bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Th17 cells and IL‐17A as candidate biomarkers estimating the progression of cognitive impairment in stroke patients
Authors: Lu Tianming , Ma Le , Xu Qingmei , Wang Xinxin
Published: July 2022

Background

T helper (Th) cells regulate immunity and inflammation to engage in cognitive impairment in several neurological diseases, while their clinical relevance in stroke patients is not clear. The current study intended to assess the relationship of Th1 cells, Th17 cells, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), and interleukin (IL)‐17A with cognitive function in stroke patients.

Methods

One hundred twenty stroke patients and 40 controls were enrolled in this muticenter study. Th1 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood were assessed by flow cytometry; meanwhile, IFN‐γ and IL‐17A in serum were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive function of stroke patients was evaluated by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score at enrollment (baseline), year 1, year 2, and year 3.

Results

Th1 cells (p = 0.037) and IFN‐γ (p = 0.048) were slightly increased, while Th17 cells (p < 0.001) and IL‐17A (p < 0.001) were greatly elevated in stroke patients compared with controls. Th17 cells (rs = −0.374, p < 0.001) and IL‐17A (rs = −0.267, p = 0.003) were negatively correlated with MMSE score at baseline, but Th1 cells and IFN‐γ were not. Meanwhile, Th17 cells (p = 0.001) and IL‐17A (p = 0.024) were increased in patients with cognitive impairment compared to those without cognitive impairment. Notably, Th17 cells were positively associated with 1‐year (rs = 0.331, p < 0.001), 2‐year (rs = 0.261, p = 0.006), and 3‐year (rs = 0.256, p = 0.011) MMSE decline; IL‐17A was positively correlated with 1‐year (rs = 0.262, p = 0.005), 2‐year (rs = 0.193, p = 0.045), but not 3‐year MMSE decline. However, both Th1 cells and IFN‐γ were not linked with MMSE decline.

Conclusion

Th17 cells and IL‐17A estimate the progression of cognitive impairment in stroke patients.
The role of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic approaches
Authors: Zafari Narges , Khosravi Fatemeh , Rezaee Zahra , Esfandyari Sahar , Bahiraei Mohamad , Bahramy Afshin , Ferns Gordon A. , Avan Amir
Published: July 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) with a high prevalence is recognized as the fourth most common cause of cancer‐related death globally. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the network of tumor cells, stromal cells, immune cells, blood vessel cells, and fibroblasts that comprise the tumor microenvironment (TME) to identify new therapeutic interventions.

Methods

Databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, were searched to provide an overview of the recent research progress related to targeting the TME as a novel therapeutic approach.

Results

Tumor microenvironment as a result of the cross talk between these cells may result in either advantages or disadvantages in tumor development and metastasis, affecting the signals and responses from the surrounding cells. Whilst chemotherapy has led to an improvement in CRC patients' survival, the metastatic aspect of the disease remains difficult to avoid.

Conclusions

The present review emphasizes the structure and function of the TME, alterations in the TME, its role in the incidence and progression of CRC, the effects on tumor development and metastasis, and also the potential of its alterations as therapeutic targets. It should be noted that providing novel studies in this field of research might help us to achieve practical therapeutic strategies based on their interaction.
RLLB/Alb ratio: a promising noninvasive diagnostic marker in assessing esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients
Authors: Chowdhury Md Faisal Fahad , Islam Ashekul , Palit Pulak Kanti , Mozibullah Md. , Sohel Md , Khatun Mst Mahmuda , Chowdhury Mohammed Mehadi Hassan , Islam Mohammod Johirul , Datta Joyonti , Dhar Suman , Nath Pradip Kumar , Nath Sabuj Kanti
Published: July 2022

Background

Endoscopy has long been widely used to screen for esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patients. Recurrent endoscopy is a significant burden for the healthcare system of the endoscopic unit as well as uncomfortable and high costs for patients. This study intended to prognosticate Right Liver Lobe Diameter/Serum Albumin Ratio (RLLD/Alb) as a non‐invasive approach in the early diagnosis of EV among chronic liver disease (CLD) Bangladeshi patients enrolled in a specific hospital.

Participants and Methods

A total of 150 admitted patients with CLD were included in the study. Patients were subjected through a comprehensive biochemical checkup and upper digestive endoscopic or ultrasonographic inspection. The correlation was evaluated between the RLLD/Alb ratio and esophageal varices grades.

Results

The upper digestive endoscopy demonstration among 150 patients resulted in no EV in 18%, while 24% of patients was identified as EV grade I, 20% as grade II, 20% as grade III, and 18% patients as grade IV. The mean value of the RLLD/Alb ratio was 4.89 ± 1.49 (range from 2.30 to 8.45). The RLLD/Alb ratio diagnosed the EV employing the cut‐off value of 4.01 with 85.3% sensitivity and 68.8% specificity. Furthermore, it was positively correlated with the grading of EV, when this ratio increased the grading of EV increases and vice versa (r = 0.630, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The RLLD/Alb ratio is a non‐invasive parameter giving exact guidance relevant to the ascertainment of the existence of EV and their grading in chronic liver disease patients.
Serum uric acid to creatinine ratio is associated with higher prevalence of NAFLD detected by FibroScan in the United States
Authors: Wang Rusha , Xue Feiben , Wang Liping , Shi Guangxia , Qian Guoqing , Yang Naibin , Chen Xueqin
Published: July 2022

Background

The association between the serum uric acid (sUA) to creatinine ratio (sUA/Cr) and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been sufficiently clarified. In this study, we investigated the relationship between sUA/Cr and NAFLD among participants in the United States.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study based on data from the National Health and Nutrition examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2018. A measured controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) value of ≥274 dB/m detected by Fibroscan was used to identify hepatic steatosis. SUA/Cr was calculated as sUA divided by serum creatinine. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between sUA/Cr and NAFLD. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) of sUA/Cr for NAFLD was estimated, and subgroup analysis stratified by sex was also conducted. The nonlinear relationship between sUA/Cr and NAFLD was further described using smooth curve fittings and threshold‐effect analysis.

Results

We found that sUA/Cr was positively correlated with NAFLD status after fully adjustment for confounding factors. In subgroup analysis stratified by sex, the positive interaction between sUA/Cr and NAFLD status only existed in women but not in men. Moreover, the nonlinear association between sUA/Cr and NAFLD status was an inverted U‐shaped curve with an inflection point at 9.7 among men.

Conclusions

Our study identified that sUA/Cr was positively associated with the risk of NAFLD among individuals in the United States. Moreover, the correlation between sUA/Cr and NAFLD differed according to sex.
The etiological roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in neuropathic pain: A narrative review
Authors: Jiang Ming , Wang Yelong , Wang Jing , Feng Shanwu , Wang Xian
Published: July 2022

Background

Non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in neuropathic pain development. Herein, we systematically searched for neuropathic pain‐related ncRNAs expression changes, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular non‐coding RNAs (circRNAs).

Methods

We searched two databases, PubMed and GeenMedical, for relevant studies.

Results

Peripheral nerve injury or noxious stimuli can induce extensive changes in the expression of ncRNAs. For example, higher serum miR‐132‐3p, ‐146b‐5p, and ‐384 was observed in neuropathic pain patients. Either sciatic nerve ligation, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) transaction, or ventral root transection (VRT) could upregulate miR‐21 and miR‐31 while downregulating miR‐668 and miR‐672 in the injured DRG. lncRNAs, such as early growth response 2‐antisense‐RNA (Egr2‐AS‐RNA) and Kcna2‐AS‐RNA, were upregulated in Schwann cells and inflicted DRG after nerve injury, respectively. Dysregulated circRNA homeodomain‐interacting protein kinase 3 (circHIPK3) in serum and the DRG, abnormally expressed lncRNAs X‐inactive specific transcript (XIST), nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1), small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), as well as ciRS‐7, zinc finger protein 609 (cirZNF609), circ_0005075, and circAnks1a in the spinal cord were suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. Dysregulated miRNAs contribute to neuropathic pain via neuroinflammation, autophagy, abnormal ion channel expression, regulating pain‐related mediators, protein kinases, structural proteins, neurotransmission excitatory–inhibitory imbalances, or exosome miRNA‐mediated neuron–glia communication. In addition, lncRNAs and circRNAs are essential in neuropathic pain by acting as antisense RNA and miRNA sponges, epigenetically regulating pain‐related molecules expression, or modulating miRNA processing.

Conclusions

Numerous dysregulated ncRNAs have been suggested to participate in neuropathic pain development. However, there is much work to be done before ncRNA‐based analgesics can be clinically used for various reasons such as conservation among species, proper delivery, stability, and off‐target effects.
Gamma‐Glutamyl Transpeptidase‐to‐Platelet ratio predicts liver fibrosis in patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis B and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Luo Jie , Du Zhan , Liang Dongli , Li Manni , Yin Yanyao , Chen Mingfa , Yang Liuqing
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation of gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase‐to‐platelet ratio (GPR), aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis index‐4 (FIB‐4), and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, and perform a diagnostic value of GPR for predicting fibrosis in CHB patients with NAFLD.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on CHB patients concurrent with NAFLD between September 2019 and December 2020. They were divided into control group (LSM ≤ 9.7 kpa) and fibrosis group (LSM ≥ 9.8 kpa). Demographic data were collected; ALT, AST, and PLT were also detected. LSM was measured by transient elastography (TE). The GPR, APRI, and FIB‐4 were calculated. The correlation between GPR, APRI, FIB‐4, and LSM was compared. The accuracy of predicting liver fibrosis using GPR, APRI, and FIB‐4 was assessed.

Results

Eighty‐five CHB patients with NAFLD were enrolled. Multivariate analysis showed that age (p = 0.005), GGT (p = 0.001), and PLT (p = 0.013) were the independent risk factors for LSM. The GPR (p = 0.008), APRI (p = 0.001), and FIB‐4 (p = 0.001) values in fibrosis group were higher than control group. Pearson linear correlation was used to analyze the correlations between LSM and GPR, APRI, and FIB‐4. LSM was correlated with GPR, APRI, and FIB‐4. The AUCs of GPR, APRI, and FIB4 were 0.805, 0.766, and 0.826 in assessing liver fibrosis, respectively. No significant differences in the areas of GPR were comparable to that of APRI and FIB‐4.

Conclusion

GPR has a good correlation with LSM in assessing liver fibrosis and can be used as a noninvasive index for the assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with concomitant CHB and NAFLD.
Clinical significance of serum ferritin in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Jiang Yanting , Li Xi , Zhou Wei , Jin Min , Li Sihui , Lao Yuehong , Zhu Haiqing , Wang Jian
Published: July 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the clinical significance of serum ferritin (SF) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

The levels of SF were measured in 115 patients with SSc and 117 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical characteristics and laboratory indexes between the high ferritin SSc group and the normal ferritin SSc group were analyzed.

Results

The level of SF in SSc patients was significantly higher than that in HCs (319.78 [179, 554.33] ng/ml vs. 99 [49.03, 164.29] ng/ml, p < 0.01). Compared with the normal ferritin SSc group, the high ferritin SSc group was more likely to develop skin diffuse cutaneous SSc, fingertip arthralgia, and cardiac involvement. In addition, the levels of glutamine transaminase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme‐MB (CK‐MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), C‐reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the positive rate of anti‐Scl70 antibody in the high ferritin SSc group were significantly higher (each p < 0.05). SF was positively correlated with GGT, ALT, CK, CK‐MB, LD, IgA, CRP, and ESR (each p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that cardiac involvement, ALT, and ESR were independent influencing factors of SF in SSc.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the level of SF in patients with SSc is increased, and the elevated SF is related to abnormal liver function, myocardial involvement, inflammatory status, and production of autoantibodies in SSc. Cardiac involvement, ALT, and ESR are independent factors affecting SF in SSc.
Measurement invariance of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale‐Self‐Report
Authors: Baroni Duccio , Caccico Laura , Ciandri Serena , Di Gesto Cristian , Di Leonardo Laura , Fiesoli Alice , Grassi Elena , Lauretta Francesco , Lebruto Antonella , Marsigli Nicola , Policardo Giulia Rosa , Rosadoni Martina , Chiorri Carlo
Published: July 2022

Objective

The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale‐Self Report (LSAS‐SR) is a self‐report measure of social anxiety (SA), which has shown adequate psychometric properties across cultures. However, no study has systematically evaluated its measurement invariance (MI) between (a) individuals with and without a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder (SAD) and (b) males and females. The current study addresses this issue.

Methods

We collected data on 257 (158 females) Italian individuals diagnosed with SAD and 356 (232 females) community‐dwelling adults.

Results

We initially found support for the unidimensionality of the Italian LSAS‐SR measurement model in all samples. Using the Graded Response Model, we obtained evidence of partial MI and differential item functioning between community‐dwelling and SAD‐diagnosed individuals and evidence of strong MI between male and female participants.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the Italian LSAS‐SR measures the same trait in the same way across the symptom continuum and sexes, making it a psychometrically sound tool for assessment, screening, and research purposes.
The Maternal Disintegrative Responses Scale (MDRS): Development and initial validation
Authors: Chasson Miriam , Taubman – Ben‐Ari Orit
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to design and examine the validity of the Maternal Disintegrative Responses Scale (MDRS) to assess intrusive thoughts and dissociative experiences in the postpartum period.

Method

A convenience sample of 455 mothers whose babies were up to 12 months old completed the MDRS and a series of questionnaires assessing postnatal depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]), childbirth‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD), and general symptoms of dissociation.

Results

The final scale consists of eight items tapping two dimensions, intrusive thoughts and dissociative experiences, and displays good psychometric properties. Both factors were found to be related to EPDS, PTSD OCD, and general symptoms of dissociation. Primiparous women scored higher than multiparous women on both dimensions, and mothers of infants up to 3 months old scored higher on dissociative experiences than those whose infants were aged 4–12 months.

Conclusions

The MDRS can contribute to the theoretical and practical conceptualization and assessment of these phenomena.
Leveraging a Previously Published Population Pharmacokinetic Model to Predict Rivaroxaban Exposure in Real‐World Patients
Authors: Weiner Daniel , Powell J. Robert , Patterson J. Herbert , Tyson Rachel , Gehi Anil , Moll Stephan , Konicki Robyn , Qaraghuli Farah Al , Campbell Kristen B. , Kashuba Angela D.M. , Gonzalez Daniel
Published: July 2022

Population pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic models are commonly used to inform drug dosing; however, often real‐world patients are not well represented in the clinical trial population. We sought to determine how well dosing recommended in the rivaroxaban drug label results in exposure for real‐world patients within a reference area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) range. To accomplish this, we assessed the utility of a prior published rivaroxaban population PK model to predict exposure in real‐world patients. We used the model to predict rivaroxaban exposure for 230 real‐world patients using 3 methods: (1) using patient phenotype information only, (2) using individual post hoc estimates of clearance from the prior model based on single PK samples of rivaroxaban collected at steady state without refitting of the prior model, and (3) using individual post hoc estimates of clearance from the prior model based on PK samples of rivaroxaban collected at steady state after refitting of the prior model. We compared the results across 3 software packages (NONMEM, Phoenix NLME, and Monolix). We found that while the average patient‐assigned dosing per the drug label will likely result in the AUC falling within the reference range, AUC for most individual patients will be outside the reference range. When comparing post hoc estimates, the average pairwise percentage differences were all <10% when comparing the software packages, but individual pairwise estimates varied as much as 50%. This study demonstrates the use of a prior published rivaroxaban population PK model to predict exposure in real‐world patients.
Fe/Acid‐montmorillonite as effective Fenton‐like catalyst for the removal of methylene blue
Authors: Zhao Yong‐Hua , Cai Yu‐Fu , Zhang Qi‐Jian , Wang Huan , Liu Yan‐Lin
Published: July 2022

Background

Most dyes are toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic, all of which cause severe harm to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is essential to find the most suitable method to treat dye wastewaters before discharge. In this study, the natural Ca‐type montmorillonite (Ca‐MMT) was activated by HNO3 (20 wt.%) solution under different temperatures to obtain acid‐activated MMT (Acid‐MMT). Fe (10 wt.%) was supported on Acid‐MMT (Fe/Acid‐MMT) via the impregnation method using Fe(NO3)3·9H2O as a precursor. Meanwhile, the removal of methylene blue (MB) by heterogeneous Fenton‐like reaction using Fe/Acid‐MMT as catalyst was evaluated. The material was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoeletron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption–desorption at low temperature, and the temperature program desorption of NH3 (NH3‐TPD) techniques.

Results

The acidity and textural properties of the Acid‐MMT were adjusted by varying the acid activation temperature. Moreover, the amount of acidity and the surface area of the catalyst had a noticeable effect on the removal efficiency of MB. Fe‐supported Acid‐MMT activated by HNO3 at 100°C (Fe/Acid‐MMT‐100) catalyst exhibited the highest removal efficiency of MB. The removal efficiency of the MB was more than 97.8% under the following reaction conditions: H2O2 concentration of 0.85 mmol·L−1, Fe/Acid‐MMT‐100 dosage of 0.75 g°L−1, temperature of 50°C, and initial solution pH of 3.0–9.0.

Conclusion

An efficient Fe/Acid‐MMT catalyst for a Fenton‐like reaction was obtained by optimizing the acid treatment temperature of Ca‐MMT. The synergistic effect between its excellent adsorption ability and the ∙OH generated from H2O2 activated by Fe/Acid‐MMT would enhance MB removal efficiency in a Fenton‐like system. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Outer and internal cuticle in the leaves of Malus (Rosaceae) in mountains and plains
Authors: Kumachova Tamara , Babosha Alexander , Ryabchenko Andrey
Published: July 2022

The outer and internal cuticles in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) leaves on the plain and in the mountains was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The outer cuticle consisted of lamellate and homogeneous layers of the cuticle proper and cuticular layer containing electron‐transparent plates and electron‐dense dendrites. Blue fluorescence predominated in the cell wall. The cuticle fluoresced green and red. The intensity of the red part of the spectrum in the cuticle increased with altitude, and the number of electron‐transparent plates increased within the cuticular layer. The cell wall on both leaf sides was the thinnest in the arid conditions (300 m). At an altitude of 600 m, under favorable temperature and rainfall conditions, the cuticle thickness increased due to the cuticular layer adjacent to the cell wall. The internal cuticle was distinguished by intense yellow or red autofluorescence, similar in color and spectrum to the outer cuticle. The outer and internal cuticles had cuticular folds. The average distance between the ridges of the internal cuticle was almost the same in the samples at different altitudes. The ridge height was maximum at 600 m.

Research highlights

The altitudinal effects on outer and internal cuticles in apple leaves were studied.

In the forest‐mountain zone, the cuticle thickness increased due to the cuticular layer adjacent to the cell wall.

The cell wall was the thinnest in arid conditions.
Phase estimation for investigating the optical and mechanical properties of Monocryl suture for soft tissue approximation and ligation
Authors: El‐Rashidy Noha M. , El‐Bakary Mohammed A. , Omar Emam , El‐Sayed Nayera M. , Hamza Ahmed A.
Published: July 2022

Monocryl is a bio‐absorbable suture composed of a polyglycolide and poly‐epsiloncaprolactone copolymer material and is considered a promising candidate for soft tissues approximation. Consequently, the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties are essential for the surgeons to select the suitable suture for their surgical perform. In this article, Mach Zehnder interferometer equipped with a mechanical drawing device are used for evaluating the mechanical properties and a better understanding of how the Monocryl suture reacts to loading. The two‐dimensional fast Fourier transform is applied to extract the phase from the captured interference microinterferograms at different draw ratios. The extracted phase helps to determine some opto‐mechanical and structural properties of Monocryle suture. Quantitative structure–activity relationships model is employed for investigating the biological activity of the tested suture. The stress–strain behavior of Monocryl suture has a J‐shaped behavior which compatible with the behavior of the soft tissues. The molecular electrostatic potential maps showed that Monocryl model structure is proved to be electrophilic interplays.
Soil nutrients and plant uptake parameters as related to greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Abbasi Naeem A. , Madramootoo Chandra A. , Zhang Tiequan , Tan Chin S.
Published: July 2022

Fertilizer and water management practices have short‐ and long‐term effects on soil chemical and physical properties and, in turn, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The goal of this 4‐yr field study was to establish the relationships between soil properties, agronomic practices, and GHG (CO2 and N2O) emissions under different fertilizer and water table management practices. There were two fertilizer treatments: inorganic fertilizer (IF) and a mix of solid cattle manure and inorganic fertilizer (SCM), combined with tile drainage(DR) and controlled drainage with subirrigation(CDS). The cropping system was a maize (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation. Nitrogen in biomass (BMN) and N in grain (GRN) were measured and used to calculate other plant N parameters. Nitrous oxide and CO2 fluxes were collected weekly, and their respective cumulative emissions were calculated. The results show that soil organic matter (OM), soil total carbon (C), and soil total nitrogen (N) were greater in SCM than IF by 23.7, 35.2, and 24.4%, respectively. Water table management did not significantly affect soil N and C. Increased CO2 emissions were witnessed under higher soil OM, soil total C, and total N. Plant N uptake parameters were negatively correlated with N2O and CO2 emissions. Higher plant N uptake can reduce environmental pollution by limiting N2O and CO2 emissions.
Synthetic strategies for 1,4,5/4,5‐substituted azoles: A perspective review
Authors: Kamal Raj , Kumar Ashish , Kumar Ravinder
Published: July 2022

Azole nucleus represents an important class of biologically active compounds that are gaining more attention in the field of medicinal chemistry due to large number of structure diversity. Among azoles, pyrazoles, and isoxazoles five‐membered nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds are associated wide range of biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. Some of azole derivatives (e.g., 1,4,5‐trisubstituted pyrazoles, 4,5‐disubstituted isoxazoles, and 4,5‐disubstituted‐1H‐pyrazoles) are still unexplored in literature, these unexplored azoles have fascinated the consideration of many researchers to study their framework synthetically and biologically. This present review is an attempt to update and understand the chemistry of unexplored pyrazoles and isoxazoles along with their medicinal importance. This article would definitely help the researchers to bring further enhancement in the synthesis of biologically active pyrazoles and isoxazoles.
Interpersonal therapy versus antidepressant medication for treatment of postpartum depression and anxiety among women with HIV in Zambia: a randomized feasibility trial
Authors: Spelke M. Bridget , Paul Ravi , Blette Bryan S. , Meltzer‐Brody Samantha , Schiller Crystal E. , Ncheka J. M. , Kasaro Margaret P. , Price Joan T. , Stringer Jeffrey S. A. , Stringer Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent and debilitating disease that may affect medication adherence and thus maternal health and vertical transmission among women with HIV. We assessed the feasibility of a trial of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) versus antidepressant medication (ADM) to treat PPD and/or anxiety among postpartum women with HIV in Lusaka, Zambia.

Methods

Between 29 October 2019 and 8 September 2020, we pre‐screened women 6–8 weeks after delivery with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and diagnosed PPD or anxiety with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Consenting participants were randomized 1:1 to up to 11 sessions of IPT or daily self‐administered sertraline and followed for 24 weeks. We assessed EPDS score, Clinical Global Impression‐Severity of Illness (CGI‐S) and medication side effects at each visit and measured maternal HIV viral load at baseline and final study visit. Retention, visit adherence, change in EPDS, CGI‐S and log viral load were compared between groups with t‐tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests; we report mean differences, relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. A participant satisfaction survey assessed trial acceptability.

Results

78/80 (98%) participants were retained at the final study visit. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, visit adherence was greater among women allocated to ADM (9.9 visits, SD 2.2) versus IPT (8.9 visits, SD 2.4; p = 0.06). EPDS scores decreased from baseline to final visit overall, though mean change was greater in the IPT group (−13.8 points, SD 4.7) compared to the ADM group (−11.4 points, SD 5.5; p = 0.04). Both groups showed similar changes in mean log viral load from baseline to final study visit (mean difference −0.43, 95% CI −0.32, 1.18; p = 0.48). In the IPT group, viral load decreased significantly from baseline (0.9 log copies/ml, SD 1.7) to final visit (0.2 log copies/ml, SD 0.9; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates that a trial of two forms of PPD treatment is feasible and acceptable among women with HIV in Zambia. IPT and ADM both improved measures of depression severity; however, a full‐scale trial is required to determine whether treatment of PPD and anxiety improves maternal–infant HIV outcomes.
Diagnosis of Marginal Infiltration in Soft Tissue Sarcoma by Radiomics Approach UsingT2‐Weighted Dixon Sequence
Authors: Lee Seungeun , Jung Joon‐Yong , Nam Yoonho , Jung Chan‐Kwon , Lee So‐Yeon , Lee Jooyeon , Shin Seung‐Han , Chung Yang‐Guk
Published: July 2022

Background

Determination of preoperative soft tissue sarcoma (STS) margin is crucial for patient prognosis.

Purpose

To evaluate diagnostic performance of radiomics model using T2‐weighted Dixon sequence for infiltration degree of STS margin.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Seventy‐two STS patients consisted of training (n = 58) and test (n = 14) sets.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T; T2‐weighted Dixon images.

Assessment

Pathologic result of marginal infiltration in STS (circumscribed margin;n = 27, group 1, focally infiltrative margin;n = 31, group 2‐A, diffusely infiltrative margin;n = 14, group 2‐B) was the reference standard. Radiomic volume and shape (VS) and other (T2) features were extracted from entire tumor volume and margin, respectively. Twelve radiomics models were generated using four combinations of classifier algorithms (R, SR, LR, LSR) and three different inputs (VS, T2, VS + T2 [VST2] features) to differentiate the three groups. Three radiologists (reader 1, 2, 3) analyzed the marginal infiltration with 6–scale confidence score.

Statistical Tests

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and concordance rate.

Results

Averaged AUCs of R, SR, LR, LSR models were 0.438, 0.466, 0.438, 0.466 using VS features, 0.596, 0.584, 0.814, 0.815 using T2 features, and 0.581, 0.587, 0.821, 0.821 using VST2 features, respectively. The LR and LSR models constructed with T2 or VST2 features showed higher AUC and concordance rate compared to radiologists' analysis (AUC; 0.730, 0.675, 0.706, concordance rate; 0.46, 0.43, 0.47 in reader 1, 2, 3).

Data Conclusion

Radiomics model constructed with features from tumor margin on T2‐weighted Dixon sequence is a promising method for differentiating infiltration degree of STS margin.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Quantitative Assessment of Regional Pulmonary Transit Times in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Moore Jackson E. , Cerne John W. , Pathrose Ashitha , Veer Manik , Sarnari Roberto , Ragin Ann , Carr James C. , Markl Michael
Published: July 2022

Background

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) contributes to restricted flow through the pulmonary circulation characterized by elevated mean pulmonary artery pressure acquired from invasive right heart catheterization (RHC). MRI may provide a noninvasive alternative for diagnosis and characterization of PH.

Purpose

To characterize PH via quantification of regional pulmonary transit times (rPTT).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 43 patients (58% female); 24 controls (33% female). RHC‐confirmed patients classified as World Health Organization (WHO) subgroups 1–4.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T/time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced MR Angiography (CE‐MRA).

Assessment

CE‐MRA data volumes were combined into a 4D matrix (3D resolution + time). Contrast agent arrival time was defined as the peak in the signal‐intensity curve generated for each voxel. Average arrival times within a vessel region of interest (ROI) were normalized to the main pulmonary artery ROI (t0) for eight regions to define rPTT for all subjects. Subgroup analysis included grouping the four arterial and four venous regions. Intraclass correlation analysis completed for reproducibility.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of covariance with age as covariate. A priori Student's t‐tests or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test; α = 0.05. Results compared to controls unless noted. Significant without listing P value. ICC ran as two‐way absolute agreement model with two observers.

Results

PH patients demonstrated elevated rPTT in all vascular regions; average rPTT increase in arterial and venous branches was 0.85 ± 0.15 seconds (47.7%) and 1.0 ± 0.18 seconds (16.9%), respectively. Arterial rPTT was increased for all WHO subgroups; venous regions were elevated for subgroups 2 and 4 (group 1, P = 0.86; group 3, P = 0.32). No significant rPTT differences were found between subgroups (P = 0.094–0.94). Individual vessel ICC values ranged from 0.58 to 0.97.

Data Conclusion

Noninvasive assessment of PH using standard‐of‐care time‐resolved CE‐MRA can detect increased rPTT in PH patients of varying phenotypes compared to controls.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Changing compound rainfall events in Tasmania
Authors: Earl Nick , Remenyi Tom A. , King Andrew , Love Peter T. , Rollins D. , Harris Rebecca M. B.
Published: July 2022

While extreme weather and climate events have been studied for several decades, analysis of compound events has only begun in recent years. In this burgeoning field there are still many open questions around the optimal methodology and analysis tools for analysis. After consultation with state emergency services in Tasmania, Australia, we examined which compound events have the largest impacts on their organizations. Through this consultation process we found that many of the severe flooding events in the state do not coincide with the highest rainfall days. Flooding on intense rainfall days is well understood, but flooding can also occur on days where the rainfall is not particularly extreme, especially if catchments are already saturated. Using the Australian Gridded Climate Data and six dynamically downscaled, Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5, bias adjusted Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 models we developed a method to quantify such compounding events to examine how they are changing from 1961 to 2100. We optimized a pre‐existing technique to estimate the antecedent conditions in catchments, combined with daily rainfall. We found that during 1961–2017, the number of compound rainfall events has been decreasing in the four Tasmanian catchments we studied, although the trend was statistically significant in only one case. The intensity of compound rainfall events was found to have increased significantly in some areas. Many future projections place Tasmania at the boundary of a drying trend to the west and wetting trend to the east and the position of this boundary varies between models leading to contrasting projected changes for parts of Tasmania. However, there is projected to be a decline in rainfall to 2100 associated with the southward shift in the storm‐track. Compound rainfall events are projected to decline throughout Tasmania, except in the south which will remain stable to 2100. The intensities are projected to increase in the south and decrease in the west, related to the changing thermodynamics and dynamics of rainfall drivers in the region in a warmer climate.
Microbiological quality of enteral formulations handled at home: A systematic review
Authors: Uniat Kelly Cristina , Stangarlin‐Fiori Lize , Krüger Jenifer Faria , Schieferdecker Maria Eliana Madalosso , Rabito Estela Iraci
Published: July 2022

Background

Studies have shown an increase in the number of patients who use enteral nutrition at home and the benefits of this type of nutrition care. However, little is known about the risk of bacterial contamination of enteral formulations prepared at home. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the microbiological quality of home‐prepared enteral formulations.

Methods

This study is a systematic review, registered in PROSPERO. The search for articles was carried out in databases and gray literature. Eligible studies that microbiologically analyzed homemade enteral preparations (HEPs), blended enteral preparations (BEPs), and commercial enteral formulas (CEFs) that were prepared at home were selected. The types and quantities of microorganisms, sources of contamination in the handling area, and the consequences of contamination (signs and symptoms) were the subjects extracted from the studies.

Results

Five studies evaluated 217 enteral formulations. It was found that 72.81% of the enteral formulations exceeded the acceptable bacterial count in the case of at least one of the analyzed microorganisms. This result corresponded to 93.58% (n = 73) of the HEPs, 81.96% (n = 50) of the BEPs, and 44.87% (n = 35) of the CEFs. The presence of 10 different microorganisms was identified in the enteral formulations, and total coliforms and mesophilic aerobics were the microorganisms found in the greatest quantity in the samples.

Conclusion

The three types of home‐prepared enteral formulations showed unsatisfactory microbiological quality, indicating poor hygiene conditions during food handling.
A systematic review on the agreement between clinical practice guidelines regarding the steps of the nutrition care process of adult patients who are critically ill
Authors: Cattani Aline , Teixeira Paula P. , Silva Flávia M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the nutrition management of adult patients who are critically ill present divergences on recommendations regarding the nutrition care process (NCP), which bring difficulties in their application. We aimed to compare the recommendations from these CPGs and present a synthesis of them for each step of the NCP in intensive care unit (ICU) settings.

Methods

Systematic review of CPGs on nutrition care in ICU, searched in six databases up to January 2022. We have extracted data about CPGs, steps of the NCP, and quality of evidence for each recommendation. We compiled the recommendations from each CPG for each step of the NCP and calculated the relative frequency of agreement between them.

Results

Ten CPGs were reviewed, and 9 made recommendations for energy requirement, time to start, and route for nutrition support; however, only 3 presented recommendations on nutrition monitoring. The relative frequency of agreement between the recommendations of the CPGs ranges from 11% to 100%. The highest agreement was for the determination of energy requirements by indirect calorimetry and the provision of high protein for patients who are obese (100%). The lowest agreement among the CPGs was for considering either enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition (PN) as an acceptable route (11%) and when to start PN (16.7%). Most recommendations were based on expert consensus.

Conclusions

There is a wide divergence on the recommendations to NCP of patients who are critically ill. This systematic review summarizes recommendations to evidence‐based practice in ICU settings to facilitate the daily decisions of professionals.
Enriched‐biochar application increases broccoli nutritional and phytochemical content without detrimental effect on yield
Authors: Montoya Daniel , Fernández Juan Antonio , Franco José Antonio , del Carmen Martínez Ballesta María
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Soil fertility is a major concern during vegetable production. Conventional versus organic fertilization has been studied in order to conserve soil properties. While some reports point out an increase in food nutritional properties, the loss of crop yield under organic conditions continues to be a problem. Thus, an experiment with broccoli in the field was carried out, comparing crop management under conventional fertilization (CF) and two soil amendment treatments: manure pellet (M) and an enriched‐biochar (EB) supplemented by an organic fertilizer (AND) applied alone (M + CF; EB+AND) or in combination (M + EB + AND). Crop yield and the nutritional properties in the flowering heads (mineral content, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates (GSLs)), were determined.

RESULTS

Enriched‐biochar and manure as a standalone amendment resulted in higher crop yield regarding CF, but not when they were applied in combination. The number of flowering heads with no‐commercial characteristics was lower after enriched‐biochar soil application. Finally, enriched‐biochar treatment enhanced NO3−, PO43− and SO42− levels in the flowering heads, and some of the ion contents can be associated with mineral changes in the soil after the biochar amendment. Also, the contents of phenolic compounds and indole GSLs were higher after enriched‐biochar application compared with the other treatments, GSL increase being due to the higher percentage of sulfur in the plant rather that an adequate N/S ratio.

CONCLUSION

Application of enriched‐biochar amendment in the cultivation of broccoli is appropriate, since there are no losses of yield and an increase in nutritional compounds in the flowering heads. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis of spirulina loaded chitosan nanoparticles from prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense shell for extending the shelf life of pike‐perch (Sander lucioperca) fillet during refrigerated storage
Authors: Karimzadeh Katayoon , Tahergorabi Reza , Zahmatkesh Asgar
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to synthesize polymeric chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) from Macrobrachium nipponense shells using sodium triphosphate (TPP) as a crosslinker that was incorporated with spirulina extract (SPE) to improve the shelf life of pike‐perch during refrigerated storage (4 °C).

RESULTS

The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of SPE‐loaded CSNPs decreased from 67% to 32%, and loading capacity (LC) was increased (10–14%) depending on their loaded SPE concentrations. The initial burst effect, followed by a slow‐release at pH 7 (24 h), was observed. Free SPE and SPE incorporated CSNPs decreased microbial counts (total viable count, total psychotropic count, pseudomonas, and lactic acid bacteria) compared to control and unloaded CSNPs. Samples treated with free SPE or SPE‐loaded CSNPs showed higher changes in odor, color, TVB‐N (total volatile basic nitrogen), and TBA (thiobarbituric acid) compared with the unloaded CSNPs batch (P ≤ 0.05) until the tenth day of storage. However, fish fillets coated with SPE‐loaded CSNPs had the highest overall consumer acceptability and the lowest values for TVB‐N and TBA at the end of storage (14th day).

Controlled release of bioactive compounds in batches treated with SPE‐CSNPs could delay the microbial degradation and enhance chemical reactions (TBA and TVB‐N) in comparison to pure SPE during storage time.

CONCLUSION

The incorporation of SPE in polymeric CSNPs can be considered as a promising material for controlled delivery of natural bioactive agents, and preservation of Pike perch quality during refrigerator storage. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Merkel cell carcinoma of unknown primary: Clinical presentation and outcomes
Authors: Broida Samuel E. , Chen Xiao T. , Baum Christian L. , Brewer Jerry D. , Block Matthew S. , Jakub James W. , Pockaj Barbara A. , Foote Robert L. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Hieken Tina J. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive cutaneous malignancy that usually occurs in the head/neck or extremities. However, there are reports of MCC developing in the lymph nodes or parotid gland without evidence of a primary cutaneous lesion.

Methods

We reviewed 415 patients with biopsy‐proven MCC. Patients with MCC of unknown primary (n = 37, 9%, MCCUP) made up the study cohort. The primary endpoints of the study were rate of recurrence, disease‐free survival, and overall survival.

Results

Patients with MCCUP presented with tumors in lymph nodes (n = 34) or parotid gland (n = 3). Nodal disease was most commonly detected in the inguinal/external iliac (n = 15) or axillary (n = 14) regions. The mean age at diagnosis was 70 years and 24% were female. Patients presented with distant metastases in 24.3% of cases. Patients with stage IIIA disease treated with regional lymph node dissection (RLND) had a lower risk of disease recurrence (hazard ratio 0.26, p = 0.046). Recurrence‐free survival was 59.3% at 5 years. Disease‐specific survival was 63.3% at 5 years.

Conclusion

Patients with MCCUP have a high risk of recurrence and mortality. The optimal treatment for MCCUP has yet to be elucidated, although therapeutic RLND appears beneficial for these patients.
Verification EVestG recordings are vestibuloacoustic signals
Authors: Blakley Brian , Ashiri Mehrangiz , Moussavi Zahra , Lithgow Brian
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Neural dysfunction is associated with aberrant nerve firing; thus, electrodiagnosis has the potential for objective diagnosis and quantification of neural dysfunction. Electrical stimulation alters nerve firing and may also have treatment potential. This article outlines some findings related to electrodiagnosis and electrical stimulation of the ear. The quasi‐synchronous firing of many vestibuloacoustic nerve fibers can produce an extracellular potential defined as a field potential (FP). Electrovestibulography (EVestG) is a method to record vestibuloacoustic signals and detect the associated FPs. A clear picture of the muscle‐, EEG‐, saccade‐related, or other artefactual origins, and the physiologic basis of FPs recorded with EVestG, is evolving. EVestG was applied to demonstrate the effect of electrical stimulation on spontaneous FPs in the ear canal.

Methods

Bilateral EVestG recordings were conducted on 14 guinea pigs before and after stimulation with 3–0.5 mA ipsilateral anodal electrical pulses before and after ablation via unilateral Scarpa's ganglionectomy to elucidate the origin of the EVestG recorded spontaneous FPs.

Results

Anodal electrical stimulation suppresses the recorded activity. There was a significant reduction of the level of recorded signal observed following anodal stimulation on the ablated but not the intact side.

Conclusion

Electrical stimulation of the external auditory canal reduces spontaneous electrical activity in the ear canal, some of which is due to central nervous system activity. The EVestG recorded FPs have a major vestibuloacoustic component.
Lipid‐Head‐Polymer‐Tail Chimeric Vesicles
Authors: Hu Kan , Cheng Aoyuan , Zhou Dingcheng , Luo Yi , Zhang Guoqing
Published: July 2022

Lipid nanovesicles (LNVs) and polymer nanovesicles (PNVs), also known as liposomes and polymersomes, are becoming increasingly vital in global health. However, the two major classes of nanovesicles both exhibit their own issues that significantly limit potential applications. Here, by covalently attaching a naturally occurring phosphate “lipid head” and a synthetic polylactide “polymer tail” via facile ring‐opening polymerization on a 500 g scale, a type of “chimeric” nanovesicles (CNVs) can be easily produced. Compared to LNVs, the reported CNVs exhibit reduced permeability for small and large molecules; on the other hand, the CNVs are less hydrophobic and exhibit enhanced tolerance toward proteins in buffer solutions without the need for hydrophilic polymeric corona such as poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG), in contrast to conventional PNVs. The proof‐of‐concept in vitro delivery experiments using hydrophilic solutions of fluorescein‐PEG, rhodamine‐PEG, and anti‐cancer drug doxorubicin demonstrate that these CNVs, as a structurally diverse class of nano‐materials, are highly promising as alternative carriers for therapeutic molecules in translational nanomedicine.