalisation, there is need also to develop scorecard-based guidance for assessment of One Health programs at local and national level. This paper proposes a framework for the optimization of an ecosystems-based One Health approach for prevention and control of Vector-Borne Diseases implemented at the local, sub-national or national level.
Acute lymphocytic myocarditis presenting as complete heart block in an adult: a case report
Authors: Camilleri Thomas , Grech Neil , Caruana Maryanne , Sammut Mark
Published: August 2023

Background

Complete heart block (CHB) as a first presentation of acute viral myocarditis is a rare occurrence associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In such cases, an endomyocardial biopsy is recommended to make a clear histological diagnosis aiding to differentiate from other possible conditions such as sarcoiditic myocarditis, giant cell myocarditis, and eosinophilic myocarditis. Insertion of a permanent pacemaker may be considered on a case-to-case basis.

Case presentation

A previously healthy 21-year-old female presented to the emergency department after having suffered two episodes of syncope on a background of a few days’ history of myalgias, chills, and rigors. Electrocardiogram showed high-grade Mobitz II block with intermittent periods of CHB. A bedside echocardiogram upon admission demonstrated normal biventricular systolic function. Given the patient’s unstable haemodynamic status and lack of obvious reversible causes for the CHB, a permanent dual-chamber pacemaker was inserted urgently. Initial blood investigations indicated an ongoing inflammatory process highlighting the possibility of myocarditis as a cause of the CHB. Therefore, a troponin level was taken and was noted to be elevated confirming the suspicion of myocarditis. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decreased over the following days to approximately 20%, clinically resulting in pulmonary oedema and acute shortness of breath. The patient required aggressive intravenous diuresis and anti-heart failure medication. An endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) confirmed the diagnosis of lymphocytic myocarditis. The patient’s condition improved secondary to an improvement in LVEF and resolution of the heart block. A cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging performed 6 weeks from admission reported an improved LVEF of 51% with no late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Based on the reassuring CMR findings and the resolution of CHB on follow-up pacemaker checks, it was deemed safe to explant the pacemaker.

Conclusions

Acute myocarditis may be complicated with high-degree AV block and cardiogenic shock necessitating close observation in a critical care unit. A permanent pacemaker may provide atrio-ventricular synchrony which helps stabilise the patient’s condition and protect from a prolonged period of heart block. Early myocardial fibrosis on EMB and degree of LGE on CMR are indicators of persistent atrioventricular block. Guideline-directed treatment of heart failure is essential.
Mechanisms of HIF-driven immunosuppression in tumour microenvironment
Authors: Bandopadhyay Shinjini , Patranabis Somi
Published: August 2023

Hypoxia arises due to insufficient oxygen delivery to rapidly proliferating tumour cells that outpace the available blood supply. It is a characteristic feature of most solid tumour microenvironments and plays a critical role in regulating anti-tumour immunity, enhancing tumoral heterogeneity, and promoting therapeutic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are the major hypoxia-responsive transcription factors that are activated under low oxygenation conditions and have been identified to drive multifunctional roles in tumour immune evasion. The HIF signalling network serves as an attractive target for targeted therapeutic approaches. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most crucial mechanisms by which HIF controls the expression of immunosuppressive molecules and immune checkpoints, disrupts cancer immunogenicity, and induces immunotherapeutic resistance.
Modified whole-body postmortem computed tomography angiography using neck approach
Authors: Rashid Saiful Nizam Abdul , Klop Anthony Cornelis , Feng Siew Sheue , Mahmud Rozi , Singh Mansharan Kaur Chainchel
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of radiologic imaging methods in postmortem practice has been advent since the discovery of X-rays. However, with advancement in technology and the emergence of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT), computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in clinical radiology, several centers around the world have begun using these methods as an adjunct to conventional autopsy. The aim of this study is to introduce a modified protocol for whole-body postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) based on body weight and neck approach as an alternative to the different PMCTA approaches currently available as most previous studies concentrated on the use of femoral approach for whole-body PMCTA with neck approach for selective or targeted PMCTA.

Methods

This was a prospective, double-blinded, cross-sectional study performed on 60 subjects with a mean age of 45.6 years and weight ranging between 43 and 112 kg utilizing ionized water-soluble contrast medium mixed with polyethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol 200).

Results

PMCTA using neck dissection showed promising results with good image quality and diagnostic capabilities assisting the forensic pathologists in determining the final cause of death with a strong correlation between both radiologists and pathologists in 86.7% of cases.

Conclusions

This study showed that the modified infusion protocol based on body weight using the neck approach provided a good depiction of the vascular system down to the level of the small supplying vessels similar to the other different approaches for PMCTA.
Root coverage surgeries using modified tunneling technique of xenogenic collagen matrix versus autologous connective tissue graft as a treatment of Miller class II gingival recession (RCT study)
Authors: Hamid Ahmed Mortada Fikry Abdel , Abou-Zeid Ahmed Wael Aly , Abdelfattah Mohamed Yehia Saad
Published: August 2023

Background

Recently, there is increased demand for periodontal plastic surgery and development of new surgical approaches for aesthetic purposes. Gingival recession (GR) is the exposure of the root surfaces leading to esthetic problems, hypersensitivity, caries of the roots and teeth loss. Coronally advanced flap is considered a predictable treatment of GR but it needs a filler like subperiosteal connective tissue graft (CTG) which is considered as the gold standard treatment approach. The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical benefits and effectiveness of a xenogenic collagen matrix (mucoderm, botiss, dental, Berlin, Germany) to CTG for treatment of GR.

Results

Regarding clinical parameters, mean preoperative values for attached gingiva, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and gingival recession for group I were (1.8 ± 0.7 mm, 1.2 ± 0.3 mm, 6.6 ± 0.4 mm and 5.4 ± 0.2 mm) respectively. While mean postoperative values were (2.3 ± 0.9 mm, 1.1 ± 0.4 mm, 3.4 ± 0.5 mm and 2.7 ± 0.7 mm For group two preoperative mean values were (1.9 ± 0.3 mm, 1.1 ± 0.5 mm, 6.8 ± 0.5 mm and 5.4 ± 0.2 mm) respectively. While mean for postoperative values of attached gingiva, probing depth, clinical attachment loss and gingival recession for group tow were (2.5 ± 0.6 mm, 0.8 ± 0.3 mm, 3.7 ± 0.2 mm and 3.1 ± 0.3 mm) respectively All of the clinical parameters measured showed a significant difference between pre ad postoperative measurements while there was no significant differences between the two groups (test and control group). Regarding the patients satisfaction the percentage was greater in test group but the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

In general, all of the parameters measured showed a significant difference between pre and postoperative measurements for each group but there is no significant difference between the two groups using (two treatment approaches. Both treatment procedures are considered efficient in increasing zone of attached gingiva and decreasing its clinical attachment loss. Mucoderm is considered as an efficient alternative to CTG for treatment of gingival recession.
Characterizing excision repair cross-complementing family genes as drug resistance biomarkers in breast cancer
Authors: Hermawan Adam , Putri Herwandhani
Published: August 2023

Background

Excision repair cross-complementing (ERCC) genes are important regulators of DNA repair processes, the aberrant expression of which may lead to treatment failures of breast cancer. The prognostic significance of the ERCC genes in several cancers has been investigated, except for breast cancer; therefore, we explored the ERCC genes, including ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC3, ERCC4, ERCC5, ERCC6, and ERCC8 in breast cancer, particularly during drug resistance processes.

Results

Using the 2021 provisional study of The Metastatic Breast Cancer Project from cBioPortal, we identified ERCC genetic alterations in 8–36% of patients, where most alterations were considered amplifications followed by deep deletions. Pathway enrichment analyses identified Wnt signaling enrichment which contributed to cell proliferation. ERCC2 had the highest epigenetic alteration levels at 7 DNA methylation sites. Also, the mRNA levels of ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC4, ERCC6, and ERCC8 were higher in patients with breast cancer when compared to normal breast tissues, with higher ERCC2 but lower ERCC8 levels in metastatic breast tissues. Breast cancer patients with low ERCC6 levels had better overall survival rates than the groups with higher ERCC6 levels. ERCC1, ERCC2, and ERCC4 were identified as endocrine therapy response predictors. ERCC1 was specifically an antihuman epidermal growth factor receptor therapy predictor, and ERCC1, ERCC2, ERCC6, and ERCC8 were chemotherapy response predictors.

Conclusion

We used bioinformatics to investigate and identify the roles of ERCC genes in breast cancer resistant cells, in particular ERCC1, ERCC2, and ERCC6. We also showed how the Wnt pathway and DNA repair processes had a role in drug resistance in breast cancer cells, but further studies are required to validate those results.
Breaking down bacterial communication: a review of quorum quenching agents
Authors: Boban Tresa , Nadar Sahaya , Tauro Savita
Published: August 2023

Background

Bacterial cells communicate via small extracellular molecules that facilitate gene expression which is dependent on cell density and this mechanism is known as Quorum Sensing (QS). At low cell density, these bacteria show a single cellular type of behavior but once they reach the threshold level they alter to a multicellular type and hence a QS is established by the transfer of signalling molecules called autoinducers. Quorum sensing inhibitors (QSI) are those that hinder the quorum sensing pathway.

Main body of the abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance has become a threat to mankind with quorum sensing being one of the mechanisms responsible for this resistance. Hence Quorum Quenching can be considered to interrupt bacterial communication. This review focuses on the effects of different synthetic and natural quorum-sensing inhibitors on different organisms and how it affects their gene regulation.

Conclusion

Different natural and synthetic agents can quench quorum sensing by various mechanistic pathways. The various quorum-sensing inhibitors against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria provide a wider scope to prevent emerging antimicrobial resistance.
At any Level of Adiposity, Relatively Elevated Leptin Concentrations Are Associated With Decreased Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: Chiriacò Martina , Nesti Lorenzo , Flyvbjerg Allan , Golay Alain , Nazare Julie-Anne , Anderwald Christian-Heinz , Mitrakou Asimina , Bizzotto Roberto , Mari Andrea , Natali Andrea
Published: August 2023

Context

The impact of obesity on glucose homeostasis has high interindividual variability, which may be partially explained by different adipokine concentrations. Leptin regulates energy balance and metabolism, and although its plasma levels are proportional to fat mass, they vary significantly across individuals with the same level of adiposity.

Objective

We tested whether glucose homeostasis differs in subjects with similar degrees of adiposity but different leptin levels.

Methods

We analyzed 1290 healthy adults from the Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease study cohort (30-60 years; male/female, 577/713; body mass index [BMI], 25 ± 3 kg/m2) characterized for body composition and metabolic variables with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, β-cell function, and lipidomics.

Results

Individuals were divided into relatively high and low leptin (RHL and RLL) if they were above or below the sex-specific leptin-fat mass (%) regression. Despite similar glucose tolerance, RHL showed markedly higher fasting and oral glucose tolerance test insulin concentration (+30% and +29%, respectively; P < .0001) and secretion (+17% and +11%, respectively; P < .0001). Regardless of BMI, RHL individuals had lower whole-body (−17-23%, P < .0001) and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity (−24%, P < .0001) compared with RLL. Notably, lean RHL individuals showed similar insulin sensitivity and β-cell function to RLL individuals with overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

Subjects with leptin levels that are inappropriately elevated for their fat mass show whole-body/adipose tissue insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, regardless of BMI.
Asymmetric Adrenals: Sexual Dimorphism of Adrenal Tumors
Authors: Bechmann Nicole , Moskopp Mats Leif , Constantinescu Georgiana , Stell Anthony , Ernst Angela , Berthold Frank , Westermann Frank , Jiang Jingjing , Lui Longfei , Nowak Elisabeth , Zopp Stephanie , Pacak Karel , Peitzsch Mirko , Schedl Andreas , Reincke Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Bornstein Stefan R , Fassnacht Martin , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: August 2023

Context

Sexual dimorphism has direct consequences on the incidence and survival of cancer. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to improve prognosis.

Objective

This work aimed to characterized the influence of sex and adrenal asymmetry on the emergence of adrenal tumors.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, observational study involving 8037 patients with adrenal tumors, including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas (CSAs), non-aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical adenoma (NAPACA), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and neuroblastoma (NB), and investigated tumor lateralization according to sex. Human adrenal tissues (n = 20) were analyzed with a multiomics approach that allows determination of gene expression, catecholamine, and steroid contents in a single sample. In addition, we performed a literature review of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging–based studies examining adrenal gland size.

Results

ACC (n = 1858); CSA (n = 68), NAPACA (n = 2174), and PCC (n = 1824) were more common in females than in males (female-to-male ratio: 1.1:1-3.8:1), whereas NBs (n = 2320) and APAs (n = 228) were less prevalent in females (0.8:1). ACC, APA, CSA, NAPACA, and NB occurred more frequently in the left than in the right adrenal (left-to-right ratio: 1.1:1-1.8:1), whereas PCC arose more often in the right than in the left adrenal (0.8:1). In both sexes, the left adrenal was larger than the right adrenal; females have smaller adrenals than males.

Conclusion

Adrenal asymmetry in both sexes may be related to the pathogenesis of adrenal tumors and should be considered during the diagnosis of these tumors.
“If It No Go So, It Go Near So”: Marlon James and Collective Memory
Authors: Kortenaar Neil Ten
Published: August 2023

Marlon James's A Brief History of Seven Killings fictionalizes a historical incident, the shooting of Bob Marley in Kingston in 1976, and the larger political, economic, and cultural forces that led to it and emerged from it. Real people can enter fiction and retain their names if they have already entered history or journalism—if, in other words, they are already part of a shared imagination. But there is a difference between the local Jamaican and global collective memories, a difference that determines which people keep their names and how people are remembered. People seek to enter the imagination of others, but to do so is also to risk being hollowed out and rendered imaginable, becoming a fictional character and less than a full person. But if there is only fiction, fiction also contributes to the collective memory. An awareness of the performative nature of identity and action is precisely how one can control how one is remembered and, just as important, how one eludes the imagination of others. A Brief History adds to the collective memory of readers everywhere but recognizes that Jamaicans already have their own collective memory, that they are self-conscious about what it means to come to the attention of others, and that they have always contributed to shaping the larger collective memory, including when they do not appear in it.
Long-Term Outcomes of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Associated Non-functional Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Should We Be More Conservative?
Authors: Arya Shahrzad , Ventin Marco , Nebbia Martina , Fernandez-del Castillo Carlos , Lionetto Gabriella , Qadan Motaz , Lillemoe Keith D. , Deshpande Vikram , Catalano Onofrio A. , Thiele Elizabeth A. , Ferrone Cristina R.
Published: August 2023

Background

Hereditary syndromes such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) account for 10% of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Surgical intervention is the current standard of care for sporadic PNETs (spPNETs) that are >2 cm in size. We compared the long-term outcomes of resected TSC-PNETs with patients with spPNETs.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of perioperative data and outcomes of TSC-PNETs compared with spPNETs. Inclusion criteria involved selecting patients whose tumors were no larger than 5.1 cm, the maximum size observed in the TSC-PNET group.

Results

Of the 347 patients resected for PNETs, 14 were TSC-PNETs and 241 were non-functional spPNETs. The median age for the whole cohort was 56 years (interquartile range [IQR] 21.0) and 47% were female. The median follow-up was 103.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 89.2–118.6). Specifically, 14 patients with TSC-PNETs and 194 patients with spPNETs were included. Compared with spPNETs, patients with TSC-PNETs were operated on at a younger age (24.0 vs. 57.5 years; p < 0.001), were more frequently multifocal (28.5% vs. 0.0%; p < 0.001), were more likely to undergo minimally invasive operations (78.6% vs. 24.3%; p < 0.001), and had more R1 resections (28.6% vs. 5.7%; p = 0.006). Local and distant tumor recurrence was only observed in the spPNET group. The 5-year mortality rates for the spPNET and TSC-PNET groups were 6.2% and 0.0%, respectively. No PNET-related deaths were observed among TSC-PNETs.

Conclusion

None of the TSC-PNET patients recurred after a median follow-up of 78.0 months. The risk-benefit of aggressive pancreatic operations in TSC-PNET patients is still unclear and our findings suggest a conservative approach should be considered.
The genome sequence of the Rusty Oak Moth, Cydia amplana (Hübner, 1799)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Cydia amplana (the Rusty Oak Moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 504.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.84 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of wood avens, Geum urbanum L., 1753
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Lu Meng ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Geum urbanum (the wood avens; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Rosaceae). The genome sequence is 1,304.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genomes have also been assembled and are 335.5 and 156.1 kilobases in length respectively.
The genome sequence of the short-fringed mining bee, Andrena dorsata (Kirby, 1802)
Authors: Falk Steven , Mulley John F. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Andrena dorsata (the short-fringed mining bee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Andrenidae). The genome sequence is 277.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 3 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.11 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,916 protein coding genes.
Basic postulates of the new administrative-territorial structure of Ukraine
Authors: Kudelina S. , Nikolaieva O. , Hetmanenko A. , Khomutov V.
Published: August 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the basic postulates of reforming the administrative-territorial structure of Ukraine. The authors proved that the regional volume of geographical support of this problem – informational, cartographic, geoinformational, scientific, pilot-project is much wider. The increased attention of geographers to the problems of the ATR and the new ATS is evidenced by the first dissertation developments and the growing flow of publications and scientific discussions on regionalization and administrative-territorial arrangement of the country.
The impact of using a protective mask on the occurrence of maskne (mask acne) during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Jakubowska Eliza , Nowak Tomasz , Łazicka Patrycja , Jasińska Joanna , Miziniak Marta , Karolak Aleksandra
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The term "maskne" was coined to describe acne caused by long-term wearing of a mask. It is a type of mechanical acne caused by the pressure and friction of the mask material against the skin. Although it’s prevalance is not well known, the maskne problem is becoming more and more significant.

Aim of study 

The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence and factors affecting the occurrence of mask acne.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic among 148 residents of Poland. The results were obtained thanks to a self-conducted questionnaire distributed in both electronic and traditional form.

Results

In total, 148 participants took part in the study. 106 (71.6%) were women and 42 (28.4%) were men, with the dominant age group being 26-40, 70 (47.3%). Most participants wore a mask seven days a week, 62 (41.9%), four to eight hours a day, 70 (47.3%). Surgical masks were the most frequently used masks – 60 (40.5%). Ninety (60.8%) participants had no prior facial skin disease. Only 58 (39.2%) of participants had prior facial skin lesions. Of these, acne vulgaris was the most common, 48 (82.8%), followed by rosacea, 6 (10.4%), and psoriasis, 4 (6.8%). Fifty-three people (35.8%) who had facial acne before the pandemic said their acne got worse.

Conclusions

This study showed a significant association between the worsening of existing acne and frequent and long-term use of face masks. Therefore, certain measures should be taken to prevent the formation of new acne or the aggravation of existing acne while maintaining protection with face masks, especially for those working in the healthcare sector.