bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of developmental toxicity of favipiravir on fetal bone and embryonic development
Authors: Bilir Abdulkadir , Atay Emre , Firat Fatma , Kundakci Yunus Emre
Published: August 2022

Background

Favipiravir is one of the essential antiviral drugs used for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in some countries. However, there is not enough information about used, especially in pregnancy. Therefore, in this study, it was aimed to determine the developmental toxicity of favipiravir on fetal bone development and embryonic development.

Methods

In this study, 16 pregnant wistar albino rats were used. The rats were divided into four groups: Control (saline) and Group A (50 mg/kg × 5 days), Group B (50 mg/kg × 1 days + 20 mg/kg × 4 days), Group C (20 mg/kg × 5 days). Solutions were administered to the rats by oral gavage from the 10th to 14th days of pregnancy, twice a day. The skeletal system development of fetuses was examined with double skeletal staining and immunohistochemical staining methods.

Results

A total of 72 fetuses from pregnant rats, 18 in each group, were included in the study. As a result, depending on favipiravir dose increase, in experimental groups, it was determined that the statistically significant decrease on the ossification rates of anterior and posterior extremity bones, and length and weight of fetuses.

Conclusion

Exposure to favipiravir during pregnancy impairs bone metabolism and bone formation‐resorption stages and may cause developmental delay.
Publishing Ecological Data in a Repository: An Easy Workflow for Everyone
Authors: Vanderbilt Kristin , Ide Jon , Gries Corinna , Grossman‐Clarke Susanne , Hanson Paul , O'Brien Margaret , Servilla Mark , Smith Colin , Waide Robert , Zollo‐Venecek Kyle
Published: August 2022

For many ecologists, publishing data in a data repository is a new, unfamiliar task. To reduce the learning curve, the Environmental Data Initiative has developed user‐friendly software to make capturing and submitting data and metadata a simple process. In this article, we introduce ezEML and discuss use cases for researchers who publish data infrequently or information managers who regularly update multiple datasets.
Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: A case report and differential diagnoses
Authors: Raut Akash , Thapa Anjila , Shrestha Ashish , Saud Kamal , Rajbhandari Reema , Katwal Shailendra
Published: August 2022

Although sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease and often difficult to diagnose at the earliest onset, meticulous clinical examination, electroencephalography, and neuroimaging findings will help in diagnosis.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Derived Ultrafine ZnO/Co3ZnC Particles Embedded in N‐Doped Carbon Concave‐Dodecahedron Towards Enhanced Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Yilin , Chen Jiahao , Lu Man , Peng Yanhua , Tan Yuzhen , Zhang Xiaoke , Lin Xiaoming , Ma Guozheng , Krishna Reddy R. Chenna , Xu Zhiguang , Wu Yongbo
Published: August 2022

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are potential anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their superior theoretical capacities, environmental benignity and abundant supply. However, because of the intrinsically poor conductivity, inevitable volume variation, inferior capacity and cyclic stability, the progress of TMOs in practical application is seriously hindered. In this study, a new N‐doped carbon concave‐dodecahedron has been successfully manufactured through a facile method utilizing bimetallic zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZnCo‐ZIF) as both precursor and sacrificial template, in which ultrafine ZnO/Co3ZnC nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the surface can provide additional active sites to effectively accelerate the diffusion of lithium ions. As a result, the as‐prepared ZnO/Co3ZnC/C (ZCC) anode exhibits outstanding mechanical tolerance during lithiation process. Attributed to the superior structure and compositional optimization, the ZCC anode achieves remarkable electrochemical performance with considerable high‐rate capacity (424 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1) and ultralong cyclability (942 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles).
N‐Acenoacenes: Synthesis and Solid‐State Properties
Authors: Wiesner Thomas , Pardon Marcel , Maier Steffen , Rominger Frank , Freudenberg Jan , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: August 2022

Four N‐acenoacenes were synthesized and analyzed for their optoelectronic properties and solid‐state packings. Two of the regioisomeric acridinoacridines are TIPS‐ethynylated, whereas the other pair are Boc‐ and triflate substituted derivatives. The two TIPS‐ethynyldiazaacenoacenes were processed into organic thin‐film transistors with saturation hole mobilities reaching 2.9×10−2 cm2(Vs)−1.
PROTOCOL: Performance pay and employee health: A systematic review
Authors: Albæk Karsten , Jeppesen Tine , Viinholt Bjørn Christian Arleth
Published: August 2022

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The main objective of the review is to answer the following research question: What is the effect of performance pay on employee health?
Top advances in lung cancer, 2021
Authors: Mohindra Nisha A. , Patel Jyoti D.
Published: August 2022

Despite a global pandemic that continued to inflict chaos and confusion on the world, resulting in fewer cancer screenings and delayed surgeries, remarkable lung cancer treatment advancements were made in 2021. From immunotherapy in the adjuvant setting to the approval of the first‐in‐class, highly selective inhibitor of KRAS G12C, these treatment advances have significant clinical impact in patients with lung cancer.

Lay summary

There has been tremendous innovation in the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer.

The year 2021 was marked by new approaches to adjuvant therapy and the availability of agents to target new subsets of nonsmall cell lung cancer.
Can a Finite Chain of Hydrogen Cyanide Molecules Model a Crystal?**
Authors: Hsieh Chieh‐Min , Grabbet Björn , Zeller Felix , Benter Sanna , Scheele Tarek , Sieroka Norman , Neudecker Tim
Published: August 2022

When calculating structural or spectroscopic properties of molecular crystals, the question arises whether it is sufficient to simulate only a single molecule or a small molecular cluster or whether the simulation of the entire crystal is indispensable. In this work we juxtapose calculations on the high‐pressure structural properties of the (periodic) HCN crystal and chains of HCN molecules of finite length. We find that, in most cases, the behavior of the crystal can be reproduced by computational methods simulating only around 15 molecules. The pressure‐induced lengthening of the C−H bond in HCN found in calculations on both the periodic and finite material are explained in terms of orbital interaction. Our results pave the way for a more thorough understanding of high‐pressure structural properties of materials and give incentives for the design of materials that expand under pressure. In addition, they shed light on the complementarity between calculations on periodic materials and systems of finite size.
Does high sugar intake really alter the oral microbiota?: A systematic review
Authors: Angarita‐Díaz María del Pilar , Fong Cristian , Bedoya‐Correa Claudia M. , Cabrera‐Arango Claudia L.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Diet is one of the main factors influencing the diversity and interactions of the oral microbiota. The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of sugar intake on the microbial diversity and bacteria that predominate under these conditions.

Material and Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guide, using the PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct databases and combinations of the words “microbiota,” “microbiology,” “bacteria,” “sugars,” “dysbiosis,” “caries,” “microbiome,” “oral microbial,” and “oral microbiota profile pattern.” The selection criteria included year, language, type of publication, comparison of microbiota during low and high sugar intake, and bacterial identification by molecular sequencing of the 16S subunit of ribosomal RNA.

Results

Out of a total of 374 papers that came up after the initial search, 8 met the criteria for this review. The papers included research on populations comprising children, young adults, and adults, with most of the studies reporting selection criteria for the participants and using validated instruments to determine sugar intake. Apart from one study, all others reported for high sugar intake conditions a significant decrease in microbial diversity of the oral microbiome and the predominance of several bacterial genera or species, including Streptococcus, Scardovia, Veillonella, Rothia, Actinomyces, and Lactobacillus.

Conclusions

Sugar‐rich diets have a significantly unfavorable effect on the diversity and balance of oral microbiota; however, further studies are required to determine the exact role of sugar in microbial interactions.
Outcome of diabetic ketoacidosis among paediatric patients managed with modified DKA protocol at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital and Yekatit 12 hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bacha Tigist , Shiferaw Yemisrach , Abebaw Ermias
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious acute complication of diabetes mellitus that carries a significant risk of mortality with delayed treatment in low‐resource countries. This study aimed to determine the outcome of paediatric DKA patients' managed with a modified DKA treatment protocol using intermittent bolus subcutaneous insulin administration.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study design with retrospective data collection was conducted among children younger than 14 years of age admitted from January 2013 to February 2017. A modified protocol was prepared based on a reference from the international society for paediatric and adolescent diabetes and other international guidelines. Data were analysed using Statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 22.0. Descriptive statistics were performed. Binary logistic regression was used to identify associations, and significant variables were further considered for multivariate logistic regression to determine the outcome of DKA patients.

Result

Among the 190 patients, 55.5% (n = 105) were newly diagnosed. The overall average time required for resolution of DKA was 48 ± 27.8 h. Mental status on presentation (p = .001), shock on presentation (p < .01) and severity of DKA (p < .001) were found to have a significant association with the mean time for clearance of DKA. Hypoglycaemia was the most common treatment‐related complication, which occurred in 23.7% of patients (n = 45) followed by hypokalaemia in 4.3% of patients (n = 8), and no patient developed cerebral oedema and death.

Conclusion

The time required for clearance of DKA was prolonged, and hypoglyceamia was a common complication for children younger than 5 years of age. The modified protocol of DKA is reasonable management for low‐resource settings with further modification.
Ligand Substituent Effects on Light‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution by Cobalt(II) Tripodal Iminopyridine Catalysts under Precious‐Metal‐Free Conditions
Authors: Kwok Chun‐Leung , Cheng Shun‐Cheung , Ho Pui‐Yu , Yiu Shek‐Man , Au Vonika Ka‐Man , Ho Wing‐Kei , Tsang Po‐Keung , Xiang Jing , Leung Chi‐Fai , Ko Chi‐Chiu
Published: August 2022

Cobalt tripodal iminopyridine complexes [Co(L)]2+ (1–4), where L=cis,cis,–1,3,5‐tris(pyridine‐2‐carboxaldimino)‐cyclohexane (1) and its derivatives, bearing substituents of varying electronic properties at the pyridine moieties, act as water reduction catalysts (WRCs) under visible light (λ>420 nm) in aqueous acetonitrile (2.5 %, v/v), using tri(n‐butyl)triazatriagulenium (TATA+) as the organic photosensitizer and triethylamine (TEA) as the sacrificial donor. In the presence of added acetic acid, enhanced turnover numbers (TONs) of 1430–2810 were recorded with the substituted catalysts (2–4), which are attributed to the varied catalytic potential (Ecat) upon the introduction of the substituents.
Open‐circuit voltage, fill factor, and heterojunction band offset in semiconductor diode solar cells
Authors: Wang Jizheng
Published: August 2022

Semiconductor photovoltaics have been investigated for many years, and various materials and device architectures have been developed aiming for low cost and high efficiency. Despite the critical advances in the field, there are confusions in understanding such diode based solar cells, especially on open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. This review intends to provide a succinct summary and interpretation for the core elements that are related to a solar cell device. First, the fundamental concepts of PN junction and diode solar cell are introduced. Second, Fermi and quasi‐Fermi levels are described, followed by understanding open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Thirdly, the effects of heterojunction band offset are discussed. In the end, a brief conclusion is presented.

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Seismic reliability of structures equipped with LIR‐DCFP bearings in terms of superstructure ductility and isolator displacement
Authors: Auad Gaspar , Castaldo Paolo , Almazán José L.
Published: August 2022

This research deals with the seismic reliability of non‐linear base‐isolated structures equipped with Lateral Impact Resilient Double Concave Friction Pendulum (LIR‐DCFP) devices. Specifically, exceeding probabilities within the reference lifetime are assessed with respect to both superstructure ductility and isolator displacement demand. The innovative LIR‐DCFP bearing has an improved inner slider with an internal gap and is capable to reduce adverse effects of the lateral impact between the inner slider and the restraining rims. The dynamic behavior of the superstructure is represented by a simplified one‐degree‐of‐freedom model describing its lateral response. The isolation system is characterized by a model based on rigid body dynamics also including the lateral impact behavior. A wide parametric analysis is developed for several system properties considering the friction coefficients as relevant random variables. Different sets of natural seismic records able to match conditional spectra for a site in Riverside (California) were selected to consider the aleatory uncertainties of the seismic input. Incremental dynamic analyses were performed to determine the statistics of significant engineering demand parameters and compute probabilities exceeding specific limit states to define fragility curves. Finally, employing seismic hazard curves, the seismic reliability of isolated structures was evaluated. For increasing values of the internal gap, structures equipped with LIR‐DCFP devices exhibit better seismic performance with respect to classical DCFP bearings with same size, especially, if the superstructure is designed to behave essentially elastic when the lateral capacity of the isolation level is not reached, or the hardening post‐yield stiffness of the superstructure is relatively high. Reductions up to 20% in the exceeding probabilities within 50 years related to the ductility demand are achievable using the suggested LIR‐DCFP isolator.
Synthesis of a novel type of high‐efficiency boron‐containing Schiff base flame retardant for epoxy resin
Authors: He Tingxiang , Guo Junhong , Qi Chengxia , Feng Rui , Yang Baoping , Zhou Yingping , Tian Li , Cui Jinfeng
Published: August 2022

Boron‐containing Schiff base flame retardant ((E)‐2‐([2,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene]amino)ethyl dihydrogen borate (B‐HIBD) was prepared easily and successfully. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that when the additive amount was only 3 wt%, the introduction of B‐HIBD significantly improved the thermal stability of epoxy resin (EP) composites. The cone calorimeter test showed that compared with pure EP, the peak of heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), smoke production rate (SPR)，total smoke production (TSP) ，and the releasing of CO for 3 wt% B‐HIBD/EP reduced by 58.2, 18.3, 65.9, 51.2, and 28.4%, respectively, showing that B‐HIBD could significantly enhance the fire safety of EP composites. This promotion has been embodied not only in the catalysis function of the Schiff base group containing benzene ring but also in borate participating in the carbon‐forming process, promoting the dehydration and carbonization of the EP surface and delaying the transfer of mass and heat in the combustion process, which enhance performance for flame retardant. So it is an efficient strategy to develop a novel type of high‐efficiency boron‐containing Schiff base flame retardant to improve the fire safety for EP.
The public health implications of gentrification: tick‐borne disease risks for communities of color
Authors: Halsey Samniqueka J , VanAcker Meredith C , Harris Nyeema C , Lewis Kaleea R , Perez Lisette , Smith Genee S
Published: August 2022

Gentrification operates as a social driver of health that can increase tick‐borne disease (TBD) risk for communities of color through either population displacement or land‐use change. Research on the emergence of TBDs in urban environments has primarily focused on the ecological processes of urban landscapes that facilitate favorable habitats for host reservoirs and tick vectors. However, neglecting to view infectious disease risk from a socioecological framework will continue to result in policies and planning that disadvantage communities of color. Using Lyme disease as a case study, we integrated elements of environmental epidemiology, ecology, public health, and urban planning to propose pathways of gentrification as a socioecological process with public health implications. By drawing connections between urban ecology, urban planning, and environmental racism, we seek to bring awareness to disease ecologists, policy makers, and public health managers on the potential role of gentrification as a driver of tick‐borne pathogen exposure.

Front Ecol Environ 2022;
Study on dietary intake, risk assessment, and molecular toxicity mechanism of benzo[α]pyrene in college students in China Bashu area
Authors: Ge Yutong , Yan Hailian , Shi Xiaodong , Wu Zhixiang , Wang Yueteng , Zhang Zelan , Luo Qing , Liu Wei , Liang Li , Peng Lianxin , Hu Jianping
Published: August 2022

As an extremely strong polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon carcinogen, benzo[α]pyrene (BaP) is often produced during food processing at high temperatures. Recently, food safety, as well as toxicity mechanism and risk assessment of BaP, has received extensive attention. We first constructed the database of BaP pollution concentration in Chinese daily food with over 104 data items; collected dietary intake data using online survey; then assessed dietary exposure risk; and finally revealed the possible toxicity mechanism through four comparative molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The statistical results showed that the concentration of BaP in olive oil was the highest, followed by that in fried meat products. The margins of exposure and incremental lifetime cancer risk both indicated that the dietary exposure to BaP of the participants was generally safe, but there were still some people with certain carcinogenic risks. Specifically, the health risk of the core district population was higher than that of the noncore district in Bashu area, and the female postgraduate group was higher than the male group with bachelor degree or below. From MD trajectories, BaP binding does not affect the global motion of individual nucleic acid sequences, but local weak noncovalent interactions changed greatly; it also weakens molecular interactions of nucleic acid with Bacillus stearothermophilus DNA polymerase I large fragment (BF), and significantly changes the cavity structure of recognition interface. This work not only reveals the possible toxicity mechanism of BaP, but also provides theoretical guidance for the subsequent optimization of food safety standards and reference of rational diet.
Effects of exogenous lipids on gelling properties of silver carp surimi gel subjected to microwave heating
Authors: Yang Yiling , Meng Linglu , Wang Yuxin , Yan Bowen
Published: August 2022

Lipids are important components of surimi products because they enhance the whiteness and flavor of food. The effects of three common types of exogenous lipids on the gel properties of surimi subjected to two different heating methods were investigated in this work, using frozen silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) surimi as the raw material. The surimi gels were prepared by two‐stage water bath heating or single‐stage water bath heating followed by microwave heating. We found that the quality of surimi gels was in the order of lard > chicken fat/soybean oil, which may be associated with polyunsaturated fatty acid content. The surimi gel strength was reduced with an increase in the amount of lipid added. Microwave heating significantly increased the gel strength of surimi containing exogenous lipids when compared to conventional heating. Surimi gels prepared by microwave heating showed more denser protein network microstructures by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), suggesting aggregation of protein molecules. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for using microwave heating to generate surimi gels with exogenous lipids.
Organochlorine pesticides residue affinity in fish muscle and their public health risks in North West Ethiopia
Authors: Mitiku Birhan Agmas , Mitiku Marshet Adugna
Published: August 2022

Pesticides are the parent compounds, their metabolites, and associated impurities of agricultural and health chemical inputs. If they are found at concentration levels higher than the standard limits, they have potential negative impacts on the ecosystem in general and on fish and humans in particular. This study investigates organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residue occurrences in fish muscle and assesses their public health potential risks, in North West Ethiopia. The concentration of OCPs residue under gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC‐ECD) was detected in 37.84% of fish muscle samples. The mean amounts detected were Endosalfan I, 341.50 ± 32.19 μg/kg; Endosalfan II, 36.01 ± 2.3 μg/kg; Endosalfan sulfate, 5.43 ± 4.06 μg/kg; 4, 4, DDE (4,4‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), 64.01 ± 9.08 μg /kg; 4,4, DDD (4,4‐dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane), 5.65 ± 3.12 μg/kg; and 4, 4, DDT (4,4‐dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), 1.58 ± 0.30 μg/kg. The mean concentration of Endosalfan I tested in fish muscle samples was higher than that of the permissible limit of different international standards. However, due to the low per capita consumption rate of fish origin food in Ethiopia, the health risk index (HRI) ranges from 0.002 to 0.1275, which shows there is no public health risk. This study highlights the possibility of chemical residue occurrence in fish food products, and hence pesticide use regulations and monitoring concentration levels should be implemented regularly to avoid human and environmental health risks.
A High‐Energy Density Li‐Ion Hybrid Capacitor Fabricated from Bio‐Waste Derived Carbon Nanosheets Cathode and Graphite Anode
Authors: Nanaji Katchala , Pappu Samhita , Anandan Srinivasan , Rao Tata N.
Published: August 2022

The Li‐ion hybrid capacitor (LIHC) system explores the possibility of achieving both high energy and power density in a single energy storage system with an intercalation anode and capacitive cathode. However, to achieve a high power and energy‐based system, the properties of the cathode electrode material are vital. Here, bio‐waste plant stem‐derived activated porous carbon is explored as a cathode for LIHC application. A specific surface area of 1826 m2 g−1, enhanced degree of crystallinity, and graphitization results for porous carbon from activation by potassium hydroxide. When employed as supercapacitor material, the device exhibits good rate capability, energy, and power attributes with a specific capacitance of 116 F g−1 (1 A g−1). Simultaneously when tested for LIHC application the formulated device shows good capacity retention for 2500 cycles with a high energy density of 125 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 69 W kg−1. The work demonstrates unique, cost‐effective strategy to develop a crystalline high surface area carbon from any such bio‐waste sources to be employed as potential electrodes for energy storage applications.
Low‐frequency rTMS targeting individual self‐initiated finger‐tapping task activation modulates the amplitude of local neural activity in the putamen
Authors: Wang Jue , Deng Xin‐Ping , Hu Yun‐Song , Yue Juan , Ge Qiu , Li Xiao‐Long , Feng Zi‐Jian
Published: August 2022

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Most of rTMS studies on PD used high‐frequency stimulation; however, excessive nonvoluntary movement may represent abnormally cortical excitability, which is likely to be suppressed by low‐frequency rTMS. Decreased neural activity in the basal ganglia on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a characteristic of PD. In the present study, we found that low‐frequency (1 Hz) rTMS targeting individual finger‐tapping activation elevated the amplitude of local neural activity (percentage amplitude fluctuation, PerAF) in the putamen as well as the functional connectivity (FC) of the stimulation target and basal ganglia in healthy participants. These results provide evidence for our hypothesis that low‐frequency rTMS over the individual task activation site can modulate deep brain functions, and that FC might serve as a bridge transmitting the impact of rTMS to the deep brain regions. It suggested that a precisely localized individual task activation site can act as a target for low‐frequency rTMS when it is used as a therapeutic tool for PD.
Does weight impact adolescent mental health? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Si , Yang Qingqing
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we examine the causal impact of weight on adolescent mental health. Using the China Family Panel Studies, we find significant negative effects of adolescent weight, instrumented by cohort‐level parental body mass index (BMI), on mental illness. In particular, a one standard deviation increase in adolescent BMI z‐score decreases the K6 score by 0.766 (or 0.232 standard deviations). This finding is contrary to recent evidence from adults. We find this contrast can partly be explained by the different impacts of adolescent weight on self‐image and social relationships. Unlike adults, heavy adolescents feel that they are popular among peers in China.
A phase 1 study of ruxolitinib, steroids and lenalidomide for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Berenson James R. , Kim Clara , Bujarski Sean , To Jennifer , Spektor Tanya M. , Martinez Daisy , Turner Carley , Ghermezi Matthew , Eades Benjamin M. , Swift Regina A. , Schwartz Gary , Eshaghian Shahrooz , Moss Robert A. , Lim Stephen , Vescio Robert
Published: August 2022

Ruxolitinib with lenalidomide and dexamethasone shows anti‐myeloma effects in vitro and in vivo. MUC1 leads to lenalidomide resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) cells, and ruxolitinib blocks its expression. Thus, ruxolitinib may restore sensitivity to lenalidomide. A phase I trial was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of ruxolitinib with lenalidomide and methylprednisolone for patients with relapsed/refractory (RR)MM who had been treated with lenalidomide, steroids and a proteasome inhibitor and showed progressive disease at study entry. A traditional 3 + 3 dose escalation design was used to enroll subjects in four cohorts. Subjects received ruxolitinib twice daily, lenalidomide daily on days 1–21 of a 28 day cycle and methylprednisolone orally every other day. Primary endpoints were safety, clinical benefit rate (CBR) and overall response rate (ORR). Forty‐nine patients were enrolled. The median age was 64 years and they had received a median of six prior treatments including lenalidomide and steroids to which 94% were refractory. No dose limiting toxicities occurred. The CBR and ORR were 49% and 36%, respectively. All responding patients were refractory to lenalidomide. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs) included anemia (17%), decreased lymphocyte count (15%), and hypophosphatemia (10%). Most common serious AEs included sepsis (9.8%) and pneumonia (7.8%). This Phase I trial demonstrates that a JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib, can overcome refractoriness to lenalidomide and steroids for patients with RRMM. These results represent a promising novel therapeutic approach for treating MM. NCT03110822.
Semen parameters after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A literature review
Authors: Tufvesson Kathrine , Catalini Laura , Fedder Jens
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is known to affect multiple organs by binding to angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptors and might therefore affect male fertility. This review aims to collect all original articles on the effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on male fertility, including the duration of time after infection required for these effects to begin to manifest and recommend how clinicians should approach cases with a recent illness.

Methods

This review was developed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses guidelines. The search string was applied to four online databases—namely Pubmed, Embase, Medline, and the Cochrane COVID‐19 Register—and screened using the online tool Covidence.org. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were cohort studies involving a healthy male population diagnosed with COVID‐19, each of whom had semen samples collected before and after the infection or two different semen samples collected after the diagnosis.

Results

Nine cohort studies were eventually included. Five articles had pre‐ and post‐COVID‐19 data while four had two sets of post‐COVID‐19 data. The three largest studies found a statistically significant decrease in all semen parameters when waiting less than 3 months from diagnosis before sample collection, and no significant differences in results when the ejaculate was analyzed more than 3 months after recovery. One study compared the COVID‐19 patients with a control group and found a significant decrease in semen parameters in the COVID‐19 group.

Conclusion

Spermatogenesis seems to be affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, but the impact tends to reverse within 3–4 months. It is still unclear why male fertility is affected by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, and it might be the result of several different components. Clinicians should consider recent SARS‐CoV‐2 infection as a possible reason for the low semen quality of patients' semen samples, and might therefore need to collect new samples after 4 months before further treatment.
Psychological consequences and the related factors among COVID‐19 survivors in southeastern Iran
Authors: Amiri Gooshki Esmat , Mangolian Shahrbabaki Parvin , Asadi Neda , Salmani Mahin
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is a new viral disease that has spread rapidly worldwide since December 2019 and there is no effective treatment for it. The current study aimed to investigate the psychological consequences and related factors among COVID‐19 survivors.

Methods

This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 152 patients with COVID‐19 referred to referral hospitals in southeastern Iran in 2020. Data collection tools were three questionnaires of demographic and background information, Depression Anxiety stress Scale (DASS‐21) and Impact of Events Scale‐Revised (IESR). Descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS25 were used to analyze the data.

Results

The mean age of patients was 39.52 ± 13.16 years. The patients were mostly female (63.8%). Seventy‐three percent of the patients had severe posttraumatic stress disorder, 26.3% had moderate depression and 26.3% had severe anxiety. The mean scores of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety among patients with COVID‐19 were 41.59 ± 17.28, 12.13 ± 9.16, and 12.45 ± 10.71, respectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission, divorce, illiteracy, and retirement were all associated with higher psychological load among patients.

Discussion and Conclusion

The results showed that patients with COVID‐19 had different levels of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. These results may direct the attention of the medical staff to the mental health of COVID‐19 patients, necessitating timely psychological care and intervention during an epidemic.
Assessing the validity of inertial measurement units for shoulder kinematics using a commercial sensor‐software system: A validation study
Authors: Henschke Jakob , Kaplick Hannes , Wochatz Monique , Engel Tilman
Published: August 2022

Background and  Aims

Wearable inertial sensors may offer additional kinematic parameters of the shoulder compared to traditional instruments such as goniometers when elaborate and time‐consuming data processing procedures are undertaken. However, in clinical practice simple‐real time motion analysis is required to improve clinical reasoning. Therefore, the aim was to assess the criterion validity between a portable “off‐the‐shelf” sensor‐software system (IMU) and optical motion (Mocap) for measuring kinematic parameters during active shoulder movements.

Methods

24 healthy participants (9 female, 15 male, age 29 ± 4 years, height 177 ± 11 cm, weight 73 ± 14 kg) were included. Range of motion (ROM), total range of motion (TROM), peak and mean angular velocity of both systems were assessed during simple (abduction/adduction, horizontal flexion/horizontal extension, vertical flexion/extension, and external/internal rotation) and complex shoulder movements. Criterion validity was determined using intraclass‐correlation coefficients (ICC), root mean square error (RMSE) and Bland and Altmann analysis (bias; upper and lower limits of agreement).

Results

ROM and TROM analysis revealed inconsistent validity during simple (ICC: 0.040−0.733, RMSE: 9.7°−20.3°, bias: 1.2°−50.7°) and insufficient agreement during complex shoulder movements (ICC: 0.104−0.453, RMSE: 10.1°−23.3°, bias: 1.0°−55.9°). Peak angular velocity (ICC: 0.202−0.865, RMSE: 14.6°/s−26.7°/s, bias: 10.2°/s−29.9°/s) and mean angular velocity (ICC: 0.019‐0.786, RMSE:6.1°/s−34.2°/s, bias: 1.6°/s−27.8°/s) were inconsistent.

Conclusions

The “off‐the‐shelf” sensor‐software system showed overall insufficient agreement with the gold standard. Further development of commercial IMU‐software‐solutions may increase measurement accuracy and permit their integration into everyday clinical practice.
Protective manifestation of herbonanoceuticals as antifungals: A possible drug candidate for dermatophytic infection
Authors: Sharma Anusha , Gupta Sarika
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims

Fungal dermatophytosis or Tinea is a predominance in about 20%–25% of all total world populations. Dermatophyte infections are mainly caused by fungi belonging to Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum genera along with some other fungi. This epidemiological distribution may change with migration, lifestyle, immunosuppressive state, drug therapy, and socioeconomic conditions.

Methods

The present review indicated the bioefficacy of herbal and herbonanoconjugate as safe management of fungal dermatophytic infection.

Results

It also emphasized the action mechanism as fungicidal and fungistatic with different harmful impacts indicating the need for alternative therapeutics. Simultaneously, the herbal and herbonanoconjugate approaches proved better to manage the prevalence of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, nausea, altered taste, anemia, GI upsets, hair loss, and so forth. due to conventional oral treatment approaches.

Conclusion

Adoption of the remedial approach can be recommended after preclinical trials' approval as a safe treatment.
Effects of orally administered hormonal contraceptives on the musculoskeletal system of healthy premenopausal women—A systematic review
Authors: Römer Claudia , Czupajllo Julia , Wolfarth Bernd , Lerchbaumer Markus H. , Legerlotz Kirsten
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The musculoskeletal system (MSK) is one of the extragonadal target tissues of sex hormones: osteoblasts and osteocytes express estrogen receptors, while in fibroblasts of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and myocytes of the vastus lateralis muscle (MVL), estrogen and progesterone receptors can be detected by immunoassay. Indeed, upon binding of sex hormones to the extragonadal receptors, the MSK seems to respond to varying levels of sex hormones with structural adaptation. Hormonal contraceptives can affect the musculoskeletal system; however, there is a lack of high‐quality studies, and no recommendation for female athletes exists.

Material and Methods

This is a systematic review of publications on the effects of oral hormonal contraceptives on the biomechanical properties of tendons, muscles and ligaments, muscle strength, and soft tissue regeneration. A systematic database search was performed using MESH keywords and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) methodology in Pubmed and Cochrane to identify studies investigating the influence of oral hormonal contraceptives on muscles, tendons, and ligaments of healthy, adult, premenopausal women. The risk of bias in the studies included was assessed by two independent researchers using the ROBINS‐I Tool.

Results

Nine comparative studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Endpoints were muscle strength and biomechanical tissue properties. No significant influence of oral hormonal contraceptives on muscle strength was found, although general muscle growth and Type I fiber growth were found to be significantly increased in a dose‐dependent manner. There was a negative effect on regeneration of muscle strength after exercise. The stiffness of tendons remained unchanged, while their size adaptation to load increased.

Conclusion

The anabolic effect could be beneficial for specific sports, whereas reduced muscle regeneration could be disadvantageous for women exercising with high‐performance demands. The different effects on tendons and ligaments and the functional consequences of altered ligament and muscle stiffness, especially with regard to synthetic hormones, should be further investigated.
Nighttime salivary cortisol as a biomarker of stress and an indicator of worsening quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cruz Marla S. P. , Reis Tercio G. , Oliveira Antoniel C. , Macedo Marluce M. , de Bessa José , Oliveira Márcio C.
Published: August 2022

Background

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a generic term defined on an anatomical–topographic basis to describe malignant tumors located in the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and thyroid. A situation commonly presented by individuals with cancer is stress, with evidence indicating a close relationship between stress, behavior, and the immune system with the development and progression of cancer.

Aim

To assess the association between stress levels and quality of life among individuals with HNC.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study involving 72 HNC patients. The University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life, while the Perceived Stress Scale and salivary cortisol were used to evaluate stress levels.

Results

A negative association was found between quality of life and stress levels as indicated by both the PSS and nighttime salivary cortisol. Nighttime salivary cortisol showed the best accuracy estimated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, slightly better than that of PSS.

Conclusion

Among the time points for saliva sampling, nighttime cortisol was found to have the best accuracy, which was similar to that of the PSS, for the detection of patients with the worst quality of life.
Modelling stream nutrient source and yield by coupling hydrological processes and nutrient budgets from an experimental headwater catchment with orchard expansion in the Changjiang River Delta area
Authors: Zhang Peipei , Wang Fang , Wang Jianing , Yan Weijin , Li Yanqiang , Wang Dongsheng
Published: August 2022

Although watershed nutrient exports have been well studied and modelled, the dynamic changes in the contributions of individual nutrient sources to reservoirs are less certain under changing land use and climate. The intensification of agriculture has led to expansion in plantation areas and the corresponding increased use of chemical and organic fertilisers in many headwater catchments in recent decades in China. Nutrient yields are potentially substantial because of the expansion of agricultural ecosystems. Here, in combination with biogeochemical nutrient budgets, we developed a synthesis model to quantify daily nutrient yields in terms of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) and dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP). We also identified their sources in an experimental headwater reservoir catchment based on high‐frequency observations of daily precipitation with nutrient concentrations in the stream outlets from January 2020 to December 2021. Annual DIN, DON, DIP and DOP yields were 31.68 ± 2.38, 5.98 ± 0.41, 1.12 ± 0.08 and 0.37 ± 0.27 kg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. All nutrient yields showed significant seasonal patterns, with over 60% of the total nutrient yield obtained from May to July. Our model suggests that over 70% of the annual nutrient yields were driven by rainfall exceeding 40 mm. Approximately 70% of catchment nutrient yields were from chemical and organic fertiliser applications. Triple nitrate isotopes (δ15N‐NO3−, δ18O‐NO3− and δ17O‐NO3−) revealed that stream nitrate sources and their contributions were almost consistent with the estimation from our model. The estimates demonstrated that orchard expansion by 25% of the total area led to a 63% increase in dissolved total nitrogen and an 88% increase in dissolved total phosphorus exports. Our results reveal that diffuse sources from orchard plantations are an important yet overlooked source of nutrients to the receiving headwater reservoir budget.
Multilayer‐neighbor local binary pattern for facial expression recognition
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Yen , Hsu Hsien‐Jen , Wang Yen‐Yao , Wang Tawei
Published: August 2022

Facial expression recognition (FER) has drawn the interest of practitioners and researchers due to its potential in opening new business opportunities. One critical aspect of any successful FER system is a feature extraction method that can efficiently find sufficient facial features and characterize facial expressions. This paper proposes an appearance‐based feature extraction method by introducing a local feature descriptor, a multilayer‐neighbor local binary pattern (LBP), for recognizing facial expressions. This new LBP operator is an extension of the original one‐layer‐neighbor LBP to two‐layer‐neighbor and three‐layer‐neighbor LBPs. We extract features by comparing new center points with neighborhood points. In addition, based on facial landmark locations, we extract active facial blocks during emotional stimulations. These prominent facial blocks utilize facial symmetry to improve the accuracy and speed of expression recognition. After using principal component analysis to reduce the dimensionality of features, we use a support vector machine to assign expressions to seven categories. We evaluate the proposed method by comparing it with other commonly used methods, and the proposed method is more accurate. Implications for business researchers are discussed.
The sex‐specific prognostic utility of sarcopenia in cirrhosis
Authors: Lowe Ryan , Hey Penelope , Sinclair Marie
Published: August 2022

Sarcopenia is an increasingly recognized complication of cirrhosis that is associated with morbidity and mortality. Differences in the prevalence and prognosis of sarcopenia between men and women have been reported in other patient groups, but there is insufficient understanding of how sex impacts the prognostic value of sarcopenia in cirrhosis. A search of MEDLINE and Embase was conducted from earliest entries to April 2021. Studies were included if they examined sex‐stratified mortality impact of reduced muscle function or mass in outpatient populations with cirrhosis. We identified 700 studies of which 6 were deemed relevant for inclusion in this narrative review. Studies of interest were heterogeneous, precluding pooling of data and making interpretation of the literature challenging. Muscle mass was assessed in five studies (n = 2566, 1730 men, 836 women) and was reduced in 36–50% of men and 24–43% of women. All five studies found that reduced muscle mass determined by computed tomography, dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, and bioelectrical impedance analysis was associated with increased mortality in men. Of these, two studies identified a corresponding relationship in women; reduced muscle mass defined by computed tomography was associated with increased mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.82, P = 0.001], while increasing muscle mass by bioelectrical impedance analysis likewise conferred a survival benefit (HR 0.45, P = 0.0016). Only one study assessed the relationship of muscle function with sex‐stratified mortality (n = 1405, 827 men, 578 women), concluding that reduced muscle function predicted mortality in both men and women (HR 1.65, P < 0.001 and HR 1.54, P < 0.001, respectively). Reduced muscle mass in cirrhosis is consistently associated with mortality in men, but lack of sex‐stratification of mortality analyses limits the ability to make strong conclusions about the impact of sarcopenia specifically in women, with even fewer data available for analysing muscle function. Improved understanding of the sex‐specific impacts of sarcopenia may help address patient deterioration and mortality while awaiting liver transplantation and allow for early intervention to mitigate mortality risk. Large, multicentre studies with adequate female participation and sex‐stratified mortality analyses are warranted.
Spectrum of fetal limb anomalies
Authors: Thakur Seema , Chaddha Vandana , Gupta Rachna , Singh Chanchal , Dagar Savita , Shastri Aditi , Tiwari Beena , Kavitha  , Sethia Vineet , Malik Manish , Jain Puneet , Kapoor Akriti , Kapoor Aakaar , Kapoor Tushar , Kapoor Apurva , Kapoor Ravi , Kumar Manisha , Uppal Rajesh
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Antenatal detection of limb anomalies is not uncommon, and pregnancies are usually terminated in view of the expected physical handicap. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to delineate the spectrum of fetal limb anomalies and provide evidence in support of complete postnatal evaluation in establishing recurrence risk.

Methods

We present 54 cases of limb malformations detected antenatally and discuss the spectrum of abnormalities, the utility of fetal autopsy, and genetic testing to establish recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies.

Results

16/54 cases were isolated radial ray anomalies. There were five cases of amniotic band syndrome, five limb body wall complex cases, three VACTERL (vertebral defects, anal atresia, cardiac defects, tracheo‐esophageal fistula, renal anomalies, and limb abnormalities) associations, one case of sirenomelia, two cases of limb pelvis hypoplasia, and one case of OEIS (Omphalocele Exstrophy Imperforate anus and spinal defects). Four fetuses with non‐isolated radial ray anomaly had trisomy 18. One case with bilateral radial ray defect had a mutation in the FANC‐E gene confirming fanconi anemia. Twelve cases were unclassified.

Conclusion

Autopsy is the most important investigation in fetuses with limb anomalies. We suggest chromosomal microarray (CMA) as a first‐tier test after autopsy. However, in cases of bilaterally symmetrical limb anomalies, in case of previous similarly affected child, or history of consanguinity, whole exome sequencing (WES) can be offered as the primary investigation, followed by CMA if WES is normal.