bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive analysis of partial peristalsis recovery after peroral endoscopic myotomy in patients with achalasia
Authors: Shi Liang Liang , Yang Tian , Jiang Ni , Lyu Ying , Guo Hui Min , Yang Hua , Yin Qin , Zou Xiao Ping , Zhang Ni Na
Published: May 2023

Objective

To determine whether peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) improves esophageal peristalsis and to investigate the association between recovery of esophageal peristalsis after POEM and clinical features of the patients.

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, data were collected from medical records of the patients with achalasia who underwent POEM between January 2014 and May 2016. Demographics data, high‐resolution esophageal manometry parameters, Eckardt score, and gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GERD‐Q) score were collected. Weak and fragmented contraction was defined as partial recovery of esophageal peristalsis based on the Chicago classification version 3.0. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with the partial recovery of peristalsis after POEM.

Results

A total of 103 patients were enrolled. Esophageal contractile activity was observed in the distal two‐thirds of the esophagus in 24 patients. The Eckardt score, integrated relaxation pressure, and lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure were significantly decreased after POEM. Multivariate analysis revealed that preprocedural LES resting pressure (P = 0.013) and preprocedural Eckardt score (P = 0.002) were related to the partial recovery of peristalsis after POEM. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux and reflux esophagitis after POEM were less frequent in those with partial recovery of peristalsis (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Normalization of esophagogastric junction relaxation pressure achieved by POEM is associated with the partial recovery of esophageal peristalsis in patients with achalasia. Preprocedural LES resting pressure and the Eckardt score are predictive of the recovery of esophageal peristalsis.
Peer effects in subjective performance evaluation
Authors: Cassar Gavin , Ko Taeho
Published: May 2023

We investigate the influence of peer quality on subjective performance evaluation using 75,413 ratings of 130 employees from 6,908 raters in a business school setting. We find that subjective performance ratings are lower for employees with higher quality peer groups in both randomized and nonrandomized settings. Using a novel long‐window setting, we observe peer effects persisting, but slowly decaying, for several months even when priming raters with the employees' previous performance information. We find that the strength of the peer effects is greater for focal employees with weaker performance, for the peers with higher attribute similarity, and when the performance of peers is more extreme. Overall, we find strong and persistent peer effects in subjective performance evaluation.
Corticolous lichen communities in Algerian climax forests
Authors: Boutabia Lamia , Menaa Mohcen , Telailia Salah
Published: May 2023

The great extension of forests in the Djebel El Ghorra massif of El Kala National Park (north‐eastern Algeria) allowed us to recognise three distinct forest formations: cork oak stands (Quercus suber), zeen oak stands (Quercus canariensis) and mixed oak (Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis) forest. Their peculiarities showed ideal ecological characteristics for the colonisation of corticolous lichens the two phorophytes. The three forest formations were sampled between 2017 and 2022. The identification of the taxa is based on stereo‐microscopic examinations and usual chemical tests. Systematic surveys were conductedand allowed us to establish a list of 141 lichen taxa divided into 30 families.
Microdissection testicular sperm extraction outcomes in azoospermic patients with bilateral orchidopexy
Authors: Arasteh Hamid , Gilani Mohammad Ali Sadighi , Ramezani‐binabaj Mahdi , Babaei Mehdi
Published: May 2023

Background

Cryptorchidism is considered to be one of the most common causes of non‐obstructive azoospermia. There are several surgical techniques to retrieve sperm in these patients. Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (m‐TESE) is a recent sperm retrieval technique which is considered to be a safe, non‐blind, and feasible method.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate sperm retrieval rate (SRR) by the mTESE method in patients who have undergone orchidopexy due to bilateral cryptorchidism.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, 56 ex‐cryptorchid patients, who underwent mTESE due to post orchidopexy azoospermia, were included. Patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, azoospermia factors (AZF) microdeletion, or chromosomal translocation were excluded from the study. Data were obtained from medical files.

Results

SRR in this study was 46%. Patients were divided into two groups of negative (n = 30) and positive (n = 26) based on the sperm extraction outcomes. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups regarding the mean age at mTESE, mean age at orchidopexy, testicular size, and serum testosterone concentration. However, testicular location, histological patterns, FSH, and LH level showed to have statistically significant relation with sperm retrieval results. But, according to our logistic regression, none of the included variable in the model including FSH, LH, histopathology, and testis location have a significant effect on the presence of the sperm.

Discussion

In the present study, SRR was significantly higher in patients with scrotal testis and low level of FSH and LH.

Conclusions

Performing mTESE could be recommended in ex‐cryptorchid patients with post orchidopexy NOA. Preoperative testicular biopsy seems to be unnecessary while clinical criteria can perfectly define NOA.
How is companionship related to romantic partners' affect, relationship satisfaction, and health behavior? Using a longitudinal dyadic score model to understand daily and couple‐level effects of a dyadic predictor
Authors: Stadler Gertraud , Scholz Urte , Bolger Niall , Shrout Patrick E. , Knoll Nina , Lüscher Janina
Published: May 2023

Companionship is related to better affect and relationship satisfaction, but few studies have examined both partners' perspectives over time and the link between companionship and health. In three intensive longitudinal studies (Study 1: 57 community couples; Study 2: 99 smoker–nonsmoker couples; Study 3: 83 dual‐smoker couples), both partners reported daily companionship, affect, relationship satisfaction, and a health behavior (smoking in Studies 2 and 3). We proposed a dyadic score model that focuses on the couple level for companionship as a dyadic predictor with considerable shared variance. On days with higher companionship, couples reported better affect and relationship satisfaction. When partners differed in companionship, they also differed in affect and relationship satisfaction. For smoking, a different picture emerged: Whereas smokers with nonsmoking partners smoked less on average with higher companionship, smokers with smoking partners smoked more on days with higher companionship. Findings show companionship as a consequential relationship construct deserving further study. Using the dyadic score model acknowledged both partners' perspectives on companionship. It demonstrated higher precision for detecting effects of partner averages in a dyadic predictor compared with traditional approaches, tests for effects of partner differences in a dyadic predictor and in outcome while maintaining the focus on the dyad.
Development of polycaprolactone‐based electrospun pH‐sensitive sensors as instant colorimetric indicators for food packaging
Authors: Guclu Nihal , Duzyer Gebizli Sebnem , Orhan Mehmet
Published: May 2023

In the present study, polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol (PCL/PEG) electrospun nanofibres with different anthocyanin (1%, 2%, 3%, and 5%) were fabricated for the instant measurement of pH, especially for applications—such as food freshness detection—where quick response is required. The solution, surface, chemical, thermal, wettability, mechanical, and release properties of the samples were evaluated by viscosity measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), contact angle measurements, and tensile tests, respectively. The colorimetric analyses were also investigated against the solutions at different pH values and bacterial solutions. Finally, the on‐site performance of the sensor was evaluated. Anthocyanin addition initially lowered the solution viscosity, resulting in thinner fibres with a diameter of 288 nm. The diameters were increased up to 395 nm with the increasing anthocyanin. Anthocyanin addition enhanced the wettability and the mechanical properties, and the contact angles decreased to 43°. The highest modulus was observed for 1% anthocyanin, with a value of 6.162. The release experiments revealed that the anthocyanin‐loaded samples released a large amount of anthocyanin (between ~12% and 38%) in the first 15 s. The colorimetric analyses showed that PCL/PEG nanofibre mats with 2% and 3% anthocyanin concentrations were the most capable pH‐sensitive sensors for detecting pH changes from 2 to 8. As a result, it can be concluded that 3% anthocyanin is the threshold value for the production of the anthocyanin‐loaded nanofibre mats, and these structures are promising for the instant detection of pH proved by the on‐site application.
Coupling coloration of meta‐aramid fabric utilising diazonium salts from weakly basic aromatic amines
Authors: Jiang Hua , Song Jixian , Cui Zhihua , Chen Weiguo
Published: May 2023

Meta‐aramid fibre exhibits poor dyeing performance when treated using conventional dyeing methods. In this study, coloration of meta‐aramid fabrics was performed at room temperature utilising diazonium salts from weakly basic aromatic amines and was achieved via in situ construction of azo chromophores on the meta‐phenylenediamine moiety. To promote diazonium‐salt penetration into the meta‐aramid fibre, the pretreatment of meta‐aramid fabrics with dimethyl sulfoxide at 55°C for 30 min and the utilisation of methanol were involved during the coloration process. As a result, the fabrics could be coloured with deep, levelled and firm shades of brown series. The azo chromophore is derived from the skeleton of the polyamide chain. Therefore, the coloured fabrics exhibit good resistance to organic solvents as well as good to excellent colour fastness to soaping, rubbing and sublimation. A study of the coloration mechanism revealed that the terminal and middle meta‐phenylenediamine moieties serve as the main coupling reaction sites. When treated with a diazonium salt, the highly reactive terminal meta‐phenylenediamine moiety reacted first and generated chromophores with an absorption peak in the long‐wavelength region. However, such chromophores only contributed a limited colour depth owing to the limited number of the terminals. If excess diazonium salts were used, the main hue can be attributed to the azo chromophores based on the massive middle meta‐phenylenediamine moieties, although these moieties are less reactive than the terminal meta‐phenylenediamine moieties.
Unpacking assertions made by the alcohol industry and how they make them: An analysis of submissions into Australia's National Alcohol Strategy
Authors: Miller Mia , Livingston Michael , Maganja Damian , Wright Cassandra C. J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Alcohol is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. One significant barrier to the implementation of evidence‐based alcohol policy is alcohol industry opposition. Making submissions to national policy processes is one way in which the industry exert influence. The aim of this study was to analyse alcohol industry submissions into Australia's National Alcohol Strategy to determine key assertions made by the alcohol industry and the ways in which they use evidence and refute the effectiveness of public health policies to make their claims.

Methods

Submissions made by alcohol industry actors (n = 12) were analysed using content analysis to determine key industry assertions. A pre‐existing framework on alcohol industry use of evidence was then applied to analyse the evidentiary practices used to make these assertions.

Results

Five common industry assertions were identified: ‘Drinking alcohol in moderation has health benefits’; ‘Alcohol isn't the cause of violence’; ‘Targeted initiatives, not population level alcohol policies, are needed’; ‘Strong alcohol advertising regulations are not necessary’; and ‘Minimum unit price and pricing and taxation policies more broadly are not needed’. The industry systematically manipulated, misused and ignored evidence throughout their submissions.

Discussion and Conclusions

The alcohol industry is misusing evidence in their submissions to government consultations to make their assertions about alcohol policy. It is therefore essential that industry submissions are scrutinised and not accepted on face value. Additionally, it is suggested that the alcohol industry requires a distinct model of governance similarly to that which regulates the tobacco industry to prevent their attempts to undermine evidence‐based public health policy.
Storage of soil carbon is not sequestration: Straightforward graphical visualization of their basic differences
Authors: Baveye Philippe C. , Berthelin Jacques , Tessier Daniel , Lemaire Gilles
Published: May 2023

Over the last few years, in the literature on the incorporation of crop residues in agricultural fields to mitigate climate change, there has been a growing tendency to no longer distinguish between the storage and the sequestration of organic carbon in soils. Applying, apparently for the first time, a simple “back‐of‐the‐envelope” calculation to available mineralization kinetics data, we show graphically that there are fundamental differences, both quantitatively and qualitatively, between the two concepts of storage and sequestration. To avoid confusion, they should therefore never be used interchangeably, especially when addressing farmers and policymakers. Several simplifying assumptions made in the calculations, and about which a considerable lack of understanding persists, mean that at this stage, the graphical visualization we obtained is likely to still be optimistic in terms of the already low (10%) efficacy of sequestering carbon in soils. Several research avenues are outlined to deepen our grasp of the processes involved.
Particle arrangement and internal porosity of coarse fragments affect water retention in stony soils
Authors: Pereira Caroline Andrade , Mulazzani Rodrigo Pivoto , de Jong Van Lier Quirijn , de Araújo Pedron Fabrício , Gubiani Paulo Ivonir
Published: May 2023

Information about water retention in stony soils lags behind due to methodological difficulties. We applied a new strategy to measure the water retention in soils with coarse fragments (CFs) and to get insights into the effect of CFs porosity on water retention. Water retention at zero, 10, and 150 m suction, bulk density, and the mass fraction of six particle size classes were measured in undisturbed blocks from soils with variable CFs contents, originating from three parent materials. The results showed that some soils contain porous CFs (2–250 mm) with a water holding capacity as high as the fine fraction (<2 mm). The water held in the suction range of 1–150 m in a soil with porous CFs was twice as high as in soils with non‐porous CFs. Multilinear regressions revealed that both the water retention capacity at 1 m suction and in the range 1–150 m were more dependent on bulk density than on the fraction of CFs and fine particles. In the soil with porous CFs, there was no correlation between their fraction and soil water retention. These results show that the bulk water retention capacity of soils with CFs is underestimated when not considering the internal porosity of the CFs. A better understanding of the effect of the porosity of CFs on bulk soil porosity and water retention is important to propose suitable pedotransfer functions and refine physically‐based hydraulic functions for stony soils.
Characterizing state‐managed and unmanaged fisheries in coastal marine states and territories of the United States
Authors: Melnychuk Michael C. , Ashbrook Charmane E. , Bell Richard J. , Bellquist Lyall , Kauer Kate , Wilson Jono R. , Hilborn Ray , Odell Jay
Published: May 2023

The status of federally managed fisheries in the United States is well monitored, but the condition of other marine fisheries, whether state‐managed, territory‐managed or unmanaged, is less understood and often unknown. We used expert surveys to characterize the management systems of non‐federally managed fisheries in US coastal marine states and overseas territories. For 311 fisheries, we estimated an overall Fisheries Management Index (FMI) and a qualitative stock status score. These measures were positively correlated, and while a wide range of research, management, enforcement and socioeconomic criteria were partially met (FMI ≥ 0.5) for 66% of fisheries, stock status was considered as partially acceptable (score ≥ 0.5) for only 45% of fisheries and acceptable (score = 1) for only 16% of fisheries. Higher FMI was typically observed in fisheries with greater commercial landed weight, value, or greater recreational catches. Fisheries from continental states had higher FMI than those from overseas territories. Invertebrates and diadromous fish species had higher FMI on average compared to those of marine fishes. Extrapolating results for surveyed fisheries to nearly 2000 non‐federally managed US fisheries while stratifying by state and importance designation (based on commercial, recreational, cultural or ecological importance), we estimate a mean overall FMI of 0.48, and estimate that only 19% of fisheries have a reliable estimate of stock status available; both measures are lower than similar estimates for federally managed fisheries. Funding or capacity constraints and information or data limitations were identified as common challenges faced by state agencies in managing fisheries under their jurisdiction.
Next Generation Computers Warrant Next Generation Groundwater Models
Authors: Engdahl Nicholas B.
Published: May 2023

Modern hydrologic models have extraordinary capabilities for representing complex process in surface‐subsurface systems. These capabilities have revolutionized the way we conceptualize flow systems, but how to represent uncertainty in simulated flow systems is not as well developed. Currently, characterizing model uncertainty can be computationally expensive, in part, because the techniques are appended to the numerical methods rather than seamlessly integrated. The next generation of computers, however, presents opportunities to reformulate the modeling problem so that the uncertainty components are handled more directly within the flow system simulation. Misconceptions about quantum computing abound and they will not be a “silver bullet” for solving all complex problems, but they might be leveraged for certain kinds of highly uncertain problems, such as groundwater (GW). The point of this issue paper is that the GW community could try to revise the foundations of our models so that the governing equations being solved are tailored specifically for quantum computers. The goal moving forward should not just be to accelerate the models we have, but also to address their deficiencies. Embedding uncertainty into the models by evolving distribution functions will make predictive GW modeling more complicated, but doing so places the problem into a complexity class that is highly efficient on quantum computing hardware. Next generation GW models could put uncertainty into the problem at the very beginning of a simulation and leave it there throughout, providing a completely new way of simulating subsurface flows.
To what extent is education for urinary catheter insertion and management offered to registered nurses in the United Kingdom?
Authors: Wills‐Lee Sarah , Dunleavy Stephanie
Published: May 2023

Registered nurses (RNs) competent in catheter insertion and management reduce catheter days and catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Guidelines suggest that education in catheter insertion and management should occur regularly to ensure competency. However, there is no evidence to suggest this occurs in the United Kingdom. The databases Cinahl and Medline databases and the grey literature were searched and revealed that CAUTIs account for ~40% of hospital acquired infections and are associated with increased mortality, morbidity, length of stay and hospital costs. Prevalence, however, can be reduced if all evidence‐based measures in insertion and management are carried out. The literature review demonstrated that clinical catheter related education improves nurses' knowledge which, translated into behaviour, results in reduced catheter days and CAUTI rates. A pragmatic, descriptive mixed methods convergent parallel approach was used to survey RNs from two professional associations through their mailing lists and social media platforms, using an online Qualtrics™ questionnaire. An online survey method was chosen to maximize geographical reach. Respondents confirmed their consent on accessing the online survey prior to commencing the questionnaire. All participants and their responses were anonymous. Results were saved on the Qualtrics™ platform and analysed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and qualitatively using a pragmatic approach to thematic analysis. Of the 72 responses, 61% (n = 44) worked in an acute hospital and 47% (n = 34) worked in the London area. There was representation from all over the United Kingdom except Scotland. 96% (n = 69) RNs were offered education in catheter insertion and management. Content of education included theory, practical, competency and ongoing education. 51% (n = 36) were offered education on a frequent basis. The results indicated that education in catheter insertion and management for RNs in the United Kingdom is not standardized. This may have implications for patient outcome measures such as CAUTI and on a macro level may be a symptom of wider organizational cultural inadequacies. Future research could inform the design of a standardized catheter insertion and management education package and measure its effect and impact on practice. The sampling method and subsequent response rate was a limitation of this study, and it may have been appropriate to use a more generic sampling frame to achieve representative results.
Development and validation of a risk assessment scale for pathological scarring
Authors: Wang Yanqiong , Liu Ruiqi , Wu Zhihui , Xu Xuewen , He Lingxiao
Published: May 2023

To develop a risk assessment scale for pathological scarring and validate its psychometric properties. This was a methodological study. Researchers developed the scale based on a literature review, qualitative study and Delphi expert consultation. Subsequently, 409 patients participated in the study to test the psychometric properties of the scale. We evaluated construct validity, content validity, internal consistency reliability, and interrater reliability. The researchers developed a scale consisting of three dimensions and 12 items. Factor analysis extracted a total of four common factors that accounted for 62.22% of the total variance. The results revealed that the item‐content validity index (I‐CVI) ranged from 0.67 to 1, while the scale‐content validity index (S‐CVI) was 0.82. Internal consistency reliability: Cronbach's α of the items ranged from 0.67 to 0.76, while Cronbach's α of the whole scale was 0.74. Interrater reliability: the Kappa number was 0.73. The final scale showed adequate construct validity, content validity, and reliability. It is appropriate for use in research and clinical practice settings to identify patients with a risk of pathological scarring. Further study is needed to confirm the scale's validity and reliability in other settings and populations.
Epicardial mapping and ablation of biatrial macroreentrant tachycardia via Bachmann's bundle
Authors: Yorgun Hikmet , Çöteli Cem , Kılıç Gül S. , Ateş Ahmet H. , Aytemir Kudret
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recent reports highlighted the role of epicardial connections in the development of biatrial tachycardia circuits.

Methods

We reported a case of 60‐year‐old female patient who was admitted with recurrent atrial tachycardia (AT) after endocardial pulmonary vein isolation and anterior mitral line formation.

Results

Epicardial activation map demonstrated fragmented continuous potentials at the Bachmann's bundle region with good entrainment response. Epicardial radiofrequency ablation terminated AT with complete block in the anterior mitral line.

Conclusions

This case corroborates the data relevant to the role of interatrial connections—specifically Bachmann's bundle—in biatrial macroreentrant ATs and demonstrates that epicardial mapping is an effective method to identify the entire reentrant circuit.
Sotalol in neonates for arrhythmias: Dosing, safety, and efficacy
Authors: Kiskaddon Amy L. , Decker Jamie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Various agents may be utilized to manage supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in neonates and infants. Recently, sotalol has piqued interest given its reported success in managing neonates and infants with SVTs, especially with the intravenous formulation. While the manufacturer recommends using an age‐related nomogram in neonates and young infants to guide doses, clinical reports describe various dosing based on weight (mg/kg) or on body surface area (BSA) in mg/m2. Given the reported variation in clinical practice with regard to dosing in neonates, there is a gap in the literature and translation into clinical practice regarding applicability of the nomogram into clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to describe sotalol doses based on body weight and BSA in neonates for SVT.

Methods

This is a single center retrospective study evaluating effective sotalol dosing from January 2011 and June 2021 (inclusive). Neonates who received intravenous (IV) or oral (PO) sotalol for SVT were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was to describe sotalol doses based on body weight and BSA. Secondary outcomes include comparison of doses to the manufacturer nomogram, description of dose titrations, reported adverse outcomes, and change in therapy. Two‐sided Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were used to determine statistically significant differences.

Results

Thirty‐one eligible patients were included in this study. The median (range) age and weight were 16.5 (1−28) days and 3.2 (1.8−4.9) kg, respectively. The median initial dose was 7.3 (1.9−10.8) mg/kg or 114.3 (30.9−166.7) mg/m2/day. Fourteen (45.2%) of patients required a dose increase for SVT control. The median dose required for rhythm control was 8.5 (2−14.8) mg/kg/day or 120.7 (30.9−225) mg/m2/day. Of note, the median recommended dose per manufacturer nomogram for our patients would have been 51.3 (16.2−73.8) mg/m2/day, which is significantly lower than both the initial dose (p < .001) and final doses (p < .001) utilized in our study. A total of 7 (22.9%) patients were uncontrolled on sotalol monotherapy using our dosing regimen. Two patients (6.5%) had reports of hypotension and one patient (3.3%) had a report of bradycardia requiring discontinuation of therapy. The average change in baseline QTC following sotalol initiation was 6.8%. Twenty‐seven (87.1%), 3 (9.7%), 1 (3.3%) experienced prolongation, no change, or a decrease in QTc, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a sotalol strategy significantly higher than the manufacture dose recommendations are required for rhythm control in neonates with SVT. There were few adverse events reported with this dosing. Further prospective studies would be advantageous to confirm these findings.
NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis and risk of Parkinson's disease in Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A narrative review and new perspective
Authors: Alrouji Mohammed , Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Jabir Majid S. , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: May 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease (AD). Genetic predisposition and immune dysfunction are involved in the pathogenesis of PD. Notably, peripheral inflammatory disorders and neuroinflammation are associated with PD neuropathology. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with inflammatory disorders due to hyperglycaemia‐induced oxidative stress and the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Particularly, insulin resistance (IR) in T2DM promotes the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Thus, T2DM‐induced inflammatory disorders predispose to the development and progression of PD, and their targeting may reduce PD risk in T2DM. Therefore, this narrative review aims to find the potential link between T2DM and PD by investigating the role of inflammatory signalling pathways, mainly the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and the nod‐like receptor pyrin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. NF‐κB is implicated in the pathogenesis of T2DM, and activation of NF‐κB with induction of neuronal apoptosis was also confirmed in PD patients. Systemic activation of NLRP3 inflammasome promotes the accumulation of α‐synuclein and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the SN. Increasing α‐synuclein in PD patients enhances NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the release of interleukin (IL)‐1β followed by the development of systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation. In conclusion, activation of the NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in T2DM patients could be the causal pathway in the development of PD. The inflammatory mechanisms triggered by activated NLRP3 inflammasome lead to pancreatic β‐cell dysfunction and the development of T2DM. Therefore, attenuation of inflammatory changes by inhibiting the NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis in the early T2DM may reduce future PD risk.
Nivolumab for locally advanced and metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (NIVOSQUACS study)—Phase II data covering impact of concomitant haematological malignancies
Authors: Lang R. , Welponer T. , Richtig E. , Wolf I. , Hoeller C. , Hafner C. , Nguyen V. A. , Kofler J. , Barta M. , Koelblinger P. , Hitzl W. , Emberger M. , Laimer M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Monoclonal antibodies, such as cemiplimab and pembrolizumab, against the programmed death receptor (PD)‐1 have become the current standard of care and first‐line treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), proving remarkable clinical benefit and acceptable safety.

Objectives

To assess efficacy and safety of the anti‐PD‐1 antibody nivolumab in patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCC.

Methods

Patients received open‐label nivolumab 240 mg intravenously every 2 weeks for up to 24 months. Patients with concomitant haematological malignancies (CHMs), either non‐progressing or stable under active therapy, were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Of 31 patients with a median age of 80 years, 22.6% of patients achieved an investigator assessed complete response, resulting in an objective response rate (ORR) of 61.3% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 64.5%. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was 11.1 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached after 24 weeks of therapy. Median follow‐up was 23.82 months. Subgroup analysis of the CHM cohort (n = 11; 35%) revealed an ORR of 45.5%, a DCR of 54.5%, a median PFS of 10.9 months, and median OS of 20.7 months. Treatment related adverse events were reported in 58.1% of all patients (19.4% grade 3, the remaining grade 1 or 2). PD‐L1 expression and CD‐8+ T‐cell infiltration did not significantly correlate with clinical response, although a trend towards a shorter PFS of 5.6 months was observed with PD‐L1 negativity and low CD8+ intratumoral infiltration.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated robust clinical efficacy of nivolumab in patients with locally advanced and metastatic cSCCs and a tolerability comparable to data of other anti‐PD‐1 antibodies. Favourable outcomes were obtained despite involving the oldest hitherto reported study cohort for anti‐PD‐1 antibodies and a significant proportion of CHM patients prone to high risk tumours and an aggressive course otherwise typically excluded from clinical trials.
Online prediction tools for melanoma survival: A comparison
Authors: Dixon A. , Steinman H. K. , Kyrgidis A. , Smith H. , Sladden M. , Zouboulis C. , Argenziano G. , Apalla Z. , Lallas A. , Longo C. , Nirenberg A. , Popescu C. , Tzellos T. , Cleaver L. , Zachary C. , Anderson S. , Thomas J. M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Breslow thickness, patient age and ulceration are the three most valuable clinical and pathological predictors of melanoma survival. A readily available reliable online tool that accurately considers these and other predictors could be valuable for clinicians managing melanoma patients.

Objective

To compare online melanoma survival prediction tools that request user input on clinical and pathological features.

Methods

Search engines were used to identify available predictive nomograms. For each, clinical and pathological predictors were compared.

Results

Three tools were identified. The American Joint Committee on Cancer tool inappropriately rated thin tumours as higher risk than intermediate tumours. The University of Louisville tool was found to have six shortcomings: a requirement for sentinel node biopsy, unavailable input of thin melanoma or patients over 70 years of age and less reliable hazard ratio calculations for age, ulceration and tumour thickness. The LifeMath.net tool was found to appropriately consider tumour thickness, ulceration, age, sex, site and tumour subtype in predicting survival.

Limitations

The authors did not have access to the base data used to compile various prediction tools.

Conclusion

The LifeMath.net prediction tool is the most reliable for clinicians in counselling patients with newly diagnosed primary cutaneous melanoma regarding their survival prospects.
Melanoma in children: A systematic review and individual patient meta‐analysis
Authors: Pampena Riccardo , Piccolo Vincenzo , Muscianese Marta , Kyrgidis Athanassios , Lai Michela , Russo Teresa , Briatico Giulia , Di Brizzi Eugenia Veronica , Cascone Giovanni , Pellerone Sebastiano , Longo Caterina , Moscarella Elvira , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

The current evidence on paediatric melanoma is heterogeneous, especially regarding the prognosis of different histological subtypes. We sought to systematically review the evidence on paediatric melanoma, highlighting the major sources of heterogeneity and focusing on available data on single patients. A systematic search was performed from 1948 to 25 January 2021. Only studies reporting at least one case of cutaneous melanoma in patients aged ≤18 years were included. Unknown primary and uncertain malignant melanomas were excluded. Three couples of authors independently performed title/abstract screening and two different authors reviewed all the relevant full texts. The selected articles were manually cross‐checked for overlapping data for qualitative synthesis. Subsequently data on single patients were extracted to perform a patient‐level meta‐analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021233248. The main outcomes were melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) outcomes. Separate analyses were done of cases with complete information on histologic subtype, focusing on superficial spreading (SSM), nodular (NM) and spitzoid melanomas, as well as of those classified asde‐novo(DNM) and acquired or congenital nevus‐associated melanomas (NAM). The qualitative synthesis covered 266 studies; however, data on single patients were available from 213 studies including 1002 patients. Among histologic subtypes, NM had a lower MSS than both SSM and spitzoid melanoma, and a lower PFS than SSM. Spitzoid melanoma had a significantly higher progression risk than SSM and trended toward lower mortality. Focusing on nevus‐associated status, DNM demonstrated better MSS after progression than congenital NAM, and no differences were highlighted in PFS. Our findings describe the existence of different biological patterns in paediatric melanoma. Specifically, spitzoid melanomas demonstrated intermediate behaviour between SSM and NM and showed a high risk of nodal progression but low mortality. This raises the question of whether spitzoid lesions are being over‐diagnosed as melanoma in childhood.
Dermoscopy of melanoma according to different body sites: Head and neck, trunk, limbs, nail, mucosal and acral
Authors: Longo Caterina , Pampena Riccardo , Moscarella Elvira , Chester Johanna , Starace Michela , Cinotti Elisa , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Argenziano Giuseppe , Peris Ketty , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Effective cancer screening detects early‐stage tumours, leading to a lower incidence of late‐stage disease over time. Dermoscopy is the gold standard for skin cancer diagnosis as diagnostic accuracy is improved compared to naked eye examinations. As melanoma dermoscopic features are often body site specific, awareness of common features according to their location is imperative for improved melanoma diagnostic accuracy. Several criteria have been identified according to the anatomical location of the melanoma. This review provides a comprehensive and contemporary review of dermoscopic melanoma criteria according to specific body sites, including frequently observed melanoma of the head/neck, trunk and limbs and special site melanomas, located on the nail, mucosal and acral region.
Effect of simulated heat waves on the behaviour of two mirid predators
Authors: Martinez Leticia Duarte , Romeis Jörg , Collatz Jana
Published: May 2023

Extreme climatic events, including heat waves with high‐temperature peaks during the day, are expected to occur more often in many parts of the world due to climate change and may exert negative effects on existing biological control strategies. To assess the effects of high‐temperature peaks on two commonly used, and naturally co‐occurring mirid predators, adults and nymphs of Nesidiocoris tenuis and Macrolophus pygmaeus were exposed either to constant 25°C or daily mean temperatures of 25°C with cycles rising up to 30 or 40°C. Preferred location of the two mirid species on different strata of tomato plants was investigated when they were exposed to the different temperature regimens alone or combined. Activity of mirids under the different temperature regimens was continuously monitored for 48 h using a Drosophila Activity Monitor system. Finally, the efficacy of the mirids preying on Tuta absoluta eggs was measured at the different temperature regimens in a Petri dish assay. Heat waves reaching 30 and 40°C in some instances affected the location of the mirids either when they were on the plant alone or under competition conditions. Locomotory activity of M. pygmaeus in the 40°C treatment was strongly reduced, whereas it remained high in N. tenuis. Effects of temperature peaks on prey consumption were visible in M. pygmaeus nymphs, N. tenuis females and males of both species. We suggest that the different responses of the two species to high‐temperature peaks may reduce their competition and support sustained control when both species are present simultaneously. Moreover, both species were found to be less susceptible to heat peaks when compared to previously reported results for their prey T. absoluta.
First detection of Flavobacterium psychrophilum in juvenile Siberian sturgeons (Acipenser baerii) and description of the pathological findings
Authors: Chinchilla Blanca , Vázquez‐Fernández Esther , Rebollada‐Merino Agustín , Pérez‐Sancho Marta , Domínguez Lucas , Rodríguez‐Bertos Antonio
Published: May 2023

Flavobacterium psychrophilum affects many cultured fish species and is considered one of the most important bacterial pathogens causing substantial economic losses in salmonid aquaculture worldwide. Here, F. psychrophilum was identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and nested PCR as the aetiological agent causing mortality in diseased juvenile Siberian sturgeons (Acipenser baerii) reared on a freshwater fish farm. Diseased sturgeons were lethargic and displayed dark skin pigmentation, increased mucus production and the presence of skin ulcerations and haemorrhages specially on the ventral side and the base of fins. The histological examination of fish revealed proliferative branchitis, ulcerative and necrotizing dermatitis and myositis, lymphoid tissue atrophy, liver and kidney degeneration and thrombosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the infection of Siberian sturgeons by F. psychrophilum. The detection of F. psychrophilum in diseased Siberian sturgeons and the description of the pathological findings observed during the outbreak may contribute to a better understanding of the bacterium pathogenicity and the range of fish species susceptible to infection.
Separation process characteristics of phenolic compounds from organic purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaves using macroporous resins
Authors: da R. Rodrigues Nathália , Mohammad Siraj Salman , Gao Chi , Ivone M. J. Barbosa Maria , Gu Liwei , Junior José L. Barbosa
Published: May 2023

Current trends have been noticed in to study of unedible parts of food as sources of phytochemicals or as ingredients in order to develop new uses for discarded materials and to promote sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of six macroporous resins (XAD 16, XAD 7HP, XAD 2, XAD 4, DAX 8, and XAD 1180 N) in purification of phenolic compounds from organic purple‐fleshed sweet potatoes. Static adsorption and desorption showed that XAD16 and XAD7HP had the highest adsorption and desorption ratio and recovery yield. The process temperature did not affect the adsorption capacity of XAD16. However, XAD7HP showed higher adsorption capacity when performed at 30°C, compared with 40 and 50°C. The process of equilibrium adsorption isotherms for phenolics was better described using Freundlich isotherm model. Dynamic adsorption process on XAD7HP resin showed that phenolic compounds in the water extracts of leaves started to break through after 4.5 bed volumes of extract was loaded. The purification of phytochemicals using adsorption is an alternative to replace organic solvents and provide a safety process for industrial application.

Practical Applications

Recently, phenolic compounds have been explored due to their significant biological and antioxidant properties; phenolic compounds are also related to decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, oxidative stress, diabetes, fatness, cancer, and several degenerative diseases. In addition, there is the potential use of phenolic compounds such as anthocyanin as safe colorimetric pH indicators in innovative packaging due to the relationship between levels of pH and anthocyanin colors. Therefore, using advanced processing technologies, phenolic compound purification can be essential for many applications related to food safety, quality, nutrition, and food waste. Furthermore, purified phenolic compounds can be used as raw materials in the pharmaceutical area and food industries.
The improvement of intestinal dysbiosis and hepatic metabolic dysfunction in dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice: effects of curcumin
Authors: Zhou Feini , Mai Ting , Wang Ziren , Zeng Zhaolong , Shi Jingjing , Zhang Fan , Kong Ning , Jiang Hao , Guo Lingnan , Xu Maosheng , Lin Jiangnan
Published: May 2023

Background and Aim

Curcumin may have promising application in the prevention and amelioration of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the underlying mechanisms underpinning the ability of curcumin to interact with the gut and liver in IBD remains to be defined, which is the exploration aim of this study.

Methods

Mice with dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)‐induced acute colitis were treated either with 100 mg/kg of curcumin or phosphate buffer saline (PBS). Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, 16S rDNA Miseq sequencing, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) were applied for analysis. Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC) was utilized to assess the correlation between the modification of intestinal bacteria and hepatic metabolite parameters.

Results

Curcumin supplementation not only prevented further loss of body weight and colon length in IBD mice but also improved diseases activity index (DAI), colonic mucosal injury, and inflammatory infiltration. Meanwhile, curcumin restored the composition of the gut microbiota, significantly increased Akkermansia, Muribaculaceae_unclassified, and Muribaculum, and significantly elevated the concentration of propionate, butyrate, glycine, tryptophan, and betaine in the intestine. For hepatic metabolic disturbances, curcumin intervention altered 14 metabolites, including anthranilic acid and 8‐amino‐7‐oxononanoate while enriching pathways related to the metabolism of bile acids, glucagon, amino acids, biotin, and butanoate. Furthermore, SCC analysis revealed a potential correlation between the upregulation of intestinal probiotics and alterations in liver metabolites.

Conclusion

The therapeutic mechanism of curcumin against IBD mice occurs by improving intestinal dysbiosis and liver metabolism disorders, thus contributing to the stabilization of the gut–liver axis.
The predictive value of HALP score and systemic immune inflammation (SII) index in hyperemesis gravidarum
Authors: Bayram Feyza , Ozgen Gulten , Karasın Süleyman Serkan , Ozgen Levent
Published: May 2023

Aim

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is one of the most common serious diseases in early pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score and systemic immune inflammation (SII) index in the presence and severity of HG.

Methods

This retrospective case–control study was conducted in a training and educational university hospital between January 2019 and July 2022. A total of 521 pregnant women, of whom 360 were diagnosed with HG at 6–14 weeks of gestation and 161 were low‐risk pregnancies, were included in the study. Patients' demographic characteristics and laboratory parameters were recorded. Patients with HG were divided into three categories: mild (n = 160), moderate (n = 116), and severe (n = 84), according to disease severity. The modified PUQE scoring was used to determine the severity of HG.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 27.6 (16–40) years. We divided the pregnant women into the control group and HG group. The HALP score was significantly lower in the HG group (average, 2.8 ± 1.3), whereas the SII index was found to be significantly higher (average, 895.8 ± 458.1). A negative correlation was found between the increase in the severity of HG and HALP score. The HALP score was the lower in severe HG (mean, 2.16 ± 0.81) and was significantly different from other HG categories (p < 0.01). Moreover, a positive correlation was noted between increased HG severity and SII index levels. The SII index was higher in the severe HG group and was significantly different from the others (1001.2 ± 437.2) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The HALP score and SII index can be useful, cost‐effective, and easily accessible objective biomarkers to predict the presence and severity of HG.