bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the epithelial barrier hypothesis the key to understanding the higher incidence and excess mortality during COVID‐19 pandemic? The case of Northern Italy
Authors: Fiorito Silvana , Soligo Marzia , Gao Yadong , Ogulur Ismail , Akdis Cezmi A. , Bonini Sergio 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe high incidence and increased mortality of COVID‐19 make Italy among the most impacted countries by SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak. In the beginning of the pandemic, Northern regions accounted for 40% of cases and 45% of deaths from COVID‐19 in Italy. Several factors have been suggested to explain the higher incidence and excess mortality from COVID‐19 in these regions. It is noticed that Northern Italian regions, and particularly the cities in Po Valley, are the areas with the highest air pollution due to commercial vehicle traffic, industry and a stagnant meteorological condition, with one of the highest levels in Italy and Europe of fine particulate matter 2.5 micron or smaller in size (PM2.5). PM2.5, the major environmental pollutant deriving mainly by factory and automobile exhaust emissions and coal combustion, increases the expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, the epithelial cell entry receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2, and thus increase the susceptibility to this virus. The epithelial barrier hypothesis proposes that many diverse diseases may rise from the disruption of epithelial barrier of skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system, including allergic diseases, metabolic and autoimmune diseases, and chronic neuropsychiatric conditions. There is evidence of a close correlation between air pollution and airway epithelial barrier dysfunction. Air pollution, causing lung epithelial barrier dysfunction, may contribute to local chronic inflammation, microbiome dysbiosis and impaired antiviral immune response against SARS‐CoV‐2, all of which contribute to the high incidence and excess mortality from COVID‐19. In addition, air pollution and epithelial barrier dysfunction contribute also to the higher prevalence of several comorbidities of COVID‐19, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obesity, which have been identified as risk factors for mortality of COVID‐19. In this article, on the basis of epidemiological and environmental monitoring data in Northern Italy, it is suggested that epithelial barrier hypothesis may help to understand the excess burden and mortality from COVID‐19.
New insights into the genetic contribution of ALDH2 rs671 in pancreatic carcinogenesis: Evaluation by mediation analysis
Authors: Koyanagi Yuriko N. , Oze Isao , Kasugai Yumiko , Kawakatsu Yukino , Taniyama Yukari , Hara Kazuo , Shimizu Yasuhiro , Imoto Issei , Ito Hidemi , Matsuo Keitaro 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA functional variant on ALDH2 rs671 (G>A) confers a protective effect against alcohol‐induced carcinogenesis through an indirect pathway mediated by decreased alcohol consumption. Conversely, this variant also contributes to the accumulation of carcinogenic agents, resulting in a direct carcinogenic effect. This study aimed to separately quantify these two opposing effects of the rs671 A allele on pancreatic cancer risk and explore the impact of the rs671 A allele and alcohol consumption on pancreatic carcinogenesis. We included 426 cases and 1456 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for alcohol consumption were estimated using a conditional logistic regression model. By defining rs671 A allele and alcohol consumption as exposure and mediator, respectively, we used mediation analysis to decompose the total‐effect OR of the rs671 A allele into direct‐ and indirect‐effect ORs. Alcohol consumption (10 g/d) was associated with pancreatic cancer risk (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.10), but tests for interaction between the rs671 A allele and alcohol consumption were nonsignificant, indicating that the effect of alcohol consumption did not vary by genotype. Mediation analysis showed that the nonsignificant total effect (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.44) can be decomposed into the carcinogenic direct (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04‐1.72) and protective indirect effect (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.77‐0.95). This study supports the association between alcohol consumption and pancreatic cancer risk and indicates the potential contribution of the rs671 A allele to pancreatic carcinogenesis through impaired metabolism of known or unknown ALDH2 substrates.
Serum amyloid A 1 induces suppressive neutrophils through the Toll‐like receptor 2–mediated signaling pathway to promote progression of breast cancer
Authors: Niu Xingjian , Yin Lei , Yang Xudong , Yang Yue , Gu Yucui , Sun Yutian , Yang Ming , Wang Yiran , Zhang Qingyuan , Ji Hongfei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractImmune inflammation plays a key role in breast cancer development, progression, and therapeutic efficacy. Neutrophils are crucial for the regulation of the suppressive tumor microenvironment and are associated with poor clinical survival. However, the mechanisms underlying the activation of suppressive neutrophils in breast cancer are poorly understood. Here, we report that breast cancer cells secrete abundant serum amyloid A 1 (SAA1), which is associated with the accumulation of suppressive neutrophils. High expression of SAA1 in breast cancer induces neutrophil immunosuppressive cytokine production through the activation of Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2)‐mediated signaling pathways. These include the TLR2/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88)‐mediated PI3K/nuclear factor‐κB signaling pathway and p38 MAPK‐associated apoptosis resistance pathway, which eventually promote the progression of breast cancer. Our study shows a mechanistic link between breast cancer cell secretion of SAA1 and suppressive neutrophils that potentiate tumor progression. These findings provide potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
Complex Functional Maps: A Conformal Link Between Tangent Bundles
Authors: Donati Nicolas , Corman Etienne , Melzi Simone , Ovsjanikov Maks 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we introduce complex functional maps, which extend the functional map framework to conformal maps between tangent vector fields on surfaces. A key property of these maps is theirorientation awareness. More specifically, we demonstrate that unlike regular functional maps that linkfunctional spacesof two manifolds, our complex functional maps establish a link betweenoriented tangent bundles, thus permitting robust and efficient transfer of tangent vector fields. By first endowing and then exploiting the tangent bundle of each shape with a complex structure, the resulting operations become naturally orientation‐aware, thus favouringorientation and angle preserving correspondenceacross shapes, without relying on descriptors or extra regularization. Finally, and perhaps more importantly, we demonstrate how these objects enable several practical applications within the functional map framework. We show that functional maps and their complex counterparts can be estimated jointly to promote orientation preservation, regularizing pipelines that previously suffered from orientation‐reversing symmetry errors.
Can students develop clinical competency in treatment planning remotely through flipped collaborative case discussion?
Authors: Jabbour Zaher , Tran Minh 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionEffectiveness of flipped learning in clinical education is unknown. This study evaluates the effectiveness of remote case‐based learning for teaching clinical treatment planning compared with traditional in‐person clinical experience.Materials and MethodsFour cases containing medical and dental charts were discussed through flipped learning with faculty panel during the COVID‐19 lockdown. Prior to each session, students worked individually or in groups to complete assignments with leading questions. After the final assignment, students completed a survey to rate the learning experience from each case, compare the remote experience with the previous in‐person clinical experience and provide suggestions to improve remote clinical instruction in the future. Students’ performance measured by the number of case assessments and competencies completed post‐lockdown was compared with pre‐lockdown and the previous year using odd ratio (OR), Chi‐squared test (χ2) and significant level p < .05.ResultsA total of 106 students completed the course, and 99 students completed all survey questions. Students reported positive learning experiences (overall mean = 7.84, SD = 1.11). Post‐lockdown, statistically significant increase in the proportions of total passed attempts (χ2 p = .002, OR = 2.23), competencies (χ2 p = .028, OR = 2.05) and case assessments (χ2 p = .004, OR = 2.73) was observed between the current class and the previous pre‐COVID‐19 class (108 students). Post‐lockdown, students also passed significantly more attempts (χ2 p < .0001), competencies (χ2 p < .0001) and case assessments (χ2 p = .008) compared with pre‐lockdown.ConclusionsAlthough a flipped classroom does not replace in‐person clinical experience, teaching clinical treatment planning remotely improved students’ readiness and clinical performance through collaborative learning, practice and case exposure.
A systematic review of the relationships between nurse leaders' leadership styles and nurses' work‐related well‐being
Authors: Niinihuhta Milja , Häggman‐Laitila Arja 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThis systematic review aimed to summarize current research knowledge about the relationships between nurse leaders' leadership styles and nurses' work‐related well‐being.BackgroundDue to the global shortage of nurses, it is essential for nurse leaders to maximize staff retention and work‐related well‐being.MethodsFollowing Cochrane Collaboration procedures, the PRISMA statement and PRISMA checklist, relevant quantitative studies published between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2020 were retrieved from the CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed and Medic databases and then systematically reviewed. Seventeen cross‐sectional and follow‐up studies with surveys were retained for inclusion and evaluated with the Critical Appraisal of a Survey instrument. The data were summarized narratively.ResultsThree core themes of leadership styles: destructive, supportive and relationally focused, were identified, with statistically significant direct and indirect connections between nurses' work‐related well‐being. Well‐being was mainly assessed in terms of burnout. Effects of leadership styles on work‐related well‐being were reportedly mediated by trust in leader, trust in organization, empowerment, work‐life conflict, relational social capital, emotional exhaustion, affectivity, job satisfaction and motivation.ConclusionNurse leaders' leadership styles affect nurses' work‐related well‐being. In developing intervention studies and providing training on work‐related well‐being, the impact of the indirect effects and the mediating factors of the leadership styles should be acknowledged.
Validation of models predicting lymph node involvement probability in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Blas Leandro , Shiota Masaki , Nagakawa Shohei , Tsukahara Shigehiro , Matsumoto Takashi , Monji Keisuke , Kashiwagi Eiji , Takeuchi Ario , Inokuchi Junichi , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: February 2022

ObjectivesThere are many models to predict lymph node involvement in patients with prostate cancer. We aimed to externally validate several models in a Japanese cohort.MethodsWe considered patients who were treated with robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy with extended pelvic lymph node dissection for prostate cancer. The risk of lymph node involvement was calculated for each patient in several models. Model performance was assessed by calculating the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve, calibration plots, and decision curve analyses.ResultsWe identified lymph node involvement in 61 (18.4%) of the 331 considered patients. Patients with lymph node involvement had a higher prostate‐specific antigen level, percentage of positive biopsy cores, primary Gleason grade, Gleason group grade, and clinical T‐stage category. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center web calculator presented the highest area under the curve (0.78) followed by the Yale formula area under the curve (0.77), the updated version of Briganti nomogram of 2017 area under the curve (0.76), and the updated version of the Partin table by Tosoian et al. had an area under the curve of 0.75. However, the 95% confidence interval for these models overlapped. The calibration plot showed that the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center web calculator and the updated version of the Briganti nomogram calibrated better. In the decision curve analyses, all models showed net benefit; however, it overlapped among them. However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center web calculator and the updated Briganti nomogram presented the highest net benefit for lymph node involvement risks <35%.ConclusionModels predicting lymph node involvement were externally validated in Japanese men. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center web calculator and the updated Briganti nomogram of 2017 were the most accurate performing models.
Molecular mechanisms controlling age‐associated B cells in autoimmunity*
Authors: Phalke Swati , Rivera‐Correa Juan , Jenkins Daniel , Flores Castro Danny , Giannopoulou Evgenia , Pernis Alessandra B. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAge‐associated B cells (ABCs) have emerged as critical components of immune responses. Their inappropriate expansion and differentiation have increasingly been linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, aging‐associated diseases, and infections. ABCs exhibit a distinctive phenotype and, in addition to classical B cell markers, often express the transcription factor T‐bet and myeloid markers like CD11c; hence, these cells are also commonly known as CD11c+T‐bet+ B cells. Formation of ABCs is promoted by distinctive combinations of innate and adaptive signals. In addition to producing antibodies, these cells display antigen‐presenting and proinflammatory capabilities. It is becoming increasingly appreciated that the ABC compartment exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity, plasticity, and sex‐specific regulation and that ABCs can differentiate into effector progeny via several routes particularly in autoimmune settings. In this review, we will discuss the initial insights that have been obtained on the molecular machinery that controls ABCs and we will highlight some of the unique aspects of this control system that may enable ABCs to fulfill their distinctive role in immune responses. Given the expanding array of autoimmune disorders and pathophysiological settings in which ABCs are being implicated, a deeper understanding of this machinery could have important and broad therapeutic implications for the successful, albeit daunting, task of targeting these cells.
Effects of e‐health interventions on health outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Lixue , Zhou Yunping , Yu Pengli , Meng Fei , Xu Yanhong , Jiang Yunxia 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo evaluate the effects of e‐health interventions on disease activity, self‐efficacy, pain and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).BackgroundPrior systematic reviews have only reported the quality and features of e‐health interventions in patients with RA. However, the effect of e‐health interventions in patients with RA is unclear.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.MethodsThis review was conducted following the PRISMA guideline. We searched 5 databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus and the Cochrane library. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The quality of the evidence was assessed via the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria. Using a random‐effects model adopted the standardised mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A chi‐squared test and an I2 test were used to assess heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on different controls.ResultsA total of 9 randomised control trials were included in this study. Compared with the control group, disease activity of the e‐health group significantly decreased (SMD with 95% CI: −.17 [−.30, −.04], p = .01, I2 = 1%). Meanwhile, trials with usual care control had a larger effect on disease activity (SMD with 95% CI: −.21 [−.40, −.02], p = .03, I2 = 38%). The effect of e‐health interventions on self‐efficacy was controversial; pain and quality of life were negative in the currently included studies. The quality of evidence was rated as low for disease activity and very low for pain, self‐efficacy and quality of life.ConclusionsThe effect of e‐health interventions on disease activity was statistically significant. More well‐designed randomised controlled trials are still needed to verify the effects in the future.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study shows the potential value of e‐health in improving health outcomes in patients with RA.
Dream recall frequency is associated with attention rather than with working memory abilities
Authors: Blain Salomé , de la Chapelle Aurélien , Caclin Anne , Bidet‐Caulet Aurélie , Ruby Perrine 
Published: February 2022

SummarySeveral factors influencing dream recall frequency (DRF) have been identified, but some remain poorly understood. One way to study DRF is to compare cognitive processes in low and high dream recallers (LR and HR). According to the arousal‐retrieval model, long‐term memory encoding of a dream requires wakefulness while its multisensory short‐term memory is still alive. Previous studies showed contradictory results concerning short‐term memory differences between LR and HR. It has also been found that extreme DRFs are associated with different electrophysiological traits related to attentional processes. However, to date, there is no evidence for attentional differences between LR and HR at the behavioural level. To further investigate attention and working memory in HR and LR, we used a newly‐developed challenging paradigm called “MEMAT” (for MEMory and ATtention), which allows the study of selective attention and working memory interaction during memory encoding of non‐verbal auditory stimuli. We manipulated the difficulties of the distractor to ignore and of the memory task. The performance of the two groups were not differentially impacted by working memory load. However, HR were slower and less accurate in the presence of a hard rather than easy to‐ignore distractor, while LR were much less impacted by the distractor difficulty. Therefore, we show behavioural evidence towards less resistance to hard‐to‐ignore distractors in HR. Using a challenging task, we show for the first time, attentional differences between HR and LR at the behavioural level. The impact of auditory attention and working memory on dream recall is discussed.
Serial analysis of blood biomarker concentrations in dogs with pneumonia, septic peritonitis, and pyometra
Authors: Goggs Robert , Robbins Sarah N. , LaLonde‐Paul Denise M. , Menard Julie M. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundProlonged antimicrobial drug (AMD) treatment is associated with antimicrobial resistance development. Biomarker measurement may aid treatment decision‐making.ObjectivesInvestigate temporal changes in blood biomarker concentrations in dogs undergoing treatment for pulmonary and intra‐abdominal infections; compare time to biomarker concentration normalization with duration of clinician‐directed AMD treatment.AnimalsForty‐two client‐owned dogs with pneumonia (n = 22), septic peritonitis (n = 10), or pyometra (n = 10).MethodsPlasma concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, procalcitonin, nucleosomes, cell‐free DNA (cfDNA), high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB1), CC‐motif chemokine ligand‐2 (CCL2), CXC‐motif chemokine ligand‐8 (CXCL8), and keratinocyte chemoattractant‐like (KC‐Like) were quantitated in samples collected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60. Treatment was directed by clinicians blinded to biomarker concentrations.ResultsConcentrations of CCL2, CRP, and KC‐Like were maximal on D1, concentrations of SAA, cfDNA, HMGB1, and nucleosomes were maximal on D3 and haptoglobin concentrations were maximal on D7. These maximal concentrations were significantly different from those on D60. Concentrations of CRP and SAA decreased by 80% from peak and into respective reference intervals before AMDs were discontinued. For CRP, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) times to 20% peak and normal were 7 (6‐9) and 7 (6‐12) days, respectively, and for SAA they were 4 (4, 5) and 6 (5‐8) days, respectively, compared to a median (IQR) duration of AMD prescribing of 16 (12‐23) days (all P < .0001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceBiomarker concentrations normalized within 7 to 14 days. Serial measurements of CRP and SAA might aid identification of disease resolution and could help guide AMD prescription decision‐making.
Acute kidney injury in dogs: Etiology, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, prognostic markers, and outcome
Authors: Rimer Dar , Chen Hilla , Bar‐Nathan Mali , Segev Gilad 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common, potentially fatal condition.ObjectivesTo characterize the etiologies, clinical and clinicopathologic findings, hospitalization period, and outcome of dogs with AKI and to identify markers of negative prognosis.AnimalsTwo hundred forty‐nine client‐own dogs diagnosed with AKI and hospitalized at a veterinary teaching hospital.MethodsRetrospective study. Search of medical records for dogs with AKI.ResultsCommon clinical signs included lethargy (225/249, 90%), anorexia (206/249, 83%), and vomiting (168/249, 68%). Etiologies included ischemic/inflammatory (144/249, 58%), infectious (19/249, 8%), nephrotoxicosis (14/249, 6%), or other (13/249, 5%). Hospital‐acquired AKI was diagnosed in 9% (23/249) of the dogs. Median presentation and peak serum creatinine (sCr) concentrations were 4 mg/dL (range, 1.1‐37.9) and 4.6 mg/dL (range, 1.1‐43.1), respectively. Dogs were classified to AKI grades as follows: Grade I, 6 (2%), Grade II, 38 (15%), Grade III, 89 (36%), Grade IV, 77 (31%), and Grade V, 39 (16%). One hundred and sixty‐four (66%) dogs survived. There was a positive association between death and AKI grade (P = .009). The case fatality rate was higher among dogs with anuria compared with dogs without anuria (50% vs 28%, respectively; odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.5 [1.39‐4.6]; P = .002). Forty‐seven (18.8%) dogs underwent hemodialysis, of which 60% survived.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceTwo‐thirds of dogs with AKI survived. Hospital‐acquired AKI was common. The severity of AKI, as reflected by presence of anuria, AKI grade, and other body organs involvement, was associated with the outcome.