bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surviving in the Amazon Arc of Deforestation: richness and defaunation of mammals in priority protected areas of the Brazilian Midwest
Authors: Melo-Dias Mateus , Ribeiro Letícia G. , Queiroz Julia F. , Penhacek Marcos , Custódio Rogério José , Rodrigues Domingos de Jesus , Rosa Clarissa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Amazon is recognized as one of the most conserved tropical rainforests in the world, however, along its peripheral agricultural frontiers, mammal assemblages are gradually being eroded due to deforestation of this large area known as the Arc of Deforestation, particularly along the Amazon’s southeast. In this study, we aimed to expand on the knowledge of richness, composition, and defaunation of mammal assemblages in two priority protected areas for biodiversity in the region: Cristalino State Park (CSP) and Xingu State Park (XSP). We used camera traps and line transects for data collection between 2020 and 2021. Our results demonstrated that both protected areas present species-rich medium and large mammal assemblages within the south-central Amazon (CSP – 32 species, XSP – 30 species). Due to the differing vegetation types between each park, the two mammal assemblages showed significant differences in species composition. Even with one of the highest biomasses of large ungulates (tapir and brocket deer), and apex predators (jaguar and puma) compared to other protected areas in south-central Amazon, both areas showed a high biomass defaunation index relative to these same areas. The result is largely driven by the low abundance of peccaries, especially Tayassu pecari. This could be one of the impacts of extensive human pressure caused by deforestation and degradation around and inside these protected areas. Both parks play an important role in the survival of threatened mammals, and in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functionality in the southern Amazon, helping to curb agricultural expansion into the interior of the Amazon rainforest.
Comparative study using propensity score matching analysis in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer with or without multimodal prehabilitation
Authors: Estrada Daniel Mauricio Londoño , Queiroz Fábio Lopes , Guerra Luiza Iannotta , França-Neto Paulo Rocha , Lacerda-Filho Antônio , Silvestre Simone Chaves Miranda , Coelho Jose Marcos 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Methods
observational study, in patients with CRC who underwent surgical treatment between November 2020 and September 2022. The data of the patients were placed in 2 groups: prehabilitation group (PPH) and no prehabilitation group (NPPH). Demographic data, type of cancer, operative data, and postoperative data were collected. Characteristics between the groups were compared after a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) analysis for the detection of differences.
Results
After the PSM analysis, 46 patients were in PPH, and 63 patients were in NPPH. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications (p = 0.192). The median of comprehensive complication index (CCI) was 0 (p = 0.552). patients in the NPPH had more hospital readmissions (p = 0.273) and more emergency room visits (p = 0.092). Multivariate log binomial regression adjusted for complications showed that pre-habilitation reduces the risk of a pos-operative complication (OR: 0.659, 95%CI, 0.434-1.00, p = 0.019).
Conclusions
Prehabilitation was associated with reduced risk of postoperative complication after multivariate log binomial regression adjusted for complications.
Unanticipated Pathological Clearance in Two Cases of Clinical T4b dMMR/MSI-h Advanced Colorectal Cancer: The Potential of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Despite Positive Positron-Emission Tomography Results
Authors: Nakamura Daigaku , Yanagita Takeshi , Fujii Yoshiaki , Watanabe Kaori , Suzuki Takuya , Ushigome Hajime , Takahashi Hiroki , Ogawa Ryo , Matsuo Yoichi , Hotta Yuji , Kondo Masahiro , Furukawa-Hibi Yoko , Takiguchi Shuji 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
The standard treatment for colorectal cancer consists of surgery and chemotherapy, which can be combined to improve outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a significant advancement in the standard treatment of metastatic, unresectable colorectal cancer with deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). However, limited data is available about the use of ICI in the neoadjuvant and conversion settings. Here, we present two cases treated with ICI.
Case presentation
Case 1: A 75-year-old male with a large, borderline resectable rectal cancer diagnosed as cT4bN1bM0 who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy, followed by combination ICI consisting of ipilimumab and nivolumab. After four courses of ICI, the tumor significantly shrank, but positron emission tomography still showed a positive result and R0 resection was performed. Pathological analysis revealed no residual cancer cells, and no recurrences have occurred after one year.
Case 2: A 60-year-old male with locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab. The tumor partially shrank after three courses, and continued pembrolizumab monotherapy resulted in further tumor shrinkage which still showed positive positron emission tomography. Curative sigmoidectomy with partial resection of the ileum and bladder was performed, and the pathological outcome was pCR. There was no viable tumor in the specimen. The patient has been monitored without adjuvant chemotherapy for six months, and no recurrence has been observed.
Conclusions
The present study reports two cases, including a large, borderline resectable rectal cancer after failure of chemotherapy followed by combination treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab and one case of sigmoid colon cancer after pembrolizumab treatment, which resulted in pathological complete response. However, it remains unknown whether ICI therapy can replace surgery or diminish the optimal extent of resection, or whether adjuvant chemotherapy is needed after surgery in the case of achieving pCR after ICI therapy. Overall, this case report suggests that ICI before colorectal surgery can be effective and potentially a ‘watch-and-wait” strategy could be used for cases in which ICI is effective.
Causality between gut microbiota and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yang Ti , Ma Zengxin , Liu Fang , Zhou Wenjun , Sun Jia , Huang Xiaopei , Ke Peifeng , Duan Juan , He Yifeng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Studies have provided evidence of alterations in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota of individuals with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the causality between gut microbiota and GERD remains uncertain.
Methods
Summary data on gut microbiota and GERD were obtained from publicly available genetic databases and analyzed by using two sets of genetic instruments. MR analyses were conducted using inverse variance weighted (IVW; primary method for causal inference in TSMR analysis), weighted median, MR Egger, and weighted mode methods.
Results
TSMR analysis revealed that 8 bacterial taxa, including 4 risk factors and 4 protective factors, were associated with GERD. IVW results showed that the risk of GERD was negatively associated with the family Bifidobacteriaceae (P = 0.026), order Bifidobacteriales (P = 0.002), family Christensenellaceae (P = 0.000), and genus Odoribacter (P = 0.024). Conversely, it was positively associated with the class Mollicutes (P = 0.003), phylum Tenericutes (P = 0.003), family Rikenellaceae (P = 0.015), and genus Prevotella 9 (P = 0.013). Reverse TSMR analysis did not reveal a reverse causal relationship between GERD and gut microbiota.
Conclusions
We established a causal association between gut microbiota and GERD, thus providing a groundbreaking genetic perspective for studying pathogenesis of GERD and potential strategies for its prevention and treatment.
Optimal consequence management of pollution intrusion into water distribution networks considering demand variation and pipeline leakage: a case study
Authors: Razavi Seyed Ghasem , Nazif Sara , Ghorbani Mehdi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

To ensure the preservation of public health during periods of water distribution network (WDN) contamination, implementing effective consequence management (CM) plans is crucial. This study aimed to minimize the number of operational interventions and mitigate adverse effects on public health by considering WDN leakage and demand changes during contamination events. Surveys conducted during the contamination period revealed an impressive 88% reduction in water consumption. Subsequently, a real case study focusing on a segment of Tehran's WDN in Iran's capital city was conducted, examining four scenarios to test the proposed method. Without employing leakage and demand reduction strategies, the total contamination exposure amounted to approximately 184 kg. However, by incorporating water demand reduction, leakage, and their simultaneous simulation, maximum contamination exposures of 154.4, 171, and 124.4 kg were respectively achieved. Furthermore, it was found that the optimal CM plan required significantly different valve configurations. Neglecting demand changes and leaks in the CM plan led to inaccurate calculations regarding hydraulic and quality status, pollution levels in the network, and contamination exposure for WDN users; therefore, erroneous decision-making.
Effect of water temperature on internal nitrogen release from sediments in the Pearl River Delta region, China
Authors: Zhu Dantong , Cheng Xiangju , Sample David J. , Qiao Qingsong , Liu Zhaowei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) has received attention as an indicator of water quality and pollution. However, there is still a lack of systematic research on the influence of temperature. An experiment was conducted with five tanks containing sediments from the Pearl River Delta region of China and distilled water to assess the release of N from sediments under controlled conditions; temperatures from 10 to 30 °C were assessed. Results show that the effect of temperature on N in the water column and sediment is nonlinear. NO3-N was affected at temperatures between 20 and 25 °C in shallow sediments (1–3 cm below the sediment–water interface) with rapid increase concentration, while NH4-N concentration in water column was decreased significantly with increased temperature between 10 and 15 °C. NO3-N was dominant at temperatures from 25 to 30 °C. However, the presence of NH4-N in a water body can inhibit its release, thus the relationship between the diffusive flux with temperature is not linear. The relationship between N diffusive flux at the sediment–water interface was described by Polynomial2D and Lorentz2D models.
The Role of Aldose Reductase in Polyol Pathway: An Emerging
Pharmacological Target in Diabetic Complications and Associated
Morbidities
Authors: Gupta Jeetendra Kumar 
Published: August 2023

Abstract:
The expression of aldose reductase leads to a variety of biological and pathological
effects. It is a multifunctional enzyme which has a tendency to reduce aldehydes to the corresponding
sugar
alcohol. In diabetic conditions, the aldose reductase enzyme converts glucose into
sorbitol using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate as a cofactor. It is a key enzyme in
polyol pathway which is a surrogate course of glucose metabolism. The polyol pathway has a significant
impact on the aetiology of complications in individuals with end-stage diabetes. The exorbitant
level of sorbitol leads to the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in diabetic
heart, neurons, kidneys, eyes and other vasculatures, leading to many complications and pathogenesis.
Recently, the pathophysiological role of aldose reductase has been explored with multifarious
perspectives. Research on aldose reductase suggest that besides implying in diabetic complications,
the enzyme also turns down the lipid-derived aldehydes as well as their glutathione conjugates.
Although aldose reductase has certain lucrative role in detoxification of toxic lipid aldehydes,
its overexpression leads to intracellular accumulation of sorbitol which is involved in secondary
diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, cataractogenesis, nephropathy, retinopathy and
cardiovascular pathogenesis. Osmotic upset and oxidative stress are produced by aldose reductase
via the polyol pathway. The inhibition of aldose reductase alters the activation of transcription
factors like NF-ƙB. Moreover, in many preclinical studies, aldose reductase inhibitors have been
observed to reduce inflammation-related impediments, such as asthma, sepsis and colon cancer, in
diabetic subjects. Targeting aldose reductase can bestow a novel cognizance for this primordial
enzyme as an ingenious strategy to prevent diabetic complications and associated morbidities. In
this review article, the significance of aldose reductase is briefly discussed along with their prospective
applications in other afflictions.
Synergistic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Allium sativum (Garlic) with DAPT and ATRA on Notch Signaling Targeted Molecular Action on Lung Cancer Cell line (A549)
Authors: Ravichandran Ragavi , Wilson D. David , Viswanathan S. , Siddikuzzaman  , Bonati Lucia , Rajendran Selvamani , Grace V. Berlin 
Published: August 2023

Background:
The activated oncogenic Notch signalling is an emerging target to treat cancer
progression and recurrence. Synthetic inhibitors of Notch receptors are in pre-clinical studies. However,
the overexpression of Notch signalling molecules at the gene level needs to be regulated to control cancer
progression.

Objective:
We propose that this can be achieved by gene-regulatory drugs in combination with natural
phytochemical compounds.

Methods:
The ethanol extract of Allium sativum alone and in combination with DAPT and ATRA were
evaluated for cytotoxicity on A549 cells by MTT and Trypan blue assays. Their effects on Notch 1, Hes 1
and p53 gene expressions were studied by RT-PCR and qPCR. Their inhibition on metastatic invasion of
A549 cells was analyzed by in vitro wound scratch assay. The phytochemicals of the extract were
identified by GC-MS analysis.

Results:
Many organosulfur compounds having anti-cancer potency were identified in GC-MS. The
combination treatment with 50μg (IC50) of garlic extract exhibited a highly significant (P≤0.01)
synergistic inhibitory effect on A549 cell growth and migration. It has also significantly reduced the
expression of Notch 1 and Hes 1 oncogenes and enhanced p53 gene expression, compared with the
individual treatments. This indicates the synergistic action of the extract on the downregulation of Notch
signalling at the mRNA level.

Conclusion:
Our study results imply that the combination therapies have potent molecular treatment
action via down-regulating Notch signaling target genes and upregulating p53 gene expression as an
underlying mechanism of inhibitory action on A549 lung cancer cells.
Therapeutic Potential of the Herbal Plant Uncaria gambir: A Systematic
Review
Authors: Pramanik Farina , Satari Mieke Hemiawati , Azhari Azhari 
Published: August 2023

Background:
Uncaria gambir is an Indonesian medicinal herb with healing effects. This
plant contains flavonoids, which can be used as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to accelerate
healing. In Indonesia, Uncaria gambir is widely accessible, simple to grow, and has a long
history of use as an alternative medicine. Following this, studies are conducted in the medical industry
using Uncaria gambir.

Objective:
This study aimed to comprehensively review the use of Uncaria gambir extract as an
herbal plant for treating experimental animals.

Methods:
This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-
Analyses guidelines, and the risk of bias was evaluated by modifying the ARRIVE guidelines.

Results:
A report was presented on review articles from 12 publications sourced from PubMed, ScienceDirect,
Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, EBSCO Host, and other relevant studies. The Uncaria
gambir isolates tested were catechin and ethyl acetate, used primarily for lesions, pain, edema, and
diabetes in experimental Wistar rats.

Conclusion:
Uncaria gambir is an herbal plant that contains flavonoids, which can be used as antiinflammatory,
antioxidant, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective agents and can potentially be applied
in the medical field as adjuvant therapy.
Approaches to Research Ethics in Health Research on YouTube: Systematic Review
Authors: Tanner Joshua P , Takats Courtney , Lathan Hannah Stuart , Kwan Amy , Wormer Rachel , Romero Diana , Jones Heidi E 
Published: August 2023

Background
YouTube has become a popular source of health care information, reaching an estimated 81% of adults in 2021; approximately 35% of adults in the United States have used the internet to self-diagnose a condition. Public health researchers are therefore incorporating YouTube data into their research, but guidelines for best practices around research ethics using social media data, such as YouTube, are unclear.

Objective
This study aims to describe approaches to research ethics for public health research implemented using YouTube data.

Methods
We implemented a systematic review of articles found in PubMed, SocINDEX, Web of Science, and PsycINFO following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. To be eligible to be included, studies needed to be published in peer-reviewed journals in English between January 1, 2006, and October 31, 2019, and include analyses on publicly available YouTube data on health or public health topics; studies using primary data collection, such as using YouTube for study recruitment, interventions, or dissemination evaluations, were not included. We extracted data on the presence of user identifying information, institutional review board (IRB) review, and informed consent processes, as well as research topic and methodology.

Results
This review includes 119 articles from 88 journals. The most common health and public health topics studied were in the categories of chronic diseases (44/119, 37%), mental health and substance use (26/119, 21.8%), and infectious diseases (20/119, 16.8%). The majority (82/119, 68.9%) of articles made no mention of ethical considerations or stated that the study did not meet the definition of human participant research (16/119, 13.4%). Of those that sought IRB review (15/119, 12.6%), 12 out of 15 (80%) were determined to not meet the definition of human participant research and were therefore exempt from IRB review, and 3 out of 15 (20%) received IRB approval. None of the 3 IRB-approved studies contained identifying information; one was explicitly told not to include identifying information by their ethics committee. Only 1 study sought informed consent from YouTube users. Of 119 articles, 33 (27.7%) contained identifying information about content creators or video commenters, one of which attempted to anonymize direct quotes by not including user information.

Conclusions
Given the variation in practice, concrete guidelines on research ethics for social media research are needed, especially around anonymizing and seeking consent when using identifying information.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42020148170; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=148170
Deferring Postoperative Follow‑Up Visits up to 4 Weeks After Uneventful Cataract Surgery in a Tertiary Level Eye Hospital: Protocol for a Prospective, Quantitative, Experimental Control Study
Authors: Parajuli Sanket , Dhakhwa Parami , Adhikary Rabindra 
Published: August 2023

Background
Routine examination after cataract surgery, including a refraction test 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, is mandatory in most hospitals. In recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring alternative approaches to postoperative follow-up in cataract surgery patients due to the increasing number of cataract surgeries being performed, the limited availability of health care resources, and the need to optimize the use of health care services.

Objective
We aim to compare postoperative visual outcomes after a day 0 examination in patients with 2 follow‑ups, one on day 7 and other on day 30, and patients with a single ophthalmic follow‑up between days 25 to 30.

Methods
A prospective, quantitative, experimental control study will be carried out in Reiyukai Eiko Masunaga Eye Hospital, located in Banepa, Kavrepalanchok, Nepal. All patients undergoing cataract surgery meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria irrespective of the type of surgery (small-incision cataract surgery or phacoemulsification) will be included in the study. The patients will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Patients in group 1 will be examined on day 1, day 7, and day 30, whereas patients in group 2 will be examined on day 1 and once between days 25 to 30. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) in our study will be set according to the improvement in the Snellen visual acuity chart.

Results
The study is expected to be completed within 6 to 8 months from the start of the project. Data analysis and report writing will be carried out in a 2-month period. Best-corrected visual acuity will be compared between the 2 groups to determine if the MCID is achieved. The cost-effectiveness of the new approach will also be analyzed.

Conclusions
We aim to conclude that we can safely defer the 1-week postoperative follow-up visit in patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery and that, moreover, we can reduce the patient load at the hospital and decrease patient expenses by decreasing the frequency of hospital visits.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
PRR1-10.2196/48616
Centering Public Perceptions on Translating AI Into Clinical Practice: Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Consultation Focus Group Study
Authors: Lammons William , Silkens Milou , Hunter Jamie , Shah Sudhir , Stavropoulou Charitini 
Published: August 2023

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely considered to be the new technical advancement capable of a large-scale modernization of health care. Considering AI’s potential impact on the clinician-patient relationship, health care provision, and health care systems more widely, patients and the wider public should be a part of the development, implementation, and embedding of AI applications in health care. Failing to establish patient and public engagement and involvement (PPIE) can limit AI’s impact.

Objective
This study aims to (1) understand patients’ and the public’s perceived benefits and challenges for AI and (2) clarify how to best conduct PPIE in projects on translating AI into clinical practice, given public perceptions of AI.

Methods
We conducted this qualitative PPIE focus-group consultation in the United Kingdom. A total of 17 public collaborators representing 7 National Institute of Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaborations across England participated in 1 of 3 web-based semistructured focus group discussions. We explored public collaborators’ understandings, experiences, and perceptions of AI applications in health care. Transcripts were coanalyzed iteratively with 2 public coauthors using thematic analysis.

Results
We identified 3 primary deductive themes with 7 corresponding inductive subthemes. Primary theme 1, advantages of implementing AI in health care, had 2 subthemes: system improvements and improve quality of patient care and shared decision-making. Primary theme 2, challenges of implementing AI in health care, had 3 subthemes: challenges with security, bias, and access; public misunderstanding of AI; and lack of human touch in care and decision-making. Primary theme 3, recommendations on PPIE for AI in health care, had 2 subthemes: experience, empowerment, and raising awareness; and acknowledging and supporting diversity in PPIE.

Conclusions
Patients and the public can bring unique perspectives on the development, implementation, and embedding of AI in health care. Early PPIE is therefore crucial not only to safeguard patients but also to increase the chances of acceptance of AI by the public and the impact AI can make in terms of outcomes.