bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of gross anatomy laboratory on student written examination performance: A 3‐year study of a large‐enrollment undergraduate anatomy course
Authors: Anderson Hana , Weil Jennifer A. , Tucker Richard P. , Gross Douglas S.
Published: August 2023

The efficacy of the various pedagogies that are used in human anatomy laboratories has been extensively debated. Nevertheless, an important question remains relatively unexamined—how the learning experience in the anatomy laboratory impacts students' mastery and application of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting. In this study, the effect of a prosection‐based anatomy laboratory on overall comprehension and mastery of anatomical knowledge was evaluated in an upper division undergraduate anatomy curriculum that consists of a mandatory lecture course and an optional laboratory course. This flexible curricular structure permitted assessing the merit of laboratory learning on the written examination performance of the lecture course. In 2019 and 2022, the anatomy laboratory was taught in‐person using prosections, while in 2021 due to the Covid‐19 pandemic related regulations, it was taught remotely with live‐streaming of prosections using document cameras. In both in‐person and remote instructive formats, written examination scores of the lecture course were compared between two cohorts of students: Those enrolled in lecture only and those enrolled in both lecture and laboratory. Results showed that the cohort enrolled in both lecture and laboratory courses consistently outperformed the lecture‐only cohort by one full letter grade. Furthermore, when the degrees of improvement on written examination scores were compared between the two instructive formats, in‐person laboratory had a greater increase compared to remote laboratory. Altogether this study demonstrates that the prosection‐based anatomy laboratory enhances students' mastery of anatomical knowledge beyond the laboratory setting by promoting comprehension of spatial relationships of anatomical structures.
Adaptive neural practical fixed‐time command filtered control for multi‐input and multi‐output nonlinear systems with dead zones input and unknown control direction
Authors: Kang Shijia , Xiaoping Liu Peter , Wang Huanqing
Published: August 2023

In this article, under the circumstance of dead zones input and unknown control direction, the adaptive practical fixed‐time control strategy is presented for a general class of multi‐input and multi‐output (MIMO) nonlinear systems. The inherent explosion of computational complexity difficulty is eliminated by adopting a command filter technique and the universal approximation properties of radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs) are applied to model the unknown nonlinear functions. The difficulties of the dynamic surface method and unknown directions can be handled by invoking error compensation mechanism and Nussbaum‐type functions, respectively. The uniqueness of the presented control scheme is that the tracking system can achieve the fixed‐time stability without relying on the boundedness of dead‐zone parameters. The fixed‐time convergence of the output tracking error and the semiglobally fixed‐time stable of closed‐loop system are assured via the developed adaptive fixed‐time command filtered controller. Finally, a practical example is supplied to further validate the availability of the presented theoretic result.
Bericht des Arbeitskreises „Baugruben“: Tragfähigkeit von Steifen (EB 52) und Eurocode 7
Authors: Hettler Achim , Kinzler Steffen , Hackenbroch Wilfried
Published: August 2023

Der Arbeitskreis „Baugruben“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geotechnik (DGGT) veröffentlicht seit 1968 regelmäßig Empfehlungen für die Berechnung, Bemessung und Konstruktion von Baugrubenumschließungen. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick über die aktuellen Diskussionen im Arbeitskreis. Im vergangenen Jahr erfolgte in der Hauptsache die Mitwirkung bei der Kommentierung der Entwürfe des neuen Eurocode 7. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt war die Überarbeitung der EB 52 „Tragfähigkeit von Steifen“.
Reduced iron and cobalt levels in response to curcumin supplementation are not responsible for the prolonged larval development and do not affect the oxidative stress tolerance and polyamine status of D. melanogaster
Authors: Lüersen Kai , Jöckel Tobias , Chin Dawn , Demetrowitsch Tobias , Schwarz Karin , Rimbach Gerald
Published: August 2023

Recent reports indicated that the phytochemical curcumin possesses iron‐chelating activity. Here, by employing the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, we conducted feeding studies supplementing curcumin or, as a control, the iron chelator bathophenanthroline (BPA). First, the absorption and further metabolization of dietary curcuminoids were proved by metabolomics analyses. Next, we found that 0.2% dietary curcumin, similar to BPA, lowered the iron but also the cobalt content, and to a lesser extent affected the manganese and zinc status. Supplementation during larval stages was required and sufficient for both compounds to elicit these alterations in adult animals. However, curcumin‐induced retarded larval development was not attributable to the changed trace metal status. In addition, a reduction in the iron content of up to 70% by curcumin or BPA supplementation did not reduce heme‐dependent catalase activity and tolerance toward H2O2 in D. melanogaster. Moreover, polyamines were not influenced by curcumin treatment and decreased iron levels. This was confirmed for selected organs from 0.2% curcumin‐treated mice, except for the spleen. Here, elevated spermidine level and concomitant upregulation of genes involved in polyamine production were associated with a putatively anemia‐derived increased spleen mass. Our data underline that the metal‐chelating property of curcumin needs to be considered in feeding studies.
Industry 4.0 deployment for circular economy performance—Understanding the role of green procurement and remanufacturing activities
Authors: Sahoo Saumyaranjan , Jakhar Suresh Kumar
Published: August 2023

As regulatory authorities emphasize sustainable practices, manufacturing organizations rely on Industry 4.0 technologies to shift their business model from a linear to a circular economy. While intuitively this transformation seems straightforward, in reality, it is rather nuanced, thereby necessitating scholarly investigation into process‐based antecedents of circular economy performance of organizations. This study used structural equation modeling to analyze empirical data from 278 Indian manufacturers. Largely, the results demonstrate that the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies does have a significant effect on the performance of the circular economy within these organizations, owing to their strong influence on green procurement and remanufacturing activities. Additionally, the results show that these process activities (e.g., green procurement and remanufacturing) do mediate the interaction between the deployment of Industry 4.0 and circular economy performance.
Theory‐based behavior change intervention to increase uptake of risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant: The PREVENT randomized controlled trial
Authors: Metcalfe Kelly A. , Pal Tuya , Narod Steven A. , Armel Susan , Shickh Salma , Buckley Kathleen , Walters Scott T. , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Kinney Anita Y.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a theory‐based behavioral intervention delivered by genetic counselors on the uptake of risk‐reducing salpingo‐oophorectomy (RRSO) at 12 and 24 months by women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 pathogenic variant (PV) compared to women who received usual care.

Methods

In this two‐arm, multi‐site randomized controlled trial participants were randomized to receive a theoretically‐guided behavioral telephone intervention or usual care. Outcome data were collected at 12 and 24 months. Participants in the usual care arm were offered the intervention after 12 months.

Results

Data on 107 participants were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference in the proportion of women who had a RRSO by 1 year (28.6%‐ intervention; 22.9%‐ usual care (p = 0.54)). At 1 year, women who received the intervention had significantly lower mean decisional conflict (pinteraction <0.001) and a higher mean knowledge score at one‐year compared to usual care (pinteraction <0.001). At 2 years, 53.9% of participants in the intervention arm had RRSO compared to 32.6% in usual care (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

A theory‐based behavioral intervention delivered by genetic counselors to women with a BRCA PV who chose not to have the recommended RRSO was effective at reducing decisional conflict and increasing knowledge in women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 PV.
Use of a mixed‐methods approach to develop a guidebook with messaging to encourage colorectal cancer screening among Black individuals 45 and older
Authors: Anyane‐Yeboa Adjoa , Aubertine Michelle , Parker Aisha , Sylvester Kaitlin , Levell Caleb , Bell Emily , Emmons Karen M. , May Folasade P.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in the United States and disproportionately impacts Black individuals. Here, we describe the mixed‐methods approach used to develop a tailored message guidebook to promote CRC screening among Black individuals in the setting of recently updated screening guidelines.

Methods

This mixed‐methods study included 10 in‐depth qualitative interviews and 490 surveys in a nationally representative sample of unscreened Black individuals age ≥ 45. Messages were developed based on American Cancer Society (ACS) and National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT) research findings, tested among Black individuals using MaxDiff analytic methods, and reviewed by a multi‐sector expert advisory committee of NCCRT members.

Results

The most frequently reported screening barrier in all age groups was self‐reported procrastination (40.0% in age 45–49, 42.8% for age 50–54, 34.2% for age ≥ 55). Reasons for procrastination varied by age and included financial concerns, COVID‐19 concerns, and fear of the test and bowel preparation. Additional screening barriers included lack of symptoms, provider recommendation, and family history of CRC. Most individuals age 45–49 preferred to receive screening information from a healthcare provider (57.5%); however, only 20% reported that a provider had initiated a screening conversation.

Conclusions

We identified age‐specific barriers to CRC screening and tailored messaging to motivate participation among unscreened Black people age ≥ 45. Findings informed the development of the NCCRT and ACS guidebook for organizations and institutions aiming to increase CRC screening participation in Black individuals.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of patient‐initiated follow‐up after cancer
Authors: Dretzke Janine , Chaudri Talhah , Balaji Rishab , Mehanna Hisham , Nankivell Paul , Moore David J. ,   Members of the PETNECK2 Research Team ‐ in alphabetical order by first name
Published: August 2023

Background

The traditional cancer follow‐up (FU) model for cancer survivors is by scheduled clinic appointments; however, this is not tailored to patient needs and is becoming unsustainable. Patient‐initiated follow‐up (PIFU) may be a more effective and flexible alternative. This systematic review aims to analyse all existing evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of PIFU compared with other FU models that include routinely scheduled appointments in adults who have been treated with curative intent for any type of cancer.

Methods

Standard systematic review methodology aimed at limiting bias was used for study identification, selection and data extraction. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Epistemonikos were searched for systematic reviews to March 2022, and Cochrane CENTRAL was searched for RCTs from 2018 (April 2023). Ongoing trial registers were searched (WHO ICTRP, ClinicalTrials.gov, April 2023). Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials comparing PIFU with an alternative FU model in adult cancer survivors. Risk of bias assessment was via the Cochrane risk of bias tool‐2. Meta‐analysis was precluded by clinical heterogeneity and results were reported narratively.

Results

Ten RCTs were included (six breast, two colorectal, one endometrial cancer and one melanoma, total n = 1754); all studies had risk of bias concerns, particularly relating to how missing data were handled, and populations were unlikely to be representative. Limited findings in breast cancer suggested that type of FU does not affect recurrence detection or patient‐related outcomes, while PIFU may reduce the number of clinic visits. Adding patient‐led surveillance to routine FU may increase melanoma detection. Evidence for other types of cancer is too limited to draw firm conclusions.

Conclusions

PIFU may be a viable FU model in breast cancer, but further research is needed for other types of cancer and on long‐term outcomes. A protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181424).
Structurally Diverse Metabolites from the Marine‐Derived Streptomyces sp. DS‐27 Based on Two Different Culture Conditions
Authors: Yan Feihang , Fang Jiebin , Ding Wanjing , Tang Xinyi , Chen Xiaoming , Ma Zhongjun , Wang Jinhui
Published: August 2023

Nine new compounds, including streptothiomycin A−E (1–5), two cyclopentenones (6, 7), one α‐pyrone (8), wailupemycin Q (20), along with sixteen known compounds were identified from a rhizosphere strain Streptomyces sp. DS‐27 derived from the marine cordgrass Spartina alterniflora under two different culture conditions. All of the structures were elucidated by extensive analysis of 1D/2D NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS data. The absolute configurations were determined by NOESY analysis, ECD, specific rotation and GIAO NMR calculations, and DP4+ probability analysis. Bioactivity investigation showed that compounds 5 and 7 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on LPS‐induced NO production in a dose‐dependent manner, which indicates their anti‐inflammatory potential.
G1P3/IFI6, an interferon stimulated protein, promotes the association of RAB5+ endosomes with mitochondria in breast cancer cells
Authors: Davenport Anne M. , Morris Madeleine , Sabti Fatima , Sabti Sarah , Shakya Diksha , Hynds DiAnna L. , Cheriyath Venugopalan
Published: August 2023

G1P3/IFI6 is an interferon stimulated gene with antiapoptotic, prometastatic, and antiviral functions. Despite its pleiotropic functions, subcellular localization of G1P3 remains unclear. Using biochemical‐ and confocal microscopic approaches, this study identified the localization of G1P3 in organelles of the endomembrane system and in the mitochondria of breast cancer cells. In cell fractionation studies, both interferon‐induced endogenous‐ and stably expressed G1P3 cofractionated with affinity‐isolated mitochondria. Results of the protease protection assay have suggested that ~24% of mitochondrial G1P3 resides within the mitochondria. Conforming to this, confocal microscopy studies of cells stably expressing epitope‐tagged G1P3 (MCF‐7/G1P3‐FLAG), identified its localization in mitochondria (~38%) as well as in ER, trans‐Golgi network (TGN), lysosomes, and in RAB5 positive (RAB5+) endosomes. These results suggested the trafficking of G1P3 from TGN into endolysosomes. Both G1P3 and RAB5 were known to confer apoptosis resistance through mitochondrial stabilization. Therefore, the effects of G1P3 on the localization of RAB5 in mitochondria were tested. Compared to vector control, the co‐occurrence of RAB5 with the mitochondria was increased by 1.5‐fold in MCF‐7/G1P3‐FLAG expressing cells (p ≤ .005). Taken together, our results demonstrate a role for G1P3 to promote the association of RAB5+ endosomes with mitochondria and provide insight into yet another mechanism of G1P3‐induced cancer cell survival.
Co‐occurrence of celiac disease and glycogen storage disease in a five‐year‐old patient with diabetes mellitus; a case report
Authors: Khani Sina , Soheili Amirali , Vahabi Seyed Mohammad , Dara Naghi , Sayyari Aliakbar , Nilipour Yalda , Parvizi Maryam , Hosseini Amirhossein
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

A patient presented with edema, ascites and jaundice. Histologic report was consistent with Celiac Disease. Liver biopsy commensurate with Glycogen storage disease III, which was confirmed by genetic testing. A gluten‐free diet was initiated. After 2 months, ascites was relieved, hepatic function was improved, and hepatic size reduced.
Deciphering Enzyme Mechanisms with Engineered Ancestors and Substrate Analogues
Authors: Gao Tadeja , Damborsky Jiri , Janin Yves L. , Marek Martin
Published: August 2023

Environmentally friendly industrial and biotech processes greatly benefit from enzyme‐based technologies. Their use is often possible only when the enzyme‐catalytic mechanism is thoroughly known. Thus, atomic‐level knowledge of a Michaelis enzyme‐substrate complex, revealing molecular details of substrate recognition and catalytic chemistry, is crucial for understanding and then rationally extending or improving enzyme‐catalyzed reactions. However, many known enzymes sample huge protein conformational space, often preventing complete structural characterization by X‐ray crystallography. Moreover, using a cognate substrate is problematic since its conversion into a reaction product in the presence of the enzyme will prevent the capture of the enzyme‐substrate conformation in an activated state. Here, we outlined how to deal with such obstacles, focusing on the recent discovery of a Renilla‐type bioluminescence reaction mechanism facilitated by a combination of engineered ancestral enzyme and the availability of a non‐oxidizable luciferin analogue. The automated ancestral sequence reconstructions using FireProtASR provided a thermostable enzyme suited for structural studies, and a stable luciferin analogue azacoelenterazine provided a structurally cognate chemical incapable of catalyzed oxidation. We suggest that an analogous strategy can be applied to various enzymes with unknown catalytic mechanisms and poor crystallizability.
Flexible and Binder‐Free Iron Phosphide Electrodes Using a Three‐Dimensional Support for High Hydrogen Productivity
Authors: Díez‐García María Isabel , García Blanco Andrés Alberto , Murcia‐López Sebastian , Botifoll Marc , Arbiol Jordi , Qamar Mohammad , Morante Joan Ramon
Published: August 2023

Invited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Energy Storage, Harvesting and Catalysis (https://www.irec.cat/research/group/energy‐storage‐harvesting‐and‐catalysis/) of Pr. J. R. Morante at the Catalonia Institute for Energy Research (IREC) in Spain that carried out this work in collaboration with the group of Pr. J. Arbiol from ICREA and ICN2 (Spain) and Dr. M. Qamar from KFUPM (Saudi Arabia). The cover picture shows an artistic representation of an electrolyzer that integrates a porous cathode able to produce hydrogen at high production rates. The required electric output to the cell is provided by solar panels. Oxygen produced by the oxidation reaction is released into the atmosphere. The layout represents how the produced green hydrogen can be used for different applications such as feedstock for chemicals and e‐fuels (from CO2 capture) in urban areas. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202201152.
Aluminium and Gallium Silylimides as Nitride Sources**
Authors: Heilmann Andreas , Saddington Artemis M. , Goicoechea Jose M. , Aldridge Simon
Published: August 2023

Terminal aluminium and gallium imides of the type K[(NON)M(NR)], bearing heteroatom substituents at R, have been synthesised via reactions of anionic aluminium(I) and gallium(I) reagents with silyl and boryl azides (NON=4,5‐bis(2,6‐diisopropyl‐anilido)‐2,7‐di‐tert‐butyl‐9,9‐dimethyl‐xanthene). These systems vary significantly in their lability in solution: the N(SiiPr3) and N(Boryl) complexes are very labile, on account of the high basicity at nitrogen. Phenylsilylimido derivatives provide greater stabilization through the π‐acceptor capabilities of the SiR3 group. K[(NON)AlN(SitBuPh2)] offers a workable compromise between stability and solubility, and has been completely characterized by spectroscopic, analytical and crystallographic methods. The silylimide species examined feature minimal π‐bonding between the imide ligand and aluminium/gallium, with the HOMO and HOMO‐1 orbitals effectively comprising orthogonal lone pairs centred at N. Reactivity‐wise, both aluminium and gallium silylimides can act as viable sources of nitride, [N]3−, with systems derived from either metal reacting with CO to afford cyanide complexes. By contrast, only the gallium system K[(NON)Ga{N(SiPh3)}] is capable of effecting a similar transformation with N2O to yield azide, N3−, via formal oxide/nitride metathesis. The aluminium systems instead generate RN3 via transfer of the imide fragment [RN]2−.
PROTOCOL: The effects of agricultural output market access interventions on agricultural, socio‐economic and food and nutrition security outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Villar Paul Fenton , Kozakiewicz Tomasz , Bachina Vinitha , Young Sarah , Shisler Shannon
Published: August 2023

Development agencies and international donors’ efforts are increasingly focusing on better integrating poor and remote farmers into agricultural markets to address the chronic issues of rural poverty and hunger in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Using systematic methods for information retrieval, critical appraisal and evidence synthesis, this research aims to examine evidence on the effects of five focal types of agricultural market access interventions: (i) farm‐to‐market transport infrastructure interventions; (ii) output market information interventions; (iii) initiatives creating new marketplaces and alternative marketing opportunities; (iv) contract farming initiatives; (v) interventions improving storage infrastructure. In this review, we will study evidence of the magnitude and direction of intervention effects on agricultural, socio‐economic, and food and nutrition security outcomes. We will examine evidence of the distribution of reported effects across different contexts, interventions and sub‐groups of the population (e.g., according to sex, socio‐economic status, farm size, etc.). We will also report on included studies’ risk of bias and on what evidence is available on intervention costs, or their cost‐effectiveness. This protocol outlines this review's planned methods and the criteria for selecting and including studies in its analysis.
Risk factors of NSAID‐exacerbated respiratory disease: A population‐based study
Authors: Helevä Alma , Murtomäki Aada , Huhtala Heini , Bousquet Jean , Luukkainen Annika , Karjalainen Jussi , Lemmetyinen Riikka , Haukka Jari , Torkki Paulus , Nuutinen Mikko , Toppila‐Salmi Sanna
Published: August 2023

Background

Asthma with NSAID‐exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is associated with uncontrolled or severe asthma. NERD patients are more prone to severe allergic reactions and their asthma exacerbations lead to hospitalisations twice as often compared to patients with non‐NERD‐asthma. NERD patients are prone to recurrent nasal polyposis requiring frequent endoscopic sinus surgeries. However, the early risk factors of NERD are not fully understood. The aim was to identify risk factors of NERD among patients with adult‐onset asthma.

Methods

We used data from 1350 population‐based adult asthmatics with adult‐onset asthma from Finnish national registers. NERD was defined as self‐reported wheeze or other typical respiratory symptoms after ingestion of NSAIDs. Thirty‐six covariates covering several domains (personal characteristics, life‐style, early life factors, asthma characteristics and multimorbidities) were selected based on literature and were studied in association with NERD using logistic regressions.

Results

The study population included 153 (11.3%) asthmatics with NERD. Thirty‐six covariates were entered in univariate logistic regression analysis, in which 23 were associated with NERD (p < 0.05). These variables were entered in a multivariable logistic regression model in which allergic respiratory symptoms, female sex, osteoarthritis, difficult asthma, nasal polyps, second‐hand smoke exposure at home, having 3 or more older siblings and being overweight were significantly associated with asthma with NERD (p < 0.05). Overweight decreased the risk of NERD, other factors increased it.

Conclusion

According to our study, risk factors of NERD in part are associated with female sex, BMI, exposure to tobacco smoke, allergy, orthopaedic disorders and infection history, and their early recognition might thus be important to manage the burden of NERD.
An In Vitro Model to Assess CRS Potential of CAR T Cells Using a Tumor Cell Line and Autologous Monocytes
Authors: Nouri Yasmin , Weinkove Robert , Perret Rachel
Published: August 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is an engineered cell therapy where T cells are isolated and genetically modified to contain a synthetic CAR with specificity to a tumor cell antigen. Upon antigen binding, the CAR T cell will initiate signaling cascades that result in lysis of the associated tumor cell. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is the primary toxicity associated with CAR T cell therapy and remains a prominent safety issue with currently available commercial products. CRS is driven by interaction of the CAR T cells with endogenous monocytes and macrophages, which can lead to immune cell overactivation and an increase in certain cytokines to supraphysiological levels. Identifying the potential of any given CAR construct to drive toxicities in vivo should be assessed in preclinical models prior to human trials. While there are in vivo mouse models available for this purpose, these are often complex xenograft models available in few centers. Thus, there is a need to develop an in vitro assay for measuring the CRS potential of CAR T cells. The assay described here is a preclinical tool for assessing the propensity of any given CAR construct to produce potentially CRS‐driving cytokines following tumor cell and monocyte interactions. This article provides a detailed protocol for target cell preparation and isolation of monocytes from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) autologous to the CAR T cells, as well as protocols for seeding the three cell types in a co‐culture assay and collecting/analyzing the cytokines produced via an ELISA or multiplex bead array. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of K562 target cells

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of monocytes from autologous PBMCs

Basic Protocol 3: Seeding of CAR T cells, monocytes, and K562 cells in 96‐well plates

Basic Protocol 4: Analysis of co‐culture supernatants by single‐cytokine ELISA

Alternate Protocol: Analysis of co‐culture supernatants by multiplex cytokine bead array
Oral manifestations of COVID‐19 and its management in pediatric patients: A systematic review and practical guideline
Authors: Nasiri Kamyar , Tehrani Sahar , Mohammadikhah Meysam , Banakar Morteza , Alaeddini Mojgan , Etemad‐Moghadam Shahroo , Fernandes Gustavo V. O. , Heboyan Artak , Imannezhad Shima , Abbasi Farid
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a respiratory infection that has spread worldwide and is responsible for a high death toll. Although respiratory symptoms are the most common, there is growing evidence that oral signs of COVID‐19 can also be seen in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the oral manifestations of COVID‐19 in children and to recommend appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was done to discover relevant papers published between their establishment and January 2023. Articles detailing oral symptoms in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included, and data on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated.

Results

A total of 24 studies involving 2112 pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were included in the review. The most common presentations are oral lesions, taste and smell disorders, oral candidiasis, hemorrhagic crust, tongue discoloration, lip and tongue fissuring, gingivitis, and salivary gland inflammation. These manifestations were sometimes associated with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) or Kawasaki disease (KD). Management strategies varied depending on the severity of the oral manifestation and ranged from symptomatic relief with topical analgesics to systemic medications.

Conclusion

Oral symptoms of COVID‐19 are relatively prevalent in juvenile patients and can be accompanied by severe systemic diseases, such as MIS‐C or Kawasaki illness. Early detection and adequate care of these oral symptoms are critical for the best patient results. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and developing targeted treatments requires more investigation.
SIRT6 deficiency in endothelial cells exacerbates oxidative stress by enhancing HIF1α accumulation and H3K9 acetylation at the Ero1α promoter
Authors: Guo Zhenyang , Yu Xueting , Zhao Shuang , Zhong Xin , Huang Dong , Feng Runyang , Li Peng , Fang Zheyan , Hu Yiqing , Zhang Zhentao , Abdurahman Mukaddas , Huang Lei , Zhao Yun , Wang Xiangdong , Ge Junbo , Li Hua
Published: August 2023

Background

SIRT6, an important NAD+‐dependent protein, protects endothelial cells from inflammatory and oxidative stress injuries. However, the role of SIRT6 in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) under ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) remains unclear.

Methods

The HUVECs model of oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) was established to simulate the endothelial IRI in vitro. Endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1 alpha (Ero1α) mRNA and protein levels in SIRT6‐overexpressing or SIRT6‐knockdown cells were measured by qPCR and Western blotting. The levels of H2O2 and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected to evaluate the status of oxidative stress. The effects of SIRT6 deficiency and Ero1α knockdown on cellular endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inflammation, apoptosis and barrier function were detected by a series of molecular biological experiments and functional experiments in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, qPCR, and site‐specific mutation experiments were used to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, endothelial cell‐specific Sirt6 knockout (ecSirt6−/−) mice were subjected to cardiac ischemia‒reperfusion surgery to investigate the effects of SIRT6 in CMECs in vivo.

Results

The expression of Ero1α was significantly upregulated in SIRT6‐knockdown endothelial cells, and high Ero1α expression correlated with the accumulation of H2O2 and mitochondrial ROS. In addition, SIRT6 deficiency increased ERS, inflammation, apoptosis and endothelial permeability, and these effects could be significantly attenuated by Ero1α knockdown. The deacetylase catalytic activity of SIRT6 was important in regulating Ero1α expression and these biological processes. Mechanistically, SIRT6 inhibited the enrichment of HIF1α and p300 at the Ero1α promoter through deacetylating H3K9, thereby antagonizing HIF1α/p300‐mediated Ero1α expression. Compared with SIRT6‐wild‐type (SIRT6‐WT) cells, cells expressing the SIRT6‐H133Y‐mutant and SIRT6‐R65A‐mutant exhibited increased Ero1α expression. Furthermore, ecSirt6−/− mice subjected to ischemia‒reperfusion surgery exhibited increased Ero1α expression and ERS in CMECs and worsened injuries to microvascular barrier function and cardiac function.

Conclusions

Our results revealed an epigenetic mechanism associated with SIRT6 and Ero1α expression and highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting the SIRT6‐HIF1α/p300‐Ero1α axis.
Novel phenotypical and functional sub‐classification of liver macrophages highlights changes in population dynamics in experimental mouse models
Authors: Nakashima Hiroyuki , Kearney Bradley M. , Kato Azusa , Miyazaki Hiromi , Ito Seigo , Nakashima Masahiro , Kinoshita Manabu
Published: August 2023

Liver macrophages are critical components of systemic immune system defense mechanisms. F4/80high Kupffer cells (KCs) are the predominant liver‐resident macrophages and the first immune cells to contact pathogens entering the liver. F4/80low monocyte‐derived macrophages (MoMφs) are essential macrophages that modulate liver immune functions. Here we report a novel method of identifying subpopulations of these two populations using traditional flow cytometry and examine each subpopulation for its putative roles in the pathogenesis of an experimental non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis model. Using male C57BL/6 mice, we isolated and analyzed liver non‐parenchymal cells by flow cytometry. We identified F4/80high and F4/80low macrophage populations and characterized subpopulations using uniform manifold approximation and projection. We identified three subpopulations in F4/80high macrophages: CD163(+) KCs, CD163(−) KCs, and liver capsular macrophages. CD163(+) KCs had higher phagocytic and bactericidal activities and more complex cellular structures than CD163(−) KCs. We also identified four subpopulations of F4/80low MoMφs based on Ly6C and MHC class II expression: infiltrating monocytes, pro‐inflammatory MoMφs, Ly6C(−) monocytes, and conventional dendritic cells. CCR2 knock‐out mice expressed lower levels of these monocyte‐derived cells, and the count varied by subpopulation. In high‐fat‐ and cholesterol‐diet‐fed mice, only one subpopulation, pro‐inflammatory MoMφs, significantly increased in count. This indicates that changes to this subpopulation is the first step in the progression to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis. The community can use our novel subpopulation and gating strategy to better understand complex immunological mechanisms in various liver disorders through detailed analysis of these subpopulations.
Effects of season of fire on bee‐flower interaction diversity in a fire‐maintained pine savanna
Authors: Ulyshen Michael , Robertson Kevin , Horn Scott , Dixon Cinnamon
Published: August 2023

Whereas the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States historically experienced fire primarily during the mid‐summer lightning season, managers today typically apply prescribed fire during the late winter or early spring months. The ecological implications of this discrepancy remain poorly understood, especially with regard to pollinators and their interactions with flowers. In a replicated field experiment, we compared the abundance and richness of bees and bee–flower interactions among pine savanna plots in Florida that were burned either during the winter, spring, summer, or fall. We netted 92 bee species from 77 species of flowers, representing 435 unique bee–flower interactions in total. When analyzing the results from each month separately, we detected significant short‐term reductions in the number of bees and bee–flower interactions following fires regardless of season. Although bee abundance and richness did not differ over the entire season, bee–flower interaction richness was significantly higher overall in spring and summer plots than in fall plots and the composition of both bees and bee–flower interactions differed significantly among treatments. Several bee–flower interactions were significantly associated with one or more of the treatments. Some of these associations could be attributed to differences in flowering phenology among treatments. Taken together, our findings suggest that season of fire has modest but potentially important implications for interactions between bees and flowers in southeastern pine ecosystems. Because most flowering plants within our study region are pollinated by a variety of bees and other insects, and most bees endemic to the region are polylectic, season of fire may not be very important to either group overall. However, the timing of fire may be more important to particular species including certain flower specialists and fire‐sensitive taxa such as butterflies. Future research targeting such species would be of interest.
Hydrogen‐rich saline alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis by reducing expression of calpain1 via miR‐124‐3p
Authors: Xue Xiaofei , Xi Wang , Li Wei , Xiao Jian , Wang Zhinong , Zhang Yufeng
Published: August 2023

Aims

Molecular hydrogen has been exhibited a protective function in heart diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that hydrogen‐rich saline (HRS) could scavenge free radicals selectively and alleviate the inflammatory response in the myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified.

Methods and results

Adult (10 weeks) C57BL/6 male mice and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to establish I/R and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury models. I/R and H/R models were treated with HRS to classify the mechanisms of cardioproctective function. In this study, we found that miR‐124‐3p was significantly decreased in both I/R and H/R models, while it was partially ameliorated by HRS pretreatment. HRS treatment also alleviated ischaemia‐induced apoptotic cell death and increased cell viability during I/R process, whereas silencing expression of miR‐124‐3p abolished this protective effect. In addition, we identified calpain1 as a direct target of miR‐124‐3p, and up‐regulation of miR‐124‐3 produced both activity and expression of calpain1. It was also found that compared with the HRS group, overexpression of calpain1 increased caspase‐3 activities, promoted cleaved‐caspase3 and Bax protein expressions, and correspondingly decreased Bcl‐2, further reducing cell viability. These results illustrated that calpain1 overexpression attenuated protective effect of HRS on cardiomyocytes in H/R model.

Conclusions

The present study showed a protective effect of HRS on I/R injury, which may be associated with miR‐124‐3p–calpain1 signalling pathway.
Potential analgesic effects of psychedelics on select chronic pain conditions: A survey study
Authors: Cavarra Mauro , Mason Natasha Leigh , Kuypers Kim P. C. , Bonnelle Valerie , Smith Will J. , Feilding Amanda , Kryskow Pamela , Ramaekers Johannes G.
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic pain is a major cause of suffering and disability and is often associated with psychiatric complications. Current treatments carry the risk of severe side effects and may lead to limited or no relief at all in a relevant portion of this patient population. Preliminary evidence suggests that classical psychedelics (e.g. LSD and psilocybin) may have analgesic effects in healthy volunteers, and in certain chronic pain conditions and observational studies reveal that they are used in naturalistic settings as a means to manage pain.

Methods

In order to gain insight on the effectiveness of such compounds in chronic pain conditions, we set up a survey addressed to chronic pain patients inquiring about psychedelic use and the relief levels achieved with both conventional treatments, full psychedelic doses and microdoses. We analysed data related to five conditions selected based on diagnostic homogeneity within each of them: fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine, tension‐type headache and sciatica.

Results

Except for sciatica, volunteers reported that psychedelics led to better pain relief compared to conventional medication in all examined conditions. More specifically, full doses performed better than conventional medication. Microdoses led to significantly better relief compared to conventional medication in migraines and achieved comparable relief in the remaining three categories. Implications for future research are discussed.

Conclusions

Full doses and microdoses may hold value in the treatment of some specific chronic pain conditions.

Significance

Psychedelic substances are receiving increasing attention from the scientific literature because of evidence showing beneficial effects on several measures related to mental health in clinical samples and healthy volunteers samples. Previous evidence suggests that people suffering from chronic pain are using psychedelics to seek relief and the present paper presents the results of a survey study investigating their use and analgesic effects among individuals suffering from fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraine, tension‐type headache and sciatica.
Estimation of rare disaster concerns from option prices—An arbitrage‐free RND‐based smile construction approach
Authors: Albert Pascal , Herold Michael , Muck Matthias
Published: August 2023

This research addresses the estimation of measures of rare disaster concerns from option prices. We propose a new smile construction approach to obtain the required continuum of implied volatilities from discretely sampled observations that are affected by microstructure noise. We extrapolate implied volatilities of far out‐of‐the‐money options by modeling the tails of the risk‐neutral return distribution (RND) ensuring that option prices do not admit arbitrage. Our numerical analysis and empirical application show that the RND‐based approach consistently outperforms standard techniques. It substantially reduces estimation errors resulting in considerably higher estimates of the rare disaster concern index () when event risk is high.
Evaluating the effectiveness of UndocuAlly trainings: A case example in the state of New York
Authors: Jach Elizabeth A. , Carvajal Cynthia N.
Published: August 2023

Despite the lack of comprehensive federal legislation for undocumented students, activists catalyzed the passage of the New York State Dream Act in 2019. Yet, numerous barriers remain for undocumented students pursuing higher education. We provide a case example of UndocuAlly Trainings facilitated at a campus center in the State University of New York (SUNY), University at Albany. We consider the effectiveness of the training through an evaluation of open‐ended responses to a four‐question post‐event survey (n = 65). We examine implications for accountability within systems and institutions of higher education, emphasizing the importance of investing in dedicated centers to support students regardless of immigration status.

Practical Takeaways

Our UndocuAlly training sessions focused on supporting undocumented and immigrant students attending a higher education institution. The goal of these trainings is to educate stakeholders and develop a network of allies.

We consider the effectiveness of the training through an evaluation of open‐ended responses to a four‐question post‐event survey. Our analysis of the survey responses demonstrates the clear need for investment in dedicated staffing, student groups, and physical space.

Our findings suggest that while the training was an effective tool for awareness and education, it also emphasizes the need for accountability of greater investment toward the success of all students regardless of immigration status.
Prevalence and risk factors of prenatal anxiety disorders: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shariatpanahi Mojgan , Faramarzi Mahbobeh , Barat Shahnaz , Farghadani Azadeh , Shirafkan Hoda
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Studies regarding the risk factors of prenatal anxiety disorders are inconclusive and sometimes contradictory. The current study aimed to define the prevalence and risk factors for anxiety disorders in women during pregnancy.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional and hospital‐based survey of two public hospitals (Ayatollah Rohani and Yahyanejad) of inpatients/outpatients, obstetric wards/clinics, and four private outpatient obstetric clinics in the city of Babol. Convenience sampling was utilized to recruit 432 pregnant women. A trained clinical psychologist conducted the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐5 (SCID‐5) to diagnose anxiety disorders. In addition, the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI‐18) was completed by the participants to assess the severity of psychological distress.

Results

Of 432 pregnant women, 132 (30.5%) were diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders included 61 cases of pregnancy adjustment disorder (47.7%), 52 cases of generalized anxiety disorder (40.6%), and 15 cases of specific phobia (to delivery) (11.7%). The logistic regression results showed that the age, pregnancy, education, parity, and high‐risk pregnancy variables predicted 28% of the variance of anxiety disorders. Furthermore, as the age (β = 0.94,p = 0.003) and gestational age (β = 0.9,p < 0.001) increased, the probability of anxiety disorders in pregnancy decreased. Moreover, university education (β = 1.65,p = 0.049) and high‐risk pregnancy (β = 1.72,p = 0.02) were recognized as risk factors for developing anxiety disorders during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The high incidence of anxiety disorders in pregnant women suggests that obstetricians should pay more attention to identifying and treating anxiety disorders in all pregnant women, especially in high‐risk pregnancies.
Developing a composite index for urban ecosystem services (Hyrcanian forests—Gorgan)
Authors: Zoghi Mahmood , Amiri Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2023

The current era has been termed the “Anthropocene,” because of the irreversible impact of human activities. Land use change and urban growth are examples of these disturbances leading to the reduction in many ecosystem services (ESs). The subject of this study, Gorgan, has undergone significant changes that significantly affected the area. Studying these changes and understanding their effects on the ecosystem is essential. An integrated method was used to investigate the process of changing the urban ESs over 35 years, considering the physical and ecological characteristics of the area. This marks the first time such a study has been conducted using the hexagonal unit. Then, the composite total ecosystem services (TESs) index was calculated from the modeled and quantified combination of six ESs, including water yield, flood volume, net primary production, soil retention, carbon sequestration, and air pollution removal. Thereafter, the ESs were mapped and evaluated across time and space. The TES is proposed as an appropriate measure for quantifying ES supply and can indicate the overall function of ESs. According to the findings, the TES value declined from 0.427 in 1985 to 0.247 in 2005 and declined to 0.192 in 2020. Moreover, the Hyrcanian forests were the main source of the highest TES in Gorgan city, whereas urban areas had the lowest levels. The shortage of ESs in the study area has resulted in various crises. These include reduced air quality, heightened flood risk, soil erosion, and ecological imbalances in urban regions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:465–480. © 2023 Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).