bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut Dysbiosis and Fecal Calprotectin Predict Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ponziani Francesca Romana , De Luca Angela , Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele , Petito Valentina , Del Chierico Federica , Reddel Sofia , Paroni Sterbini Francesco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Putignani Lorenza , Gasbarrini Antonio , Pompili Maurizio 
Published: March 2022

The gut microbiota is a well‐known prognostic factor and a modulator of treatment sensitivity in patients with cancers treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, data on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the gut microbiota and changes produced by immunotherapy on the intestinal environment in patients with cirrhosis and HCC. Eleven patients treated with Tremelimumab and/or Durvalumab were included in the analysis. All study participants underwent gut microbiota profiling, quantification of fecal calprotectin, serum levels of zonulin‐1, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) at baseline and at each treatment cycle until the third cycle, then every three cycles until treatment discontinuation or last visit. The 6 patients who achieved disease control (DC) showed lower pretreatment fecal calprotectin (median, 12.5; interquartile range [IQR], 5‐29 vs. median, 116; IQR, 59‐129 µg/g; P = 0.047) and PD‐L1 serum levels (median, 0.08; IQR, 0.07‐0.09 vs. median, 1.04; IQR, 0.17‐1.95 ng/mL; P = 0.02) than nonresponders. The relative abundance of Akkermansia (log2 fold change [FC], 2.72; adjusted P [Padj] = 0.012) was increased, whereas that of Enterobacteriaceae (log2 FC, −2.34; Padj = 0.04) was reduced in the DC group. During treatment, fecal calprotectin showed a temporal evolution opposite to the Akkermansia to Enterobacteriaceae ratio and gut microbiota alpha diversity, but similar to zonulin‐1 and LBP. Bifidobacterium had a stable behavior in patients with a long follow‐up, while Akkermansia was more variable. Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium showed similar temporal patterns and causative relationships with Prevotella, Veillonella, Ruminococcus, Roseburia, Lachnospira, Faecalibacterium, and Clostridium. Conclusion: A favorable composition of the gut microbiota and low intestinal inflammation are associated with achieving DC. The intestinal environment changes dynamically during therapy.
Are social isolation, lack of social support or loneliness risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Australia and New Zealand? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Freak‐Poli Rosanne , Phyo Aung Zaw Zaw , Hu Jessie , Barker S. Fiona 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundAn international systematic review concluded that individuals with poor social health (social isolation, lack of social support or loneliness) are 30% more likely to develop coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke. Notably, the two included Australian papers reported no association between social health and CHD or stroke.ObjectiveWe undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the association between social isolation, lack of social support and loneliness and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence among people living in Australia and New Zealand.MethodsFour electronic databases were systematically searched for longitudinal studies published until June 2020. Two reviewers undertook title/abstract screen and one reviewer undertook full‐text screen and data extraction. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle – Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.ResultsOf the 725 unique records retrieved, five papers met our inclusion criteria. These papers reported data from three Australian longitudinal datasets, with a total of 2137 CHD and 590 stroke events recorded over follow‐up periods ranging from 3 to 16 years. Reports of two CHD and two stroke outcomes were suitable for meta‐analysis. The included papers reported no association between social health and incidence of CVD in all fully adjusted models and most unadjusted models.ConclusionsOur systematic review is inconclusive as it identified only a few studies, which relied heavily on self‐reported CVD. Further studies using medical diagnosis of CVD, and assessing the potential influence of residential remoteness, are needed to better understand the relationship between social health and CVD incidence in Australia and New Zealand.
Efficacy of intradermal injection of tranexamic acid and ascorbic acid versus tranexamic acid and placebo in the treatment of melasma: A split‐face comparative trial
Authors: Pazyar Nader , Molavi Seyedeh Nasrin , Hosseinpour Parisa , Hadibarhaghtalab Maryam , Parvar Seyedeh Yasamin , Dezfuly Motahareh Babazadeh 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsMelasma is a common dermatologic disorder characterized by symmetrical hyperpigmented lesions on the face. Although various therapeutic options are available for melasma, its treatment remains challenging. The present study evaluated the safety and efficacy of intradermal microinjection of tranexamic acid (TA) plus ascorbic acid in treating melasma lesions compared with TA and placebo.MethodsFrom September 2019 to May 2020, 24 patients with symmetrical melasma were enrolled in a prospective, double‐blind, split‐face, randomized controlled clinical trial. Each patient received 50 mg/ml TA and 50 mg/ml ascorbic acid for one side of the face (A) and 50 mg/ml TA and placebo for the other side (B) every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, Physician Global Assessment, and pain were measured at baseline and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software version 16, and data were reported as mean ± standard deviation or median and interquartile range.χ2and Fisher's exact tests were used to test differences between the groups.ResultsBoth groups experienced a significant decrease in MASI scores compared with the baseline. The MASI score was significantly less in the intervention group than the placebo group at the 8th and 12th weeks. However, burning pain was significantly more prominent in the intervention group.ConclusionIntradermal injection of ascorbic acid combined with TA can be beneficial in treating melasma. Currently, there are numerous treatment modalities for melasma. However, the results still vary, and satisfactory outcomes are yet to be reached.
Depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal behavior among Bangladeshi undergraduate rehabilitation students: An observational study amidst the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Uddin Zakir , Amran Hossain Kazi M. , Uddin Turjo R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsCommon mental health symptoms (CMHS) like depressive moods, anxiety, and stress are the underlying causes of suicidal behavior. The incidence of suicide is higher among Bangladeshi students. Due to the pandemic, students of health/rehabilitation sciences are at the most significant risk. This study aimed to measure the prevalence rate and predicting factors for depression, anxiety and stress, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in Bangladeshi undergraduate rehabilitation students.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included data from 731 participants. Descriptive analyses estimated prevalence, and multivariate logistic regression models identified the factors associated with CMHS and suicidal behavior after adjusting the confounders.ResultsThe result shows a high prevalence of moderate to very severe CMHS and a higher risk of suicidal ideation among rehabilitation students. Sociodemographic factors, illness, behavior, institution, and subject‐related issues were identified as the predicting factors of CMHS and suicidal behavior. The students suffering from mental health symptoms reported suicidal ideation and attempted at a significantly higher rate.ConclusionTo deal with CHMS and suicide risk, a holistic, supportive approach from government and academic institutions are essential for minimizing the predicting factors identified by this study. The study is helpful for the government regulatory body and policymakers to take immediate steps for preventing CMHS and suicidal behavior among rehabilitation students in Bangladesh.
Safety and efficacy of lidocaine plus epinephrine on intraoperative bleeding in abdominal myomectomy: A double‐blind clinical trial
Authors: Mansour‐Ghanaei Mandana , Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Biazar Gelareh , Noori Fatemeh , Asgari‐Ghalebin Seyed Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundUterine fibroid is a common benign pelvic tumor and abdominal myomectomy may cause excessive intraoperative bleeding, which may lead to adverse outcomes.ObjectiveThis study was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection of lidocaine plus epinephrine to reduce intraoperative bleeding in abdominal myomectomy.MethodsDuring October 2019 and May 2020, 60 eligible women with uterine fibroids were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. Our patients were divided into two groups of lidocaine plus epinephrine defined as Group L and placebo defined as Group P. In group L, lidocaine 3 mg/kg plus 0.5 ml of adrenaline which reached to 50 cc with saline solution and in group P, 50 ml of normal saline was used. Both the combined solution and normal saline were infiltrated to the serous and myometrium above and around the fibroid before incision. Patients' demographic data, total operative time, hemoglobin changes, and the degree of surgical difficulty were evaluated and compared between the two groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of demographic data. Hemoglobin changes (p  0.0001) and the degree of surgery difficulty (p = 0.01) were significantly lower in Group L compared with Group P. In each group the drop in hemoglobin levels from baseline to 4 h postoperatively was significant (p  0.0001). A significantly meaningful correlation was reported between hemoglobin changes and the degree of surgery difficulty with the size of the uterine and fibroids (p < 0.05). While a negative correlation was found regarding gravidity and surgery difficulty (r = −0.413, p = 0.02). Surgery duration was longer in Group P compared with Group L 70.66 ± 19.85 versus 66.16 ± 14.48, respectively, but with no significant difference (p = 0.32). No significant adverse reaction or serious complication was reported in the two groups. Hemodynamic parameters were kept in the normal range throughout the surgery.ConclusionA combination of lidocaine plus epinephrine during abdominal myomectomy appears to be a safe and effective method in reducing blood loss.
Detection of circulating tumor human papillomavirus DNA before diagnosis of HPV‐positive head and neck cancer
Authors: Rettig Eleni M. , Faden Daniel L. , Sandhu Shaiba , Wong Kristine , Faquin William C. , Warinner Chloe , Stephens Phil , Kumar Sunil , Kuperwasser Charlotte , Richmon Jeremy D. , Uppaluri Ravindra , Varvares Mark , Sethi Rosh , Hanna Glenn J. , Sroussi Herve 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV), most commonly HPV16, causes a growing subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), including the overwhelming majority of oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas in many developed countries. Circulating biomarkers for HPV‐positive HNSCC may allow for earlier diagnosis, with potential to decrease morbidity and mortality. This case‐control study evaluated whether circulating tumor HPV DNA (ctHPVDNA) is detectable in prediagnostic plasma from individuals later diagnosed with HPV‐positive HNSCC. Cases were participants in a hospital‐based research biobank with archived plasma collected ≥6 months before HNSCC diagnosis, and available archival tumor tissue for HPV testing. Controls were biobank participants without cancer or HPV‐related diagnoses, matched 10:1 to cases by sex, race, age and year of plasma collection. HPV DNA was detected in plasma and tumor tissue using a previously validated digital droplet PCR‐based assay that quantifies tumor‐tissue‐modified viral (TTMV) HPV DNA. Twelve HNSCC patients with median age of 68.5 years (range, 51‐87 years) were included. Ten (83.3%) had HPV16 DNA‐positive tumors. ctHPV16DNA was detected in prediagnostic plasma from 3 of 10 (30%) patients with HPV16‐positive tumors, including 3 of 7 (43%) patients with HPV16‐positive oropharynx tumors. The timing of the plasma collection was 19, 34 and 43 months before cancer diagnosis. None of the 100 matched controls had detectable ctHPV16DNA. This is the first report that ctHPV16 DNA is detectable at least several years before diagnosis of HPV16‐positive HNSCC for a subset of patients. Further investigation of ctHPV16DNA as a biomarker for early diagnosis of HPV16‐positive HNSCC is warranted.
Genipin‐crosslinked collagen scaffolds inducing chondrogenesis: a mechanical and biological characterization
Authors: Scialla Stefania , Gullotta Fabiana , Izzo Daniela , Palazzo Barbara , Scalera Francesca , Martin Ivan , Sannino Alessandro , Gervaso Francesca 
Published: March 2022

AbstractArticular cartilage degeneration is still an unsolved issue owing to its weak repairing capabilities, which usually result in fibrocartilage tissue formation. This fibrous tissue lacks of structural and bio‐mechanical properties, degrading over time. Currently, arthroscopic techniques and autologous transplantation are the most used clinical procedures. However, rather than restoring cartilage integrity, these methods only postpone further cartilage deterioration. Therefore, tissue engineering strategies aimed at selecting scaffolds that remarkably support the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) could represent a promising solution, but they are still challenging for researchers. In this study, the influence of two different genipin (Gp) crosslinking routes on collagen (Coll)‐based scaffolds in terms of hMSCs chondrogenic differentiation and biomechanical performances was investigated. Three‐dimensional (3D) porous Coll scaffolds were fabricated by freeze‐drying techniques and were crosslinked with Gp following a “two‐step” and an in “bulk” procedure, in order to increase the physico‐mechanical stability of the structure. Chondrogenic differentiation efficacy of hMSCs and biomechanical behavior under compression forces through unconfined stress–strain tests were assessed. Coll/Gp scaffolds revealed an isotropic and highly homogeneous pore distribution along with an increase in the stiffness, also supported by the increase in the Coll denaturation temperature (Td = 57–63°C) and a significant amount of Coll and GAG deposition during the 3 weeks of chondrogenic culture. In particular, the presence of Gp in “bulk” led to a more uniform and homogenous chondral‐like matrix deposition by hMSCs if compared to the results obtained from the Gp “two‐step” functionalization procedure.
Aberrant blood MALT1 and its relevance with multiple organic dysfunctions, T helper cells, inflammation, and mortality risk of sepsis patients
Authors: Wang Yibin , Huang Qinghe , He Fuyun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundMALT1 is linked with multiple organic dysfunctions, inflammatory storm, and T helper (Th) cell differentiation. Herein, the current study aimed to investigate the correlation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) MALT1 with Th1 cells, Th17 cells, and prognosis of sepsis patients.MethodsIn general, 78 sepsis patients and 40 health controls (HCs) were enrolled. MALT1 expression was detected in PBMCs from all subjects by RT‐qPCR. Besides, Th1 and Th17 cells were measured in PBMCs from sepsis patients by flow cytometry; interleukin 17A (IL‐17A) and interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) were determined in serum from sepsis patients by ELISA.ResultsMALT1 expression was higher in sepsis patients than HCs (p < 0.001). MALT1 expression was positively correlated with Th17 cells (rs = 0.291, p = 0.038) and IL‐17A (rs = 0.383, p = 0.001), but not with Th1 cells (rs = 0.204, p = 0.151) or IFN‐γ (rs = 0.175, p = 0.125) in sepsis patients. MALT1 expression was positively correlated with APACHE II score (rs = 0.275, p = 0.015), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (rs = 0.257, p = 0.023), and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (rs = 0.306, p = 0.006) (MALT1 expression was positively correlated with SOFA respiratory system score (rs = 0.348, p = 0.002), and SOFA liver score (rs = 0.260, p = 0.021), but not with SOFA scores in nervous system, cardio vascular system, coagulation, and renal system (all p > 0.05)). MALT1 expression (p = 0.010), Th1 cells (p = 0.010), Th17 cells (p = 0.038), and IL‐17A (p = 0.012), except for IFN‐γ (p = 0.102), elevated in sepsis deaths compared with sepsis survivors.ConclusionPBMC MALT1 is highly expressed in sepsis patients with its overexpression associated with multiple organic dysfunctions, elevated Th17 cells, and increased mortality risk.
Catalytic performance of Ru/TiO2 on hydrodeoxygenation of levulinic acid dimer, taking sebacic acid as a model compound
Authors: Wu Han , An Hualiang , Zhao Xinqiang , Wang Yanji 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs a bio‐derived platform molecule, levulinic acid can be converted to liquid fuels with similar components as aviation kerosene after undergoing aldol self‐condensation and successive hydrodeoxygenation reactions. In view of its complicated composition, sebacic acid was selected as a model compound for the investigating the hydrodeoxygenation performance of the product of levulinic acid self‐condensation in this work.RESULTSFirstly, a series of supported metal catalysts were screened and characterized by temperature‐programmed desorption of NH3 and CO2, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and CO pulse chemisorption. The results indicated that Ru/TiO2 showed the highest selectivity to total long‐chain alkanes at the complete conversion of sebacic acid. Then, the influence of preparation conditions on the catalytic performance of Ru/TiO2 and the effect of reaction conditions on the hydrodeoxygenation of sebacic acid were studied. On this basis, possible hydrodeoxygenation reaction routes were discussed.CONCLUSIONThe excellent catalytic performance of Ru/TiO2 is attributed to a moderate degree of Ru reduction and dispersion, along with its unique acid–base characteristics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Questionable research practices among researchers in the most research‐productive management programs
Authors: Kepes Sven , Keener Sheila K. , McDaniel Michael A. , Hartman Nathan S. 
Published: March 2022

SummaryQuestionable research practices (QRPs) among researchers have been a source of concern in many fields of study. QRPs are often used to enhance the probability of achieving statistical significance which affects the likelihood of a paper being published. Using a sample of researchers from 10 top research‐productive management programs, we compared hypotheses tested in dissertations to those tested in journal articles derived from those dissertations to draw inferences concerning the extent of engagement in QRPs. Results indicated that QRPs related to changes in sample size and covariates were associated with unsupported dissertation hypotheses becoming supported in journal articles. Researchers also tended to exclude unsupported dissertation hypotheses from journal articles. Likewise, results suggested that many article hypotheses may have been created after the results were known (i.e., HARKed). Articles from prestigious journals contained a higher percentage of potentially HARKed hypotheses than those from less well‐regarded journals. Finally, articles published in prestigious journals were associated with more QRP usage than less prestigious journals. QRPs increase in the percentage of supported hypotheses and result in effect sizes that likely overestimate population parameters. As such, results reported in articles published in our most prestigious journals may be less credible than previously believed.
Connecting the dots of care: survey of Australian hospital pharmacy departments regarding current initiatives in place to care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander inpatients
Authors: Welch Susan , Patel Bhavini , Williams Aleena , Moles Rebekah 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionThere are limited data describing the role of hospital pharmacists caring for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander inpatients.ObjectivesTo determine roles of and specific services provided by Australian Hospital pharmacists/Pharmacy Departments in providing medicine management services to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people admitted to Australian hospitals. The actual and perceived outcomes will be explored.MethodMixed method (online survey/ telephone semi‐structured interviews). The survey was emailed to all Directors of pharmacy departments listed in The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia Directory (January 2019). Participants were invited for a digital, audio recorded follow‐up telephone interview. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.ResultsSixty‐nine responses were received from 313 pharmacy departments (RR = 22%), of these, 20 (29%) pharmacists agreed to and underwent a semi‐structured interview. All hospital categories, states and territories were represented: Metropolitan (33, 48%); regional (22, 32%); rural (12, 17%) and remote (2, 3%).Over half (44, 64%) had specific processes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander inpatients. Service outcome measurement was low (10, 14%). Survey results and qualitative interviews revealed work is being done under the broad themes: culturally safe care; provision of culturally appropriate medicines information; chronic disease management; continuum of care; managing funding models. Potential outcome measures and future plans were proposed.ConclusionSeveral sites have pharmacy services in place specifically for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people admitted to hospital which are not included in the literature; however, outcomes of these services were not routinely assessed. The challenges faced are similar to those cited in international literature, including managing continuity of care issues and working in partnership on projects tailored to the needs of Indigenous peoples. Wider knowledge, evaluation and measurement of the impact of these services on health outcomes and equity is needed and would allow hospital pharmacy teams to better tailor initiatives to meet the needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Enantioseparation and dissipation of acephate and its highly toxic metabolite methamidophos in pakchoi by supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Jiang Linjie , Geng Yue , Wang Lu , Peng Yi , Jing Wei , Xu Yaping , Liu Xiaowei 
Published: March 2022

Acephate is widely used in crops as racemate. However, the enantioselective dissipation of acephate enantiomers has not been investigated in pakchoi. A sensitive and effective approach was established for determining residues of acephate and its highly toxic metabolite methamidophos enantiomers by supercritical fluid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Baseline separations for their enantiomers were achieved by using a Chiralcel OD‐H column. The optimal chromatographic conditions were obtained as follows: CO2/ethanol (95/5) as mobile phase; flow rate, 3.0 mL/min; column temperature, 40°C. The mean recoveries (RSDs) of analytes were in the range of 77–83.1% (6.1–9.9%), 75.4–87.5% (9.3–13.2%), and 81.5–84.2% (7.1–13.4%) at three fortification levels (0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/kg for each enantiomer) for interday assay (n = 18). The method was used to evaluate the enantioselective dissipation of acephate and methamidophos in pakchoi. S‐acephate dissipated faster than R‐acephate, while the concentration of R‐methamidophos was higher than that of S‐methamidophos during the entire study period. The results indicated that the R‐enantiomer of acephate and methamidophos was preferentially enriched in pakchoi. The established analysis approach and the study data provided useful information for the rational use of acephate in agriculture.