bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HPV infections in retinoblastoma: a systematic review
Authors: Soltani Saber , Tabibzadeh Alireza , Yousefi Parastoo , Zandi Milad , Zakeri Armin , Akhavan Rezayat Sara , Ramezani Akam , Esghaei Maryam , Farahani Abbas
Published: August 2021

Background

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children less than 4 years. Retinoblastoma (RB) contains about 3%–5% of all childhood cancers. Recent studies demonstrated that interacting between RB tumor suppressor and oncoproteins of DNA tumor viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV). The objective of the current systematic review study was to present conducted studies in the field of HPV infection and its possible role in retinoblastoma.

Methods

For this systematic review, all relevant original research studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science by using relevant keywords. The study was designed based on the PRISMA criteria. All publications with English literature and original researches are considered for screening.

Results

Conducted search results lead to 4070 studies. The title and abstract screening lead to 11 studies. Data extraction was performed on 8 included studies. The prevalence of the HPV was ranged from 0 to 69%, and HPV genotype 16 and 18 were the most detected types. The most used method for the detection of the viruses was PCR, and the most assessed sample was formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue blocks.

Conclusion

The association between HPV and retinoblastoma is still inconsistent. The prevalence of the HPV in RB was ranged from 0 to 69%, which indicates a wide range and highlights the importance of further investigation for more accurate statistical of HPV prevalence in RB. Thus, further worldwide studies of larger sample sizes of cohorts should be investigated to clarify this uncertainty.
Engineered exosomes for co‐delivery of PGM5‐AS1 and oxaliplatin to reverse drug resistance in colon cancer
Authors: Hui Bingqing , Lu Chen , Wang Jing , Xu Yetao , Yang Yuchen , Ji Hao , Li Xiaofei , Xu Lingyan , Wang Jiawei , Tang Weiwei , Wang Keming , Gu Yanhong
Published: August 2021

Oxaliplatin resistance inevitably occurs in almost all cases of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), and it is important to study the roles of lncRNAs and their specific regulatory mechanisms in oxaliplatin resistance. Exosomes are increasingly designed for drug or functional nucleic acid delivery due to their properties, thereby improving the effectiveness of cancer therapy. The results of this study show that the low expression of PGM5 antisense RNA 1 (PGM5‐AS1) in colon cancer is induced by transcription inhibitor, GFI1B. PGM5‐AS1 prevents proliferation, migration, and acquired oxaliplatin tolerance of colon cancer cells. Exosomes encapsulating oxaliplatin and PGM5‐AS1 can reverse drug resistance. For identifying differentially expressed target genes regarding PGM5‐AS1, RNA transcriptome sequencing was performed. The mechanism by which PGM5‐AS1 regulates its target genes was explored by performing experiments such as fluorescent in situ hybridization assay, dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation. The results show that by recruiting SRSF3, PGM5‐AS1 activates alternate splicing to downregulate PAEP expression. For hsa‐miR‐423‐5p, PGM5‐AS1 can also act as a sponge to upregulate the NME1 expression.
The microbiology of rebuilding soils with water treatment residual co‐amendments: Risks and benefits
Authors: Stone Wendy , Lukashe Noxolo S. , Blake Lynsay I. , Gwandu Tariro , Hardie Ailsa G. , Quinton John , Johnson Karen , Clarke Catherine Elaine
Published: August 2021

Water treatment residual (WTR) is composed of sludges from the potable water treatment process, currently largely destined for landfill. This waste can be diverted to rebuild degraded soils, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Consumption and Production) and 15 (Terrestrial Ecosystems). Biosolids are tested against stringent pathogen guidelines, yet few studies have explored the microbial risk of WTR land application, despite anthropogenic impacts on water treatment. We explored the microbial risks and benefits of amending nutrient‐poor sandy soil with WTRs. Our results showed that the culturable pathogen load of wet and dry WTRs did not warrant pre‐processing before land application, according to South African national quality guidelines, with fecal coliforms not exceeding 104 colony forming units per gram dry weight in wet sludges sampled from four South African and Zimbabwean water treatment plants and decreasing upon drying and processing. There was no culturable pathogenic (fecal coliforms, enterococci, Salmonella, and Shigella) regrowth in soil incubations amended with dry WTR. However, the competition (microbial load and diversity) introduced by a WTR co‐amendment did not limit pathogen survival in soils amended with biosolids. Application of WTR to nutrient‐poor sandy soils for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth improved the prokaryotic and eukaryotic culturable cell concentrations, similar to compost. However, the compost microbiome more significantly affected the bacterial beta diversity of the receiving soil than WTR when analyzed with automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis. Thus, although there was a low pathogen risk for WTR amendment in receiving soils and total soil microbial loads were increased, microbial diversity was more significantly enhanced by compost than WTR.
Rectal indomethacin and diclofenac are equally efficient in preventing pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in average‐risk patients
Authors: Yu Shuang , Shen Xumu , Li Liang , Bi Xiaofei , Chen Ping , Wu Wei
Published: August 2021

Rectal indomethacin and diclofenac are promising drugs for prevention of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP). However, their prophylactic effect on PEP in average‐risk patients remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of rectal indomethacin and diclofenac in average‐risk patients, and to indirectly compare the prophylactic effect of the two drugs. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on rectal indomethacin or diclofenac for prophylaxis against PEP. Fixed‐ and random‐effects models weighted by the Mantel–Haenszel method were used for direct comparisons. The adjusted indirect treatment comparison method was used to indirectly compare the efficacy of indomethacin and diclofenac. A total of 10 RCTs, including 2928 patients, met our inclusion criteria. No significant publication bias was identified. Pooled estimates showed that rectal indomethacin and diclofenac were associated with a significant reduction in the overall risk of PEP compared with control intervention [relative risk (RR) = 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.83] in average‐risk patients. Subgroup analyses showed that both rectal indomethacin (RR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.94) and diclofenac (RR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23–0.75) were effective in the prevention of PEP. Indirect comparison showed no significant difference between the effectiveness of the two drugs in the prevention of PEP (RR = 1.607; 95% CI: 0.824–3.136). The updated meta‐analysis suggests that both drugs provide equivalent protection against PEP in average‐risk patients.
Post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome (PCS) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL)—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Malik Preeti , Patel Karan , Pinto Candida , Jaiswal Richa , Tirupathi Raghavendra , Pillai Shreejith , Patel Urvish
Published: August 2021

There is an established literature on the symptoms and complications of COVID‐19 but the after‐effects of COVID‐19 are not well understood with few studies reporting persistent symptoms and quality of life. We aim to evaluate the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life in post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome (PCS) and conducted meta‐regression to evaluate the effects of persistent symptoms and intensive care unit (ICU) admission on the poor quality of life. We extracted data from observational studies describing persistent symptoms and quality of life in post‐COVID‐19 patients from March 10, 2020, to March 10, 2021, following PRISMA guidelines with a consensus of two independent reviewers. We calculated the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) and created forest plots using random‐effects models. A total of 12 studies with 4828 PCS patients were included. We found that amongst PCS patients, the pooled prevalence of poor quality of life (EQ‐VAS) was (59%; 95% CI: 42%–75%). Based on individual factors in the EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaire, the prevalence of mobility was (36, 10–67), personal care (8, 1–21), usual quality (28, 2–65), pain/discomfort (42, 28–55), and anxiety/depression (38, 19–58). The prevalence of persistent symptoms was fatigue (64, 54–73), dyspnea (39.5, 20–60), anosmia (20, 15–24), arthralgia (24.3, 14–36), headache (21, 3–47), sleep disturbances (47, 7–89), and mental health (14.5, 4–29). Meta‐regression analysis showed the poor quality of life was significantly higher among post‐COVID‐19 patients with ICU admission (p = 0.004) and fatigue (p = 0.0015). Our study concludes that PCS is associated with poor quality of life, persistent symptoms including fatigue, dyspnea, anosmia, sleep disturbances, and worse mental health. This suggests that we need more research on PCS patients to understand the risk factors causing it and eventually leading to poor quality of life.
Comparative study of feature extraction and classification based on dispersion Lempel‐Ziv complexity
Authors: Jiao Shangbin , Geng Bo , Li Yuxing , Zhang Qing , Wang Qing , Li Yujun , Wang Wenqing
Published: August 2021

As an important complexity feature of signal, Lempel‐Ziv complexity (LZC) has the advantage of simple‐to‐calculate, but it ignores amplitude information, and has low sensitivity at low amplitude. Dispersion Lempel‐Ziv complexity (DLZC) is a recently proposed nonlinear dynamic method, it has the advantage of immunity to noise even at relatively large proportion of noise and has been used to describe different pathological states. In view of its good performance in the field of biomedicine, we introduce DLZC into the field of underwater acoustic and fault diagnosis, and propose a feature extraction method for ship and gear fault signals based on DLZC, then an intelligent classification method was proposed by combining DLZC with K‐Nearest Neighbor (KNN) to further verify the effectiveness of the proposed feature extraction method, termed DLZC‐KNN. We conducted comparative experiments on feature extraction and classification, respectively: for the feature extraction comparison experiment, we compared the proposed feature extraction method with other feature extraction methods, which are based on Lempel‐Ziv complexity (LZC), permutation entropy (PE), dispersion entropy (DE), and fluctuation‐based dispersion entropy (FDE); for the classification comparison experiment, we compare the impact of different features and different classifiers on the recognition rate and also discussed the influence of different parameters on the experiment. The results show that DLZC has a better representation of signal complexity, and the DLZC‐KNN classification method gets a higher recognition rate than other comparative methods both in the field of fault diagnosis and underwater acoustic.
Production of multienzyme by Bacillus aestuarii UE25 using ionic liquid pretreated sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Zafar Hani , Rehman Iqra , Ejaz Uroosa , Ansari Asma , Sohail Muhammad
Published: August 2021

The utilization of sugarcane bagasse (SB) in fermentation requires pretreatment processes to render fermentable components available to microorganisms. Pretreatment by using ionic liquids (ILs) is considered promising but the high cost is an impediment in its adoption, therefore, a mixture of IL pretreated and untreated SB was utilized to obtain bacterial multienzyme under solid‐state fermentation (SSF). Bacillus aestuarii UE25, a thermophilic strain was utilized for that purpose. Fermentation conditions were optimized by adopting a central composite design. The model showed a good correlation between the predicted and the experimental values for amylase, xylanase, endoglucanase, and β‐glucosidase. Volumetric and specific productivity of xylanase (4580 IU ml−1 h−1, 244.25 IU mg−1 substrate, and 50 IU mg−1 protein) were higher than the other enzymes. Changes in lignin content and reduced cellulose crystallinity due to IL pretreatment, followed by fermentation, were visualized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Nuclear magnetic resonance. The strategy adopted by utilizing a mixture of IL pretreated and untreated SB under SSF proved promising to obtain high titers of different enzymes simultaneously. Since the bacterial strain used is thermophilic, therefore, the multienzyme can find its application in commercial processes which are carried out at high temperatures.
Effect of intermittent or continuous feeding and amino acid concentration on urea‐to‐creatinine ratio in critical illness
Authors: Flower Luke , Haines Ryan W. , McNelly Angela , Bear Danielle E. , Koelfat Kiran , Damink Steven Olde , Hart Nicholas , Montgomery Hugh , Prowle John R. , Puthucheary Zudin
Published: August 2021

Background

We sought to determine whether peaks in essential amino acid (EAA) concentration associated with intermittent feeding may provide anabolic advantages when compared with continuous feeding regimens in critical care.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a multicenter trial of UK intensive care patients randomly assigned to intermittent or continuous feeding. A linear mixed‐effects model was developed to assess differences in urea‐creatinine ratio (raised values of which can be a marker of muscle wasting) between arms. To investigate metabolic phenotypes, we performed k‐means urea‐to‐creatinine ratio trajectory clustering. Amino acid concentrations were also modeled against urea‐to‐creatinine ratio from day 1 to day 7. The main outcome measure was serum urea‐to‐creatinine ratio (millimole per millimole) from day 0 to the end of the 10‐day study period.

Results

Urea‐to‐creatinine ratio trajectory differed between feeding regimens (coefficient −.245; P = .002). Patients receiving intermittent feeding demonstrated a flatter urea‐to‐creatinine ratio trajectory. With k‐means analysis, the cluster with the largest proportion of continuously fed patients demonstrated the steepest rise in urea‐to‐creatinine ratio. Neither protein intake per se nor serum concentrations of EAA concentrations were correlated with urea‐to‐creatinine ratio (coefficient = .088 [P = .506] and coefficient <.001 [P = .122], respectively).

Conclusion

Intermittent feeding can mitigate the rise in urea‐to‐creatinine ratio otherwise seen in those continuously fed, suggesting that catabolism may have been, to some degree, prevented.
Neanderthal palaeoecology in the late Middle Palaeolithic of western Iberia: a stable isotope analysis of ungulate teeth from Lapa do Picareiro (Portugal)
Authors: Carvalho Milena , Jones Emily Lena , Ellis M. Grace , Cascalheira João , Bicho Nuno , Meiggs David , Benedetti Michael , Friedl Lukas , Haws Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Adaptation to Late Pleistocene climate change is an oft‐cited potential contributor to Neanderthal disappearance in Eurasia. Accordingly, research on Neanderthal behaviour – including subsistence strategies, mobility, lithic technology, raw material procurement and demography – often focuses on linking changes observable in the archaeological record to specific phases of climate and environmental change. However, these correspondences are often tenuous because palaeoclimatic and archaeological records are rarely available on the same scale. In Iberia, a critical location for understanding the demise of Neanderthals, some research indicates that Neanderthal populations were unable to recover from environmental degradations known as Heinrich Events, while other studies suggest that enclaves of Neanderthal populations survived for several millennia longer in refugial zones. Here, we present a palaeoenvironmental reconstruction study using analysis of δ13C and δ18O of herbivore tooth enamel recovered from two Mousterian deposits at Lapa do Picareiro, a site located in Portuguese Estremadura. We then use these data, combined with other site‐based palaeoenvironmental indicators, to assess whether central Portugal acted as a refugium during periods of unfavourable climate, and to test whether Neanderthals in Portuguese Estremadura reorganised their mobility strategies after severe climate episodes.
Beyond vegetables: effects of indoor LED light on specialized metabolite biosynthesis in medicinal and aromatic plants, edible flowers, and microgreens
Authors: Appolloni Elisa , Pennisi Giuseppina , Zauli Ilaria , Carotti Laura , Paucek Ivan , Quaini Stefania , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: August 2021

Specialized metabolites from plants are important for human health due to their antioxidant properties. Light is one of the main factors modulating the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites, determining the cascade response activated by photoreceptors and the consequent modulation of expressed genes and biosynthetic pathways. Recent developments in light emitting diode (LED) technology have enabled improvements in artificial light applications for horticulture. In particular, the possibility to select specific spectral light compositions, intensities and photoperiods has been associated with altered metabolite content in a variety of crops. This review aims to analyze the effects of indoor LED lighting recipes and management on the specialized metabolite content in different groups of crop plants (namely medicinal and aromatic plants, microgreens and edible flowers), focusing on the literature from the last 5 years. The literature collection produced a total of 40 papers, which were analyzed according to the effects of artificial LED lighting on the content of anthocyanins, carotenoids, phenols, tocopherols, glycosides, and terpenes, and ranked on a scale of 1 to 3. Most studies applied a combination of red and blue light (22%) or monochromatic blue (23%), with a 16 h day−1 photoperiod (78%) and an intensity greater than 200 μmol m−2 s−1 (77%). These treatment features were often the most efficient in enhancing specialized metabolite content, although large variations in performance were observed, according to the species considered and the compound analyzed. The review aims to provide valuable indications for the definition of the most promising spectral components toward the achievement of nutrient‐rich indoor‐grown products. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Decoding Electrophysiological Signals with Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Zhong Yizhou , Saleh Abdulelah , Inal Sahika
Published: August 2021

The organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) has unique characteristics that distinguish it from other transistors and make it a promising electronic transducer of biological events. High transconductance, flexibility, and biocompatibility render OECTs ideal for detecting electrophysiological signals. Device properties such as transconductance, response time, and noise level should, however, be optimized to adapt to the needs of various application environments including in vitro cell culture, human skin, and inside of a living system. This review includes an overview of the origin of electrophysiological signals, the working principles of OECTs, and methods for performance optimization. While covering recent research examples of the use of OECTs in electrophysiology, a perspective is provided for next‐generation bioelectric sensors and amplifiers for electrophysiology applications.
Estimates for the discrete fundamental solution of the discrete Laplace operator on a rectangular lattice
Authors: Legatiuk Anastasiia , Gürlebeck Klaus , Hommel Angela
Published: August 2021

This paper presents numerical analysis of the discrete fundamental solution of the discrete Laplace operator on a rectangular lattice. Additionally, to provide estimates in interior and exterior domains, two different regularisations of the discrete fundamental solution are considered. Estimates for the absolute difference and lp‐estimates are constructed for both regularisations. Thus, this work extends the classical results in the discrete potential theory to the case of a rectangular lattice and serves as a basis for future convergence analysis of the method of discrete potentials on rectangular lattices.
Structure elucidation of a new lanostane triterpene from Gabonese Ganoderma orbiforme fruiting bodies
Authors: Orango‐Bourdette Juliette Ornely , Beniddir Mehdi A. , Otogo N'Nang Elvis , Gallard Jean‐François , Ondo Joseph Privat , Sima Obiang Cédric , Rharrabti Somia , Miel Corto , Denis Stéphanie , Obame Engonga Louis Clément , Le Pogam Pierre
Published: August 2021

The structure and complete nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assignments of orbifomitellic acid, a novel lanostane triterpene isolated from the fruiting bodies of a Gabonese Ganoderma orbiforme (Polyporaceae), are reported. Within the vast catalogue of lanostanes documented from Ganoderma spp., orbifomitellic acid is the first disclosing a –COOH group at C‐4.
Free‐breathing MR elastography of the lungs: An in vivo study
Authors: Fakhouri Faisal , Kannengiesser Stephan , Pfeuffer Josef , Gokun Yevgeniya , Kolipaka Arunark
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Lung stiffness alters with many diseases; therefore, several MR elastography (MRE) studies were performed earlier to investigate the stiffness of the right lung during breathhold at residual volume and total lung capacity. The aims of this study were 1) to estimate shear stiffness of the lungs using MRE under free breathing and demonstrate the measurements’ repeatability and reproducibility, and 2) to compare lung stiffness under free breathing to breathhold and as a function of age and gender.

Methods

Twenty‐five healthy volunteers were scanned on a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner. Spin‐echo dual‐density spiral and a spin‐echo EPI MRE sequences were used to measure shear stiffness of the lungs during free breathing and breathhold at midpoint of tidal volume, respectively. Concordance correlation coefficient and Bland‐Altman analyses were performed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the spin‐echo dual‐density spiral–derived shear stiffness. Repeated measures analyses of variances were used to investigate differences in shear stiffness between spin‐echo dual‐density spiral and spin‐echo EPI, right and left lungs, males and females, and different age groups.

Results

Free‐breathing MRE sequence was highly repeatable and reproducible (concordance correlation coefficient > 0.86 for both lungs). Lung stiffness was significantly lower in breathhold than in free breathing (P < .001), which can be attributed to potential stress relaxation of lung parenchyma or breathhold inconsistencies. However, there was no significant difference between different age groups (P = .08). The left lung showed slightly higher stiffness values than the right lung (P = .14). There is no significant difference in lung stiffness between genders.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the feasibility of free‐breathing lung MRE with excellent repeatability and reproducibility. Stiffness changes with age and during the respiratory cycle. However, gender does not influence lungs stiffness.
Using codesign to develop a mobile application for pelvic floor muscle training with an intravaginal device (femfit®)
Authors: Pedofsky Laura , Nielsen Poul M. F. , Budgett David , Nemec Kathryn , Dumoulin Chantal , Kruger Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Aims

The aim of this project was to use codesign to develop a mobile application (app) for pelvic floor muscle training, with an intravaginal device (femfit®). The objective was to obtain user feedback to guide the design and development of a mobile app, consistent with the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) framework.

Methods

Twenty‐six women (22–62 years) provided mobile app feedback using a Design Thinking framework and grounded theory approach. Four focus groups (2 h each) and two sets of one‐to‐one interviews (1 h each) were held from May 2018 to October 2019. The researchers debriefed the focus groups and interviews, and undertook analysis based on project objectives and key questions.

Results

Recurring themes throughout the study aligned with sections of the MARS: (A) engagement (e.g., progress tracking), (B) functionality (e.g., intuitive interface), (C) aesthetics (e.g., smart graphics and colors), (D) information (e.g., clear, concise information). An internal preliminary assessment determined a MARS Quality Mean Score of 4.1 of 5 (engagement: 3.6 of 5; functionality: 4 of 5; aesthetics: 4.3 of 5: information: 4.4 of 5).

Conclusions

The development of the mobile app is on track to meet MARS requirements, and to be a fun, motivating app for women. Future work is required to investigate its efficacy.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on the serum endotoxin level, inflammatory status, and clinical outcomes of adult patients with critical illness: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Seifi Najmeh , Sedaghat Alireza , Nematy Mohsen , Khadem‐Rezaiyan Majid , Shirazinezhad Reza , Ranjbar Golnaz , Safarian Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Background

 Gutmicrobiota dysbiosis, endotoxemia, and systemic inflammation are major factors contributing to disease pathophysiology in patients with critical illness. The present study aimed to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on serum endotoxin and inflammationof adult patients with critical illness.

Methods

 This double‐anonymized, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran. In the intervention group, 20 patients received synbiotic capsules (containing a combination of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and fructooligosaccharides) twice per day for a maximum of 14 days. In the control group, 18 patients received placebo capsules. The serum levels of endotoxin and C‐reactive protein and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were measured before and after the intervention. In addition, clinical outcomes and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were recorded.

Results

 Basic characteristics were similar in the intervention and control groups. The NLR and serum endotoxin levels (median [IQR]) significantly declined in the synbiotic group (7.83 [4.58–12.57] to 6.01 [4.25–9.38]; P = .04; and 11.98 [10.64–12.65] to 10.58 [9.41–12.34]; P = .03, respectively). However, no significant changes were observed in the mentioned parameters in the placebo group. The clinical outcomes were also similar in the study groups, such as the length of hospital/ICU stay and hospital/28‐day mortality rate.

Conclusion

 Although synbiotic supplementation (500 mg twice daily for 14 days) could reduce serum endotoxin and inflammatory markers, it had no effects on the clinical outcomes of the patients.
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia: A rare but lethal complication of enteral nutrition in critically ill patients
Authors: Ruiz Nicole C. , Kamel Amir Y. , Shoulders Bethany R. , Rosenthal Martin D. , Murray‐Casanova Irina M. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Moore Frederick A.
Published: August 2021

Background

The American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)/ Society of Critical Care Medicine and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guidelines recognize that critically ill patients receiving stable, low doses of vasopressors have experienced the advantages of early initiation of enteral nutrition (EN). However, clinical questions remained unanswered including vasopressor combinations associated with complications, the advent of other therapies during hypotensive states, as well as the volume and content of EN that might contribute to the development of a nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI).

Presentation

A 68‐year old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease with two‐vessel bypass grafting, and peripheral vascular disease underwent subtotal excision of an infected right axillofemoral‐femoral bypass graft. Postoperatively, EN was held because of hemodynamic instability and postsurgical complications. A fiber‐free, high‐protein, and low‐residue formula was started at 10 ml/h while the patient was receiving stable doses of midodrine, norepinephrine, and vasopressin. Despite advancement of tube‐feed rates to goal, nasogastric output never exceeded 300 ml. Computerized tomography of the abdomen showed diffuse bowel distention with pneumatosis, concerning for bowel ischemia. No surgical interventions were pursued, and the patient died.

Conclusions

Our patient developed NOMI postoperatively while receiving EN. Further studies addressing EN route, trophic vs full EN, recommended formula, the safety of vasoactive agents, the addition of fiber to EN, and continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration in relation to NOMI are needed, as there continues to be clinical controversy regarding these topics.
Nutrition strategies for pressure injury management: Implementing the 2019 International Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Munoz Nancy , Posthauer Mary Ellen
Published: August 2021

Nutrition is an important component in the prevention and treatment of pressure injuries (PIs). The skin is the largest organ of the body, and macronutrients and micronutrients in specific amounts are required to maintain and repair body tissues. The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel, and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: 2019 Clinical Practice Guideline includes nutrition recommendations for PI management. This manuscript identifies the key nutrients required for wound healing, reviews the evidence in the 2019 nutrition recommendations, and translates the recommendations provided into key points to be incorporated into policy and practice that impact patient outcomes.
Autocracy, democracy, globalization, and environmental pollution in developing world: Fresh evidence fromSTIRPATmodel
Authors: Jahanger Atif , Usman Muhammad , Balsalobre‐Lorente Daniel
Published: August 2021

The global economies continue to observe a consistent increase in carbon emissions, making it problematic to achieve the Paris agreement goals on the environmental variations. To notify strategies, and mitigate carbon emissions, it is important to recognize the issues that affect on it. Considring this view, this study explores the impact of autocracy, democracy, and the globalization process on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for 74 developing countries during the period from 1990 to 2016 by using the stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) model framework. The results based on a robust system generalized method of moments (SYS‐GMM) indicate that autocracy, political globalization, economic growth, financial development, energy consumption, and gross fixed capital formation significantly enhance environmental degradation, while democracy, economic, social, and overall globalization significantly reduce it. Additionally, the results are robust to various robustness checks, which confirm the consistency of the findings. This study also offers various useful policy implications to the governments; regulatory authority and policymakers in general, and specifically analyzed developing countries for promoting environmental sustainability.
The selection of polyethersulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone films for industrial application using the multiple‐criteria decision‐making approach
Authors: Nikouei Mohammad Ali , Mosaffa Elias , Amiri Maghsoud
Published: August 2021

The polyethersulfone (PES)‐based composite polymers have been extensively studied for many years as the core of various scientific activities, such as fuel cell production, water treatment, reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and gas separation, which represent a significant field of research for several applications. In the present study, PES and polyvinylpyrrolidone‐coated magnetic core–shell nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized. Following this, a range of these NPs and PES blend polymers are prepared. Then, analyzing methods are used for identification and characterization of a variety of these samples. Since some properties of the samples have been improved, and others are attenuated, the best composition could not be selected from the samples without a logical process. To do so, a multiple‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) technique that considers all the desired parameters is utilized. A MCDM algorithm is applied to create a ranking of alternative properties from the best to the worst, alongside mathematical calculations which accounts for the relative importance of the criteria. Results have shown that PES film with 15% of polymer‐coated NPs presents the best performance based on the desired properties.
Incidence of childhood hearing loss after in utero exposure to platinum agents
Authors: Finch Lauren E. , Cardonick Elyce H.
Published: August 2021

Objective

When treated for childhood cancers, at least 50% of children exposed to platinum agents have permanent hearing loss. We determined the relative risk of childhood hearing loss after in utero exposure to platinum chemotherapy in our registry cohort.

Method

After exposure to platinum chemotherapy in utero, all children undergo routine newborn hearing screening. This consists of Otoacoustic Emissions. Children who failed this screen were evaluated by audiologists. For those children with hearing loss by Automated Auditory Brainstem Response, prenatal and postnatal treatment details were compared to platinum exposed children without hearing loss.

Results

Three hundred and seven children were exposed to chemotherapy in utero. Four children were diagnosed with hearing loss, all exposed to platinum agents. Chemotherapy exposures included: Cisplatin/Paclitaxel (2), Etoposide/Cisplatin/Bleomycin (1), Carboplatin/Paclitaxel (1) to treat ovarian (2), or cervical cancer (2). Of the 39 platinum exposed without hearing loss: 11 children were exposed to oxaliplatin, 16 were exposed to cisplatin and 12 to carboplatin in utero. Two hundred and sixty four women received non‐platinum based chemotherapy for various cancers during pregnancy. Among these, there were no cases of hearing loss. There was a significant difference in hearing loss based on exposure to platinum agents in utero compared to non‐platinum‐containing chemotherapy regimens, 4/43 versus 0/264, p = 0.0003. There were no statistical differences in prenatal and postnatal treatment details, including: gestational age at diagnosis, at first chemotherapy treatment, at first platinum treatment, at delivery (<32 weeks, <35 weeks, <37 weeks), gender, birthweight, birthweight percentile, rates of intrauterine growth restriction, neonatal complications or use of postnatal antibiotics between the platinum exposed children with and without hearing loss.

Conclusion

The only children in the registry exposed to chemotherapy who were diagnosed with hearing loss had been exposed to cisplatin or carboplatin in utero. No hearing loss occurred in children exposed to oxaliplatin, or non‐platinum agents. Due to a concern for cisplatin ototoxicity, carboplatin is the preferred platinum agent for use in pregnancy when equivalent maternal survival can be expected for the particular cancer type. For newborns exposed to platinum agents in utero, newborn screening with an auditory emissions test at birth (OES) may not detect sensorineural hearing loss and auditory brainstem response testing is recommended, regardless of the newborn screening result.
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the human gingival crevicular fluid proteome and metaproteome
Authors: Xiao Xiaoping , Song Tingting , Xiao Xiaolian , Liu Yaoran , Sun Haidan , Guo Zhengguang , Liu Xiaoyan , Shao Chen , Li Qian , Sun Wei
Published: August 2021

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) is an integral part of oral fluid that plays a special role in maintaining the structure of junctional epithelium and defending against bacterial infection. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the composition of the human GCF proteome and metaproteome simultaneously to obtain multidimensional information about GCF. A total of 3680 human proteins (2540 with at least two unique peptides) were identified in the normal GCF sample, and their functions were mainly associated with immune function and inflammation. Among these proteins, 1874 proteins could be quantified by the iBAQ algorithm, and their abundances spanned a dynamic range of six orders of magnitude. For the GCF metaproteome, a total of 3082 proteins and 69 genera were found. In addition, 16 genera were not identified by GCF metagenomic analysis. Compared to the saliva metaproteome, 32 genera were found to be in common. The protein quantitative analysis showed that the abundance of GCF metaproteome contributed to approximately 4.17% of the total GCF proteome. The top three most abundant genera were Fusobacterium, Corynebacterium, and Leptotrichia. The above data will be useful for future research on GCF‐related diseases.
Time‐Resolved Spectroscopy of 4S3/2 Energy State in Er3+‐Doped Fluoroaluminate Glass in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Klinkov Victor A. , Semencha Alexzander V.
Published: August 2021

The development and characterization of some optical properties of erbium Er3+‐doped 98(MgF2–CaF2–SrF2–BaF2–YF3–AlF3)–2(Ba(PO3)2) glass are reported. Luminescence peaks with maxima at 522, 545, 665, and 852 nm are observed upon excitation at a wavelength of 487 nm. The nature of the radiation transitions is explained on the basis of the energy diagram of erbium ions. For the most intense transition 4
S
3/2→4
I
15/2, the lifetime dependence of the 4
S
3/2 state is determined in the temperature range of 90–503 K. The experimental dependence is analyzed using the Riseberg–Moos multiphonon relaxation model. It is shown that the main reason for the decrease in the lifetime is temperature quenching of luminescence caused by a decrease in the effective energy gap ΔE (2
H
11/2–4
S
3/2). The temperature range of applicability of the theoretical Reisberg–Moose model for the 4
S
3/2 →4
I
15/2 transition is determined.
Robotic rectal resection preserves anorectal function: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Grass Julia K. , Chen Chien‐Chih , Melling Nathaniel , Lingala Bharathi , Kemper Marius , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Persiani Roberto , Tirelli Flavio , Caricato Marco , Capolupo Gabriella T. , Izbicki Jakob R. , Perez Daniel R.
Published: August 2021

Background

Improving survival rates in rectal cancer patients has generated a growing interest in functional outcomes after total mesorectal excision (TME). The well‐established low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score assesses postoperative anorectal impairment after TME. Our meta‐analysis is the first to compare bowel function after open, laparoscopic, transanal, and robotic TME.

Methods

All studies reporting functional outcomes after rectal cancer surgery (LARS score) were included, and were compared with a consecutive series of robotic TME (n = 48).

Results

Thirty‐two publications were identified, including 5 565 patients. Anorectal function recovered significantly better within one year after robotic TME (3.8 [95%CI –9.709–17.309]) versus laparoscopic TME (26.4 [95%CI 19.524–33.286]), p = 0.006), open TME (26.0 [95%CI 24.338–29.702], p = 0.002) and transanal TME (27.9 [95%CI 22.127–33.669], p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Robotic TME enables better recovery of anorectal function compared to other techniques. Further prospective, high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the benefits of robotic surgery.
The nature of our mistakes, from promise to practice: Water stewardship for sustainable hydropower in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: O'Brien Gordon C. , Mor Christoph , Buhl‐Nielsen Eric , Dickens Christopher W.S. , Olivier Anton‐Louis , Cullis James , Shrestha Padmendra , Pitts Hannah , Baleta Hannah , Rea Daniel
Published: August 2021

The role of hydropower in the renewable energy mix for Africa's green development is widely recognised and underpinned by respective government and development partner funded initiatives. However, the growing demand for energy must be balanced with considerations for resource protection and benefit sharing of water resource developments with vulnerable human communities. An international conference on water stewardship for sustainable hydropower brought together key stakeholders in Nairobi, Kenya. This paper aims to synthesise the key messages of experts who attended the conference, presents the emerging body of good practice policies, plans and action in developing sustainable hydropower in Sub‐Saharan Africa, and provides recommendations for the way forward. Outcomes of the conference include considerations, planning for sustainable resource development, resource protection considerations, sharing of resource development benefits, and putting the promise into practice. This discussion describes the nature of our planning and management mistakes in the past, presents good practice options and how to implement sustainable hydropower in the future.
Toward natural approaches in restoration: Experiments of co‐evolving physical and biological structures in a self‐organizing step‐pool channel
Authors: Chin Anne , O'Dowd Alison P. , Mendez Patina , Velasco Katrina , Florsheim Joan L. , Laurencio Laura R. , Leventhal Roger D.
Published: August 2021

Although the science and practice of river restoration has progressed in recent years toward more natural approaches, few example projects of headwater step‐pool channels exist in the literature. This study examined a restoration design in the headwaters of Wildcat Creek (Berkeley, California, USA) that allowed the creek to form its own stable morphology, instead of utilizing an engineered form. The creation of an experimental reach—where natural flows redistributed randomly placed clasts into step‐pool sequences after construction of an initial plane‐bed channel—afforded opportunity to test hypotheses regarding a co‐evolution of self‐organizing geomorphic and ecological responses over time. During three seasons following the initial restoration, we documented how the streambed self‐organized into step‐pool sequences by constructing plan maps and surveying changes in channel morphology. Concurrently, we sampled benthic macroinvertebrates in step, pool, and intermediate run habitats in the experimental reach and in an upstream reference reach. Results showed how natural flows created a characteristic step‐pool pattern quickly following the second post‐construction storm season. Taxonomic and functional metrics revealed that benthic macroinvertebrate communities assembled at a similarly rapid pace, becoming more distinct and diverse among habitat types as the step‐pool morphology developed. Multivariate ordination revealed that the benthic macroinvertebrate community in the experimental reach became more similar to that in the reference reach over time. Findings suggest a rapid morphologic and ecological co‐organization in the development of a complex stable step‐pool channel, giving promise for natural approaches in future restoration designs of “letting the river do the work,” to the extent afforded by local socioeconomic factors.
Multimodules integrated functional DNA nanomaterials for intelligent drug delivery
Authors: Guo Yunhua , Tang Jianpu , Yao Chi , Yang Dayong
Published: August 2021

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been an emerging building block to construct functional biomaterials. Due to their programmable sequences and rich responsiveness, DNA has attracted rising attention in the construction of intelligent nanomaterials with predicable nanostructure and adjustable functions, which has shown great potential in drug delivery. On the one hand, the DNA sequences with molecule recognition, responsiveness, and therapeutic efficacy can be easily integrated to the framework of DNA nanomaterials by sequence designing; on the other hand, the rich chemical groups on DNA molecules provide binding points for other functional units. In this review, we divided the functionalization modules in the construction of DNA nanomaterials into three types, including targeting modules, responsive modules, and therapeutic modules. Based on these modules, five DNA kinds of representative nanomaterials applied in drug delivery were introduced, including DNA nanogel, DNA origami, DNA framework, DNA nanoflower, and DNA hybrid nanosphere. Finally, we discussed the challenges in the transition of DNA materials to clinical applications. We expect that this review can help readers to obtain a deeper understanding of DNA materials, and further promote the development of these intelligent materials to real world's application.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
A Theoretical Framework: A Human Rights Reading of SOGI Asylum Based on Feminist and Queer Studies
Authors: Danisi Carmelo , Dustin Moira , Ferreira Nuno , Held Nina
Published: August 2021

Since SOGI considerations have started to inform the interpretation and the implementation of the Refugee Convention (Chap.1), a broad range of scholars from different disciplines have explored how questions of sexual orientation and gender identity can be effectively addressed within international, supranational and domestic asylum systems. The debate around aspects of RSD and beyond generated by this theoretical exchange within the same discipline and between different research areas has contributed to the (ongoing) normative movement towards a more inclusive Refugee Convention framework. In an attempt to nurture this continuous debate, we outline the theoretical and analytical frameworks that shape the subsequent analysis. We take advantage of the authors’ diverse experience in different academic fields to apply an interdisciplinary approach, addressing our subject from various perspectives. We start from the recognition that a detailed understanding and application of the Refugee Convention is vital as the floor for addressing SOGI asylum claims, but not in itself sufficient to ensure that these are fairly treated. Section 3.2 therefore looks to human rights to show how interweaving human rights frameworks with refugee law heightens understanding in this field of asylum. To this end, the main body of this chapter develops an approach that addresses the failings from a SOGI asylum perspective of international human rights law (IHRL) and international refugee law (IRL) individually. However, we then argue that, without explicitly recognising the gendered and sexualised nature of SOGI asylum, IHRL is only part of the solution. In Sects. 3.3 and 3.4 below, we claim that feminist and queer theories, and particular threads of debate within these broad disciplines, can help to understand the experiences of SOGI minorities fleeing persecution and, importantly, to explain why, despite improvements to the law and guidance that recognise the right to protection on this basis, there has been insufficient progress on the ground. In this way, combining a human rights-based approach that is largely legal with political and sociological contributions from feminism and queer theories facilitates a more holistic analysis.