bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
History of the hip joint pectineofoveal fold
Authors: St‐Pierre M. O. , Sobczak S. , Olry R.
Published: February 2024

Although Josias Weitbrecht described the retinacula of the hip joint in his 1742 Syndesmologia, the anatomist Cesare Amantini of Perugia specifically studied the medial retinacula he referred to as the pectineofoveal fold in a late 19th‐century monograph. This particular synovial fold stretches from the lesser trochanter to the osteocartilaginous junction of the femoral head along a virtual line connecting the lesser trochanter and the fovea for the ligament of the head. Although mentioned by some anatomists and radiologists, and despite its possible involvement in specific hip joint pathologies (fractures, impingements), it is surprising that Amantini's pectineofoveal fold remains ignored by most anatomy and clinical anatomy books. This study aims to verify if Cesare Amantini effectively drew attention to this synovial fold for the first time and coined the term “pectineofoveal fold,” as well as determine whether most classical textbooks (i.e., published from 1890 to 2017) acknowledge the discovery and include it in the description of the hip joint. A possible evolutionary link between this synovial fold and the ambiens and pectineus muscles exists and should be discussed.
BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 germline and somatic variants and clinicopathological characteristics of Brazilian patients with epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Richau Caroline Stahnke , Scherer Nicole de Miranda , Matta Bruna Palma , de Armas Elvismary Molina , de Barros Moreira Fábio Carvalho , Bergmann Anke , Pereira Chaves Claudia Bessa , Boroni Mariana , dos Santos Anna Claudia Evangelista , Moreira Miguel Angelo Martins
Published: February 2024

Background

Approximately 3/4 of ovarian cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages, with the high‐grade epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) accounting for 90% of the cases. EOC present high genomic instability and somatic loss‐of‐function variants in genes associated with homologous recombination mutational repair pathway (HR), such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, and in TP53. The identification of germline variants in HR genes in EOC is relevant for treatment of platinum resistant tumors and relapsed tumors with therapies based in synthetic lethality such as PARP inhibitors. Patients with somatic variants in HR genes may also benefit from these therapies. In this work was analyzed the frequency of somatic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 in an EOC cohort of Brazilian patients, estimating the proportion of variants in tumoral tissue and their association with progression‐free survival and overall survival.

Methods

The study was conducted with paired blood/tumor samples from 56 patients. Germline and tumoral sequences of BRCA1, BRCA2, and TP53 were obtained by massive parallel sequencing. The HaplotypeCaller method was used for calling germline variants, and somatic variants were called with Mutect2.

Results

A total of 26 germline variants were found, and seven patients presented germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2. The analysis of tumoral tissue identified 52 somatic variants in 41 patients, being 43 somatic variants affecting or likely affecting protein functionality. Survival analyses showed that tumor staging was associated with overall survival (OS), while the presence of somatic mutation in TP53 was not associated with OS or progression‐free survival.

Conclusion

Frequency of pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (12.5%) was lower in comparison with other studies. TP53 was the most altered gene in tumors, with 62.5% presenting likely non‐functional or non‐functional somatic variants, while eight 14.2% presented likely non‐functional or non‐functional somatic variants in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Treatment of psychiatric comorbidities and interaction patterns in Coffin‐Siris syndrome: A case report of a 4‐year‐old girl
Authors: Jahnke‐Majorkovits Ann‐Christin , Fauth Christine , Gander Manuela , Sevecke Kathrin
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical Message

Coffin‐Siris syndrome (CSS) is a rare genetic disorder and often co‐occurs with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum (ASD). The present case study illustrates possible therapeutic interventions of these common psychiatric comorbidities taking into account the family interaction patterns. This can contribute to improve holistic management and overall level of functionality.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in a patient with monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance: A case report
Authors: Gupta Garima , Veedu Janeesh Sekkath , Chahine Zena , Iragavarapu Chaitanya
Published: February 2024

Monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance associated acquired von Willebrand syndrome is a serious bleeding condition driven by immunological clearance of von Willebrand factor and has limited treatment options. We present a patient who achieved durable remission through eradication of the monoclonal paraprotein with clonal directed therapy with bortezomib.
Governance of noncommunicable diseases in Afghanistan
Authors: Neyazi Narges , Mosadeghrad Ali M. , Tajvar Maryam , Safi Najibullah
Published: February 2024

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the main reasons of mortality worldwide. One of every two person is dying due to NCDs in Afghanistan. International policy actors, mainly the World Health Organization (WHO), published several reports and declarations on controlling and preventing NCDs. This study aimed to provide a situation for governance of NCDs in Afghanistan and proper solutions for identified challenges.

Methods

We conducted qualitative research utilizing interpretive phenomenology. A self‐developed questionnaire was developed to conduct the semi‐structured interviews with 39 experts from Afghanistan. The results were analyzed using a deductive framework analysis. Six building block framework of health system developed by the WHO was used as predefined framework for this study.

Results

The governance building block of health system consists of five subthemes including policy making, planning, organizing, stewardship, and control. We identified main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for these subthemes. The experts also provided key recommendations to address the challenges.

Conclusions

Management of NCDs is a neglected part of the health system in Afghanistan. Strengthening evidence‐based policy making with technical and indigenous planning, establishing responsive units with adequate financial and human resources within different ministries to address “health in all policies” concept, passing and implementing national laws and regulations to support national strategies for prevention and control of NCDs, and establishing decentralized monitoring systems to control the implementation of these strategies are the main recommendations of this study. Local government and international policy actors should invest and support the development of a multisectoral coordination system at national level for Afghanistan.
Versatile Palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization to access new luminescent azaphosphaphenalene motifs
Authors: Simoens Andreas , Kaczmarek Anna M. , Machado Ian P. , Van Hecke Kristof , Stevens Christian V.
Published: February 2024

Using a straightforward sequence of diphosphonylation and a Pd‐catalysed concerted‐metalation‐deprotonation (CMD), a synthetic strategy towards polyaromatic phosphorus containing heterocycles was developed. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of new azaphosphaphenalenes, using easily accessible palladium catalysts and starting materials. The key tetrahydroquinoline intermediates of the reaction were synthesised via a fast and effective procedure and could be isolated as such, or further reacted towards the target polyaromatic structures. The obtained products showed interesting luminescent properties and their emission, excitation and quantum yields were evaluated.
Chemical Design of Supramolecular Reversible Adhesives for Promising Applications
Authors: Wang Wenbo , An Zixin , Wang Zhao , Wang Shutao
Published: February 2024

Supramolecular reversible adhesives have garnered significant attention due to their potential applications in various fields. These adhesives exhibit remarkable properties such as reversible adhesion, self–healing, and high flexibility. This concept aims to present a comprehensive overview of the current research progress in developing supramolecular reversible adhesives. Firstly, the fundamentals of supramolecular chemistry and the principles underlying the design and synthesis of reversible adhesive systems are discussed. Next, the concept focuses on characterizing the reversible adhesion strength of supramolecular adhesive systems that have been developed. The adhesion performance of supramolecular reversible adhesives is summarized, highlighting their unique characteristics and promising applications. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives in the field of supramolecular reversible adhesives are discussed. The comprehensive overview provided in this concept aims to inspire further research and innovation in this exciting field.
Additive Manufacturing of Metal Load‐Bearing Implants 1: Geometric Accuracy and Mechanical Challenges
Authors: Zanetti Elisabetta M. , Fragomeni Gionata , Sanguedolce Michela , Pascoletti Giulia , Napoli Luigi De , Filice Luigino , Catapano Gerardo
Published: February 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) of load‐bearing metal implants allows sustainable production of personalized implants with complex shapes and inner architectures. Implants must meet strict requirements to not harm patients, and production technique must certify their performance. Available materials, many production parameters and implant personalization on patient's needs represent limits of AM. Layer‐by‐layer material deposition and repeated thermal cycles typical of AM may also cause discontinuities between layers affecting implant mechanical features, and its match to the host body. In this paper the mechanical challenges that AM must overcome to replace traditional manufacturing techniques are discussed, in order to better understand whether AM has to be limited to implant personalization for exceptional cases.
Additive Manufacturing of Metal Load‐Bearing Implants 2: Surface Modification and Clinical Challenges
Authors: Zanetti Elisabetta M. , Fragomeni Gionata , Sanguedolce Michela , Pascoletti Giulia , Napoli Luigi De , Filice Luigino , Catapano Gerardo
Published: February 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) permits sustainable production of personalized load‐bearing metal implants with complex structures. Regulations prescribe that implants have to meet strict requirements to not harm patients, and production technique should allow the certification of their performance. Process, materials, operating parameters, and customization to patient's needs could limit AM. Layer‐by‐layer material deposition and repeated thermal cycles may make outer surface of AM implants chemically and physically uneven and rough, eliciting biological response of host tissue and hindering therapeutic success. In this paper, we discuss the clinical challenges that AM must overcome to replace traditional techniques in implant and prostheses design.
Cocatalyst Modified Polymeric Carbon Nitride Photoanode for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Properties
Authors: Yang Xuerong , Lv Xiaowei , Tong Kun , Peng Mengyang , He Zeyao , Sun Panpan , Sun Xiaohua
Published: February 2024

As a new organic photocatalyst, polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has shown good application potential in the field of photoelectrochemistry due to its unique physical and chemical properties, but its application has been seriously hindered due to its inherent characteristics such as the difficulty in charge separation. In this study, FeOOH modified CN photoanode (CN−Fe) was constructed to investigate the effect of the cocatalyst on the charge injection capacity of organic semiconductor photoelectrodes. The experimental results demonstrate significant improvement in the charge injection efficiency of the photoanode due to the introduction of FeOOH cocatalyst, leading to enhanced photoelectrochemical performance with approximately 2.4 times increase in photocurrent density. By thoroughly investigating the mechanism behind the loading of FeOOH on the polymeric carbon nitride photoanode, we gained profound insights into the behavior of charge carriers and reaction kinetics during the photoelectrocatalytic process.
Tepid Uptake of Digital Health Technologies in Clinical Trials by Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Firms
Authors: Marra Caroline , Stern Ariel D.
Published: February 2024

Digital health technologies (DHTs) can enable more patient‐centric therapeutic development by generating evidence that captures how patients feel and function, enabling decentralized trial designs that increase participant inclusivity and convenience, and collecting and structuring patient‐generated data for regulators to use in approval decisions alongside traditional clinical outcomes. Although a growing body of evidence has documented increasing use of DHTs in clinical trials overall, the use of DHTs in clinical trials supporting medical product development is unclear; here, we quantify the use of DHTs in clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical and medical device firms. Despite interest from pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in DHTs, we find tepid uptake of DHTs in trials by these sponsor types over time. Further, to date, these sponsors have most frequently used conventional, hardware‐based technologies that have been available for many years (e.g., Holter monitors and glucose meters) rather than newer activity monitors, mobile apps, and other online‐based tools that are frequently used by non‐industry sponsors. Considering the recent and evolving nature of regulatory guidance around DHT use in clinical trials, our findings suggest that organizations pursuing product development still appear hesitant to incorporate DHTs in trials that provide the most critical evidence for regulatory review and impact how new products are used. This suggests there are likely additional opportunities for sponsors of regulated trials to incorporate (more) DHTs and patient‐centric endpoints into product development clinical trials. However, additional regulatory clarity and efforts to reduce operational barriers may be needed in order to more fully capture these opportunities.
A longitudinal analysis of the impact of nonsurgical and surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis upon clinical parameters and implant stability quotient values. A 2–3‐year follow‐up
Authors: Harrison Peter , Madeley Edward , Nolan Michael , Renvert Stefan , Polyzois Ioannis
Published: February 2024

Objectives

In this study, the aim was to investigate the medium‐ to long‐term impact of peri‐implantitis treatment upon clinical parameters and implant stability quotient values and to ascertain if magnetic resonance frequency analysis can be used as a diagnostic tool to demonstrate postoperative healing following treatment of peri‐implantitis.

Materials and Methods

A total of n = 26 patients (n = 86 implants) diagnosed with peri‐implantitis were recruited for this prospective cohort study and four different treatment modalities were used. Baseline measurements of a number of clinical parameters as well as implant stability measurements in the form of ISQ were recorded. These measurements were repeated at 6, 12, and 24–36 months following treatment. Analysis of variance was performed for all implants treated as well as separately for each treatment modality. A regression model was also used to determine factors affecting ISQ measurements over time.

Results

Treatment of peri‐implantitis resulted in significant improvements of both average PPDs and BOP (p < .0001 and p < .01). ISQ values marginally improved initially for all treatment modalities, but improvement was only maintained for 2–3 years in treatment modalities I (+1.28), III (+1.49), and IV (+2.92). There was a statistically significant negative linear correlation between average PPD and the ISQ values recorded both at baseline (r = −.618, p < 0.0001) and at 2/3 years (r = −.604, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Over the 2–3‐year follow‐up period, all four treatment modalities led to improved clinical and radiographic peri‐implant parameters but implant stability posttreatment, as indicated by the fact that the recorded ISQ scores remained stable. As a result, use of MRFA as an adjunct to the traditionally used periodontal and radiographic tools for the evaluation of postoperative implant stability following the treatment of peri‐implant disease cannot be recommended.
Occurrence and distribution of lost molars and furcation defects in a Bulgarian population: A retrospective three‐dimensional study
Authors: Maynalovska Hristina , Mlachkova Antoaneta , Voyslavov Tsvetomil , Kotsilkov Kamen
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To identify the ocuurrence, distribution, and factors associated with lost molars and furcation defects in a sample of the Bulgarian population.

Material and Methods

The full mouth cone‐beam computed tomography of 56 male and 57 female patients, aged between 19 and 84 years, were examined. A comprehensive evaluation was performed on a total of 675 molars—339 in maxilla and 336 in mandible. Associations with variables such as age, gender, and periodontal disease were analyzed.

Results

With aging the number of missing teeth and interradicular lesions increased. No significant links between gender and molar loss (p = .64) or gender and furcation involvement (p = .25) was found. Periodontitis was strongly associated with both studied dental problems (p < .001). The occurrence of furcation defects was more frequently observed in the maxilla than in the mandible.

Conclusion

The occurrence and distribution of lost molars and furcation defects is substantial within the studied sample. Further investigation with a larger patient cohort is needed. Pertinent healthcare strategies to address the observed dental health issues also have to be developed.
Limitations and Progresses in Carbon‐Based Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Wenran , Zhang Jianxin , Guo Huishi , Pan Zhenxiao , Rao Huashang , Zhang Guizhi , Zhong Xinhua
Published: February 2024

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskites (CsPbIxBr3−x, 0≤x≤3) are promising alternatives with great thermal stability. Additionally, the choice of moisture‐resistive and dopant‐free carbon as the electrode material can simultaneously solve the problems of stability and cost. Therefore, carbon electrode‐based inorganic PSCs (C‐IPSCs) represent a promising candidate for commercialization, yet both the efficiencies and stability of related devices demand further progress. This article reviews the recent advancement of C‐IPSCs and then unravels the distinctive merits and limitations in this field. Subsequently, our perspective on various modification strategies is analyzed on a methodological level. Finally, this article outlooks the promising research contents and the remaining unresolved issues in this field. We believe that understanding and analyzing the related problems in this field are instructive to stimulate the future development of C‐IPSCs.
Disease‐specific plasma protein profiles in patients with fever after traveling to tropical areas
Authors: Sundling Christopher , Yman Victor , Mousavian Zaynab , Angenendt Sina , Foroogh Fariba , von Horn Ellen , Lautenbach Maximilian Julius , Grunewald Johan , Färnert Anna , Sondén Klara
Published: February 2024

Fever is common among individuals seeking healthcare after traveling to tropical regions. Despite the association with potentially severe disease, the etiology is often not determined. Plasma protein patterns can be informative to understand the host response to infection and can potentially indicate the pathogen causing the disease. In this study, we measured 49 proteins in the plasma of 124 patients with fever after travel to tropical or subtropical regions. The patients had confirmed diagnoses of either malaria, dengue fever, influenza, bacterial respiratory tract infection, or bacterial gastroenteritis, representing the most common etiologies. We used multivariate and machine learning methods to identify combinations of proteins that contributed to distinguishing infected patients from healthy controls, and each other. Malaria displayed the most unique protein signature, indicating a strong immunoregulatory response with high levels of IL10, sTNFRI and II, and sCD25 but low levels of sCD40L. In contrast, bacterial gastroenteritis had high levels of sCD40L, APRIL, and IFN‐γ, while dengue was the only infection with elevated IFN‐α2. These results suggest that characterization of the inflammatory profile of individuals with fever can help to identify disease‐specific host responses, which in turn can be used to guide future research on diagnostic strategies and therapeutic interventions.
Indoor air quality in Kazakh households: Evaluating PM2.5 levels generated by cooking activities
Authors: Karaca Ferhat , Guney Mert , Agibayeva Akmaral , Otesh Nurlan , Kulimbet Mukhtar , Glushkova Natalya , Chang Yuefang , Sekikawa Akira , Davletov Kairat
Published: February 2024

The present study introduces a concentration estimation model for indoor inhalable fine particles (PM2.5) during cooking activities in typical Kazakh houses, which are generally poorly ventilated with high emission levels. The aim of the present work is to identify factors influencing PM2.5 concentrations during cooking and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the build‐up and reduction of PM2.5 concentrations. These are achieved through a methodology that combines PM2.5 sampling, monitoring, and modeling to predict household PM2.5 levels and estimate daily concentrations. Specifically, USEPA's IAQX v1.1 was employed to simulate the one‐zone concept (kitchen) for concentrations related to cooking activities in several households. The results reveal that PM2.5 concentrations varied between 13 and 266 μg/m3 during cooking activities. Factors such as kitchen size, air exchange characteristics, and the type of food and cooking style were identified as important, influencing the observed concentrations. The model accurately captured concentration trends (R > 0.9). However, certain predictions tended to overestimate the measurements, attributing to inaccuracies in selecting air exchange and emission rates. Cooking activities contributed to household air pollutant (HAP) PM2.5 levels ranging from 9% to 94%. Notably, during the non‐heating period of the year (corresponding to the warmer half of the year), the impact of cooking became more significant and was identified as a major contributor to indoor PM2.5 concentrations. Conversely, during the heating period (i.e., the colder part of the year), outdoor PM levels and household ventilation practices played primary roles in regulating indoor air concentrations. This present study presents one of the initial efforts to assess household air pollutants in Central Asia, providing foundation and insights into the indoor air quality of Kazakh houses, where the understanding of indoor air quality remains limited. Future research recommendations include developing advanced models that account for individual activity patterns and specific house types for improved accuracy and representativeness.
Deep‐Q‐Network hybridization with extended Kalman filter for accelerate learning in autonomous navigation with auxiliary security module
Authors: Bezerra Carlos Daniel de Sousa , Vieira Flávio Henrique Teles , Soares Anderson da Silva
Published: February 2024

This article proposes an algorithm for autonomous navigation of mobile robots that mixes reinforcement learning with extended Kalman filter (EKF) as a localization technique, namely EKF‐DQN, aiming to accelerate the maximization of the learning curve and improve the reward values obtained in the learning process. More specifically, Deep‐Q‐Networks (DQN) are used to control the trajectory of an autonomous robot in an environment with many obstacles. To improve navigation capability in this environment, we also propose a fusion of visual and nonvisual sensors. Due to the ability of EKF to predict states, this algorithm is used as a learning accelerator for the DQN network, predicting future states and inserting this information into the memory replay. Aiming to increase the safety of the navigation process, a visual safety system is also proposed to avoid collisions between the mobile robot and people circulating in the environment. The efficiency of the proposed control system is verified through computational simulations using the CoppeliaSIM simulator with code insertion in Python. The simulation results show that the EKF‐DQN algorithm accelerates the maximization of rewards obtained and provides a higher success rate in fulfilling the mission assigned to the robot when compared to other value‐based and policy‐based algorithms. A demo video of the navigation system can be seen at:
https://bit.ly/3reEZrU.
A two‐stage reliable computational scheme for stochastic unsteady mixed convection flow of Casson nanofluid
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Arif Muhammad Shoaib , Nazeer Amna , Abbasi Javeria Nawaz , Abodayeh Kamaleldin
Published: February 2024

Researchers can incorporate uncertainties in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that go beyond the inaccuracies caused by numerical discretization thanks to stochastic simulations. This study confirms the validity of current stochastic modeling tools by providing examples of stochastic simulations in conjunction with numerical solutions for incompressible flows. A numerical technique for solving deterministic and stochastic models is developed in this work. Our approach employs the Euler‐Maruyama method for stochastic modeling, representing a stochastic version of the third‐order explicit‐implicit scheme. For the deterministic model, the scheme is third‐order accurate. The consistency and stability of the constructed scheme are provided in the mean square sense. The scheme is the predictor–corrector type that is built on two time levels. Moreover, a mathematical model of the Casson nanofluid flow with variable thermal conductivity is given with the effect of the chemical reaction. The appropriate transformations are used to condense the set of partial differential equations (PDEs) down to one that is dimensionless. The scheme is applied for the deterministic and stochastic models of dimensionless flow problems. The velocity profile's deterministic and stochastic behavior are shown using contour plots. Results show that growing values of the thermal mixed convection parameter enhance the velocity profile. This article presents the progress made in stochastic computational fluid dynamics (SCFD) and highlights the energy‐related aspects of our discoveries. Our computational approach and stochastic modeling techniques provide new insights into the energy properties of Casson nanofluid flow, specifically regarding the variability of thermal conductivity and chemical processes. Our objective is to clarify the complex interaction of these factors on energy dynamics. This article presents a contemporary summary of the latest SCFD advancements. Additionally, it highlights potential directions for future research and unresolved issues that require attention from the members of the field of computational mathematics.
Managing climate change challenges to water security: Community water governance in Ethiopia and Nepal
Authors: Flint Adrian , Howard Guy , Nijhawan Anisha , Poudel Moti , Geremew Abraham , Mulugeta Yohannes , Lo Eunice , Ghimire Anish , Baidya Manish , Sharma Subodh
Published: February 2024

Climate change poses a threat to water security where both current and future generations are concerned, with its accompanying impacts set to be greater in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). As a result, questions pertaining to climate change adaption in LMICs are receiving increased attention from academics and policymakers alike. It is broadly accepted that top‐down approaches to developing resilience to climate change challenges have been shown to be limited and that concerted efforts need to be made to engage local communities in advancing adaptive strategies. Based on the above, we make two main arguments: (1) while there has been a shift towards acknowledging the importance of community‐driven data in generating a broader and deeper understanding of climate change, far better use could be made of local knowledge and (2) efforts at community‐based solutions to problems of resilience are currently limited by issues of capacity, specifically linked to the need for further education and training, and improved representation with respect to gender, class and caste (as well as financial support). To illustrate these arguments, we present evidence provided by rural communities located in two countries affected heavily by climate change: Ethiopia and Nepal.
Bolstering health systems to cope with the impacts of climate change events: A review of the evidence on workforce planning, upskilling, and capacity building
Authors: Zurynski Yvonne , Fisher Georgia , Wijekulasuriya Shalini , Leask Elle , Dharmayani Putu Novi Arfirsta , Ellis Louise A. , Smith Carolynn L. , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Background

As global CO2 emissions continue to rise and the ‘era of global boiling’ takes hold, the health workforce must cope with the challenge of providing care to increasing numbers of patients affected by climate change‐related events (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, floods). In this review, we describe the impacts of these events on the health workforce, and strategies responding to these challenges.

Methods

This rapid systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses and a registered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42023433610). Eight databases were searched in May 2022 and again in June 2023. Empirical studies discussing climate change and workforce policy, planning, preparedness, and capacity were included. Inductive thematic analysis of extracted data was conducted.

Results

From the 60 included studies, two categories emerged: the impacts of climate events on the health workforce (n = 39), and workforce responses to and preparations for climate events (n = 58). Thirty‐seven studies reported on both categories. Four impact themes were identified: absenteeism, psychological impacts, system breakdown, and unsafe working conditions; and six responses and preparations themes: training/skill development, workforce capacity planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, role flexibility, role incentivisation, and psychological support.

Conclusion

This review provides an overview of some of the deleterious impacts of climate events on the health workforce, as well as potential strategies for the health workforce to prepare or respond to climate events. Future studies should assess the implementation and effectiveness of these strategies to ensure a continuously improving healthcare system, and a well‐supported health workforce.
RETRACTED: Identifying baseflow source areas using remotely sensed and ground‐based hydrologic data
Authors: Ahamed Aakash , Knight Rosemary , Alam Sarfaraz
Published: February 2024

Understanding how rainfall and snowmelt influence baseflow, the groundwater‐fed component of streamflow, is essential for sound water resources management. Current approaches to understand the spatial couplings between these processes and baseflow are limited. The most commonly used methods include geochemical tracers and hydrologic models. A key limitation of the first is cost, while the second is limited by the need for simplifying assumptions. This study developed a data‐driven approach which leverages satellite Earth observation data and ground‐based data to assess the degree to which baseflow is influenced by upstream rainfall and snowmelt in California's Sierra Nevada. The procedure involved: (1) separation of baseflow from streamflow time series using a low‐pass filtering technique, (2) quantification of aquifer drainage timescales through baseflow recession analysis, (3) application of time series and information theory methods to identify the areas which have the greatest impacts on baseflow through both rainfall and snowmelt, and (4) characterization of the elevation zones which have a prevailing influence on baseflow. Results suggest that areas which have the strongest impact on baseflow through rainfall and snowmelt are not necessarily the areas which experience the highest annual rates of snowmelt or rainfall; snowmelt occurring in the 3000–3700 m elevation range was found to be the most important driver of baseflow.
Water isotopic composition traces source and dynamics of water supply in a semi‐arid agricultural landscape
Authors: Mayernik Caitlin M. , Ewing Stephanie A. , Sigler W. Adam , Jencso Kelsey G. , Payn Robert A.
Published: February 2024

Changes in seasonality and form of precipitation alter the structure and function of grassland and steppe ecosystems and pose challenges for land management and crop production in regions like the Northern Great Plains, North America. This research uses isotopic composition of water (δ18O and δ2H) to explore the sources and fate of soil water in lower‐elevation agricultural areas of the Judith River watershed, in the headwaters of the Missouri River, USA. Extensive non‐irrigated cereal crop production in this area occurs on well‐drained soils and depends on careful water management. Our observations indicate that colder precipitation contributes isotopically distinct water to cultivated terrace soils relative to downgradient groundwaters and streams. Riparian waters also exhibit a higher fraction of contributions from colder precipitation relative to terrace groundwaters and streams. Apparent contributions from colder precipitation in terrace and riparian soil waters suggest that snowmelt is a key component of the water supply to these systems. Riparian waters also show evidence of evaporation suggesting that water spends sufficient time in some ponds and open channels in the riparian corridor to reflect fractionation by evaporation. The evolution of water isotopic composition from soils to shallow aquifers to stream corridors indicates source water partitioning as precipitation moves through this semi‐arid agricultural landscape. The apparent mixing processes evident in this evolution reveal source water dynamics that are necessary to understand plant transpiration, solute processing, and contaminant leaching processes.
Assessing the impact of distributed snow water equivalent calibration and assimilation of Copernicus snow water equivalent on modelled snow and streamflow performance
Authors: Beaton Andy D. , Han Ming , Tolson Bryan A. , Buttle James M. , Metcalfe Robert A.
Published: February 2024

Accuracy of the Copernicus snow water equivalent (SWE) product and the impact of SWE calibration and assimilation on modelled SWE and streamflow was evaluated. Daily snowpack measurements were made at 12 locations from 2016 to 2019 across a 4104 km2 mixed‐forest basin in the Great Lakes region of central Ontario, Canada. Sub‐basin daily SWE calculated from these sites, observed discharge, and lake levels were used to calibrate a hydrologic model developed using the Raven modelling framework. Copernicus SWE was bias corrected during the melt period using mean bias subtraction and was compared to daily basin average SWE calculated from the measured data. Bias corrected Copernicus SWE was assimilated into the models using a range of parameters and the parameterizations from the model calibration. The bias corrected Copernicus product agreed well with measured data and provided a good estimate of mean basin SWE demonstrating that the product shows promise for hydrology applications within the study region. Calibration to spatially distributed SWE substantially improved the basin scale SWE estimate while only slightly degrading the flow simulation demonstrating the value of including SWE in a multi‐objective calibration formulation. The particle filter experiments yielded the best SWE estimation but moderately degraded the flow simulation. The particle filter experiments constrained by the calibrated snow parameters produced similar results to the experiments using the upper and lower bounds indicating that, in this study, model calibration prior to assimilation was not valuable. The calibrated models exhibited varying levels of skill in estimating SWE but demonstrated similar streamflow performance. This indicates that basin outlet streamflow can be accurately estimated using a model with a poor representation of distributed SWE. This may be sufficient for applications where estimating flow is the primary water management objective. However, in applications where understanding the physical processes of snow accumulation, melt and streamflow generation are important, such as assessing the impact of climate change on water resources, accurate representations of SWE are required and can be improved via multi‐objective calibration or data assimilation, as demonstrated in this study.
Trim21 deficiency in mice increases HCC carcinogenesis in a NASH context and is associated with immune checkpoint upregulation
Authors: Kara‐Ali Ghania Hounana , Cano Luis , Dion Sarah , Imerzoukene Ghiles , Hamon Annaig , Simoes Eugénio Mélanie , Piquet‐Pellorce Claire , Ghukasyan Gevorg , Samson Michel , Le Seyec Jacques , Dimanche‐Boitrel Marie‐Thérèse
Published: February 2024

The global pandemic of metabolic diseases has increased the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the context of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The downregulation of the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 has been linked to poor prognosis in different cancers including HCC. In order to investigate the role of TRIM21 in liver cancer progression on NASH, Trim21+/+ and Trim21−/− male mice were injected with streptozotocin at the neonatal stage. The hypoinsulinemic mice were then fed with a high‐fat high‐cholesterol diet (HFHCD) for 4, 8 or 12 weeks. All mice developed NASH which systematically resulted in HCC progression. Interestingly, compared to the Trim21+/+ control mice, liver damage was worsened in Trim21−/− mice, with more HCC nodules found after 12 weeks on HFHCD. Immune population analysis in the spleen and liver revealed a higher proportion of CD4+PD‐1+ and CD8+PD‐1+ T cells in Trim21−/− mice. The liver and HCC tumors of Trim21−/− mice also exhibited an increase in the number of PD‐L1+ and CD68+ PD‐L1+ cells. Thus, TRIM21 limits the emergence of HCC nodules in mice with NASH by potentially restricting the expression of PD‐1 in lymphocytes and PD‐L1 in tumors.
Successful treatment with low‐dose oral steroids for contracted bladder after intravesical instillation of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin
Authors: Katami Akinobu , Inoue Takamitsu , Sakurai Hiromichi , Onozawa Mizuki , Hisasue Shin‐ichi , Kawai Koji , Miyazaki Jun
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Contracted bladder is a rare adverse effect of intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillation, with an incidence of 0.2–3.3%. This report aimed to present a case of contracted bladder successfully treated with a low‐dose oral steroid.

Case presentation

A 78‐year‐old man underwent a third transurethral resection of a bladder tumor. The pathological diagnosis was urothelial carcinoma in situ. After the fifth instillation of the second‐line induction therapy of Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, the patient discontinued treatment because of increased urinary frequency and a continuous mean voiding volume of 80 mL. The patient was diagnosed with a contracted bladder based on computed tomography findings and a urination chart. After initiating oral prednisolone (20 mg/day), the patient experienced significant recovery within 2 weeks for both urinary frequency and mean voiding volume of 226 mL.

Conclusion

A patient with a contracted bladder after Bacillus Calmette–Guérin instillation was successfully treated with low‐dose oral steroid therapy.
Nanoparticles derived from herbal preparations May represent a novel nucleic acid therapy
Authors: Feng Tingle , Ahmed Waqas , Ahmed Talha , Chen Lukui
Published: February 2024

A significant number of nucleic acid therapies have been approved, highlighting the vast potential of nucleic acid therapeutics. Although numerous delivery strategies have been investigated, and progress has been made in nucleic acid delivery systems, the oral delivery route still presents a significant obstacle. Recently, a novel and promising force in oral nucleic acid delivery has emerged, namely Decoctosomes and Bencaosomes, obtained from the decoction of natural herbs, which refers to boiled Chinese herbal medicines. The active components of Decoctosomes include small molecules, peptides, and small RNAs (sRNAs). sRNAs were the first targets of extensive research. Additionally, Bencaosomes have been proven effective in several disease mouse models as artificially enhanced decoctosome products. This perspective summarizes the development and possible future directions of Decoctosomes and Bencaosomes, two varieties of nanoparticles that may open the door to new possibilities in nucleic acid therapy.
Wharton's jelly‐derived multifunctional hydrogels: New tools to promote intervertebral disc regeneration in vitro and ex vivo
Authors: Penolazzi Letizia , Chierici Anna , Notarangelo Maria Pina , Dallan Beatrice , Lisignoli Gina , Lambertini Elisabetta , Greco Pantaleo , Piva Roberta , Nastruzzi Claudio
Published: February 2024

The degeneration of intervertebral disc (IVD) is a disease of the entire joint between two vertebrae in the spine caused by loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, to date with no cure. The various regenerative approaches proposed so far have led to very limited successes. An emerging opportunity arises from the use of decellularized ECM as a scaffolding material that, directly or in combination with other materials, has greatly facilitated the advancement of tissue engineering. Here we focused on the decellularized matrix obtained from human umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (DWJ) which retains several structural and bioactive molecules very similar to those of the IVD ECM. However, being a viscous gel, DWJ has limited ability to retain ordered structural features when considered as architecture scaffold. To overcome this limitation, we produced DWJ‐based multifunctional hydrogels, in the form of 3D millicylinders containing different percentages of alginate, a seaweed‐derived polysaccharide, and gelatin, denatured collagen, which may impart mechanical integrity to the biologically active DWJ. The developed protocol, based on a freezing step, leads to the consolidation of the entire polymeric dispersion mixture, followed by an ionic gelation step and a freeze‐drying process. Finally, a porous, stable, easily storable, and suitable matrix for ex vivo experiments was obtained. The properties of the millicylinders (Wharton's jelly millicylinders [WJMs]) were then tested in culture of degenerated IVD cells isolated from disc tissues of patients undergoing surgical discectomy. We found that WJMs with the highest percentage of DWJ were effective in supporting cell migration, restoration of the IVD phenotype (increased expression of Collagen type 2, aggrecan, Sox9 and FOXO3a), anti‐inflammatory action, and stem cell activity of resident progenitor/notochordal cells (increased number of CD24 positive cells). We are confident that the DWJ‐based formulations proposed here can provide adequate stimuli to the cells present in the degenerated IVD to restart the anabolic machinery.
Nrf2 prevents diabetic cardiomyopathy via antioxidant effect and normalization of glucose and lipid metabolism in the heart
Authors: Yang Ge , Zhang Qihe , Dong Chao , Hou Guowen , Li Jinjie , Jiang Xin , Xin Ying
Published: February 2024

Metabolic disorders and oxidative stress are the main causes of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) exerts a powerful antioxidant effect and prevents the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. However, the mechanism of its cardiac protection and direct action on cardiomyocytes are not well understood. Here, we investigated in a cardiomyocyte‐restricted Nrf2 transgenic mice (Nrf2‐TG) the direct effect of Nrf2 on cardiomyocytes in DCM and its mechanism. In this study, cardiomyocyte‐restricted Nrf2 transgenic mice (Nrf2‐TG) were used to directly observe whether cardiomyocyte‐specific overexpression of Nrf2 can prevent diabetic cardiomyopathy and correct glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in the heart. Compared to wild‐type mice, Nrf2‐TG mice showed resistance to diabetic cardiomyopathy in a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetes mouse model. This was primarily manifested as improved echocardiography results as well as reduced myocardial fibrosis, cardiac inflammation, and oxidative stress. These results showed that Nrf2 can directly act on cardiomyocytes to exert a cardioprotective role. Mechanistically, the cardioprotective effects of Nrf2 depend on its antioxidation activity, partially through improving glucose and lipid metabolism by directly targeting lipid metabolic pathway of AMPK/Sirt1/PGC‐1α activation via upstream genes of sestrin2 and LKB1, and indirectly enabling AKT/GSK‐3β/HK‐Ⅱ activity via AMPK mediated p70S6K inhibition.
Dynamic changes of endothelial and stromal cilia are required for the maintenance of corneal homeostasis
Authors: Ni Hua , Li Lamei , Hu Die , Yang Mulin , Wang Difei , Ma Hongbo , Bu Weiwen , Yang Jia , Zhu Li‐E , Zhai Denghui , Song Ting , Yang Song , Lu Quanlong , Li Dengwen , Ran Jie , Liu Min
Published: February 2024

Primary cilia are distributed extensively within the corneal epithelium and endothelium. However, the presence of cilia in the corneal stroma and the dynamic changes and roles of endothelial and stromal cilia in corneal homeostasis remain largely unknown. Here, we present compelling evidence for the presence of primary cilia in the corneal stroma, both in vivo and in vitro. We also demonstrate dynamic changes of both endothelial and stromal cilia during corneal development. In addition, our data show that cryoinjury triggers dramatic cilium formation in the corneal endothelium and stroma. Furthermore, depletion of cilia in mutant mice lacking intraflagellar transport protein 88 compromises the corneal endothelial capacity to establish the effective tissue barrier, leading to an upregulation of α‐smooth muscle actin within the corneal stroma in response to cryoinjury. These observations underscore the essential involvement of corneal endothelial and stromal cilia in maintaining corneal homeostasis and provide an innovative strategy for the treatment of corneal injuries and diseases.