bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostaglandin regulation of type 2 inflammation: From basic biology to therapeutic interventions
Authors: Oyesola Oyebola O. , Tait Wojno Elia D.
Published: August 2021

Type 2 immunity is critical for the protective and repair responses that mediate resistance to parasitic helminth infection. This immune response also drives aberrant inflammation during atopic diseases. Prostaglandins are a class of critical lipid mediators that are released during type 2 inflammation and are integral in controlling the initiation, activation, maintenance, effector functions, and resolution of Type 2 inflammation. In this review, we explore the roles of the different prostaglandin family members and the receptors they bind to during allergen‐ and helminth‐induced Type 2 inflammation and the mechanism through which prostaglandins promote or suppress Type 2 inflammation. Furthermore, we discuss the potential role of prostaglandins produced by helminth parasites in the regulation of host–pathogen interactions, and how prostaglandins may regulate the inverse relationship between helminth infection and allergy. Finally, we discuss opportunities to capitalize on our understanding of prostaglandin pathways to develop new therapeutic options for humans experiencing Type 2 inflammatory disorders that have a significant prostaglandin‐driven component including allergic rhinitis and asthma.
Colostrum IgA1 antibodies recognize antigens from Helicobacter pylori and prevent cytoskeletal changes in human epithelial cells
Authors: Baltierra‐Uribe Shantal Lizbeth , Montañez‐Barragán Alejandra , Romero‐Ramírez Héctor , Klimov‐Kravtchenko Ksenia , Martínez‐Pedro Karla Ivette , Sánchez‐Salguero Erick , Camorlinga‐Ponce Margarita , Torres Javier , Santos‐Argumedo Leopoldo
Published: August 2021

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram‐negative bacterium found on the luminal surface of the gastric mucosa in at least 50% of the world's human population. The protective effect of breastfeeding against H. pylori infection has been extensively reported; however, the mechanisms behind this protection remain poorly understood. Human IgA from colostrum has reactivity against H. pylori antigens. Despite that IgA1 and IgA2 display structural and functional differences, their reactivity against H. pylori had not been previously determined. We attested titers and reactivity of human colostrum‐IgA subclasses by ELISA, immunoblot, and flow cytometry. Colostrum samples from healthy mothers had higher titers of IgA; and IgA1 mostly recognized H. pylori antigens. Moreover, we found a correlation between IgA1 reactivity and their neutralizing effect determined by inhibition of cytoskeletal changes in AGS cells infected with H. pylori. In conclusion, colostrum‐IgA reduces H. pylori infection of epithelial gastric cells, suggesting an important role in preventing the bacteria establishment during the first months of life. As a whole, these results suggest that IgA1 from human colostrum provides protection that may help in the development of the mucosal immune system of newborn children.
Development An Amperometric Microbial‐enzyme Hybrid Cholesterol Biosensor Based On Ionic Liquid MWCNT Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Canbay Erhan , Yaşa İhsan , Akyilmaz Erol
Published: August 2021

In this study we report the development of an amperometric cholesterol biosensor based on cholesterol oxidase from Pseudomonas sp. and catalase immobilized in carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and ionic liquid (IL). The working electrode (CPE/MWCNT‐IL/Microorganism (MO)‐Catalase) was characterized by impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry at different stages of its construction. This proposed cholesterol biosensor performed linear relationship in the range of 5–600 μM with a low detection limit of 1.52 μM. The biosensor showed good sensitivity and high selectivity and it was successfully applied for the measurement of cholesterol levels in lyophilized serum samples.
Indoor light energy harvesting for battery‐powered sensors using small photovoltaic modules
Authors: Shore Andrew , Roller John , Bergeson Jennifer , Hamadani Behrang H.
Published: August 2021

As interest in Internet‐of‐Things (IoT) devices like wireless sensors increases, research efforts have focused on finding ways for these sensors to self‐harvest energy from the environment in which they are installed. Photovoltaic (PV) cells or mini‐modules are an intuitive choice for harvesting indoor ambient light, even under low light conditions, and using it for battery charging and powering of these devices. Characterizations of battery charging, for small rechargeable batteries from low charge to full charge, have been investigated using PV mini‐modules of equal area. We present battery charging results using three different PV technologies, monocrystalline silicon (c‐Si), gallium‐indium‐phosphide (GaInP), and gallium‐arsenide (GaAs) under a warm color temperature (3000 K) LED lighting at an illuminance of 1000 lx. Battery charging times are shortest for the more efficient GAInP and GaAs mini‐modules whose spectral response is a better match to the LED test source, which contains mostly visible photons, and longest for the less efficient Si cells. As a demonstration, a wireless temperature sensor mote was attached to the charging circuit and operated to determine its power consumption in relation to the available charging power. The mote's maximum power draw was less than the charging power from the least efficient c‐Si mini‐module. Our findings affirm the feasibility of utilizing PV under typical indoor lighting conditions to power IoT devices.
Random forest versus logit models: Which offers better early warning of fiscal stress?
Authors: Jarmulska Barbara
Published: August 2021

This study seeks to answer whether it is possible to design an effective and useful machine learning‐based early warning system signaling a risk of fiscal stress in the near future. To do so, multiple models based on econometric logit and the random forest models are designed and compared. Using a dataset of 20 annual frequency variables pertaining to 43 advanced and emerging countries during 1992–2018, the results confirm the possibility of obtaining an effective model, which correctly predicts 70–80% of fiscal stress events and tranquil periods. The random forest‐based early warning model outperforms logit models both in terms of aggregate forecasting properties and when applied to an example of the euro area sovereign debt crisis. While the very effective random forest model is commonly understood to provide lower interpretability than logit models do, this study employs tools that can be used to provide useful information for understanding what is behind the black‐box. These tools can provide information on the most important explanatory variables and on the shape of the relationship between these variables and the outcome classification. Thus, the study contributes to the discussion on the usefulness of machine learning methods in economics.
Forecasting expected shortfall and value at risk with a joint elicitable mixed data sampling model
Authors: Xu Qifa , Chen Lu , Jiang Cuixia , Liu Yezheng
Published: August 2021

Low‐frequency risk measures can filter out noise and better reflect the trend. In order to improve the forecasting accuracy of low‐frequency risk through making full use of the valuable information contained in high‐frequency independent variables, we propose a novel joint elicitable mixed data sampling (JE‐MIDAS) model by introducing MIDAS method into JE regression model. We utilize the JE‐MIDAS model to forecast value at risk and expected shortfall simultaneously and compare its performance with that of other popular models through both the Monte Carlo simulations and real‐world applications. The numerical results show that our model is superior to other models because it can model mixed‐frequency data directly, which avoids the information loss caused by frequency conversion. The empirical results on three stock indices also show that market volatility can increase financial risk. Interest rate has positive effects on risks for U.S. S&P500 and U.K. FTSE, whereas negative for SHCI of China.
Female infertility and herbal medicine: An overview of the new findings
Authors: Akbaribazm Mohsen , Goodarzi Nader , Rahimi Mohsen
Published: August 2021

Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy after 12 months’ sexual activity that affects 15%–17% of couples in the world and about 50% of them are related to female infertility factors. In this study, using the PRISMA checklist and MeSH keywords, 128 articles were extracted from various databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, WHO, Iranmedex, Science Direct, SID, and Google Scholar search engine) without language and time restrictions, and 128 articles were selected after eliminating duplicate studies. In this review, we present some solid evidence for role of herbal medicine in the treatment of female infertility. The results of this study showed that different parts of some plants are rich in polyphenolic compounds (isoflavones and flavonoids) and other compounds which are beneficial to in reproductive health in women. The compounds in these plants, along with regulating the female endocrine pathways, and improving symptoms of menopause, treat female reproductive disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POF), endometriosis, hyperprolactinemia, and hypothalamic dysfunction; moreover, because of their anticancer, antioxidant, and antidepressant properties, they can be used in traditional medicine or in the pharmaceutical industry as safe compounds in women's health.
Provenance, nature, and U–Pb zircon geochronology of Ngaye rocks (Adamawa‐Yadé Shield, Central Cameroon): New insights into the evolution of Archean crust within the Pan‐African belt
Authors: Assomo Ngono Gaelle Sandra , Ganwa Alembert Alexandre , Ntomba Sylvestre Martial , Ndjigui Paul‐Désiré
Published: August 2021

Petrographical, geochemical, and geochronological data obtained from Ngaye high‐grade metasedimentary rocks have contributed to determine the provenance, nature, and evolutionary history of the Adamawa‐Yadé Domain from the Archean to Pan‐African events. The rocks are migmatites formed after TTG and granitic crusts were reworked by partial melting at T = 683–994°C. Geochemical features, for example, low Rb/Sr ratio (0.03–0.53), high Cr/V, and Cr/Th ratios (9.91–100.75; 28.41–686.15), respectively, indicate that these samples were derived predominantly from a mafic crust source. The primordial mantle‐normalized spidergrams are characterized by negative Nb‐Ta anomalies, suggesting melting of crustal rocks. REE fractionation shown (La/Yb)N = 8.48–197.89) indicate melting of crustal source rocks (meta‐TTGs). Low Hf and Zr contents (0.95–5.65 ppm and 23–262.85 ppm, respectively), low Sr/Y ratios (9.17–200.65), and a positive correlation between Th/Sc and Zr/Sc, point to crustal reworking. U–Pb ages on detrital zircon in tonalitic and granodioritic gneisses indicate contribution of Mesoarchean and Paleoproterozoic sources and suggest a maximum deposition age during the Early Paleoproterozoic for their magmatic protoliths. Magmatic zircon grains of granodiorite, with a round shape, Th/U ratio values ranging from 0.02 to 1.23, and an oscillatory zonation yield post emplacement metamorphic ages at 2,077 Ma. The lower intercept ages obtained in this study, match the tectonic reworking of the crust during the Pan‐African event associated with partial melting due probably to regional‐scale shear zone activities and magmatic accretion of juvenile magmas.
G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 enhances excitatory synaptic responses in the entorhinal cortex
Authors: Batallán Burrowes Ariel A. , Sundarakrishnan Adithi , Bouhour Camille , Chapman Clifton Andrew
Published: August 2021

Activation of estrogen receptors is thought to modulate cognitive function in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum by affecting both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission. The entorhinal cortex is a major source of cortical sensory and associational input to the hippocampus, but it is unclear whether either estrogens or progestogens may modulate cognitive function through effects on synaptic transmission in the entorhinal cortex. This study assessed the effects of the brief application of either 17‐β estradiol (E2) or progesterone on excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the female rat entorhinal cortex in vitro. Rats were ovariectomized on postnatal day (PD) 63 and also received subdermal E2 implants to maintain constant low levels of circulating E2 on par with estrus. Electrophysiological recordings from brain slices were obtained between PD70 and PD86, and field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) reflecting the activation of the superficial layers of the entorhinal cortex were evoked by the stimulation of layer I afferents. The application of E2 (10 nM) for 20 min resulted in a small increase in the amplitude of fEPSPs that reversed during the 30‐min washout period. The application of the ERα agonist propylpyrazoletriol (PPT) (100 nM) or the β agonist DPN (1 μM) did not significantly affect synaptic responses. However, the application of the G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐1 (GPER1) agonist G1 (100 nM) induced a reversible increase in fEPSP amplitude similar to that induced by E2. Furthermore, the potentiation of responses induced by G1 was blocked by the GPER1 antagonist G15 (1 μM). Application of progesterone (100 nM) or its metabolite allopregnanolone (1 μM) did not significantly affect synaptic responses. The potentiation of synaptic transmission in the entorhinal cortex induced by the activation of GPER1 receptors may contribute to the modulation of cognitive function in female rats.
Teflon Magnetic Stirring Capsules (TMSC) as a Practical and Reusable Delivery System for Sensitive Reagents and Catalysts
Authors: Taillemaud Sylvain , Rosset Stéphane , Mazet Clément
Published: August 2021

The development of a user‐friendly reusable laboratory equipment for the delivery of sensitive reagents and catalysts is described. The tightness of these Teflon Magnetic Stirring Capsules (TMSC) is ensured by the magnetic force and release of the reagent inside the solution is triggered by adjusting the stirring rate so that the centrifuge force exceeds the magnetic force. They can be loaded with several chemicals at the same time and do operate across a broad range of temperatures. The inertness of Teflon facilitates reaction purification.
Exergetic analysis of different water depths evacuated tubessolar still
Authors: More Sunil , Daniel Joseph
Published: August 2021

The paper presents an energy and exergetic analysis of simple and evacuated tubes solar still. Experimental analysis was carried out on a 1 m2 basin area and a total of 18 evacuated tubes are attached to the lower side of the solar still. The results revealed that the highest exergetic efficiency of 70.8% and 34.6% was achieved in 0.03 m water depth passive and active solar still, respectively. The work is also focused on the evaluation of the exergy destruction in the basin liner, water, and the glass cover of the solar still. The maximum exergy destruction rate was found in the basin liner and the minimum is found in the glass cover for both simple and evacuated tube solar still for all water depths. The maximum exergy destruction of 3068 and 5129 W/m2 was observed in the basin liner of 0.05 m water depth simple and evacuated tube solar still.
A new conditioning regimen with chidamide, cladribine, gemcitabine and busulfan significantly improve the outcome of high‐risk or relapsed/refractory non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Ji Jie , Liu Zhigang , Kuang Pu , Dong Tian , Chen Xinchuan , Li Jian , Zhang Chuanli , Liu Jiazhuo , Zhang Li , Shen Kai , Liu Ting
Published: August 2021

Previous studies highlight the need for a more active conditioning therapy in high‐risk or refractory and relapsed lymphomas. Our preclinical research shows that histone deacetylase inhibitors, such as either vorinostat or chidamide, sensitize lymphoma cells to the cytotoxic combination of cladribine, gemcitabine and busulfan, leading to cell apoptosis. To evaluate the efficacy of this chidamide‐cladribine‐gemcitabine‐busulfan (ChiCGB) combination as a new conditioning therapy, we conducted a Phase II trial, as described here. Patients with high‐risk, relapsed/refractory lymphomas received ChiCGB as conditioning therapy, after transplantation with autologous peripheral stem cells. The sample comprised 105 patients in total: 60 with B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (B‐NHL) and 45 with T‐cell or natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (NK/T). All patients eventually achieved full hematopoietic recovery. Neutrophils and platelets were engrafted at a median of 10 days (8‐14) and 13 days (8‐38), respectively. There was no transplant‐related mortality within 100 days of transplant. Neutropenic fever, mucositis and atopic dermatitis were the observed nonhematologic toxicities. At a median follow‐up of 35.4 months, 80.6% of the patients presented with no tumor progression, and the overall survival (OS) reached as high as 86.1%. Concerning the OS rate, 94.5% of patients with B‐NHL and 75.4% of patients with T‐cell or NK/T lymphomas survived. These findings demonstrate the safety and validity of the proposed combined therapy for high‐risk and refractory/relapsed lymphomas. Our study was registered on the Clinical Trial Registry (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03151876).
Expression of tertiary lymphoid structure in deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy of metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab
Authors: Sazuka Tomokazu , Fujimoto Ayumi , Sato Hiroaki , Arai Takayuki , Imamura Yusuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ikeda Jun‐ichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Tertiary lymphoid structure expression and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been attracting attention, and their relationship with renal cell carcinoma is controversial.

Case presentation

Two patients with nivolumab plus ipilimumab treatment response for metastatic renal cell carcinoma underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy and regional lymph node dissection. In both cases, the renal tumor site expressed tertiary lymphoid structures. Despite the absence of treatment after a deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy and the short postoperative observation period, the patients still survived.

Conclusion

Tertiary lymphoid structures were expressed in deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy specimen in cases treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab.
Explaining stock markets' performance during the COVID‐19 crisis: Could Google searches be a significant behavioral indicator?
Authors: Vasileiou Evangelos
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the pandemic on the performance of stock markets, focusing on the behavioral influence of the fear due to COVID‐19. Using a data set of 10 developed countries during the period December 31, 2019, to September 30, 2020, we examine the impact of COVID‐19 on the performance of the stock markets. We incorporate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic using the following variables: (a) the number of new COVID‐19 cases, which was widely used as the main explanatory variable for market performance in early financial studies, and (b) a Google Search index, which collects the number of Google searches related to COVID‐19 and incorporates the health risk and the fear of COVID‐19 (the higher the number of searches for Covid terms, the higher the index value, and the higher the fear index). We employ our input into an EGARCH(1,1,1) model, and the findings show that the Google Search index enables us to draw statistically significant information regarding the impact of the COVID‐19 fear on the performance of the stock markets. On the other hand, the variable of the number of new COVID‐19 cases does not have any statistically significant influence on the performance of the stock markets. Google searches could be a useful tool for supporters of behavioral finance, scholars, and practitioners.
The selection of photoinitiators for photopolymerization of biodegradable polymers and its application in digital light processing additive manufacturing
Authors: Wang Chia‐Chun , Chen June‐Yo , Wang Jane
Published: August 2021

Digital light processing additive manufacturing (DLP‐AM) technology has received a lot of attention in the field of biomedical engineering due to its high precision and customizability. However, some photoinitiators, as one of the key components in DLP‐AM, may present toxicity and limit the application of DLP‐AM toward biomedical applications. In order to gain further insights into the correlation between biocompatibility and photoinitiators in photoresins, a study on the selection of photoinitiators used in DLP‐AM is conducted. The light absorbance range and cytocompatibility of four photoinitiators, vitamin B2 combined with triethanolamine (B2/TEOA), diphenyl(2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO), 2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone (DMPA), and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)‐2‐methylpropiophenone (I2959), are characterized. Each photoinitiator is then combined with poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) diacrylate (PCLDA), to evaluate their miscibility and film formation ability through photopolymerization. The mechanical properties, in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility studies on bulk films are investigated. It is found that B2/TEOA and TPO exhibit a wider light absorbance range than I2959 and DMPA. PGSA films with B2/TEOA (PGSA‐B2/TEOA) is capable of sustaining cell proliferation up to 10 days and showing low immune responses after 14 days post implantation, proving its biocompatibility. Although B2/TEOA requires longer photopolymerization time, the mechanical strength of PGSA‐B2/TEOA is comparable to PGSA films with TPO and DMPA, and this combination is 3D‐printable through DLP‐AM at the rate of 100 s per layer. In summary, B2/TEOA is a promising photoinitiator for 3D printing.
Strategies for constructing pluripotent stem cell‐ and progenitor cell‐derived three‐dimensional cardiac micro‐tissues
Authors: Chu Xinyue , Wang Mingyu , Qiu Xiaoyan , Huang Yun , Li Tong , Otieno Edward , Li Na , Luo Li , Xiao Xiong
Published: August 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) cardiac micro‐tissue is a promising model for simulating the structural and functional features of heart in vitro. This scientific achievement provides a platform for exploration about the mechanisms on the development, damage, and regeneration of tissue, hence, paving a way toward development of novel therapies for heart diseases. However, 3D micro‐tissue technology is still in its infant stages faced with many challenges such as incompleteness of the tissue microarchitecture, loss of the resident immune cells, poor reproducibility, and deficiencies in continuously feeding the nutrients and removing wastes during micro‐tissue culturing. There is an urgent need to optimize the construction of 3D cardiac micro‐tissue and improve functions of the involved cells. Therefore, scaffolds and cell resources for building 3D cardiac micro‐tissues, strategies for inducing the maturation and functionalization of pluripotent stem cell‐ or cardiac progenitor cell‐derived cardiomyocytes, and the major challenges were reviewed in this writing to enable future fabrication of 3D cardiac micro‐tissues or organoids for drug screening, disease modeling, regeneration treatment, and so on.
Identification and validation of 12 immune‐related genes as a prognostic signature for colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tang Dongxin , Huang Wei , Yang Zhu , Wu Xin , Sang Xianan , Wang Kuilong , Cao Gang
Published: August 2021

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract that threatens human health seriously. Thus, it is urgent to explore biomarkers that can be used to evaluate a patient's survival prognosis overall as a supplementary treatment. RNA‐seq expression profiles were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus, and Lasso and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used for developing the prognostic model. Finally, a nomogram comprising the prognostic model was established to evaluate survival overall. A risk model comprised of a total of 12 immune‐related gene pairs was constructed. Further analysis revealed the model's independent prognostic ability in relation to other clinical characteristics. This model's nomogram could help clinicians choose personalized treatment for COAD patients. This model has significant potential to complement COAD's clinical identifying characteristics, and also provide new insights into the identification of colon cancer patients with a high risk of death.
Abnormal regulation of microRNAs and related genes in pediatric β‐thalassemia
Authors: Wang Haiwei , Chen Meihuan , Xu Shiyi , Pan Yali , Zhang Yanhong , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: August 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the reactivation of γ‐globin expression in β‐thalassemia. However, the miRNA transcriptional profiles of pediatric β‐thalassemia remain unclear. Accordingly, in this study, we assessed miRNA expression in pediatric patients with β‐thalassemia.

Methods

Differentially expressed miRNAs in pediatric patients with β‐thalassemia were determined using microRNA sequencing.

Results

Hsa‐miR‐483‐3p, hsa‐let‐7f‐1‐3p, hsa‐let‐7a‐3p, hsa‐miR‐543, hsa‐miR‐433‐3p, hsa‐miR‐4435, hsa‐miR‐329‐3p, hsa‐miR‐92b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐6747‐3p and hsa‐miR‐495‐3p were significantly upregulated, whereas hsa‐miR‐4508, hsa‐miR‐20a‐5p, hsa‐let‐7b‐5p, hsa‐miR‐93‐5p, hsa‐let‐7i‐5p, hsa‐miR‐6501‐5p, hsa‐miR‐221‐3p, hsa‐let‐7g‐5p, hsa‐miR‐106a‐5p, and hsa‐miR‐17‐5p were significantly downregulated in pediatric patients with β‐thalassemia. After integrating our data with a previously published dataset, we found that hsa‐let‐7b‐5p and hsa‐let‐7i‐5p expression levels were also lower in adolescent or adult patients with β‐thalassemia. The predicted target genes of hsa‐let‐7b‐5p and hsa‐let‐7i‐5p were associated with the transforming growth factor β receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT, FoxO, Hippo, and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathways. We also identified 12 target genes of hsa‐let‐7a‐3p and hsa‐let‐7f‐1‐3p and 21 target genes of hsa‐let‐7a‐3p and hsa‐let‐7f‐1‐3p, which were differentially expressed in patients with β‐thalassemia. Finally, we found that hsa‐miR‐190‐5p and hsa‐miR‐1278‐5p may regulate hemoglobin switching by modulation of the B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A gene.

Conclusion

The results of the study show that several microRNAs are dysregulated in pediatric β‐thalassemia. Further, the results also indicate toward a critical role of let7 miRNAs in the pathogenesis of pediatric β‐thalassemia, which needs to be investigated further.
The validity and reliability of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics‐9 items Scale in Turkish health care professionals
Authors: Uzun Necati , Akça Ömer Faruk , Bilgiç Ayhan , Chung Seockhoon
Published: August 2021

There is a need for a valid and reliable measurement tool that will detect the psychological symptoms of health care workers in the epidemic and pandemic periods that have been effective worldwide in recent years. This study has aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics‐9 items Scale (SAVE‐9) in Turkish health care professionals. The study was carried out with 150 health care professionals. All participants were asked to complete the SAVE‐9, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS). The Cronbach's α coefficient was calculated. Also, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to evaluate the factor structure. The SAVE‐9 scores positively correlated with the PHQ‐9, GAD‐7, and negatively correlated with the BRS. The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported two‐factor structure similar to the original scale. The first factor consists of five items (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8), and the second factor consists of three items (6, 7, 9). The Cronbach's α coefficient was found as 0.77. The Turkish version of SAVE‐9 is a valid and reliable tool for Turkish health care professionals.
Gabapentinoid Pharmacology in the Context of Emerging Misuse Liability
Authors: Evoy Kirk E. , Peckham Alyssa M. , Covvey Jordan R. , Tidgewell Kevin J.
Published: August 2021

This article will review the epidemiology and pharmacology of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) relevant to their emerging misuse potential and provide guidance for clinical and regulatory management. Gabapentinoids are γ‐aminobutyric acid analogues that produce their therapeutic effects by inhibiting voltage‐gated calcium channels and decreasing neurotransmitter release. Recently gabapentinoid prescribing and use have increased tremendously. Although traditionally thought to possess a favorable safety profile, gabapentinoid misuse has also risen significantly. Gabapentinoid misuse generally occurs in combination with other substances, most notably opioids, and may be for purposes of eliciting euphoric effects, enhancing the effects of other substances, or self‐treating conditions such as withdrawal, pain, anxiety, or insomnia. Given its faster onset, increased bioavailability and potency, and nonsaturable absorption, pregabalin's pharmacokinetics theoretically enhance its misuse liability versus gabapentin. However, gabapentin can produce similar euphoric effects, and epidemiologic studies have identified higher rates of gabapentin misuse in the United States, likely because of greater availability and less regulated prescribing. Although adverse events of gabapentinoid‐only ingestion are relatively benign, a growing body of evidence indicates that gabapentinoids significantly increase opioid‐related morbidity and mortality when used concomitantly. In addition, significant withdrawal effects may occur on abrupt discontinuation. As a result of these trends, several US states have begun to further regulate gabapentinoid prescribing, reclassifying it as a controlled substance or mandating reporting to local prescription drug‐monitoring programs. Although increased regulation of gabapentin prescribing may be warranted, harm reduction efforts and increased patient and provider education are necessary to mitigate this concerning gabapentinoid misuse trend.
Clinical Pharmacology of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Implications for Benefits and Risks in the Promotion of the Combusted Tobacco Endgame
Authors: Benowitz Neal L. , St.Helen Gideon , Liakoni Evangelia
Published: August 2021

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) such as e‐cigarettes and heated tobacco products are novel battery‐operated devices that deliver nicotine without combustion of tobacco. Because cigarette smoking is sustained by nicotine addiction and the toxic combustion products are mainly responsible for the harmful effects of smoking, ENDS could be used to promote smoking cessation while exposing users to lower levels of toxicants compared with conventional cigarettes. The currently available evidence from clinical and observational studies indicates a potential role of e‐cigarettes as smoking cessation aids, although many continue to use e‐cigarettes long after quitting smoking. Nicotine and toxicant delivery vary considerably by device and depend on the characteristics of the e‐liquid formulation. Because smokers tend to titrate their nicotine intake to maintain their desired pharmacologic effects, device and liquid characteristics need to be considered when using ENDS as an aid to quit smoking. Factors potentially limiting their use are the currently still unknown long‐term safety of these products and concerns regarding widespread use among youth. Implications of clinical pharmacology data on ENDS for the cigarette endgame and regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug administration are discussed.
Pharmacologic Similarities and Differences Among Hallucinogens
Authors: Waters Kristin
Published: August 2021

Hallucinogens constitute a unique class of substances that cause changes in the user's thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various mechanisms of action. Although the serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and N,N‐dimethyltryptamine have been termed the classical hallucinogens, many hallucinogens elicit their actions through other mechanisms such as N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid receptor agonism, or inhibition of the reuptake of monoamines including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The aim of this article is to compare the pharmacologic similarities and differences among substances within the hallucinogen class and their impact on physical and psychiatric effects. Potential toxicities, including life‐threatening and long‐term effects, will be reviewed.
Clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness analysis of chromosome testing concomitant with chromosomal microarray of patients with constitutional disorders in a U.S. academic medical center
Authors: Su Meng , Page Stephanie , Haag Mary , Swisshelm Karen , Hennerich Deborrah , Graw Sharon , LeRoux Jamie , Brzeskiewicz Peter , Svihovec Shayna , Bao Liming
Published: August 2021

Chromosomal microarray (CMA) is now widely used as first‐tier testing for the detection of copy number variants (CNVs) and absence of heterozygosity (AOH) in patients with multiple congenital anomalies (MCA), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and/or intellectual disability (ID). Chromosome analysis is commonly used to complement CMA in the detection of balanced genomic aberrations. However, the cost‐effectiveness and the impact on clinical management of chromosome analysis concomitant with CMA were not well studied, and there is no consensus on how to best utilize these two tests. To assess the clinical utility and cost‐effectiveness of chromosome analysis concomitant with CMA in patients with MCA, ASD, DD, and/or ID, we retrospectively analyzed 3,360 postnatal cases for which CMA and concomitant chromosome analysis were performed in the Colorado Genetic Laboratory (CGL) at the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine. Chromosome analysis alone yielded a genetic diagnosis in two patients (0.06%) and contributed additional information to CMA results in 199 (5.92%) cases. The impact of abnormal chromosome results on patient management was primarily related to counseling for reproductive and recurrence risks assessment (101 cases, 3.01%) while a few (5 cases, 0.15%) led to changes in laboratory testing and specialist referral (25 cases, 0.74%). The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of combined testing demonstrated the cost of each informative chromosome finding was significantly higher for patients with clinically insignificant (CI) CMA findings versus clinically significant (CS) CMA results. Our results suggest that a stepwise approach with CMA testing with reflex to chromosome analysis on cases with CS CMA findings is a more cost‐effective testing algorithm for patients with MCA, ASD, and/or DD/ID.
New‐onset atrial fibrillation in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Ergün Bişar , Ergan Begüm , Sözmen Melih Kaan , Küçük Murat , Yakar Mehmet Nuri , Cömert Bilgin , Gökmen Ali Necati , Yaka Erdem
Published: August 2021

Background

Mortality in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is high, therefore, it is essential to evaluate the independent effect of new‐onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) on mortality in patients with COVID‐19. We aimed to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of NOAF in a cohort of critically ill patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of COVID‐19. NOAF was defined as atrial fibrillation that was detected after diagnosis of COVID‐19 without a prior history. The primary outcome of the study was the effect of NOAF on mortality in critically ill COVID‐19 patients.

Results

NOAF incidence was 14.9% (n = 37), and 78% of patients (n = 29) were men in NOAF positive group. Median age of the NOAF group was 79.0 (interquartile range, 71.5‐84.0). Hospital mortality was higher in the NOAF group (87% vs 67%, respectively, P = .019). However, in multivariate analysis, NOAF was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality (OR 1.42, 95% CI 0.40‐5.09, P = .582).

Conclusions

The incidence of NOAF was 14.9% in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. Hospital mortality was higher in the NOAF group. However, NOAF was not an independent risk factor for hospital mortality in patients with COVID‐19.
Myth of the Eternal State: Armenian Outlaws, American Outsiders, and the Ottoman Search for Order
Authors: Sahin Emrah
Published: August 2021

Focusing on violent Ottoman contexts, this study explores state behavior, charts criminal taxonomy, and contributes to the state‐outlaw paradigm an analytical conduit through which to explain state responses to the outlaws on discursive and institutional levels. At the center of this study are several cases that demonstrate the engagement of local outlaws with evangelical outsiders named George Knapp, George White, and Ellen Stone. It is my contention that, while mitigating specific activities involving these outlaws and outsiders, the state under study invents new traditions, empowers security networks, claims unaccountability, and executes double standards in pursuit of social order within its borders.
Gingival tissue as a reservoir for human immunodeficiency virus type 1: Preliminary results of a cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Sereme Youssouf , Pólvora Tábata Larissa S. , Rochereau Nicolas , Teixeira Lucas Ribeiro , Santana Rodrigo Carvalho , Paul Stephane , da Fonseca Benedito Antonio Lopes , Bourlet Thomas , Pozzetto Bruno , Lourenço Alan Grupioni , Motta Ana Carolina F.
Published: August 2021

Background

Despite combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), total cure of immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection remains elusive. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is strongly associated with HIV‐1 infection. This condition is characterized by an intense inflammatory infiltrate mainly constituted of immune cells which in turn may be a valuable source of HIV‐1 reactivation. This study aimed to determine if gingival tissue could act as a reservoir for HIV‐1.

Methods

Twelve patients with HIV‐1 and CP and 12 controls (no HIV‐1‐infection and no CP) were evaluated in a cross‐sectional study. RNA viral load and interleukin (IL) levels were determined in blood plasma and saliva. Histological sections of gingival tissue were stained with fluorescent antibodies against p24 antigen and different cellular biomarkers.

Results

In six of the 12 patients, HIV RNA load was detected, despite cART; in three of them, expression of viral RNA was also detected in saliva. The levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, and IL‐12 were higher in blood and saliva of patients with HIVand CP than controls. HIV‐1 p24 antigen was detected by immunostaining in gingival biopsies of 10 of the 12 patients but in no controls. Immune markers for T cells and antigen‐presenting cells were also identified in most patients and some controls.

Conclusion

These preliminary data showing the detection of HIV‐1 p24 antigen in the gingival biopsies of a significant part of patients with HIV‐1 and CP under cART together with the presence of immune cells, plead for the existence of a HIV‐1 reservoir in the gingival tissue of this population.
A review of artificial intelligence methods combined with Raman spectroscopy to identify the composition of substances
Authors: Pan Liangrui , Zhang Peng , Daengngam Chalongrat , Peng Shaoliang , Chongcheawchamnan Mitchai
Published: August 2021

In general, most of the substances in nature exist in mixtures, and the noninvasive identification of mixture composition with high speed and accuracy remains a difficult task. However, the development of Raman spectroscopy, machine learning, and deep learning techniques has paved the way for achieving efficient analytical tools capable of identifying mixture components, thus leading to an apparent breakthrough in the identification of mixtures beyond traditional chemical analysis methods. This review summarizes the work of Raman spectroscopy in identifying the composition of substances; reviews the preprocessing process of Raman spectroscopy, artificial intelligence analysis methods, and analysis procedures; and examines the application of artificial intelligence. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages and development prospects of Raman spectroscopy are discussed in detail.
Fruit tree leaves as valuable new source of tocopherol and tocotrienol compounds
Authors: Wojdyło Aneta , Turkiewicz Igor Piotr , Tkacz Karolina , Hernandez Francisca
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Nowadays it is highly important to find new, cheap and widely available sources of tocopherol and tocotrienol compounds, and leaves are promising unconventional sources. The main goal of this study was to extend the currently limited knowledge concerning tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers composition determined using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection analysis for various fruit tree leaves such as apple, pear, quince, apricot, peach, plum, sour cherry and sweet cherry. The leaves were collected 2 weeks after tree blooming and after fruit collection. Tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers were identified and quantified for the first time in all fruit tree leaves.

RESULTS

The total tocopherol content ranged from 203.34 to 260.86 μg g−1 dry weight for spring leaves and from 23.83 to 235.62 μg g−1 dry weight for autumn leaves and consisted mainly of α‐tocopherol. The rest of the isomers of tocopherol and tocotrienols were also found, but in trace amounts. A significantly lower content of tocopherols and tocotrienols was detected in leaves after autumn collection of fruits compared to leaves collected after blooming. Among the analyzed leaves, time collected and species were significantly more important than their cultivars. Regarding quantification analysis, apricot > peach > > plums > apples leaves were identified as the best sources of tocopherols, and sweet and sour cherry leaves exhibited a lower content.

CONCLUSION

Fruit tree leaves are a novel significant source and good material for isolation of α‐tocopherol for application in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or in the food industry – for example, production of beverages or other functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Burning Question: What are the Implications of Forest Fires for Woodland Caribou?
Authors: Konkolics Sean , Dickie Melanie , Serrouya Robert , Hervieux Dave , Boutin Stan
Published: August 2021

Canada's federal recovery strategy for boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) classifies areas burned by forest fire as disturbed habitat. This assignment of fire as a disturbance has potential economic and social implications across Canada, and influences plans and actions to achieve caribou conservation and recovery. Previous researchers have reported caribou avoid burned habitat, but these studies did not typically consider unburned residual patches within fire perimeters. Additionally, the implications of burned habitat on individual caribou survival is unclear. We examined resource selection by boreal woodland caribou of burns, and unburned residual patches, using global positioning system (GPS) locations for 201 caribou across 6 caribou populations in Alberta, Canada. We also examined if burned habitat affected the survival of adult female caribou. Caribou avoided burns and unburned residual patches. Increased use of burned habitats, however, did not lower the survival of adult caribou. Collectively, these results provide evidence to support current assertions that burns, and the embedded unburned residual patches are not preferred caribou habitat and increase our understanding of the implications of forest fire for caribou vital rates. Our investigation offers important information about the role of forest fire in caribou ecology and enhances the identification of disturbed habitat under recovery strategy guidelines to effectively address caribou population declines. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Elk Responses to Management Hunting and Hazing
Authors: Jones Jennifer D. , Proffitt Kelly M. , Paterson J. Terrill , Almberg Emily S. , Cunningham Julie A. , Loveless Karen M.
Published: August 2021

Human‐wildlife conflicts are widespread around the world and result in property damage, disease spillover, financial loss, and decreased tolerance of wildlife. Increasing elk (Cervus canadensis) populations and land‐use changes in the western United States are challenging resource managers tasked with managing conflict. Lethal and non‐lethal management actions are commonly used to remove elk from conflict zones where they are not desired. We used radio‐collar location data collected from female elk in 2 study areas in Montana, USA, from 2017–2020 to evaluate population‐ and individual‐level responses to management actions (i.e., hunting, hazing) and environmental factors (i.e., weather, season, time of day). First, we used a generalized linear model with a logit link to evaluate the effects of hunting, hazing, time period, seasonality, and weather on the proportion of collared elk that used a conflict zone. Second, we used an ordinary linear model to assess the influence of hunting, hazing, seasonality, and weather on the duration of time that individual elk remained away from conflict zones. The proportion of elk using conflict zones was reduced by hunting, modestly reduced by hazing and increasing snowpack for 1 study area, increased at night, and decreased by a seasonal trend across months. The time individual elk remained away from conflict zones increased with the number of hazing events that occurred during an event and showed a modest seasonal trend increasing across months. For 1 study area, time away increased with the number of hunting days during an event and increasing snowpack, but the increase was biologically trivial. Our results indicate mixed responses of elk to hunting and hazing actions and provide evidence that management actions can influence elk use of conflict areas. Agencies trying to reduce conflicts may want to consider a combination of hunting and hazing, while accounting for site‐specific characteristics to keep elk away from conflict zones. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Geometric Phase in Optics: From Wavefront Manipulation to Waveguiding
Authors: Jisha Chandroth Pannian , Nolte Stefan , Alberucci Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Geometric phase is a unifying and central concept in physics, including optics. As a matter of fact, optics played a pivotal role from the inception of this new paradigm, as some of the first experimental demonstrations have been carried out in optics. A specific type of geometric phase was first introduced by Pancharatnam while investigating interference effects between different polarizations. This specific type of geometric phase, nowadays called the Pancharatnam–Berry phase, is related to the variation of light polarization, encompassing exotic properties when compared with the dynamic phase associated with the optical path. The most widespread manifestation of the Pancharatnam–Berry phase occurs in the presence of a twisted anisotropic material, yielding a point‐wise phase modulation proportional to the local rotation angle of the material. Here the basic mechanism behind the Pancharatnam–Berry phase is discussed. The various applications of this relatively original concept in photonics are then reviewed, presenting both the most important results and manufactured devices reported in literature. The interplay between geometric phase and diffraction occurring in bulk structures is discussed in detail. In the latter case it is shown how geometric phase can be harnessed to generate a new kind of optical waveguide without the necessity of any index gradient.