bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coastal debris survey in the remote beaches of the Great and Little Nicobar Islands, India.
Authors: DAS PRATYUSH , Mohanty Pratap Kumar , Maharana Dushmant , Padhi Sanjukta Rani , Kholia Bhupendra Singh , Swain Jatindra Nath , Barik Subhajit 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Debris from four beaches of the Great Nicobar and five beaches of Little Nicobar Islands were collected using transect based approach during March-April 2016 for assessing the status of marine debris. The collected debris were segregated into five types; plastics, fisheries, medical waste, house waste and food packaging and were analysed to estimate their composition, abundance, number and weight per unit area. Percentage contribution (number) of plastic debris (Great Nicobar (GN): 59.95%; Little Nicobar (LN): 53.02%), fisheries (GN: 17.88%; LN: 25.76%), house waste (GN: 11.07%; LN: 8.89%), medical waste (GN: 5.93%; LN: 6.04%), and food packaging (GN: 5.16%; LN: 6.28%) were determined and compared. Debris of foreign origin, mostly plastics of various colours, were reported in all the beaches while medical wastes were of local origin. The study focuses on plastic debris and its deleterious effects on the marine environment and discusses the role of wind, waves and shipping activities on the accumulation/movement of debris in the Andaman sea.
The Influence of Preoperative Physical Activity on Intraoperative Brain Function in Cardiac Surgical patients
Authors: Ramachandran Rushil Vladimir , Ananthakrishnan Ajay , Orui Hibiki , Kveraga Kestutis , Subramaniam Balachundhar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Preoperative physical activity and intraoperative brain health are recognized to influence postoperative delirium (POD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression and cerebral desaturation are indicators of abnormal intraoperative brain health. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative physical activity and intraoperative EEG burst suppression and cerebral desaturation.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 67 patients from one of the institutions participating in a multisite randomized controlled trial, PANDORA, involving patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The preoperative PCS12 score calculated using the SF12 questionnaire was used as an indicator of preoperative physical activity. Intraoperative EEG and cerebral oximetry data (not the current standard of care in this facility) were collected, and the anesthesiologists were blinded to the information. We analyzed the following associations between the PCS12 score and i) burst suppression duration, ii) the number of cerebral desaturations, and iii) the number of observations with concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression using a generalized linear model. The results are presented as percentage changes in outcomes, and a 95% C.I. p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
Each unit increase in the PCS12 score was associated with a 3.3% decrease in the duration of burst suppression (-3.3 [-5.3, -1.2], p value = 0.002). The duration of burst suppression decreased by 29.2% with each successive quartile increase in the PCS-12 score, indicating a dose‒response relationship (-29.2 [-41.6, -16], p < 0.001). Specifically, the patients in the last three quartiles exhibited a 55.4% reduction in BSD compared to those in the first quartile (-55.4 [-74.4, -24.6], p = 0.002) (Fig. 2). We did not observe any significant association between the PCS12 score and cerebral desaturation.
Conclusion
Decreased preoperative physical activity, as measured by the SF-12 questionnaire, is significantly associated with increased EEG burst suppression duration. Preoperative physical activity did not show any association with cerebral desaturations and concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression.
Clinical Trial information
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier- NCT04093219
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04093219
Principal Investigator - Balachundhar Subramaniam
Date of registration - September 13, 2019
Characteristics of the Mandibular Canal in the Mandibular Angle Area and Its Significance in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Mandibular Angle Fractures
Authors: Li Lifeng , Acharya Kiran , Shi Jingyi , Tu Junbo , Hou Chengqun , Hu Xiaoyi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
To explore the clinical significance of the characteristics of the mandibular canal in the mandibular angle area by measuring its position, with a focus on minimally invasive treatment of mandibular angle fractures.
Methods
Sixty individuals in good health, who received cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans at the Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were chosen for evaluation. Measurements were taken of the distances between the mandibular canal and the external oblique ridge, mandibular angle, and cortical bone on the buccal side. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore the positioning trends of the mandibular canal and to discern any gender-based disparities.
Results
The average distance from the mandibular canal to the external oblique ridge in the mandibular angle region was 14.41 ± 2.41 mm, and the average distance from the mandibular canal to the buccal cortical thickness was 4.67 ± 1.20 mm. A notable statistical contrast was observed in the distance from the mandibular canal to the mandibular angle between males and females (P < 0.05). Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences between genders for the other measured parameters (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The distance from the mandibular canal to the external oblique ridge remains consistent, showing no statistical variance between genders. For safer management of mandibular angle fractures through minimally invasive techniques, it's recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 17 mm between internal fixation screws and the external oblique line to prevent injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. Moreover, the proximity of the canal to the buccal cortical bone is relatively short, suggesting that conventional single-cortical screws may not adequately mitigate the risk of nerve injury.
Cross-cultural adaptation and content validation of the Singapore English version of EQ-5D-Y: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tan Rachel Lee-Yin , Ng Zhi Min , Chen Le Ann , Herdman Michael , Luo Nan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The EQ-5D-Y is a generic preference-weighted measure for children and adolescents which was developed within Europe. Two versions exist, the EQ-5D-Y-3L (Y-3L) and EQ-5D-Y-5L (Y-5L). This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Y-3L and Y-5L for use in Singapore and to assess the content validity, specifically, the relevance and comprehensiveness of the EQ-5D-Y descriptive system (EQ-5D-Y DS) in Asia.
Methods
To culturally adapt the instruments, an expert panel consisting of paediatricians and primary school educators were consulted. Modifications suggested by the expert panel were tested via cognitive debriefing interviews with children aged 8–12 in Singapore. To assess the content validity of the EQ-5D-Y DS, interviews were conducted with both healthy (n = 8) and ill children (n = 6) aged 8–15. In the interviews, children discussed their experience with poor health and commented on the comprehensiveness and relevance of the EQ-5D-Y DS.
Results
The cross-cultural adaptation process led to minor modifications to the UK English Y-3L and Y-5L versions, including using phrases familiar to the local children and adding examples to facilitate understanding. The five health dimensions in the EQ-5D-Y DS were spontaneously elicited when children discussed their experience with poor health. All health dimensions related to poor health elicited from the interviews fell into three broad categories: physical health (e.g. Appetite, Mobility, and Sleep), mental well-being (e.g. Annoyed/Frustrated and Scared/Worried), and social relationships (e.g. Family and Friends). The EQ-5D-Y DS was generally found to be relevant and comprehensive, although some health dimensions that may be relevant to the local population (Social relationship and Appetite) were not covered.
Conclusions
The UK English EQ-5D-Y instruments were adapted to produce the Singapore English EQ-5D-Y instrument that were comprehensible to local children as young as 8 years old. The EQ-5D-Y DS was generally relevant and comprehensive to measure poor health of local children. Future studies should ascertain the benefits of adding bolt-on items related to social relationships and appetite to the EQ-5D-Y DS.
Evaluating the Outcomes and Patient Experience of Group and Individual Acupuncture in an NHS Cancer Care Setting: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Brass Mandy , Charlesworth Karen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Acupuncture for cancer care is safe and effective and can be provided in group or individual settings. Previously, group acupuncture (GA) has been compared with individual acupuncture (IA) for specific cancer-related symptoms or patient experience, but has not correlated symptoms with patient experience between GA and IA. This service evaluation, using a mixed-methods design, aimed to compare GA with IA for symptom-related outcomes and patient experience and explore their inter-relationships, in order to inform future development of the service.
Methods
Cancer patients referred to the acupuncture service in a UK NHS hospital received six treatments of GA or IA. Outcomes were gathered using Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) questionnaires pre- and post-treatment. Experience of acupuncture was gathered post-treatment using a questionnaire and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
48 participants’ data were analysed. There were statistically significant improvements in outcomes overall, with no difference between GA and IA. Most participants had a positive experience; IA participants focused more on the relationship with their acupuncturist whilst GA participants focused more on environmental factors. For a few GA participants, the group experience was negative, but data synthesis revealed this did not impact symptom-related outcomes.
Conclusion
In both GA and IA arms, symptom-related outcomes mostly improved alongside a positive experience. For those participants for whom GA was not an ideal setting, there was no effect on symptom-related outcomes. These results may be of relevance when establishing acupuncture services in supportive cancer care settings.
Coexistence of a BRCA2 germline and a DICER1 somatic variant in two first- degree young cousins: a potential cooperative role in determining cancer susceptibility?
Authors: Baldo Giada Del , Mastronuzzi Angela , Cipri Selene , Agolini Emanuele , Matraxia Marta , Novelli Antonio , Cacchione Antonella , Serra Annalisa , Carai Andrea , Boccuto Luigi , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Paolo Pier Luigi Di , Miele Evelina , Barresi Sabina , Alaggio Rita , Rossi Sabrina , Giovannoni Isabella 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cancer predisposition syndromes are recognized in about 10% of pediatric malignancies with several genes specifically involved in a subset of pediatric tumors such as DICER1, in pleuropulmonary blastoma, cystic nephroma, and brain sarcomas. By contrast, the role of BRCA1/2 in pediatric cancer predisposition is still under investigation.
We present two cases of young first-degree cousins, both carrying a germinal BRCA2 variant and developing tumors characterized by somatic DICER1 mutations. Patient 1 presented with a cystic nephroma harboring a somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1810Tyr), while patient 2 had a primary intracranial DICER1-mutated sarcoma showing a distinct somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1709Glu) as well as biallelic inactivation of TP53 (p.Val173Leu, VAF 91%) and APC (p.Ile1307Lys, VAF 95%) and a pathogenic variant in KRAS (p.Gln61His). Both patients carried the same germline BRCA2 variant (p.Arg2842Cys) of unknown significance. The same variant was found in the mother of patient 2 and in the father of patient 1, who are siblings. A homologous recombination deficiency signature was not identified in any of the two tumors, possibly suggesting a reduction of BRCA2 activity.
The association of BRCA2 and DICER1 variants in our cases hints at a potential cooperative role in cancer pathogenesis. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the interplay between BRCA1/2 and DICER1 variants and their implications for cancer predisposition and treatment in pediatric patients.
“It is like they throw food to a dog”: a qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to retention in care among people with history of being lost to follow up from drug-resistant tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authors: Mphothulo Ndiviwe , Hlangu Sindisiwe , Furin Jennifer , Moshabela Mosa , Loveday Marian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:There have been advances in drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis, treatment, and service delivery. However, as DR-TB often affects those with limited resources, people with DR-TB struggle with socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges, which may impact retention in care. Consequently, advances in DR-TB diagnostics and treatment have not resulted in DR-TB programs meeting the 75% treatment success targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods: We interviewed people with DR-TB who had previously disengaged from care and their family members to identify barriers and facilitators to retention in care as well as possible strategies to address these barriers. We recruited 16 people with DR-TB and 8 family members from five health facilities in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. All DR-TB patients disengaged from DR-TB care for ≥ 45 days. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data, which were analysed through thematic content analysis using a multidimensional adherence model.
Results: The facilitators of retention in care were positive interactions with health care workers (HCWs), nutritional support, transport from local clinics to DR-TB sites, self-motivation, and emotional support from family members. Barriers to optimal retention in care included a limited understanding of DR-TB disease and treatment, transport challenges, side effects of the medication, pill burden, stigma and discrimination experienced at health care facilities other than DR-TB facilities, food insecurity, and financial difficulties, which included loss of income and a lack of transport money and mental health challenges such as fear, anxiety and feeling lonely and unsupported.
Conclusion:The findings from this study highlight the need for TB treatment programs to collaborate with people being treated for DR-TB and their families to understand facilitators and barriers to retention in care and how these could be addressed to facilitate optimal retention in care.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Native Plant Compounds: Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Ferula gummosa in Colorectal Cancer through Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Authors: Alibakhshi Abbas , Gharibi Shima , Shojaeian Ali , Asgari Atefeh , Amini Razieh , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad , Szumny Antoni 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge, which demands advanced molecular understanding for personalised treatments. Molecular profiling has revealed biomarkers crucial for prognosis, treatment response, and targeted therapies. This study explores the role of native plant compounds, using bioinformatics and experimental assays to identify potential CRC-specific therapeutic targets. A drug-target network analysis identified four proteins (ANG, DPP4, INR, and MAPK14) as potential targets for further investigation. Molecular docking studies identified the cauferoside from Ferula gummosa as a compound with high binding affinity to these proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stability in the compound-protein complexes. In vitro assays demonstrated the cytotoxic effects of F. gummosa extracts on CRC cells, with leaf extract significantly downregulating the expression of the ANG, DPP4, INR, and MAPK14 genes. Root extract exhibited differential effects on gene expression. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic efficacy of F. gummosa against CRC and emphasize the importance of a dual methodology involving bioinformatics and experimental validation in drug discovery. Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and advance potential therapeutic applications.
Case Evaluation of Structural Strength Improvement of Lateritic Soil Using Selected Binders
Authors: Yohanna Paul , Kufre Roland Etim , Ekene Nodebe Inechi , Toluwase Joshua Adekeye , Mbah Ernest Obasi , Ayodeji Oladapo Olatunde , Aliyu Umar Muhammed , Owoicho Moses Okoko , Mauris Kanyi Iaana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The research investigated the potential use of sisal fiber and plastic waste strips as a partial replacement for cement to enhance the geotechnical characteristics of lateritic soils. Various laboratory experiments were conducted, encompassing tests such as specific gravity determination, grain size distribution analysis, compaction assessment, Atterberg limit evaluation, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing, and microscopic analysis. Sisal fiber and plastic strips were each varied at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% while maintaining a constant 5% cement added to all the mix proportions. Result of investigations revealed an enhancement in plasticity of the soils for both treatment methods. Liquid limit shows a steady drop from 43% in its natural state to 42% and 41% at 1% sisal fiber and 1% plastic strips content respectively, while plasticity index showed a decline from 14.8% in its natural form to 12.69% and 10.8% at 2% sisal fiber and 1% plastic strips content respectively. There is a considerable development in the compaction and strength properties of the treated soil. The analysis of the results via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression recorded a significant effect on most of the measured parameters. Microanalysis of the natural and optimally modified soils showed alteration in the fabric arrangement of the particles of soils. Based on the results of the study, optimally 1-1.5% sisal fiber/5% cement and 1-1.5% plastic strips/5%cement meaningfully improved the soil strength and can both be used as sub-base materials for light trafficked roads.
Disruption of β-Catenin Destruction Complex by Ephexin1-Axin1 Interaction Promotes Colorectal Cancer Proliferation
Authors: You Ho Jin , Kim Jeeho , Jeon Young Jin , Chang In-Youb , Lee Jung-Hee 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Wnt signaling is essential for cell growth and tumor formation, and is abnormally activated in colorectal cancer (CRC), contributing to tumor progression, but the specific role and regulatory mechanisms in tumor development are not yet clear. Here we show that Ephexin1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is significantly overexpressed in CRC, correlating with increased Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Through comprehensive analysis, including RNA sequencing data from TCGA and functional assays, we demonstrated that Ephexin1 promotes tumor proliferation and migration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This effect is mediated by the interaction of Ephexin1 with Axin1, a critical component of the β-catenin destruction complex, which in turn enhances stability and activity of β-catenin in signaling pathways critical for tumor development. Importantly, our findings also suggest that targeting Ephexin1 could enhance the efficacy of Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors in CRC treatment. These findings highlight the potential of targeting Ephexin1 as a strategy for developing effective treatments for CRC, suggesting a novel and promising approach to therapy aimed at inhibiting cancer progression
Acute urinary retention and delirium in end-of-life cancer patients.
Authors: Borregón Miguel , Benítez-Fuentes Javier-David , Moya-Martínez Alejandro , Baeza María Victoria , Raja Inmaculada , Martínez Elia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Symptom management at end-of-life (EOL) is crucial for nurses, oncologists, and palliative care providers. Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common issue at EOL, often influenced by various factors including medications and underlying disease. Despite its significance, literature on AUR in EOL cancer patients remains limited, especially regarding its association with delirium.
Methods:
We included patients at EOL admitted to the Palliative Care Unit (PCU) of Hospital Virgen de la Salud de Toledo, Spain, between January and February 2018. EOL was defined as patients presenting with conditions ultimately leading to their demise during the hospital admission. AUR was confirmed based on clinical assessment from electronic medical records, defined as the inability to voluntarily urinate, or AUR concordant physical examination, and the need for bladder catheterization to urinate. We evaluated delirium clinically, considering altered consciousness, cognition, and perception. We used descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and clinical features. We employed a logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of AUR and AUR-associated delirium.
Results:
Among 51 new admissions, 39 (76.4%) were EOL patients, with 13 (33.3%) experiencing AUR. Patients with AUR were older (mean age 78.8 years) compared to those without AUR (mean age 71.5 years). AUR was associated with butylscopolamine use, advanced age, lung cancer, and distant metastases. Physical examination revealed palpable distended bladders in most AUR cases, with a mean urine volume of 536 cc at catheterization. Delirium was present in over 50% of AUR cases, resolving after catheterization in the majority.
Conclusion:
Improving recognition of AUR symptoms and causes in the EOL setting could improve patient relief and comfort.