bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuina for perimenopausal insomnia
Authors: Zhi Xiaoyu , Zhang Hongshi , Liu Yangshengjie , Zhang Ye , Sun Jiabao , Zhao Xuewei , Yang Yuesong , Liu Peng
Published: January 2022

Background:

Insomnia in perimenopausal women has a negative impact on quality of life and increases health care costs. With the increasing incidence of the disease, Tuina has been accepted by perimenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of Tuina for perimenopausal insomnia.

Methods:

We will search 9 electronic databases: Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, Wan fang, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and 1 clinical trials register platform: WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. All relevant randomized controlled trial using Tuina for perimenopausal insomnia will be included. Two reviewers will independently screen date, and meta-analysis will be performed with RevMan (V5.3.5) software.

Results:

This study will provide an evidence of Tuina for perimenopausal insomnia.

Conclusion:

This study will provide a reliable evidence for the evaluation of the efficacy and side effects of Tuina in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42021259017.

Ethics and dissemination:

This systematics review will evaluate the efficacy and safety of tuina in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia. Since all the data included were published, the systematic review did not require ethical approval.
Sinomenine hydrochloride injection for knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Huang Zeling , Mao Xiao , Chen Junming , He Junjun , Shi Shanni , Gui Miao , Gao Hongjian , Hong Zhenqiang
Published: January 2022

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative disease in the knee joint, with chronic joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and dysfunction as the primary manifestations. Sinomenine hydrochloride injection is a proprietary Chinese medicine injection of sinomenine, the main active component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Clinical studies show that Sinomenine hydrochloride injection has a good effect on the treatment of KOA. At present, there is still a lack of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sinomenine hydrochloride injection in the treatment of KOA. Our purpose is to supplement this deficiency.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials of sinomenine hydrochloride injection in the treatment of KOA were searched for Eight electronic resource databases. We will use Review Manager 5.3 software for heterogeneity assessment, meta-analysis, and subgroup analysis. We will use the Cochrane Manual to assess the quality of the included studies, and use reporting biases assessment and sensitivity analysis to evaluate the reliability and stability of the results.

Results:

This study will provide a high-quality synthesis to assess the efficacy and safety of sinomenine hydrochloride injection in the treatment of KOA.

Conclusion:

This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of sinomenine hydrochloride injection in the treatment of KOA.

INPLASY registration number:

INPLASY2021110057.
Effectiveness and safety of auricular therapy for post-stroke depression
Authors: Tang Mingzhi , Feng Sisi , Zhou Yihao , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Yu , Feng Dan , Qin Yong , Chen Yang , Hu Yanan , Liu Haijing
Published: January 2022

Background:

Post-stroke depression is a common and serious complication after stroke. Its main clinical manifestations are depression or instability, loss of interest, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, pessimism, and unworthiness, and even suicidal tendencies. Auricular therapy (AT), as part of traditional Chinese acupuncture, has achieved good results in the treatment of depression, but different clinical studies have shown mixed results. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of AT for post-stroke depression.

Methods:

Two reviewers will electronically search the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Medline (via PubMed); Excerpt Medica Database; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; Chinese Scientific Journal Database; and Wan–Fang Database from the inception to January 1, 2022. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. If it is appropriate for a meta-analysis, Review Manager Version 5.3 statistical software will be used; otherwise, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. The results will be presented as risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data and weight mean difference or standard mean difference 95% confidence intervals for continuous data.

Result:

This study will provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence for the treatment of AT with post-stroke depression.

Conclusions:

The conclusions of our study will provide an evidence to judge whether AT is an effective and safe intervention for patients with post-stroke depression.

Trial registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021289870.
Value of posttransplant protocol biopsies in 2 biliary autoimmune liver diseases
Authors: Vannas Marko , Arola Johanna , Nordin Arno , Isoniemi Helena
Published: January 2022

The value of protocol liver graft biopsies with good liver function was evaluated in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) or primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

A total of 250 protocol liver biopsy reports from 182 PSC and PBC patients were compared. Overall histopathological findings and those leading to changes in immunosuppression therapy were retrospectively analyzed.

The mean time to first protocol biopsy after transplantation was 5.5 (±4.5) years for PSC patients and 9.3 (±6.6) years for PBC patients. More than 1 abnormal histopathological parameter was found in 43% and 62% of PSC and PBC patients, respectively. However, the histology was interpreted as normal by the pathologist in 78% of PSC and 60% of PBC patients. Immunosuppression therapy was reduced in 10% and increased in 6% patients due to protocol biopsy findings. Biopsies leading to increased immunosuppression therapy had more portal (P = .004), endothelial (P = .008), interphase (P = .021), and lobular (P = .000) inflammation.

Mild histopathological findings were frequently found in the protocol biopsies despite the normal biochemistry. PBC patients had more histological abnormalities than those transplanted due to PSC; however, PBC patients had longer follow-up times. Immunosuppression therapy could be safely increased or decreased according to protocol biopsy findings after multidisciplinary meeting discussions.
Characteristics and accurate identification of Pantoea dispersa with a case of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Hu Haitao , Zhou Chenglin , Zhang Wenyun , Yu Yang , Liu Qingyi , Lu Taohong , Zhang Qingfang
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Pantoea dispersa belongs to the genus Pantoea, which is isolated from Enterobacteriaceae. It has been reported to cause some kinds of infections, but there are few detailed studies on it, especially its characteristics and identification methods, which has caused a lot of trouble in clinical work.

Patient concerns:

A 51-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital with a 7-hour history of progressive abdominal pain. He was previously diagnosed with liver cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma. An emergency hepatic artery embolization for hemostasis was performed under local anesthesia. Forty-eight hours later, the patient presented sudden onset of high fever up to 39.0 °C and chill.

Diagnosis:

Morphological and phenotypic profiles were performed for preliminary identification for P dispersa. The biochemical features were obtained by VITEK 2 Test Kit. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing were performed to accurately identify P dispersa.

Intervention:

Antibiotic therapy of intravenous ceftazidime was started empirically. The antibiotic treatment was switched to intravenous cefepime at the same time because of suspected ceftazidime treatment failure and microbiological sensitivity.

Outcomes:

The patient remained afebrile, and the second blood culture results were negative. Chest X-ray was normal as well. In order to control the progression of the hepatic lesion, transarterial chemoembolization was performed under local anesthesia. After completion of 14 days of antibiotic treatment, the patient was discharged with no signs of recurrence.

Conclusion:

P dispersa, a gram-negative bacterium rod, were facultative anaerobic, which displayed yellow pigmentation, round, raised, smooth on culture plates. Conventional analysis was difficult to complete its identification. With biochemical tests, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, P dispersa can be accurately identified. It will help physicians understand the related clinical manifestations and make timely and effective treatment for patients.
Detection of traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm by postmortem imaging
Authors: Wan Lei , Song Yanxiang , Li Zhengdong , Wang Maowen , Song Fengxiang , Zhang Jianhua , Zou Donghua , Liu Ningguo , Shi Yuxin , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: January 2022

Rationale:

Postmortem imaging (PMI), including computed tomography (PMCT), postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA), and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMRI), is rapidly becoming effective and a practical method in forensic medicine. This study aimed to present a specific forensic case in which the PMI approach and its applications were used.

Patient concerns:

A 40-year-old male patient had moderate unilateral nose bleeding constantly 10 times after suffering from a head injury induced by a car accident. After a bilateral massive nose bleeding for the last time, he died from hemorrhagic shock. Traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm (TICAP) was suspected in this patient.

Diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes:

A whole-body scanning was performed using PMCT and PMMRI. Then, PMCTA using left ventricular cardiac puncture was also implemented. A water-soluble contrast agent was injected into the left ventricle and pumped toward the intracranial, followed by a repeated whole-body PMCT scan. The PMCT/PMMRI detected a high-density/signal mass inside the left sphenoid sinus. The PMCTA detected a distinct leakage of the contrast agent into the left sphenoid sinus from an adjacent aneurysm of the C3 section of the left internal carotid artery. Autopsy and histology confirmed a TICAP inside the sphenoid sinus.

Lessons:

This case showed that the PMI was of great value for identifying the cause of death in special cases. When vascular lesions are suspected in the body, PMI and especially the PMCTA approach may be an effective detection method.
Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: You Tian-Yi , Zhang Hao-Yang , Li Ji-Quan , Ma Tie-Ming
Published: January 2022

Background:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the most common respiratory disease in clinic. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lung rehabilitation has gradually been valued in the field of prevention and treatment of COPD. Acupuncture, as an important part of TCM lung rehabilitation, is carried out in clinical extensively and application. It has the advantage of improving the symptoms and quality of life of COPD cases, but the evidence-based proof is limited.

Methods:

Eight databases will be systematically retrieved from their inceptions to December 2021. This study will include randomized controlled trials of acupuncture in the treatment of COPD with stable stage. The main outcome will include clinical effective rate, TCM symptom score, quality of life, dyspnea, exercise capacity, lung function, frequency of acute exacerbation, adverse events. Literature screening, quality evaluation and information extraction will be completed by two independent researchers. Revman 5.3 software will be used to perform meta-analysis. Assessment of multiple systematic reviews-2 tool will be used for evaluating the methodological quality of systematic review (SR), grading of recommendations assessment will for rating the quality of evidence, and consolidated standards of reporting trials and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture tool will for assessing the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials.

Results:

The findings of this SR will be presented at relevant conferences and submitted for peer-review publication.

Conclusions:

The findings of this SR will provide up-to-date summary proof for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for COPD.
PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab with gemcitabine as a neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Yin Huaqi , Yongkang Ma , Bao Guan , Shiming Zhao , Chaohong He , Tiejun Yang
Published: January 2022

Rationale:

Routine neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma prior to radical surgery is curative. With the increase in cancer immunotherapy, neoadjuvant immunotherapy has been used as an important complement to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma. Toripalimab is a recombinant, humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death protein 1 and received the first global approval for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in China on December 17, 2018.

Patient concerns and diagnosis:

A 57-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hematuria for 1 week. The patient was diagnosed pathologically with muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma.

Interventions and outcomes:

The patient received neoadjuvant toripalimab combined with gemcitabine therapy. The patient showed partial response. Subsequently, radical cystectomy was performed.

Lessons:

Toripalimab combined with gemcitabine exhibited accurate antitumor activity and may be a promising novel neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma.
Traditional Chinese medicine Jianpi therapy in exercise-induced fatigue
Authors: Geng Xue , Guo Xiujuan , Liu Baoquan , Yu Peiying , Li Jiazhou , Pan Huashan
Published: January 2022

Background:

Exercise-induced fatigue (EIF) is a common occurrence in sports competition and training. It may cause trouble to athletes’ motor skill execution and cognition. Although traditional Chinese medicine Jianpi therapy has been commonly used for EIF management, relevant evidence on the effectiveness and safety of Jianpi therapy is still unclear.

Methods:

Databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang will be searched for relevant randomized controlled trials from databases from 2000 to 2021. Randomized controlled trials related to traditional Chinese medicine Jianpi therapy in the treatment and management of EIF will be included. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the data will be performed in RevMan 5.3 according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors independently performed the literature searching, data extraction, and quality evaluation. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized clinical trials.

Results:

This systematic review and meta-analysis will summarize the latest evidence for traditional Chinese medicine Jianpi therapy in EIF. The results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal once completed.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of our research will provide evidence to support traditional Chinese medicine Jianpi therapy as an effective intervention for patients with EIF.

OSF Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/NRKX4.
Acute myeloid leukemia in a farmer with long term exposure to pesticides in Korea
Authors: Jeon Ye-eun , Ha Jea Chul , Kim Seonggyu , Heo Mi Hwa , Do Young Rok , Chung Insung
Published: January 2022

Rationale:

Pesticides are chemical substances used to kill harmful insects, small animals, wild plants, and other unwanted organisms. It has not been clearly demonstrated in myeloid malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia.

Patient concerns:

A 46-year-old male farmer visited the hospital with chief complaints of multiple purpuric macules on the left upper chest to both leg areas. The patient had been farming lotus roots for 20 years and was exposed to a substantial amount of pesticide without proper personal protective equipment.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia by bone marrow biopsy.

Intervention:

The patient received induction chemotherapy with idarubicin and cytarabine. He has undergone consolidation chemotherapy two more times.

Outcomes:

He had neutropenic fever as a complication after chemotherapy, but he is doing well with no other symptoms. There has been no abnormality in blood tests since the consolidation therapy, and it has been well maintained in remission.

Conclusion:

This case report suggests that acute myeloid leukemia is associated with occupational pesticide exposure, along with a review of the literature. The impact of occupational pesticide exposure on myeloid leukemia has not been clearly established, and large-scale studies on the relationship between pesticide use and cancer, including myeloid leukemia, should be conducted.
The Transforming Outcomes for Patients Through Medical Home Evaluation and reDesign (TOPMED) Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Colasurdo Joshua , Pizzimenti Christie , Singh Sumeet , Ramsey Katrina , Ross Rachel , Sachdeva Bhavaya , Dorr David A.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Primary Care Medical Home (PCMH) redesign efforts are intended to enhance primary care’s ability to improve population health and well-being. PCMH transformation that is focused on “high-value elements” (HVEs) for cost and utilization may improve effectiveness.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine if a focus on achieving HVEs extracted from successful primary care transformation models would reduce cost and utilization as compared with a focus on achieving PCMH quality improvement goals.

Research Design:

A stratified, cluster randomized controlled trial with 2 arms. All practices received equal financial incentives, health information technology support, and in-person practice facilitation. Analyses consisted of multivariable modeling, adjusting for the cluster, with difference-in-difference results.

Subjects:

Eight primary care clinics that were engaged in PCMH reform.

Measures:

We examined: (1) total claims payments; (2) emergency department (ED) visits; and (3) hospitalizations among patients during baseline and intervention years.

Results:

In total, 16,099 patients met the inclusion criteria. Intervention clinics had significantly lower baseline ED visits (P=0.02) and claims paid (P=0.01). Difference-in-difference showed a decrease in ED visits greater in control than intervention (ED per 1000 patients: +56; 95% confidence interval: +96, +15) with a trend towards decreased hospitalizations in intervention (−15; 95% confidence interval: −52, +21). Costs were not different. In modeling monthly outcome means, the generalized linear mixed model showed significant differences for hospitalizations during the intervention year (P=0.03).

Discussion:

The trial had a trend of decreasing hospitalizations, increased ED visits, and no change in costs in the HVE versus quality improvement arms.
The 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System
Authors: Gettel Cameron J. , Han Christopher R. , Canavan Maureen E. , Bernheim Susannah M. , Drye Elizabeth E. , Duseja Reena , Venkatesh Arjun K.
Published: January 2022

Background:

The Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) incorporates financial incentives and penalties intended to drive clinicians towards value-based purchasing, including alternative payment models (APMs). Newly available Medicare-approved qualified clinical data registries (QCDRs) offer specialty-specific quality measures for clinician reporting, yet their impact on clinician performance and payment adjustments remains unknown.

Objectives:

We sought to characterize clinician participation, performance, and payment adjustments in the MIPS program across specialties, with a focus on clinician use of QCDRs.

Research Design:

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the 2018 MIPS program.

Results:

During the 2018 performance year, 558,296 clinicians participated in the MIPS program across the 35 specialties assessed. Clinicians reporting as individuals had lower overall MIPS performance scores (median [interquartile range (IQR)], 80.0 [39.4–98.4] points) than those reporting as groups (median [IQR], 96.3 [76.9–100.0] points), who in turn had lower adjustments than clinicians reporting within MIPS APMs (median [IQR], 100.0 [100.0–100.0] points) (P<0.001). Clinicians reporting as individuals had lower payment adjustments (median [IQR], +0.7% [0.1%–1.6%]) than those reporting as groups (median [IQR], +1.5% [0.6%–1.7%]), who in turn had lower adjustments than clinicians reporting within MIPS APMs (median [IQR], +1.7% [1.7%–1.7%]) (P<0.001). Within a subpopulation of 202,685 clinicians across 12 specialties commonly using QCDRs, clinicians had overall MIPS performance scores and payment adjustments that were significantly greater if reporting at least 1 QCDR measure compared with those not reporting any QCDR measures.

Conclusions:

Collectively, these findings highlight that performance score and payment adjustments varied by reporting affiliation and QCDR use in the 2018 MIPS.
Humoral and T-cell immune response after three doses of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in fragile patients: the Italian VAX4FRAIL study
Authors: Corradini Paolo , Agrati Chiara , Apolone Giovanni , Mantovani Alberto , Giannarelli Diana , Marasco Vincenzo , Bordoni Veronica , Sacchi Alessandra , Matusali Giulia , Salvarani Carlo , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Mantegazza Renato , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Lupo-Stanghellini Maria Teresa , Ciceri Fabio , Damian Silvia , Uccelli Antonio , Fenoglio Daniela , Silvestris Nicola , Baldanti Fausto , Piaggio Giulia , Ciliberto Gennaro , Morrone Aldo , Locatelli Franco , Sinno Valentina , Rescigno Maria , Costantini Massimo
Published: January 2022

Background

Patients with solid or hematological tumors, neurological and immune-inflammatory disorders represent potentially fragile subjects with increased risk to experience severe COVID-19 and inadequate response to SARS-CoV2 vaccination.

Methods

We designed a prospective Italian multicentric study to assess humoral and T-cell response to SARS-CoV2 vaccination in patients (n=378) with solid tumors (ST), hematological malignancies (HM), neurological (ND) and immuno-rheumatological diseases (ID). The immunogenicity of primary vaccination schedule and of the booster dose were analyzed.

Results

Overall, patient seroconversion rate after two doses was 62.1%. A significant lower rate was observed in HM (52.4%) and ID (51.9%) patients compared to ST (95.6%) and ND (70.7%); a lower median level of antibodies was detected in HM and ID versus the others (p<0.0001). A similar rate of patients with a positive SARS-CoV2 T-cell response was observed in all disease groups, with a higher level observed in the ND group. The booster dose improved humoral responses in all disease groups, although with a lower response in HM patients, while the T-cell response increased similarly in all groups. In the multivariable logistic model, the independent predictors for seroconversion were disease subgroups, type of therapies and age. Notably, the ongoing treatment known to affect the immune system was associated with the worst humoral response to vaccination (p<0.0001), but had no effects on the T-cell responses.

Conclusions

Immunosuppressive treatment more than disease typeper seis a risk factor for low humoral response after vaccination. The booster dose can improve both humoral and T-cell response.

Article’s main point

-

Lower rate of seroconversion was observed in fragile patients as compared to healthy controls

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The booster dose improves humoral and T-cell response in all fragile patient groups

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Immunosuppressive treatment was associated with the worst humoral response to vaccination, but had no effects on T-cell responses.
Rat Leukocyte Population Dynamics Predicts a Window for Intervention in Aging
Authors: Yanai Hagai , Dunn Christopher , Park Bongsoo , Coletta Christopher , McDevitt Ross A. , McNeely Taylor , Leone Michael , Wersto Robert P. , Perdue Kathy A. , Beerman Isabel
Published: January 2022

Age-associated changes in human hematopoiesis have been mostly recapitulated in mouse models; but not much has been explored in rats, a physiologically closer model to humans. To establish whether rat hematopoiesis closely mirrors humans’, we examined the peripheral blood of rats throughout their lifespan. Significant age-associated changes showed distinctive population shifts predictive of age. A divergence between predicted versus chronological age changes was indicative of fragility; thus, these data may be a valuable tool to identify underlying diseases or as a surrogate predictor for intervention efficacy. Notably, several blood parameters and DNA methylation alterations defined specific leverage points during aging, supporting non-linear aging effects and highlighting a roadmap for interventions at these junctures. Overall, we present a simple set of rat blood metrics that can provide a window into their health and inform the implementation of interventions in a model system physiologically relevant for humans.
ACDC: Analysis of Congruent Diversification Classes
Authors: Höhna Sebastian , Kopperud Bjørn T. , Magee Andrew F.
Published: January 2022

1. Diversification rates inferred from phylogenies are not identifiable. There are infinitely many combinations of speciation and extinction rate functions that have the exact same likelihood score for a given phylogeny, building a congruence class. The specific shape and characteristics of such congruence classes have not yet been studied. Whether speciation and extinction rate functions within a congruence class share common features is also not known.

2. Instead of striving to make the diversification rates identifiable, we can embrace their inherent non-identifiable nature. We use two different approaches to explore a congruence class: (i) testing of specific alternative hypotheses, and (ii) randomly sampling alternative rate function within the congruence class.

3. Our methods are implemented in the open-source R package ACDC (https://github.com/afmagee/ACDC). ACDC provides a flexible approach to explore the congruence class and provides summaries of rate functions within a congruence class. The summaries can highlight common trends, i.e. increasing, flat or decreasing rates.

Although there are infinitely many equally likely diversification rate functions, these can share common features. ACDC can be used to assess if diversification rate patterns are robust despite non-identifiability. In our example, we clearly identify three phases of diversification rate changes that are common among all models in the congruence class. Thus, congruence classes are not necessarily a problem for studying historical patterns of biodiversity from phylogenies.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of the hydrated 2:1 adduct of piperazine-1,4-diium 3,5-dinitro-2-oxidobenzoate and piperazine
Authors: Subha Veerappan , Seethalakshmi Thangaraj , Balakrishnan Thangavelu , Judith Percino M , Venkatesan Perumal
Published: January 2022

The crystal structure of the adduct piperazine-1,4-diium 3,5-dinitro-2-oxidobenzoate–piperazine–water (2/1/2) shows the existence of a 3,5-dinitrosalicylate dianion (DNSA2−) and a protonated piperazine-1,4-diium cation (PIP2+) along with a piperazine molecule. The formula of the title adduct in the asymmetric unit is 2C4H12N2
2+·2C7H2N2O7
2−·C4H10N2·2H2O with Z = 1. The piperazine ring in the piperazine-1,4-diium cation and in the neutral piperazine molecule adopt chair conformations. All O atoms in the DNSA2− moiety and the water molecule act as hydrogen-bonding acceptors for various intermolecular O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O interactions, which stabilize the crystal structure. Various supramolecular architectures formed by the different intermolecular interactions are discussed. The relative contribution of various intermolecular contacts is analysed with the aid of two-dimensional (full and decomposed) fingerprint plots, indicating that H...O/O...H (50.2%) and H...H (36.2%) contacts are the major contributors to the stabilization of the crystal structure.
NiIImolecular complex with a tetradentate aminoguanidine-derived Schiff base ligand: structural, spectroscopic and electrochemical studies and photoelectric response
Authors: Vassilyeva Olga Yu. , Buvaylo Elena A. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Studzinsky Sergey L. , Skelton Brian W. , Vasyliev Georgii S.
Published: January 2022

The new molecular nickel(II) complex, namely, {4-bromo-2-[({N′-[(2-oxidobenzylidene)amino]carbamimidoyl}imino)methyl]phenolato}nickel(II)N,N-dimethylformamide solvate monohydrate, [Ni(C15H11BrN4O2)]·C3H7NO·H2O, (I), crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP\overline{1} with one molecule per asymmetric unit. The guanidine ligand is a product of Schiff base condensation between aminoguanidine, salicylaldehyde and 5-bromosalicylaldehyde templated by Ni2+ions. The chelating ligand molecule is deprotonated at the phenol O atoms and coordinates the metal centre through the two azomethine N and two phenolate O atoms in acis-NiN2O2square-planar configuration [average(Ni—N/O) = 1.8489 Å,cisangles in the range 83.08 (5)–95.35 (5)°,transangles of 177.80 (5) and 178.29 (5)°]. The complex molecule adopts an almost planar conformation. In the crystal, a complicated hydrogen-bonded network is formed through N—H...N/O and O—H...O intermolecular interactions. Complex (I) was also characterized by FT–IR and1H NMR spectroscopy. It undergoes an NiII↔ NiIIIredox reaction atE1/2= +0.295 V (vsAg/AgCl) in methanol solution. In a thin film with a free surface, complex (I) shows a fast photoelectric response upon exposure to visible light with a maximum photovoltage of ∼178 mV.
The Al61.49Mn11.35Ni4 phase in the Al–Mn–Ni system
Authors: Hu Qifa , Wen Bin , Fan Changzeng
Published: January 2022

An intermetallic phase in the Al–Mn–Ni system crystallizing in space group Cmcm (No. 63) and refined formula Al61.49Mn11.35Ni4 (called the R′ phase) has been synthesized by high-temperature sintering of a mixture with initial chemical composition Al60Mn7Ni3. In comparison with the structure model of the previously reported R phase with composition Al60Mn11Ni4 [Robinson (1954). Acta Cryst. 7, 494–497], there are two mutually exchanged Mn and Ni sites together with one positionally disordered Al site [occupancy ratio 0.811 (8):0.121 (7)] and one partially occupied Mn site [s.o.f. 0.677 (5)] in the current structure model of the R′ phase.
Government and innovation performance: evidence from the ICT enterprising community
Authors: Murati-Leka Herolinda , Fetai Besnik
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper will be on finding and analyzing the impact of government on the information and communication technology (ICT) companies’ innovation performance. The study aims to conduct in-depth research about the government as an integrated actor of the innovation ecosystem (IE), not a sole member. This would be the core finding toward doing further research about the impact of the innovation ecosystem in the ICT sector in Kosovo.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research has been considered the most suitable data collection method. Furthermore, in this study, it is used convenience sampling as a technique of the sampling process. The sample size of this study is 106 participants. The participants are owners or representatives of ICT companies in Kosovo. Since the study is conducted using the deductive approach, the questionnaire is considered to be the most suitable instrument for gathering data.

Findings

This paper provides empirical insights that the company’s size and the dedicated department for research and development have no impact on how the company takes advantage of public funding from the government. Furthermore, the authors of the paper found out that government has a positive impact on companies’ introduction of new products and services, while the impact of the government on a company’s financial performance was insignificant.

Research limitations/implications

The future research direction should be firstly on studying other IE actors and their impact on companies’ innovation performance and secondly on measuring the IE actors as a set of actors to have a broader picture on how IE impacts the companies’ innovation performance.

Practical implications

The scientific contribution of this study will be on mapping, analyzing and proposing government policies in accordance with the findings of this study that would lead to a more comprehensive and sustainable IE in Kosovo.

Originality/value

This study tries to fulfill an identified need to study the impact of interconnected actors of an innovation ecosystem and to show how they affect each other. In this study, it is taken for research one fragment of a set of actors.
The effects of personal and organisational attributes on ethical attitudes of professional accountants: evidence from Ghana
Authors: Onumah Regina Mensah , Simpson Samuel Nana Yaw , Kwarteng Amoako
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of personal attributes (greed and desire for personal gains, behaviour of peers and superiors, personal values, family influences and pressures, religious background, ego strength, etc.), organisational attributes (company policies, codes of conduct and visionary leadership, etc). and the moderating role of ethical codes of conduct on the ethical attitudes of professional accountants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from a survey of 340 professional accountants in Ghana, using the ordinary least square regression analysis to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results suggest that personal attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Similarly, organisational attributes collectively have positive and significant influence on ethical attitudes. Moreover, ethical codes of conduct moderate the positive relationship between personal and organisational attributes and ethical attitudes of accountants.

Originality/value

In the light of the social contingent theory, the findings imply that personal and organisational attributes, when interacted with professional code of conduct strengthens ethical attitudes of accountants. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first paper to have examined the moderating effect of professional code of conduct on ethical attitudes of accountants from a developing country context.
Advantages and disadvantages of non‐starter lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods: Potential use as starters or probiotics
Authors: Grujović Mirjana Ž. , Mladenović Katarina G. , Semedo‐Lemsaddek Teresa , Laranjo Marta , Stefanović Olgica D. , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica D.
Published: January 2022

Traditional fermented foods are a significant source of starter and/or non‐starter lactic acid bacteria (nsLAB). Moreover, these microorganisms are also known for their role as probiotics. The potential of nsLAB is huge; however, there are still challenges to be overcome with respect to characterization and application. In the present review, the most important steps that autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from fermented foods need to overcome, to qualify as novel starter cultures, or as probiotics, in food technology and biotechnology, are considered. These different characterization steps include precise identification, detection of health‐promoting properties, and safety evaluation. Each of these features is strain specific and needs to be accurately determined. This review highlights the advantages and disadvantages of nsLAB, isolated from traditional fermented foods, discussing safety aspects and sensory impact.
Nitrate leaching and efficiency measurement in intensive farming systems: A parametric by‐production technology approach
Authors: Tsagris Michail , Tzouvelekas Vangelis
Published: January 2022

This paper develops a novel empirical framework for estimating individual emission levels in a nonpoint source (NPS) pollution problem. For doing so, we build upon the sequential GME model suggested by Kaplan et al. using a specific theoretical structure describing both crop production technology and nature's residual generating mechanism in line with the multiple production relations model suggested by Murty et al. Our empirical model is fitted into a parametric stochastic framework and it is applied to a nitrogen leaching problem in a sample of 257 small‐scale greenhouse farms in Crete, Greece during the 2005–2006 cropping period. Empirical results indicate a great dispersion of individual nitrate leaching levels, which are associated with low‐ and high‐profit margins. Improvements in nitrate leaching and fertilizer application efficiency can decrease significantly individual leaching levels providing a more cost effective way to improve water quality in the area.
Exposure‐response relationship of ramucirumab in RANGE, a randomized phase III trial in advanced urothelial carcinoma refractory to platinum therapy
Authors: de Wit Ronald , Powles Thomas , Castellano Daniel , Necchi Andrea , Lee Jae‐Lyun , van der Heijden Michiel S. , Matsubara Nobuaki , Bamias Aristotelis , Fléchon Aude , Sternberg Cora N. , Drakaki Alexandra , Yu Evan Y. , Zimmermann Annamaria H. , Long Amanda , Walgren Richard A. , Gao Ling , Bell‐McGuinn Katherine M. , Petrylak Daniel P.
Published: January 2022

Aims

Patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) who progress after platinum‐based chemotherapy have a poor prognosis, and there is a medical need to improve current treatment options. Ramucirumab plus docetaxel significantly improved progression‐free survival but not overall survival (OS) in platinum‐refractory advanced UC (RANGE trial; NCT02426125). Here, we report the exposure‐response (ER) of ramucirumab plus docetaxel using data from the RANGE trial.

Methods

Pharmacokinetic (PK) samples were collected (cycle 1‐3, 5, 9 [day 1] and 30 days from treatment discontinuation), and PK data were analysed using population PK (popPK) analysis. The minimum ramucirumab concentration after first dose administration (Cmin,1, or trough concentration immediately prior to the second dose) was derived by popPK analysis and used as the exposure parameter for ER analysis. Cox proportional hazards regression models and matched case‐control analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between Cmin,1 and OS. The Cmin,1 relationship with safety was assessed descriptively.

Results

Several poor prognostic factors (ECOG 1, haemoglobin concentration <100 g/L, presence of liver metastases) appeared more frequently in the lower exposure quartiles, suggesting a possible disease‐PK interaction. A significant association was identified between Cmin,1 and OS (P = .0108). Higher exposure quartiles were associated with longer survival and smaller hazard ratios compared to placebo. No new exposure‐safety trends were observed within the exposure range (ramucirumab 10 mg/kg once every 3 weeks).

Conclusions

This prespecified ER analyses suggests a positive relationship between efficacy and ramucirumab exposure, with an imbalance associated with disease prognostic factors. Further investigation may elucidate a possible disease‐PK relationship.
The UN special tribunal for Lebanon (2009–2021): Who cares?
Authors: Muller Benjamin
Published: January 2022

More than 15 years after the assassination of Lebanese PM Rafik al‐Hariri, the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) delivered its judgement in the Ayyash et al. Case (STL‐11‐01) in August 2020. Reflecting on earlier critical scholarship on the STL, this essay considers the role of the STL in the regional and global geopolitical architecture, and the domestic context, in terms of justice, politics, economy and society. Despite the devastating impact of the assassination, persistent crises over the past decade and a half, have eroded the importance and relevance of the STL to Lebanon, its citizens, and even regional geopolitics. Within this context, this brief intervention considers who does and does not care about the STL and why it has or has not had the desired impact, socially, geopolitically, legally, and even within academic scholarship.
First report of the invasive crop pest Stenocranus pacificus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) in temperate Asia
Authors: Yashiro Toshihisa , Sanada‐Morimura Sachiyo
Published: January 2022

Numerous delphacid planthopper species are major pests of economically important and widely cultivated crops (i.e. rice, corn, and sugarcane). These insects have the potential to become serious crop pests in areas where they have either naturally migrated or been newly introduced. The white‐bellied planthopper, Stenocranus pacificus Kirkaldy, 1907, originally known from tropical South Pacific islands, appeared in tropical and subtropical Asia in the early years of the 21st century. Since then, S. pacificus has become a serious pest of corn in some Southeast Asian countries, although it also feeds on rice, sugarcane, sorghum, and other grasses. Here, we report the presence of S. pacificus in mainland Japan, representing the first record of this species in temperate Asia. Seven male and 17 female adult individuals collected in Kumamoto Prefecture in 2019 and 2020 were identified as S. pacificus based on their morphological characteristics and mitochondrial COI sequences. In addition, molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that S. pacificus formed a distinct clade from other Stenocranus species, indicating uncertainty in its generic assignment. Although crop damage by S. pacificus has not yet been reported from temperate regions, given its wide range of plant hosts and the potential for future range expansions, damaged crops in Asia, including in temperate regions, should be monitored for the presence of this species.
Decline of regenerative potential of old muscle stem cells: contribution to muscle aging
Authors: Sahinyan Korin , Lazure Felicia , Blackburn Darren M. , Soleimani Vahab D.
Published: January 2022

Muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are required for life‐long muscle regeneration. In general, aging has been linked to a decline in the numbers and the regenerative potential of MuSCs. Muscle regeneration depends on the proper functioning of MuSCs, which is itself dependent on intricate interactions with its niche components. Aging is associated with both cell‐intrinsic and niche‐mediated changes, which can be the result of transcriptional, posttranscriptional, or posttranslational alterations in MuSCs or in the components of their niche. The interplay between cell intrinsic alterations in MuSCs and changes in the stem cell niche environment during aging and its impact on the number and the function of MuSCs is an important emerging area of research. In this review, we discuss whether the decline in the regenerative potential of MuSCs with age is the cause or the consequence of aging skeletal muscle. Understanding the effect of aging on MuSCs and the individual components of their niche is critical to develop effective therapeutic approaches to diminish or reverse the age‐related defects in muscle regeneration.
A critical review ofin vitroresearch methodologies used to study mineralization in human dental pulp cell cultures
Authors: Arora Shelly , Cooper Paul R. , Ratnayake Jithendra T. , Friedlander Lara T. , Rizwan Shakila B. , Seo Benedict , Hussaini Haizal M.
Published: January 2022

Background

The pulp contains a resident population of stem cells which can be stimulated to differentiate in order to repair the tooth by generating a mineralized extracellular matrix. Over recent decades there has been considerable interest in utilizing in vitro cell culture models to study dentinogenesis, with the aim of developing regenerative endodontic procedures, particularly where some vital pulp tissue remains.

Objectives

The purpose of this review is to provide a structured oversight of in vitro research methodologies which have been used to study human pulp mineralization processes.

Method

The literature was screened in the PubMed database up to March 2021 to identify manuscripts reporting the use of human dental pulp cells to study mineralization. The dataset identified 343 publications initially which were further screened and consequently 166 studies were identified and it was methodologically mined for information on: i) study purpose, ii) source and characterization of cells, iii) mineralizing supplements and concentrations, and iv) assays and markers used to characterize mineralization and differentiation, and the data was used to write this narrative review.

Results

Most published studies aimed at characterizing new biological stimulants for mineralization as well as determining the effect of scaffolds and dental (bio)materials. In general, pulp cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion, although the pulp explant technique was also common. For enzymatic digestion, a range of enzymes and concentrations were utilized, although collagenase type I and dispase were the most frequent. Isolated cells were not routinely characterized using either fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) approaches and there was little consistency in terming cultures as dental pulp cells or dental pulp stem cells. A combination of media supplements, at a range of concentrations, of dexamethasone, ascorbic acid and beta‐glycerophosphate, were frequently applied as the basis for the experimental conditions. Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining was the method of choice for assessment of mineralization at 21‐days. Alkaline phosphatase assay was relatively frequently applied, solely or in combination with ARS staining. Further assessment of differentiation status was performed using transcript or protein markers, with dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteocalcin and dentine matrix protein‐1 (DMP ‐1), the most frequent.

Discussion

While this review highlights variability among experimental approaches, it does however identify a consensus experimental approach.

Conclusion

Standardization of experimental conditions and sustained research will significantly benefit endodontic patient outcomes in the future.