bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the debate on health financing in Low and Middle‐income countries: An integrative review of selected models
Authors: Domapielle Maximillian Kolbe , Sumankuuro Joshua , Bebelleh Frederick Der
Published: August 2022

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as a health policy goal is gaining added currency in the policy agendas of many Low and Middle‐Income Countries (LMIC) following the onslaught of the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic. The goal of UHC is to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare services that they need without suffering financial hardship. Whereas most industrialised countries have achieved UHC through the implementation of various traditional health financing mechanisms, most LMIC have not made significant progress in providing financial protection against the costs of illness for majority of the population due to limited fiscal space and or lack of political commitment to raise government revenues and increase fiscal space for health. While the onslaught of COVID‐19 refreshes the call for reform of countries' health financing policies to reflect the healthcare needs of the population, the debate about the type or combination of health financing models to employ in LMIC has yet to reach a consensus. This review critically analyses five health financing models to ascertain their appropriateness in providing financial risk protection against the cost of illness, especially in this era of COVID‐19. Given the limited fiscal space for health in LMICs, we argue that one viable pathway towards achieving UHC is the adoption of an adaptive mix of diverse pooling mechanisms. Moreover, because the creation of fiscal space is context‐specific, and UHC is a political issue rather than technical, securing strong political support is necessary for improving the governance and institutional frameworks for health and ensuring sustained economic growth to respond to the fiscal demands of health systems.
Women's cancers and climate change
Authors: Hiatt Robert A. , Beyeler Naomi
Published: August 2022

Synopsis

Climate change is increasing the likelihood of incident women's cancers and challenges to women's oncologic health care.
Vascular photobiomodulation increases muscle fiber diameter and improves the gait during compensatory hypertrophy of plantar muscle in rats
Authors: Martinelli Andréia , Andreo Lucas , dos Santos Malavazzi Tainá Caroline , Terena Stella Maris Lins , da Cruz Tobelem Daysi , Bussadori Sandra Kalil , Fernandes Kristianne Porta Santos , Mesquita‐Ferrari Raquel Agnelli
Published: August 2022

The local photobiomodulation (LPBM) has demonstrated positive effects during compensatory hypertrophy (CH) in skeletal muscle as a response to an overload. The aim was to compare the effects of the transcutaneous vascular photobiomodulation (VPBM) and the LPBM on muscle fiber size, gait functionality, and on mechanical sensitivity during the CH model in rats. VPBM was administered over the rat's main tail vein and LPBM was applied over the plantar muscle region. VPBM induced an increase in muscle fiber diameter and cross‐sectional area (CSA) after 7 days. At 14 days, an increase in the fiber diameter was found in both irradiated groups. The VPBM and LPBM promoted the reestablishment of normal gait evaluated by the sciatic functional index after 14 days. No changes were found in the mechanical (nociceptive) sensitivity in VPBM and LPBM groups in comparison to the CH group but there was an increase in the nociceptive sensitivity in the CH groups in comparison to the control after 7 and 14 days. In conclusion, both PBM, vascular and local, were able to improve the muscle size and gait during the CH process with more pronounced effects when irradiation was performed systemically (VPBM).
Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles in Osteoporotic Patients Compared to Osteopenic and Healthy Controls
Authors: Pepe Jessica , Rossi Michela , Battafarano Giulia , Vernocchi Pamela , Conte Federica , Marzano Valeria , Mariani Eda , Mortera Stefano Levi , Cipriani Cristiana , Rana Ippolita , Buonuomo Paola Sabrina , Bartuli Andrea , De Martino Viviana , Pelle Simone , Pascucci Luisa , Toniolo Renato Maria , Putignani Lorenza , Minisola Salvatore , Del Fattore Andrea
Published: August 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of a range of pathological conditions. However, their role in bone loss disease has not been well understood. In this study we characterized plasma EVs of 54 osteoporotic (OP) postmenopausal women compared to 48 osteopenic (OPN) and 44 healthy controls (CN), and we investigated their effects on osteoclasts and osteoblasts. We found no differences between the three groups in terms of anthropometric measurements and biochemical evaluation of serum calcium, phosphate, creatinine, PTH, 25-hydroxy vitamin D and bone biomarkers, except for an increase of CTX level in OP group. FACS analysis revealed that OP patients presented a significantly increased number of EVs and RANKL+ EVs compared with both CN and OPN subjects. Total EVs are negatively associated with the lumbar spine T-score and femoral neck T-score. Only in the OPN patients we observed a positive association between the total number of EVs and RANKL+ EVs with the serum RANKL. In vitro studies revealed that OP EVs supported osteoclastogenesis of healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells at the same level observed following RANKL and M-CSF treatment, reduced the ability of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into osteoblasts, while inducing an increase of OSTERIX and RANKL expression in mature osteoblasts. The analysis of miRNome revealed that miR-1246 and miR-1224-5p were the most upregulated and downregulated in OP EVs; the modulated EV-miRNAs in OP and OPN compared to CN are related to osteoclast differentiation, interleukin-13 production and regulation of canonical WNT pathway. A proteomic comparison between OPN and CN EVs evidenced a decrease in fibrinogen, vitronectin, and clusterin and an increase in coagulation factors and apolipoprotein, which was also upregulated in OP EVs. Interestingly, an increase in RANKL+ EVs and exosomal miR-1246 was also observed in samples from patients affected by Gorham-Stout disease, suggesting that EVs could be good candidate as bone loss disease biomarkers. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Surgical Aspects of Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Perrier Nancy , Lang Brian H. , Farias Leonardo Costa Bandeira , Poch Leyre Lorente , Sywak Mark , Almquist Martin , Vriens Menno R. , Yeh Michael W. , Shariq Omair , Duh Quan-Yang , Yeh Randy , Vu Thinh , LiVolsi Virginia , Sitges-Serra Antonio
Published: August 2022

Parathyroidectomy (PTX) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). It is also the treatment of choice in asymptomatic PHPT with evidence for target organ involvement. This review updates surgical aspects of PHPT and proposes the following definitions based on international expert consensus: selective PTX (and reasons for conversion to an extended procedure), bilateral neck exploration for non-localized or multigland disease, subtotal PTX, total PTX with immediate or delayed autotransplantation, and transcervical thymectomy and extended en bloc PTX for parathyroid carcinoma. The systematic literature reviews discussed covered (i) the use of intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) for localized single-gland disease and (ii) the management of low BMD after PTX. Updates based on prospective observational studies are presented concerning PTX for multigland disease and hereditary PHPT syndromes, histopathology, intraoperative adjuncts, localization techniques, perioperative management, “reoperative” surgery and volume/outcome data. Postoperative complications are few and uncommon (<3%) in centers performing over 40 PTXs per year. This review is the first global consensus about surgery in PHPT and reflects the current practice in leading endocrine surgery units worldwide. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Sustained Morphine Delivery Suppresses Bone Formation and Alters Metabolic and Circulating miRNA Profiles in Male C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Carvalho Adriana Lelis , Brooks Daniel J , Barlow Deborah , Langlais Audrie L , Morrill Breanna , Houseknecht Karen L , Bouxsein Mary L , Lian Jane B , King Tamara , Farina Nicholas H , Motyl Katherine J
Published: August 2022

Opioid use is detrimental to bone health, causing both indirect and direct effects on bone turnover. Although the mechanisms of these effects are not entirely clear, recent studies have linked chronic opioid use to alterations in circulating miRNAs. Here, we developed a model of opioid-induced bone loss to understand bone turnover and identify candidate miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms. We evaluated the effects of sustained morphine treatment on male and female C57BL/6J mice by treating with vehicle (0.9% saline) or morphine (17 mg/kg) using subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 25 days. Morphine-treated mice had higher energy expenditure and respiratory quotient, indicating a shift toward carbohydrate metabolism. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) analysis indicated a sex difference in the bone outcome, where male mice treated with morphine had reduced trabecular bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV) (15%) and trabecular bone mineral density (BMD) (14%) in the distal femur compared with vehicle. Conversely, bone microarchitecture was not changed in females after morphine treatment. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that in males, morphine reduced bone formation rate compared with vehicle, but osteoclast parameters were not different. Furthermore, morphine reduced bone formation marker gene expression in the tibia of males (Bglap and Dmp1). Circulating miRNA profile changes were evident in males, with 14 differentially expressed miRNAs associated with morphine treatment compared with two differentially expressed miRNAs in females. In males, target analysis indicated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling pathway was targeted by miR-223-3p and fatty acid metabolism by miR-484, -223-3p, and -328-3p. Consequently, expression of miR-223-3p targets, including Igf1r and Stat3, was lower in morphine-treated bone. In summary, we have established a model where morphine leads to a lower trabecular bone formation in males and identified potential mediating miRNAs. Understanding the sex-specific mechanisms of bone loss from opioids will be important for improving management of the adverse effects of opioids on the skeleton. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Activation of cGAS‐STING pathway – A possible cause of myofiber atrophy/necrosis in dermatomyositis and immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy
Authors: Zhou Meichen , Cheng Xiaoxiao , Zhu Wenhua , Jiang Jianhua , Zhu Sijia , Wu Xuan , Liu Meirong , Fang Qi
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective was to investigate the expression of the cGAS‐STING pathway‐associated protein in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and to investigate whether it is related to myofiber atrophy/necrosis in patients with dermatomyositis and immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy.

Material and Methods

Muscle specimens obtained by open biopsy from 26 IIM patients (14 with dermatomyositis (DM), 8 with immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), and 4 with other types of IIM), 4 dystrophinopathy, and 9 control patients were assessed for expression of cGAS‐STING pathway members via Western blot, quantitative real‐time PCR analysis (qRT‐PCR), and immunochemistry. Meanwhile, analysis its location distribution througn immunochemistry.

Results

Compared to the control group, the expression of cGAS, STING, and related molecules was obviously increased in muscle samples of IIM patients. Upregulated cGAS and STING were mainly located in the vascular structure, inflammatory infiltrates, and atrophic and necrotic fibers. While comparing to the Dys patients, the mRNA level of cGAS, STING, and TNF‐a was upregulated, meanwhile, the protein of the TBK1, P‐TBK1, and P‐IRF3 associated with interferon upregulation was overexpressed through Western blot in IMNM and DM. Considering that cGAS and STING are located in necrotic and Mx1‐positive atrophic fibers, it is really possible that the cGAS‐STING pathway may lead to fibers atrophy/necrosis by producing IFNs.

Conclusion

The cGAS‐STING pathway was activated in the muscle samples of IIM patients and its activation may be the reason of myofiber atrophy and necrosis in DM and IMNM patients.
Coinfections in hospitalized patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome: A retrospective study
Authors: Ge Hong‐Han , Wang Gang , Guo Pei‐Jun , Zhao Jing , Zhang Shuai , Xu Yan‐Li , Liu Yuan‐Ni , Ye Xiao‐Lei , Wu Yong‐Xiang , Li Shuang , Yue Ming , Ji Wen‐Juan , Geng Shu‐Ying , Li Hao , Zhang Xiao‐Ai , Yang Zhen‐Dong , Cui Ning , Li Wei , Lin Ling , Liu Wei
Published: August 2022

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick‐borne disease with a high case fatality rate. Few studies have been performed on bacterial or fungal coinfections or the effect of antibiotic therapy. A retrospective, observational study was performed to assess the prevalence of bacterial and fungal coinfections in patients hospitalized for SFTSV infection. The most commonly involved microorganisms and the effect of antimicrobial therapy were determined by the site and source of infection. A total of 1201 patients hospitalized with SFTSV infection were included; 359 (29.9%) had microbiologically confirmed infections, comprised of 292 with community‐acquired infections (CAIs) and 67 with healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs). Death was independently associated with HAIs, with a more significant effect than that observed for CAIs. For bacterial infections, only those acquired in hospitals were associated with fatal outcomes, while fungal infection, whether acquired in hospital or community, was related to an increased risk of fatal outcomes. The infections in the respiratory tract and bloodstream were associated with a higher risk of death than that in the urinary tract. Both antibiotic and antifungal treatments were associated with improved survival for CAIs, while for HAIs, only antibiotic therapy was related to improved survival, and no effect from antifungal therapy was observed. Early administration of glucocorticoids was associated with an increased risk of HAIs. The study provided novel clinical and epidemiological data and revealed risk factors, such as bacterial coinfections, fungal coinfections, infection sources, and treatment strategies associated with SFTS deaths/survival. This report might be helpful in curing SFTS and reducing fatal SFTS.
Bidirectional causal associations between type 2 diabetes and COVID‐19
Authors: Cao Hongbao , Baranova Ancha , Wei Xuejuan , Wang Chun , Zhang Fuquan
Published: August 2022

Observational studies have reported high comorbidity between type 2 diabetes (T2D) and severe COVID‐19. However, the causality between T2D and COVID‐19 has yet to be validated. We performed genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess genetic relationships and potential causal associations between T2D and three COVID‐19 outcomes (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS‐CoV‐2] infection, COVID‐19 hospitalization, and critical COVID‐19). Molecular pathways connecting SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19 were reconstructed to extract insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the connection. We identified a high genetic overlap between T2D and each COVID‐19 outcome (genetic correlations 0.21–0.28). The MR analyses indicated that genetic liability to T2D confers a causal effect on hospitalized COVID‐19 (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.12) and critical COVID‐19 (1.09, 1.03–1.16), while genetic liability to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection exerts a causal effect on T2D (1.25, 1.00–1.56). There was suggestive evidence that T2D was associated with an increased risk for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection (1.02, 1.00–1.03), while critical COVID‐19 (1.06, 1.00–1.13) and hospitalized COVID‐19 (1.09, 0.99–1.19) were associated with an increased risk for T2D. Pathway analysis identified a panel of immunity‐related genes that may mediate the links between T2D and COVID‐19 at the molecular level. Our study provides robust support for the bidirectional causal associations between T2D and COVID‐19. T2D may contribute to amplifying the severity of COVID‐19, while the liability to COVID‐19 may increase the risk for T2D.
Intravenous injection of adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells benefits gait and inflammation in a spontaneous osteoarthritis model
Authors: Afzali Maryam F. , Pannone Stephen C. , Martinez Richard B. , Campbell Margaret A. , Sanford Joseph L. , Pezzanite Lynn M. , Kurihara Jade , Johnson Valerie , Dow Steven W. , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: August 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of morbidity among aging populations, yet symptom and/or disease‐modification remains elusive. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (adMSCs) have demonstrated immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties that may alleviate clinical signs and interrupt disease onset and progression. Indeed, multiple manuscripts have evaluated intra‐articular administration of adMSCs as a therapeutic; however, comparatively few evaluations of systemic delivery methods have been published. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the short‐term impact of intravenous (IV) delivery of allogeneic adMSCs in an established model of spontaneous OA, the Hartley guinea pig. Animals with moderate OA received once weekly injections of 2 × 106 adMSCs or vehicle control for 4 weeks in peripheral veins; harvest occurred 2 weeks after the final injection. Systemic administration of adMSCs resulted in no adverse effects and was efficacious in reducing clinical signs of OA (as assessed by computer‐aided gait analysis) compared to control injected animals. Further, there were significant decreases in key inflammatory mediators (including monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, tumor necrosis factor, and prostaglandin E2) both systemically (liver, kidney, and serum) and locally in the knee (joint tissues and synovial fluid) in animals treated with IV adMSCs relative to controls (as per enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and/or immunohistochemistry, dictated by tissue sample). Thus, systemic administration of adMSCs by IV injection significantly improved gait parameters and reduced both systemic and intra‐articular inflammatory mediators in animals with OA. These findings demonstrate the potential utility of alternative delivery approaches for cellular therapy of OA, particularly for patients with multiple affected joints.
Ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of atorvastatin, 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, and tangeretin in rat plasma and its application to the pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Wenchao , Wang Simeng , Wang Weiping , Gong Lihong , Ni Danrong , Li Yingchao , Wu Wenying , Zhang Yu , Xu Xiaolan , Jiang Qikun , Zhang Jiaming , Zhang Tianhong
Published: August 2022

Recent studies strongly suggest that atorvastatin combination therapy with tangeretin could be beneficial in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic interactions among atorvastatin, its active metabolite 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, and tangeretin after oral administration of atorvastatin with tangeretin in rats. A rapid, selective, and sensitive assay was developed and validated based on ultra‐high performance supercritical fluid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry for the simultaneous measurement of atorvastatin, 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, and tangeretin concentrations in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation of the analytes was conducted on an ACQUITY Torus 1‐AA column in gradient elution mode. The mass transition ion pairs were m/z 559.0→440.0 for atorvastatin, m/z 575.2→440.0 for 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, m/z 373.0→358.1 for tangeretin, and m/z 254.8→136.7 for daidzein (internal standard). Calibration curves showed good linear correlations at the following concentration range: 1–400 (r = 0.9952), 1–400 (r = 0.9980), and 3–1200 (r = 0.9945) for atorvastatin, 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, and tangeretin, respectively. The method was fully validated and satisfied the acceptance criteria recommended by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Finally, it was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study in rats to evaluate the pharmacokinetic behavior of atorvastatin, 2‐hydroxy atorvastatin, and tangeretin.
The pattern of soil microbe metabolic limitation was altered by the increased sheep grazing intensity in two contrasting grasslands: Implications for grassland management in semiarid regions
Authors: Zhang Mei , Song Riquan , Zhang Ruixi , An Xilong , Chu Guixin
Published: August 2022

Soil extracellular enzyme stoichiometry (EES) and microbial metabolic limitation deeply reflect soil quality. However, knowledge about the impacts of different grazing intensities on microbial metabolic limitation has not been well‐documented. Herein, the influences of four sheep grazing intensities (ungrazed, UG; lightly grazed, LG; moderately grazed, MG; and heavily grazed, HG) on microbial metabolic limitation were investigated in typical steppe (14‐year grazing) and desert steppe (17‐year grazing). The activities of an extracellular enzyme (EEAs) involved in soil C, N, and P transformation were determined by fluorimetric microplate assay. We found that different grazing intensities significantly affected extracellular enzyme activities and EES. Compared to the treatments of UG, LG, and MG, microbial relative C limitation in the HG treatment increased by 30.5–64.7% and 18.9–33.1%, respectively, in typical and desert steppes, indicating that heavily grazing aggravated soil microbial relative C limitation. Moreover, along with grazing intensity, vector angle decreased from 50.3° to 27.6° and from 71.5° to 58.9° in desert steppe and typical steppe. This indicated that the pattern of microbial metabolism limitation shifted from P limitation to N limitation in desert steppe, and heavily grazing significantly aggravated microbial N limitation in desert steppe. In addition, the desert steppe was more pronounced than the typical steppe to grazing intensity increasing. Therefore, heavily grazing aggravated microbial metabolism limitation, deteriorated grassland quality. The outcomes of this study highlight that lightly grazing can be an effective management practice to maintain grassland ecological services in semi‐arid areas from the perspective of soil microbial metabolic limitation.
Degradation of traditional vineyards in Slovakia by abandonment and soil erosion: A case‐study of Vráble
Authors: Lieskovský Juraj , Kenderessy Pavol
Published: August 2022

We evaluated the effect of increased erosion events and decreased management intensity on the degradation of traditional vineyards. The study area is located near Vráble, Slovakia, in an area with warm dry climate with mild winters, and Luvisol and Regosol soils. For the erosion measurements, we used the pole height method, which uses vineyard poles as a passive soil‐surface marker. The erosion of a tilled vineyard increased from 33.47 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in the period 1983–2010 to 55.34 Mg ha−1 yr−1 in the period 2010–2021. In comparison, the erosion of the hoed and grassed vineyard has not changed significantly. We also quantified the regeneration of soil in abandoned vineyards. An average increase in level of the soil surface level after abandonment in 2010 was 0.56 mm yr−1. A control plot showed minimal change in the average exposed pole height over 10 years and confirmed the reliability of the pole height method. Land cover and management practices have dramatically changed in the study area over the last decade. Only 27.16% of the total vineyard area is currently tilled and potentially threatened by soil erosion. On the other hand, 35.73% of the vineyards are abandoned; abandonment is expected to continue into the future. Therefore, the loss of management associated with vineyard abandonment is more strongly linked to their degradation than increased soil erosion intensity.
Are the Sundarbans, the World's largest mangroves region under threat?—An ecosystem‐based geospatial approach to assess changes past, present, and future in relation to natural and human‐induced factors
Authors: Jayanthi Marappan , Duraisamy Muthusamy , Kabiraj Sabyasachi , Thirumurthy Selvasekar , Samynathan Muthusamy , Panigrahi Akshaya , Muralidhar Moturi
Published: August 2022

The World's most extensive mangrove region, the Sundarbans ecosystem, is highly biodiverse but severely stressed. Past, present, and future potential changes in Sundarbans mangroves have been assessed from multi‐temporal satellite data of 1980, 2000, and 2020, elevation data, and topographical maps using geospatial techniques, digital shoreline analysis system, land change modelling, and ground truth verification. The mangrove loss was 16,025 ha between 1980 and 2020 and is predicted to be 22,286 ha between 2020 and 2050. Major changes were observed in mangroves, waterbodies, mudflats, agriculture, and aquaculture. The shoreline change by endpoint rate indicated the erosion rate by 5.81 m yr−1 in 2000–2020 compared to −0.90 m yr−1 in 1980–2000. The weighted linear regression indicated the average erosion and accretion rate of −5.96 m‐yr −1 and 4.92 m yr−1, respectively, with erosion in 76% of transects and accretion in the remaining 24% between 1980 and 2020. A sea‐level rise by 1 m will inundate 17,486 ha of mangroves. The finding revealed the dynamic nature of mangroves, past and expected future loss, the severely eroding transects, hotspots, and the consequences of mangrove loss on depending the population. As fringe mangroves will be at greater risk, speedy measures are needed to stabilize the highly eroding regions.
Effects of nitrogen addition and watering on soil seed bank germination in a semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Niu Furong , Huo Lijuan , Wang Zhi , Liu Jinbiao , Gao Zhijuan , Li Min , Xu Bingcheng
Published: August 2022

Elevated atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has caused many adverse effects on ecosystem services. However, the impacts of N deposition and its interaction with soil moisture on soil seed bank remain largely unknown in semiarid grasslands. Here, we quantified the effects of two soil water regimes (HW: watered to field capacity every day; LW: watered to field capacity every 2 days) and two types of N addition (NO3−‐N and NH4+‐N) with different levels on seed bank germination in two separate trials in April and July 2015 in a semiarid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China. Results showed seed bank germination was remarkably inhibited under the LW soil water regime. Species composition of emerged seedlings significantly differed between the two soil water regimes. N addition promoted seed bank germination under the HW soil water regime. This promoting effect was less noticeable under the LW, while still significant in the high level of NH4+‐N in the July trial. N addition did not alter the species composition of emerged seedlings. Overall, this study suggests that soil moisture controls soil seed bank germination and species composition of emerged seedlings. Soil N addition, for example, by N deposition, greatly promotes soil seed bank germination when soil moisture is high (e.g., during seed germination season in July), and still marginally facilitates seed germination under low soil moisture conditions (e.g., at the beginning of the growing season in April). N deposition may therefore deplete the grassland soil seed bank if other processes (e.g., seed input) remain unchanged.
Environmental literacy scenarios lead to land degradation and changes in riparian zones: Implications for policy in China
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Jiajia Li , Tahir Muhammad , Jie Zheng , Li Changxiao
Published: August 2022

Environmental illiteracy threatens ecosystem functions globally, however, many continue to deny its existence. Knowledge deficit theory suggests that suspicions will decrease once officials and the public are presented with new facts. Despite extensive worldwide initiatives to improve riparian buffer zones, there is minimal evidence about the impact of environmental literacy metrics (ELMs) on riparian zone components (RZCs) across different land‐use types (i.e., rural, rural–urban transitional, and urban regions) within the riparian zones of dams and reservoirs. In this study, multiple statistical techniques were used to explore the extent of impacts on a 58,000 km2 area within China's Three Gorges Dam Reservoir (TGDR) area/region in 2019. Network visualization investigated RZC themes, such as plant cover, regeneration, exotics, erosion, habitat, and stresses, based on 5326 articles published over the past 121 years. Our analysis revealed the greatest lack of information regarding ELM (e.g., knowledge, attitude, and behaviour) among the general public, which, in turn, had the greatest impact on the components of plant cover in transitional regions and the least impact on regeneration in rural areas. Furthermore, the ELMs of local people had the most significant effect on RZCs, with Pearson correlation values ranging from −0.79 < r < 0.98 throughout the TGDR. In contrast, the ELM of government employees correlated more strongly with RZCs (−0.70 < r < 0.92) in transitional and rural areas. Comparatively, exposed soil, understory cover, and environmentally unfriendly activities, including pollution, were the most significant RZCs within the TGDR. Based on hierarchical methods, RZCs and ELMs differed significantly between land‐use categories. RZCs near dams and reservoirs exhibit many differences; thus, land‐use initiatives are required to raise awareness of their global impacts.
Comprehensive assessment of pollution indices, sources apportionment and ecological risk mapping of heavy metals in agricultural soils of Raebareli District, Uttar Pradesh, India, employing a GIS approach
Authors: Neeraj Ajay , Hiranmai R. Y. , Iqbal Kashifa
Published: August 2022

In the environment, heavy metal contamination is a well known problem due to its persistence and toxicity. Heavy metal pollution has significantly affected soil properties and functions, resulting in significantly increased land degradation as a result of anthropogenic interventions that include mining and various industrial and agriculture activities. While heavy metals pollution in soil have been studied very rarely in this District, this paper explores the current status of agricultural soil pollution by heavy metals in Raebareli. This study identifies heavy metals as well as their quantities in the soil and their spatial distribution; our study employed various pollutant indices and geographical information system (GIS) techniques. This research work evaluated the physiochemical properties, the pollution load index (PLI), contamination factor (CF) and the degree of contamination and geoaccumulation (Igeo) in sodic soils of the Raebareli District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Uchahaar site (US) has the most polluted soil, while the Bacharawa site (BS) has the least contaminated soil. The soil quality has degraded due to anthropogenic interventions at most sites. There is slight to moderate contamination by heavy metals at all sites. The Igeo values in subSites US1, US2 and US3 included high levels of Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn and Sr. SubSites BS2 and BS3 have high Sr levels and US1 has a high As level all these Subsites have high anthropogenic influences. The PLI values indicate that most of the study subSites come under a slightly polluted class, except US1 where the PLl  was > 3 indicating severe heavy metal pollution at this site. All the pollution indices have then been utilized for building maps using the IDW method of interpolation. The spatial projection of PLI and ecological risk index (Er) values suggest that the northern part of Raebareli has a high pollution load and ecological risk in terms of heavy metal pollution. This study provide valuable information that policymakers could use to develop an appropriate plan to control pollution within the agricultural sector.
Role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a salvage therapy for liver transplantation recipients in a high‐volume transplant center
Authors: Yoon Young‐In , Lim Jung‐Hyeon , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Kang Pil‐Je , Hwang Gyu‐Sam , Ha Su‐Min , Do Ha‐Yeon , Hong Suk‐Kyung , Huh Jin‐Won
Published: August 2022

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used sporadically in adult orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients for the treatment of acute cardiopulmonary failure. This retrospective study aimed to identify OLT patients who would benefit from ECMO support. We reviewed 109 OLT patients who received ECMO support for more than 24 h from January 2007 to December 2020. Among the enrolled patients, 15 (13.8%) experienced 18 ECMO‐related complications and 12 (11.0%) experienced ECMO reapplication after weaning during the same hospitalization period. The successful weaning rates were 50.98% in patients who received ECMO support during the peritransplantation period (0–30 days from transplantation) and 51.72% in patients who received ECMO support in the post‐OLT period (more than 30 days after OLT); 24 (47.1%) and 23 (39.7%) patients survived until hospital discharge, respectively. The 109 enrolled OLT recipients who received ECMO support during the perioperative period had a 1‐year survival rate of 42.6%. Multivariate analyses identified the following as significant and independent risk factors for in‐hospital mortality: ECMO treatment prior to 2011 (p = 0.04), septic shock as the indication for ECMO treatment (p = 0.001), and a total bilirubin level of ≥5.0 mg/dl (p = 0.02). The outcomes of adult OLT recipients with ECMO treatment were acceptable in terms of weaning success and survival until hospital discharge. This study confirmed that ECMO treatment for OLT recipients with septic shock and elevated bilirubin levels might be associated with a higher in‐hospital mortality and demonstrated the importance of a multidisciplinary ECMO team approach.
Cocrystallization of Polyethylene Blends during TREF–GPC Cross‐Fractionation Characterization
Authors: Piriyakulkit Piriyakorn , Kanoknukulchai Kataguna , Potisatityuenyong Anupat , Anantawaraskul Siripon
Published: August 2022

Cross‐fractionation characterization (CFC) between temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is a technique developed to determine the bivariate molecular weight and chemical composition distribution (MWDxCCD), a unique and detailed microstructural fingerprint of polyolefin. Like other crystallization‐based characterization techniques, CFC may suffer from cocrystallization effects during analysis, which can mislead the interpretation of polymer microstructures. However, cocrystallization phenomena during CFC analysis are not investigated, especially for industrial polymers. In this study, the cocrystallization effect during CFC analysis is systematically investigated using two series of binary blends based on four individual polyethylene samples. These individual samples have distinct microstructural characteristics, representing polyethylene produced using different polymerization processes and catalytic systems. The effects of microstructural characteristics and blending ratio on cocrystallization level are examined. When the CFC profiles of individual components do not overlap, a high level of cocrystallization can be observed. Furthermore, the behavior of how the blending ratio affects cocrystallization depends on the characteristics of CFC profiles of individual component and their interactions. The level of cocrystallization in binary blends increases with the weight fraction of the component having microstructures eluted in the cocrystallization temperature range.
Continuous Monitoring of Essential Tremor: Standards and Challenges
Authors: McGurrin Patrick , McNames James , Haubenberger Dietrich , Hallett Mark
Published: August 2022

Background

The value of continuous symptom monitoring in people with essential tremor is uncertain.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between tremor amplitude measured with wearable inertial sensors and clinician‐ and patient‐rated measures.

Methods

For 14 days, patients (1) wore inertial sensors on both wrists, (2) self‐rated their tremor using a diary, (3) drew spirals, and (4) completed an activities of daily living scale once daily. Patients were also scored using The Essential Tremor Rating Scale (TETRAS) performance in the clinic by a clinician.

Results

We found strong correlations in patient‐reported metrics of tremor, but weak correlations between these data and both the inertial sensor data and the in‐clinic TETRAS scores.

Conclusions

The patient experience of tremor during normal daily activities may differ from the transducer‐based measures of tremor amplitude and rating scales of tremor severity. Future studies should consider how to record features of tremor that are important to patients.
Tremor and Movement Slowness Are Two Unrelated Adverse Effects Induced by Valproate Intake
Authors: De Biase Alessandro , Paparella Giulia , Angelini Luca , Cannavacciuolo Antonio , Colella Donato , Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Giallonardo Anna Teresa , Di Bonaventura Carlo , Berardelli Alfredo , Bologna Matteo
Published: August 2022

Background

To date, only a few clinical and neurophysiological studies have assessed the features of valproate‐induced tremor (VIT), and whether valproate (VPA) affects voluntary movements is underinvestigated.

Objective

To better characterize the clinical and neurophysiological features of VIT in patients with epilepsy and the effect of VPA on the execution of voluntary movement.

Methods

We tested 29 patients with VIT (13 taking VPA alone and 16 taking VPA plus other antiepileptics). Patients underwent a neurological examination, video recordings and kinematic assessments of postural, kinetic, and resting upper limb tremor using a motion analysis system. Movement execution was tested by kinematic assessment of finger tapping. Data of patients with VIT were compared with those of 13 patients with epilepsy taking VPA but without tremor, 13 patients with epilepsy who were not on VPA treatment, 20 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 20 healthy controls (HCs).

Results

Clinical and kinematic evaluations showed that tremor in patients taking VPA alone was less severe than tremor in patients taking VPA plus other antiepileptics. All patients taking VPA, regardless of the presence of tremor, performed slower finger tapping compared with HCs, similar to what was observed in PD, although with no sequence effect. Patients with epilepsy without VPA showed a normal motor performance.

Conclusions

Tremor and movement slowness are motor signs induced by VPA. VIT severity is exacerbated when VPA is taken in combination with other antiepileptics. VPA‐induced slowness occurs regardless of tremor, may precede tremor development, and is not attributed to epilepsy.
A Machine Learning–Based Approach to Discrimination of Tauopathies Using [18F]PM‐PBB3 PET Images
Authors: Endo Hironobu , Tagai Kenji , Ono Maiko , Ikoma Yoko , Oyama Asaka , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Kokubo Naomi , Hirata Kosei , Sano Yasunori , Oya Masaki , Matsumoto Hideki , Kurose Shin , Seki Chie , Shimizu Hiroshi , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahata Keisuke , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Shimada Hitoshi , Tokuda Takahiko , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Oishi Kenichi , Mori Susumu , Takado Yuhei , Higuchi Makoto
Published: August 2022

Background

We recently developed a positron emission tomography (PET) probe, [18F]PM‐PBB3, to detect tau lesions in diverse tauopathies, including mixed three‐repeat and four‐repeat (3R + 4R) tau fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 4R tau aggregates in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). For wider availability of this technology for clinical settings, bias‐free quantitative evaluation of tau images without a priori disease information is needed.

Objective

We aimed to establish tau PET pathology indices to characterize PSP and AD using a machine learning approach and test their validity and tracer capabilities.

Methods

Data were obtained from 50 healthy control subjects, 46 patients with PSP Richardson syndrome, and 37 patients on the AD continuum. Tau PET data from 114 regions of interest were subjected to Elastic Net cross‐validation linear classification analysis with a one‐versus‐the‐rest multiclass strategy to obtain a linear function that discriminates diseases by maximizing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We defined PSP‐ and AD‐tau scores for each participant as values of the functions optimized for differentiating PSP (4R) and AD (3R + 4R), respectively, from others.

Results

The discriminatory ability of PSP‐ and AD‐tau scores assessed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98 and 1.00, respectively. PSP‐tau scores correlated with the PSP rating scale in patients with PSP, and AD‐tau scores correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores in healthy control–AD continuum patients. The globus pallidus and amygdala were highlighted as regions with high weight coefficients for determining PSP‐ and AD‐tau scores, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings highlight our technology's unbiased capability to identify topologies of 3R + 4R versus 4R tau deposits. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The application of zebrafish patient‐derived xenograft tumor models in the development of antitumor agents
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Minyong
Published: August 2022

The cost of antitumor drug development is enormous, yet the clinical outcomes are less than satisfactory. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop effective drug screening methods that enable accurate, rapid, and high‐throughput discovery of lead compounds in the process of preclinical antitumor drug research. An effective solution is to use the patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) tumor animal models, which are applicable for the elucidation of tumor pathogenesis and the preclinical testing of novel antitumor compounds. As a promising screening model organism, zebrafish has been widely applied in the construction of the PDX tumor model and the discovery of antineoplastic agents. Herein, we systematically survey the recent cutting‐edge advances in zebrafish PDX models (zPDX) for studies of pathogenesis mechanisms and drug screening. In addition, the techniques used in the construction of zPDX are summarized. The advantages and limitations of the zPDX are also discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of zPDX in drug discovery, translational medicine, and clinical precision medicine treatment are well presented.
An inertial method for a solution of split equality of monotone inclusion and the f$$ f $$‐fixed point problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Zegeye Solomon Bekele , Zegeye Habtu , Sangago Mengstu Goa , Boikanyo Oganeditse A. , Woldeamanuel Sebsibe Teferi
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we propose an inertial algorithm for solving split equality of monotone inclusion and ‐fixed point of Bregman relatively ‐nonexpansive mapping problems in reflexive real Banach spaces. Using the Bregman distance function, we prove a strong convergence theorem for the algorithm produced by the method in real reflexive Banach spaces. In addition, we provide some applications of our method and give numerical results to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method.
A novel angiographic method to estimate arterial blood flow rates using contrast reflux: Effect of injection parameters
Authors: Marfoglio Samantha , Kovarovic Brandon , Fiorella David J , Sadasivan Chander
Published: August 2022

Background

Contrast reflux, which is the retrograde movement of contrast against flow direction, is commonly observed during angiography. Despite a vast body of literature on angiography, the hemodynamic factors affecting contrast reflux have not been studied. Numerous methods have been developed to extract flow from angiography, but the reliability of these methods is not yet sufficient to be of routine clinical use.

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of baseline blood flow rates and injection conditions on the extent of contrast reflux. To estimate arterial flow rates based on measurement of contrast reflux length.

Materials and methods

Iodinated contrast was injected into an idealized tube as well as a physiologically accurate model of the cervico‐cerebral vasculature. A total of 194 high‐speed angiograms were acquired under varying “blood” flow rates and injection conditions (catheter size, injection rate, and injection time). The length of contrast reflux was compared to the input variables and to dimensionless fluid dynamics parameters at the catheter‐tip. Arterial blood flow rates were estimated using contrast reflux length as well as a traditional transit‐time method and compared to measured flow rates.

Results

Contrast reflux lengths were significantly affected by contrast injection rate (p < 0.0001), baseline blood flow rate (p = 0.0004), and catheter size (p = 0.04), but not by contrast injection time (p = 0.4). Reflux lengths were found to be correlated to dimensionless fluid dynamics parameters by an exponential function (R2 = 0.6–0.99). When considering the entire dataset in unison, flow estimation errors with the reflux‐length method (39% ± 33%) were significantly higher (p = 0.003) than the transit‐time method (33% ± 36%). However, when subgrouped by catheter, the error with the reflux‐length method was substantially reduced and was significantly lower (14% ± 14%, p < 0.0001) than the transit‐time method.

Conclusion

Results show correlations between contrast reflux length and baseline hemodynamic parameters that have not been reported previously. Clinically relevant blood flow rate estimation is feasible by simple measurement of reflux length. In vivo and clinical studies are required to confirm these correlations and to refine the methodology of estimating blood flow by reflux.
Validation of the French version of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 15 Tools which help nurse for assessing the effect of perceived multiple sclerosis symptoms on sexual activity and satisfaction
Authors: Lefebvre Sandrine , Houot Marion , Delgadillo Daniel , Cantal Dupart Marie Dominique , Varin Dominique , Papeix Caroline , Sevin Mathilde , Bourmaleau Julie , Laigle‐Donadey Florence , Jovic Ljiljana
Published: August 2022

Aim

To validate a French version of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 15 which examines patients’ perception of the effect of multiple sclerosis symptoms on their sexual activity.

Methods

After completing a translation/re‐translation process to ensure linguistic and content validity, the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 15 French (MSISQ‐15Fr) was completed by patients with multiple sclerosis. The validity of the construction, reliability, stability and reproducibility of the translation was evaluated.

Explanatory mixed observational study

Validation of a French assessment tool for sexual disorders (borrowed theoretical framework): the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 15 (MSISQ 15)

Results

The normed χ2 was 1.21, the root mean square error of approximation was 0.046 [0.00; 0.07], the comparative fit index was 0.974, and the standardized root mean square was 0.065. The calculated Cronbach’s coefficients indicated strong internal coherence, and the intraclass correlation coefficient was satisfactory at 0.9. Translations of the Multiple Sclerosis Intimacy and Sexuality Questionnaire 15 (MSISQ‐15) have already been validated in five languages. This French version is valid, stable and reproducible. It provides French‐speaking nurses an accessible and appropriate tool that will enable them to play an active role in the sexual health strategy recommended by the World Health Organization.