bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Age and Falls in Older Age: Evidence From Two Longitudinal Cohorts
Authors: Fundenberger Hervé , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio , Dupré Caroline , Bongue Bienvenu , Hupin David , Barth Nathalie , Canada Brice
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Falls are a common and serious health problem. The present study examined the association between subjective age (i.e., feeling younger or older than one’s chronological age) and falls in 2 large national samples.

Method

Participants aged 65–105 years old were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data on falls, subjective age, and demographic factors were available from 2,382 participants in HRS and 3,449 in NHATS. Falls were tracked for up to 8 (HRS) and 7 (NHATS) years.

Results

Cox regression analyses that included demographic covariates indicated that older subjective age increased the risk of falling in HRS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–1.27) and in NHATS (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00–1.13). When compared to people who felt younger, people who reported an older subjective age had a higher risk of fall (HRS: HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.33–2.04; NHATS: HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15–1.79). The associations remained significant after accounting for depressive symptoms, handgrip strength, chronic diseases, and cognitive impairment in HRS only.

Discussion

These results confirm the role of subjective age as an important health marker in the aging population. Subjective age assessment can help identify individuals at greater risk of falls.
Talin variant P229S compromises integrin activation and associates with multifaceted clinical symptoms
Authors: Azizi Latifeh , Varela Lorena , Turkki Paula , Mykuliak Vasyl V , Korpela Sanna , Ihalainen Teemu O , Church Joseph , Hytönen Vesa P , Goult Benjamin T
Published: July 2022

Adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) must be exquisitely coordinated to enable development and tissue homeostasis. Cell–ECM interactions are regulated by multiple signalling pathways that coordinate the activation state of the integrin family of ECM receptors. The protein talin is pivotal in this process, and talin’s simultaneous interactions with the cytoplasmic tails of the integrins and the plasma membrane are essential to enable robust, dynamic control of integrin activation and cell–ECM adhesion. Here, we report the identification of a de novo heterozygous c.685C>T (p.Pro229Ser) variant in the TLN1 gene from a patient with a complex phenotype. The mutation is located in the talin head region at the interface between the F2 and F3 domains. The characterization of this novel p.P229S talin variant reveals the disruption of adhesion dynamics that result from disturbance of the F2–F3 domain interface in the talin head. Using biophysical, computational and cell biological techniques, we find that the variant perturbs the synergy between the integrin-binding F3 and the membrane-binding F2 domains, compromising integrin activation, adhesion and cell migration. Whilst this remains a variant of uncertain significance, it is probable that the dysregulation of adhesion dynamics we observe in cells contributes to the multifaceted clinical symptoms of the patient and may provide insight into the multitude of cellular processes dependent on talin-mediated adhesion dynamics.
The Expansion of Wage Theft Legislation in Common Law Countries—Should Ireland be Next?
Authors: O’Sullivan Michelle
Published: July 2022

While employment laws exist to protect workers from the unfair exploitation, evidence suggests that wage theft is a prominent practice. Wage theft has received considerable public policy attention in several common law countries leading to the introduction of new legislation on the basis that existing legal regulations were inadequate and because the effects of wage theft are particularly deleterious for low-wage workers. Wage theft though remains underexplored in an Irish policy context. This article examines whether Ireland needs stronger laws to address wage theft by assessing if existing minimum wage and working time employment legislation provide an effective remedy for workers. The analysis finds that Irish laws already contain many provisions which new wage theft laws in other jurisdictions have introduced, suggesting radically new legislation is not needed. Several features of existing laws though obstruct workers in seeking remedy for underpayments and require amendment. Changing legislation, however, will likely be insufficient for an effective enforcement regime and it must be supplemented by statutory support for collective representation and enhancing labour inspectorate capacity to act on workers’ behalf.
The role of the microbiome in pancreatic oncogenesis
Authors: Daley Donnele
Published: July 2022

Bacterial dysbiosis is evolving as an advocate for carcinogenesis and has been associated with pancreatic cancer progression and survival outcomes. The gut and pancreas of cancer patients harbor a unique microbiome that differs significantly from that of healthy individuals. We believe that the pancreatic cancer microbiome regulates tumorigenesis by altering host cell function and modulating immune cells, skewing them toward an immunosuppressive phenotype. Moreover, altering this pathogenic microbiome may enhance the efficacy of current therapies in pancreatic cancer and improve survival outcomes. This review highlights the findings on microbial modulation across various pre-clinical and clinical studies and provides insight into the potential of targeting the microbiome for pancreatic cancer therapy.
CON: Serum biomarker monitoring should not replace primary antifungal chemoprophylaxis in patients with acute leukaemia receiving systemic anti-cancer therapy
Authors: Howard Alex , Hope William
Published: July 2022

Primary antifungal chemoprophylaxis (PAC) is the widespread strategy of choice for the prevention of invasive fungal disease in patients with acute leukaemia (AL). Twice-weekly monitoring of the serum biomarkers (SBM) galactomannan and 1,3-β-d-glucan has been proposed as an alternative prevention strategy to PAC for these patients. This paper outlines the arguments for why PAC should remain as the standard of care in AL, instead of switching to twice-weekly SBM. Arguments put forward in favour of PAC are the strength of evidence for its safety, cost-effectiveness and adaptability, and its adoption by multiple international guidelines as standard of care. The potential implications of PAC for drug interactions and antifungal resistance are also discussed. The drawbacks of twice-weekly SBM are appraised, including missed or delayed diagnoses, unnecessary investigations, deferral of systemic anti-cancer therapy and increased pressure on laboratory services.
Status of Physicochemical and Microbiological Analytical Methods of Gatifloxacin: A Review
Authors: Teixeira Max Well Silva , Dias Cleber Vinicios Barbosa , Kogawa Ana Carolina
Published: July 2022

Background

Gatifloxacin (GAT), an antimicrobial of the fourth generation of fluoroquinolones, has a broad spectrum of action with activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative, aerobic and anaerobic organisms, including mycobacteria.

Objective

The objective of this review is to discuss about (i) characteristics, (ii) properties, and (iii) analytical methods of gatifloxacin.

Results

Among the methods described in the literature for the evaluation of GAT, the most frequent was HPLC (50%) for both the analysis of pharmaceutical and biological matrixes. GAT has no monograph described in official compendia. Methods for evaluating GAT in pharmaceutical matrixes were the most found in the literature, 79%. Acetonitrile (42%), methanol (20%), and buffer solution (16%) were the most used diluents. GAT, being an antimicrobial, must be analyzed by physical-chemical and microbiological methods, since the evaluation of potency is essential. In this context, the literature is scarce (4%).

Conclusions

There is a gap in the literature for environmentally friendly methods for evaluating GAT. Faster, more optimized and dynamic microbiological methods, as well as physicochemical methods, use less aggressive solvents with fewer steps and less waste. Currently, pharmaceutical analyses require reliable analytical methods, but also safe for both the analyst and the environment.

Highlights

This review shows the status of analytical methods, both physicochemical and microbiological, for the analysis of GAT in pharmaceutical and biological matrixes, also addressing its context in green and sustainable analytical chemistry.
The Role of Vitamin E in Thermal Burn Injuries, Infection, and Sepsis: A Review
Authors: Thompson Marc A , Zuniga Kameel , Sousse Linda , Christy Robert , Gurney Col Jennifer
Published: July 2022

Thermal burn injuries are still a serious public health concern in the United States, due to the initial insult and resulting comorbidities. Burned patients are increasingly susceptible to colonization by endogenous and exogenous microorganisms after having lost skin, which acts as the primary protective barrier to environmental contaminants. Furthermore, the onset of additional pathophysiologies, specifically sepsis, becomes more likely in burned patients compared to other injuries. Despite improvements in the early care of burn patients, infections, and sepsis, these pathophysiologies remain major causes of morbidity and mortality and warrant further investigation of potential therapies. Vitamin E may be one such therapy. We aimed to identify publications of studies that evaluated the effectiveness of vitamin E as it pertains to thermal burn injuries, infection, and sepsis. Several investigations ranging from in vitro bench work to clinical studies have examined the impact on, or influence of, vitamin E in vitro, in vivo, and in the clinical setting. To the benefit of subjects it has been shown that enteral or parenteral vitamin E supplementation can prevent, mitigate, and even reverse the effects of thermal burn injuries, infection, and sepsis. Therefore, a large-scale prospective observational study to assess the potential benefits of vitamin E supplementation in patients is warranted and could result in clinical care practice paradigm changes.
A Pilot Study Testing the Novel Use of a Snake Bite Compression Device for Field Hemostasis and Wound Repair in an Animal Model
Authors: Lindquist David G , Valente Jonathan H , Hack Jason B
Published: July 2022

Introduction

A commercially available snake bite device was pilot tested for novel use as a method of hemostasis and wound repair at a noncompressible site in a live swine model. The device is light, is plastic, uses a hook-and-loop strap attachment, and is easily deployed. The device could offer a method for the field repair of an actively bleeding laceration at a noncompressible site in an austere environment.

Materials and Methods

This was an interventional, prospective, controlled study in a large animal model. The study was approved by the Rhode Island Hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) and the Animal Welfare Committee/Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Lifespan Research Conflict of Interest Committee. Each animal acted as its own control. Blood loss was measured and compared between repairs of standardized incisions with and without the device’s application. The lacerations were sutured closed. Two proceduralists alternated tasks of wound repair versus blood collection. Blood loss was measured by using gauze sponges to capture the blood during a 30-second free-bleeding period and during the repair itself. Using a one sample t-test (the expected difference in blood loss between the two incision repair methods = 0 if the null hypothesis were true), we calculated the mean difference in the deltas between the repair methods.

Results

The mean delta difference was 3.1 g (SE ± 0.97). The t-test demonstrated that there was a significantly greater blood loss during the standard repair method, t(9) = 3.11, P < 0.01 than during the repair with the device in place (see Fig. 2). A statistical power analysis conducted showed that with a sample size of 10 animals, there was sufficient statistical power to detect this significant effect (β = 0.82, α < 0.05, one-tailed).

Conclusions

There was statistically significantly less blood loss during the repairs with the device’s application. This feasibility experiment demonstrates that a commercially available snakebite device may be useful for hemostasis during laceration repair at anatomic sites not amenable to application of tourniquets or compressive dressings. Strengths of the study include the prospective controlled design, including the use of each animal as its own control; alternating proceduralists to account for any variability in suturing efficiency; and the statistical significance of the results despite the small number of subjects. One weakness is that the time required for each repair was not measured. The device’s portability and reusability suggest applicability in austere medical environments. Future studies could include timing the repairs, using a skin stapler or wound adhesive instead of sutures, applying a hemostatic agent before the repair, and sequentially applying the device to wounds longer than the device.
The H α luminosity and stellar mass dependent clustering of star-forming galaxies at 0.7 < z < 1.5 with 3D-HST
Authors: Clontz Callie , Wake David , Zheng Zheng
Published: July 2022

We present measurements of the dependence of the clustering amplitude of galaxies on their star formation rate (SFR) and stellar mass (M*) at 0.7 < z < 1.5 to assess the extent to which environment affects these properties. While these relations are well determined in the local Universe, they are much more poorly known at earlier times. For this analysis, we make use of the near-infrared HST WFC3 grism spectroscopic data in the five CANDELS fields obtained as part of the 3D-HST survey. We make projected two-point correlation function measurements using ∼6000 galaxies with accurate redshifts, M*, and H α luminosities. We find a strong dependence of clustering amplitude on H α luminosity and thus SFR. However, at fixed M*, the clustering dependence on H α luminosity is largely eliminated. We model the clustering of these galaxies within the halo occupation distribution framework using the conditional luminosity function model and the newly developed conditional stellar mass and H α luminosity distribution model. These show that galaxies with higher SFRs tend to live in higher mass haloes, but this is largely driven by the relationship between SFR and M*. Finally, we show that the small residual correlation between clustering amplitude and H α luminosity at fixed M* is likely being driven by a broadening of the SFR–M* relationship for satellite galaxies.
Optical counterparts of ULXs in NGC 1672
Authors: Allak S , Akyuz A , Sonbas E , Dhuga K S
Published: July 2022

In this work, we deploy archival data from Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra, XMM–Newton, and Swift-XRT, to probe the nature of nine candidate ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) in NGC 1672. Specifically, our study focuses on using the precise source positions obtained via improved astrometry based on Chandra and Hubble Space Telescope observations to search for and identify potential optical counterparts for these ULXs. Unique optical counterparts are identified for two of the ULX candidates, i.e. X2 and X6; for three of the candidates, i.e. X1, X5, and X7, we found two potential counterparts for each source within the respective error radii. No optical counterparts were found for the remaining four sources. The spectral energy distribution of X2 is fitted to a blackbody spectrum with a temperature of ∼104 K and the spectral class of the source is determined to be B7−A3, a supergiant donor star. We used colour–magnitude diagrams to investigate ages of the counterparts. Of all the sources studied, X9 exhibits the most variability whereby the X-ray flux varies by a factor of ∼50 over a time period spanning 2004–2019, and also traces a partial q-curve-like feature in the hardness–intensity diagram, hinting at possible spectral transitions.
Epstein–Barr virus-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis complicated by neurological involvement in a patient with dermatomyositis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Tingting , Xiong Lijuan , Tang Liang
Published: July 2022

Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an extremely high mortality condition that can occur at any age and lacks specific diagnostic characteristics. Despite its rarity, HLH is increasingly alarming because of the high mortality rate. It is a systemic hyperinflammatory immune response syndrome associated with abnormal activation of T cells and macrophages, which may be caused by genetic mutations or acquired factors, such as infection, autoimmune condition, and malignancy. Here, we present a fatal case of Epstein–Barr virus-associated HLH complicated by neurological involvement in a patient with dermatomyositis. We describe and discuss the pathological features, classification, and effective treatment options of HLH and discuss separately the special characteristics of Epstein–Barr virus-associated HLH and dermatomyositis-associated HLH.
Looking Back on 50 Years of Literature to Understand the Potential Impact of Influenza on Extrapulmonary Medical Outcomes
Authors: Nealon Joshua , Derqui Nieves , de Courville Caroline , Biering-Sørensen Tor , Cowling Benjamin J , Nair Harish , Chaves Sandra S
Published: July 2022

We conducted a scoping review of the epidemiological literature from the past 50 years to document the contribution of influenza virus infection to extrapulmonary clinical outcomes. We identified 99 publications reporting 243 associations using many study designs, exposure and outcome definitions, and methods. Laboratory confirmation of influenza was used in only 28 (12%) estimates, mostly in case-control and self-controlled case series study designs. We identified 50 individual clinical conditions associated with influenza. The most numerous estimates were of cardiocirculatory diseases, neurological/neuromuscular diseases, and fetal/newborn disorders, with myocardial infarction the most common individual outcome. Due to heterogeneity, we could not generate summary estimates of effect size, but of 130 relative effect estimates, 105 (81%) indicated an elevated risk of extrapulmonary outcome with influenza exposure. The literature is indicative of systemic complications of influenza virus infection, the requirement for more effective influenza control, and a need for robust confirmatory studies.
Activation of circulating monocytes by low-density lipoprotein—a risk factor for osteoarthritis?
Authors: Kruisbergen Nik N L , van Gemert Yvonne , Blom Arjen B , van den Bosch Martijn H J , van Lent Peter L E M
Published: July 2022

Synovial macrophages are key mediators of OA pathology, and skewing of macrophage phenotype in favour of an M1-like phenotype is thought to underlie the chronicity of synovial inflammation in OA. Components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), such as dyslipidaemia, can affect macrophage phenotype and function, which could explain the link between MetS and OA development. Recently published studies have provided novel insights into the different origins and heterogeneity of synovial macrophages. Considering these findings, we propose an important role for monocyte-derived macrophages in particular, as opposed to yolk-sac derived residential macrophages, in causing a pro-inflammatory phenotype shift. We will further explain how this can start even prior to synovial infiltration; in the circulation, monocytes can be trained by metabolic factors such as low-density lipoprotein to become extra responsive to chemokines and damage-associated molecular patterns. The concept of innate immune training has been widely studied and implicated in atherosclerosis pathology, but its involvement in OA remains uncharted territory. Finally, we evaluate the implications of these insights for targeted therapy directed to macrophages and metabolic factors.
Toll-like receptor triggering in systemic sclerosis: time to target
Authors: O’Reilly Steven
Published: July 2022

SSc is an autoimmune disease that has features of vascular abnormalities, inflammation and skin and lung fibrosis. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are sentinel receptors that serve to recognize pathogens or internal danger signals leading to downstream signalling pathways that ultimately lead to inflammation and modification of adaptive immunity. Inflammation and fibrosis appear intricately connected in this disease and TLR ligation on fibroblasts can directly activate these cells to produce copious amounts of collagen, a hallmark of disease. The presence of damage-associated molecular patterns in association with fibrosis has been highlighted. Given their prominent role in disease, this review discusses the evidence of their expression and role in disease pathogenesis and possible therapeutic intervention to mitigate fibrosis.
Survey of High Expressed Emotions Experienced By Community Mental Health Service Users in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ng Siu-Man , Gao Siyu , Wang Amenda Man , Cheuk Christine , Li Jane , Fung Melody Hiu-ying
Published: July 2022

Background

High expressed emotion (EE) experienced by people with mental illness is a known risk factor of relapse. With drastically increased time spent at home and limited health and social service provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, patients’ experience of high EE warranted attention.

Aims and Methods

The study aimed to investigate the experience of high EE among people with mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed the service users of 2 community mental health centers, including participants with psychotic and nonpsychotic disorders.

Results

Valid responses from 303 participants indicated an overall high EE prevalence of 71.62%, much higher than previous findings, which range between 30% and 40%. People with other psychotic and nonpsychotic disorders showed a higher probability of experiencing high EE than people with schizophrenia. Participants reported a higher probability of experiencing high EE as a result of caregiving by other family relatives and friends than by parents.

Conclusion

Findings suggest a significantly elevated high EE prevalence among people suffering from mental illness in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is worth further evaluating the long-term effects of high EE beyond the pandemic.
Screen identifies fasudil as a radioprotector on human fibroblasts
Authors: Yao Yanling , Chen Chen , Cai Zuchao , Liu Guochao , Ding Chenxia , Lim David , Chao Dong , Feng Zhihui
Published: July 2022

Background

Radioprotectors safeguard biological system exposed to ionizing radiation (IR) by protecting normal cells from radiation damage during radiotherapy. Due to the toxicity and limited clinical utility of the present radioprotectors, it prompts us to identify novel radioprotectors that could alleviate IR-induced cytotoxicity of normal tissues.

Aims and Methods

To identify new radioprotectors, we screened a chemical molecular library comprising 253 compounds in normal human fibroblasts (HFs) or 16HBE cells upon IR by CCK-8 assays and clonogenic survival assays. Fasudil was identified as a potential effective radioprotector.

Results

The results indicated that Fasudil exerts radioprotective effects on HFs against IR-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through the regulation of DSB repair. Fasudil increased homologous recombination (HR) repair by 45.24% and decreased non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) by 63.88% compared with untreated cells, without affecting changes to cell cycle profile. We further found that fasudil significantly facilitated the expression and foci formation of HR core proteins such as Rad51 and BRCA1 upon IR, and decreased the expression of NHEJ-associated proteins such as DNA-PKcs at 24 h post-IR.

Conclusion

Our study identified fasudil as a novel radioprotector that exert radioprotective effects on normal cells through regulation of DSB repair by promoting HR repair.
Tamoxifen induced hepatic steatosis in high-fat feeding rats through SIRT1-Foxo1 suppression and LXR-SREBP1c activation
Authors: Li Miao , Cai Yu , Chen Xi , Zhang Luyong , Jiang Zhenzhou , Yu Qinwei
Published: July 2022

Background

Clinically, long-term use of tamoxifen (TAM) would lead to fatty liver disease in breast cancer patients, especially obese women. However, the exact mechanism of TAM-induced hepatic steatosis is still unclear. Meanwhile, there is no drug to prevent and treat it.

Aims and Methods

In view of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) playing a key role in hepatic lipid metabolism regulation, this study was conducted to investigate whether SIRT1 is a potential therapeutic target for TAM-induced hepatic steatosis. In this study, obese female Wistar rats fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 15 weeks were given TAM (4, 8 mg/kg, intragastric) for 14 days. In vitro, human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 was used to establish a high-fat model with 50 μM oleic acid and TAM (10 μM) was treated simultaneously for 72 h.

Results

The results showed that TAM was more likely to upregulate the expression of lipid synthetase that caused the increase of lipid content in HepG2 cells and rat liver. The expression of SIRT1 was downregulated both in vitro and in vivo. SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 (15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) could resist TAM-induced hepatic lipid synthetase overexpression to relieve TAM-induced hepatic steatosis. Meanwhile, the upregulation of p-forkhead box O1 and LXRα induced by TAM was reversed by SRT1720.

Conclusions

These results indicated that TAM-induced hepatic steatosis was based on SIRT1-p-FoxO/LXRα-sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c pathway under HFD condition. SIRT1 agonist might be a potential therapeutic drug to relieve this side effect.

Highlights
Gestational and Lactational Exposure to the Emergent Alternative Plasticizer 1,2-Cyclohexane Dicarboxylic Acid Diisononyl Ester (DINCH) Impairs Lipid Metabolism to a Greater Extent Than the Commonly Used Di(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) in the Adult Rat Mammary Gland
Authors: Crobeddu Bélinda , Jutras-Carignan Antoine , Kolasa Élise , Mounier Catherine , Robaire Bernard , Plante Isabelle
Published: July 2022

Due to their endocrine disruption properties, phthalate plasticizers such as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) can affect the hormone-dependent development of the mammary gland. Over the past few years, DEHP has been partially replaced by 1,2-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid diisononyl ester (DINCH) which also have potential endocrine disrupting properties. The goal of the present study is to understand the impact of a gestational and lactational exposure to DEHP and DINCH on mammary gland development using Sprague Dawley rats. Both plasticizers altered the adipocytes of the mammary gland fat pad of adult progeny, as demonstrated by a decrease in their size, folding of their membrane, and modulations of the lipid profiles. DEHP treatments decreased the expression of Rxrα and Scd1 at the low and high dose, respectively, but did not affect any of the other genes studied. DINCH modulation of lipid metabolism could be observed at puberty by a decreased expression of genes implicated in triglyceride synthesis, lipid transport, and lipolysis, but by an increased expression of genes of the β-oxidation pathway and of genes involved in lipid storage and fatty acid synthesis at adulthood, compared with control and DEHP-treated rats. A strong upregulation of different inflammatory markers was observed following DINCH exposure only. Together, our results indicate that a gestational and lactational exposure to DINCH has earlier and more significant effects on lipid homeostasis, adipogenesis, and the inflammatory state of the adult mammary gland than DEHP exposure. The long-term consequence of these effects on mammary gland health remained to be determined.
Intra-canopy leaf trait variation facilitates high leaf area index and compensatory growth in a clonal woody encroaching shrub
Authors: Tooley E Greg , Nippert Jesse B , Bachle Seton , Keen Rachel M
Published: July 2022

Leaf trait variation enables plants to utilize large gradients of light availability that exist across canopies of high leaf area index (LAI), allowing for greater net carbon gain while reducing light availability for understory competitors. While these canopy dynamics are well understood in forest ecosystems, studies of canopy structure of woody shrubs in grasslands are lacking. To evaluate the investment strategy used by these shrubs, we investigated the vertical distribution of leaf traits and physiology across canopies of Cornus drummondii, the predominant woody encroaching shrub in the Kansas tallgrass prairie. We also examined the impact of disturbance by browsing and grazing on these factors. Our results reveal that leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf nitrogen per area (Na) varied approximately threefold across canopies of C. drummondii, resulting in major differences in the physiological functioning of leaves. High LMA leaves had high photosynthetic capacity, while low LMA leaves had a novel strategy for maintaining light compensation points below ambient light levels. The vertical allocation of leaf traits in C. drummondii canopies was also modified in response to browsing, which increased light availability at deeper canopy depths. As a result, LMA and Na increased at lower canopy depths, leading to a greater photosynthetic capacity deeper in browsed canopies compared to control canopies. This response, along with increased light availability, facilitated greater photosynthesis and resource-use efficiency deeper in browsed canopies compared to control canopies. Our results illustrate how C. drummondii facilitates high LAI canopies and a compensatory growth response to browsing—both of which are key factors contributing to the success of C. drummondii and other species responsible for grassland woody encroachment.
Hands on Hands! Soft-Tissue Tumors and Bone Tumors Involving the Hand
Authors: Andrade Guilherme Neves Lourenço , do Amaral e Castro Adham , Grando Paulo Eduardo Daruge , Baptista Eduardo , Miranda Frederico Celestino , Yamachira Viviane Sayuri , Fukamizu Erina Megumi Nagaya , Santos Durval do Carmo Barros , Rosemberg Laercio Alberto , Hutterer Wagner , Carneiro Rodrigo , Campos Silva Murilo
Published: July 2022

Hand and finger imaging is routine, usually due to traumatic and degenerative conditions. Many common and uncommon soft-tissue tumors also occur in the hand, and the diagnosis can raise doubts and confuse radiologists and other specialties. This presentation aims to present soft-tissue tumors and bone tumors of the hand, review the various imaging features of these tumors, and discuss how the imaging features can help provide a differential diagnosis. Of the totality of tumors that arise in the hands and fingers, the vast majorities are benign, and radiologists' familiarity with the appearance of these masses on imaging can help with the clinical outcome.
Baseline Anxiety and Depression and Risk for ICU Delirium: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Ting Ting , Kooken Rens , Zegers Marieke , Ko Sally , Bienvenu O. Joseph , Devlin John W. , van den Boogaard Mark
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Anxiety and depression are common mental disorders in adults admitted to the ICU. Although depression increases postsurgical delirium and anxiety does not, their associations with ICU delirium in critically ill adults remain unclear. We evaluated the association between ICU baseline anxiety and depression and ICU delirium occurrence.

DESIGN:

Subgroup analysis of a prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

Single, 36-bed mixed ICU.

PATIENTS:

Nine-hundred ninety-one ICU patients admitted with or without delirium between July 2016 and February 2020; patients admitted after elective surgery or not assessed for anxiety/depression were excluded.

INTERVENTION:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTs:

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire was administered at ICU admission to determine baseline anxiety and depression. All patients were assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) q8h; greater than or equal to 1 +CAM-ICU assessment and/or scheduled antipsychotic use represented a delirium day. Multivariable logistic and Quasi-Poisson regression models, adjusted for ICU days and nine delirium risk variables (“Pre-ICU”: age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, cognitive impairment; “ICU baseline”: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-IV, admission type; “Daily ICU”: opioid and/or benzodiazepine use, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, coma), were used to evaluate associations between baseline anxiety and/or depression and ICU delirium. Among the 991 patients, 145 (14.6%) had both anxiety and depression, 78 (7.9%) had anxiety only, 91 (9.2%) had depression only, and 677 (68.3%) had neither. Delirium occurred in 406 of 991 total cohort (41.0%) patients; in the baseline anxiety and depression group, it occurred in 78 of 145 (53.8%), in the anxiety only group, 37 of 78 (47.4%), in the depression only group, 39 of 91 (42.9%), and in the group with neither in 252 of 677 (37.2%). Presence of both baseline anxiety and depression was associated with greater delirium occurrence (adjusted odds ratio, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.10–3.53; p = 0.02) and duration (adjusted risk ratio, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.17–2.23; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Baseline anxiety and depression are associated with increased ICU delirium occurrence and should be considered when delirium risk reduction strategies are being formulated.
Safety and feasibility of same day discharge after per oral endoscopic pyloromyotomy in refractory gastroparesis: a pilot study
Authors: Shah Rushikesh , Chen Huimin , Calderon Lucie F. , Gooden Tonia , Mubashir Maryam , Rashid Shazia , Raza Syed Musa , Derise Allison , Mccurdy Grace , Sanders Brenna , Keilin Steve , Cai Qiang
Published: July 2022

Background:

Gastroparesis is a debilitating medical condition with limited treatment options. Gastric per-oral pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) has emerged as a promising treatment option with remarkable short-term clinical success shown in multiple studies. While the post-procedure protocol is not standardized across many centers, the majority of the centers observes these patients in the hospital after the procedure for monitoring. In this single-center prospective study, we evaluated the safety and feasibility of same day discharge after the G-POEM procedure.

Methods:

All the patients with refractory gastroparesis undergoing G-POEM from October 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled. A total of 25 patients were enrolled in the procedure. Based on the pre-defined criteria, patients were either discharged on the same day after the procedure or admitted to the hospital for further observation. The patient and procedure-related data were extracted from the chart review. Univariate analysis was performed (chi-squared test) on categorical variables after organizing categorical variables as numeric counts or percentages. The student t test was performed on continuous variables after reporting as mean and standard deviation. For analysis with a smaller sample size, Fisher exact and Mann–Whitney tests were used.

Results:

A total of 25 patients were enrolled. The technical success of G-POEM was 100% and clinical success was 80% (20/25) at 1-month follow-up. Of the 25 patients, 9 patients (36%) were discharged on the same day according to the procedure from the recovery unit. Of the remaining 16 patients who were admitted to the hospital post-procedure, 10 (40%) were admitted due to procedure-related causes while other admissions were either pre-planned or due to social reasons. The average Charlson comorbidity index was lower in the same day discharge group (P 
< 0.05). The number of patients requiring double myotomy was higher in the same day discharge group (P < 0.05). The overall complication rate of G-POEM in the study cohort was 12% (3/25) with all complications being mild without any severe adverse events.

Conclusion:

G-POEM is a safe and effective method of treatment for refractory GP with higher clinical success in short-term follow-up. The same day discharge after G-POEM is safe and feasible in >50% of patients with close periprocedural monitoring.
Role of extracellular vesicles in lung diseases
Authors: Zhou Li , Luo Hong , Lee Jae Woo
Published: July 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are anuclear particles composed of lipid bilayers that contain nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and organelles. EVs act as an important mediator of cell-to-cell communication by transmitting biological signals or components, including lipids, proteins, messenger RNAs, DNA, microRNAs, organelles, etc, to nearby or distant target cells to activate and regulate the function and phenotype of target cells. Under physiological conditions, EVs play an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the pulmonary milieu but they can also be involved in promoting the pathogenesis and progression of various respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and pulmonary artery hypertension. In addition, in multiple preclinical studies, EVs derived from mesenchymal stem cells (EVs) have shown promising therapeutic effects on reducing and repairing lung injuries. Furthermore, in recent years, researchers have explored different methods for modifying EVs or enhancing EVs-mediated drug delivery to produce more targeted and beneficial effects. This article will review the characteristics and biogenesis of EVs and their role in lung homeostasis and various acute and chronic lung diseases and the potential therapeutic application of EVs in the field of clinical medicine.
The Update of Fetal Growth Restriction Associated with Biomarkers
Authors: Sun Liqun
Published: July 2022

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) has a prevalence of about 10% worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of perinatal mortality and morbidity. FGR is commonly caused by placental insufficiency and can begin early (<32  weeks) or in late (≥32  weeks) gestational age. A false positive antenatal diagnosis may lead to unnecessary monitoring and interventions, as well as cause maternal anxiety. Whereas a false negative diagnosis exposes the fetus to an increased risk of stillbirth and renders the pregnancy ineligible from the appropriate care and potential treatments. The clinical management of FGR pregnancies faces a complex challenge of deciding on the optimal timing of delivery as currently the main solution is to deliver the baby early, but iatrogenic preterm delivery of infants is associated with adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Early and accurate diagnosis of FGR could aid in better stratification of clinical management, and the development and implementation of treatment options, ultimately benefiting clinical care and potentially improving both short- and long-term health outcomes. The aim of this review is to present the new insights on biomarkers of placenta insufficiency, including their current and potential value of biomarkers in the prediction and prevention for FGR, and highlight the association between biomarkers and adverse outcomes in utero to explore the specific mechanism of impaired fetal growth that establish the basis for disease later in life.
Evaluation of a Capillary Microsampling Device for Analyzing Plasma Lenvatinib Concentration in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Saito Akihiro , Kikuchi Masafumi , Matsumoto Yuko , Sugawara Erina , Takao Gesshu , Inomata Hayato , Takahashi Akane , Sato Yuji , Kumondai Masaki , Sato Yu , Sato Toshihiro , Ninomiya Masashi , Inoue Jun , Maekawa Masamitsu , Mano Nariyasu
Published: July 2022

Background:

The anticancer drug, Lenvima (lenvatinib), has severe side effects. Therapeutic drug monitoring helps ensure its efficacy and safety. Regular and optimally timed blood sampling is tough, especially when lenvatinib is self-medicated. Microsampling using the easy to handle Microsampling Wing (MSW) may help circumvent this problem. However, current lenvatinib detection methods are not sensitive enough to detect its concentrations in microsamples (<50–250 μL). Thus, the aim of this study was 2-fold (1) develop an analytic method to estimate plasma lenvatinib concentrations in microsamples and (2) verify whether this method works on micro (5.6 μL) blood plasma samples obtained clinically through MSW from patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:

A simple, highly sensitive, and specific liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed. Using this novel protocol, the trough blood plasma concentration of lenvatinib was measured for both blood sampled conventionally and that using MSW. Thirty-five venous whole blood samples were obtained from 11 patients with HCC. Furthermore, the stability of lenvatinib in MSW samples during storage was evaluated.

Results:

The mean plasma lenvatinib concentration estimates were not significantly different between the MSW and conventional venous blood samples. CV for interday and intraday assays was low. Up to day 5, the lenvatinib concentration in the MSW samples was 85%–115% of the initial day concentration (when stored at 25°C or 4°C). The interference of endogenous matrix components in the human plasma was low.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that the novel mass spectrometry protocol accurately measures lenvatinib in human plasma and is reproducible. Thus, MSW could be a useful microsampling device for lenvatinib therapeutic drug monitoring in patients with HCC when used in combination with this novel liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry detection method.
Carbide Gun-Related Ocular Injuries: A Case Series
Authors: Arora Anchal , Priyadarshini Smruti Rekha , Das Sujata , Mohanty Amrita , Shanbhag Swapna S. , Sahu Srikant Kumar
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to report a case series of sight-threatening ocular injuries caused by calcium carbide guns used as fire crackers.

Methods:

Medical records of 15 eyes of 14 patients with ocular injuries caused while using carbide guns, visiting the Institute, from January 2021 to January 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. The collected data included patients' demography (age, sex), presenting ophthalmic features, management, and outcome. Grade I and II ocular injuries were managed medically. All grade III-V injuries were managed using Amniotic Membrane Transplantation.

Results:

All patients were male. The mean age of the patients was 23.57 ± 11.76 years. According to the Dua classification, 5 eyes (33.3%) had Grade I-II ocular surface burns, 3 eyes (20%) had grade III burns, and 7 eyes (46.6%) had grade IV-VI burns. Presenting visual acuity ranged between hand movements to 20/50, and in 6 eyes (40%), the visual acuity was ≤20/200. Five eyes were managed medically alone, and 10 (66.6%) eyes needed surgical intervention (Amniotic Membrane Transplantation). After a mean follow-up of 14.23 ± 11.92 weeks, complete epithelization was seen in 10 eyes (66.6%). Partial limbal stem cell deficiency and its sequelae such as conjunctivalization of the cornea were noted in 7 eyes (46.6%).

Conclusions:

Calcium carbide–related ocular injuries can result in corneal blindness secondary to limbal stem cell deficiency in young individuals. Loss of vision in this age group can lead to loss of economic productivity and cosmetic disfigurement. More advocacy efforts are thus needed to prevent these injuries.
Quantitative computed tomography and machine learning: recent data in fibrotic interstitial lung disease and potential role in pulmonary sarcoidosis
Authors: Wells Athol U. , Walsh Simon L.F.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

The aim of this study was to summarize quantitative computed tomography (CT) and machine learning data in fibrotic lung disease and to explore the potential application of these technologies in pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Recent findings

Recent data in the use of quantitative CT in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (ILD) are covered. Machine learning includes deep learning, a branch of machine learning particularly suited to medical imaging analysis. Deep learning imaging biomarker research in ILD is currently undergoing accelerated development, driven by technological advances in image processing and analysis. Fundamental concepts and goals related to deep learning imaging research in ILD are discussed. Recent work highlighted in this review has been performed in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Quantitative CT and deep learning have not been applied to pulmonary sarcoidosis, although there are recent deep learning data in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Pulmonary sarcoidosis presents unsolved problems for which quantitative CT and deep learning may provide unique solutions: in particular, the exploration of the long-standing question of whether sarcoidosis should be viewed as a single disease or as an umbrella term for disorders that might usefully be considered as separate diseases.
Management of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Mullin Monica L. , Churg Andrew , Ryerson Christopher J.
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

Recent guidelines have updated the classification of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, stratifying by the presence or absence of fibrosis as either fibrotic or nonfibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis represents up to 10% of interstitial lung disease in large cohort studies, and is occasionally even more common in some regions; however, there are many unknown aspects to the diagnosis and management. The goal of this review article is to summarize the management of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Recent findings

Historically, the only treatment options for patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis were antigen avoidance and corticosteroids, although other immunosuppressive therapies are increasingly endorsed by experts in the field. There is accumulating evidence that antifibrotic medications can be useful as a second-line therapy in some patients with fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis who have progression despite immunosuppression. There remains no direct comparison of immunosuppressive vs. antifibrotic medication for the management of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, but some clinical, radiological and pathological features may suggest greater likelihood of benefit from one option or the other.

We anticipate that future treatment of fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis will consider a variety of patient features to suggest the most prominent underlying biology that will then be used to guide initial pharmacotherapy; however, additional data are still needed.