bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processes for identifying caregivers and screening for caregiver and patient distress in community oncology: results from WF-1803CD
Authors: Nightingale Chandylen L , Snavely Anna C , McLouth Laurie E , Dressler Emily V , Kent Erin E , Adonizio Christian S , Danhauer Suzanne C , Cannady Rachel , Hopkins Judith O , Kehn Heather , Weaver Kathryn E , Sterba Katherine R
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite their vital roles, informal caregivers of adult cancer patients are commonly overlooked in cancer care. This study describes processes for identifying cancer caregivers and processes for distress screening and management among caregivers and patients in the understudied community oncology setting.

Methods

Supportive care leaders from the National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program practices completed online survey questions regarding caregiver identification, caregiver and patient distress screening, and distress management strategies. We described practice group characteristics and prevalence of study outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression explored associations between practice group characteristics and caregiver identification in the electronic health record (EHR).

Results

Most (64.9%, 72 of 111) supportive care leaders reported routine identification and documentation of informal caregivers; 63.8% record this information in the EHR. Only 16% routinely screen caregivers for distress, though 92.5% screen patients. Distress management strategies for caregivers and patients are widely available, yet only 12.6% are routinely identified and screened and had at least 1 referral strategy for caregivers with distress; 90.6% are routinely screened and had at least 1 referral strategy for patients. Practices with a free-standing outpatient clinic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, P = .0106) and academic affiliation (OR = 0.01, P = .04) were less likely to identify and document caregivers in the EHR. However, higher oncologist volume was associated with an increased likelihood of recording caregiver information in the EHR (OR = 1.04, P = .02).

Conclusions

Despite high levels of patient distress screening and management, few practices provide comprehensive caregiver engagement practices. Existing patient engagement protocols may provide a promising platform to build capacity to better address caregiver needs.
Effectiveness of geriatric assessment and management in older cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anwar Mohammed Rashidul , Yeretzian Shant Torkom , Ayala Ana Patricia , Matosyan Emma , Breunis Henriette , Bote Kathyrin , Puts Martine , Habib Mohammed Hassan , Li Qixuan , Sahakyan Yeva , Alibhai Shabbir M H , Abrahamyan Lusine
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty and multimorbidity among older cancer patients affect treatment tolerance and efficacy. Comprehensive geriatric assessment and management is recommended to optimize cancer treatment, but its effect on various outcomes remains uncertain.

Objective

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cost-effectiveness studies comparing comprehensive geriatric assessment (with or without implementation of recommendations) to usual care in older cancer patients.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane trials from inception to January 27, 2023, for RCTs and cost-effectiveness studies. Pooled estimates for outcomes were calculated using random-effects models.

Results

A total of 19 full-text articles representing 17 RCTs were included. Average participant age was 72-80 years, and 31%-62% were female. Comprehensive geriatric assessment type, mode of delivery, and evaluated outcomes varied across studies. Meta-analysis revealed no difference in risk of mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 1.08. 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91 to 1.29), hospitalization (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.77 to 1.10), early treatment discontinuation (RR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.67 to 1.19), initial dose reduction (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.26), and subsequent dose reduction (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.70 to 1.09). However, the risk of treatment toxicity was statistically significantly lower in the comprehensive geriatric assessment group (RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.86). No cost-effectiveness studies were identified.

Conclusion

Compared with usual care, comprehensive geriatric assessment was not associated with a difference in risk of mortality, hospitalization, treatment discontinuation, and dose reduction but was associated with a lower risk of treatment toxicity indicating its potential to optimize cancer treatment in this population. Further research is needed to evaluate cost-effectiveness.
Beliefs About Pain in Pediatric Inflammatory and Noninflammatory Chronic Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mountain Danielle C , Ali Syed Mustafa , Ghio Daniela , McDonagh Janet E , Cordingley Lis , Lee Rebecca R
Published: September 2023

Objective

The Common Sense Self-Regulatory Model posits that beliefs about pain influence coping behaviors and subsequent physical and mental health outcomes in children/young people with chronic musculoskeletal conditions. It was unclear how and what beliefs had been investigated in this population, and whether there were similarities and differences in beliefs held about pain by those experiencing inflammatory versus noninflammatory musculoskeletal conditions. This scoping review addressed this gap.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using four databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL) in November 2021. Primary studies exploring key stakeholders’ (including children, parents, and/or healthcare professionals) beliefs about pain underlying pediatric chronic musculoskeletal conditions were synthesized.

Results

Eighteen articles were identified. Cross-sectional designs were predominantly used to explore beliefs (n = 6). The majority used questionnaires to assess beliefs (n = 12). Beliefs common across musculoskeletal conditions were that children/young people felt their pain was not understood by others, and pain affected their physical functioning. Differences included children/young people and parents thinking they had some ability to control pain, and causal beliefs relating to underlying disease activity. These pain beliefs were more likely to be held in relation to inflammatory diagnoses. In contrast, children/young people and parents were more likely to view pain as uncontrollable, with more uncertainty regarding underlying causes, relating to noninflammatory diagnoses.

Conclusions

Methods used to explore pain beliefs were inconsistent. Studies identified similarities and differences which appear to be closely related to the underlying diagnosis. Findings justify further exploration to identify potentially modifiable targets to improve pain outcomes in this population.
Preventing Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress in a Pediatric Urology Outpatient Setting: Application of the Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model (PPPHM)
Authors: Hayes Lillian C , Shepard Jaclyn A , SooHoo Michelle M , Rouse Christina M , Papadakis Jaclyn L
Published: September 2023

Objective

The objectives of this topical review are to (1) increase understanding of pediatric medical traumatic stress (PMTS) in pediatric urology populations through literature review, (2) identify a theoretical model to guide prevention of PMTS in this population, and (3) provide clinical care recommendations based on the model identified. Authors introduce a new term “uropsychology” to describe psychological practice that specializes in the treatment of urology patients.

Methods

Pediatric uropsychologists from 5 pediatric medical care centers gathered to discuss their experience with treating PMTS in their settings and to review existing literature related to PMTS in pediatric urology, PMTS in other populations, and established models for prevention. Authors provide recommendations based on literature review for preventing PMTS in a pediatric urology population.

Results

Gaps in the evidence base for preventing PMTS in this population are identified. Authors provide a series of clinical care recommendations, utilizing clinical experience, and the Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model (PPPHM) as a framework.

Conclusions

While there is limited research on PMTS in pediatric urology populations, urologic interventions can be perceived as invasive, painful, distressing, and traumatic. Application of the PPPHM can guide prevention and intervention efforts. Future research is needed to characterize PMTS in this population, evaluate the efficacy of trauma-informed prevention and intervention practices, and develop screening measures that accurately identify at-risk patients. Authors recommend intradisciplinary collaboration among uropsychologists, urology specialists, and patients and families to create formal standards of care, avenues for other future research, and equitable access to uropsychology care.
Ginkgo biloba extract ameliorates hyperglycaemia-induced enteric glial cell injury via regulation of the TLR2-related pathway
Authors: Jiang Qing , Yuan Shiqin , Wang Ke , Zhu Xue , Hu Yun , Jiang Yanmin , Liu Lin , Han Yumeng , Xiong Fan , Xu Lan , Zhu Xiaowei , Zhou Fanfan
Published: September 2023

Background

Diabetic gastrointestinal dysfunction (DGD) is a common complication in diabetic patients, and enteric glial cells (EGCs) found in the gastrointestinal tract have been shown to play an essential role in gastrointestinal dysfunction. Thus, targeting EGCs may be helpful for the control of DGD. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) from G. biloba dropping pills against hyperglycaemic stress-induced EGCs injury and its underlying mechanism.

Methods

In vitro, the protective effect of GBE on CRL-2690 cells was evaluated by MTT assay and TUNEL assay. The expression of related markers was evaluated by RNA sequencing and validated by using western blotting. In vivo, STZ-induced C57BL/6J WT mice were used as models to evaluate the effects of GBE on blood glucose, body weight, and EGCs’ activity and relevant signalling pathways were validated by immunofluorescence.

Results

The results showed that GBE (25 μg/ml) treatment significantly attenuated hyperglycaemic stress-induced cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis in CRL-2690 cells, which was verified in an STZ-induced (100 mg/kg, 3 days) diabetic mouse model with continuous GBE administration (25/100 mg/kg/day, 6/12 weeks). Further mechanistic study based on transcriptomic data revealed that GBE exerted its beneficial effect by regulating immune-related pathways, and TLR2/BTK/NF-κB/IL-1α/IL-10 comprised the main targets of this drug.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the protective effect of GBE against hyperglycaemic stress-induced EGCs injury using both in vitro and in vivo models and further reveals that the effect was achieved by targeting TLR2 and its downstream molecules BTK/NF-κB/IL-1α/IL-10. This study may be helpful for expanding the clinical application of GBE in treating DGD.
A novel pharmaceutical preparation of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. regulates macrophage polarization to alleviate inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wan Lei , Liu Jian , Huang Chuanbing , Wang Kun , Zhu Ziheng , Li Fangze
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To validate the enhanced therapeutic effect of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TWHF) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by restoring homeostasis of M1/M2 macrophages.

Methods

This study, using random walk models and network pharmacology, examined the molecular targets and mechanism of TWHF in RA. Based on clinical observations and experiments in arthritis animal models, the effects of TWHF on macrophage polarization, related signal pathways, and targets were examined. Triptolide, a component of TWHF, was used to intervene arthritis rats.

Key findings

Network pharmacological analysis revealed the key RA target genes related to TWHF. TWHF showed a strong correlation with the improvement of inflammatory indicators. TWHF inhibited the factors secreted by M1 macrophages such as IL-1β, IL-6, CXCL8, TNF-α, and VEGF-A, but promoted IL-10 from M2 macrophages. Quantitative liquid-phase chip assay showed that triptolide reduced the levels of TNF-α, CXCL2, and VEGF, while IL-4 and IL-10 were increased in arthritis model. Meanwhile, triptolide inhibited the NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which in turn improved the RA joint inflammation and fixed immune imbalance.

Conclusions

Triptolide downregulate the expression of M1 macrophage-secreted factors that inhibit the overactivation of inflammatory signaling pathways.
Mitochondrial transplantation attenuates toxicity in rat renal proximal tubular cells caused by Favipiravir
Authors: Seydi Enayatollah , Rahemi Marjan , Esmaily Hadi , Arjmand Abdollah , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Exogenous mitochondria transplantation or mitotherapy can be used to swap out unhealthy mitochondria for functioning ones. Treatment of mitochondrial diseases using this approach may be beneficial.

Methods

In this study, we looked at the effect of transplanting newly isolated mitochondria on the toxicity that favipiravir (FAV) causes in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs). In this study, parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakiness, reactive oxygen species (ROSs) production, damage to the lysosome membrane, reduced glutathione (GSH) content, extracellular oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content, GSH/GSSG ratio, ATP level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse, Bcl-2 content, and caspase-3 activity were used to assess the protective effects of mitochondrial transplantation against FAV-induced mitochondrial toxicity.

Key findings

The statistical analysis showed that the cytotoxicity, ROS production, MMP collapse, lysosomal damage, GSSG levels, and caspase-3 activity brought on by FAV in RPTCs were reduced by transplanting the healthy mitochondria. In addition, it led to an increase in ATP level, GSH content, Bcl-2 content, and GSH/GSSG ratio in RPTCs.

Conclusions

A recent study found that mitochondrial transplantation is a powerful therapeutic approach for treating nephrotoxicity brought on by xenobiotics.
Ferrostatin-1 suppresses cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after myocardial infarction by activating Nrf2 signaling
Authors: Wu Yu-Ting , Zhang Guo-Yong , Hua Yue , Fan Hui-Jie , Han Xin , Xu Hong-Lin , Chen Guang-Hong , Liu Bin , Xie Ling-Peng , Zhou Ying-Chun
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Ferroptosis, a new regulated cell death pathway, plays a crucial part in the development of cardiovascular disease. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate this.

Methods

Herein, an erastin-induced H9C2 cell ferroptosis in vitro model and a myocardial infarction murine model, which was created by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery, were established. Ferroptosis-related indicators, myocardial injury-related indicators, and Nrf2 signaling-related proteins expression were analyzed to explore the potential mechanism underlying cardiomyocyte ferroptosis-mediated cardiovascular disease development.

Results

We demonstrated that Nrf2 downregulation in myocardial tissue, accompanied by ferroptotic events and changes in xCT and GPX4 expressions, induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and myocardial injury after myocardial infarction. These events, including ferroptosis and changes in Nrf2, xCT, and GPX4 expressions, were improved by ferrostatin-1 in vivo and in vitro. Besides, Nrf2 deficiency or inhibition aggravated myocardial infarction-induced cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by decreasing xCT and GPX4 expressions in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, ferrostatin-1 directly targeted Nrf2, as evidenced by surface plasmon resonance analysis.

Conclusions

These results indicated that myocardial infarction is accompanied by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and that Nrf2 signaling plays a crucial part in regulating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after myocardial infarction.
Explore the anti-inflammation mechanism of safflower total flavonoids in the treatment of endometritis based on celluar transcriptomics
Authors: Chen Yan , Xiang Qiwen , Fu Peng , Wang Liang , Gao Song , Zeng Xiaoyao , Xie Xiaofang , Peng Cheng
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Safflower is a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of gynecological diseases and its flavonoids have potential anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose is to explore the possible effects of safflower total flavonoids (STF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory damage of Ishikawa cells.

Method

In this study, LPS-induced endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells were used to establish an inflammatory injury model. The effective concentration of STF was screened by CCK-8 and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The apoptosis of damaged Ishikawa cells was detected by flow cytometry. The contents of caspase11 and caspase 3 in Ishikawa cells were observed by fluorescence imaging. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of related proteins and mRNA in damaged Ishikawa cells, and the possible mechanism of safflower flavonoids against LPS-induced endometrial carcinoma Ishikawa cells was analyzed by cell transcriptomics.

Key findings

The STF-reduced tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression level; the expression level of the proteins ASK1, Caspase3, and Caspase11 was also significantly decreased, and the proteins ERα, p-PI3K, and p-AKT were significantly increased. The transcriptome results showed that the PI3K-Akt signal pathway may be the main signal pathway for the STF.

Conclusion

The STF could regulate the PI3K/AKT signal pathway to treat the inflammatory injury of Ishikawa cells.
Plasmodiophora brassicae affects host gene expression by secreting the transcription factor-type effector PbZFE1
Authors: Ando Sugihiro , Otawara Shinsuke , Tabei Yutaka , Tsushima Seiya
Published: September 2023

The protist pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae hijacks the metabolism and development of host cruciferous plants and induces clubroot formation, but little is known about its regulatory mechanisms. Previously, the Pnit2int2 sequence, a sequence around the second intron of the nitrilase gene (BrNIT2) involved in auxin biosynthesis in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis, was identified as a specific promoter activated during clubroot formation. In this study, we hypothesized that analysis of the transcriptional regulation of Pnit2int2 could reveal how P. brassicae affects the host gene regulatory system during clubroot development. By yeast one-hybrid screening, the pathogen zinc finger protein PbZFE1 was identified to specifically bind to Pnit2int2. Specific binding of PbZFE1 to Pnit2int2 was also confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The binding site of PbZFE1 is essential for promoter activity of Pnit2int2 in clubbed roots of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (Pnit2int2-2::GUS), indicating that PbZFE1 is secreted from P. brassicae and functions within plant cells. Ectopic expression of PbZEF1 in A. thaliana delayed growth and flowering time, suggesting that PbZFE1 has significant impacts on host development and metabolic systems. Thus, P. brassicae appears to secrete PbZFE1 into host cells as a transcription factor-type effector during pathogenesis.
An observational association study between maternal homocysteine and pregnancy complications or perinatal outcomes with established trimester-specific reference intervals in pregnant women
Authors: Tang Guodong , Su Shaofei , Lu Yifan , Meng Lanlan , Han Lican , Xu Zhengwen , Liu Lin , Zeng Jiazi , Chen Lu , Wang Jing , Zhang Yue , Zhai Yanhong , Cao Zheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) level during pregnancy is positively associated with various gestational-specific diseases. However, there is no uniform standard for the reference interval (RI) of Hcy in pregnancy.

Methods

From January 2017 to January 2019, 14,530 singleton pregnant women registered at our institute were included for the establishment of trimester-specific RIs of Hcy with both the nonparametric approach and the indirect Hoffmann method, followed by pregnancy outcome association analysis conducted with logistic regression.

Results

The serum Hcy level in the nonpregnant group was significantly higher than that of pregnant women. A relatively decreased Hcy concentration was observed in the second trimester when compared with that of the first or third trimester. The direct RIs of Hcy in the first or third, and second trimesters were 4.6 to 8.0 mmol/L (merged) and 4.0 to 6.4 mmol/L, respectively, which showed no significant difference compared with the RI derived from the indirect Hoffmann method. In the subsequent risk analysis, the first trimester Hcy was found to be negatively associated with GDM development; whereas the third trimester Hcy conferred increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage after delivery.

Conclusion

Having established trimester-specific RIs, our study sheds light on the complicated roles of Hcy in pregnancy-related complications.
SCAR: Single-cell and Spatially-resolved Cancer Resources
Authors: Deng Yushan , Chen Peixin , Xiao Jiedan , Li Mengrou , Shen Jiayi , Qin Siying , Jia Tengfei , Li Changxiao , Chang Ashley , Zhang Wensheng , Liu Hebin , Xue Ruidong , Zhang Ning , Wang Xiangdong , Huang Li , Chen Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

Advances in sequencing and imaging technologies offer a unique opportunity to unravel cell heterogeneity and develop new immunotherapy strategies for cancer research. There is an urgent need for a resource that effectively integrates a vast amount of transcriptomic profiling data to comprehensively explore cancer tissue heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment. In this context, we developed the Single-cell and Spatially-resolved Cancer Resources (SCAR) database, a combined tumor spatial and single-cell transcriptomic platform, which is freely accessible at http://8.142.154.29/SCAR2023 or http://scaratlas.com. SCAR contains spatial transcriptomic data from 21 tumor tissues and single-cell transcriptomic data from 11 301 352 cells encompassing 395 cancer subtypes and covering a wide variety of tissues, organoids, and cell lines. This resource offers diverse functional modules to address key cancer research questions at multiple levels, including the screening of tumor cell types, metabolic features, cell communication and gene expression patterns within the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, SCAR enables the analysis of biomarker expression patterns and cell developmental trajectories. SCAR also provides a comprehensive analysis of multi-dimensional datasets based on 34 state-of-the-art omics techniques, serving as an essential tool for in-depth mining and understanding of cell heterogeneity and spatial location. The implications of this resource extend to both cancer biology research and cancer immunotherapy development.
Awareness of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Among US Parents: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Cole Lyndsey D , Hammershaimb E Adrianne , Liang Yuanyuan , Hendrich Megan A , Das Dhiman , Petrin Robert , Campbell James D , O’Leary Sean , Cataldi Jessica R
Published: September 2023

Background

Little is known about parental awareness of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe sequela of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Methods

Via a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of US parents conducted via Ipsos KnowledgePanel from October to November 2021, we used bivariate and multivariable analyses to describe and identify demographic variables associated with parental knowledge of and attitudes toward MIS-C and to examine associations with perceived coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and susceptibility.

Results

Response rate was 64.2% (3230/5034). Thirty-two percent of respondents had heard of MIS-C. After adjustment, higher educational level (compared to high school degree; some college: odds ratio [OR], 2.00 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.44–2.77]; bachelor's degree or higher: OR, 3.14 [95% CI, 2.26–4.35]), being a healthcare worker (OR, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.37–2.42]), having a child with a chronic medical condition (OR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.22–2.14]), and experience with more severe COVID-19 (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.14–1.86]) were associated with MIS-C awareness. Respondents with a child aged 12–17 years were less likely to be aware of MIS-C compared to those without (OR, 0.78 [95% CI, .63–.96]), as were male respondents (OR, 0.56 [95% CI, .46–.69]) and respondents aged 18–34 years (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, .54–.94]) compared to those aged 35–44 years. Awareness of MIS-C was associated with higher perceived COVID-19 severity and susceptibility (regression coefficients, 0.18 [95% CI, .10–.25], P < .001; 0.19 [95% CI, .11–.28], P < .001, respectively).

Conclusions

This survey highlights the need to increase parental awareness of MIS-C. Future studies should explore how education regarding MIS-C as a complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection could improve understanding of pediatric disease severity and susceptibility.
Gibberellin signaling regulates lignin biosynthesis to modulate rice seed shattering
Authors: Wu Hao , He Qi , He Bing , He Shuyi , Zeng Longjun , Yang Longbo , Zhang Hong , Wei Zhaoran , Hu Xingming , Hu Jiang , Zhang Yong , Shang Lianguang , Wang Suikang , Cui Peng , Xiong Guosheng , Qian Qian , Wang Quan
Published: September 2023

The elimination of seed shattering was a key step in rice (Oryza sativa) domestication. In this paper, we show that increasing the gibberellic acid (GA) content or response in the abscission region enhanced seed shattering in rice. We demonstrate that SLENDER RICE1 (SLR1), the key repressor of GA signaling, could physically interact with the rice seed shattering-related transcription factors quantitative trait locus of seed shattering on chromosome 1 (qSH1), O. sativa HOMEOBOX 15 (OSH15), and SUPERNUMERARY BRACT (SNB). Importantly, these physical interactions interfered with the direct binding of these three regulators to the lignin biosynthesis gene 4-COUMARATE: COENZYME A LIGASE 3 (4CL3), thereby derepressing its expression. Derepression of 4CL3 led to increased lignin deposition in the abscission region, causing reduced rice seed shattering. Importantly, we also show that modulating GA content could alter the degree of seed shattering to increase harvest efficiency. Our results reveal that the “Green Revolution” phytohormone GA is important for regulating rice seed shattering, and we provide an applicable breeding strategy for high-efficiency rice harvesting.
Glucose status within dark-grown etiolated cotyledons determines seedling de-etiolation upon light irradiation
Authors: Mu Xin-Rong , Wang Yi-Bo , Bao Qin-Xin , Wei Yu-Ting , Zhao Sheng-Ting , Tao Wen-Zhe , Liu Yu-Xin , Wang Wan-Ni , Yu Fu-Huan , Tong Chen , Wang Jing-Wen , Gu Cheng-Yue , Wang Qi-Meng , Liu Xin-Ran , Sai Na , Zhu Jin-Lei , Zhang Jian , Loake Gary J , Meng Lai-Sheng
Published: September 2023

Exposure of dark-grown etiolated seedlings to light triggers the transition from skotomorphogenesis/etiolation to photomorphogenesis/de-etiolation. In the life cycle of plants, de-etiolation is essential for seedling development and plant survival. The mobilization of soluble sugars (glucose [Glc], sucrose, and fructose) derived from stored carbohydrates and lipids to target organs, including cotyledons, hypocotyls, and radicles, underpins de-etiolation. Therefore, dynamic carbohydrate biochemistry is a key feature of this phase transition. However, the molecular mechanisms coordinating carbohydrate status with the cellular machinery orchestrating de-etiolation remain largely opaque. Here, we show that the Glc sensor HEXOKINASE 1 (HXK1) interacts with GROWTH REGULATOR FACTOR5 (GRF5), a transcriptional activator and key plant growth regulator, in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Subsequently, GRF5 directly binds to the promoter of phytochrome A (phyA), encoding a far-red light (FR) sensor/cotyledon greening inhibitor. We demonstrate that the status of Glc within dark-grown etiolated cotyledons determines the de-etiolation of seedlings when exposed to light irradiation by the HXK1–GRF5–phyA molecular module. Thus, following seed germination, accumulating Glc within dark-grown etiolated cotyledons stimulates a HXK1-dependent increase of GRF5 and an associated decrease of phyA, triggering the perception, amplification, and relay of HXK1-dependent Glc signaling, thereby facilitating the de-etiolation of seedlings following light irradiation. Our findings, therefore, establish how cotyledon carbohydrate signaling under subterranean darkness is sensed, amplified, and relayed, determining the phase transition from skotomorphogenesis to photomorphogenesis on exposure to light irradiation.
Scaling laws of plume-induced granular cratering
Authors: Gorman Matthew T , Rubio Juan Sebastian , Diaz-Lopez Miguel X , Chambers Wesley A , Korzun Ashley M , Rabinovitch Jason , Ni Rui
Published: September 2023

Extraterrestrial landing often requires firing a high-speed plume towards a planetary surface, and the resulting gas–granular interactions pose potential hazards to the lander. To investigate these jet-induced cratering dynamics, an experiment campaign covering a range of gas and granular properties relevant to the lunar and Martian environments was conducted in a large-scale vacuum chamber. Despite the variations in jet Mach number, mass flow rate, and composition of the granular phase investigated in this work, the observed time evolution of crater depth displays a consistent transition from an early-stage linear to a late-stage sublinear growth. To explain these scaling relations, a model that relates the kinetic energy gained by the particles per unit time to the power of the impinging jet is introduced. From this model, erosion rates and the critical depth at which the transition occurs can be extracted, and they are shown to depend on the gas impingement pressure, which was varied by changing ambient pressure, jet Mach number, mass flow rate, and nozzle height above the surface. These results highlight key mechanisms at work in the dynamics of plume-induced cratering and help to develop an understanding of optimal rocket engine firing times for future landings.
The Suspension Problem for Epistemic Democracy
Authors: Egler Miguel
Published: September 2023

Recently, many normative theories of democracy have taken an epistemic turn. Rather than focus on democracy's morally desirable features, they argue that democracy is valuable (at least in part) because it tends to produce correct political decisions. I argue that these theories place epistemic demands on citizens that conflict with core democratic commitments. First, I discuss a well-known challenge to epistemic arguments for democracy that I call the ‘deference problem’. I then argue that framing debates about this deference problem in terms of work on epistemic defeat reveals a structurally similar but more serious challenge for epistemic arguments for democracy. Succinctly put, the problem is that if democracy tends to produce correct political decisions, then those in the minority might be required to suspend beliefs about political matters; however, this requirement conflicts with the pivotal democratic principle of self-government. Call this the ‘suspension problem’.
The Emerging Cloud: a survey of vapers, their health and utilization of healthcare within the UK
Authors: Sund L J , Dargan P I , Archer J R H , Blundell M S , Wood D M
Published: September 2023

Background

Recent work in the UK estimated the prevalence of current cannabinoid-based vaping to be higher than in the USA, a factor previously associated with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI). Research in the USA has demonstrated that attendances to emergency departments relating to e-cigarettes began to rise before the EVALI outbreak, suggesting that vapers also experience milder forms of vaping-related illness.

Aim

Quantify symptom prevalence and healthcare utilization amongst current UK vapers.

Design

Voluntary online survey of individuals aged 16 and over within the UK.

Methods

Anonymized data were collected on demographics, vaping/smoking status and vaping substances used. Current vapers were asked about the presence of 10 prevalent symptoms from previous US EVALI case series, healthcare attendances and diagnoses given. Risk-ratios were calculated to compare the likelihood of symptoms and attendances between substances.

Results

A total of 2477 complete responses were analysed. In all, 397 respondents were current vapers. Symptom prevalence within the previous 12 months ranged from 3.8% to 30.5% (bloody sputum, cough). Healthcare attendances per symptomatic respondent ranged from 0.1 to 1.4 (bloody sputum, shortness of breath). Current vapers of cannabinoid-based products (alone/in combination) had the most attendances per symptomatic respondent for 9/10 symptoms and were more likely to report symptoms aside from ‘cough’ (nicotine-free e-liquids [risk ratio = 1.7]). Clinicians reportedly never diagnosed vaping-related illness.

Conclusions

UK vapers experience symptoms previously reported in EVALI cases for which they also seek healthcare. Users of cannabinoid-based products were more likely to report symptoms and accounted for a higher healthcare burden. UK vapers may also experience vaping-related illness that does not meet EVALI case criteria.
On the Rankin–Selberg problem, II
Authors: Huang Bingrong
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we improve our bounds on the Rankin–Selberg problem. That is, we obtain a smaller error term of the second moment of Fourier coefficients of a GL(2) cusp form (both holomorphic and Maass).
Characteristics and course of patients with AA amyloidosis: single centre experience with 174 patients from Turkey
Authors: Bektas Murat , Koca Nevzat , Oguz Emin , Sari Selma , Dagci Gizem , Ince Burak , Ozer Pelin Karaca , Agargun Besim Fazil , Yalcinkaya Yasemin , Artim-Esen Bahar , Ocal Lale , Inanc Murat , Gul Ahmet
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, laboratory and genetic characteristics and outcomes of patients with AA amyloidosis.

Methods

Patients followed up in a tertiary referral centre in Turkey with the diagnosis of inflammatory rheumatic diseases and immunohistologically proven AA amyloidosis were included in the study and retrospectively analysed.

Results

Among 184 patients with the diagnosis of AA amyloidosis, 174 (83 female, 91 male) were included in the analysis. The most common cause of AA amyloidosis was FMF (78.7%), and 91% of FMF-AA amyloidosis patients were carrying the p.M694V variant (74.1% homozygous). AA amyloidosis was identified earlier in patients with homozygous or compound heterozygous MEFV exon 10 variants compared with the heterozygous patients (27, 30 and 41 years, respectively). Patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min at admission had a higher frequency of progression to end-stage renal disease (P < 0.001). The overall mortality rate was 15.3% and it increased gradually in association with the amyloid burden (10% in patients with renal, 15% in renal + gastrointestinal and 43% in those with additional cardiac involvement). Renal findings responded completely to treatment in 31% of the patients, a partial response was observed in 4%, a stable course in 23.6% and progression in 38.5%. Amyloid storm was identified in nine patients and was found to be associated with increased mortality within 1 year.

Conclusion

FMF patients still constitute the majority of AA amyloidosis patients in Turkey. The MEFV genotype and associated inflammatory load may affect the age of onset of AA amyloidosis, and earlier diagnosis and stricter follow-up and treatment may delay progression of the disease.
Student perceptions of the impact of quality matters essential standards in an animal physiology course
Authors: Deuser Kylie , Sanchez Rebecca P , Mendoza-Moran Arlene , Winzeler Bethanne , Zheng Yaxin , Trivedi Shweta
Published: September 2023

As online learning becomes increasingly popular in higher education, the quality of courses that utilize this modality is becoming a focus of inquiry. Quality Matters (QM) is a leading quality assurance organization that reviews online and hybrid (partially online, partially in-person) courses for standards of pedagogy and instructional design and certifies courses that sufficiently meet these standards. In this study, we examine student perceptions of course quality in a hybrid three-credit-hour animal science course that has been certified by QM. The class met twice a week for 1.25 h with one class period online and one in person. It consisted of 11 modules, each of which included learning content, learning activities, and assessments. Upon completion, 46 of 114 students completed a survey in which they rated the course on each of the 21 QM essential standards (Fifth edition). Descriptive analysis revealed that for 19 of the 21 specific review standards, 75% to 91% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the course reflected the best practice described in the standard. For the other two standards, over half of students (72%, 63%) agreed or strongly agreed that best practices were reflected in course design. Another way to examine the data is to collapse specific review standards into eight general review categories as specified by QM; the collapsed data revealed that 75% to 88% of students agreed or strongly agreed that the course design reflected the eight general course design standards. The percentage of students disagreeing that the course reflected each best practice was 11% or lower. Cronbach analysis to examine the internal consistency of the QM questionnaire (0.96), indicated instrument reliability and stability. A principal component analysis of the data conducted to further examine features and patterns of student responses revealed four primary factors that students rated highly (learning objectives, learner interaction and engagement, accessibility and usability, and clarity) that explained 78% of the data variance. This study demonstrates that the high quality of course design and delivery in a QM-certified course is clear to students. and provides justification for the investment in high-quality online and hybrid course design. In the future, we plan to compare student perceptions of course quality in a course that has not been QM-certified with one that has, as well as the impact of those revisions on student outcomes.
Perfluorooctanoic acid induces transcriptomic alterations in second trimester human cytotrophoblasts
Authors: Chen Hao , Kapidzic Mirhan , Gantar Danielle , Aksel Sena , Levan Justine , Abrahamsson Dimitri P , Jigmeddagva Unurzul , Basrai Sanah , San Ali , Gaw Stephanie L , Woodruff Tracey J , Fisher Susan J , Robinson Joshua F
Published: September 2023

Poly- and perfluroroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a major class of surfactants used in industry applications and consumer products. Despite efforts to reduce the usage of PFAS due to their environmental persistence, compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are widely detected in human blood and tissue. Although growing evidence supports that prenatal exposures to PFOA and other PFAS are linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, the target organs and pathways remain unclear. Recent investigations in mouse and human cell lines suggest that PFAS may impact the placenta and impair trophoblast function. In this study, we investigated the effects of PFOA on cytotoxicity and the transcriptome in cultured second trimester human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs). We show that PFOA significantly reduces viability and induces cell death at 24 h, in a concentration-dependent manner. At subcytotoxic concentrations, PFOA impacted expression of hundreds of genes, including several molecules (CRH, IFIT1, and TNFSF10) linked with lipid metabolism and innate immune response pathways. Furthermore, in silico analyses suggested that regulatory factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-mediated pathways may be especially important in response to PFOA. In summary, this study provides evidence that PFOA alters primary human CTB viability and gene pathways that could contribute to placental dysfunction and disease.
Digital Training for Micro-Entrepreneurs: Experimental Evidence from Guatemala
Authors: Estefan Alejandro , Improta Martina , Ordoñez Romina , Winters Paul
Published: September 2023

Previous literature shows minor impacts of in-person business training in developing countries, but few papers study the effectiveness of digital training. A research partnership with a multinational company operating in the food sector of Guatemala enables the randomized evaluation of a digital training program involving the franchise store owners of one of its retail chains. The training program combined a mobile app offering access to reproducible video capsules and virtual one-on-one consulting meetings. The results of the randomized evaluation reveal significant impacts on knowledge, business practices, sales, and profits. An examination of the mechanisms underlying these results reveals that consulting meetings are crucial in inducing engagement with the app’s content. Program flexibility, internet access, and initial sales are also crucial determinants of training effectiveness.
Description and evolutionary biogeography of the first Miocene jumping spider (Aranaea: Salticidae) from a southern continent
Authors: Richardson Barry J , McCurry Matthew R , Frese Michael
Published: September 2023

Examination of a fossil from a Miocene Konservat-Lagerstätte (c. 11–16 Mya) from Australia shows it to be an astioid jumping spider that is here described as Simaetha sp. indet. Fossilization in the iron oxide–hydroxide mineral goethite led to a high-fidelity preservation of not only the exterior, but of the pharyngeal plate and a neuropile in the cephalothorax. The discovery of the fossil supports the molecular-based hypothesis that the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene radiation of astioid genera occurred in Australasia. Modern Asian genera then would be the result of northward migrations from Australia rather than a movement in the other direction. Biogeographically, the Miocene Simaetha fits within the predicted bioclimatic distribution of the genus today, though the bioclimatic requirements of the fossil species are now found in eastern Queensland rather than in central New South Wales. Simaetha, it seems has retained its original bioclimatic profile for 15 Myr, even though climatic and ecological conditions in Australia have changed significantly. The fossil record now shows the independent evolution of modern genera during the Early Miocene in at least five different salticid lineages on two continents. These salticid radiations occurred at a time of planet-wide, rapid climatic and ecological change.
Iliosacral Screws Can be Placed With Precision by Adjusting the Pelvic Inlet Between S1 and S2
Authors: Zuelzer David A , Ryan Lunden , Westbrooks Tim , “Chip” Routt Milton L.
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To determine: 1) the natural incidence of sacral inlet angle differences between S1 and S2 and 2) implications for iliosacral screw placement with a technique to improve the accuracy of the intraoperative fluoroscopic inlet for S1 and S2.

Design:

Combined retrospective and prospective cohort reviews.

Setting:

Regional Level 1 trauma center.

Patients/Participants:

After exclusion criteria, 300 patients with uninjured pelvic rings to determine the natural incidence of S1 – S2 angle differences and 33 patients treated with iliosacral screws over the study period.

Intervention:

None in the retrospective cohort. In the prospective cohort all patients underwent fluoroscopically assisted iliosacral screw fixation.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Radiographic determination of S1 – S2 angle differences above 10 degrees in a natural population for the retrospective cohort. In the prospective, operative cohort the outcome of interest was the safety of iliosacral screws in S1 and S2 as determined on intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative CT scan.

Results: In the retrospective cohort, 180/300 (60.0%) had S1 – S2 inlet angle differences above 10 degrees. In the operative cohort, 19/33 (57.6%) had S1 – S2 inlet angle differences above 10 degrees. Of the iliosacral screws in S1 and S2 placed using the described imaging technique, all (69/69, 100%) were safe.

Conclusions:

A normal population determined that differences in the inlet angle between S1 and S2 are common. An operative cohort was treated using preoperative CT-based planning to define different intraoperative fluoroscopic inlet views for S1 and S2, if a larger difference existed. Using this technique, 69/69 (100%) of iliosacral screws were either intraosseous or juxtacortical and safe.

Level of Evidence:

Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Duration of Hardware Retention After Radiologic Union of Surgically Treated Femoral Neck Fractures in Children May Predict the Aggravation or Occurrence of Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head or Neck After Hardware Removal
Authors: Wang WenTao , Mei QianQian , Guo YueMing , He Bo , Mei HaiBo , Li YiQiang , Canavese Federico , Chen ShunYou
Published: September 2023

Background:

The incidence of aggravation or occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) following hardware removal in surgically treated pediatric femoral neck fractures who achieved radiologic consolidation is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for this complication.

Methods:

Seventy-one pediatric (mean age: 9.8±3.9 y) were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors (age, sex, laterality, severity of initial displacement, type of fracture, time from trauma to reduction, reduction and fixation method, quality of reduction, time required to achieve radiologic union, duration of hardware retention, presence of AVN before hardware removal and follow-up time) were recorded. The severity of AVN was assessed based on radiographs with Ratliff’s classification.

Results:

Following hardware removal, the aggravation/occurrence of AVN was detected in 11 hips (15.5%). Among the 5 hips (7%) with aggravation of AVN, 1 (1.4%) with type II AVN and 3 (4.2%) with type III AVN exhibited aggravation of type I AVN, while the remaining hip (1.4%; type I) showed enlargement of the involved AVN area. Six hips (8.5%) developed AVN following hardware removal: 2 (2.8%) were classified as type I and 4 (5.6%) as type III. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that hardware retention >7 months after union is associated with a decreased rate of aggravation or occurrence of AVN of the femoral neck or head following hardware removal.

Conclusions:

The incidence of aggravation or occurrence of AVN following hardware removal in surgically treated pediatric femoral neck fractures is 15.5%; hardware retention >7 months after radiologic union may reduce the risk of aggravation or occurrence of AVN of the femoral neck or head postimplant removal.

Level of evidence:

Level III.