bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LINC00478-derived novel cytoplasmic lncRNA LacRNA stabilizes PHB2 and suppresses breast cancer metastasis via repressing MYC targets
Authors: Guo Rong , Su Yonghui , Zhang Qi , Xiu Bingqiu , Huang Sheng , Chi Weiru , Zhang Liyi , Li Lun , Hou Jianjing , Wang Jia , Chen Jiajian , Chi Yayun , Xue Jingyan , Wu Jiong
Published: February 2023

Background

Metastasis is the predominant cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to drive important phenotypes in tumors, including invasion and metastasis. However, the lncRNAs involved in metastasis and their molecular and cellular mechanisms are still largely unknown.

Methods

The transcriptional and posttranscriptional processing of LINC00478-associated cytoplasmic RNA (LacRNA) was determined by RT-qPCR, semiquantitative PCR and 5′/3′ RACE. Paired-guide CRISPR/cas9 and CRISPR/dead-Cas9 systems was used to knock out or activate the expression of LacRNA. Cell migration and invasion assay was performed to confirm the phenotype of LacRNA. Tail vein model and mammary fat pad model were used for in vivo study. The LacRNA-PHB2-cMyc axis were screened and validated by RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA-seq assays.

Results

Here, we identified a novel cytoplasmic lncRNA, LacRNA (LINC00478-associated cytoplasmic RNA), derived from nucleus-located lncRNA LINC00478. The nascent transcript of LINC00478 full-length (LINC00478_FL) was cleaved and polyadenylated, simultaneously yielding 5′ ends stable expressing LacRNA, which is released into the cytoplasm, and long 3′ ends of nuclear-retained lncRNA. LINC00478_3′RNA was rapidly degraded. LacRNA significantly inhibited breast cancer invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LacRNA physically interacted with the PHB domain of PHB2 through its 61–140-nt region. This specific binding affected the formation of the autophagy degradation complex of PHB2 and LC3, delaying the degradation of the PHB2 protein. Unexpectedly, LacRNA specifically interacted with PHB2, recruited c-Myc and promoted c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation. The negatively regulation of Myc signaling ultimately inhibited breast cancer metastasis. Furthermore, LacRNA and LacRNA-mediated c-Myc signaling downregulation are significantly associated with good clinical outcomes, take advantage of these factors we constructed a prognostic predict model.

Conclusion

Therefore, our findings propose LacRNA as a potential prognostic biomarker and a new therapeutic strategy.
Lifestyle and environmental risk factors for unexplained male infertility: study protocol for Australian Male Infertility Exposure (AMIE), a case–control study
Authors: Biggs Sarah N. , Kennedy Joanne , Lewis Sharon L. , Hearps Stephen , O’Bryan Moira K. , McLachlan Robert , von Saldern Simon , Chambers Georgina , Halliday Jane
Published: February 2023

Background

Approximately 1 in 20 men are sub-fertile or infertile yet the aetiologies of male infertility remain largely unexplained. It is suggested that lifestyle choices and environmental factors contribute but research is limited. In particular, no study has evaluated early life exposures and subsequent male infertility. To address this knowledge gap, this study aims to characterise a cohort of men with idiopathic infertility and compare their general health, lifestyle choices and environmental exposures from teenage years onwards to men without reproductive abnormalities.

Methods

Two groups of men (N = 500 cases; N = 500 controls), matched for age and socio-economic status, will be recruited from fertility clinics around Australia between June 2021 and June 2024. Men will be eligible if they are between 18 and 50 years, with a female partner less than 42 years, and have identified idiopathic male infertility (case) or are part of a couple with diagnosed female factor infertility but with no indication of compromised male fertility (control). Participants will complete an in-depth survey on general health, lifestyle and environmental exposures, reporting from teenage years onwards. An online medical data capture form will be used to gather fertility assessment information from participant medical records. Biological specimens of saliva (all study participants), blood and urine (optional) will be collected and stored for future genetic and epigenetic analysis. Differences in outcome measures between cases and controls will be determined using appropriate between groups comparisons. The relationship between explanatory variables and infertility will be analysed using multilevel modelling to account for clustering within fertility clinics.

Discussion

This study addresses an important gap in research on the aetiology of male infertility and will provide a comprehensive profile of the lifestyle and environmental risk factors for male infertility, leading to provision of up-to-date health advice for male teenagers and adults about optimising their fertility.
GVHD occurrence does not reduce AML relapse following PTCy-based haploidentical transplantation: a study from the ALWP of the EBMT
Authors: Baron Frédéric , Labopin Myriam , Tischer Johanna , Raiola Anna Maria , Vydra Jan , Blaise Didier , Chiusolo Patrizia , Stölzel Friedrich , Fanin Renato , Chevallier Patrice , Nagler Arnon , Ciceri Fabio , Mohty Mohamad
Published: February 2023

The association between graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) occurrence and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse in patients treated with HLA-haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Haplo-HCT) with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy)-based GVHD prophylaxis has remained debated. Here, we addressed this issue in patients with active AML at transplantation. 2-year cumulative incidences of relapse and leukemia-free survival (LFS) were 49% and 32.3%, respectively. There were no associations between acute nor chronic GVHD of any grade and lower relapse incidence. However, grade I acute GVHD was associated with better LFS (HR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.51–0.99, P = 0.04). In contrast, grade III–IV acute (HR = 3.09, 95% CI 1.87–5.12, P < 0.0001) as well as extensive chronic (HR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.81–6.04, P = 0.0001) GVHD correlated with higher nonrelapse mortality leading to lower LFS (HR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.99–1.86, P = 0.056 and HR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.35–2.89, P = 0.0004, respectively). In conclusion, these data suggest a dissociation of graft-versus-leukemia effects from GVHD in patients with active AML treated with PTCy-based Haplo-HCT.
Rate of tarsal and metatarsal bone mineral density change in adults with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy: a longitudinal study
Authors: Youmans Nicholas J. , Vaidya Rachana S. , Chen Ling , Jeong Hyo‐Jung , York Alexa , Commean Paul K. , Hastings Mary K. , Zellers Jennifer A.
Published: February 2023

Background

In people with diabetes (DM) and peripheral neuropathy (PN), loss of bone mineral density (BMD) in the tarsals and metatarsals contribute to foot complications; however, changes in BMD of the calcaneal bone is most commonly reported. This study reports rate of change in BMD of all the individual bones in the foot, in participants with DM and PN. Our aim was to investigate whether the rate of BMD change is similar across all the bones of the foot.

Methods

Participants with DM and PN (n = 60) were included in this longitudinal cohort study. Rate of BMD change of individual bones was monitored using computed tomography at baseline and 6 months, 18 months, and 3–4 years from baseline. Personal factors (age, sex, medication use, step count, sedentary time, and PN severity) were assessed. A random coefficient model estimated rate of change of BMD in all bones and Pearson correlation tested relationships between personal factor variables and rate of BMD change.

Results

Mean and calcaneal BMD decreased over the study period (p < 0.05). Individual tarsal and metatarsal bones present a range of rate of BMD change (‐0.3 to ‐0.9%/year) but were not significantly different than calcaneal BMD change. Only age showed significant correlation with BMD and rate of BMD change.

Conclusion

The rate of BMD change did not significantly differ across different foot bones at the group level in people with DM and PN without foot deformity. Asymmetric BMD loss between individual bones of the foot and aging may be indicators of pathologic changes and require further investigation.

Trial registration

Metatarsal Phalangeal Joint Deformity Progression—R01. Registered 25 November 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02616263
“It's like a swan, all nice and serene on top, and paddling like hell underneath”: community first responders’ practices in attending patients and contributions to rapid emergency response in rural England, United Kingdom—a qualitative interview study
Authors: Patel Gupteswar , Phung Viet-Hai , Trueman Ian , Pattinson Julie , Botan Vanessa , Parvin Hosseini Seyed Mehrshad , Ørner Roderick , Asghar Zahid , Smith Murray D. , Rowan Elise , Spaight Robert , Evans Jason , Brewster Amanda , Mountain Pauline , Siriwardena Aloysius Niroshan
Published: February 2023

Background

Community First Responder (CFR) schemes are a long-established service supplementing ambulance trusts in their local community in the United Kingdom. CFRs are community members who volunteer to respond to people with life-threatening conditions. Previous studies highlighted the motivations for becoming CFRs, their training, community (un)awareness and implications of their work on themselves and others. The practices of CFRs in prehospital care remain underexplored. Therefore, we aimed to explore real-world practice of Community First Responders and their contribution to prehospital emergency care.

Methods

We conducted 47 interviews with CFRs (21), CFR leads (15), ambulance clinicians (4), commissioners (2) and patients and relatives (5) from six ambulance services and regions of England, United Kingdom. Thematic analysis enabled identification of themes and subthemes, with subsequent interpretation built on the theory of practice wisdom.

Results

Our analysis revealed the embeddedness of the concept of doing the right thing at the right time in CFR practice. CFRs’ work consisted of a series of sequential and interconnected activities which included: identifying patients’ signs, symptoms and problems; information sharing with the ambulance control room on the patient’s condition; providing a rapid emergency response including assessment and care; and engaging with ambulance clinicians for patient transfer. The patient care sequence began with recognising patients’ signs and symptoms, and validation of patient information provided by the ambulance control room. The CFRs shared patient information with ambulance control who in turn notified the ambulance crew en-route. The practices of CFRs also included delivery of emergency care before ambulance clinicians arrived. Following the delivery of a rapid emergency response, CFRs engaged with the ambulance crew to facilitate patient transfer to the nearest medical facility.

Conclusion

The sequential CFR practices supported ambulance services in delivering prehospital and emergency care in rural areas. CFR practices were founded on the principle of practice wisdom where CFRs constructed their practice decisions based on the patient’s condition, their training, availability of equipment and medications and their scope of practice.
Optimization of Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution with activated carbon derived from Eichhornia crassipes under response surface methodology
Authors: Fito Jemal , Tibebu Solomon , Nkambule Thabo T. I.
Published: February 2023

Tannery industries’ effluent contains a high concentration of Cr (VI) which has the potential to affect the environment and public health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the optimization of Cr (VI) adsorption by activated carbon (AC) derived from Eichhornia crassipes from an aqueous solution. The adsorbent was activated with dilute sulfuric acid followed by thermal activation. AC was characterized using proximate analysis, SEM, FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and the BET method. The Cr (VI) removal optimization process was performed using a central composite design under the response surface methodology. The proximate analysis showed that the moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon of the activated carbon were 5.6%, 18.2%, 14.4%, and 61.8% respectively. The surface areas of the Eichhornia crassipes before activation, after activation, and after adsorption were 60.6 g/m2, 794.2 g/m2, and 412.6 g/m2 respectively. A highly porous structure with heterogeneous and irregular shapes was observed in the SEM micrograph. In the FTIR analysis, different peaks are indicated with various functional groups. The intensity of XRD peaks decreased as 2 theta values increased, which indicates the presence of an amorphous carbon arrangement. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of the activated carbon was found to be 5.20. A maximum Cr (VI) removal of 98.4% was achieved at pH 5, contact time 90 min, adsorbent dose 2 g, and initial Cr (VI) concentration of 2.25 mg/L. Statistically significant interactions (P < 0.05) were observed between the initial Cr (VI) concentration and adsorbent dose as well as the initial Cr (VI) concentration and contact time. Langmuir adsorption isotherm fitted the experimental data best, with an R2 value of 0.99. The separation constant (RL) indicates that the adsorption process is favorable. The kinetic experimental data were best fitted with the pseudo-second-order model with an R2 value of 0.99 whereas the adsorption rate is controlled by intraparticle and extragranular diffusion processes. Generally, the AC has the potential to be a strong adsorbent candidate for wastewater treatment at the industrial level.
Biodegradable functionalized magnetite nanoparticles as binary-targeting carrier for breast carcinoma
Authors: Akl Magda Ali , Kamel Amira Mostafa , El-Ghaffar Mahmoud Ahmed Abd
Published: February 2023

In this study, Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (SPMNPs) are used in a new way as direct nanocarrier for Doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) via the functionalization of their surface with tri-sodium citrate through ligand exchange to conjugate DOX with imine bond to form tri-sodium citrate functionalized magnetite loaded DOX nanoparticles (DOX/Cit-MNPs). The DOX/Cit-MNPs were coated with chitosan to form chitosan coated citrate functionalized magnetite loaded DOX nanoparticles (Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs) to offer biodegradability and pH-sensitive drug release features. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed functionalization of SPMNPs, DOX-conjugation, and chitosan coating. The trans electron microscopy (TEM) show spherical nanostructures with average size 40 nm for coated nanocarriers. The saturation magnetization value of carrier was 59 emu/g.The in-vitro release of DOX from the chitosan coated tri-sodium citrate functionalized magnetite loaded DOX nanoparticles (Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs) was studied to be 75% at pH 5.5 and 28.6% at pH 7.4 which proves the pH sensitivity of encapsulated Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs. The effect of Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs toward Human Breast Cancer Cell lines (MCF7) was studied and found to be 76% without magnet and 98% with external magnet after 72 h. With increasing DOX concentration and treatment time, the cell inhibition (IR%) of DOX solution and Cs/DOX-Cit-MNPs suspension to all cells is increased. Cs/DOX/Cit-MNPs showed sustained release and good inhibition to cancer cells and offer a protective mode for normal cells (WISH) compared to the free DOX.

Graphical Abstract
Genomic analysis of the international high-risk clonal lineage Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 395
Authors: Shaidullina Elvira R. , Schwabe Michael , Rohde Thomas , Shapovalova Valeria V. , Dyachkova Marina S. , Matsvay Alina D. , Savochkina Yuliya A. , Shelenkov Andrey A. , Mikhaylova Yulia V. , Sydow Katharina , Lebreton François , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Heiden Stefan E. , Becker Karsten , Kozlov Roman S. , Shipulin German A. , Akimkin Vasiliy G. , Lalk Michael , Guenther Sebastian , Zautner Andreas E. , Bohnert Jürgen A. , Mardanova Ayslu M. , Bouganim Ruth , Marchaim Dror , Hoff Katharina J. , Schaufler Katharina , Edelstein Mikhail V.
Published: February 2023

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae, which is frequently associated with hospital- and community-acquired infections, contains multidrug-resistant (MDR), hypervirulent (hv), non-MDR/non-hv as well as convergent representatives. It is known that mostly international high-risk clonal lineages including sequence types (ST) 11, 147, 258, and 307 drive their global spread. ST395, which was first reported in the context of a carbapenemase-associated outbreak in France in 2010, is a less well-characterized, yet emerging clonal lineage.

Methods

We computationally analyzed a large collection ofK. pneumoniaeST395 genomes (n = 297) both sequenced in this study and reported previously. By applying multiple bioinformatics tools, we investigated the core-genome phylogeny and evolution of ST395 as well as distribution of accessory genome elements associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence features.

Results

Clustering of the core-SNP alignment revealed four major clades with eight smaller subclades. The subclades likely evolved through large chromosomal recombination, which involved differentK. pneumoniaedonors and affected,inter alia, capsule and lipopolysaccharide antigen biosynthesis regions. Most genomes contained acquired resistance genes to extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, and other antibiotic classes carried by multiple plasmid types, and many were positive for hypervirulence markers, including the siderophore aerobactin. The detection of “hybrid” resistance and virulence plasmids suggests the occurrence of the convergent ST395 pathotype.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated a large international collection ofK. pneumoniaeST395 genomes and elucidated phylogenetics and detailed genomic characteristics of this emerging high-risk clonal lineage.
Novel targets for potential therapeutic use in Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dhankhar Sanchit , Chauhan Samrat , Mehta Dinesh Kumar , Nitika  , Saini Kamal , Saini Monika , Das Rina , Gupta Sumeet , Gautam Vinod
Published: February 2023

Future targets are a promising prospect to overcome the limitation of conventional and current approaches by providing secure and effective treatment without compromising patient compliance. Diabetes mellitus is a fast-growing problem that has been raised worldwide, from 4% to 6.4% (around 285 million people) in past 30 years. This number may increase to 430 million people in the coming years if there is no better treatment or cure is available. Ageing, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the key reasons for the worsening of this disease. It always had been a vital challenge, to explore new treatment which could safely and effectively manage diabetes mellitus without compromising patient compliance. Researchers are regularly trying to find out the permanent treatment of this chronic and life threatening disease. In this journey, there are various treatments available in market to manage diabetes mellitus such as insulin, GLP-1 agonist, biguanides, sulphonyl ureas, glinides, thiazolidinediones targeting the receptors which are discovered decade before. PPAR, GIP, FFA1, melatonin are the recent targets that already in the focus for developing new therapies in the treatment of diabetes. Inspite of numerous preclinical studies very few clinical data available due to which this process is in its initial phase. The review also focuses on the receptors like GPCR 119, GPER, Vaspin, Metrnl, Fetuin-A that have role in insulin regulation and have potential to become future targets in treatment for diabetes that may be effective and safer as compared to the conventional and current treatment approaches.

Graphical Abstract
CMTM3 protects the gastric epithelial cells from apoptosis and promotes IL-8 by stabilizing NEMO during Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ning Jing , Fu Weiwei , Shi Yanyan , Zhang Jing , Ding Shigang
Published: February 2023

Background

CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 3 (CMTM3) plays an important role in cancer development. Although Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a main cause of gastric cancer, the function of CMTM3 during H. pylori infection remains unclear. CMTM3 expression levels in tissues from H. pylori-infected patients and cells co-cultured with H. pylori were analyzed. qRT-PCR and ELISA were used to investigate the effects of CMTM3 on interleukin 8 (IL-8) expression. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining was performed to evaluate the function of CMTM3 in the apoptosis of gastric epithelial cells. Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanism of CMTM3 during H. pylori infection. The interaction between CMTM3 and NEMO was determined via co-immunoprecipitation, HA-ubiquitin pull-down assay, and immunofluorescence.

Results

H. pylori induced a significant increase in CMTM3 expression. CMTM3 inhibited gastric mucosal epithelial cells from apoptosis and increased the expression level of IL-8 during H. pylori infection. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed proteins were involved in epithelial cell signaling in H. pylori infection. CMTM3 directly interacted with NEMO, which promoted protein stabilization by down-regulation of its ubiquitylation.

Conclusions

CMTM3 reduces apoptosis and promotes IL-8 expression in the gastric epithelial cells by stabilizing NEMO during H. pylori infection. These findings characterize a new role for CMTM3 in host–pathogen interactions and provide novel insight into the molecular regulation of NEMO.
Risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax based on location of transbronchial biopsy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ishak Mina , Chakraborty Debarati , Kassirian Shayan , Dhaliwal Inderdeep , Mitchell Michael A.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBB) is a commonly performed procedure to obtain parenchymal lung tissue during bronchoscopy. Pneumothorax is among the most common serious complications of TBB. The objective of this study was to assess whether location of TBB correlated with development of post-procedural pneumothorax. We also sought to identify additional risk factors associated with pneumothorax development.

This was a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. All TBB performed between 2010 and 2020 underwent subsequent chart review. The primary outcome was radiologist reported pneumothorax on post-procedure chest x-ray. Multivariable logistic regression model was created with included variables chosen a priori based on clinical significance.

Results

There were a total of 222 TBB performed that met inclusion criteria. Radiographic evidence of pneumothorax was reported in 38 patients (15.4%). Ten patients (4.1%) required a chest tube. In the multivariable analysis, risk of pneumothorax was significantly higher for biopsies obtained from the left upper lobe (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.3–9.1). There was an increased risk of pneumothorax following TBB when obtained from the left upper lobe. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk and should consider alternative locations in patients with diffuse lung disease.
Incidence and risk factors for pressure injuries in patients who have undergone vascular operations: a scoping review
Authors: Ahmad Basil , Rubio-Sefati Matthew , Yacob Michael Mina
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients who have undergone vascular operations are thought to be at an increased risk for developing pressure injuries; however, the extent to which pressure injuries occur in this population is not clear. This scoping review sought to summarize what is known about the incidence of pressure injuries, and the risk factors for the development of pressure injuries in patients who have undergone vascular operations.

Main

An initial search identified 2564 articles, and 9 English language studies were included. Results showed that due to study design limitations in the available literature preventing hospital-acquired and present on admission pressure injuries to be distinguished, it is difficult to ascertain the incidence rate of pressure injuries in this population.

Conclusion

Certain vascular procedures were found to be higher risk for the development of pressure injuries such as major amputations and lower extremity bypass surgery. In addition to procedural risk factors, patient factors were identified that may be associated with the development of pressure injuries in the vascular population, and these in the authors’ view deserve further exploration. Overall, this scoping review identified an area ripe for future research, the results of which would have implications for wound care in healthcare institutions and at home.
Pre-CCRT 18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT improves survival in patients with advanced stages p16-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma via accurate radiation treatment planning
Authors: Chen Tsung-Ming , Chen Wan-Ming , Chen Mingchih , Shia Ben-Chang , Wu Szu-Yuan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

No large-scale prospective randomized study with a long-term follow-up period has evaluated the survival outcomes of preconcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18FDG PET–CT) in patients with non–human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Patients and Methods

We included patients with stage I–IVA p16-negative OPSCC receiving definitive CCRT and categorized them into two groups according to pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT and compared their outcomes: the case group consisted of patients who underwent pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT, whereas the comparison group consisted of patients who did not receive pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 3942 patients (1663 and 2279 in the case and comparison groups, respectively). According to multivariable Cox regression analysis, pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT was not a significant prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with stages I–II of p16-negative OPSCC receiving standard CCRT. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of all-cause death for the patients with advanced stages (III–IVA) of p16-negative OPSCC receiving pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT was 0.75 (0.87–0.94, P = 0.0236).

Conclusions

Routine use of pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT is not necessary for each patient with p16-negative OPSCC. Pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT is associated with improved survival in patients with stage III–IVA p16-negative OSCC, but might be not in those with stage I–II p16-negative OPSCC.

Condensed abstract

No large-scale prospective randomized study with a long-term follow-up period has evaluated the survival outcomes of preconcurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18FDG PET–CT) in patients with p16-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Our study is the first, largest, homogenous modality study on PET–CT including a long-term follow-up cohort to examine the survival outcomes of pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT or non-pre-CCRT PET–CT for patients with p16-negative OPSCC receiving standard CCRT stratified by different clinical stages. Routine use of pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT is not necessary for each patient with p16-negative OPSCC. Pre-CCRT 18FDG PET–CT is associated with improved survival in patients with stage III–IVA p16-negative OPSCC, but might be not in those with stage I–II p16-negative OPSCC.
Evaluation of esthetic outcome of delayed implants with de-epithelialized free gingival graft in thin gingival phenotype with or without immediate temporization: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Fawzy Maha , Hosny Manal , El-Nahass Hani
Published: February 2023

Aim

The current study investigates the effect of immediate temporization on the pink esthetics of delayed implants in patients with thin gingival phenotype in combination with a De-epithelialized Free Gingival Graft in the maxillary premolar area.

Methodology

The study population was randomly assigned into two groups. The two groups were treated with delayed implants with simultaneous placement of a de-epithelialized free gingiva graft. The test group was immediately temporized while the control group had no temporization. The pink esthetic score was assessed as the primary outcome. Additional secondary outcomes were assessed such as the keratinized tissue width and the soft tissue thickness.

Results

Twenty implants were placed in the current study, split into 10 implants per group. The results showed that the Pink Esthetic Score of the IT group was 11.88 ± (1.13) and 11.33 ± (1.25) for the CTG group, which showed no statistical difference between the groups after 1 year of follow-up. There was also no significant difference between the two groups at 12 months regarding the keratinized tissue width and the soft tissue thickness.

Conclusions

Immediate and delayed temporizations have no effect on the Pink Esthetics of the delayed implants; however, immediate temporization allowed earlier provisional crown delivery. Soft tissue augmentation of the thin gingival phenotype improved esthetics for both groups.

Trial registration Name of the registry: clinicaltrials.gov; trial registration number: NCT03792425. Date of registration: January 3, 2019. URL of trial registry record: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03792425?term=NCT03792425&draw=2&rank=1

Graphical Abstract
Prevention of ureteral injury during laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery with horseshoe kidney using fluorescent ureteral catheters: a case report
Authors: Kojima Tadahiro , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Tatsuta Kyota , Sugiyama Kosuke , Akai Toshiya , Suzuki Katsunori , Torii Kakeru , Sakata Mayu , Morita Yoshifumi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Fukazawa Atsuko , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: February 2023

Background

Horseshoe kidney is one of the most common congenital renal fusion anomalies and is characterized by abnormalities in the position, rotation, vascular supply, and ureteral anatomy of the kidney. When performing surgery for colorectal cancer in patients with horseshoe kidneys, anatomical identification is important to avoid organ injuries. Several reports on surgery for colorectal cancer with horseshoe kidneys have described the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) angiography for detecting abnormalities in vascular supply. However, few reports have focused on the prevention of ureteral injury in surgery for colorectal cancer with horseshoe kidney, despite abnormalities in the ureteral anatomy. Here, we report a case in which laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection for sigmoid colon cancer with a horseshoe kidney was safely performed using fluorescent ureteral catheters.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old Japanese man presented to our hospital testing positive for fecal occult blood. Colonoscopy revealed sigmoid colon cancer, and CT confirmed a horseshoe kidney. The 3D-CT angiography showed aberrant renal arteries from the aorta and right common iliac artery, and the left ureter passed across the front of the renal isthmus. A fluorescent ureteral catheter was placed in the left ureter before the surgery to prevent ureteral injury. Laparoscopic sigmoid colon resection with D3 lymph node dissection was performed. The fluorescent ureteral catheter enabled the identification of the left ureter that passed across the front of the renal isthmus and the safe mobilization of the descending and sigmoid colon from the retroperitoneum. The operative time was 214 min, with intraoperative bleeding of 25 mL. The patient’s postoperative course was good: no complications arose and she was discharged on the seventh postoperative day.

Conclusion

In patients with horseshoe kidney, the use of fluorescent ureteral catheters and 3D-CT angiography enables safer laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. We recommend the placement of fluorescent ureteral catheters in such surgeries to prevent ureteral injury.
Shifting students toward testing: impact of instruction and context on self-regulated learning
Authors: Simone Patricia M. , Whitfield Lisa C. , Bell Matthew C. , Kher Pooja , Tamashiro Taylor
Published: February 2023

Much of the learning that college students engage in today occurs in unsupervised settings, making effective self-regulated learning techniques of particular importance. We examined the impact of task difficulty and supervision on whether participants would follow written instructions to use repeated testing over restudying. In Study 1, we found that when supervised, instructions to test resulted in changes in the self-regulated learning behaviors such that participants tested more often than they studied, relative to participants who were unsupervised during learning. This was true regardless of the task difficulty. In Study 2, we showed that failure to shift study strategies in unsupervised learning was likely due to participants avoidance of testing rather than failure to read the instructions at all. Participants who tested more frequently remembered more words later regardless of supervision or whether or not they received instructions to test, replicating the well-established testing effect (e.g., Dunlosky et al. in Psychol Sci Public Interest 14:4–58, 2013. http://doi.org/10.1177/1529100612453266). In sum, there was a benefit to testing, but instructing participants to test only increased their choice to test when they were supervised. We conclude that supervision has an impact on whether participants follow instructions to test.
Coping with rheumatic stressors (CORS) questionnaire: Spanish translation and cross-cultural adaptation
Authors: Benavent Diego , Jochems Andrea , Pascual-Salcedo Dora , Jochems Gijs , Plasencia-Rodríguez Chamaida , Ramiro Sofia , van Lankveld Wim , Balsa Alejandro , Navarro-Compán Victoria
Published: February 2023

Background

Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs) substantially impact the lives of patients, with complex associations between disease severity and self-perceived health status. In this regard, the Coping with Rheumatic Stressors (CORS) questionnaire was developed to measure how patients with RMDs cope with stressors such as pain, limitations or dependency. The CORS is not currently available in Spanish, and therefore the adaptation of this instrument is needed.

Objective

First, to cross-culturally adapt the CORS into Spanish for Spain. Secondly, to test the conceptual equivalence of the translated version in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

A translation of the CORS into Spanish was performed adhering to the forward-backward procedure described by Beaton. Two translators produced independent forward translations of the item content, response options, and instructions of the CORS into Spanish. Both versions were harmonized in a consensual version. Another translator back-translated the synthesized version into Dutch. A scientific committee including all the translators, one methodologist and a rheumatologist, held a meeting and reached consensus on discrepancies to develop a final draft version of the Spanish CORS. Then, a field test with cognitive debriefing was conducted, involving a sample of 10 patients with axSpA.

Results

The translation process of the CORS was completed after the discussion of some discrepancies throughout the process. The first translation was done without major complications. Back-translation presented some discrepancies. These led to minor modifications in the wording in one response option and 15 questionnaire items. The scientific committee agreed upon a final version of the questionnaire. Cognitive debriefing, led to minor modifications; for example, three respondents indicated that one of the statements in the instructions was syntactically complex (“indique cuán a menudo usted ha llevado a cabo dicho comportamiento”) which led to its adjustment. The process indicated that the final CORS Spanish questionnaire was clear and understandable to all patients.

Conclusions

The Spanish version of the CORS showed good cross-cultural validity and good face validity according to the field test. Before the Spanish CORS is implemented, further validation is in progress to test the psychometric properties of the instrument in patients with axSpA.
Effects of trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine on corrected QT interval and left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with metastatic (HER2+) breast cancer
Authors: Levicki Rea , Lovrić Benčić Martina , Ivanac Vranešić Irena , Bradić Lada , Begovac Marta , Jug Juraj , Dedić Plavetić Natalija
Published: February 2023

Background

Trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine are specific antibody and antibody–drug conjugates used in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive metastatic breast cancer. The aim of this study was to test their effect on the QTc interval duration and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in our patients, two parameters used in evaluation of cardiotoxicity. From May 2015 to October 2017, 26 patients with preserved LVEF were included in the study. All of them were previously treated with standard paclitaxel and cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens. Electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded just before each trastuzumab dose application and six months after the last dose. Echocardiography with LVEF measurement was performed several days before the application of the initial dose, and six months after the last cycle. Later, 24 patients with metastatic disease received additional treatment with trastuzumab emtansine after six months and the same ECG and echocardiography protocol was performed again. Due to reduction in LVEF, two patients were discontinued from additional treatment.

Results

A statistically significant QTc prolongation was found after each drug dose application, with an increase in mean QTc duration with every successive application, reaching the peak QTc values just before the fifth cycle of treatment. The QTc interval returned to its initial value six months after the last cycle (p < 0.001). These results were similar for both drugs. Mean LVEF before both treatment protocols was significantly higher compared to LVEF value after the treatment. LVEF before trastuzumab emtansine treatment was non-significantly higher than LVEF after trastuzumab treatment.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine cardiotoxicity manifested as a significant and progressive QTc prolongation after successive drug applications, reaching the peak value just before the fifth cycle of both drugs. Both medications also caused statistically significant but asymptomatic LVEF reduction. Complete reversibility of cardiotoxic effects of both drugs was confirmed by QTc interval and LVEF normalisation after the treatment discontinuation.
Effect of low-level laser physiotherapy on left ventricular function among patients with chronic systolic heart failure
Authors: Sayed Mahmoud Abdulbasser , El-Sherif Rania M. , Ismail Amira , Abou Warda Ahmed Essam , Mohamed Amany R. , El-Sherif Ahmed A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising noninvasive physiotherapeutic approach that has been demonstrated to improve cardiac performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of low-level laser therapy on cardiac functions and clinical status in patients with chronic left ventricular systolic heart failure who were not candidates for cardiac revascularization or resynchronization. A case series of 27 patients received a course of low-level laser physiotherapy, the clinical outcomes, echocardiographic parameters, and serum nitric oxide levels were evaluated before and after LLLT.

Results

Of the total patients enrolled in the study, 21 (or 77.8%) were male, with a mean age of 57.7 ± 6.89 years. NYHA classification significantly improved after low-level laser therapy, 15 patients were in class III,12 were in class IV, and no one was in class II before laser therapy while after laser therapy; 25 patients shifted to class II, two patients were in class III with P < 0.001, Six-minute walk distance test was performed, and the results showed that the mean of 6MWT was less than 200 m (148.556 ± 39.092) before the study but increased to more than 300 after laser therapy (385.074 ± 61.740), left ventricular ejection fraction before laser therapy was 26 ± 7.5 while after laser therapy it became 30 ± 8.6 but diastolic function did not change after low-level laser therapy, the mean peak TR pressure was 40.0 ± 9.0 mmHg and 33.0 ± 7.0 before and after laser therapy respectively P < 0.001. A significant change was observed in NO level from 4.1 ± 1.4 IU/ml before laser therapy to 5.2 ± 1.7 IU/ml after laser therapy P < 0.001.

Conclusions

Low-level laser therapy may add benefits to improve symptoms, clinical condition, and quality of life in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, further studies are necessary to evaluate the changes in cardiac functions at a longer follow-up duration.
Cognitive dysfunction in adolescents with substance use disorder
Authors: Abdulaal Ahmed , El Tantawy Ashraf , Ibrahim Omneya , Elbadry Hytham , Hassan Haydy
Published: February 2023

Background

Substance abuse is a major health problem, associated with multiple clinical correlates. Cognitive dysfunctions were among the most relevant health problems associated with substance abuse among adolescents. The aim of the study is investigate the main cognitive domains affected in a sample of adolescents with substance use disorders. A case-control comparison was performed between 100 substance abusers versus 40 controls. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview v.5, Addiction Severity Index, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, socioeconomic scale, and multiple historical variables investigated.

Results

Substance abusers showed higher mean than control as regard all other WCST domains. The difference between two groups was statistically significant. Cannabis substance mostly affects early conceptualization and problem-solving abilities, while inhalants affect predominantly sustained attention, and alcohol mostly affect cognitive flexibility. Polysubstance use is more harmful to most of the executive function domain than mono substance use.

Conclusions

The substance use disorders are a major health problem accompanied cognitive dysfunction among adolescents and associated with increased rates of executive dysfunction. Cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, problem-solving abilities, and early conceptualization are the most domains affected.
Predictive lithology mapping using semisupervised learning: Practical insights using a case study from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dunham Michael W. , Malcolm Alison , Welford J. Kim
Published: February 2023

We develop a comprehensive study involving three different types of machine learning (unsupervised, supervised, and semisupervised, which we emphasize) for bedrock-lithology classification using a publicly available data set from New South Wales, Australia. The goal of this work is to demonstrate (1) the value each different type of machine learning can provide and (2) which machine learning type(s) may be preferable under different circumstances. Training data are characteristically limited for geoscience problems, which makes supervised techniques susceptible to overfitting; we explore if semisupervised methods can perform better in these circumstances. Using the geophysical data and geologic map provided for the study area, we compare the performance of two supervised methods (the Light Gradient Boosting Machine and eXtreme Gradient Boosting) with one semisupervised algorithm (label propagation [LP]) in three scenarios with varied limited a priori lithologic constraints (i.e., the training data). Hyperparameter tuning is an essential component of supervised and semisupervised techniques, and the default procedure is to choose the hyperparameter combination with the largest mean cross-validation score. However, we use a new hyperparameter selection strategy that simultaneously uses the mean and standard deviation scores, and we test this new tactic for supervised and semisupervised methods. The results indicate (1) that the new hyperparameter selection technique can slightly improve the performance for supervised and semisupervised methods by 1%–2% compared with the standard selection approach and (2) that LP can outperform the two supervised methods by up to 10%, but it depends on how the training data are distributed. As for the unsupervised analysis, the clusters indicate heterogeneous regions that correlate well with the high-entropy areas in the supervised and semisupervised results. The clustering provides complementary results to the other two types of machine learning and is a source of supporting evidence for suggesting where more in-depth field mapping may be needed.
Walter Scott's Loose Leaves: Books, Scraps, and Dispersive Reading
Authors: Lynch Deidre
Published: February 2023

Novel studies and book history alike emphasize the significance of Walter Scott's creation of his Magnum Opus edition (1829–33): a repossession, on behalf of a newly individuated author and between the covers of a uniformly manufactured edition, of publications that had previously appeared as the works of sundry authorial eidolons. For a nineteenth-century culture of collected editions, this act of rebinding represented a foundational moment. But Scott's novels also figured prominently within a robust tradition of commonplacing and scrapbooking in which books were understood as things that came apart, literally and figuratively, as well as things that came together. Nineteenth-century readers were keen to cut up, recontextualize, and reboot Scott's printed works inside their own homemade manuscript volumes. Guided by their practices, we are able to see how Scott's own novels—particularly Waverley, Rob Roy, The Monastery—yield an alternative account of the book as something scrappy, loosely bound, and made through scissors and paste methods: a temporary gathering ready to be dispersed once more. This essay explores the implications of this alternative account of the book for our ideas of novelistic form, and in particular for what Elaine Freedgood has called the “diegetic illusion”: a way of conceptualizing texts as though they were tightly bound books, which understands novels as the containers for enclosed, bounded worlds. To trace these implications is to see how the dispersive readings that helped define Scott's nineteenth-century afterlife might also prove useful points of reference for twenty-first-century efforts to decolonize novel studies’ understanding of its object.