bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Features of the CD1 gene family in rodents and the uniqueness of the immune system of naked mole-rat
Authors: Gunbin Konstantin V. , Kopeina Gelina S. , Zhivotovsky Boris , Zamaraev Alexey V. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCluster of Differentiation 1 (CD1) proteins are widely expressed throughout jawed vertebrates and present lipid antigens to specific CD1-restricted T lymphocytes. CD1 molecules play an important role in immune defense with the presence or absence of particular CD1 proteins frequently associated with the functional characteristics of the immune system. Here, we show the evolution of CD1 proteins in the Rodentia family and the diversity among its members. Based on the analysis of CD1 protein-coding regions in rodent genomes and the reconstruction of protein structures, we found that Heterocephalus glaber represents a unique member of the suborder Hystricomorpha with significant changes in protein sequences and structures of the CD1 family. Multiple lines of evidence point to the absence of CD1d and CD1e and probably a dysfunctional CD1b protein in Heterocephalus glaber. In addition, the impact of CD1d loss on the CD1d/Natural killer T (NKT) cell axis in the naked mole-rat and its potential implications for immune system function are discussed in detail.
Efficacy of vitamin C on chemotherapy-related anemia in pancreatic cancer: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Zhu Xinzhe , Liu Yi , Liu He , Xiao Zhiwen , Luo Guopei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
In the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer, chemotherapy plays a pivotal role. Despite its effectiveness, this regimen is often marred by side effects such as anemia, neuropathy, fatigue, nausea, and malnutrition, which significantly affect patients’ tolerance to the treatment. Some studies have shown that vitamin C could potentially augment chemotherapy’s tolerability, notably by boosting iron absorption, ameliorating anemia, and relieving pain and numbness in hands and feet. Nevertheless, the integration of vitamin C with chemotherapy to mitigate toxic side effects and enhance the quality of life for advanced pancreatic cancer patients has not been examined in any randomized controlled trials to date.

Methods
A prospective, single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from September 2023 to September 2026. A total of at least 100 patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma exhibiting distant metastases will be recruited and randomly assigned to the chemotherapy group or the chemotherapy plus vitamin C group. The primary endpoint is the rate of anemia. Secondary endpoints include the rate of grade 3 neuropathy, change of numeric rating scale, quality of life, and overall survival.

Discussion
This study aims to assess the impact of low-dose vitamin C on enhancing the quality of life for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer undergoing gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy.

Trial registration
The trial was registered with the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06018883) on August 31, 2023.
Hilbert-curve assisted structure embedding method
Authors: Zahoránszky-Kőhalmi Gergely , Wan Kanny K. , Godfrey Alexander G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Motivation
Chemical space embedding methods are widely utilized in various research settings for dimensional reduction, clustering and effective visualization. The maps generated by the embedding process can provide valuable insight to medicinal chemists in terms of the relationships between structural, physicochemical and biological properties of compounds. However, these maps are known to be difficult to interpret, and the ‘‘landscape’’ on the map is prone to ‘‘rearrangement’’ when embedding different sets of compounds.

Results
In this study we present the Hilbert-Curve Assisted Space Embedding (HCASE) method which was designed to create maps by organizing structures according to a logic familiar to medicinal chemists. First, a chemical space is created with the help of a set of ‘‘reference scaffolds’’. These scaffolds are sorted according to the medicinal chemistry inspired Scaffold-Key algorithm found in prior art. Next, the ordered scaffolds are mapped to a line which is folded into a higher dimensional (here: 2D) space. The intricately folded line is referred to as a pseudo-Hilbert-Curve. The embedding of a compound happens by locating its most similar reference scaffold in the pseudo-Hilbert-Curve and assuming the respective position. Through a series of experiments, we demonstrate the properties of the maps generated by the HCASE method. Subjects of embeddings were compounds of the DrugBank and CANVASS libraries, and the chemical spaces were defined by scaffolds extracted from the ChEMBL database.

Scientific contribution
The novelty of HCASE method lies in generating robust and intuitive chemical space embeddings that are reflective of a medicinal chemist’s reasoning, and the precedential use of space filling (Hilbert) curve in the process.

Availability
https://github.com/ncats/hcase

Graphical Abstract
“A day in the life” – telemedicine in family medicine and its relationship with practicing physicians’ satisfaction: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zacay Galia , Adler Limor , Schonmann Yochai , Azuri Joseph , Yehoshua Ilan , Vinker Shlomo , Heymann Anthony D , Afek Shani , Golan Cohen Avivit , Green Ilan , Hoffman Robert , Shani Michal 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Telemedicine has expanded rapidly in recent years, and many encounters that were conducted in person now take place remotely. This study aimed to assess primary care physicians’ (PCPs) attitudes towards the different modalities of patient care.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional nationwide descriptive study conducted in Israel. We asked PCPs to document an entire workday and answer a short questionnaire after each visit. The questions addressed the type of visit (face-to-face, remote synchronous [telephone/video], or remote asynchronous [online requests]), the perceived quality of the visit, and the physicians’ feelings at the end of each visit. Before documenting their working day, we asked the participants to answer a questionnaire about their general attitudes toward different modalities of medical visits and how they affect their well-being and burnout.

Results
Sixty physicians documented 2,025 visits, of which 39% took place in person, 36% stemmed from online patient requests, 18% were telephone meetings, < 1% were video meetings, and 6% consisted of other types of contact. Mixed effects logistic regressions were used to model the visits’ evaluation. The odds ratios (ORs) for perceived medical quality of visits focused on medical tasks were lower for non-face-to-face visits: OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.59 for remote synchronous, and OR = 0.14, 95% CI 0.09–0.23 for remote asynchronous. The perceived medical quality of visits focused on administrative tasks was lower for remote asynchronous than for face-to-face visits (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.14–0.65). We found no association between medical quality and patients, physicians, or clinic characteristics. The inappropriateness of the visit modality was also associated with lower medical quality (OR = 0.13, 95% CI 0.09–0.18). We found a correlation between perception of medical quality and physicians’ feelings at the end of the visits, Spearman’s r = 0.82 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions
A substantial portion of the visits was dedicated to administrative tasks and remote medicine. In comparison, physicians rated face-to-face visits’ quality higher than remote visits. Policymakers should intervene to minimize administrative work, reduce PCPs’ administrative workload, and direct patients to the optimal visit modality for their complaints. These steps would increase medical quality, reduce burnout, and mitigate the shortage of PCPs.
Blood–brain barrier alterations and their impact on Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Lau Kristina , Kotzur Rebecca , Richter Franziska 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThere is increasing evidence for blood–brain barrier (BBB) alterations in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with rapidly rising prevalence. Altered tight junction and transporter protein levels, accumulation of α-synuclein and increase in inflammatory processes lead to extravasation of blood molecules and vessel degeneration. This could result in a self-perpetuating pathophysiology of inflammation and BBB alteration, which contribute to neurodegeneration. Toxin exposure or α-synuclein over-expression in animal models has been shown to initiate similar pathologies, providing a platform to study underlying mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge on BBB alterations in PD patients and how rodent models that replicate some of these changes can be used to study disease mechanisms. Specific challenges in assessing the BBB in patients and in healthy controls are discussed. Finally, a potential role of BBB alterations in disease pathogenesis and possible implications for therapy are explored. The interference of BBB alterations with current and novel therapeutic strategies requires more attention. Brain region-specific BBB alterations could also open up novel opportunities to target specifically vulnerable neuronal subpopulations.
Dementia awareness in Egypt: what do people really know?
Authors: Ashour Aya Ahmed , Sabry Noha Ahmed , Ashour Ayat Diaa Eldeen , Kassem Hend Nassef , Alwerdani Mariam M. , Nofal Marwa Abdelaal , Mohamed Nareman Aly , Abdalgeleel Shimaa Abdalaleem , Khalaf Ola Osama 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Dementia is a pressing problem for families and society. In 2019, a total of 57.4 million people worldwide were estimated to be living with dementia, and this number will almost double every 20 years, especially in Africa and the Middle East. This study aimed to investigate knowledge about dementia among the Egyptian population. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among a sample of adult Egyptians using a socio-demographics data sheet and a designed dementia knowledge questionnaire.

Results
Nearly one-third (33.4%) had a poor knowledge score. The items most often answered incorrectly were the sudden onset of cognitive problems as characteristic of dementia (59.3%). The highest percentage of good knowledge was in the manifestations and prevention domains (62.20% and 67.18%, respectively). On the other hand, the lowest rate of good knowledge was in the treatment and life impact domains (35.23% and 25.70%, respectively). Not working in the medical field (OR 2.656, 95% CI: 1.504–4.688, p < 0.001), had no contact with dementia patients (OR 1.910, 95% CI: 1.229–2.970, p = 0.004), no previous knowledge on dementia (OR 3.184, 95% CI: 1.797–5.642, p < 0.001), or never heard about dementia "Marad Alkharaf" (OR 6.385, 95% CI: 4.127–9.878, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with poorer dementia knowledge.

Conclusion
The findings of our study indicated variable levels of knowledge of dementia among Egyptians. Our recommendation is to encourage conducting campaigns for raising public awareness about dementia and through media that has an important and widespread effect in reaching the Egyptian population.
Ellagic acid supplementation ameliorates cisplatin-induced liver injury in mice by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway
Authors: Zhang Xueyong , Liu Yue , Liu Mingchao , Ma Qiang , Hao Zhihui , Tang Shusheng , Dai Chongshan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCisplatin (cis-diaminodichloroplatinum II, CDDP), an essential chemotherapeutic agent, can cause potential hepatotoxicity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the protective effects of ellagic acid (EA) on CDDP exposure-induced hepatotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in a mouse model. Mice were randomly divided into control, CDDP model, EA100 (i.e., 100 mg/kg/day), and CDDP plus 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg/day EA groups. Mice in all the CDDP-treated groups were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg/day CDDP for two days. For all EA cotreatments, the mice were orally administered EA for seven days. Our results revealed that CDDP treatment resulted in liver dysfunction, oxidative stress, and caspase activation, which were effectively attenuated by EA cotreatment in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, EA supplementation significantly downregulated the CDDP exposure-induced protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 but further upregulated the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1. Molecular docking analysis revealed strong interactions between EA and the NF-κB or Keap1 proteins. In conclusion, our results revealed that EA supplementation could ameliorate CDDP-induced liver toxicity in mice by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway.
Workshops of Empire
Authors: Rahnama Sara 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe French colonial state created an increasing number of artisanal training workshops for rural Algerian women during the interwar period. In earlier eras, some similar workshops had been managed and run by individual settler women or religious groups, but a new model of state control over these workshops emerged in the 1920s and 1930s. Throughout the French colonial project in Algeria, the state had resisted working to improve Algerian women's status, claiming that to do so risked provoking the ire of Algerian men. This article examines the brief interwar moment in which the colonial state targeted Algerian women. It draws on an underexamined archival source base from both Algeria and France to explore how administrators used workshops to transform rural Algerian women into waged workers and inculcate them with French culture. Women's workshops were thus at the intersection of multiple state projects, including racial capitalism.
Effervescent Seas
Authors: Fawell Charles Bégué 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Just before the First World War, the largest French shipping line operating in the Indo-Pacific, the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, reported that 44 percent of its personnel were non-Europeans. Made up of French colonial subjects and foreign citizens, this workforce hailed from across the layover ports of the empire's Indo-Pacific steamship highways. Portrayed by French labor leaders as strikebreaking scabs, and by the large shipping companies as docile peons, these “indigenous” seafarers were largely erased from French imperial and labor history before the First World War. Mobilizing archives from France, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam, especially ships’ logs from the 1880s to the 1910s, this article reassesses the place of the French empire's Asian and African seafarers within an intensifying labor movement and an incipient imperial security state. Revisiting everything from mobile acts of outright rebellion to subtly assertive practices of placemaking, the article argues that indigenous seafarers had begun forging a disruptive politics of mobile labor well before the First World War. Their ability to wield power in the face of stigmatization and precarization, the article suggests, points to the underexplored tensions between the “New Imperial” French state and the subcontracted shipping lines on which it depended.
Comparison of modified extended right lobe graft versus modified right lobe graft in adult living donor liver transplantation: Experience from Pakistan
Authors: Ghafar Abdul , Ullah Kaleem , Abbas Syed Hasnain , Bilal Ahmad Hafiz 
Published: July 2024

Objectives: To compare the outcomes of modified extended right lobe graft (MERLG) and modified right lobe graft (MRLG) in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT).
Methods: This retrospective study was performed at the Liver transplant department of the Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Gambat, Pakistan, from March 2019 to September 2020. The outcomes of 20 MERLG donors and recipients were compared to those of 74 MRLG donors and recipients. Demographics, operative parameters, complications, hospital stay, and one-year survival were compared between the two groups.
Results: The mean graft volume of the MERLG group was more (637.10 ± 71.35 g) than in the MRLG group (562.27 ± 57.77 g), (p= 0.001). Donor blood loss was higher in the MERLG group (680.10±170.60 ml) compared to the MRLG group (650.23±190.65 ml), p=0.527. In addition, the operative time was longer in the MERLG group (345.80±76.90 min) than in the MRLG group (318.12±100.80 min) (p= 0.257). The MERLG recipients were sicker (mean MELD score of 22.54±3.67) than the MRLG (18.86±4.37) (p=0.001). The drain output was higher in the MRLG group (1340 ± 470.32 ml) than in the MERLG group (1110 ± 450.60 ml) (P =0.045). No significant difference was found when comparing postoperative laboratory results and complications between the donor and recipient groups (p >0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a 95% one-year survival in MERLG group compared to 90.7% in the MRLG group (p=0.549).
Conclusion: With appropriate technical expertise, MERLGs are technically safe and feasible in LDLT donors without any added risks. MERLGs also yielded better outcomes in sick recipients.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.7825
How to cite this: Ghaffar A, Ullah K, Abbas SH, Bilal H. Comparison of modified extended right lobe graft versus modified right lobe graft in adult living donor liver transplantation: Experience from Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.7825
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.
An Augmented Lagrangian Approach to Conically Constrained Nonmonotone Variational Inequality Problems
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhu Daoli , Zhang Shuzhong 
Published: July 2024

In this paper we consider a nonmonotone (mixed) variational inequality (VI) model with (nonlinear) convex conic constraints. Through developing an equivalent Lagrangian function-like primal-dual saddle point system for the VI model in question, we introduce an augmented Lagrangian primal-dual method, called ALAVI (Augmented Lagrangian Approach to Variational Inequality) in the paper, for solving a general constrained VI model. Under an assumption, called the primal-dual variational coherence condition in the paper, we prove the convergence of ALAVI. Next, we show that many existing generalized monotonicity properties are sufficient—though by no means necessary—to imply the abovementioned coherence condition and thus are sufficient to ensure convergence of ALAVI. Under that assumption, we further show that ALAVI has in fact an [Formula: see text] global rate of convergence where k is the iteration count. By introducing a new gap function, this rate further improves to be [Formula: see text] if the mapping is monotone. Finally, we show that under a metric subregularity condition, even if the VI model may be nonmonotone, the local convergence rate of ALAVI improves to be linear. Numerical experiments on some randomly generated highly nonlinear and nonmonotone VI problems show the practical efficacy of the newly proposed method. Funding: L. Zhao and D. Zhu were partially supported by the Major Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72293582], the National Key R&D Program of China [Grant 2023YFA0915202], and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (the Interdisciplinary Program of Shanghai Jiao Tong University) [Grant YG2024QNA36]. L. Zhao was partially supported by the Startup Fund for Young Faculty at SJTU (SFYF at SJTU) [Grant 22X010503839].
How did student district nurses feel during the COVID-19 pandemic? A qualitative study
Authors: Marshall Helen , Sprung Sally 
Published: July 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed a huge strain on healthcare services around the world, including community services. Students also faced substantial disturbance to educational programmes. Student district nurses are usually employed members of staff and can be recalled to the workforce, whereas pre-registration students cannot. Aims: This paper explores the feelings and experiences of student district nurses during the first UK national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpretative phenomenological approach was taken. Method: A semi structured 1:1 interview and focus group was held via zoom in July 2020. A total of eight student district nurses, who were all registered adult nurses, took part. Data was analysed using the Braun and Clarke model to identify themes. Results: The findings related to their experience of being a community adult registered nurse on the frontline, while also being a student district nurse. Three themes were identified from the analysis: anxiety and uncertainty, management of risk and teamwork. Conclusion: This study highlights the contribution that community nurses made in the clinical response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It adds to a paucity of literature available from this clinical setting and specifically from the viewpoint of a student district nurse. There is much written on the strains on hospital care, but it should be remembered that district nursing is the service that never shuts its doors because it has reached capacity. This study found that a lack of communication and uncertainty about their future as students contributed to heightened stress and anxiety. Teamwork and camaraderie are a vital aspect of any team and one that can support resilience in times of heightened stress. A lack of face-to-face interaction can lead to team members feeling isolated. Digital technology can be used to reduce this feeling when possible.
Oral candidiasis and potential risk factors among disabled and non-disabled in Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah Ali H , Bhat Nagesh , Kukreja Pankaj , Alhassan Eltayeb Mohammed , Mudawi Abdallah Ibrahim A , Alzahrani Faisal A , Albanghali Mohammad A 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND
Oral candidiasis (OC) is an oral health disease that could influence patients’ oral health quality of life.
AIM
To estimate prevalence of OC among disabled and non-disabled individuals and its potential risk factors in the Al-Baha region, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
An observational cross-sectional study was carried out among 148 disabled and non-disabled participants. The technique of concentrated oral rinse employing the Sabouraud Dextrose Agar medium accompanied with 0.05% chloramphenicol was conducted to assess and isolate candida . Oral examination using the World Health Organization guidelines was conducted to examine participants’ oral health status. A pre-designed questionnaire was also used to evaluate sociodemographic, medical history, and oral hygiene habits of the studied population.
RESULTS
Out of 148 participants (n = 57, 38%) had colonized candida . None of the studied population had visible Candida lesions. However, Candida was found in the oral rinses without the subject presenting any lesions or issues caused by Candida (asymptomatic colonization). The most common prevalent OC among participants were Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , Candida dubliniensis , Candida krusei , Candida tropicalis , and Candida parapsilosis (n = 35, 61%; n = 8, 14%; n = 6, 10%; n = 5, 9%; n = 2, 4%; and n = 1, 2%) respectively. Diabetes, smoking, poor plaque, and gingival status were key potential risk factors that significantly associated with candida ’s density and presence (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.01, and P = 0.01) respectively. Disability status had no statistically significant effect on presence and density of Candida .
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of OC is almost third of the studied population; thus, may provoke a need to develop preventive strategies to reduce the OC rate and establish solid treatment plans.