bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematological findings in adult patients with SARS CoV‐2 infection at Tygerberg Hospital Cape Town South Africa
Authors: Abdullah Ibtisam , Cornelissen Helena M. , Musekwa Ernest , Zemlin Annalise , Jalavu Thumeka , Mashigo Nomusa , Chetty Carissa , Nkosi Nokwazi , Chapanduka Zivanai C. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with hematological abnormalities of variable severity. The full blood count (FBC) and leukocyte differential count (DIFF) could facilitate the prediction of disease severity and outcome in COVID‐19. This study aimed to assess the hematological parameters in early severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and their correlation with disease outcome.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional descriptive study was performed. Adults with a FBC and positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction results between March 1, and June 31, 2020 were reviewed. Basic hematological parameters (FBC, DIFF) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status were recorded. Outcome measures were admission to a general ward or intensive care unit (ICU), recovery or death.ResultsSix hundred and eighty‐five cases median age 51 years, were analyzed. Forty‐four percent were males and fourteen percent were HIV‐positive with no association between death and/or ICU admission (p = 0.522 and p = 0.830, respectively). Leucocytosis was predictive of ICU admission (odds ratio [OR]: 2.4, confidence interval [CI]: 1.77–3.8186) and neutrophilia, of both mortality (OR: 1.5, CI: 1.0440–2.0899) and ICU admission (OR: 4, CI: 2.5933–6.475). Median lymphocyte count was decreased and D‐dimer raised, showing no significant association with outcome. Raised neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte‐ratio (NLR) was associated with increased odds of mortality (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.3556–3.2503) and ICU admission (OR: 4.8, CI: 2.4307–9.5430) as was monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte‐ratio (MLR) (OR: 2, CI: 1.3132–2.9064) and (OR: 2.3, CI: 1.0608–1.9935), respectively. Hospital admission and older age were significantly associated with mortality (p = 0.0008 and p < 0.0001), respectively.ConclusionEvidence‐based interpretation of routine laboratory parameters, readily available in resource‐constrained settings, may identify patients at increased risk of mortality. The FBC, DIFF, NLR, and MLR should form part of the early COVID‐19 investigation.
RSV‐associated hospitalization in adults in the USA: A retrospective chart review investigating burden, management strategies, and outcomes
Authors: Walsh Edward , Lee Nelson , Sander Ian , Stolper Robert , Zakar Jessica , Wyffels Veronique , Myers David , Fleischhackl Roman 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsThe burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in adults is of growing concern. This study was designed to quantify disease burden, treatment approaches, and outcomes associated with RSV infections in adult subpopulations, from prehospitalization to hospital discharge.MethodsA retrospective chart analysis was conducted to collect patient‐case data from hospitalized US adults (aged >18 years) with RSV infection during two RSV seasons. Patients were categorized into risk groups: comorbid lung disease, immunocompromised, older adults (aged ≥65 years), and other adults (aged <65 years). Physicians reported diagnosis, treatment choices including respiratory supportive therapy (oxygen and fluid supplementation), and outcome variables using a standardized online case form.ResultsThe majority (277/379; 73%) of patients presented to the emergency room, with a mean age of 60 years. Once hospitalized, the median length of stay was 6.0 days (3.0–9.0), with disease severity having the greatest impact on duration of stay. No significant between‐group differences in rates of patients requiring management in intensive care units were found (comorbid lung disease, 28%; immunocompromised, 36%; older adults, 26%; and other adults, 23%). Overall, respiratory supportive therapy was the most commonly used form of treatment. Antibiotics were administered in over half of all risk groups (comorbid lung disease, 61%; immunocompromised, 59%; older adults, 59%; and other adults, 51%). Patients usually required follow‐up visits following discharge, with 10%–16% requiring skilled nursing care and approximately 25% requiring assistance from a social worker.ConclusionRSV in adult subpopulations, irrespective of age, is a significant burden to healthcare systems.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index assessment in elderly patients during the COVID‐19 outbreak
Authors: Yuan Yajun , Mao Junjie , Ou Xueqing , Huang Lili , Tu Qiuyun , Wang Nan 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsGlobally, coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) is persistent in many countries and presents a major threat to public health. Critically, elderly individuals, especially those with underlying disease, poor nutritional and immune functions, are highly susceptible. Therefore, we analyzed the epidemiological features in elderly COVID‐19 patients.MethodsIn total, 126 patients were recruited in the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen University, China from January 2020 to March 2020 (including 103 confirmed COVID‐19 patients and 23 elderly suspected cases). Epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and treatment data were collected and analyzed. We assessed nutritional risks in elderly patients by calculating the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI).ResultsWhen compared with young patients, elderly patients were more likely to have underlying comorbidities and received nutritional support and intensive care unit treatment. Elderly patients had significantly lower levels of the following: lymphocyte percentages, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin levels, and serum albumin values. When compared with suspected COVID‐19 elderly cases, elderly patients had significantly lower red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. The average GNRI of suspected cases and confirmed patients indicated no nutritional risk. There were no marked differences in GNRI values between groups.ConclusionNutritional risk assessments may provide valuable information for predicting a COVID‐19 prognosis, especially in elderly patients. Anemia prevention and management should be actively and timely provided. GNRI is a potentially prognostic factor for hospitalized elderly patients. Moreover, it is also important to follow up discharged patients for continuous nutritional observations.
Transvaginal repair of a rectovaginal fistula caused by transvaginal mesh prolapse surgery
Authors: Matsuyama Aika , Kato Kumiko , Sai Hiroki , Ishiyama Akinobu , Kato Takashi , Inoue Satoshi , Hirabayashi Hiroki , Suzuki Shoji 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionTransvaginal mesh surgery can cause mesh complications including rare rectovaginal fistula. We report a case of a rectovaginal fistula treated transvaginally without colostomy.Case presentationA 57‐year‐old female was referred to us due to post‐hysterectomy prolapse and had transvaginal mesh surgery. She underwent transvaginal hysterectomy because of uterine prolapse at age 33 and had taken steroids to treat pemphigus. Two years later, she developed vaginal bleeding and discharge. Transvaginal mesh removal was planned to treat vaginal mesh exposure, but immediately before the operation digital rectal examination revealed rectovaginal fistula. Mesh removal and fistula closure were performed transvaginally without colostomy. Three years of follow‐up showed no recurrence of mesh exposure, fistula, or prolapse.ConclusionRectovaginal fistula following mesh surgery may be treated transvaginally without colostomy if infection is minimal. To evaluate mesh exposure on the posterior vaginal wall, rectal examination should be done along with vaginal examination.
Identification and construction of a 13‐gene risk model for prognosis prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Cheng Daming , Wang Libing , Qu Fengzhi , Yu Jingkun , Tang Zhaoyuan , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe attempted to screen out the feature genes associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients through bioinformatics methods, to generate a risk model to predict the survival rate of patients. Gene expression information of HCC was accessed from GEO database, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained through the joint analysis of multi‐chip. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs indicated that the enrichment was mainly displayed in biological processes such as nuclear division. Based on TCGA‐LIHC data set, univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted on the DEGs. Then, 13 feature genes were screened for the risk model. Also, the hub genes were examined in our collected clinical samples and GEPIA database. The performance of the risk model was validated by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curves. While its universality was verified in GSE76427 and ICGC (LIRI‐JP) validation cohorts. Besides, through combining patients’ clinical features (age, gender, T staging, and stage) and risk scores, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score was an effective independent prognostic factor. Finally, a nomogram was implemented for 3‐year and 5‐year overall survival prediction of patients. Our findings aid precision prediction for prognosis of HCC patients.
Constructing an immune‐ and ferroptosis‐related lncRNA signature to predict the immune landscape of human bladder cancer
Authors: Li Xing , Zhou Libin , Lu Tefei , Zhang Lei , Li Yanjun , Xu Jianting , Yin Min , Long Huimin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundLncRNAs play a variety of roles in the tumor microenvironment and cancer immune responses. Determining the significance of bladder cancer (BLCA)‐related genes to predict the prognostic and therapeutic response of BLCA is important.MethodsIrlncRNA/ frlncRNA pairs were determined using univariate analysis. The signature was constructed based on this pairs. Finally, analysis and internal validation were performed from several aspects.ResultsWe identified 60 immune‐ and ferroptosis‐related lncRNA pairs, among which 12 were included in the Cox proportional hazards model. Patients in low‐risk group survived for significantly longer. Survival and riskScore analyses showed that the low‐risk group had a significantly better clinical outcome. ROC curve analysis showed that AUC of OS values were more than 0.75 in the training set and the whole cohort. As assessed using Cox analysis, the riskScore was an independent prognostic predictor in the training, testing set and the whole cohort. The areas under the multi‐index ROC in the training set, the testing set, and the whole cohort were 0.777, 0.692, and 0.748, respectively. High‐risk group was positively associated with most of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells. High‐risk Scores correlated positively with high expression of CD274, but not with PD‐1. Low riskScores correlated positively with high expression levels of the genes ERBB2 and nectin‐4. High‐risk Score was associated with a lower IC50 value for Docetaxel, cisplatin, and Pazopanib, while there was an opposite result for metformin.ConclusionsThe signature constructed by pairing irlncRNAs and frlncRNAs showed a notable clinical predictive value.
Obesity and gut–microbiota–brain axis: A narrative review
Authors: Asadi Arezoo , Shadab Mehr Negar , Mohamadi Mohamad Hosein , Shokri Fazlollah , Heidary Mohsen , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Khoshnood Saeed 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionObesity is a major health problem that is associated with many physiological and mental disorders, such as diabetes, stroke, and depression. Gut microbiota has been affirmed to interact with various organs, including the brain. Intestinal microbiota and their metabolites might target the brain directly via vagal stimulation or indirectly through immune‐neuroendocrine mechanisms, and they can regulate metabolism, adiposity, homoeostasis and energy balance, and central appetite and food reward signaling, which together have crucial roles in obesity. Studies support the concept of bidirectional signaling within the gut–brain axis (GBA) in the pathophysiology of obesity, mediated by metabolic, endocrine, neural, and immune system mechanisms.Materials and methodsScopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases were searched to find relevant studies.ResultsThe gut–brain axis (GBA), a bidirectional connection between the gut microbiota and brain, influences physiological function and behavior through three different pathways. Neural pathway mainly consists of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and vagus nerve. Endocrine pathway, however, affects the neuroendocrine system of the brain, particularly the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and immunological pathway. Several alterations in the gut microbiome can lead to obesity, by modulating metabolic pathways and eating behaviors of the host through GBA. Therefore, novel therapies targeting the gut microbiome, i.e., fecal microbiota transplantation and supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, can be a potential treatment for obesity.ConclusionThis study corroborates the effect of gut microbiome on physiological function and body weight. The results show that the gut microbiota is becoming a target for new antiobesity therapies.
Combinations of Drug Candidate Properties Affecting Development Success and Discontinuation for 5 Diseases: Lymphoma, Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer, Arthritis, Depression, and Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Yamaguchi Shingo , Narukawa Mamoru 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe effects of the properties of drug candidates on their successful approval for the treatment of diseases are substantial. However, the success rate of candidates when their properties are combined has not been sufficiently evaluated. We aimed to identify combinations of properties (target, action, and modality) that increased the approval success rate of drug candidates for 5 diseases as well as to understand the characteristics of discontinued candidates. We calculated the approval success rates by combining the properties of drug candidates developed for 5 diseases (non–small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer disease [AD]), using candidates for which clinical development was initiated between 2000 and 2010. We also analyzed the phases and the reasons for the discontinuation of candidates of the 5 diseases for which development was discontinued. Probable combinations of properties with relatively high success rates for the diseases except for Alzheimer disease were found. These combinations of properties were considered appropriate in light of the pathology of each disease. The percentage of candidates discontinued in phase III for Alzheimer disease was higher than that for the other diseases. The reasons for discontinuation showed different trends between combinations of properties that had high and low approval success rates. As the effects of the properties of candidates on the success rate vary depending on the intended disease, pharmaceutical companies need to consider the probability of success of candidates for individual diseases for more efficient candidate selection.
Dose–response relationship between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis B with normal or mildly elevated alanine transaminase based on liver biopsy
Authors: Zhang Chi , Liu Yiqi , Li Jiawen , Liu Hui , Shao Chen , Liu Dan , Yu Min , Xi Hongli , Zhao Hong , Wang Guiqiang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe proportion of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal or mildly elevated alanine transaminase (NMALT) levels who have moderate to severe inflammation was not rare. However, we lacked appropriate biomarkers to evaluate liver inflammation in these populations. We aimed to explore the relationship between quantitative hepatitis B core antibody (qAnti‐HBc) and hepatic histological inflammation. This multicenter cohort study enrolled participants from 34 Chinese hospitals including 1376 treatment‐naive CHB patients with liver biopsy (934 with NMALT entered treatment‐naive cohort; 423 with secondary liver biopsy entered treatment cohort). Using unadjusted and multivariate‐adjusted generalized linear models, generalized additive models with smooth curve fitting, we evaluated the associations between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation in these patients. In the treatment‐naive patients, qAnti‐HBc was positively associated with liver inflammation (histology activity index [HAI] evaluated by Ishak scoring system; fully adjusted model: β = 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.30–0.66], p < 0.001). For per‐SD increase in qAnti‐HBc, the risk of moderate to severe inflammation (HAI ≥ 5) increased by 56% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% CI [1.28–1.91], p < 0.001). The curve fitting indicated a significant “threshold effect” (inflection point was 4.5 log10 IU/ml, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses and interactions were not significant (all p > 0.05). In the treatment patients, there was no significant correlation between qAnti‐HBc and liver inflammation, whether based on unadjusted, minimally adjusted, or fully adjusted models (all p > 0.100). Paired analyses showed a significant correlation between decreasing in qAnti‐HBc and alleviation of liver inflammation. qAnti‐HBc was positively correlated with liver inflammation in treatment‐naive CHB patients with NMALT. The cutoff value of qAnti‐HBc for the diagnosis of moderate to severe inflammation was 4.5 log10 IU/ml. Decreasing in qAnti‐HBc was positively correlated with liver inflammation relieving.
Studies on the biosynthetic pathways of melanin in Auricularia auricula
Authors: Ma Zihui , Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Yutong , Chen Wei , Wang Chengtao 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMelanin is a natural pigment ubiquitously present in living organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Melanin produced by the edible mushroom Auricularia auricula has a remarkable potential for resource development. Several A. auricula strains planted across China were collected and analyzed for mycelial growth rate and colony red, green, blue (RGB) value for color block. Further, the effects of various nutrients on melanin formation, including different carbon and nitrogen sources were evaluated to optimize the medium for submerged fermentation. The pathways involved in the biosynthesis of melanin in A. auricula were investigated using an enzyme inhibitor assay and intermediate determination. In addition, the functional activity of purified A. auricula melanin was assessed. The highest melanin yield (1.797 g/L) was displayed by strain AU‐3 in medium I. A. auricula melanin was composed of eumelanin, pheomelanin, and 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene melanin, and the biosynthetic pathways involved were Raper–Mason and 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene melanin pathway. In addition, melanin purified from A. auricula exhibited substantial antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor activities.
Safe healing circles: Mindful self‐compassion interventions to address racial battle fatigue with teachers of color
Authors: Solomon Coralis , DiLorenzo‐Garcia Amanda , Johnson Sandra Maria 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMindful self‐compassion can address the emotional exhaustion teachers of color experience due to racial injustice and social marginalization compounded by the pandemic. The authors propose a humanistic intervention in which mental health counselors create safe spaces for teaching self‐regulation skills and processing emotional stressors related to racial tensions in schools.
Dynamics of Arabic gum aqueous solutions as revealed by NMR relaxometry
Authors: Florek‐Wojciechowska Małgorzata 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe purpose of this article is to study molecular dynamics through nuclear magnetic relaxation (NMR) dispersion of Arabic gum aqueous solutions analysed in terms of two‐fraction exchange model.RESULTSThe experiments revealed that relaxation of water molecules was non‐monoexponential, which was interpreted in terms of a model describing the magnetization transfer due to exchange of water and polysaccharide protons. The analysis showed that water dynamics decreased slightly with gum content. Polymer‐chain dynamics was assigned to regime II of the tube/reptation model. Peculiar temperature dependence of exchange rate was observed in the whole concentration range of Arabic gum solutions.CONCLUSIONNMR relaxation probed in a broad frequency and temperature range allows probing of the molecular dynamics of complex food systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
An Overview on the Recent Advances in the Treatment of Infected Wounds: Antibacterial Wound Dressings
Authors: Mirhaj Marjan , Labbaf Sheyda , Tavakoli Mohamadreza , Seifalian Amelia 
Published: April 2022

AbstractA wound can be surgical cuts from an operation or due to accident and trauma. The infected wound, as a result of bacteria growth within the damaged skin, interrupts the natural wound healing process and significantly impacts the quality of life. Wound dressing is an important segment of the skincare industry with its economic burden estimated at $ 20.4 billion (in 2021) in the global market. The results of recent clinical trials suggest that the use of modern dressings can be the easiest, most accessible, and most cost‐effective way to treat chronic wounds and, hence, holds significant promise. With the sheer number of dressings in the market, the selection of correct dressing is confusing for clinicians and healthcare workers. The aim of this research is to review widely used types of antibacterial wound dressings, as well as emerging products, for their efficiency and mode of action. In this review, introducing antibiotics and antibacterial nanoparticles as two important and clinically widely used categories of antibacterial agents is focused. The perspectives and challenges for paving the way for future research in this field are also discussed.
Functional Brain Dysconnectivity in Parkinson's Disease: A 5‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yassine Sahar , Gschwandtner Ute , Auffret Manon , Achard Sophie , Verin Marc , Fuhr Peter , Hassan Mahmoud 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundTracking longitudinal functional brain dysconnectivity in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a key element to decoding the underlying physiopathology and understanding PD progression.ObjectivesThe objectives of this follow‐up study were to explore, for the first time, the longitudinal changes in the functional brain networks of PD patients over 5 years and to associate them with their cognitive performance and the lateralization of motor symptoms.MethodsWe used a 5‐year longitudinal cohort of PD patients (n = 35) who completed motor and non‐motor assessments and sequent resting state (RS) high‐density electroencephalography (HD‐EEG) recordings at three timepoints: baseline (BL), 3 years follow‐up (3YFU) and 5 years follow‐up (5YFU). We assessed disruptions in frequency‐dependent functional networks over the course of the disease and explored their relation to clinical symptomatology.ResultsIn contrast with HC (n = 32), PD patients showed a gradual connectivity impairment in α2 (10‐13 Hz) and β (13–30 Hz) frequency bands. The deterioration in the global cognitive assessment was strongly correlated with the disconnected networks. These disconnected networks were also associated with the lateralization of motor symptoms, revealing a dominance of the right hemisphere in terms of impaired connections in the left‐affected PD patients in contrast to dominance of the left hemisphere in the right‐affected PD patients.ConclusionsTaken together, our findings suggest that with disease progression, dysconnectivity in the brain networks in PD can reflect the deterioration of global cognitive deficits and the lateralization of motor symptoms. RS HD‐EEG may be an early biomarker of PD motor and non‐motor progression. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society