bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A large carbon sink induced by the implementation of the largest afforestation program on Earth
Authors: Zhu Jiaojun , Sun Yirong , Zheng Xiao , Yang Kai , Wang G. Geoff , Xia Chaozong , Sun Tao , Zhang Jinxin
Published: September 2023

Background

Three-North Afforestation Program (TNAP) in China is the largest ecological restoration project on Earth (ongoing from 1978 to 2050), harboring a huge area of newly planted forests, which provides a wealth of goods and ecosystem services that benefit society at levels ranging from region to East Asia. This project-induced carbon (C) sink has been expected to be large, but its size and location remain uncertain.

Results

In this study, we investigated the changes in the C stocks of biomass, soil C and the C accumulation benefited from the ecological effects in the project areas from 1978 to 2017 within the Three-North regions (4.069 × 106 km2), and evaluated its project-induced C sequestration. Using a combination of remote sensing images, field observations and national forest inventory data, we estimated a total ecosystem sink of 47.06 Tg C per year (1 Tg = 1012 g) increased by the TNAP implementation. Importantly, we first found that the C sink via the ecological effects of this project could contribute to a high proportion up to 15.94%, indicating a critical role of ecological effects in shaping the distribution of C stocks in the protective forests. This finding suggests that it is necessary to explicitly consider carbon sequestration benefited from the ecological effects when estimating C sink and parameterizing C models of the restoration projects in China and globally.

Conclusions

Our results update the estimates of C pools in the world's largest ecological restoration project area, demonstrating that this project has substantially contributed to mitigating the climate change.
Drug policies’ sensitivity towards women, pregnancy, and motherhood: a content analysis of national policy and programs from nine countries and their adherence to international guidelines
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Jerkovic Dijana , Ignjatova Liljana Aleksandar , Bruguera Carla , Ibrahim Dalia I. , Okulicz-Kozaryn Katarzyna , Maphisa J. Maphisa , Martinelli Thomas F. , Neto Ana , Canedo Joana , Gordon Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Background and objectives

Substance use in women is associated with unique psycho-social and physical vulnerabilities and poses complex challenges during pregnancy and motherhood. Gender-sensitive drug policy which considers the needs of women and their children could address these concerns. The objectives of this study were: (1) to systematically explore national-level drug policies’ sensitivity and responsiveness to women, pregnant women, and children; and (2) to examine the adherence of drug policies with international guidelines for gender sensitivity in drug policy.

Methods

The research team was diverse professional backgrounds and nine countries. A summative content analysis of national drug policy documents, action plans, and strategies was performed. Specific documents focusing on women, pregnancy, and children were analysed. Specific themes and how frequently they appeared in the documents were identified. This quantification was an attempt to explore usage indicating the relative focus of the policies. A thematic map was developed to understand how national-level drug policies conceive and address specific concerns related to women who use drugs. We adapted the UNODC checklist for gender mainstreaming to assess policies’ adherence to international guidelines.

Results

Twenty published documents from nine countries were reviewed. The common themes that emerged for women, pregnancy, and children were needs assessment, prevention, treatment, training, supply reduction, and collaboration and coordination. Custody of children was a unique theme for pregnant women. Specific psycho-social concerns and social reintegration were special themes for women, whereas legislation, harm reduction, research, and resource allocation were children-specific additional themes. For women-specific content analysis, special issues/concerns in women with drug misuse, need assessment, and prevention were the three most frequent themes; for the children-specific policies, prevention, training, and treatment comprised the three most occurring themes. For pregnant women/pregnancy, prevention, treatment, and child custody were the highest occurring themes. According to ratings of the countries’ policies, there is limited adherence to international guidelines which ensure activities are in sync with the specific needs of women, pregnant women and their children.

Conclusion

Our analysis should help policymakers revise, update and adapt national policies to ensure they are gender-responsive and address the needs of women, pregnant women and their children.
How effective are protected areas for reducing threats to biodiversity? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Pulido-Chadid Katherine , Virtanen Elina , Geldmann Jonas
Published: September 2023

Background

Protected areas (PAs) have become one of the most important instruments to preserve nature and, when effective, can significantly reduce human pressure and derived threats to biodiversity. However, evidence suggests that despite the growing number and coverage of PAs worldwide, biodiversity trends continue to deteriorate, and human pressure increases outside and inside PAs. While many studies have focused on the effectiveness of PAs in maintaining ecological features, less attention has been given to the threat reduction potential of PAs, despite threats being one of the main factors leading to the need to conserve biodiversity. It is therefore essential to understand PAs' role in addressing threats. In this paper, we describe the protocol for conducting a systematic review to explore and review the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of PAs as an intervention to reduce threats to biodiversity. We will examine the role of PAs in addressing several types of threats. Thus, our primary research question is: How effective are protected areas for reducing threats to biodiversity?

Methods

This protocol follows the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence guidelines for evidence synthesis and complies with the ROSES (Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Synthesis) reporting framework. We will use a comprehensive search, covering databases such as Web of Science—core collection and Scopus and organizational websites to capture relevant grey literature. Our search terms and strategies aim to find studies assessing change of threats given in PAs at any scale and ecosystem type capturing literature in English. Independent reviewers will screen search results at the title—abstract, and full text levels. In order to evaluate the relevance of the evidence, we will use the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Critical Appraisal Tool. The results will be presented as a narrative synthesis supported by quantitative data. Additionally, a meta-analysis, if possible, will be performed.
External validation of semi-automated surveillance algorithms for deep surgical site infections after colorectal surgery in an independent country
Authors: van der Werff Suzanne D. , Verberk Janneke D.M. , Buchli Christian , van Mourik Maaike S.M. , Nauclér Pontus
Published: September 2023

Background

Automated surveillance methods that re-use electronic health record data are considered an attractive alternative to traditional manual surveillance. However, surveillance algorithms need to be thoroughly validated before being implemented in a clinical setting. With semi-automated surveillance patients are classified as low or high probability of having developed infection, and only high probability patients subsequently undergo manual record review. The aim of this study was to externally validate two existing semi-automated surveillance algorithms for deep SSI after colorectal surgery, developed on Spanish and Dutch data, in a Swedish setting.

Methods

The algorithms were validated in 225 randomly selected surgeries from Karolinska University Hospital from the period January 1, 2015 until August 31, 2020. Both algorithms were based on (re)admission and discharge data, mortality, reoperations, radiology orders, and antibiotic prescriptions, while one additionally used microbiology cultures. SSI was based on ECDC definitions. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and workload reduction were assessed compared to manual surveillance.

Results

Both algorithms performed well, yet the algorithm not relying on microbiological culture data had highest sensitivity (97.6, 95%CI: 87.4–99.6), which was comparable to previously published results. The latter algorithm aligned best with clinical practice and would lead to 57% records less to review.

Conclusions

The results highlight the importance of thorough validation before implementation in other clinical settings than in which algorithms were originally developed: the algorithm excluding microbiology cultures had highest sensitivity in this new setting and has the potential to support large-scale semi-automated surveillance of SSI after colorectal surgery.
High-energy blunt pelvic ring injury incidence and polytrauma caseload in a single level I trauma center during COVID-19 related pseudo-lockdown measures: a retrospective cohort study based on a prospective registry
Authors: Morello Vanessa , Zingg Matthieu , Andereggen Elisabeth , Ansorge Alexandre , Valisena Silvia , Gamulin Axel
Published: September 2023

Background

Pelvic ring injuries are potentially lethal lesions associated with polytrauma patients and need an efficient trauma team for their management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries and the absolute number of polytrauma patients in a single level I trauma center during the 2020 pseudo-lockdown period related to the Coronavirus pandemic, and to compare it with corresponding periods in 2014–2019 in order to better understand the need of organized and dedicated personnel and infrastructures.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on data prospectively recorded into the institutional Severely Injured Patients’ Registry. Data were obtained for each year period (January 1st to December 31st) and corresponding pseudo-lockdown period (March 16th to June 19th). High-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries inclusion criteria were: (1) Registry entry between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2020; (2) age ≥ 16 years old; and (3) pelvic ring injury presence. Corresponding exclusion criteria were: (1) death before admission; (2) transfer from another institution > 24 h after trauma; (3) penetrating, blast, burn and electrical injuries, drownings; (4) patients living outside the defined institution’s catchment area; and (5) any document attesting the patient’s will to not participate in any study. Polytrauma patients inclusion criteria were: (1) Registry entry between January 1st, 2014 and December 31st, 2020; (2) age ≥ 16 years old; and (3) Injury Severity Score ≥ 16. Corresponding exclusion criteria were: (1) death before admission; (2) transfer from another institution > 24 h after trauma; and (3) any document attesting the patient’s will to not participate in any study. Categorical variables were reported using proportions and continuous variables using medians and interquartile ranges. Because data were exhaustive for the authors’ level I trauma center, no inferential statistics were computed.

Results

The incidence of high-energy blunt pelvic ring injuries and the absolute number of polytrauma patients remained within range of previous years despite pseudo-lockdown measures.

Conclusions

These observations bring better knowledge about pseudo-lockdown’s impact on trauma and may help for future health strategy planning by pointing out the importance of maintaining the activity of level I trauma centers in terms of personnel and infrastructures.
Ochratoxin A induces abnormal tryptophan metabolism in the intestine and liver to activate AMPK signaling pathway
Authors: Ma Weiqing , Fu Yang , Zhu Shanshan , Xia Daiyang , Zhai Shuangshuang , Xiao Deqin , Zhu Yongwen , Dione Michel , Ben Lukuyu , Yang Lin , Wang Wence
Published: September 2023

Background

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin widely present in raw food and feed materials and is mainly produced by Aspergillus ochraceus and Penicillium verrucosum. Our previous study showed that OTA principally induces liver inflammation by causing intestinal flora disorder, especially Bacteroides plebeius (B. plebeius) overgrowth. However, whether OTA or B. plebeius alteration leads to abnormal tryptophan-related metabolism in the intestine and liver is largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the metabolic changes in the intestine and liver induced by OTA and the tryptophan-related metabolic pathway in the liver.

Materials and methods

A total of 30 healthy 1-day-old male Cherry Valley ducks were randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group was given 0.1 mol/L NaHCO3 solution, and the OTA group was given 235 μg/kg body weight OTA for 14 consecutive days. Tryptophan metabolites were determined by intestinal chyme metabolomics and liver tryptophan-targeted metabolomics. AMPK-related signaling pathway factors were analyzed by Western blotting and mRNA expression.

Results

Metabolomic analysis of the intestinal chyme showed that OTA treatment resulted in a decrease in intestinal nicotinuric acid levels, the downstream product of tryptophan metabolism, which were significantly negatively correlated with B. plebeius abundance. In contrast, OTA induced a significant increase in indole-3-acetamide levels, which were positively correlated with B. plebeius abundance. Simultaneously, OTA decreased the levels of ATP, NAD+ and dipeptidase in the liver. Liver tryptophan metabolomics analysis showed that OTA inhibited the kynurenine metabolic pathway and reduced the levels of kynurenine, anthranilic acid and nicotinic acid. Moreover, OTA increased the phosphorylation of AMPK protein and decreased the phosphorylation of mTOR protein.

Conclusion

OTA decreased the level of nicotinuric acid in the intestinal tract, which was negatively correlated with B. plebeius abundance. The abnormal metabolism of tryptophan led to a deficiency of NAD+ and ATP in the liver, which in turn activated the AMPK signaling pathway. Our results provide new insights into the toxic mechanism of OTA, and tryptophan metabolism might be a target for prevention and treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Integrins and their potential roles in mammalian pregnancy
Authors: Johnson Gregory A. , Burghardt Robert C. , Bazer Fuller W. , Seo Heewon , Cain Joe W.
Published: September 2023

Integrins are a highly complex family of receptors that, when expressed on the surface of cells, can mediate reciprocal cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions leading to assembly of integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) that initiate many signaling functions both at the membrane and deeper within the cytoplasm to coordinate processes including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, differentiation, and metabolism. All metazoan organisms possess integrins, and it is generally agreed that integrins were associated with the evolution of multicellularity, being essential for the association of cells with their neighbors and surroundings, during embryonic development and many aspects of cellular and molecular biology. Integrins have important roles in many aspects of embryonic development, normal physiology, and disease processes with a multitude of functions discovered and elucidated for integrins that directly influence many areas of biology and medicine, including mammalian pregnancy, in particular implantation of the blastocyst to the uterine wall, subsequent placentation and conceptus (embryo/fetus and associated placental membranes) development. This review provides a succinct overview of integrin structure, ligand binding, and signaling followed with a concise overview of embryonic development, implantation, and early placentation in pigs, sheep, humans, and mice as an example for rodents. A brief timeline of the initial localization of integrin subunits to the uterine luminal epithelium (LE) and conceptus trophoblast is then presented, followed by sequential summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs, sheep, humans, and rodents. As appropriate for this journal, summaries of integrin expression and function during gestation in pigs and sheep are in depth, whereas summaries for humans and rodents are brief. Because similar models to those illustrated in Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are present throughout the scientific literature, the illustrations in this manuscript are drafted as Viking imagery for entertainment purposes.
A scoping review of integrated yoga and psychological approaches for the treatment of eating disorders
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer , Evans Subhadra , McIver Shane , O’Shea Melissa
Published: September 2023

Background

Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that significantly impact the social and economic burden of mental ill health in Australia. Best practice treatment for eating disorders includes a multi-axial approach, including medical, psychiatric, and psychological approaches. More recently, complementary and alternative therapy approaches, such as yoga, are used to support eating disorder recovery.

Methods

This scoping review identified and examined current research exploring the use of yoga alongside psychological approaches for the treatment and management of eating disorders across the lifespan.

Results

Results highlighted the lack of available research, with only four studies identified. Three of these studies piloted programs and identified promising results with a reduction of eating disorder symptomatology. However, these results remain tentative due to methodological limitations and the overall lack of available evidence. In the future, researchers are encouraged to clearly articulate the theoretical concepts that underpin their yoga programs and focus on adequately powered and designed trials, such as RCTs, to accurately compare treatment effects between interventions combining yoga with psychological interventions and standard psychological treatment. Qualitative enquiry is also recommended to provide further insights regarding what makes interventions successful.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests further guidance and pragmatic recommendations to guide researchers and clinicians alike are required, ultimately improving outcomes for people experiencing an eating disorder across the lifespan.
Scientific impact of Chilean-based animal behavioralists is positively associated with co-authorships from developed countries, high impact factor journals, but not with gender
Authors: Ebensperger Luis A. , Aspillaga-Cid Antonia , Labra Antonieta
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous bibliometric studies in scientific researchers from developed countries generally support that sharing efforts during research enhances productivity and impact and suggest these effects may be important for researchers from less developed countries exhibiting more exiguous science budgets. We examined whether researchers in the field of animal behavior in an economically less developed country compensate for this burden by collaborating with researchers from developed countries, and whether this effect is gender specific.

Methods

We quantified collaborations of 30 Chilean-based focal animal behavioralists with peers from developed countries based on co-authorships within 664 animal behavior papers. We examined whether the mean number, or mean proportion of such co-authorships was positively associated with productivity (number of research papers) and impact (h-index, citations per research paper) when gender, author role (i.e., first or corresponding author), and other covariates were considered. We complemented these analyses with a survey to focal researchers to estimate the perceived relevance of collaborations with peers from developed countries.

Results

The h-index, but not the number of animal behavior papers published by focal researchers, increased with the mean number (but not with the mean proportion) of international co-authors from developed countries, an effect not gender-specific, but that supported the perceived importance of collaborations with peers from developed countries. The number of papers and the individual impact of focal researchers increased with academic age. The number of citations of individual papers increased with journal impact factor, year since publication, but not with the role (first or corresponding author) played by collaborators from developed countries.

Conclusions

Our bibliometric and survey-based approach supported that establishing collaborations with researchers from developed countries and publishing in high impact factor journals are correlated with the career-long impact of Chilean-based animal behavioralists, and that this association is not contingent on gender, or influenced by the role (first or corresponding author) played by collaborators.
Automatic identification of scientific publications describing digital reconstructions of neural morphology
Authors: Maraver Patricia , Tecuatl Carolina , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: September 2023

The increasing number of peer-reviewed publications constitutes a challenge for biocuration. For example, NeuroMorpho.Org, a sharing platform for digital reconstructions of neural morphology, must evaluate more than 6000 potentially relevant articles per year to identify data of interest. Here, we describe a tool that uses natural language processing and deep learning to assess the likelihood of a publication to be relevant for the project. The tool automatically identifies articles describing digitally reconstructed neural morphologies with high accuracy. Its processing rate of 900 publications per hour is not only amply sufficient to autonomously track new research, but also allowed the successful evaluation of older publications backlogged due to limited human resources. The number of bio-entities found since launching the tool almost doubled while greatly reducing manual labor. The classification tool is open source, configurable, and simple to use, making it extensible to other biocuration projects.
A two-arm, randomised feasibility trial using link workers to improve dental visiting in people with severe mental illness: a protocol paper
Authors: Hilton Claire , Morris Abigail , Burnside Girvan , Harris Rebecca , Aggarwal Vishal R. , Procter Sarah , Griffiths Robert , French Paul , Laverty Louise , Lobban Fiona , Berry Katherine , Shiers David , Golby Rebecca , Fazekas Fanni , Valemis Kyriakos , Perry Antonia , Newens Connie , Kerry Eirian , Mupinga Pauline , Gkioni Efstathia , Lodge Christopher , Dawber Alison , Elliott Emma , Lunat Farah , Palmier-Claus Jasper
Published: September 2023

Background

People with severe mental illness (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) experience poor oral health compared to the general population as shown by more decayed, missing and filled teeth and a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Attending dental services allows treatment of oral health problems and support for prevention. However, people with severe mental illness face multiple barriers to attending routine dental appointments and often struggle to access care. Link work interventions use non-clinical support staff to afford vulnerable populations the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to navigate use of services. The authors have co-developed with service users a link work intervention for supporting people with severe mental illness to access routine dental appointments. The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention within the context of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) measuring outcomes related to the recruitment of participants, completion of assessments, and adherence to the intervention. The trial will closely monitor the safety of the intervention and trial procedures.

Methods

A feasibility RCT with 1:1 allocation to two arms: treatment as usual (control) or treatment as usual plus a link work intervention (treatment). The intervention consists of six sessions with a link worker over 9 months. Participants will be adults with severe mental illness receiving clinical input from secondary care mental health service and who have not attended a planned dental appointment in the past 3 years. Assessments will take place at baseline and after 9 months. The target recruitment total is 84 participants from across three NHS Trusts. A subset of participants and key stakeholders will complete qualitative interviews to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures.

Discussion

The link work intervention aims to improve dental access and reduce oral health inequalities in people with severe mental illness. There is a dearth of research relating to interventions that attempt to improve oral health outcomes in people with mental illness and the collected feasibility data will offer insights into this important area.

Trial registration

The trial was preregistered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN13650779) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545228).
The effects of automatic writing evaluation and teacher-focused feedback on CALF measures and overall quality of L2 writing across different genres
Authors: Ajabshir Zahra Fakher , Ebadi Saman
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the effects of teacher-focused feedback (TF) and automatic writing evaluation (AWE) on global writing performance as well as syntactic complexity, accuracy, lexical diversity, and fluency (CALF) of English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ narrative and argumentative writings. The participants were randomly assigned to TF and AWE groups. During the treatment, the teacher delivered instruction on the narrative and argumentative genres, followed by the participants’ engagement in writing texts and getting feedback either from the teacher or AWE. The results revealed improvements in overall writing performance (formal aspects) as well as CALF measures. While there was no significant difference between the two groups in their overall writing performance, AWE yielded better scores in lexical diversity and syntactic complexity, and the TF group outperformed in fluency. Moreover, an interaction was found between feedback types (TF vs. AWE) and text genres in CALF measures. The narrative writings were characterized by higher lexical diversity, syntactic accuracy, and fluency, and the argumentative genre, yielded higher scores in syntactic complexity. The results suggest that both human and machine assessments were beneficial in improving written products in EFL contexts. Also, engaging students in writing various genres is likely to result in improvement in different CALF aspects.
Prognostic Factors for Relapse in Patients With Clinical Stage I Testicular Seminoma: A Nationwide, Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Toft Birgitte Grønkær , Lauritsen Jakob , Bandak Mikkel , Christensen Ib Jarle , Engvad Birte , Kreiberg Michael , Agerbæk Mads , Dysager Lars , Rosenvilde Josephine Julie , Berney Daniel , Daugaard Gedske
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE

Approximately 20% of patients with clinical stage I seminoma relapse. Tumor size and rete testis invasion have been identified as risk factors for relapse. However, the level of evidence supporting the use of these risk factors in clinical decision making is low. Previous studies have been hampered by selection bias and variable pathology reporting that limit interpretation and generalization of results. We assessed prognostic factors for relapse in an unselected nationwide population-based setting with centralized pathology review.

METHODS

Patients with clinical stage I seminoma diagnosed from January 2013 to December 2018 were identified in the prospective Danish Testicular Cancer database. By linkage to the Danish National Pathology Registry, histologic slides from the orchiectomy specimens were retrieved and reviewed blinded to the clinical outcome. Clinical data were obtained from medical records with follow-up until July 2022. The association between prespecified potential clinical and histopathologic prognostic factors and relapse was assessed by the use of Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 924 patients included, 148 (16%) patients relapsed during a median follow-up of 6.3 years. Invasion of the testicular hilum (rete testis and hilar soft tissue), lymphovascular invasion, and elevated preorchiectomy levels of β-human chorionic gonadotropin and lactate dehydrogenase were independent predictors of relapse. The estimated 5-year risk of relapse ranged from 6% in patients with no risk factors to 62% in patients with all four risk factors with tumor extension into the hilar soft tissue of the testicular hilum. After internal model validation, the prognostic model had an overall concordance statistic of 0.70.

CONCLUSION

The provided prognostic factors could replace current risk factors in guidelines and be used in future studies investigating risk-adapted follow-up and treatment strategies.
Increase in brain glycogen levels ameliorates Huntington's disease phenotype and rescues neurodegeneration in Drosophila
Authors: Onkar Akanksha , Sheshadri Deepashree , Rai Anupama , Gupta Arjit Kant , Gupta Nitin , Ganesh Subramaniam
Published: September 2023

Under normal physiological conditions, the mammalian brain contains very little glycogen, most of which is stored in astrocytes. However, the aging brain and the subareas of the brain in patients with neurodegenerative disorders tend to accumulate glycogen, the cause and significance of which remain largely unexplored. Using cellular models, we have recently demonstrated a neuroprotective role for neuronal glycogen and glycogen synthase in the context of Huntington's disease. To gain insight into the role of brain glycogen in regulating proteotoxicity, we utilized a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease, in which glycogen synthase is either knocked down or expressed ectopically. Enhancing glycogen synthesis in the brains of flies with Huntington's disease decreased mutant Huntingtin aggregation and reduced oxidative stress by activating auto-lysosomal functions. Further, overexpression of glycogen synthase in the brain rescues photoreceptor degeneration, improves locomotor deficits and increases fitness traits in this Huntington's disease model. We, thus, provide in vivo evidence for the neuroprotective functions of glycogen synthase and glycogen in neurodegenerative conditions, and their role in the neuronal autophagy process.
Copper-mediated Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkenyl Iodides with AgSCF3
Authors: Kojima Yuki , Hirano Koji
Published: September 2023

A copper-mediated trifluoromethylthiolation of alkenyl iodides with AgSCF3 has been developed. CuSCF3 species generated in-situ from a copper salt and AgSCF3 can be coupled with alkenyl iodides to produce the corresponding trifluoromethylthioalkenes efficiently. The reaction conditions are compatible with various functional groups. Moreover, its scale-up synthesis is also possible to provide the desired trifluoromethylthiolated product even on a gram-scale.
Application of Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Micro-PCNL) combined with FURL in 1-2 cm symptomatic, refractory lower calyceal stones
Authors: Shi Xiao-qiang , Ma Tao , Wang Wentao , Cui Zhenyu , Li Xin-yao , Gao Ying
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy(Micro-PCNL) combined with flexible ureteroscopic lithotomy(FURL) in the treatment of 1-2 cm symptomatic, refractory lower calyceal stones.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed concerning the clinical data of 28 patients with 1-2 cm symptomatic, refractory lower calyceal stones. When there was a difficulty in performing FURL in Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2019 to February 2022, ultrasound-guided F4.8 visual puncture was performed on the lower calyceal stone,with a holmium laser was then used to treat the remaining stones, followed by drainage using a flexible ureteroscopic sheath and postoperative indwelling of the ureteral stent without a nephrostomy tube. The surgery time, intraoperative bleeding and stone-free rate(SFR) were recorded, and the VAS score was used to evaluate the patients’ pain status.

Results: The surgery was completed successfully in an average of 43.46 ± 10.04 minutes, and the puncture time was 3.46 ± 0.69 minutes. The SFR was 85.71%(24/28) and 92.86%(26/28) at one day and 30 days after surgery, respectively. Two patients with residual stones greater than 0.6 cm in size underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy four weeks after surgery. Patients were followed up for three months after surgery, and the SFR was revised to 96.43%(27/28). In addition, the VAS scores of all patients decreased significantly from before to after surgery, and the difference was statistically significant(p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Micro-PCNL) combined with FURL is safe and effective in the treatment of 1-2 cm symptomatic, refractory lower calyceal stones.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6782

How to cite this: Shi XQ,Ma T,Wang W, Cui Z, Li X, Gao Y. Application of Micro-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Micro-PCNL) combined with FURL in 1-2 cm symptomatic, refractory lower calyceal stones. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.6782

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Surface, mechanical and chemical properties of modified denture resin using natural biopolymer
Authors: KHAN AFTAB , Alkhureif Abdulaziz , Awaiyer Meshal , Bautista Leonel
Published: September 2023

Objective: This laboratory study determined the surface, mechanical and chemical properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture resin reinforced with micron-sized Gum Arabic (GA) powder in different weight ratios.

Methods: This laboratory study was conducted at the Dental Health Department of the College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from November 2022 to February 2023. Three experimental denture resins were prepared by incorporating GA powder in heat-polymerized PMMA powder using different wt.% (5, 10, and 20 wt.%). While pristine PMMA served as the control group. A total of ten bar-shaped specimens with dimensions of 65 mm ×10 mm × 3.5 mm were prepared for each study group. The surface properties (micro CT and SEM evaluation), mechanical properties (Nanohardness, elastic modulus and flexural strength) and chemical properties (FTIR) were conducted. The data were statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests (p<0.05).

Results: The surface and bulk properties of experimental GA-reinforced PMMA resin materials deteriorated while the mechanical properties were also negatively altered using GA-based PMMA denture resin. A linear correlation was observed between weak mechanical properties and increasing wt.% of GA in denture resin.

Conclusions: The incorporation of GA powder in denture resin might not be a viable option. The surface and mechanical properties of experimental PMMA composites were adversely affected compared to the control group.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7837

How to cite this: Khan AA, Alkhureif AA, Awaiyer MS, Bautista LSJ. Surface, mechanical and chemical properties of modified denture resin using natural biopolymer. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7837

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Analgesic effect of thoracic paravertebral block on patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia
Authors: Zeng Wenhui , Zhang Jianbo , Huang Leilei , Tang Zhihang
Published: September 2023

Objective: To investigate the analgesic effect of thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia (GA).

Methods: Clinical records of 82 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy under GA from October 2021 to October 2022 in the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the method of anesthesia used: general anesthesia group (Group-G, n=37), and TPVB plus GA group (Group-T, n=45). The analgesic effect, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and the rate of adverse events in both groups were compared.

Results: Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of patients in Group-T at 12h, 24h and 48h after the operation were significantly lower compared to Group-G (P<0.05). MAP and HR the time of tracheal intubation induction (T1), single lung ventilation (T2), skin incision (T3), operation completion (T4), and 20 minutes after the extubation (T5) were lower in both groups compared to T0, and were significantly higher in Group-T compared to Group-G (P<0.05). The rate of adverse events in Group-T was 6.67%, significantly lower compared to Group-G (24.32%) (P<0.05).

Conclusions: TPVB combined with GA can improve the analgesic effect, improve MAP and HR during the operation, and reduce the incidence of adverse events in patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7937

How to cite this: Zeng W, Zhang J, Huang L, Tang Z. Analgesic effect of thoracic paravertebral block on patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy under general anesthesia. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7937

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Analysis of risk factors and construction of predictive model for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis
Authors: Zhu Ping
Published: September 2023

Objective: To explore the risk factors of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and to establish a predictive model.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients diagnosed with calculous cholangitis and treated with ERCP (n=998) in The First People’s Hospital of Linping District from January 2014 to September 2022 were included. Risk factors of PEP were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomograph prediction model was established based on the identified independent risk factors.

Results: PEP occurred in 52 patients (5.2%). Logistic regression analysis showed that common bile duct diameter, history of PEP, operation time, intubation frequency, pancreatic ducts visualization, and Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) were independent risk factors for inducing PEP (P<0.05). The calibration curve showed that the predicted probability of occurrence of the nomograph model was consistent with the actual probability of occurrence. The C-index value calculated by the Bootstrap method was 0.966, suggesting the nomograph prediction model has a good discrimination ability. The AUC of the nomograph prediction model ROC curve was 0.966 (95% CI: 0.857-0.941), suggesting good prediction efficiency, and the decision analysis curve shows a high value.

Conclusions: Independent risk factors for PEP are large diameter of common bile duct, history of pancreatitis, long operation time, high intubation frequency, pancreatic ducts visualization, and SOD. The nomogram prediction model based on the above independent risk factors has good prediction ability.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7972

How to cite this: Zhu P. Analysis of risk factors and construction of predictive model for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(6):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.6.7972

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cloning and characterization of the LvCTL genes encoding C-type lectin from white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Phuong Tran Vinh , Nguyen Xuan Huy , Quang Lich Nguyen , Hoang Quang Tan , Tran Ngoc Nguyen , Nguyen Phuoc Ngoc , Linh Nguyen Quang
Published: September 2023

Background: Lectins are carbohydrate-binding protein domains. The C-type designates a requirement for calcium for binding. Proteins contain C-type lectin domains with diverse functions, including cell-cell adhesion, immune response to pathogens, and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the characters of LvCTL encoding genes from white-leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Central Vietnam.

Methods: Two PCR products (LvCTL3 and LvCTL4) were cloned and sequenced. The structure and characterization of LvCTL proteins were predicted using bioinformatics tools.

Results: The results showed that the LvCTL3 gene was 444 nucleotides long and 98.87% similar to the published LvCTL3 gene (accession number: KF156943). The polypeptide sequence had 147 amino acids, which were 97.28% identical to the reference sequence (AGV68681), and the LvCTL4 gene had a length of 417 nucleotides and homology of 99.52% compared to the published gene (KM387560). The deduced polypeptide sequence had 138 amino acids and was 100% similar to the reference sequence (AKA64754). The LvCTL3 had a molecular weight of 16.91 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 4.66, while LvCTL4 had 15.75 and 4.58 kDa, respectively. The structure prediction results showed that LvCTL3 and LvCTL4 had one domain (CTLD), LvCTL3 had two α helices and nine β sheets, and LvCTL4 had two α helices and eight β sheets.

Conclusions: Our results provide essential information for C-type lectins' heterologous expression and biosynthesis production.
Impact of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors on the progression of interferon-γ sensitized breast cancer cells
Authors: Shihab Israa , Bouzid Amal , Yener Burcu , Altaie Alaa , Manasa Bhamidimarri Poorna , Al Ameri Mouza , Bendardaf Riyad , Hamad Mawieh , Hamoudi Rifat
Published: September 2023

Background: Breast cancer is a chronic complex disease. Its progression depends partly on the interaction between tumor and immune cells. Whilst immunotherapy is the new promising treatment, many patients with breast cancer acquire resistance. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is primarily released by T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and has always been praised for its antitumor activities. However, IFN-γ may induce different modulations in breast cancer cells that are expressing or not expressing the hormone receptors estrogen and progesterone.

Methods: In this study, to examine the effect of IFN-γ on the subtypes of breast cancer in relation to the expression of estrogen and progesterone genes, we performed RNA-sequencing on the triple negative cells MDA-MB231 and ER/PR transfected MDA-MB231 cells (untreated or treated with 100 ng/ml IFN-γ). Various bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate the affected functional pathways, and immune genes related to the different types of breast cancer cells.

Results: The set of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that are regulated by IFN-γ were unique, and specific to each breast cancer subtype. These unique DEG patterns in hormone-positive cells (GBP3, HLA-DPA1, HLA-DRB1, HLA-E, IL6) and triple negative cells (IFI6, ISG15, CCL5) showed significant but distinct effects on patients’ overall survival as well as noticeable differences in immune modulation and regulation.

Conclusions: IFN-γ signaling can differentially affect the pattern of gene expression in breast cancer cells in an estrogen receptor (ER) / progesterone receptor (PR)-dependent manner. IFN-γ treatment of ER+/PR+ breast cancer cells upregulated the expression of genes related to immune cells and showed improved patient prognosis, while TNBC showed negative regulation of the expression of genes related to immune cells and worse patient prognosis.
Load-induced blood marker kinetics in patients with medial knee compartment osteoarthritis are associated with accumulated load and patient reported outcome measures
Authors: Mündermann Annegret , Nüesch Corina , Herger Simon , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Chammartin Frédérique , De Pieri Enrico , Egloff Christian
Published: September 2023

Background: This study aimed to quantify the mechanoresponse of 10 blood marker candidates for joint metabolism to a walking stress test in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to determine the association among marker kinetics and with accumulated load and patient reported outcomes.

Methods: 24 patients with knee osteoarthritis completed questionnaires, and a walking stress test with six blood serum samples and gait analysis. Concentrations of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, -3, and -9, epitope resulting from cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases (C2C), type II procollagen (CPII), interleukin (IL)-6, proteoglycan (PRG)-4, A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-4, and resistin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, Joint load (moments and compartmental forces) was estimated using musculoskeletal modeling using gait analysis data.

Results: COMP and MMP-3 showed an immediate increase after the walking stress followed by a decrease. MMP-9 and resistin showed a delayed decrease below pre-stress levels. ∆COMP correlated with ∆MMP-3 for most time points. ∆MMP-9 correlated with ∆resistin for most time points. The load-induced increase in blood marker levels correlated among blood markers and time points. C2C and resistin correlated positively and C2C/CPII and MMP2 correlated negatively with load during gait. Immediate relative ∆CPII and ∆MMP1 and delayed relative ∆COMP, ∆IL6, ∆C2C, ∆CPII, ∆MMP1 and ∆MMP3 correlated with the load accumulated during the walking stress. Baseline C2C levels correlated with Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and load-induced changes in MMP-3 with KOOS and Short Form 36 quality of life subscores (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The distinct and differentiated physiological response to the walking stress depends on accumulated load and appears relevant for patient reported osteoarthritis outcome and quality of life and warrants further investigation in the context of disease progression.

ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02622204