bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent Functionalization of Styrenes via Radical/Polar Crossover with CO2 and Sodium Sulfinates
Authors: Benedetti Vega Kimberly , Campos Delgado José Antonio , Pugnal Lucas V. B. L. , König Burkhard , Menezes Correia José Tiago , Weber Paixão Márcio
Published: December 2022

Sulfones and carboxylic acids are prominent motifs widely present in the chemical structure of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and many other highly valuable compounds. Herein, we describe a conjunctive strategy for the precise installation of these functionalities onto styrenes using sodium sulfinates and CO2 as coupling partners. The protocol allowed the preparation of carboxy‐sulfonylated compounds in good yields and broad functional group tolerance. Additionally, taking advantage of the leaving group ability of the sulfone moiety, a one‐pot photocatalytic carboxy‐sulfonylation‐elimination strategy was developed for the synthesis of α‐aryl‐acrylates.
The risks of cancer in older women with BRCA pathogenic variants: How far have we come?
Authors: Metcalfe Kelly A. , Gronwald Jacek , Tung Nadine M. , McCuaig Jeanna M. , Eisen Andrea , Elser Christine , Foulkes William D. , Neuhausen Susan L. , Senter Leigha , Moller Pal , Bordeleau Louise , Fruscio Robert , Velsher Lea , Zakalik Dana , Olopade Olufunmilayo I. , Eng Charis , Pal Tuya , Cullinane Carey A. , Couch Fergus J. , Kotsopoulos Joanne , Sun Ping , Lubinski Jan , Narod Steven A.
Published: December 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to estimate the cumulative risks of all cancers in women from 50 to 75 years of age with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant.

Methods

Participants were women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variants from 85 centers in 16 countries. Women were eligible if they had no cancer before the age of 50 years. Participants completed a baseline questionnaire and follow‐up questionnaires every 2 years. Women were followed from age 50 until a diagnosis of cancer, death, age 75, or last follow‐up. The risk of all cancers combined from age 50 to 75 was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

There were 2211 women included (1470 BRCA1 and 742 BRCA2). There were 379 cancers diagnosed in the cohort between 50 and 75 years. The actuarial risk of any cancer from age 50 to 75 was 49% for BRCA1 and 43% for BRCA2. Breast (n = 186) and ovarian (n = 45) were the most frequent cancers observed. For women who had both risk‐reducing mastectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy before age 50, the risk of developing any cancer between age 50 and 75 was 9%.

Conclusion

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant have a high risk of cancer between the ages of 50 and 75 years and should be counselled appropriately.
Microscopy‐Based Assessment of Fatty Acid Uptake and Lipid Accumulation in Cultured Cells
Authors: Khan Danish , Ara Tarannum , Munjal Aastha , Mishra Sneha , Sundaresan Nagalingam Ravi
Published: December 2022

The heart relies predominantly on the use of fatty acids to derive energy. Metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes pose a major risk factor for the development of heart failure. Dysregulation of lipid metabolism observed in these diseases manifests as cardiac lipotoxicity, and is associated with cardiac dysfunction. The alarming rise in the incidence of these metabolic disorders warrants the need for tools to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this article, we describe a confocal microscopy–based approach to monitor fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation in vitro, in neonatal murine cardiomyocytes and H9c2 cells. The protocol for assessment of fatty acid uptake relies on the use of BODIPY FL C 12™ to study the kinetics of fatty acid uptake via real‐time imaging of fatty acid uptake in live cells. Importantly, it circumvents the need for radioactive labeling of fatty acids to evaluate their uptake. Similarly, the protocol for assessment of lipid accumulation relies on the use of BODIPY™ 493/503 to stain the cytosolic neutral lipid population in fixed cells. We couple these confocal microscopy–based approaches with fluorescence intensity analysis using FIJI to quantify fatty acid uptake and lipid accumulation in vitro. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Assessment of fatty acid uptake

Basic Protocol 2: Assessment of lipid accumulation
New Worm on the Block: Planarians in (Neuro)Toxicology
Authors: Ireland Danielle , Collins Eva‐Maria S.
Published: December 2022

Traditional mammalian testing is too time‐ and cost‐intensive to keep up with the large number of environmental chemicals needing assessment. This has led to a dearth of information about the potential adverse effects of these chemicals, especially on the developing brain. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid and cost‐effective neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity testing. Because of the complexity of the brain, metabolically competent organismal models are necessary to understand the effects of chemicals on nervous system development and function on a systems level. In this overview, we showcase asexual freshwater planarians as an alternative invertebrate (“non‐animal”) organismal model for neurotoxicology research. Planarians have long been used to study the effects of chemicals on regeneration and behavior. But they have only recently moved back into the spotlight because modern molecular and computational approaches now enable quantitative high‐content and high‐throughput toxicity studies. Here, we present a short history of the use of planarians in toxicology research, highlight current techniques to measure toxicity qualitatively and quantitatively in planarians, and discuss how to further promote this non‐animal organismal system into mainstream toxicology research. The articles in this collection will help work towards this goal by providing detailed protocols that can be adopted by the community to standardize planarian toxicity testing. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
TM2−B2 Quadruple Active Sites Supported on a Defective C3N Monolayer as Catalyst for the Electrochemical CO2 Reduction: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Luo Yao , Ma Zengying , Xia Xueqian , Zhong Junwen , Wu Peng , Huang Yucheng
Published: December 2022

Developing high‐performance electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) holds great potential to mitigate the depletion of fossil feedstocks and abate the emission of CO2. In this contribution, using density functional theory calculations, we systematically investigated the CO2RR performance catalyzed by TM2−B2 (TM=Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) supported on a defective C3N monolayer (V‐C3N). Through the screening in terms of stability of catalyst, activity towards CO2 adsorption, and selectivity against hydrogen evolution reaction, Mn2−, Fe2−, Co2−, and Ni2−B2@V−C3N were demonstrated to be a highly promising CO2RR electrocatalyst. Due to quadruple active sites, these candidates can adsorb two or three CO2 molecules. Strikingly, different products, distributing from C1 to C2+, can be generated. The high activity originates from the synergistic effect of TM and B atoms, in which they serve as adsorption sites for the C‐ and O‐species, respectively. The high selectivity towards C2+ products at the Fe2−, and Ni2−B2 sites stems from moderate C adsorption strength but relatively weak O adsorption strength, in which a universal descriptor, that is, 0.6 ΔEC−0.4 ΔEO=−1.77 eV (ΔEC/ΔEO is the adsorption energy of C/O), was proposed. This work would offer a novel perspective for the design of high active electrocatalysts towards CO2RR and for the synthesis of C2+ compounds.
Cross‐platform immunophenotyping of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with four high‐dimensional flow cytometry panels
Authors: Heubeck Alexander , Savage Adam , Henderson Katherine , Roll Charles , Hernandez Veronica , Torgerson Troy , Bumol Thomas , Reading Julian
Published: December 2022

Immunophenotyping using high dimensional flow cytometry is a central component of human immune system multi‐omic studies. We present four high parameter flow cytometry panels for deep immunophenotyping of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). This set of four 25+ color panels include 64 cell surface markers to resolve broad immune compartment populations, as well as activation and memory of specific T, B, natural killer (NK), and myeloid lineages. Common lineage bridging markers are integrated into each panel to allow for inter‐panel quality control through major lineage frequency verification. These panels were developed using a five laser BD Symphony A5 conventional cytometer and successfully transferred to a five laser Cytek Aurora spectral cytometer capable of acquiring the panels. Nine representative PBMC samples were stained with the four phenotyping panels and acquired on both instruments to evaluate population frequency and visual staining patterns for gating between the systems. Both instruments produced comparable high quality flow cytometry data and supported our decision to acquire samples on the spectral cytometer moving forward. This modular set of panels and instrument performance metrics provide guidelines for designing flow cytometry experiments suitable for longitudinal or cross‐sectional immune profiling.
COVID‐19 pandemic experiences of older adults with dementia in community and residential care settings: Results from a US national survey
Authors: Schrack Jennifer A. , Corkum Abigail E. , Freedman Vicki A.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Investigations into consequences of the US COVID‐19 pandemic for older adults with dementia have been limited.

Methods

We used the National Health and Aging Trends Study to examine self‐reported COVID‐19 infection; measures taken to limit its spread; social, behavioral, and emotional responses to the pandemic; and changes in health‐care use and provider communication. We compared adults aged ≥70 with and without dementia in community and residential care settings.

Results

In residential care settings, infection was substantially higher and social contact less common for those with dementia. In community and residential care settings, those with dementia had 2 to 3 times the odds of reporting sleeping more often. In residential care settings, those with dementia were less likely to put off care and more likely to start telehealth.

Discussion

Findings highlight the disproportionate social and behavioral consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for those living with dementia, particularly in residential care settings.

HIGHLIGHTS

Data are from the nationally representative National Health and Aging Trends Study.

COVID‐19 infection was higher in residential care settings for those with dementia.

Social contact was less common for those with dementia in residential care.

Pandemic‐related coping behaviors differed by dementia and residential status.

In residential care, those with dementia were less likely to delay health care.
Treatment strategies and pharmacist‐led medication management for Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Wang Yu‐Zhen , Chen Jie , Pei Shi‐Qin , Wang Chen , Han Gang , Kan Lian‐Di , Li Liu‐Cheng
Published: December 2022

Half of the world's population is Helicobacter pylori carrier. Updated guidelines and consensus have been issued across regions with the main aim of reducing social transmission and increasing H. pylori eradication rate. Although alternative therapies including traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics have also been used to improve H. pylori eradication rate in clinical practice, current mainstream treatment is still dependent on triple and quadruple therapies that includes antibacterial agents (e.g., amoxicillin and furazolidone) and proton pump inhibitor. Researches also assessed the eradication rate of optimized high‐dose dual therapy in treating H. pylori infection. With the increase of antibiotic resistance rate, the treatment strategies for H. pylori infection are constantly adjusted and improved. Besides, low medication compliance is another key influencing factor for H. pylori treatment failure. Emerging studies indicate that pharmacists' intervention and new pharmaceutical care methods can enhance patient medication compliance, reduce adverse drug reactions, and improve H. pylori eradication rate. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advances in treating H. pylori infection and highlight the necessity of developing novel strategies to cope with the increasing challenges and to achieve personalized medication. Also, this review attaches great importance to pharmacists in optimizing H. pylori treatment outcomes as a routine part of therapy.
Development and field validation of RPA‐CRISPR‐Cas environmental DNA assays for the detection of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Williams Molly Ann , de Eyto Elvira , Caestecker Silke , Regan Fiona , Parle‐McDermott Anne
Published: December 2022

Molecular methods are rapidly evolving to enable nucleic acid diagnostics outside a laboratory setting. Such techniques are primarily utilizing isothermal amplification such as Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) and Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) but are yet to be fully explored for monitoring using environmental DNA (eDNA). We previously presented an RPA‐CRISPR‐Cas approach for detection of Atlantic salmon in Ireland and Canada and in this manuscript we present a further application of this technique for monitoring of brown trout and Arctic char in the Burrishoole Catchment, Co. Mayo, Ireland. In developing these assays, we offer an alternative approach to the PCR‐based assays previously published and have evolved a streamlined approach to single‐species monitoring using RPA‐CRISPR‐Cas, reducing the fluorescence acquisition time from 2 h to 30 min. This demonstrates the applicability of using RPA‐CRISPR‐Cas assays for eDNA‐based detection beyond Atlantic salmon with the added benefit of a faster assay time without compromising detection sensitivity.
Environmental RNA applications and their associated gene targets for management and conservation
Authors: Stevens Jessica D. , Parsley Meghan B.
Published: December 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is now a widely‐used tool to non‐invasively monitor a variety of organisms. However, eDNA applications are limited with respect to gaining information on population demography and the status of individuals within a population. Although in its infancy, environmental RNA (eRNA) analysis has the potential to reveal information about populations that may be important for conservation or management decisions. Using gene databases and current literature, we synthesized information about gene products that may be useful eRNA targets for environmental samples focusing on the model organisms Danio rerio (zebrafish), Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog), and X. tropicalis (Western clawed frog). We suggested that appropriate gene products must be expressed in tissues thought to contribute to environmental samples, must be exclusively expressed or upregulated by at least 2‐fold in portions of populations (e.g., a single age class), and must be useful to a relevant application for population monitoring. We categorized 127 total eRNA targets based on their potential applications: distinguishing and quantifying living communities, determining population age structure, determining sex ratios, and assessing population health. There are many uncertainties and current limitations that need to be addressed before eRNA can be an established method in population management including understanding the ecology of eRNA, determining methods for determining assay specificity, and applying what we know from model organisms to other species. However, we see immense potential in the utility of eRNA in gathering population‐level information and serving as an important tool for managers in the near future.
Multivariate receptor modeling with widely dispersed Lichens as bioindicators of air quality
Authors: Heiner Matthew , Grimm Taylor , Smith Hayden , Leavitt Steven D. , Christensen William F. , Carling Gregory T. , St. Clair Larry L.
Published: December 2022

Biomonitoring studies evaluating air quality via airborne element accumulation patterns in lichens typically control variability by focusing on narrow geographic regions and short time windows. Using samples of the widespread “rock‐posy” lichen sampled across the Intermountain Region of the United States, we investigate whether accumulation patterns of generic pollution sources are detectable on broad geographic and temporal scales. We develop a novel Bayesian multivariate receptor modeling (BMRM) approach that sharpens detection and discrimination of candidate pollution sources through (i) regularization of source contributions to each sample and (ii) incorporating estimated lichen secondary chemistry as a factor. Through a simulation study, we demonstrate a distinct advantage in shrinking contributions when they are truly sparse, as would be expected with heterogeneous samples from dispersed collection sites. We contrast analyses employing both standard and sparse BMRMs, and positive matrix factorization (PMF). The sparse model better maintains source identity, as specified though informative prior distributions on elemental profiles. We advocate quantitative profile matching, which reveals that PMF primarily captures variations of the baseline profile for lichen secondary chemistry. Both PMF and BMRM results suggest that the most detectable signatures relate to aeolian dust deposition, while spatial patterns hint at sporadic anthropogenic influence.
Unlocking the resource potential of livestock waste in Bangladesh
Authors: Das Priyom , Sifatul Islam Kazi , Mijan Uddin S. M.
Published: December 2022

Currently, the livestock sectors of Bangladesh are blooming at an incredible rate. In addition to the higher economic gain from this sector, the burden of managing a vast amount of waste has attracted the attention of environmentalists. Producing biogas and resource recovery can be a valuable solution to manage these wastes and produce clean energy. The present analysis aims to determine the bioresource potential of livestock waste in all divisions of Bangladesh. Total biogas, bioelectricity, biofertilizer, methane, and heat energy generation potential are estimated for 2020–21. Prospective manure production from livestock waste was highest in Dhaka (50.53 Mtyr−1) and lowest in Sylhet (14.51 Mtyr−1). It is estimated that 17652.2 million m3 of biogas could have been produced from only livestock manure. The total biogas potential from livestock waste was 25520.9 million m3 in 2020–21. Prospective annual methane production was 15277.3 million m3, while 467.4 petajoules of heat energy could have been produced from this sector. The estimated bioelectricity potential was 45.4 terawatts. hours (TWh), while annual biofertilizer production could be 29.81 million tons. Using biomethane in place of diesel could avoid yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 42,500 kilotons of CO2 equivalent and reduce 28,800 kilotons of CO2 in Bangladesh. The outcome of this study can serve as a benchmark guideline for potential investors and policymakers to ensure optimal investment to produce bioenergy from livestock waste in different regions of Bangladesh.
The timing of the deglaciation in the Atlantic Iberian mountains: Insights from the stratigraphic analysis of a lake sequence in Serra da Estrela (Portugal)
Authors: Hernández Armand , Sáez Alberto , Santos Ricardo N. , Rodrigues Teresa , Martin‐Puertas Celia , Gil‐Romera Graciela , Abbott Mark , Carballeira Rafael , Costa Pedro , Giralt Santiago , Gomes Sandra D. , Griffore Melissa , Ibañez‐Insa Jordi , Leira Manel , Moreno João , Naughton Filipa , Oliveira Dulce , Raposeiro Pedro M. , Trigo Ricardo M. , Vieira Gonçalo , Ramos Alexandre M.
Published: December 2022

Understanding the environmental response to the last glacial termination in regions located in transitional climate zones such as the Atlantic Iberian mountains is crucial to estimate potential changes in regions affected by current glacial melting. We present an 8.5 m‐long, solid last deglaciation and Holocene chronostratigraphic record including detailed sediment analysis from Lake Peixão, a pro‐glacial lake in the Serra da Estrela (Central Portugal). The age–depth model relies on a Bayesian approach that includes 16 AMS 14C dates and 210Pb–137CS measurements, robustly dating the lake formation at 14.7 ± 0.32 cal. ka BP. This chronological reconstruction shows an average sedimentation rate of ca. 0.07 cm yr−1 (15 yr cm−1), enabling proxy analyses at decadal timescales. The sediment sequence is composed of five lithological units: (U1) coarse and unsorted fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits; (U2) massive fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (863–790 cm below surface [bsf]; 14.7 ± 0.32–13.8 ± 0.12 cal. ka BP); (U3) water current fluvioglacial lacustrine deposits (790–766 cm bsf; 13.8 ± 0.12–12.9 ± 0.29 cal. ka BP); (U4) laminated/banded lacustrine deposits characterized by terrigenous deposits from ice‐covered lake periods and episodic events of ice and snow melting (766–752 cm bsf; 12.9 ± 0.29–11.7 ± 0.15 cal. ka BP); and (U5) massive muddy lacustrine deposits (752–0 cm bsf; 11.7 ± 0.15 cal. ka BP–present). The occurrence of U2 to U4 deposits defines the transition from glacial cold (U1) to net warm postglacial conditions (U5). These climate transitions are marked by changes in sediments and the presence of very low sedimentation rate periods, possibly related to the Intra‐Allerød Cold Period and the coldest phase of the Younger Dryas. Our results support the previously proposed timing of the retreat of the Serra da Estrela glaciers ca. 13.8 ± 0.12 cal. ka BP. The robust chronology of Lake Peixão highlights the potential of Iberian pro‐glacial lakes for dating deglaciation processes and will lead to unprecedented decadal‐to‐centennial timescale palaeoclimate reconstructions in this region since the last glacial–interglacial transition.
Trade‐off between environmental sustainability and economic growth through coal consumption and natural resources exploitation in China: New policy insights from wavelet local multiple correlation
Authors: Adebayo Tomiwa Sunday
Published: December 2022

Challenges brought on by the rapid rate of economic growth include the depletion of natural resources (NAR) and environmental deterioration. Due to its abundant mineral resources and rapid economic growth, China has gained attention from both the developing and developed worlds. Using data from 1970/Q1 to 2020/Q4, this paper evaluates the time‐frequency nexus between CO2 emissions and natural resources, coal consumption, and economic growth. The study employs the Wavelet Local Multiple Correlation (WLMC) to explore this nexus. This approach enhances the capacity to comprehend the fundamental relationships between these indicators at different frequencies. To the best of the investigator' knowledge, this is the first empirical investigation to explore the time‐frequency nexus between natural resource, economic growth, coal use, and CO2 emissions in China, thus filling a gap in the literature. Furthermore, wavelet coherence is employed as a robustness check. The WLMC bivariate cases revealed that economic growth, coal consumption, and natural resources drive CO2 emissions positively at all frequencies, that is, in the short and long‐term, thus leading to environmental degradation. Furthermore, the wavelet coherence results support the outcomes of the WLMC bivariate cases. This study offers significant implications for policy and insights that are supported by the findings.
The impact of a meta‐analysis on orthopaedic surgeons' practice with regards to vancomycin graft pre‐soaking in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A paper questionnaire survey study
Authors: Kuršumović Kenan , Charalambous Charalambos Panayiotou
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Understanding the impact of orthopaedic scientific research is vital in identifying facilitators and barriers to its implementation in clinical practice. A meta‐analysis was carried out which showed that presoaking hamstring (HT) autografts in vancomycin was associated with a 10‐fold reduction in infection rate in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Our aim was to determine the practice of orthopaedic surgeons with regards to vancomycin presoaking and explore whether they would adopt the findings of this meta‐analysis.

Methods

A paper questionnaire survey was administered to attendees of an annual EFORT podium presentation of the meta‐analysis findings. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of respondents and their responses.

Results

A total of 29 senior surgeons/subspecialists performing a median of 40 ACL reconstructions per year completed the survey of whom 7 (24.1%) had encountered an ACL graft infection in the previous 2 years and 14 (48.3%) in the previous 5 years. Only 3 (10.3%) presoaked the ACL graft with an antibiotic. About 1/4 of those who up to then did not pre‐soak the graft (6/26, 23.1%) would consider changing their practice to pre‐soaking with vancomycin, with similar findings (5/20, 25.0%) in those that used a HT autograft as their first choice.

Conclusions

Orthopaedic surgeons are receptive to the findings of a meta‐analysis reporting on the effectiveness of vancomycin graft presoaking in ACL reconstruction, which can thus have a substantial impact upon clinical care. Addressing concerns about vancomycin induced graft toxicity and comparing the pre‐soaking effect to that of specific intravenous antibiotic regimens may further enhance the uptake of this practice.
Long‐term survival trends in solid cancers in the Nordic countries marking timing of improvements
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta , Liska Vaclav , Kanerva Anna , Hemminki Otto , Hemminki Akseli
Published: December 2022

Survival studies are an important indicator of the success of cancer control. We analyzed the 5‐year relative survival in 23 solid cancers in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden over a 50‐year period (1970‐2019) at the NORDCAN database accessed from the International Agency for Research on Cancer website. We plotted survival curves in 5‐year periods and showed 5‐year periodic survival. The survival results were summarized in four groups: (1) cancers with historically good survival (>50% in 1970‐1974) which include melanoma and breast, endometrial and thyroid cancers; (2) cancers which constantly improved survival at least 20% units over the 50 year period, including cancers of the stomach, colon, rectum, kidney, brain and ovary; (3) cancer with increase in survival >20% units with changes taking place in a narrow time window, including oral, oropharyngeal, testicular and prostate cancers; (4) the remaining cancers with <20% unit improvement in survival including lung, esophageal, liver, pancreatic, bladder, soft tissue, penile, cervical and vulvar cancers. For cancers in groups 1 and 2, the constant development implied multiple improvements in therapy, diagnosis and patient care. Cancers in group 3 included testicular cancers with known therapeutic improvements but for the others large incidence changes probably implied that cancer stage (prostate) or etiology (oropharynx) changed into a more tractable form. Group 4 cancers included those with dismal survival 50 years ago but a clear tendency upwards. In 17 cancers 5‐year survival reached between 50% and 100% while in only six cancers it remained at below 50%.
Increased nuchal translucency with normal karyotype and genomic microarray analysis: A multicenter observational study
Authors: Spataro Elisa , Cordisco Adalgisa , Luchi Carlo , Filardi Gilda Rosaria , Masini Giulia , Pasquini Lucia
Published: December 2022

Objective

To define the residual risk of morbidity‐related outcome in fetuses with nuchal translucency (NT) of 3.5 mm or more after normal genetic testing and mid‐trimester anomaly scan.

Methods

A total of 114 fetuses with isolated NT of 3.5 mm or more, normal karyotype, and array‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) were included and divided in three groups: NT 3.5–4.5 mm, NT 4.5–6 mm, and NT greater than 6 mm. RASopathy testing and ultrasound follow up were performed in all fetuses. We evaluated: (1) incidence of genetic disorders; (2) incidence of structural abnormalities; (3) pregnancy outcome; (4) long‐term pediatric outcome before (point 1) and after (point 2) a normal RASopathy testing and mid‐trimester anomaly scan.

Results

After normal karyotype and array‐CGH the residual risk of morbidity‐related outcome was 24.64% for NT 3.5–4.5 mm, 25% for NT 4.5–6 mm and 76.47% for NT more than 6 mm. After a normal RASopathy testing and mid‐trimester anomaly scan the residual risks decreased to 7.14%, 8.69%, and 33.3% in the three groups, respectively.

Conclusion

In fetuses with an NT of 3.5 mm or more and both normal karyotype and array‐CGH, the rate of morbidity‐related outcome depends on NT size. A normal RASopathy testing and mid‐trimester ultrasound are reassuring but the residual risk of morbidity‐related outcome is increased compared with the general population, particularly if NT is greater than 6 mm.
Endometrial Cancer Individualized Scoring System (ECISS): A machine learning‐based prediction model of endometrial cancer prognosis
Authors: Shazly Sherif A. , Coronado Pluvio J. , Yılmaz Ercan , Melekoglu Rauf , Sahin Hanifi , Giannella Luca , Ciavattini Andrea , Carpini Giovanni Delli , Di Giuseppe Jacopo , Yordanov Angel , Karakadieva Konstantina , Nedelcheva Nevena Milenova , Vasileva‐Slaveva Mariela , Alcazar Juan Luis , Chacon Enrique , Manzour Nabil , Vara Julio , Karaman Erbil , Karaaslan Onur , Hacıoğlu Latif , Korkmaz Duygu , Onal Cem , Knez Jure , Ferrari Federico , Hosni Esraa M. , Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Elassall Gena M. , Abdo Mohamed S. , Mohamed Yasmin I. , Abdelbadie Amr S. ,   Middle‐Eastern College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MCOG) Muti‐Center Studies (MCS) office and Artificial Intelligence Unit (AI)
Published: December 2022

Objective

To establish a prognostic model for endometrial cancer (EC) that individualizes a risk and management plan per patient and disease characteristics.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study conducted in nine European gynecologic cancer centers. Women with confirmed EC between January 2008 to December 2015 were included. Demographics, disease characteristics, management, and follow‐up information were collected. Cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) at 3 and 5 years comprise the primary outcomes of the study. Machine learning algorithms were applied to patient and disease characteristics. Model I: pretreatment model. Calculated probability was added to management variables (model II: treatment model), and the second calculated probability was added to perioperative and postoperative variables (model III).

Results

Of 1150 women, 1144 were eligible for 3‐year survival analysis and 860 for 5‐year survival analysis. Model I, II, and III accuracies of prediction of 5‐year CSS were 84.88%/85.47% (in train and test sets), 85.47%/84.88%, and 87.35%/86.05%, respectively. Model I predicted 3‐year CSS at an accuracy of 91.34%/87.02%. Accuracies of models I, II, and III in predicting 5‐year DFS were 74.63%/76.72%, 77.03%/76.72%, and 80.61%/77.78%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Endometrial Cancer Individualized Scoring System (ECISS) is a novel machine learning tool assessing patient‐specific survival probability with high accuracy.
The incidence of post‐traumatic stress disorder following traumatic childbirth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lai Xiaolu , Chen Jingfen , Li Haiqi , Zhou Lepeng , Huang Qianyi , Liao Yan , Krewski Daniel , Wen Shi Wu , Zhang Lili , Xie Ri‐Hua
Published: December 2022

Background

Although birth trauma may be a risk factor for postpartum post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), no systematic review regarding the incidence of postpartum PTSD in women with traumatic childbirth has been reported.

Objective

To estimate the incidence of PTSD in women following traumatic childbirth by systematically reviewing and synthesizing all available evidence.

Search Strategy

Six databases were searched using a combination of related terms for birth trauma and PTSD.

Selection Criteria

Cohort and cross‐sectional studies that were related to traumatic childbirth and PTSD were included.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two reviewers independently screened potentially relevant studies and extracted key data elements. A series of meta‐analyses were conducted using STATA 17.0 software, with pooled incidence rates estimated using random effects models.

Main Results

A total of nine studies were included in this study. The pooled incidence of PTSD after traumatic childbirth was 19.4% (95% confidence interval 11.9%–26.5%). The incidence of PTSD varied with the scales used to assess traumatic birth and PTSD, evaluation times of PTSD after childbirth, and types of study participants.

Conclusions

The incidence of PTSD in women with traumatic childbirth is about 19%, higher than the general obstetric population, suggesting that trauma‐related care for them should be enhanced.
Benefits of physical therapy in improving quality of life and pain associated with endometriosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abril‐Coello Rebeca , Correyero‐León Marta , Ceballos‐Laita Luis , Jiménez‐Barrio Sandra
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess whether non‐pharmacologic conservative therapeutic interventions are beneficial in improving pain intensity and quality of life in women with endometriosis compared with placebo.

Methods

A systematic review with meta‐analysis was designed. A literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, CINAHL, Isi Web of Science, Enfispo, and Cochrane. Randomized controlled trials included women with endometriosis treated with conservative treatment versus placebo. The quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and the risk of bias of the individual studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. For the overall quality of the studies, the GRADE guidelines were used.

Results

Meta‐analysis included six studies. Significant results were obtained for pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] –0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.21 to −0.57; I2 69%) and concerning quality of life, significant results were only obtained for the sub‐variable physical function (SMD –1.49; 95% CI –2.88 to −0.10; I2 95%). No statistically significant differences were found for the rest of the variables analyzed.

Conclusion

Non‐pharmacologic conservative therapies are a therapeutic option for women with endometriosis for improving pain intensity and physical function.
Electrospun polycaprolactone nanofibers functionalized with Achillea millefolium extract yield biomaterial with antibacterial, antioxidant and improved mechanical properties
Authors: Radisavljevic Andjela , Stojanovic Dusica B. , Petrovic Milos , Radojevic Vesna , Uskokovic Petar , Rajilic‐Stojanovic Mirjana
Published: December 2022

In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL), as a biocompatible polymer was functionalized by addition of medicinal plant extract‐ Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow). Nanofiber mats were fabricated from PCL solutions containing dry yarrow extract in four concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% relative to the weight of the polymer) by using blend electrospinning method. The nanofibers were characterized for their biological, mechanical and drug release behavior. In vitro release of yarrow polyphenols from the electrospun PCL nanofibers over a period of 5 days showed the release of up to 98% of the total loaded polyphenols. The released polyphenols retained its antioxidant activity, which was determined by DPPH assay. Electrospun PCL/yarrow nanofiber mats exhibited the antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, but had no effect on the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All PCL/yarrow nanofiber mats had improved mechanical properties compared to the neat PCL nanofibers, as evident by an increase in Young's modulus of elasticity (up to 5.7 times), the tensile strength (up to 5.5 times), and the strain at break (up to 1.45 times). Based on our results, yarrow‐loaded PCL nanofiber mats appeared to be multi‐functional biomaterials suitable for the production of catheter‐coating materials, patches, or gauzes with antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Triceps skinfold–albumin index significantly predicts the prognosis of cancer cachexia: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Yin Liangyu , Cui Jiuwei , Lin Xin , Li Long , Li Na , Fan Yang , Zhang Ling , Liu Jie , Chong Feifei , Lu Zongliang , Wang Chang , Liang Tingting , Liu Xiangliang , Deng Li , Yang Mei , Yu Jiami , Wang Xiaojie , Cong Minghua , Li Zengning , Weng Min , Yao Qinghua , Jia Pingping , Guo Zengqing , Li Wei , Song Chunhua , Shi Hanping , Xu Hongxia
Published: December 2022

Background

The fat mass and nutritional status play important roles in the onset and progression of cancer cachexia. The present study evaluated the joint prognostic value of the fat mass, as indicated by the triceps skinfold thickness (TSF), and the serum albumin level, for mortality in patients with cancer cachexia.

Methods

We performed a multicentre cohort study including 5134 patients with cancer cachexia from January 2013 to April 2019. The sum of the TSF (mm) and serum albumin (g/L) was defined as the triceps skinfold–albumin index (TA). Harrell's C index, a time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the prognostic performance of the TA and other indices. Optimal stratification was used to identify the thresholds to define a low TA, and the association of the TA with all‐cause mortality was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression models.

Results

The study enrolled 2408 women and 2726 men with a median age of 58.6 years and a median follow‐up of 44 months. A total of 607 women (TA < 49.9) and 817 men (TA < 45.6) were classified as having a low TA. The TA showed better discrimination performance (C index = 0.621, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.607–0.636) to predict mortality in patients with cancer cachexia than the handgrip strength, the nutritional risk index, the prognostic nutritional index, the controlling nutritional status index, the systemic immune‐inflammation index, the modified Glasgow prognostic score, and the TSF or albumin alone in the study population (all P < 0.05). The 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year time‐dependent ROC analyses (AUC = 0.647, 0.625 and 0.630, respectively) showed that the TA had the highest prognostic value among all indices investigated (all P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that a lower TA was associated with an increased death hazard (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.859, 95% CI = 1.677–2.062), regardless of the sex and cancer type. Multivariable survival analysis showed that a lower TA was independently associated with an increased death hazard (HR = 1.381, 95% CI = 1.223–1.560). This association was significantly strengthened in patients who did not receive curative chemotherapy (HR = 1.491, 95% CI = 1.298–1.713), those who had higher serum total protein levels (HR = 1.469, 95% CI = 1.284–1.681) and those with better physical performance (HR = 1.453, 95% CI = 1.271–1.662).

Conclusions

This study defined and evaluated a new prognostic index, the TA, which may improve the selection of intervention strategies to optimize the survival of patients with cancer cachexia.
High physical activity alleviates the adverse effect of higher sedentary time on the incidence of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Oh Wonsuk , Cho Minhae , Jung Su Woong , Moon Ju‐Young , Lee Sang‐Ho , Hwang You‐Cheol , Kim Yang Gyun
Published: December 2022

Background

Low physical activity (PA) increases the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the effects of PA and sedentary time (ST) on the changes in renal function and the development of CKD in the middle‐aged Korean population.

Methods

From the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Database, 7988 participants in their 40s and 60s were identified and stratified by (1) PA: high‐PA (>24 MET‐h/day), moderate‐PA (9–24 MET‐h/day) and low‐PA (<9 MET‐h/day); and (2) ST: high‐ST (>6 h/day), moderate‐ST (3–6 h/day) and low‐ST (<3 h/day). Incident CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 following the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 52.0 years. The overall incidence of CKD was 16.8 per 1000 person‐years over a median of 12 years. The lower the PA and the higher the ST, the lower the baseline eGFR. Relative to the high‐PA, the coefficients of the annual eGFR decline were −0.12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.26 to 0.001, P = 0.081) and −0.13 (95% CI: −0.27 to 0.01, P = 0.078) in the moderate‐ and low‐PA groups, respectively. Similarly, relative to the low‐ST, the coefficients of annual eGFR decline were −0.07 (59% CI: −0.19 to 0.05, P = 0.236) and −0.14 (95% CI: −0.28 to −0.01, P = 0.039) in the moderate‐ and high‐ST groups, respectively. Incident CKD was higher with lower PA (hazard ratio: high‐PA 1.00, moderate‐PA 1.13 [1.00, 1.28, P = 0.056] and low‐PA 1.25 [1.11, 1.24, P < 0.001]) and higher ST (hazard ratio: low‐ST 1.00, moderate‐ST 1.04 [0.94, 1.16, P = 0.440] and high‐ST 1.19 [1.05, 1.34, P = 0.007]). The high‐PA reduced the risk for the CKD development irrespective of the amount of ST.

Conclusions

Low‐PA and high‐ST are risk factors for the development of CKD in the middle‐aged Korean population. High‐PA recovers high‐ST, inducing a harmful effect on the occurrence of CKD.
Noninvasive endoscopic hemostasis technique for post‐papillectomy bleeding using a novel self‐assembling peptide (with video)
Authors: Miyano Akira , Ogura Takeshi , Nishikawa Hiroki
Published: December 2022

Although a novel hemostatic agent has been used for endoscopic mucosal resection in submucosal dissection, there are few case reports of its use in pancreato‐biliary endoscopic procedures. We describe a case of post‐endoscopic papillectomy bleeding in which endoscopic hemostasis was achieved using a novel hemostatic agent.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Hodgkin lymphoma in Switzerland, 20 years of experience: 2001–2020
Authors: Simeunovic Helena , Dickenmann Martina , Nabergoj Mitja , Baldomero Helen , Masouridi‐Levrat Stavroula , Nair Gayathri , Schanz Urs , Passweg Jacob , Rovo Alicia , Chalandon Yves , Rebmann Ekaterina
Published: December 2022

Despite the high cure rate with initial therapy, approximately 10% of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) patients are refractory to initial treatment, and up to 30% of patients will relapse after achieving initial complete remission. Despite promising initial results of treatment by immune checkpoint inhibitors, most patients will eventually progress. We analyzed 62 adult patients with relapsed or refractory HL (rrHL) treated by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT) in one of three University Hospitals of Switzerland (Zurich, Basel, and Geneva) between May 2001 and January 2020. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were relapse‐free survival (RFS), non‐relapse mortality (NRM), and relapse incidence, which were assessed in univariate analysis. The median follow‐up was 61 months (interquartile range 59–139). The 2‐ and 5‐year OS was 54% (standard error (SE) ±12) and 50.2% (SE ±13.3), respectively, and the 2‐ and 5‐year RFS was 40.7% (SE ±16.3) and 34.4% (SE ±19.0), respectively. NRM was 23.1% (SE ±2.2) and 27.4% (SE ±2.5) at 2 and 5 years, respectively. The cumulative incidence of relapse was 36.1% (SE ±5.6) at 2 years and 38.2% (SE ±6.6) at 5 years. Our analysis of allo‐HSCT outcomes in the context of rrHL shows encouraging OS and RFS rates, with the mortality rate reaching plateau at 50% at 2 years after allo‐HSCT. This confirms that allo‐HSCT still remains as a potentially curative option for half of patients with rrHL.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults: Characteristics, treatment, and outcomes
Authors: Lai Chih‐Cheng , Hsu Chi‐Kuei , Hsueh Shun‐Chung , Yen Muh‐Yong , Ko Wen‐Chien , Hsueh Po‐Ren
Published: December 2022

Following the rapidly increasing number of multisystem inflammatory syndromes in children (MIS‐C), a similar clinical scenario has been observed in adult patients. Although its prevalence is low and probably related to underdiagnosis, its development can be associated with high mortality. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults (MIS‐A) can develop following both asymptomatic and symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and in previously healthy people. Like MIS‐C, MIS‐A is a multisystem disease that can involve the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatologic, hematologic, and neurologic systems. In addition to the clinical manifestations, the diagnosis of MIS‐A requires laboratory evidence of inflammation and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The appropriate treatment for MIS‐A remains unclear; anti‐inflammatory agents, including intravenous immunoglobulin and corticosteroids, are commonly used. However, there are still many unknowns regarding MIS‐A. Further studies are needed to determine the true prevalence, pathogenesis, and effective treatment for MIS‐A.
Shared genetics and causal associations between COVID‐19 and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Baranova Ancha , Cao Hongbao , Teng Shaolei , Su Kuan‐Pin , Zhang Fuquan
Published: December 2022

Neuroinflammation caused by COVID‐19 negatively impacts brain metabolism and function, while pre‐existing brain pathology may contribute to individuals' vulnerability to the adverse consequences of COVID‐19. We used summary statistics from genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, thus assessing potential associations between multiple sclerosis (MS) and two COVID‐19 outcomes (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2] infection and COVID‐19 hospitalization). Genome‐wide risk genes were compared between the GWAS datasets on hospitalized COVID‐19 and MS. Literature‐based analysis was conducted to construct molecular pathways connecting MS and COVID‐19. We found that genetic liability to MS confers a causal effect on hospitalized COVID‐19 (odd ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.03−1.16) but not on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (1.03, 1.00−1.05). Genetic liability to hospitalized COVID‐19 confers a causal effect on MS (1.15, 1.02−1.30). Hospitalized COVID‐19 and MS share five risk genes within two loci, including TNFAIP8, HSD17B4, CDC37, PDE4A, and KEAP1. Pathway analysis identified a panel of immunity‐related genes that may mediate the links between MS and COVID‐19. Our study suggests that MS was associated with a 9% increased risk for COVID‐19 hospitalization, while hospitalized COVID‐19 was associated with a 15% increased risk for MS. Immunity‐related pathways may underlie the link between MS on COVID‐19.