bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supraclavicular brachial plexus and paravertebral blocks: novel regional anaesthetic technique for brachioaxillary fistula formation with a synthetic graft
Authors: Rhidian R. , Looseley A. , Carey A.
Published: March 2022

Vascular access formation surgery for renal replacement therapy can be performed under local, regional or general anaesthesia. Regional anaesthesia may offer several advantages, however the sensory innervation to the upper medial arm can be difficult to adequately block. We describe a novel regional anaesthetic technique using both supraclavicular brachial plexus and paravertebral blocks for a multimorbid 73‐year‐old woman undergoing brachioaxillary fistula formation with a synthetic graft. An ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block was performed, followed by an ultrasound‐guided T2/3 level paravertebral block. Adequate sensory blockade for surgery was achieved. Supplemental local anaesthetic infiltration was not required, and the operation was well tolerated by the patient. We consider this to be a valuable regional anaesthetic technique for vascular access formation surgery involving the upper arm.
New mononuclear Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes incorporating 4‐{[(2 hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenyl‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonate (HL): Synthesis, characterization, theoretical, anti‐inflammatory, and molecular docking investigation
Authors: Elkanzi Nadia A. A. , Ali Ali M. , Hrichi Hajer , Abdou Aly
Published: March 2022

Herein, new Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes incorporating 4‐{[(2‐hydroxyphenyl)imino]methyl}phenyl 4‐methylbenzenesulfonate Schiff‐base ligand (HL) were designed, synthesized, and characterized. The structure of the new compounds was elucidated based on spectroscopic techniques (nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], ultraviolet–visible [UV‐vis], infrared [IR], mass), magnetic, conductivity, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis [TGA], differential thermal analysis [DTA]) measurements, in addition to complex stoichiometry determination using molar ratio and Job's methods. The new complexes showed an interesting structural variation: square‐planar (in the case of NiL), tetrahedral (in the case of CuL), and octahedral (in the case of FeL2, CoL2, and ZnL2). Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to obtain deep insights into the structural features, orbital interactions, and electronic chemical descriptors evaluation. Moreover, the anti‐inflammatory behavior of the titled compounds was in vitro investigated. Interestingly, the ZnL2 complex showed the highest activity, whereas the CuL complex showed the lowest activity compared with the other compounds. In order to ascertain the bioactivity of the present compounds, their efficacy was compared with previously reported compounds showing high activity. The anti‐inflammatory activity was supported by molecular docking analysis against cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) enzyme (PDB ID: 5IKT), which confirms the bioactivity behavior. The obtained results indicated that the titled compounds could be promising anti‐inflammatory candidates.
Decentralized observer‐based controller design for large‐scale systems with quantized measurements and actuator faults
Authors: Tharanidharan Vasudevan , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Shanmugam Harshavarthini , Almakhles Dhafer J.
Published: March 2022

This paper is focused on designing observer‐based decentralized memory feedback controller for ensuring the asymptotic mean square stability of the large‐scale systems with minimum H∞ performance index. Precisely, the unknown interconnection between each subsystems of a large‐scale system is assumed to satisfy quadratic bounds, and measured output is quantized by a logarithmic quantizer. Also, the signals are transmitted through the actuator component wherein the occurrence of fault is indispensable. Thus, the impact of faults in actuator is considered in control design to tolerate the fault effects and also for ensuring robust performance. A state space representation of the system is formulated to reconstruct the unmeasurable states via the available informations of input/output dynamics. Based on the designed observer, a decentralized memory feedback controller is developed. Specifically, in terms of linear matrix inequalities, the stability conditions are derived and which are sufficient to guarantee the desired result. At last, simulations are carried out for two numerical examples to validate the potential of the theoretical result.
The interaction between smoking and bladder cancer genetic variants on urothelial cancer risk by disease aggressiveness
Authors: Teleka Stanley , Jochems Sylvia H. J. , Jirström Karin , Stocks Tanja
Published: March 2022

Background

Smoking has shown interactions with bladder cancer (BC) genetic variants, especially N‐acetyltransferase‐2 (NAT2), a tobacco smoke metabolism gene, on BC risk. The interactions by disease aggressiveness are unknown.

Methods

We investigated the interaction between smoking and 18 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for BC, individually and in a genetic risk score (GRS), on urothelial cancer (UC) risk including BC. We analysed data from 25,453 individuals with 520 incident UCs during follow‐up, 339 non‐aggressive (non‐fatal, non‐muscle invasive) and 163 aggressive (all other) UCs. Hazard ratios (HRs), absolute risks and additive and multiplicative interactions for two‐by‐two combinations of never/ever smoking with low/high genetic risk were calculated.

Results

Smoking and NAT2 rs1495741 interacted strongly, positively on aggressive UC on both the multiplicative (p = 0.004) and additive (p = 0.0002) scale, which was not observed for non‐aggressive UC (pinteractions ≥ 0.6). This manifested in a higher HR of aggressive UC by ever smoking for the slow acetylation NAT2 genotype (HR, 5.00 [95% confidence interval, 2.67–9.38]) than for intermediate/fast acetylation NAT2 (HR, 1.50 [0.83–2.71]), and in differences in absolute risks by smoking and NAT2 genotype. Smoking also interacted additively and positively with the GRS on any UC (p = 0.01) and non‐aggressive UC (p = 0.02), but not on aggressive UC (p = 0.1). Gene‐smoking interactions of lesser magnitude than for NAT2 were found for SNPs in APOBEC3A, SLC14A1 and MYNN.

Conclusions

This study suggests that smoking increases UC risk more than expected when combined with certain genetic risks. Individuals with the slow acetylation NAT2 variant might particularly benefit from smoking intervention to prevent lethal UC; however, replication in larger studies is needed.
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis associated with COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Jouhar Lamia , Yahya Marva , Elsiddiq Sohair
Published: March 2022

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis/Steven–Johnson Syndrome (TEN/SJS) is one of the most serious dermatological adverse reactions triggered mainly by drugs and less likely by infections. COVID‐19 disease is caused by Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Skin involvement is common in COVID‐19 patients including urticaria, purpura, and vasculitis. There were reported cases of TEN/SJS in adults with COVID‐19 infections and only two reported cases in pediatric patients. The causality relationship between COVID‐19 infection and TEN/SJS was not established in most cases due to history of drug usage that could be the trigger. In this study, we are reporting a case of previously healthy child apart from COVID‐19 infection who was admitted to the intensive care unit with TEN involving more than 30% of body surface area confirmed by skin biopsy. The child was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins, steroids, and cyclosporin with a very good outcome.
Dispensing Single Drops as Electrochemical Reactors
Authors: Rastgar Shokoufeh , Pleis Sebastian , Zhang Yanzhen , Wittstock Gunther
Published: March 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Gunther Wittstock at Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg. The cover picture represents the illustration of a single microscopic drop which is generated and directed to a reactive surface, where the liquid content is detected. The electrochemical detection is made possible by a phase transfer to a viscous ion‐conducting carrier liquid. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200004.
Discovery of New Bohemamines and Synthesis of Methylene‐Bridged Chimeric Derivatives through Natural Product Chimera Strategy
Authors: Zhang Rongxin , Yan Xiaotang , Yin Shupeng , Wang Weihong , Zhu Weiming , Fu Peng
Published: March 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Five new pyrrolizidine alkaloids, bohemamines J—N (1—5), were isolated from Streptomyces sp. CPCC 200497. Their structures were assigned based on detailed spectroscopic analysis and semisynthesis. Bohemamine J (1) possesses a new chimeric skeleton derived from bohemamine A (6) and phenylacetaldehyde. Inspired by the nonenzymatic formation mechanism of the methylene‐bridged dimers isolated from this strain, we synthesized a series of chimeric derivatives (8, 9, and 12—23) through natural product chimera strategy. Compounds 13, 15, 19, and 21 showed significant antioxidant activity.
Caregiver burden among diverse caregivers
Authors: Utz Rebecca L. , Warner Echo L.
Published: March 2022

Caregivers are diverse. Research needs to focus on understanding the similarities and differences of diverse caregivers to develop the most supportive policies and programs.
Sarcopenia and systemic inflammation are associated with decreased survival after cytoreductive nephrectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Khan Amir Ishaq , Psutka Sarah P. , Patil Dattatraya H. , Hong Gordon , Williams Milton A. , Bilen Mehmet A. , Sekhar Aarti , Kissick Haydn T. , Narayan Vikram M. , Joshi Shreyas S. , Ogan Kenneth , Master Viraj A.
Published: March 2022

Background

This study was aimed at assessing the associations of sarcopenia, muscle density, adiposity, and inflammation with overall survival (OS) after cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

In all, 158 patients undergoing CN from 2001 to 2014 had digitized preoperative imaging for tissue segmentation via Slice‐O‐Matic software (version 5.0) at the mid‐L3 level. The skeletal muscle index was calculated with the skeletal muscle area (cm2) normalized for height (m2), and the skeletal muscle density (SMD) was calculated with average Hounsfield units. Adiposity was measured with the cross‐sectional area (cm2) of visceral, subcutaneous, and intramuscular adiposity compartments and was similarly normalized for height. The average fat density was obtained in Hounsfield units. OS was estimated with the Kaplan‐Meier method. Associations between body composition, inflammation metrics, and relevant clinicopathology and OS were assessed with univariable and multivariate Cox analyses.

Results

Seventy‐six of the 158 patients (48%) were sarcopenic. Sarcopenia was associated with elevated neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (NLRs; P = .02), increased age (P = .001), lower body mass indices (P = .009), greater modified Motzer scores (P = .019), and lower SMD (P = .006). The median OS was 15.0 and 29.4 months for sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic patients, respectively (P = .04). Elevated inflammation (NLR or C‐reactive protein), in addition to sarcopenia, was independently associated with OS, with an elevated NLR ≥ 3.5 and sarcopenia associated with the poorest OS at 10.2 months. No associations were observed between measurements of muscle density or adiposity and OS.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia and measures of high systemic inflammation are additively associated with inferior OS after CN and may be of use in preoperative risk stratification.

Lay Summary

Body composition and sarcopenia (a deficiency in skeletal musculature) have been shown to affect outcomes in cancer.

We found that sarcopenic patients had poor survival in comparison with nonsarcopenic patients in the setting of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).

Patients with both elevated inflammation and sarcopenia had the poorest survival.

Sarcopenia is an objective measure of nutrition that can assist in therapeutic counseling and decision‐making for individualized treatment in mRCC.
Unraveling Hürthle cell lesions of the thyroid using molecular findings
Authors: Wong Kristine S.
Published: March 2022

The morphologic classification of Hürthle cell–predominant fine‐needle aspiration biopsies is often challenging. Molecular testing may provide insights to improve the diagnosis and management of Hürthle cell lesions.
Deep embedding for mental health content on social media using vector space model with feature clusters
Authors: Gupta Aakansha , Katarya Rahul
Published: March 2022

Over the years, various document‐clustering techniques were developed to group the textual data. The performance of document clustering systems heavily relies on the optimal use of text representations. Vector space model is an extensively used technique by existing clustering algorithms to present the text in a structured form. However, such representations suffer from a lack of semantic associations, high dimensionality, and sparsity. In order to enrich the document representation by retaining the semantic and morphological associations, this paper introduced a word cluster‐based modified term frequency‐inverse document frequency (WC_MTI) model, in which semantically associated word embeddings from the word2vec are supplemented with morphological information using kernel principal component analysis. In addition, to address high dimensionality and sparsity issues and improve the clustering, we use a self‐training technique that learns discriminative features using the WC_MTI model and autoencoder (AE) and then updates the encoder network weights using assignments from a clustering algorithm as supervision. The proposed model organizes documents into topically compatible clusters by maintaining the semantic and morphological similarity between terms using the skip‐gram with negative sampling (SGNS) and low‐dimensional vector representations. We evaluate the proposed approach against the existing text representation methods. Experimental findings suggest that the proposed approach enhanced the average accuracy by 89.62%.
Bezier Search Differential Evolution algorithm based estimation models of delay parameter k for signalized intersections
Authors: Akgüngör Ali Payıdar , Korkmaz Ersin
Published: March 2022

This article presents a new methodology for estimating delay parameter k, and proposes analytical models which are used artificial intelligence technique for signalized intersections that considers the variation in traffic flow with under‐saturated and over‐saturated conditions. The delay parameter k has been expressed as a function of the degree of saturation in the proposed analytical models. Using the Bezier Search Differential Evolution algorithm (BeSD) algorithm, four different model forms were developed separately for under‐saturated conditions (x <1) and over‐saturated conditions (x > =1). Among the model forms developed as linear, quadratic, power, and logarithmic, the quadratic model presented the best results in both traffic conditions. In the validation of the models, a total of 140 different traffic conditions were determined, 56 of which cover the under‐saturated and 84 the over‐saturated traffic conditions. According to the statistical results, using k values depending on the proposed model instead of using a constant k value (0.5) provides 1.5 and 4.3 improvements for RMSE and MAPE values in under‐saturated traffic conditions respectively, while these improvements in over‐saturated traffic conditions have reached 9.5 and 6, respectively. As a result, using k values depending on the proposed model will be effective in obtaining a more accurate delay value. This effect is more evident, especially in over‐saturated traffic conditions.
Cloud computing platform: Performance analysis of prominent cryptographic algorithms
Authors: Ajmal Abdullah , Ibrar Sundas , Amin Rashid
Published: March 2022

With advancements in science and technology, cloud computing is the next big thing in the industry. Cloud cryptography is a technique that uses encryption algorithms to secure data. The significant advantage of cloud storage is no difficulty to get to, diminished equipment, low protection, and fixing cost so every association is working with the cloud. Encryption is the process of encoding information to prevent unauthorized access. Nowadays, we desire to secure the information that is to be stored in our computer or transmitted utilizing the internet against attacks. The cryptographic method depends on their response time, confidentiality, bandwidth, and integrity. Furthermore, security is a significant factor in cloud computing for ensuring client data is placed on the safe mode in the cloud. Our research paper compares the efficiency, usage, and utility of available cryptography algorithms. Evaluation results suggest which algorithm is better for which type of data and environment.
ND‐ADR: Nondestructive adaptive data rate for LoRaWAN Internet of Things
Authors: Lodhi Muhammad Ali , Wang Lei , Farhad Arshad
Published: March 2022

Typically, LoRaWAN utilizes an adaptive data rate (ADR) for resource assignment (e.g., spreading factor and transmit power) to a large number of end devices (EDs). However, the slow adaptation of the spreading factor and transmitting power strategy makes the ADR vulnerable to destructive concurrent transmissions, resulting in massive packet collision. Therefore, this paper analyzes the impact of massive concurrent transmissions and proposes a novel “nondestructive adaptive data rate (ND‐ADR)” approach to address the packet collision problem. The proposed ND‐ADR aims to monitor the destructive concurrent transmissions proactively and mitigate them by allocating nondestructive transmission time to EDs. The proposed ND‐ADR ensures high robustness and reliability by reducing the chances of destructive transmissions and retransmissions. Results show that the proposed ND‐ADR outperforms the existing state‐of‐the‐art ADRs in packet success ratio and energy consumption.
Natural Product Synthesis by Intramolecular Alkylidene Carbene C−H Insertion
Authors: Taber Douglass F.
Published: March 2022

Direct functionalization of unactivated C−H bonds is of increasing importance in organic synthesis. Of the many methods that have been developed, intramolecular alkylidene C−H insertion, proceeding with retention of absolute configuration, is among the most versatile. This Review explores all examples of the use of intramolecular alkylidene C−H insertion in natural product synthesis.
Fluorine‐Containing sp3‐Enriched Building Blocks for the Multigram Synthesis of Fluorinated Pyrazoles and Pyrimidines with (Hetero)aliphatic Substituents
Authors: Fedinchyk Anastasiya , Herasymchuk Maksym , Smirnov Vladyslav O. , Melnykov Kostiantyn P. , Yarmoliuk Dmytro V. , Kyrylchuk Andrii A. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: March 2022

Efficient approaches to the gram‐scale synthesis of fluorinated pyrazoles and pyrimidines bearing saturated (hetero)cyclic substituents are described. The methods rely on the heterocyclizations of sp3‐enriched β‐bromo‐α,α‐difluoroketones and fluorinated enaminones (in turn prepared from saturated heterocyclic α‐fluoroketones), respectively; these compounds themselves are useful synthetic intermediates that have been prepared on multigram scale for the first time. LogP and aqueous solubility measurements, as well as lead‐likeness assessment using the Nelson's LLAMA tool show that the 19 synthesized sp3‐enriched fluorinated building blocks meet the lead‐oriented synthesis criteria.
A novel reverse migration micellar electrokinetic chromatography method for in‐capillary screening and quantifying of antioxidant components in Sanyetangzhiqing using 2,2′‐Azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) as oxidation‐free radical
Authors: Yao Yaqi , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Rui , Shang Ye , Du Kunze , He Jun , Li Jin , Ma Lin , Chang Yanxu
Published: March 2022

A novel method of reverse migration micellar electrokinetic chromatography (RM‐MEKC) using 2,2′‐azinobis‐(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonate) as oxidation‐free radical was developed to screen the major antioxidants from Sanyetangzhiqing (SYTZQ), which is a new patent drug for diabetes. For simultaneous detection and separation of 2,2′‐bis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS+) and chemical components of SYTZQ, the key factors were optimized and the method was validated under the optimal conditions. All the relative standard deviations of recovery, precision, and stability were below 6.6%. Based on these, the RM‐MEKC method has been successfully used to screen the main antioxidants from SYTZQ tablets. Five compounds, including rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid B, lithospermic acid, hyperoside, and isoquercetin, were separated and identified as the major antioxidants. There was a linear relationship with correlation coefficient of 0.923 between the total amount of major antioxidants and total antioxidative activity of SYTZQ. Consequently, these five ingredients could be selected as combinatorial markers for quality control of SYTZQ, and the established method was concluded to be a simple, reliable, and powerful tool to screen and quantify active compounds for quality evaluation of SYTZQ.
A comparison between analytical approaches for molecular weight estimation of proteins with variable levels of glycosylation
Authors: Puranik Amita , Saldanha Marianne , Dandekar Prajakta , Jain Ratnesh
Published: March 2022

Biotherapeutics, such as mAbs and fusion proteins, are a major and rapidly growing class of pharmaceuticals. Majority of the biopharmaceuticals are glycoproteins, wherein about 1 to 30% of their molecular weight (MW) are contributed by the glycans. Determination of MW of heavily glycosylated proteins, such as Fc‐fusion proteins, is seriously hampered by the physicochemical characteristics and heterogeneity of the attached carbohydrates. Glycosylation influences the expected size of the glycoprotein, which leads to disproportionate MW estimation, in size‐dependent methods. Hence, in this study, we have demonstrated the advantages and limitations of four widely used MW estimation techniques for three proteins having varying levels of glycosylation. It was proven that glycosylation had least impact on MW determination by SEC‐MALS and SV‐AUC. However, MW estimation by LC‐MS and SDS‐PAGE was extensively hampered by the degree of glycosylation. It is, thus, essential to consider the structural characteristics of proteins while selecting a technique for determining their MW.
Estimation of the response of non‐instrumented floors using the Timoshenko and Bernoulli‐Euler Beam Theories
Authors: Çağlar Nilgün Merve , Şafak Erdal
Published: March 2022

We present a modified version of the Mode Shape‐Based Estimation (MSBE) technique to estimate the structural response at non‐instrumented floors of a multi‐story building. The proposed approach requires less user interference when compared to the conventional MSBE technique. Moreover, in the case of high‐rise structures, it provides improved accuracy. In the suggested approach, the structure is modeled as a cantilever beam based on either Timoshenko or Bernoulli‐ Euler beam theory. The unknown terms of the frequency‐dependent solution to the differential equation are estimated using the first natural frequency of the structure. Then, deflected shapes corresponding to any frequency can be approximated using the theoretical solution. The contribution of either Bernoulli‐Euler or Timoshenko Beam modes to the overall response is calculated at each time step and each frequency by using the frequency‐dependent solution to the governing differential equation. Thereby, the response at each time step is simulated in a least‐square sense, in which both the low‐ and high‐frequency content of the vibration is considered. Additionally, any possible nonlinear behavior of the structure is considered implicitly. In this study, we first present the theoretical background of the proposed approach, then applied the methodology to real‐world buildings.
Effect of low‐pressure cold plasma processing on decontamination and quality attributes of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
Authors: Darvish Haleh , Ramezan Yousef , Khani Mohammad Reza , Kamkari Amir
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the microbial decontamination of saffron using the low‐pressure cold plasma (LPCP) technology. Therefore, other quality characteristics of saffron that create the color, taste, and aroma have also been studied. The highest microbial log reduction was observed at 110 W for 30 min. Total viable count (TVC), coliforms, molds, and yeasts log reduction were equal to 3.52, 4.62, 2.38, and 4.12 log CFU (colony‐forming units)/g, respectively. The lowest decimal reduction times (D‐values) were observed at 110 W, which were 9.01, 3.29, 4.17, and 8.93 min for TVC, coliforms, molds, and yeasts. LPCP treatment caused a significant increase in the product's color parameters (L*, a*, b*, ΔE, chroma, and hue angle). The results indicated that the LPCP darkened the treated stigma's color. Also, it reduced picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin in treated samples compared to the untreated control sample (p < .05). However, after examining these metabolites and comparing them with saffron‐related ISO standards, all treated and control samples were good.
Gamma‐band neural coupling during conceptual alignment
Authors: Chen Danni , Zhang Ruqian , Liu Jieqiong , Wang Pu , Bei Litian , Liu Chang‐Chia , Li Xianchun
Published: March 2022

Conceptual alignment is a prerequisite for mutual understanding. However, little is known about the neurophysiological brain‐to‐brain underpinning during conceptual alignment for mutual understanding. Here, we recorded multi‐channel electroencephalogram (EEG) simultaneously from two participants in Experiment 1 and adopted the dual‐tACS techniques in Experiment 2 to investigate the underlying brain‐to‐brain EEG coupling during conceptual alignment and the possible enhancement effect. Our results showed that 1) higher phase‐locking value (PLV), a sensitive measure for quantifying neural coupling strength between EEG signals, at the gamma frequency band (28–40 Hz), was observed in the left temporoparietal site (left TP) area between successful versus unsuccessful conceptual alignment. The left TP gamma coupling strength correlated with the accuracy of conceptual alignment and differentiated whether subjects belonged to the SUCCESS or FAILURE groups in our study. 2) In‐phase gamma‐band transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the left TP area increased the accuracy of subjects in the SUCCESS group but not the FAILURE group. 3) The effect of perspective‐taking on the accuracy was mediated by the gamma coupling strength within the left TP area. Our results support the role of gamma‐band coupling between brains for interpersonal conceptual alignment. We provide dynamic interpersonal neurophysiological insights into the formation of successful communication.
Characterising health promotion in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages: A content analysis of COVID‐19 and maternal health resources
Authors: Gaborit Lorane , Robinson Melanie , Sutherland Stewart
Published: March 2022

Issue addressed

Health promotion resources in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) languages are being widely translated and disseminated at the community, health service and government level. In addition to outlining the relevant Australian policy context and evidence base, this study sought to describe the availability and characteristics of COVID‐19 and maternal health promotion resources incorporating Indigenous languages.

Methods

Health promotion resources published online between June 2005 and June 2020 were identified by a desktop scan and screened against quality inclusion criteria. A content analysis by resource type, health topic, purpose, use of language and source was conducted.

Results

A total of 215 resources was eligible for inclusion, incorporating 50 different Indigenous languages and representing a varied approach to language use and health promotion. Almost 7 times as many COVID‐19 resources were identified than maternal health materials.

Conclusions

In contrast to maternal health, COVID‐19 has seen a sharp rise in the number of health promotion resources produced in language, especially in formats capable of streamlined replication in multiple languages. Strong use of narrative, storytelling and alternative primary aims such as language education suggests potential for greater collaboration between health promotion organisations and other community groups and services. Bilingual resources may have applications for communities where traditional language knowledge is being reawakened.

So what?

Emerging capacity to efficiently produce health promotion resources in multiple Indigenous languages could be capitalised for health topics beyond COVID‐19. However, further research in determining best practice and user perspectives is essential in guiding the development of these resources.
Strategic human resource management in the era of environmental disruptions
Authors: Kim Sunghoon , Vaiman Vlad , Sanders Karin
Published: March 2022

This article—which serves as an introduction to the special issue of the role of (strategic) human resource management (HRM) in the era of environmental disruptions—summarizes previous research, introduces articles related to this special issue, and provides suggestions for future research in the area. This special issue intends to advance HRM research by putting it in the context of disruptive environments, aiming to deepen our theoretical and empirical knowledge about the role of HRM in these disruptive environments, and provide insights to managers and policymakers who must deal with current as well as future disruptions in extra‐organizational environments. The different sections of this introductory paper are structured from the perspective of an individual (“How can HRM help individual employees cope with environmental disruptions?”), an organization (“How can HRM help organizations be more resilient against environmental disruptions?”), and a community/societal perspective (“How can HRM help the community being affected by environmental disruptions?”). We conclude by proposing several research ideas and practical implications for human resource professionals that would enable them to deal with individual employees, their organization, and the community in times of environmental disruptions.
Potential of PKM2 as a drug target in mouse models with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Junbin , Li Zhixia , Huang Gan , Zhou Zhiguang , Zheng Peilin
Published: March 2022

Background

This study aimed to determine the effect of PKM2 knockout in STZ induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) mouse models and to explore the possible mechanism.

Method

PKM2fl/fl C57BL/6 mouse was backcrossed with Ins‐1cre C57BL/6 mouse to generate β‐cell‐specific PKM2 knockout mouse after tamoxifen administration. The expression level of PKM2 in pancreas tissues was detected by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. The blood glucose levels in STZ induced T1D mouse models were measured to validate the establishment of T1D models. The pathological changes of T1D mouse were examined by hematoxylin and eosin. The oxidative stress (OS) and inflammatory response in T1D mouse were determined by measuring the expression levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and 8‐OHdG in pancreatic tissues and the serum levels of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α. The ability to catabolize glucose was assessed through intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test.

Results

β‐cell‐specific PKM2 knockout was successfully achieved in PKM2fl/flcre+ mouse. T1D mouse with PKM2 knockdown had decreased blood glucose level and suppressed cell apoptosis. PKM2 knockout in T1D mouse attenuated β cell injury. OS and inflammatory response in T1D mouse with PKM2 knockout were also suppressed compared with T1D mouse without PKM2 knockout.

Conclusion

PKM2 knockout in T1D mouse can attenuate OS and inflammatory response as well as decrease blood glucose level, suggesting the potential of PKM2 as a drug target for T1D treatment.
Toxic implications of silver nanoparticles on the central nervous system: A systematic literature review
Authors: Suthar Jitendra Kumar , Vaidya Anuradha , Ravindran Selvan
Published: March 2022

Silver nanoparticles have many medical and commercial applications, but their effects on human health are poorly understood. They are used extensively in products of daily use, but little is known about their potential neurotoxic effects. A xenobiotic metal, silver, has no known physiological significance in the human body as a trace metal. Biokinetics of silver nanoparticles indicates its elimination from the body via urine and feces route. However, a substantial amount of evidence from both in vitro and in vivo experimental research unequivocally establish the fact of easier penetration of smaller nanoparticles across the blood–brain barrier to enter in brain and thereby interaction with cellular components to induce neurotoxic effects. Toxicological effects of silver nanoparticles rely on the degree of exposure, particle size, surface coating, and agglomeration state as well as the type of cell or organism used to evaluate its toxicity. This review covers pertinent facts and the present state of knowledge about the neurotoxicity of silver nanoparticles reviewing the impacts on oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial function, neurodegeneration, apoptosis, and necrosis. The effect of silver nanoparticles on the central nervous system is a topic of growing interest and concern that requires immediate consideration.
Association between red blood cell distribution width‐to‐albumin ratio and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zhao Fengping , Liu MengYun , Kong Lingzhen
Published: March 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has shown a trend of reaching pandemic levels in the world. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Red blood cell distribution width‐to‐albumin ratio (RA) is used to assess immune status and the immune response. Our study was conducted to assess the association between DR and RA levels to determine the value of RA in predicting DR.

Methods

The data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2006, The RA was calculated as the Red Blood Cell Distribution Width/Albumin Ratio. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score‐matched analysis were used to examine the association between RA and DR levels.

Results

The clinical and demographic features of the 1,751 patients with DM. The eligible participants included 874 females and 870 males with mean age 62.2 ± 14.0 years, and mean RA 3.2 ± 0.5. RA ≥ 2.9659 was a risk factor for DR (OR = 1.66 95% CI: 1.31–2.11, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, marital status, ratio of family income to poverty, body mass index, fasting glucose, hypertension, and coronary heart disease, RA ≥ 2.9659 was an independent risk factor for DR (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.23–2.19, p = 0.0008). The propensity score‐matched analysis also showed that high RA was an independent risk factor for DR.

Conclusions

Our study shows that RA is a risk factor for patients with DR. The findings of this study should be validated the role of RA in DR in diabetic patients.
Continued Risk of Dietary Supplements Adulterated With Approved and Unapproved Drugs: Assessment of the US Food and Drug Administration's Tainted Supplements Database 2007 Through 2021
Authors: White C. Michael
Published: March 2022

The US Food and Drug Administration created the Tainted Dietary Supplement Database in 2007 to identify dietary supplements adulterated with active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This article compares the determination of API adulteration in dietary supplements from the 10‐year time period of 2007 through 2016 to the most recent 5‐year period of 2017 through 2021. From 2007 through 2021, 1068 unique products were found to be adulterated with APIs. Sexual enhancement and weight loss dietary supplements are the most common products adulterated with APIs. Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors are commonly included in sexual enhancement dietary supplements and a single product can include up to 5 APIs. Sibutramine, a drug removed from the market due to cardiovascular adverse events, is the most included adulterant API in weight loss products, although sibutramine analogues, phenolphthalein (which was removed from the US market because of cancer risk), and fluoxetine were also included. While muscle‐building dietary supplements were commonly adulterated before 2016, since 2017 no additional adulterated products have been identified. The lack of disclosure of APIs in dietary supplements, circumventing the normal procedure with clinician oversight of prescription drug use, and the use of APIs that are banned by the Food and Drug Administration or used in combinations that were never studied are important health risks for consumers.
A Time‐to‐Event Exposure‐Response Model for Amyloid‐Related Imaging Abnormalities Following Administration of Aducanumab to Subjects With Early Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Muralidharan Kumar Kandadi , Karumanchi Sravan , Kowalski Kenneth G. , Burkett Patrick , Chapel Sunny , Rajagovindan Raj , Nestorov Ivan
Published: March 2022

Amyloid‐related imaging abnormalities with edema (ARIA‐E) have been reported in patients with early Alzheimer disease treated with aducanumab. ARIA‐E incidence has been observed to be dependent on both dose and apolipoprotein E4 carrier status. A time‐to‐event (TTE) approach applying data from 2 phase 3 studies (studies 301 and 302) was used to describe the effect of aducanumab serum exposure on the instantaneous risk of 2 end points: the first incidence of ARIA‐E and time to ARIA‐E resolution. A total of 3251 subjects with 826 events supported the TTE model to characterize the first ARIA‐E event. The TTE resolution model was supported by data from 768 of 826 subjects who had ARIA‐E resolved. Relationships between drug concentrations and ARIA‐E events were modeled with a hazard function dependent on time, aducanumab serum concentrations, attenuation of aducanumab exposure effects with time (ie, potential for tolerance to aducanumab exposure), study, and apolipoprotein E4 carrier status. The TTE model showed that ARIA‐E incidence rates were higher during the first 200 days, followed by a reduction in rates. The change in event rate reflects the attenuation of drug effect, thereby providing support for the current proposed titration regimen. Time to ARIA‐E resolution was characterized by a constant baseline hazard with a probability to resolution affected by baseline ARIA‐E severity and aducanumab concentration. ARIA‐E resolution was found to be driven primarily by baseline hazard and time and suggested that aducanumab concentration effect is a minor contributor to the time to resolution of ARIA‐E.
Cholinergic and dopaminergic‐mediated motivated behavior in healthy states and in substance use and mood disorders
Authors: Nunes Eric J. , Kebede Nardos , Bagdas Deniz , Addy Nii A.
Published: March 2022

Acetylcholine is an important neuromodulator of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system, which itself is a mediator of motivated behavior. Motivated behavior can be described by two primary components, termed directional and activational motivation, both of which can be examined and dissociated using effort‐choice tasks. The directional component refers to motivated behavior directed towards reinforcing stimuli and away from aversive stimuli. Behaviors characterized by increased vigor, persistence, and work output are considered to reflect activational components of motivation. Disruption of DA signaling has been shown to decrease activational components of motivation, while leaving directional features intact. Facilitation of DA release promotes the activational aspects of motivated behavior. In this review, we discuss cholinergic and DA regulation of motivated behaviors. We place emphasis on effort‐choice processes and the ability of effort‐choice tasks to examine and dissociate changes of motivated behavior in the context of substance use and mood disorders. Furthermore, we consider how altered cholinergic transmission impacts motivated behavior across disease states, and the possible role of cholinergic dysregulation in the etiology of these illnesses. Finally, we suggest that treatments targeting cholinergic activity may be useful in ameliorating motivational disruptions associated with substance use and comorbid substance use and mood disorders.
Leukocyte allometries in birds are not affected by captivity
Authors: Martin Lynn B. , Ruhs Emily Cornelius , Oakey Samantha , Downs Cynthia J.
Published: March 2022

Body size affects many traits, but often in allometric, or disproportionate ways. For example, large avian and mammalian species circulate far more of some immune cells than expected for their size based on simple geometric principles. To date, such hypermetric immune scaling has mostly been described in zoo‐dwelling individuals, so it remains obscure whether immune hyper‐allometries have any natural relevance. Here, we asked whether granulocyte and lymphocyte allometries in wild birds differ from those described in captive species. Our previous allometric studies of avian immune cell concentrations were performed on animals kept for their lifetimes in captivity where conditions are benign and fairly consistent. In natural conditions, infection, stress, nutrition, climate, and myriad other forces could alter immune traits and hence mask any interspecific scaling relationships between immune cells and body size. Counter to this expectation, we found no evidence that immune cell allometries differed between captive and wild species, although we had to rely on cell proportion data, as insufficient concentration data were available for wild species. Our results indicate that even in variable and challenging natural contexts, immune allometries endure and might affect disease ecology and evolution.
Paraspinal Muscle in Chronic Low Back Pain: Comparison Between Standard Parameters and Chemical Shift Encoding‐Based Water–Fat MRI
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Bonnheim Noah B. , Joseph Gabby B. , Chachad Ravi , Zhou Jiamin , Akkaya Zehra , Pirmoazen Amir M. , Bailey Jeannie F. , Guo Xiaojie , Lazar Ann A. , Link Thomas M. , Fields Aaron J. , Krug Roland
Published: March 2022

Background

Paraspinal musculature (PSM) is increasingly recognized as a contributor to low back pain (LBP), but with conventional MRI sequences, assessment is limited. Chemical shift encoding‐based water–fat MRI (CSE‐MRI) enables the measurement of PSM fat fraction (FF), which may assist investigations of chronic LBP.

Purpose

To investigate associations between PSM parameters from conventional MRI and CSE‐MRI and between PSM parameters and pain.

Study Type

Prospective, cross‐sectional.

Population

Eighty‐four adults with chronic LBP (44.6 ± 13.4 years; 48 males).

Field Strength/Sequence

3‐T, T1‐weighted fast spin‐echo and iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least squares estimation sequences.

Assessment

T1‐weighted images for Goutallier classification (GC), muscle volume, lumbar indentation value, and muscle‐fat index, CSE‐MRI for FF extraction (L1/2–L5/S1). Pain was self‐reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Intra‐ and/or interreader agreement was assessed for MRI‐derived parameters.

Statistical Tests

Mixed‐effects and linear regression models to 1) assess relationships between PSM parameters (entire cohort and subgroup with GC grades 0 and 1; statistical significance α = 0.0025) and 2) evaluate associations of PSM parameters with pain (α = 0.05). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intra‐ and/or interreader agreement.

Results

The FF showed excellent intra‐ and interreader agreement (ICC range: 0.97–0.99) and was significantly associated with GC at all spinal levels. Subgroup analysis suggested that early/subtle changes in PSM are detectable with FF but not with GC, given the absence of significant associations between FF and GC (P‐value range: 0.036 at L5/S1 to 0.784 at L2/L3). Averaged over all spinal levels, FF and GC were significantly associated with VAS scores.

Data Conclusion

In the absence of FF, GC may be the best surrogate for PSM quality. Given the ability of CSE‐MRI to detect muscle alterations at early stages of PSM degeneration, this technique may have potential for further investigations of the role of PSM in chronic LBP.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Review of selected animal models for respiratory coronavirus infection and its application in drug research
Authors: Qin Shengle , Li Runfeng , Zheng Zhaoguang , Zeng Xuxin , Wang Yutao , Wang Xinhua
Published: March 2022

Numerous viral pneumonia cases have been reported in Wuhan, Hubei in December 2019. The pathogen has been identified as a novel coronavirus, which was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The biological characteristics and pathogenesis mechanism of SARS‐CoV‐2 are unclear and under progress. At present, no specific preventive and therapeutic drugs are available. Animal models can reproduce the viral replication cycle and the significant functions of respiratory coronavirus infection and are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and vaccines, the transmission route of respiratory coronavirus, clinical features, and so on. We reviewed the current animal models of respiratory coronavirus (SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and made a comparative analysis of the route of inoculation, virus replication, clinical signs, histopathology, application, advantages, and disadvantages. Animal models of respiratory coronavirus include susceptible animal models, genetically modified models, and various animal models of infected virus adaptation strains, such as nonhuman primates, mice, hamsters, ferrets, New Zealand rabbits, cats, and other animal models, all of which have distinct advantages and limitations. This review will provide relevant information and important insights for disease management and control.
Vibrational Raman optical activity of diacetyl L‐tartaric acid and corresponding surfactants: Sodium salts and shorter analogs of surfactants simplify the interpretations
Authors: Polavarapu Prasad L. , Johnson Jordan L. , Raghavan Vijay , Zając Grzegorz , Baranska Malgorzata
Published: March 2022

Experimental vibrational Raman and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra for diacetyl L‐tartaric acid (DAT), two of its esters, namely, monomethyl and lauryl esters (T1OH and T12OH), and corresponding sodium salts (DATNa, T1ONa, and T12ONa), are measured. T12OH and T12ONa represent the first chiral surfactants investigated using ROA spectroscopy. The quantum chemical (QC) predictions using B3LYP functional and 6‐311++G(2d,2p) basis set are used to interpret the ROA spectra for DAT, DATNa, T1OH, and T1ONa. It is found that the use of implicit solvation, as represented in polarizable continuum model (PCM), for predicting the experimental ROA spectra in aqueous solutions is inadequate for DAT and T1OH. However, the same PCM predicts the experimental ROA spectra satisfactorily for the DATNa and T1ONa. This favorable observation for the latter is attributed to the absence of intra‐ and inter‐molecular hydrogen bonding interactions for sodium salts in aqueous solutions. The overwhelming number of conformations resulting from 12‐carbon alkyl chain, in T12OH and T12ONa, makes it impractical to undertake QC predictions for them. Nevertheless, it is found that the predictions made for shorter alkyl chain analogs, namely, T1OH and T1ONa, may be used to explain the experimental ROA spectra of T12OH and T12ONa. The current work highlights the importance of converting carboxylic acids to corresponding sodium salts and of QC predictions for shorter achiral alkyl chain analogs to interpret the ROA spectra of chiral surfactants that contain long achiral alkyl chains.