bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rationale for ISO 14001 certification: A systematic review and a cost–benefit analysis
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: February 2022

This contribution presents the findings from a two‐stage systematic review. It relied on PRISMA's methodical protocol to capture and analyze high‐impact articles, that were focused on the International Standards Organization's ISO 14001—Environment Management Systems. Whilst stage 1 shed light on the most cited publications since 1995, stage 2 narrowed down the search results between 2015 and 2021. The findings suggest that the use of this certifiable standard may result in operational efficiencies through better utilization of resources and waste management systems. It provides opportunities for practitioners to re‐conceive their license to operate and to enhance their credentials with stakeholders. Moreover, this review considered potential pitfalls of ISO 14001, like high certification costs, time constraints as well as an increase in paperwork and red tape. It noted that managers and employees may not always be willing or knowledgeable enough to implement the necessary changes to comply with the standard's requirements.
Epigenetic regulation of inflammation by microRNAs in post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans
Authors: Duecker Ruth P , De Mir Messa Ines , Jerkic Silvija‐Pera , Kochems Annalena , Gottwald Gabriele , Moreno‐Galdó Antonio , Rosewich Martin , Gronau Lucia , Zielen Stefan , Geburtig‐Chiocchetti Andreas , Kreyenberg Hermann , Schubert Ralf
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Post‐infectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PiBO) is a rare, chronic disease initiated by severe infection and followed by perpetuating inflammation and obliteration of the small airways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed to play a central role as epigenetic regulators, which control resolution and prevent the uncontrolled progress of inflammation. The aim of this study was to define biomarkers on the level of post‐transcriptional gene regulation in order to characterise PiBO.

Methods

A total of 39 patients with well‐defined PiBO and 31 controls from two centres, Barcelona, Spain, and Frankfurt, Germany, were analysed by next‐generation sequencing (NGS). The evaluation of the biological targets of the miRNAs was performed by pathway enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction network analysis respectively.

Results

Patients with PiBO had significantly lower lung function values and increased airway inflammation in induced sputum as indicated by total cell counts, neutrophils, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8 and TGF‐β compared to controls.

Next‐generation sequencing analysis revealed a total of 22 dysregulated miRNAs, which passed significance threshold for Padj ≤ 0.001 with 17 being upregulated and 5 being downregulated. Of these dysregulated miRNAs, miR‐335‐5p, miR‐186‐5p, miR‐30b‐5p and miR‐30c‐5p were further validated using qRT‐PCR. Interestingly, these miRNAs are functionally implicated in cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, TGF‐β signalling and FoxO signalling pathway and significantly correlated with lung function values (FEV1).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate an aberrant miRNA expression profile in PiBO, which impacts pathways responsible for the regulation of inflammation and fibrosis. The defined miRNAs are useful biomarkers and should be assessed as potential target in the field of miRNA therapeutics.
Throughput performance of a non‐linear energy‐harvesting cognitive radio‐enabled device‐to‐device network
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Bhowmick Abhijit
Published: February 2022

In cellular networks, device‐to‐device (D2D) communication is a new paradigm. In this paper, the performance of a non‐linear energy‐harvesting D2D communication network underlaying a cellular network is studied under a channel quality constraint. To make the study more realistic, spectrum sensing is incorporated with the D2D communication. Thus, the user equipments (UEs), that is, D2D devices, are enabled with cognitive radio (CR) technology. Since the UEs are battery powered, there exists an energy constraint. Thus, each UE is also equipped with an energy‐harvesting circuit and harvest energy from radio frequency (RF) signal of power transfer units (PTUs) and cellular users (CUs). Each UE uses its harvested energy for transmission. A D2D transmitter uses sensing information to decide its mode of transmission over a CU channel and is shared in hybrid mode. An algorithm is proposed based on threshold‐based censoring to maximize the throughput. In the proposed scheme, D2D users associated with the bad quality of channels are eliminated from the transmission process. Analytical expressions of throughput and improvement in spectrum utilization (ISU) are developed. The impact of the interference threshold to CU, the censoring threshold and the saturation level of the energy harvester on throughput is studied. The network performance is also investigated for several types of channels. It is found that the amount of fading has a significant impact on throughput performance. It is observed that the proposed scheme outperforms the conventional scheme.
Generic MGF‐based tight approximation for the error rate analysis
Authors: Pratap Singh S. , Singh Shekhar , Kumar Amit , Pandey Ashish , M Lakshmanan , Mohammed Noor , Kumar Sanjay
Published: February 2022

The moment generating function (MGF)‐based approach is found as more profound as compared with probability density function (PDF)‐based counterpart for error rate analysis in any communication system. However, it fails in the case of several modulation schemes with constellation size M, such as M‐PSK, M‐QAM, and M‐PAM schemes among the others, due to the computational complexity of the involved integration. Though authors in the literature suggest alternate analytical expressions to overcome the problem it is solved only for M‐PSK and M‐QAM schemes. Hence, we present a generic MGF‐based tight approximation for the error rate analysis of different modulation schemes. Particularly, error rate analysis of M‐PAM, M‐AM, B‐PSK, B‐FSK, and orthogonal B‐FSK with non‐coherent (Non‐Co) detection modulation schemes are presented through known MGF based expressions without the evaluation of any integration. Also, a simple analytical expression for the M‐QAM modulation scheme is presented. Besides, the proposed MGF‐based analytical expressions are used to evaluate the error rate of M‐PSK, M‐PAM, and M‐AM modulation schemes over the generalized‐K (GK) fading channel, which is not presented in literature due to the computational complexity of involved integration. Newly, derived analytical expressions are validated through Monte Carlo simulation. The graphical results show the validity and accuracy of the proposed unified MGF‐based analytical expressions for error rate analysis of different modulation schemes overkμ‐gamma and GK fading channels, respectively.
The cytologic diagnosis of “atypical”: Criteria and controversies
Authors: VandenBussche Christopher J. , Baloch Zubair W.
Published: February 2022

Historically, the word “atypia” has been applied as a descriptor for cytomorphologic changes that deviate from what is expected; the assessment of deviant vs. expected cytomorphology is in the eye of the beholder. “Atypia” has been used to define a spectrum of changes which includes reactive changes known to be benign, but also for those concerning for malignancy, as well as everything in‐between. The absence of a standardized reporting system and/or the lack of communication with clinicians can lead to the overutilization of the atypical category. When faced with a high rate of atypical diagnoses, clinicians are unable to distinguish patients who need more aggressive follow up from those that do not. Patients accessing their test results may not understand what an “atypical” diagnosis means; this can lead to unnecessary patient anxiety. Finally, atypical diagnoses can trigger reflex ancillary testing. This impacts ancillary test performance, as performance depends upon the pre‐test probability of the cohort being tested. The inappropriate testing of low‐risk patients can result in an increased number of false positive tests, which in turn lead to unnecessary procedures. Given these challenges, we present this special issue on “atypical” diagnoses in the field of cytopathology. In this issue, experts in various areas of cytopathology review the literature and discuss the diagnostic dilemmas of rendering “atypical” cytologic diagnosis, associated controversies, the effect on patient management, and abuse of ancillary studies. This issue also includes brief commentaries from clinicians from four different medical specialties who often encounter indeterminate cytologic diagnoses.
Human dendritic cell subsets: An updated view of their ontogeny and functional specialization
Authors: Segura Elodie
Published: February 2022

Human DCs have been divided into several subsets based on their phenotype and ontogeny. Recent high throughput single‐cell methods have revealed additional heterogeneity within human DC subsets, and new subpopulations have been proposed. In this review, we provide an updated view of the human DC subsets and of their ontogeny supported by recent clinical studies . We also summarize their main characteristics including their functional specialization.
Coordination Chemistry of Borane in Solution: Application to a STING Agonist
Authors: Zhdanko Alexander , van der Worp Boris A. , Lemaire Sébastien
Published: February 2022

Equilibrium constants were determined for ligand exchange reactions of borane complexes with various oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus nucleophiles in solution, and a binding affinity scale was built spanning a range of 12 orders of magnitude. While the Keq are minimally dependent on the solvent, the rate of ligand exchange varies significantly. The fastest and slowest rates were observed in THF and CDCl3, respectively. Moreover, the ligand exchange rate differs in a very broad range depending on stability of the starting complex. Binding of BH3 was found to be much more sensitive to steric factors than protonation. Comparing nitrogen bases having equal steric properties, a linear correlation of BH3 binding affinity vs. Brønsted acidity was found. This correlation can be used to quickly estimate the BH3 binding affinity of a substrate if pKa is known. Kinetic studies suggest the ligand exchange to occur as a bimolecular SN2 reaction unless other nucleophilic species were present in the reaction mixture.
Assessing the Portion of Diet Taken by Birds and Mammals from a Pesticide-Treated Area—Proposal for a Joint Way Forward
Authors: Ludwigs Jan-Dieter , Ebeling Markus , Haaf Sonja , Kragten Steven
Published: February 2022

An environmental risk assessment for birds and mammals is an important part of any application package for potential registration of pesticides in Europe. A realistic estimation of the exposure of a certain species to the pesticide under field conditions is a refinement factor in long-term higher-tier risk assessments. Although guidance on how to collect specific exposure data is provided, there is not yet a harmonized view on how to use and assess existing and newly recorded field data. Exposure is defined as the portion of diet taken from a pesticide-treated crop field over time (the PT factor), and it is set equal to the time a (tracked) individual is active (= foraging) in the crop of concern at the crop growth stage relevant to the pesticide application being assessed. While the PT factor is set to 1 in a first tier, it can be refined in higher tiers. Differences in the methodologies influencing the robustness of a data set and intraindividual variance in PT data are currently not considered. Our study, based on data recording in accordance with the European Food Safety Authority's recommendations, shows this variance for different species in different crops for both breeding and nonbreeding periods, with tracking sessions showing both interindividual as well as intraindividual variation across several days. We discuss PT data quality and how it can be used, considering intraindividual variance in a manner that is protective and conforms to current European guidance. The present study intends to support the planned revision of the current European guidance on how to conduct environmental bird and mammal risk assessments, and its further purpose is to open constructive discussions about how and which kind of PT data can be used. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1344–1354. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Meta-analysis of Bioaccumulation Data for Nondissolvable Engineered Nanomaterials in Freshwater Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Zheng Yuanfang , Nowack Bernd
Published: February 2022

Understanding the bioaccumulation of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) is essential for making regulatory decisions on potential environmental risks. Research in the field of ENM bioaccumulation has increased in recent years, but the compilation and statistical analysis of the available experimental data have not been updated. We therefore performed a meta-analysis of the existing literature on the bioaccumulation of eight types of nondissolvable ENMs (titanium dioxide [TiO2], aluminum oxide [Al2O3], gold [Au], fullerene [C60], carbon nanotubes, iron oxide [FeOx], graphene, and polystyrene) in nonmammalian freshwater aquatic organisms across three trophic levels including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish. Three typical endpoints were used to assess the bioaccumulation potential: the bioconcentration factor (BCF), the bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and the biomagnification factor (BMF). Our results suggest that zooplankton has greater mean logarithmic BCF and BAF values than phytoplankton (3.31 vs. 1.42) and fish (2.04). The ENMs are biomagnified in zooplankton, with a mean BMF of 17.4, whereas trophic transfer from primary consumers (zooplankton) to secondary consumers (fish) was not observed (mean BMF of 0.13). No clear dependency was identified between the physicochemical characteristics of ENMs (e.g., primary particle size, zeta potential, or shape) and bioaccumulation, except for coated versus uncoated particles accumulated in phytoplankton. Carbonaceous ENMs were found to be more bioaccumulated than the other ENMs we considered, except for TiO2. A meta-analysis of bioaccumulation data can (1) deepen the understanding of bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of ENMs, (2) be used to support grouping strategies as a basis for a safer-by-design approach for ENMs, (3) be integrated into comprehensive hazard and risk assessments, (4) promote the standardization of testing guidelines, and (5) enhance future kinetic bioaccumulation modeling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1202–1214. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Meta-analysis of bioaccumulation of non-dissolvable ENMs in non-mammalian freshwater aquatic organisms across three trophic levels including phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish. Three typical endpoints were used to assess the bioaccumulation potential: the bioconcentration factor (BCF), the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and the biomagnification factor (BMF).
Invertebrate Species for the Bioavailability and Accumulation Assessment of Manufactured Polymer-Based Nano- and Microplastics
Authors: Kuehr Sebastian , Esser Dana , Schlechtriem Christian
Published: February 2022

Bioaccumulation tests with invertebrates have recently been discussed as a suitable alternative to bioaccumulation tests with metal- or metal oxide-based nanoparticles in fish for regulatory assessment. In the present study, as a first step, we investigated the suitability of three invertebrate species for bioaccumulation tests with nano- and microplastics. In a laboratory approach the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea, the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca, and the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber were exposed to fluorescently labeled nano- and microplastics to evaluate their suitability to estimate the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of these test items. No bioaccumulation was observed in H. azteca or P. scaber. In contrast, the measurement of the relative fluorescence of the test items in the soft tissue and the feces of the filter-feeding bivalve allowed us to derive data that may be useful for the regulatory bioaccumulation assessment of manufactured nano- and microplastics. The developed measurement method using fluorescence represents a time-efficient and cost-effective analytical method for manufactured nano- and microplastics in laboratory studies for regulatory assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:961–974. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Point, interval, and density forecasts: Differences in bias, judgment noise, and overall accuracy
Authors: Niu Xiaoxiao , Harvey Nigel
Published: February 2022

There are three main ways in which judgmental predictions are expressed: point forecasts; interval forecasts; probability density forecasts. Do these approaches differ solely in terms of their simplicity of elicitation and the detail they provide? We examined error in values of the central tendency extracted from these three types of forecast in a domain in which all of them are used: lay forecasts of inflation. A first experiment using a between‐participant design showed that the mean level of forecasts and the bias in them are unaffected by the type of forecast but that judgment noise (and, hence, overall error) is higher in point forecasts than in interval or density forecasts. A second experiment replicated the difference between point and interval forecasts in a within‐participant design (of the sort used in inflation surveys) and showed no effect of the order in which different types of forecast are made but revealed that people are more overconfident in interval than in point forecasts. A third experiment showed that volatility in past data increases bias in point but not interval forecasts, and that taking the average of two point forecasts made by an individual reduces judgment noise to the level found in interval forecasting.
A novel method of hard palate reconstruction utilizing a combination of the buccal fat pad and palatal island flap
Authors: Seo Gabriella T. , Beute John E. , Shaari Ariana L. , Mundi Neil , Urken Mark L.
Published: February 2022

The palatal island flap is reliable for single‐staged reconstruction of select oral defects. However, fistula formation is a disruptive potential complication. The authors employed this technique in five patients and present a representative case of a 65‐year‐old female with a left‐sided palatal salivary neoplasm. The patient underwent resection and was reconstructed utilizing a combination of the buccal fat pad and palatal island flap. Four of the five patients healed uneventfully. One patient experienced partial loss of the marginal zone of the palatal island flap which successfully granulated and did not lead to an oroantral fistula. The representative patient recovered uneventfully. At 2 weeks, she felt well, with no evidence of fistula. The anterior palate demonstrated early mucosalization. We present the novel, combined use of the palatal island flap and buccal fat pad flap to create a two‐layer closure and describe its advantages for posterior palate reconstruction.
Impact of secondary tumor‐free resection margins in soft tissue on local, regional, and distant recurrence in R0‐resected oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ooms Mark , Ponke Lisa , Puladi Behrus , Winnand Philipp , Heitzer Marius , Katz Marie Sophie , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali
Published: February 2022

Background

The impact of additional soft tissue resection on recurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains controversial. The study aim was to compare recurrence between patients with secondary tumor‐free resection margins after intraoperative additional resection (STF‐RM) and patients with primary tumor‐free resection margins without additional resection (PTF‐RM).

Methods

Forty‐five patients with STF‐RM were matched with patients with PTF‐RM according to Union for International Cancer Control stage, tumor location, and treatment modality and compared for local, regional, and distant recurrence.

Results

Patients with STF‐RM showed lower local and distant control rates compared to patients with PTF‐RM (66.2% vs. 82.8%; p = 0.045 and 86.3% vs. 100.0%; p = 0.021). STF‐RM was the only predictor of local recurrence accounting for tumor (T) status, nodal (N) status, tumor grade, margin distance, and extracapsular extension (hazard ratio 4.21 [95% confidence interval 1.26–14.04]; p = 0.019).

Conclusions

STF‐RM have an adverse impact on local and distant recurrence of OSCC.
Neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy for resectable, locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (NIC‐ESCC2019): A multicenter, phase 2 study
Authors: Liu Jun , Li Jingpei , Lin Wanli , Shao Di , Depypere Lieven , Zhang Zhifeng , Li Zhuoyi , Cui Fei , Du Zesen , Zeng Yuan , Jiang Shunjun , He Ping , Gu Xia , Chen Huai , Zhang Hai , Lin Xiaowei , Huang Haoda , Lv Wenqiang , Cai Weiming , Liang Wenhua , Liang Hengrui , Jiang Wenxi , Wang Wei , Xu Ke , Cai Weipeng , Wu Kui , Lerut Toni , Fu Junhui , He Jianxing
Published: February 2022

Optimal treatment for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is controversial, especially in the context of potential benefit of combining PD‐1 blockade with neoadjuvant therapy. This phase 2 study aimed to assess neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy in this population. Patients (clinical stage II‐IVA) received two cycles of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NIC) with camrelizumab (200 mg on day 1) plus nab‐paclitaxel (260 mg/m2 in total on day 1 and day 8) and cisplatin (75 mg/m2 in total on days 1‐3) of each 21‐day cycle. Surgery was performed approximately 6 weeks after completion of NIC. Primary endpoint was complete pathologic response (CPR) rate in primary tumor. Secondary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) rate after surgery, PFS, overall survival (OS) and safety during NIC and perioperative period. Between 17 January 2020 and 8 December 2020, 56 patients were enrolled, and 51 received esophagectomy. Data cutoff date was 25 August 2021. The CPR rate was 35.3% (95% CI, 21.7%‐48.9%). NIC had an ORR of 66.7% (95% CI, 40.0%‐70.4%) and treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs) of low severity (grade 1‐2, 75.0%; grade 3, 10.7%; grade 4‐5, no). No perioperative mortality occurred. Three (5.9%) patients had tumor recurrence and one (2.0%) patient died. The 2‐year PFS rate, median PFS and median OS had not been reached yet. Camrelizumab plus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable ESCC demonstrates promising efficacy with acceptable toxicity, providing a feasible and effective option. Study is ongoing for long‐term survival analyses.
Sodium benzoate induces neurobehavioral deficits and brain oxido‐inflammatory stress in male Wistar rats: Ameliorative role of ascorbic acid
Authors: Asejeje Folake O. , Ajayi Babajide O. , Abiola Michael A. , Samuel Omolola , Asejeje Gbolahan I. , Ajiboye Ebenezer O. , Ajayi Abayomi M.
Published: February 2022

Background

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a widely used food preservative. However, excessive intake of a high dose of SB poses a risk of neurotoxicity. Ascorbic acid (AA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in fruits with reported neuroprotective properties. The present study investigated the neurobehavioral and biochemical alterations in SB‐treated rats and the ameliorative effect of AA in rats.

Methods

Forty‐two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Group 1 (vehicle, 10 ml/kg), Groups 2–4 rats SB (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg), Group 5 AA (100 mg/kg) and Group 6 (SB 600 mg/kg + AA 100 mg/kg). Treatment was daily administered for 28 days by oral route. Anxiogenic behavior, locomotor, and exploratory activities were evaluated in the open field monitored with a camera, and memory performance in Y‐maze. Brain oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptosis, and cholinergic markers were determined. The cortico‐hippocampal tissues were examined histologically.

Results

SB‐treated rats showed significant anxiogenic‐like behavior and impairment in locomotor, exploratory, and memory performance. This was reversed in SB (600 mg/kg)‐treated rats coadministered with AA. SB‐treated rats showed a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities, increase malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrite, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, caspase‐3, and acetylcholinesterase activity in the striatum, hippocampus, frontal cortex, and cerebellum. These biochemical changes were reversed in AA‐treated rats. Reduced cortico‐hippocampal neuronal cell count and the pyknotic index were found in SB‐treated rats, which was also reversed in AA‐treated rats.

Conclusion

Conclusively, sodium‐benzoate‐induced neurobehavioral deficits and brain biochemical changes were ameliorated by ascorbic acid probably via antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and apoptotic mechanisms.
Comparative performance of ELISA and dot blot assay for TSH‐receptor antibody detection in Graves’ disease
Authors: Zulkarnain Zulkarnain , Ulhaq Zulvikar Syambani , Sujuti Hidayat , Soeatmadji Djoko Wahono , Zufry Hendra , Wuragil Dyah Kinasih , Marhendra Agung Pramana W. , Riawan Wibi , Kurniawati Siti , Oktanella Yudit , Aulanni’am Aulanni’am
Published: February 2022

Background

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disease, and it accounts for major cases of hyperthyroidism. Antibody against thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor/TSHR (TRAb) is responsible for hyperthyroidism and is considered as a diagnostic marker for GD. Therefore, we developed a recombinant protein of human TSHR‐169 (hTSHR‐169), which was specifically recognized TRAb in the serum of GD patients and then compare the diagnostic performance between ELISA and dot blot of TRAb tests for their ability to diagnose GD.

Methods

20 GD patients and 20 healthy individuals from the Indonesian population were enrolled. TRAb concentration and density were quantified. Comparative analysis was performed using receiver‐operating curve (ROC) analysis.

Results

For dot blot assay, the minimum concentration to detect TRAb requiring 100 ng of antigen with antiserum diluted at 1:60. For diagnosing GD, the ELISA yielded a higher AUC compared with the dot blot assay (0.95 and 0.85, respectively). Using the recommended cutoff values, the efficiency of both assays was examined by comparing the specificity and sensitivity of the assays to the clinical diagnosis. The ELISA showed 80% and 95%, while the dot blot assay showed 70% and 95% sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

Conclusion

Although the dot blot assay exhibited lower performance than the ELISA method, the dot blot assay is a simple and rapid diagnostic assay that is suitable for diagnosing GD in rural areas, in which healthcare facilities sometimes are not accessible.
Prognostic nutrition index is associated with the all‐cause mortality in sepsis patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu He , Zhou Chongjun , Kong Wanquan , Zhang Yi , Pan Da
Published: February 2022

Background

The study aimed at evaluating the prognostic utility of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for patients with sepsis.

Methods

Data in the present study were obtained from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care Database III. The calculation for PNI was as follows: serum albumin concentration (g/L) +0.005 × total lymphocyte count. 30‐day mortality was considered as the primary outcome, while 90‐day mortality and one‐year mortality were the secondary outcomes. Cox proportional risk models and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were used to analyze the association between PNI and clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis. To assess the predictive value of PNI for 30‐day mortality, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 2669 patients were in the study. After the confounding factors were adjusted, PNI ≥ 29.3 was identified as an independent predictive prognostic factor for the 30‐day all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–0.76; p < 0.00001). Moreover, PSM analysis further validated the prognostic predictive value of PNI for patients with sepsis. The AUC of the PNI was 0.6436 (95% CI: 0.6204–0.6625) which was significantly high than the AUC of NLR (0.5962, 95% CI: 0.5717–0.6206) (p = 0.0031), the RDW (0.5878, 95% CI: 0.5629–0.6127) (p < 0.0001), and PLR (0.4979, 95% CI: 0.4722–0.5235) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The findings suggested that PNI was also a significant risk factor for sepsis.
COVID‐19 in HIV‐positive patients: A systematic review of case reports and case series
Authors: Heidary Mohsen , Asadi Arezoo , Noorbakhsh Negar , Dashtbin Shirin , Asadollahi Parisa , Dranbandi Atieh , Navidifar Tahereh , Ghanavati Roya
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are two viral diseases for which there are currently no definitive treatments. Nowadays, because of the health system's focus on the COVID‐19 epidemic, the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has received less attention. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics of COVID‐19 in HIV‐positive patients.

Material and Methods

Using the PRISMA guideline, the databases of Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched systematically from January 1, 2019 to February 24, 2021. The following keywords were used: “Human Immunodeficiency Virus,” “acquired immune deficiency syndrome,” “HIV,” “AIDS,” “COVID‐19,” “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,” “novel coronavirus,” “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “nCoV disease,” “SARS2,” and “2019‐nCoV disease.”

Results

Twenty‐one percent of studies were conducted in the USA (n = 13), 16% in China (n = 10), and 13% in Italy (n = 8), respectively. The majority of the patients were men (74.3%). Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was used in 47.4% of patients, emtricitabine in 58.4%, and lamivudine in 34.8% to treat HIV. Symptoms of HIV patients with COVID‐19 included coughing (81.3%), fever (62.8%), and dyspnea (60%). Hydroxychloroquine (39.34%) and azithromycin (36.58%) were the common treatment options for COVID‐19. The total death rate in HIV‐positive patients with COVID‐19 was about 9%.

Conclusion

In the current systematic review, we demonstrated that HIV‐positive patients co‐infected with COVID‐19 have high comorbidity of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. HIV/COVID‐19 co‐infection might have negatively influenced the HIV treatment and diagnosis, which indicates the need to regularly screen HIV patients in the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults
Authors: Nunes Everson A. , Colenso‐Semple Lauren , McKellar Sean R. , Yau Thomas , Ali Muhammad Usman , Fitzpatrick‐Lewis Donna , Sherifali Diana , Gaudichon Claire , Tomé Daniel , Atherton Philip J. , Robles Maria Camprubi , Naranjo‐Modad Sandra , Braun Michelle , Landi Francesco , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: February 2022

We performed a systematic review, meta‐analysis, and meta‐regression to determine if increasing daily protein ingestion contributes to gaining lean body mass (LBM), muscle strength, and physical/functional test performance in healthy subjects. A protocol for the present study was registered (PROSPERO, CRD42020159001), and a systematic search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Sciences databases was undertaken. Only randomized controlled trials (RCT) where participants increased their daily protein intake and were healthy and non‐obese adults were included. Research questions focused on the main effects on the outcomes of interest and subgroup analysis, splitting the studies by participation in a resistance exercise (RE), age (<65 or ≥65 years old), and levels of daily protein ingestion. Three‐level random‐effects meta‐analyses and meta‐regressions were conducted on data from 74 RCT. Most of the selected studies tested the effects of additional protein ingestion during RE training. The evidence suggests that increasing daily protein ingestion may enhance gains in LBM in studies enrolling subjects in RE (SMD [standardized mean difference] = 0.22, 95% CI [95% confidence interval] 0.14:0.30, P < 0.01, 62 studies, moderate level of evidence). The effect on LBM was significant in subjects ≥65 years old ingesting 1.2–1.59 g of protein/kg/day and for younger subjects (<65 years old) ingesting ≥1.6 g of protein/kg/day submitted to RE. Lower‐body strength gain was slightly higher by additional protein ingestion at ≥1.6 g of protein/kg/day during RE training (SMD = 0.40, 95% CI 0.09:0.35, P < 0.01, 19 studies, low level of evidence). Bench press strength is slightly increased by ingesting more protein in <65 years old subjects during RE training (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI 0.03:0.33, P = 0.01, 32 studies, low level of evidence). The effects of ingesting more protein are unclear when assessing handgrip strength and only marginal for performance in physical function tests. In conclusion, increasing daily protein ingestion results in small additional gains in LBM and lower body muscle strength gains in healthy adults enrolled in resistance exercise training. There is a slight effect on bench press strength and minimal effect performance in physical function tests. The effect on handgrip strength is unclear.
Chimeric nanocomposites for the rapid and simple isolation of urinary extracellular vesicles
Authors: Dao Thuy Nguyen Thi , Kim Myoung Gyu , Koo Bonhan , Liu Huifang , Jang Yoon Ok , Lee Hyo Joo , Kim Yunlim , Park Yun‐Yong , Kim Hyun Soo , Kim Choung‐Soo , Shin Yong
Published: February 2022

Cancer cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. However, the lack of rapid and sensitive isolation techniques to obtain EVs from clinical samples at a sufficiently high yield limits their practicability. Chimeric nanocomposites of lactoferrin conjugated 2,2‐bis(methylol)propionic acid dendrimer‐modified magnetic nanoparticles (LF‐bis‐MPA‐MNPs) are fabricated and used for simple and sensitive EV isolation from various biological samples via a combination of electrostatic interaction, physically absorption, and biorecognition between the surfaces of the EVs and the LF‐bis‐MPA‐MNPs. The speed, efficiency, recovery rate, and purity of EV isolation by the LF‐bis‐MPA‐MNPs are superior to those obtained by using established methods. The relative expressions of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) from isolated EVs in cancerous cell‐derived exosomes are verified as significantly higher than those from noncancerous ones. Finally, the chimeric nanocomposites are used to assess urinary exosomal miRNAs from urine specimens from 20 prostate cancer (PCa), 10 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), patients and 10 healthy controls. Significant up‐regulation of miR‐21 and miR‐346 and down‐regulation of miR‐23a and miR‐122‐5p occurs in both groups compared to healthy controls. LF‐bis‐MPA‐MNPs provide a rapid, simple, and high yield method for human excreta analysis in clinical applications.
Drosophila melanogaster as a low‐cost and valuable model for studying type 2 diabetes
Authors: Meshrif Wesam S. , El Husseiny Iman M. , Elbrense Hanaa
Published: February 2022

Drosophila melanogaster has been used as the most successful invertebrate model for studying metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). We induced T2D by feeding Drosophila larvae on a high‐sugar diet (HSD). The glucose and trehalose, glycogen, lipid, triglyceride, and protein levels were determined in HSD‐fed larvae. Moreover, larval food intake, water content, size, and weight in addition to the development until pupation were observed. Levels of Drosophila insulin‐like peptides (DILPs 2, 3, and 5), as well as adipokinetic hormone (AKH), were also determined in HSD‐fed larvae by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that HSD could induce elevated levels of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and proteins in larvae. The larvae consumed less food intake and were smaller, lighter, and less developed on HSD than those on the control diet. Moreover, the water content of larvae fed HSD was similar to that fed the control diet. HSD induced higher expression of DILP3 and AKH, confirming hyperglycemia with insulin resistance. In sum, Drosophila offers an appropriate model for quick and inexpensive in vivo experimentation on human metabolic diseases.
Lineage‐specific evolution of zona pellucida genes in fish
Authors: Sano Kaori , Shimada Sho , Mibu Hideki , Taguchi Mizuki , Ohsawa Takasumi , Kawaguchi Mari , Yasumasu Shigeki
Published: February 2022

The zona pellucida (ZP) protein constitutes the egg envelope, which surrounds the vertebrate embryo. We performed a comprehensive study on the molecular evolution of ZP genes in Teleostei by cloning and analyzing the expression of ZP genes in fish of Anguilliformes in Elopomorpha, Osteoglossiformes in Osteoglossomorpha, and Clupeiformes in Otocephala to cover unsurveyed fish groups in Teleostei. The present results confirmed findings from our previous reports that the principal organ of ZP gene expression changed from ovary to liver in the common ancestors of Clupeocephala. Even fish species that synthesize egg envelopes in the liver carry the ovary‐expressed ZP proteins as minor egg envelope components that were produced by gene duplication during the early stage of Teleostei evolution. The amino acid repeat sequences located at the N‐terminal region of ZP proteins are known to be the substrates of transglutaminase responsible for egg envelope hardening and hatching. A repeat sequence was found in zona pellucida Cs of phylogenetically early diverged fish. After changing the synthesis organ, its role is inherited by the N‐terminal Pro‐Gln‐Xaa repeat sequence in liver‐expressed zona pellucida B genes of Clupeocephala. These results suggest that teleost ZP genes have independently evolved to maintain fish‐specific functions, such as egg envelope hardening and egg envelope digestion, at hatching.
Associations between pain catastrophizing and resting‐state functional brain connectivity: Ethnic/race group differences in persons with chronic knee pain
Authors: Terry Ellen L. , Tanner Jared J. , Cardoso Josue S. , Sibille Kimberly T. , Lai Song , Deshpande Hrishikesh , Deutsch Georg , Price Catherine C. , Staud Roland , Goodin Burel R. , Redden David T. , Fillingim Roger B.
Published: February 2022

Chronic pain is a significant public health problem, and the prevalence and societal impact continues to worsen annually. Multiple cognitive and emotional factors are known to modulate pain, including pain catastrophizing, which contributes to pain facilitation and is associated with altered resting‐state functional connectivity in pain‐related cortical and subcortical circuitry. Pain and catastrophizing levels are reported to be higher in non‐Hispanic black (NHB) compared with non‐Hispanic White (NHW) individuals. The current study, a substudy of a larger ongoing observational cohort investigation, investigated the pathways by which ethnicity/race influences the relationship between pain catastrophizing, clinical pain, and resting‐state functional connectivity between anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), insula, and primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Participants included 136 (66 NHBs and 70 NHWs) community‐dwelling adults with knee osteoarthritis. Participants completed the Coping Strategies Questionnaire‐Revised Pain Catastrophizing subscale and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained, and resting‐state functional connectivity was analyzed. Relative to NHW, the NHB participants were younger, reported lower income, were less likely to be married, and self‐reported greater clinical pain and pain catastrophizing (ps < 0.05). Ethnicity/race moderated the mediation effects of catastrophizing on the relationship between clinical pain and resting‐state functional connectivity between the ACC, dlPFC, insula, and S1. These results indicate the NHB and NHW groups demonstrated different relationships between pain, catastrophizing, and functional connectivity. These results provide evidence for a potentially important role of ethnicity/race in the interrelationships among pain, catastrophizing, and resting‐state functional connectivity.
Improving control of high‐grade glioma by ultra‐hyper‐fractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Frosina Guido
Published: February 2022

Ionizing radiation is a mainstay of high‐grade glioma therapy. The current standard radiotherapeutic schedule involves a total 60 Gy split in 2.0 Gy fractions delivered on weekdays for six weeks. Thereafter, almost invariably the tumor relapses and progresses. In vitro studies have demonstrated that the therapeutic effectiveness of ionizing radiation towards high‐grade glioma cells is greatly increased by splitting the total dose in fractions ten times smaller [0.1–0.5 Gy instead of standard 2.0 Gy—ultra‐hyper‐fractionated radiotherapy (ultra‐hyper‐FRT)]. Recently, it became possible to consistently translate this therapeutic effect to the animal setting, by using glioma‐initiating cell‐driven faithful animal modeling. A re‐analysis of the literature reporting radiotherapeutic clinical trials also suggests that the lower the average fraction size, the higher is the achievable overall survival of patients. However, average fraction sizes ≤ 0.5 Gy have never been thoroughly investigated in the clinics. We propose to study in the clinical setting the therapeutic effect of an ultra‐hyper‐FRT schedule promptly extending the conventional radiation component of the current guidelines (“Stupp”) therapeutic protocol.
Mixture frequency analysis for tropical cyclone and non‐tropical cyclone extreme precipitation in the coastal areas: A case of Fujian in China
Authors: Huang Jie , Chen Xingwei , Yao Huaxia
Published: February 2022

The precipitation is classified into tropical cyclone (TC)‐induced precipitation and others, that is, non‐TC precipitation in the Asian continent and the western North Pacific. Traditional frequency analysis for the precipitation, which is a mixture series of annual maximum precipitation generated by TC and non‐TC, does not consider the difference in the generation mechanism with the assumption of independently and identically distributed. To reveal the effect of different generation mechanisms on the frequency analysis of the extreme precipitation, a multiplicative mixture frequency analysis (MMFA) model is adopted to study the interaction of non‐TC maximum precipitation (NTCMP) and TC maximum precipitation (TCMP) to the total precipitation frequency. Applying the NTCMP and TCMP data in Fujian Province located in southeast China, the results indicated that (a) the inconsistencies between NTCMP and TCMP are common, and different inconsistent patterns existed in space; (b) Different characteristics of inconsistency between the two types of precipitation had distinct effect on the estimation results of MMFA model, especially for the high return levels; and (c) The estimation results of MMFA model were demonstrated to be more secure and reliable. Therefore, the MMFA model is a suitable approach to solve the problem of mixture precipitation frequency caused by two generation mechanisms of non‐TC and TC.
Inter‐Relationships Between Artistic Creativity and Mental and Physical Illness in Eminent Female Visual Artists: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Ginis Katrina , Stewart Sandra E. , Kronborg Leonie
Published: February 2022

Artistic creativity has long been associated with physical and psychological suffering. This phenomenon has also been the subject of empirical research. The anguished “artistic genius” stereotype is ubiquitous, and there is evidence to suggest that artists may have heightened susceptibility to psychopathology. The present qualitative study utilized in‐depth semi‐structured interviews, in accordance with the methodology of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis to explore inter‐relationships between artistic creativity, and physical and mental health among 10 eminent Australian female visual artists. Results revealed complex, reciprocal interactions whereby physical and mental health impacted creativity and vice versa. Physical and psychological illnesses were found to either diminish or stimulate creativity due to the interplay of biological predispositions, personal vulnerabilities, and environmental factors. It was also revealed that immersive creative engagement could have therapeutic, cathartic effects and facilitate post‐traumatic growth. The stressors and demands of professional creative practice could, however, also have a detrimental impact upon artists physically and psychologically. These findings contribute to existing understandings regarding the intricacy of the relationship between creativity, physical and psychological health. They highlight the need to challenge romantic societal mythologies regarding the impact of suffering on creativity in the visual arts and explore these issues in a nuanced manner to best support those in creative industries.
Evaluating the efficacy and safety of calcium channel blockers as adjunctive analgesics to opioid therapy: a literature review
Authors: Reinert Justin P. , Tiemann Allison R. , Barlow Molly L. , Veronin Michael A.
Published: February 2022

Calcium channel blockers have been postulated as opioid adjuncts, due to their complementary mechanism of action, which may reduce pain signal transduction. The purpose of this study was to conduct a literature review regarding the safety and efficacy of calcium channel blockers alongside opioids in pain management. From August 2020 to January 2021, PubMed, Scopus, and ProQuest were searched using the following terminology: calcium channel blocker OR verapamil OR diltiazem OR amlodipine OR nicardipine OR nimodipine OR nifedipine AND analgesia. Studies included were those with adult human subjects that had reported efficacy and safety outcomes for calcium channel blocker use as opioid adjuncts. Exclusion criteria for the analysis were articles including pregnant patients, those not readily translatable to English and those detailing the use of calcium channel blockers for an alternative diagnosis or indication. Ten studies were included in this review. Five were randomised controlled trials, one involving verapamil, one addressing diltiazem, one including nifedipine and three examining nimodipine. A sixth clinical trial involving verapamil, diltiazem and nimodipine was reviewed. The seventh and final clinical trial included nimodipine or nifedipine use during aorto‐coronary bypass surgery. One conclusive study addressed nimodipine’s use in cancer patients treated with morphine and the other nifedipine’s morphine adjunct potential postoperatively. Currently, there is insufficient data to support the use of calcium channel blockers as adjuncts to opioid therapy in pain management. When compared, the studies came to varying conclusions and demonstrated conflicting data indicating the need for more research regarding this topic.