bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytoremediation Potential of Azolla filiculoides: Uptake and Toxicity of Seven Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at Environmentally Relevant Water Concentrations
Authors: Lintern Gina , Scarlett Alan G. , Gagnon Marthe Monique , Leeder John , Amhet Aydin , Lettoof Damian C. , Leshyk Victor O. , Bujak Alexandra , Bujak Jonathan , Grice Kliti
Published: August 2024

Environmental contamination of aquatic systems by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has generated significant health concerns. Remediation of contaminated sites such as the fire-fighting emergency training grounds that use aqueous film-forming foams is a high priority. Phytoremediation may help play a part in removing PFAS from such contaminated waters. We investigated the potential of the water fern Azolla filiculoides, which is used for phytoremediation of a wide range of contaminants, to uptake seven common PFAS (perfluorobutanoic acid [PFBA], perfluorobutane sulfonic acid [PFBS], perfluoroheptanoic acid [PFHpA], perfluorohexanoic acid [PFHxA], perfluorohexane sulfonic acid [PFHxS], perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], and perfluoropentanoic acid [PFPeA]), during a 12-day exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations delivered as equimolar mixtures: low (∑PFAS = 0.0123 ± 1.89 μmol L−1), medium (∑PFAS = 0.123 ± 2.88 μmol L−1), and high (∑PFAS = 1.39 μmol L−1) treatments, equivalent to approximately 5, 50, and 500 µg L−1 total PFAS, respectively. The possible phytotoxic effects of PFAS were measured at 3-day intervals using chlorophyll a content, photosystem II efficiency (Fv/Fm), performance index, and specific growth rate. The PFAS concentrations in plant tissue and water were also measured every 3 days using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. Treatments with PFAS did not lead to any detectable phytotoxic effects. All seven PFAS were detected in plant tissue, with the greatest uptake occurring during the first 6 days of exposure. After 12 days of exposure, a maximum bioconcentration factor was recorded for PFBA of 1.30 and a minimum of 0.192 for PFBS. Consequently, the application of Azolla spp. as a stand-alone system for phytoremediation of PFAS in aquatic environments is not sufficient to substantially reduce PFAS concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2157–2168. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Exposure of Azolla filiculoides to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) did not lead to phytotoxic effects. The use of Azolla spp as a stand-alone system for phytoremediation of PFAS is inefficient to substantially reduce PFAS concentrations from contaminated waters.
Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of tert‐butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyanisole and propyl gallate as synthetic food antioxidants
Authors: Esazadeh Karim , Ezzati Nazhad Dolatabadi Jafar , Andishmand Hashem , Mohammadzadeh‐Aghdash Hossein , Mahmoudpour Mansour , Naemi Kermanshahi Mohammad , Roosta Yousef
Published: August 2024

Synthetic food antioxidants such as tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and propyl gallate (PG) have been extensively utilized in different food industries because of their high protectant activities to stop food spoilage and remove foodborne diseases in humans and animals. It would be emphasized that increasing the intake of antioxidants through intracellular may lead to cyto/genotoxicity, and their complex formation with biological molecules eventually accelerate the progress of various diseases like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, neurological disorders, cardiac vascular disease, cancer, etc. Therefore, their toxicity is one of the challenging subjects due to their extensive use in food‐related industries. TBHQ, BHA, and PG antioxidants have cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects if absorbed in high doses through the gastrointestinal tract. Thermodynamic parameters presented that the hydrophobic bind plays a key role in the complexation of the TBHQ, BHA, and PG with albumin. The molecular modeling results showed that subdomain IIA plays a vital role in the interaction of TBHQ and BHA with albumin. To comprehend the mechanisms of the cyto/genotoxicity effects of these food antioxidants and conformational alterations of albumin macromolecule, we aim to overview numerous types of research that evaluated the cyto/genotoxicity effects of these antioxidants using several procedures.
Care conundrum in the emergency department: The gap between clinician awareness and patient expectations surrounding advance directives
Authors: Manfredi Rita A. , Riley Jessica , Lunsford Beverly
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Clinicians in the emergency department (ED) frequently encounter seriously ill patients at a time when advance directives may be pivotal in improved clinician decision‐making. The objectives of this study were to identify the prevalence of advanced directives in ED patients, as well as patterns of advance care discussions between patients and providers. This study describes patients' perceptions and expectations of such serious illness discussions in an emergency care setting with the expectation of including patients as strategic members of the care team.

Methods

Trained research assistants in two emergency departments surveyed patients over age 65, or their caregivers, from July 2016 to August 2018. Patients were verbally administered a standard survey tool related to advance directives and advance care planning.

Results

497 out of 877 patients completed surveys (59.4%). 50% of patients reported having an advance care planning document. The large majority (92%) of patients with an advance directive had not been asked about it during their ED visit. When questioned about their personal preferences, 79% of patients thought emergency physicians should be aware of their wishes regarding life‐sustaining treatments and end‐of‐life care. Paradoxically, only 38% expressed a desire to discuss advance care plans with an ED clinician.

Conclusions

Older patients expect emergency clinicians to be aware of their care preferences, yet most are not asked about these care preferences in the ED. The large gap between patient preference and reality suggests the need for more targeted discussion by ED clinicians and translation of patient perspectives into system healthcare improvements. Future studies should explore barriers to advance care planning in the ED as well as patient preferences for these conversations to support a true healthcare learning system.
A multiple applications study of motile microorganisms past a vertical surface with double‐diffusive binary base fluid
Authors: Madhusudhana Rao Battina , Durgaprasad Putta , Dharmaiah Gurram , Dinarvand Saeed , Gupta Saurav
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the various uses of density of motile microorganisms in the context of the flow of a binary base fluid with double diffusion past a vertical surface. The research aims to comprehend the interactions between motile microorganisms and the fluid dynamics, as well as the heat and mass transport mechanisms in this system. The analysis involves mathematically constructing the governing equations, transforming them into dimensionless nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, and numerically solving them using the MATLAB bvp4c solver. An analysis of the influence of several parameters on the profiles of velocity, temperature, concentration, nanoparticle concentration, and density of motile microorganisms is conducted using graphical representation. The findings demonstrate that boosting the thermophoresis parameter intensifies the temperature profile. In addition, an increase in the nanofluid Schmidt number results in a larger concentration of nanoparticles, whereas a higher bioconvection Lewis number reduces the density of the motile microorganism profile. These findings may find use in biomedical engineering as well as industrial processes that include enhancing the efficiency of mass transfer and bioconvection. Numeric simulation prophesies 99.9% for both shear stress and heat transfer rate intensification for Prandtl values are noticed.
A study on the pressure‐driven flow of magnetized non‐Newtonian Casson fluid between two corrugated curved walls of an arbitrary phase difference
Authors: Mujahid Maham , Abbas Zaheer , Rafiq Muhammad Yousuf
Published: August 2024

Pressure‐driven movement is a fundamental concept with numerous applications in various industries, scientific disciplines, and fields of engineering. Its proper execution is vital for promoting revolutionary innovations and providing solutions in numerous sectors. Therefore, this article scrutinizes the pressure‐driven flow of magnetized Casson fluid between two curved corrugated walls. The geometry of the channel is represented mathematically in an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. The corrugation grooves are described by sinusoidal functions with phase differences between the corrugated curved walls. The boundary perturbation method is used to find the analytical solution for the velocity field and volumetric flow rate, taking the corrugation amplitude as the perturbation parameter. The results show that the peak of the velocity increases with the radius of curvature and the width of the channel for a constant pressure gradient. The velocity exhibited a declining trend due to an increase in the Casson fluid parameter. For a sufficiently large corrugation wavenumber, the flow rate decreases, and the phase difference becomes irrelevant. However, the reduction in flow can be minimized by decreasing the channel radius of curvature. In general, a smooth curved channel will give the maximum flow rate for a large corrugation wavenumber. The model can be used to simulate blood flow in arteries with varying geometries and magnetic fields, aiding in the study of cardiovascular diseases and the design of medical devices like stents.
Honey bee larval toxicity study designs: Applicability of the current study protocols and endpoints as a predictor of pesticide hazard for pollinators
Authors: De Souza Daiana A. , Feken Max , Tomé Hudson V. V. , Schmehl Daniel R.
Published: August 2024

The assessment of pesticide risks to bees in North America currently relies in part on Tier 1 honey bee laboratory toxicity studies to support the registration and registration review processes for crop protection chemicals. For immature stages, the studies follow two standardized test designs recommended by the Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECD), evaluating acute (seven-day single-dose, TG OECD 237) and chronic (22-day repeated-dose, GD OECD 239) toxicity in bee larvae. In this article, we aim to evaluate the current approach for generating and interpreting honey bee larval toxicity data, enhancing pesticide risk assessment for pollinators. First, by considering that the repeated-dose larval study covers all stages of honey bee brood development up to adult emergence, we compared endpoints (larval LD/ED50 and LC/EC50 values) from seven-day acute exposure studies with the 22-day chronic exposure studies. Our goal was to identify the study design offering greater sensitivity in assessing pesticide toxicity to immature bees. Our second objective involved analyzing available weight data from emerged adults and comparing it to survival endpoints (e.g., NOEL and LD50) to determine if the weight after adult emergence would accurately represent a sensitive indicator of pesticide effects on developing honey bees. Our analysis determined that the use of a single 22-day chronic exposure study adequately covers all immature stages and that the toxicity values based on cumulative dose are more accurate and representative measures of exposure for immature bees than using endpoints based on estimated daily doses. Furthermore, our analysis suggests that measuring the weight of emerged adults was a more sensitive indicator than mortality of treatment-related effects in 22% of the compounds included in our analysis. Here we also discuss the importance of standardized protocols for proper collection of weight after emergence and the need for further discussion on the relevance of this parameter at risk assessment scheme. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2283–2293. © 2024 Pollinator Research Task Force. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

A meta-data assessment was conducted to evaluate the current approach for generating and interpreting honey bee larval toxicity data. The chronic larval study tends to provide a more robust screening-level risk determination than the acute larval study design. The weight after adult emergence from chronic exposure larval study may be an indicator of pesticide effects on growth. Standardized protocols for measuring the weight of emerged adults are needed.
Notable correlation between serum epidermal growth factor values and inflammatory status in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Pérez Héctor José , Crombet Tania
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Despite its crucial role in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation, and the resulting impact on the health‐disease process, epidermal growth factor (EGF) is an underexplored molecule in relation to how its serum concentrations relate to other analytes and clinical variables in pathological contexts.

Objective

To clarify the possible correlation between EGF and clinical and analytical variables in the context of COVID‐19.

Methods

Cross‐sectional observational and analytical study, in patients with virological and clinical diagnosis of COVID‐19, selected by simple random sampling, admitted between August and September 2021. UMELISA‐EGF commercial kits were used.

Results

Differences in overall EGF values were observed between groups (566.04 vs. 910.53 pg/ml, p = .0430). In COVID‐19 patients, no notable correlations were observed for neutrophil, platelet, triglyceride or liver enzyme values (p > .05). Significant correlations were observed with the neutrophil‐lymphocyte indicator (r = 0.4711, p = .0128) as well as with the platelet‐lymphocyte index (r = 0.4553, p = .0155). Statistical results of multivariate regression analysis suggest NLR (β = .2232, p = .0353) and PLR (β = .2117, p = .0411) are predictors of inflammation in patients with COVID‐19.

Conclusions

Serum EGF concentrations in COVID‐19 correlate positively with prognostic inflammatory markers of severity and could presumably act as an independent risk factor for the development of inflammation in response to new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2).
Eighty‐six cases of clinical characteristics and outcomes of systemic lupus erythematosus‐associated macrophage activation syndrome: A meta‐analysis study
Authors: Wang Jingya , Rong Wei , Yan Haotian
Published: August 2024

Objective

To improve our understanding of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)‐macrophage activation syndrome (MAS).

Methods

A systematic review was performed, to retrieve all those papers on patients with SLE‐MAS, in individual or aggregated form. The data in each of these medical records were extracted and analyzed to identify the characteristics of SLE‐MAS.

Results

A total of 86 SLE‐MAS patients were included (25 males and 61 females. The mean (±standard error of the mean) age was 31.21 ± 1.694 years. MAS occurred as the initial presentation of SLE in 47 people (54.65%) and during the course of SLE in 39 (45.35%). A coinfection was reported in 23 (26.74%) patients. The mean Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2K) score was 16.54 ± 0.9462. Overall, 10 patients (11.63%) died. The SLEDAI‐2K score was higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation of SLE than in those where MAS occurred during the course of SLE. The proportion of patients receiving steroid pulse therapy was lower in patients with coinfections. The deceased group demonstrated lower platelet and ferritin levels. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and thrombocytopenia were independent factors associated with poor prognosis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a platelet count cutoff value of ≤47 × 109/L was a predictor of poor outcome.

Conclusions

SLE‐MAS patients demonstrated high lupus activity, and lupus activity was especially higher in patients with MAS as an initial manifestation. Lupus activity was the predominant trigger of lupus MAS. Thrombocytopenia was an independent factor for poor prognosis.
Screening significance of systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) in coronary heart disease of symptomatic youth
Authors: Wang Chunxiao , Yan Weihong , Ren Mengmeng , Zhong Lin
Published: August 2024

Background

The incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in youth is rapidly increasing but difficultly recognized in the early stage.

Methods and Results

In this retrospective study, 194 CHD patients under the age of 45 who previously experienced chest pain symptoms and 170 non‐CHD patients were included and demographic data were collected. Systemic inflammation index (SII) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) were increased in young CHD patients (p < 001). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that both SII and SIRI were negatively correlated with HDL and positively correlated with hypertension, Gensini score, and hsTnI. Logistic regression analysis indicated that SII and SIRI were independently associated with the presence of CHD in youth with chest pain symptoms. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the SII model for young CHD patients was 0.805 (0.728−0.869), and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.65 and 0.823, respectively. Meanwhile, the AUC for the SIRI model was 0.812 (0.739−0.872), and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.673 and 0.8022. The calibration curves of both SII and SIRI models are in good agreement with the actual curves. And the decision curves of both models indicated their clinical practicality.

Conclusion

SII and SIRI are independent risk factors for CHD in young adults, which can quickly and effectively identify CHD patients among young adults who have previously experienced chest pain symptoms.
One‐carbon metabolism biomarkers and upper gastrointestinal cancer in the Golestan Cohort Study
Authors: Inoue‐Choi Maki , Freedman Neal D. , Etemadi Arash , Hashemian Maryam , Brennan Paul , Roshandel Gholamreza , Poustchi Hossein , Boffetta Paolo , Kamangar Farin , Amiriani Taghi , Norouzi Alireza , Dawsey Sandy , Malekzadeh Reza , Abnet Christian C.
Published: August 2024

Incidence of esophageal and gastric cancer has been linked to low B‐vitamin status. We conducted matched nested case–control studies of incident esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC; 340 case–control pairs) and gastric cancer (GC; 352 case–control pairs) within the Golestan Cohort Study. The primary exposure was plasma biomarkers: riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) (vitamin B2), pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) (B6), cobalamin (B12), para‐aminobenzoylglutamate (pABG) (folate), and total homocysteine (tHcy); and indicators for deficiency: 3‐hydroxykyurenine‐ratio (HK‐r for vitamin B6) and methylmalonic acid (MMA for B12). We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using conditional logistic regression adjusting for matching factors and potential confounders. High proportions of participants had low B‐vitamin and high tHcy levels. None of the measured vitamin B levels was associated with the risk of ESCC and GC, but elevated level of MMA was marginally associated with ESCC (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.99–2.04) and associated with GC (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.05–2.22). Risk of GC was higher for the highest versus lowest quartile of HK‐r (OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.19–3.21) and for elevated versus non‐elevated HK‐r level (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.13–2.25). Risk of ESCC (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.54–5.13) and gastric cancer (OR = 2.09, 95%CI = 1.17–3.73) was higher for the highest versus lowest quartile of tHcy. In conclusion, insufficient vitamin B12 was associated with higher risk of ESCC and GC, and insufficient vitamin B6 status was associated with higher risk of GC in this population with prevalent low plasma B‐vitamin status. Higher level of tHcy, a global indicator of OCM function, was associated with higher risk of ESCC and GC.
Genomic mutation patterns and prognostic value in de novo and secondary acute myeloid leukemia: A multicenter study from China
Authors: Dou Xi , Dan Chunli , Zhang Duanzhong , Zhou Hongjing , He Renke , Zhou Guangyu , Zhu Yu , Fu Nan , Niu Ben , Xu Shuangnian , Liao Yi , Luo Zhangqin , Yang Lihua , Zhang Haiguo , Xu Yizhi , Zhan Qian , Chen Wei , Yang Zesong , Tang Xiaoqiong , Zhang Hongbin , Xiao Qing , Chen Jianbin , Liu Lin , Wang Yi , Pei Li , Wang Li
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can manifest as de novo AML (dn‐AML) or secondary AML (s‐AML), with s‐AML being associated with inferior survival and distinct genomic characteristics. The underlying reasons for this disparity remain to be elucidated. In this multicenter study, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was employed to investigate the mutational landscape of AML in 721 patients from June 2020 to May 2023.Genetic mutations were observed in 93.34% of the individuals, with complex variations (more than three gene mutations) present in 63.10% of them. TET2, ASXL1, DNMT3A, TP53 and SRSF2 mutations showed a higher prevalence among older individuals, whereas WT1 and KIT mutations were more commonly observed in younger patients. BCOR, BCORL1, ZRSR2, ASXL1 and SRSF2 exhibited higher mutation frequencies in males. Additionally, ASXL1, NRAS, PPMID, SRSF2, TP53 and U2AF1 mutations were more common in patients with s‐AML, which PPM1D was more frequently associated with therapy‐related AML (t‐AML). Advanced age and hyperleukocytosis independently served as adverse prognostic factors for both types of AML; however, s‐AML patients demonstrated a greater number of monogenic adverse prognostic factors compared to dn‐AML cases (ASXL1, PPM1D, TP53 and U2AF1 in s‐AML vs. FLT3, TP53 and U2AF1 in dn‐AML). Age and sex‐related gene mutations suggest epigenetic changes may be key in AML pathogenesis. The worse prognosis of s‐AML compared to dn‐AML could be due to the older age of s‐AML patients and more poor‐prognosis gene mutations. These findings could improve AML diagnosis and treatment by identifying potential therapeutic targets and risk stratification biomarkers.
Circulating vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐3, a pro‐lymphangiogenic and pro‐angiogenic mediator, is decreased in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Palei Ana C. , Kaihara Julyane N. S. , Cavalli Ricardo C. , Sandrim Valeria C.
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR‐3) in women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) and in non‐pregnant (NP) and healthy pregnant (HP) women.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study including PIH (n = 135), HP (n = 68), and NP (n = 49) women from southeastern Brazil. PIH were diagnosed according to international guidelines, and defined as gestational hypertension (GH, n = 61) or pre‐eclampsia (n = 74). VEGFR‐3 was measured in plasma using ELISA.

Results

Plasma VEGFR‐3 was increased in HP (1207 pg/mL) compared with NP (133 pg/mL) women; however, PIH (729 pg/mL) patients exhibited lower levels than HP women (both p < 0.05). In addition, plasma VEGFR‐3 was decreased in pre‐eclampsia compared with GH (537 versus 980 pg/mL; p < 0.05). When pre‐eclampsia was classified according to different clinical presentations, plasma VEGFR‐3 was further decreased in the cases identified as pre‐eclampsia with severe features, preterm pre‐eclampsia, and pre‐eclampsia accompanied by small for gestational age (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data indicate reduced circulating VEGFR‐3 levels in patients with PIH, specifically in those diagnosed with pre‐eclampsia. Moreover, decreased VEGFR‐3 was associated with adverse clinical outcomes in pre‐eclampsia. These findings expand previous evidence of reduced VEGFR‐3 expression in pre‐eclampsia. Future studies should investigate whether it can be used as a predictive biomarker and/or therapeutic target for pre‐eclampsia.
Enhanced diclofenac adsorption and degradation using iron‐loaded modified spent bleaching earth carbon in the presence of clofibric acid: mechanistic insights and toxicity assessment
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Song Xue , Zhang Jie , Chen Yue , Liu Yongde , Zhao Jihong , Deng Fanbao , Yan Guihua
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

The presence of pharmaceutical active substances such as diclofenac (DCF) and clofibric acid (CA) in aquatic environments poses significant ecological threats. Existing treatments have not fully explored the impact of CA on DCF removal efficiency. This research introduces nZVI/CTAB‐SBE@C, a novel adsorbent developed from industrial spent bleaching earth (SBE), modified with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI), enhancing both adsorption and degradation of DCF and CA.

RESULTS

This study investigated the impact of CA on the removal capabilities of nZVI/CTAB‐SBE@C for DCF in a coexisting system. Systematic examinations were conducted on the effects of various parameters, including reaction time, dosage, temperature, actual wastewater, humic acid content and coexisting ions. Results indicated that the presence of CA significantly enhanced the DCF removal efficiency, achieving an optimal rate of 87.3% under conditions of reaction time 2 h, adsorbent dosage 5 g L−1 and temperature 25 °C. Moreover, interactions between Al3+ ions and the adsorbent matrix notably improved removal efficiencies for both DCF and CA. Analysis revealed that CA facilitated new degradation pathways for DCF, including hydroxylation and decarboxylation reactions. Additionally, the presence of CA reduced the toxicity of degradation intermediates, enhancing environmental safety compared to systems containing only DCF.

CONCLUSION

This study effectively transforms industrial waste into the efficient nZVI/CTAB‐SBE@C adsorbent. The presence of CA not only boosts DCF removal efficiency but also promotes its safer degradation, thereby reducing the ecological impact of contaminants. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Application of principles learned in a prevention‐focused pediatric dental residency curriculum to professional practice
Authors: Ramos‐Gomez Francisco , Kinsler Janni J. , Wang Yan , Parkinson Stephanie , Pike Nancy
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study examined whether pediatric dentists who participated in a pediatric dental residency program focusing on disease prevention and management training and screening for social determinants of health (SDOH) were applying these principles to their professional practice upon graduation.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional study design, a one‐time‐only online survey was disseminated to 75 pediatric dentists who graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles's training program between 2012 and 2022. The 21‐item survey included questions on demographics, patient population characteristics, and application of preventive dentistry and SDOH to their professional practice. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess survey items.

Results

The survey response rate was 64%. Over two‐thirds (67%) of alumni reported accepting Medicaid, 34% saw patients in a medically underserved area and all reported seeing children with special needs in their practice. Strategies used to address SDOH in their practice included providing anticipatory guidance (98%) and educating families on oral disease prevention and screening for SDOH (96%). Alumni accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance were more likely to address SDOH in their practice, such as assisting patients with filling out Medicaid paperwork (p < 0.05), conducting outreach to underserved communities (p < 0.05), and using interpreters in their practice (p < 0.01) in comparison with alumni not accepting patients with Medicaid/public health insurance.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that a pediatric dental residency program may be successful in training residents to educate children, families, and special needs patients on disease prevention and management in an ethical and culturally sensitive manner and screen for SDOH during patient visits.
Molecular changes and physiological responses involved in migratory bird fuel management and stopover decisions
Authors: Bounas Anastasios , Talioura Artemis , Komini Chrysoula , Toli Elisavet‐Aspasia , Sotiropoulos Konstantinos , Barboutis Christos
Published: August 2024

Migratory birds undertake long journeys across continents to reach breeding habitats with abundant resources. These migrations are essential for their survival and are shaped by a complex interplay of physiological adaptations, behavioral cues, and gene expression patterns. Central to migration are stopovers, critical resting points where birds replenish energy stores before continuing their journey. In this study, we integrate physiological measurements, behavioral observations, and molecular data from temporarily caged migrating Garden Warblers (Sylvia borin) to gain insights into their stopover strategies and physiological adaptations after crossing the extended ecological barrier formed by the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Depleted individuals, marked by low body mass and flight muscle mass, showcased remarkable plasticity in recovering and rapidly rebuilding energy stores within a short 5‐day stopover. Flight muscle mass increased during this period, highlighting a dynamic trade‐off between muscle rebuilding and refuelling. Notably, birds prioritizing muscle rebuilding exhibited a trade‐off with the downregulation of genes related to lipid transport and metabolism and at the same time showing evidence of skeletal muscle angiogenesis. Early arrivals were more motivated to depart and exhibited higher levels of physiological stress. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the adaptive responses of birds to changing environmental conditions along their migration routes.
PDCL3 as a prognostic factor and associated with the VEGF signaling pathway in glioma
Authors: Yang Bo , Zheng Guangwei , Lu Feng
Published: August 2024

Background

New targeted drugs about angiogenesis could develop the treatment of glioma. We aimed to explore the role of phosducin like 3 (PDCL3) in angiogenesis of glioma.

Materials and Methods

RNA sequencing data and matched clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) databases. To screen for the reliable genes with the filtering analyses, survival, multivariate Cox, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve filtration, and clinical correlation analyses were performed. The PDCL3 gene was validated by immunohistochemistry as a reliable gene for further analysis. Then we used the combined data of TCGA and Genotype‐Tissue Expression from UCSC to detect the differential gene expression of PDCL3. Related signal pathways in glioma were explored by the gene set enrichment analysis and co‐expression analysis. Lastly, we performed in vitro experiments to verify the gene functions and related mechanisms.

Results

The three filtering analyses and immunostaining indicated that the expression of PDCL3 in glioma tissues was higher than the normal tissues. Gene function analysis showed that PDCL3 activated the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signal pathway, and its mechanism was related to pathways in cancer, like NOD like receptor signaling pathway, the RIG‐I like receptor signaling pathway and the P53 signaling pathway by MAPK/AKT in gliomas. This suggested that the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells might be inhibited by the downregulation of PDCL3 in vitro, which may be related to the activation of VEGF signaling pathway.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that PDCL3 could function as an independent adverse prognostic marker in glioma. Its pro‐oncogenic mechanism may be related to the VEGF signaling pathway.
Application of Microfluidic Devices for Automated Two‐Step Radiolabeling of Antibodies
Authors: Jinda Hiroki , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Nakashima Kazuma , Ono Masahiro
Published: August 2024

Radioimmunoconjugates (RICs) composed of tumor‐targeting monoclonal antibodies and radionuclides have been developed for diagnostic and therapeutic application. A new radiolabeling method using microfluidic devices is expected to facilitate simpler and more rapid synthesis of RICs. In the microfluidic method, microfluidic chips can promote the reaction between reactants by mixing them efficiently, and pumping systems enable automated synthesis. In this study, we synthesized RICs by the pre‐labeling method, in which the radiometal is coordinated to the chelator and then the radiolabeled chelator is incorporated into the antibodies, using microfluidic devices for the first time. As a result of examining the reaction parameters including the material of mixing units, reaction temperature, and flow rate, RICs with radiochemical purity (RCP) exceeding 90% were obtained. These high‐purity RICs were successfully synthesized without any purification simply by pumping three solutions of a chelating agent, radiometal, and antibody into microfluidic devices. Under the same conditions, the RCP of RICs labeled by conventional methods was below 50%. These findings indicate the utility of microfluidic devices for automatic and rapid synthesis of high‐quality RICs.
Dietary habits in Italian children with inflammatory bowel disease: A case‐control multicenter study
Authors: Gatti Simona , Vallorani Martina , Quattrini Sara , Aloi Marina , Bramuzzo Matteo , Felici Enrico , Zuin Giovanna , Catassi Giulia Naspi , Grazian Federica , Ciacchini Benedetta , Panceri Roberto , Catassi Carlo
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) tend to self‐modify their dietary habits according to disease activity and symptoms. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of the usual diet in Italian children with IBD in comparison to a control group and to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA).

Methods

Dietary habits of IBD children and age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls were investigated using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire in five Italian pediatric IBD centers. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) was assessed using the KID‐MED test. Energy (EI), macro, and micronutrients intakes were compared between the two groups, to the RDA and the predicted total energy expenditure (EI/total energy expenditure [TEE]%).

Results

IBD subjects (n = 110) reported a lower EI, EI/RDA%, and EI/TEE% compared to controls (n = 110) (p = 0.012, p < 0.0002, and p = 0.014), lower total protein and fat intakes (p = 0.017, p < 0.0001) and lower minerals/RDA, vitamins/RDA and micronutrients/RDA ratio (%). Poor adherence to the MD was more frequent in IBD children compared to controls (p = 0.013). The total EI and carbohydrate intake were inversely correlated with higher disease activity.

Conclusions

Italian children with IBD report an inadequate diet in terms of energy, macro, and micronutrients and have a low adherence to a high‐quality MD pattern.
Effects of an essential oil blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on rumen biohydrogenation and fatty acid profile in the longissimus lumborum of growing lambs
Authors: Ma Zhiyuan , Meng Yarong , Li Fei , Ungerfeld Emilio , Lv Jirong , Liu Baocang , Li Shirong , Wang Xinji
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark and oregano are rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol and show potential for promoting animal performance. However, their impact on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of meat has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that a blend of essential oils rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol would inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lamb meat. The present study evaluated the effect of a blend essential oil (EO) rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on the nutrient digestibility, rumen biohydrogenation, growth performance, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of lambs.

RESULTS

Sixty male lambs with an average age of 84 ± 0.98 days and initial body mass of 25.4 ± 0.29 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were assigned randomly to four diets, and supplemented with 0 (EO0), 30 (EO30), 60 (EO60), and 120 (EO120) mg kg−1 dry matter of EO for 60 days. Although dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility all showed a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing quantities of EO, final body mass and average daily gain increased linearly (P = 0.04), and average daily weight gain (ADG)/dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07). Increasing EO supplementation resulted in a linear decrease in total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate‐to‐propionate ratio (P ≤ 0.03), with the EO120 treatment being lower than the other EO treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Seven lambs from the EO120 treatment and seven lambs from the EO0 treatment were randomly slaughtered. It was observed that the proportions of C18:2n6c and PUFA in longissimus lumborum were higher in the EO120 treatment than the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen was decreased by the EO120 treatment in comparison with the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted relative abundances of genes encoding for conjugated linoleic acid reductase tended to decrease with the EO120 treatment (P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that supplementation of the EO blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can enhance lamb growth performance and promote the deposition of desirable PUFAs in meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of transformative tourism activity on the mitigation of menopause symptoms and life satisfaction
Authors: Kim Bomi Hazel , Kim Haeok Liz
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine whether five tourism activities have an impact on menopausal symptom relief and life satisfaction. This study surveyed 278 menopausal women experiencing menopausal symptoms, and after excluding two nonresponses, 276 responses were used in the final analysis. This study used confirmatory factor analysis to verify the validity of the measurement instruments and the fit of the research model. The results provided empirical evidence that cultural tourism, wellness tourism, sports tourism, and shopping tourism, except food tourism, have a positive impact on menopausal symptom relief and life satisfaction. This study successfully established a meaningful conceptual framework to understand the tourism activities that can lead to menopausal symptom relief and life satisfaction among menopausal women, beyond the existing literature that has only been studied in the field of leisure studies for middle‐aged and older adults.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Pediatric Laryngeal Reinnervation
Authors: Schuman Ari D. , Calderara Gianmarco A. , Hanif Aila , Hollas Sarah , Ongkasuwan Julina
Published: August 2024

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric nonselective laryngeal reinnervation (NSLR) has gained popularity in recent years; however, long‐term outcomes have not been reported.

METHODS

Patients greater than 1 year post reinnervation were recruited. Families were asked to report Pediatric Voice‐Related Quality of Life (PVRQOL) and provide an audio recording of connected speech. PVRQOL and voice measures were compared with preoperative and early postoperative outcomes (<12 months) using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures and post hoc tests for linear trend.

RESULTS

Sixty‐six patient families were contacted. Twelve patients responded with PVRQOL; six (50%) were female. Median age at surgery was 6.4 (range 1.9–15) and at follow‐up 13.5 (range 10–18), with a median of 6.8 years (range 3–9.1) since surgery at follow‐up. Mean preoperative PVRQOL was 68.1 (95% CI 52.3–84.0), early postoperative 86.5 (73.2–99.7), and long‐term 90 (82.7–97.3). ANOVA showed no significant difference between values (p = 0.1228), but post hoc testing showed improving outcomes over time (p‐for‐trend 0.0304). PVRQOL was stable between early postoperative and long‐term values (p = 0.3399).

Four voice samples were adequate for analysis. Mean preoperative cepstral peak prominence (CPP) was 5.2 (95% CI 3.4–7.0), early postoperative 8.5 (5.5–11.5), and long‐term 6.8 (2.77–10.89, p = 0.3340, p‐for‐trend 0.2988) Low‐to‐high spectral ratio was 22.3 preoperatively (14.0–30.5), 23.0 early postoperative (17.4–28.7), and 28.8 long‐term (17.4–40.2, p = 0.1174, p‐for‐trend 0.0364). Cepstral spectral index of dysphonia (CSID) was 83.0 preoperatively (44.1–121.8), 39.4 early postoperative (20.4–58.3), and 45.53 long‐term (−0.05–91.1, p = 0.4457, p‐for‐trend 0.1464).

CONCLUSIONS

Years after NSLR, PVRQOL, low‐to‐high spectral ratio, and CSID show no evidence of degradation over time.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:5006–5009, 2024
The predictive value of TyG and lipid ratios on the development of complications and hyperuricemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhou Kai‐fan , Tao Guo‐dong , Wei Bin , Lu Yu‐wei
Published: August 2024

Investigate the predictive value of TyG and lipid ratios on the development of complications and HUA in patients with T2DM. A retrospective cross‐sectional study involving 9488 T2DM patients was conducted. They were divided into HUA and NUA group base on SUA level and divided into with and without complications groups according to the diagnosis of the endocrinologist. Necessary information and biochemical parameters were recorded during outpatient visit. TyG index and lipid ratios were calculated, and statistical analysis was carried out to correlate the calculated values and HUA using SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. TyG and lipid ratios were significantly higher in T2DM with HUA or with complications than those with NUA or without complications (p < 0.05). Regression analysis adjusting for confounding factors found TyG (adjusted OR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.31–1.82; p < 0.05), TG/HDL‐C (adjusted OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.04–1.40; p < 0.05) and TC/HDL (adjusted OR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.17–1.57; p < 0.05) was risk factor of HUA in T2DM patients. TyG (adjusted OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44; p < 0.05), TG/HDL (adjusted OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03–1.38; p < 0.05) and Apo A/Apo B (adjusted OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.26–1.58; p < 0.05) was risk factor of complications in T2DM patients. TyG, TG/HDL‐C, and TC/HDL can be used as early sensitive target in the occurrence of HUA in T2DM patients and TyG was the most influential risk factor. TyG, TG/HDL‐C, and Apo A/Apo B can be used as early sensitive target in the occurrence of complications in T2DM patients and Apo A/Apo B was the most influential risk factor.
Additive Manufacturing of Composite Materials and Functionally Graded Structures Using Archerfish Hunting Technique
Authors: Prakash B. Vijaya , Koushik Nitish , Jha Sanjay Kumar , Ramasamy Karuppasamy
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes an optimisation method for fabricating composite materials and functionally graded structures. Using the proposed method, 3D printing of copper (Cu)–polyethylene (PE) composite, Al2O3–ZrO2 ceramic composite and functionally graded CuO foams are utilised. This work aims to advance the capabilities of additive manufacturing by leveraging nature‐inspired approaches to create complex, tailored structures with enhanced performance across various industries. The major objective of the proposed method is to reduce the feed rate and increase the airflow rate and airflow temperature for the heat transfer process. Using the proposed technique in the advanced preparation conditions, Cu–PE composites with unreliable Cu substances are fabricated. The PE binder particle is melting as well as forming thick composites by means of soft surfaces. Using the proposed AHO approach, functionally graded materials with common distributions can be efficiently optimised. By then, the proposed model is implemented on the MATLAB platform, and its execution is calculated using the current procedures. The proposed technique displays superior outcomes in all existing methods like wild horse optimiser, particle swarm optimisation and heap‐based optimiser. The proposed method shows a throughput of 57 mm3. The existing method shows the throughput of 32, 27 and 45 mm3. The results show that the proposed method has higher throughput compared with existing methods.
New functions of pirin proteins and a 2‐ketoglutarate: Ferredoxin oxidoreductase ortholog in Bacteroides fragilis metabolism and their impact on antimicrobial susceptibility to metronidazole and amixicile
Authors: Gough Andrea M. , Parker Anita C. , O'Bryan Patricia J. , Whitehead Terence R. , Roy Sourav , Garcia Brandon L. , Hoffman Paul S. , Jeffrey Smith C. , Rocha Edson R.
Published: August 2024

The understanding of how central metabolism and fermentation pathways regulate antimicrobial susceptibility in the anaerobic pathogen Bacteroides fragilis is still incomplete. Our study reveals that B. fragilis encodes two iron‐dependent, redox‐sensitive regulatory pirin protein genes, pir1 and pir2. The mRNA expression of these genes increases when exposed to oxygen and during growth in iron‐limiting conditions. These proteins, Pir1 and Pir2, influence the production of short‐chain fatty acids and modify the susceptibility to metronidazole and amixicile, a new inhibitor of pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase in anaerobes. We have demonstrated that Pir1 and Pir2 interact directly with this oxidoreductase, as confirmed by two‐hybrid system assays. Furthermore, structural analysis using AlphaFold2 predicts that Pir1 and Pir2 interact stably with several central metabolism enzymes, including the 2‐ketoglutarate:ferredoxin oxidoreductases Kor1AB and Kor2CDAEBG. We used a series of metabolic mutants and electron transport chain inhibitors to demonstrate the extensive impact of bacterial metabolism on metronidazole and amixicile susceptibility. We also show that amixicile is an effective antimicrobial against B. fragilis in an experimental model of intra‐abdominal infection. Our investigation led to the discovery that the kor2AEBG genes are essential for growth and have dual functions, including the formation of 2‐ketoglutarate via the reverse TCA cycle. However, the metabolic activity that bypasses the function of Kor2AEBG following the addition of phospholipids or fatty acids remains undefined. Overall, our study provides new insights into the central metabolism of B. fragilis and its regulation by pirin proteins, which could be exploited for the development of new narrow‐spectrum antimicrobials in the future.