bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designathons in Health Research: A Global Systematic Review
Authors: Tieosapjaroen Warittha , Chen Elizabeth , Ritchwood Tiarney , Li Chunyan , Conklin Jamie L. , Babatunde Abdulhammed , Ongkeko Arturo , Nwaozuru Ucheoma , Tucker Joseph D. , Ong Jason J.
Published: July 2023

Background

A designathon is a three-stage participatory activity informed by design thinking and rapid prototyping that includes preparation with end-users, an intensive period of collaborative teamwork, and evaluation of solutions by topic experts or community partners. A few previous systematic reviews have focused on the use of designathons in health. This study synthesised how designathons were organised and implementation-related factors to address health challenges.

Methods

We searched Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry for peer-reviewed articles until November 29, 2022. The systemic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023389685).

Results

In total, 4,947 citations were identified, with 38 studies included in this review. Most studies were from high-income countries (26, 68%). The median number of participating teams was eight (IQR 5, 15), and the duration of the intensive collaboration phase ranged from three hours to seven days. The final products (i.e., ideas and prototypes) related to four themes: mobile applications, educational programs, medical devices, and other prototypes. Common evaluation criteria were feasibility, innovation or creativity, and impact. The most common facilitators were including diverse participants and having high-quality mentorship. . The most common barriers related to planning and implementing the designathon, and engaging diverse participants to participate. There were limited data on required resources and further implementation of solutions after designathons and no data on cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Designathons are a promising tool for fostering innovative and person-centred solutions to address health challenges. Given its adaptability in terms of budget, mode of delivery, and involvement of diverse participants including end-users, designathons can be implemented in a wide range of contexts to address various health issues.
Loss of the mitochondrial carrier,SLC25A1,during embryogenesis induces a unique senescence program controlled by p53
Authors: Kasprzyk-Pawelec Anna , Tan Mingjun , Rahhal Raneen , McIntosh Alec , Fernandez Harvey , Mosaoa Rami , Jiang Lei , Pearson Gray W. , Glasgow Eric , Vockley Jerry , Albanese Christopher , Avantaggiati Maria Laura
Published: July 2023

Germline inactivating mutations of the SLC25A1 gene contribute to various human developmental disorders, including combined D/L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D/L-2HGA), a severe systemic syndrome characterized by the accumulation of both enantiomers of 2-hydroxyglutaric acid (2HG). The mechanisms by which SLC25A1 deficiency leads to this disease and the role of 2HG are unclear and no therapies exist. We now show that mice lacking both Slc25a1 alleles display a spectrum of alterations that resemble human D/L-2HGA. Mechanistically, SLC25A1 loss results in a proliferation defect and activates two distinct senescence pathways, oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) and mitochondrial dysfunction-induced senescence (MiDAS), both involving the p53 tumor suppressor and driven by two discernible signals: the accumulation of 2HG, inducing OIS, and mitochondrial dysfunction, triggering MiDAS. Inhibiting these senescence programs or blocking p53 activity reverses the growth defect caused by SLC25A1 dysfunction and restores proliferation. These findings reveal novel pathogenic roles of senescence in human disorders and suggest potential strategies to correct the molecular alterations caused by SLC25A1 loss.
ACKR3–arrestin2/3 complexes reveal molecular consequences of GRK-dependent barcoding
Authors: Chen Qiuyan , Schafer Christopher T. , Mukherjee Somnath , Gustavsson Martin , Agrawal Parth , Yao Xin-Qiu , Kossiakoff Anthony A. , Handel Tracy M. , Tesmer John J. G.
Published: July 2023

Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3, also known as CXCR7) is a scavenger receptor that regulates extracellular levels of the chemokine CXCL12 to maintain responsiveness of its partner, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), CXCR4. ACKR3 is notable because it does not couple to G proteins and instead is completely biased towards arrestins. Our previous studies revealed that GRK2 and GRK5 install distinct distributions of phosphates (or “barcodes”) on the ACKR3 carboxy terminal tail, but how these unique barcodes drive different cellular outcomes is not understood. It is also not known if arrestin2 (Arr2) and 3 (Arr3) bind to these barcodes in distinct ways. Here we report cryo-electron microscopy structures of Arr2 and Arr3 in complex with ACKR3 phosphorylated by either GRK2 or GRK5. Unexpectedly, the finger loops of Arr2 and 3 directly insert into the detergent/membrane instead of the transmembrane core of ACKR3, in contrast to previously reported “core” GPCR–arrestin complexes. The distance between the phosphorylation barcode and the receptor transmembrane core regulates the interaction mode of arrestin, alternating between a tighter complex for GRK5 sites and heterogenous primarily “tail only” complexes for GRK2 sites. Arr2 and 3 bind at different angles relative to the core of ACKR3, likely due to differences in membrane/micelle anchoring at their C-edge loops. Our structural investigations were facilitated by Fab7, a novel Fab that binds both Arr2 and 3 in their activated states irrespective of receptor or phosphorylation status, rendering it a potentially useful tool to aid structure determination of any native GPCR–arrestin complex. The structures provide unprecedented insight into how different phosphorylation barcodes and arrestin isoforms can globally affect the configuration of receptor–arrestin complexes. These differences may promote unique downstream intracellular interactions and cellular responses. Our structures also suggest that the 100% bias of ACKR3 for arrestins is driven by the ability of arrestins, but not G proteins, to bind GRK-phosphorylated ACKR3 even when excluded from the receptor cytoplasmic binding pocket.
The activator domain of bacterial collagenases drives collagen recognition, unwinding and processing
Authors: Serwanja Jamil , Wieland Alexander C. , Haubenhofer Astrid , Brandstetter Hans , Schönauer Esther
Published: July 2023

Collagens form the resilient backbone of the extracellular matrix in mammals. Only few proteases are able to digest triple-helical collagen. Clostridial collagenases can efficiently process collagen. However, little is known about the mechanism of bacterial collagenolysis of either soluble collagen or the multi-hierarchically assembled, insoluble collagen fibers. Here we present a functional analysis of the distinct roles of the individual domains of collagenase G (ColG) fromHathewaya histolytica.A broad array of biochemical, biophysical, and enzymatic data consistently revealed unexpected synergistic and antagonistic interactions between the activator, peptidase and collagen-binding domains. We found the non-catalytic activator domain to act as a master regulator, coordinating the complex interactions to specifically recognize and process the diverse physiological substrates. The results presented here enable multiple applications such as the engineering of collagenase variants with selectivity for defined substrate states.
Sperm induction of somatic cell-cell fusion as a novel functional test
Authors: Brukman Nicolas G. , Valansi Clari , Podbilewicz Benjamin
Published: July 2023

The fusion of mammalian gametes requires the interaction between IZUMO1 on the sperm and JUNO on the oocyte. We have recently shown that ectopic expression of mouse IZUMO1 induces cell-cell fusion and that sperm can fuse to fibroblasts expressing JUNO. Here, we found that the incubation of mouse sperm with hamster fibroblasts or human epithelial cells in culture induces the fusion between these somatic cells and formation of syncytia, a pattern previously observed with some animal viruses. This sperm-induced cell-cell fusion requires a species-matching JUNO on both fusing cells, can be blocked by an antibody against IZUMO1, and does not rely on the synthesis of new proteins. The fusion is dependent on the sperm’s fusogenic capacity, making this a reliable, fast and simple method for predicting sperm function during the diagnosis of male infertility.

Highlights

Sperm induces viral-like fusion of somatic cells expressing JUNO

We developed a new technique to determine the fertilization potential of sperm

The test measures the capacity of sperm to induce somatic cell fusion

The degree of somatic cell fusion correlates with the fertilizing ability of sperm

Graphical abstract
Wild edible yams from Madagascar: New insights into nutritional composition support their use for food security and conservation
Authors: Ratsimbazafy Mirana K. , Sharp Paul A. , Razanamparany Louisette , Rajaonah Mamy Tiana , Rakotoarison Feno , Khoja Kholoud K. , Wilkin Paul , Howes Melanie-Jayne R.
Published: July 2023

Yams (Dioscoreaspecies) are an important food resource in Madagascar, where both cultivated winged yam (D. alata) and wild edible yams are consumed. However, there is limited knowledge on the nutrient composition of wild edible yams in Madagascar, and on how they compare with the cultivated winged yam. Therefore, in this study, nine wild edible yam species, one with two subspecies from Madagascar (D. bako,D. buckleyana,D. irodensis,D. maciba,D. orangeana,D. pteropoda,D. sambiranensissubsp.bardotiaeand subsp.sambiranensis,D. serifloraandDioscoreaspecies Ovy valiha), were analysed for their nutrient composition, compared with cultivatedD. alata. They include 6/6 of the most favoured wild edible yam species in Madagascar. We present new nutrient composition data (protein, carbohydrate/starch, energy, lipid, β-carotene, minerals) for these nine wild edible yam species and show that they contain comparable levels of lipids and starch toD. alata, but none are better sources of protein thanD. alata. We show thatD. irodensiscontains a significantly higher β-carotene content when compared to all other edible yams analysed, and thatD. buckleyana,D. irodensisandD. sambiranensissubsp.bardotiaehave a higher calcium content than cultivatedD. alata, while all nine wild edible yam species analysed contain a higher iron content, compared to cultivatedD. alata. The nutrient composition data presented could provide new incentives to conserve wild edible yams and inform on strategies to selectDisocoreaspecies for sustainable cultivation and use, providing opportunities to enhance future food security in Madagascar.
Education to secure empire and self-government: civics textbooks in Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand, from 1880 to 1920
Authors: Kusabs Julian Rawiri
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Recent trends in Western civics education have attempted to secure democratic institutions from perceived threats. This paper investigates how political securitisation historically operated within civics textbooks in Australia and Aotearoa, New Zealand. It further evaluates how Māori, Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples were variably incorporated or marginalised in these educational discourses.

Design/methodology/approach

This discourse analysis evaluates a sample of civics textbooks circulated in Australia and New Zealand between 1880 and 1920. These historical sources are interpreted through theories of decoloniality and securitisation.

Findings

The sample of textbooks asserted to students that their self-governing colonies required the military protection of the British Empire against undemocratic “threats”. They argued that self-governing colonies strengthened the empire by raising subjects who were loyal to British military interests and ideological values. The authors pedagogically encouraged a governmentality within students that was complementary to military, imperial and democratic service. The hypocritical denial of self-government for many Indigenous peoples was rationalised as a measure of “security” against “native rule” and imperial rivals.

Originality/value

Under a lens of securitisation, the discursive links between imperialism, military service and democratic diligence have not yet been examined in civics textbooks from the historical contexts of Australia and New Zealand. This investigation provides conceptual and pedagogical insights for contemporary civics education in both nations.
Organisational culture and information security awareness of Chinese grassroots civil servants: A mediated moderation model
Authors: Chen Lin , Zhen Jie , Dong Kunxiang , Xie Zongxiao
Published: July 2023

Digital information and data significantly improve the efficiency of government work in China. At the same time, in order to deal with information security and data leakage events, public departments have begun to pay attention to the information security awareness and behaviour of civil servants. Based on organisational culture and protection motivation theory, this study constructed a mediated moderation model to explore the influence mechanism of grassroots civil servants’ awareness of information security. This study collected 324 questionnaires from four regions of China. Results show that organisational culture has a significant positive impact on information security awareness. Professional identity has a significant positive effect on public service motivation and plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between organisational culture and information security awareness. Public service motivation mediates the moderating effect of professional identity on the relationship between organisational culture and information security awareness. The findings of this study offer practical implications and suggestions for further research.

Points for practitioners

The construction of organisational culture will effectively enhance the information security awareness of Chinese grassroots civil servants.

Public departments should consider professional identity as an important factor when selecting grassroots civil servants engaged in information security work.

In the implementation of information security management strategy planning, government departments can pay attention to and emphasise the public service motivation of grassroots civil servants.
Effect of SHR0302 on the pharmacokinetics of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 probe substrates in healthy volunteers: A cocktail analysis
Authors: Fu Meng , Luo Lin , Feng Sheng , Lin Hongda , Lu Zekun , Gu Fei , Fan Yang , Wu Bing , Huang Jianying , Shen Kai
Published: July 2023

Aims

This study evaluated the effects of SHR0302 on the pharmacokinetics of cytochrome P450 (CYP) probe substrates.

Methods

We performed a single‐centre, open‐label, three‐period drug–drug interaction (DDI) study in 24 healthy subjects (NCT05392127). Subjects received a single oral dose of 5 mg warfarin (CYP2C9), 20 mg omeprazole (CYP2C19) and 15 mg midazolam (CYP3A4) on Days 1, 8 and 22, and received 0.5 mg repaglinide (CYP2C8) on Days 7, 14 and 28. Multiple oral doses of 8 mg SHR0302 were administered once daily from Day 8 to Day 28.

Results

The exposure of S‐warfarin and repaglinide were comparable before and after SHR0302 administration. AUC of midazolam was not affected by SHR0302, whereas the administration of SHR0302 slightly decreased the Cmax of midazolam by 7.6% (single dose) and 15.7% (once daily for 14 days). The AUC0‐t, AUC0‐inf, and Cmax of omeprazole were slightly decreased after a single dose of SHR0302 by 19.2%, 21.8% and 23.5%, respectively. In the presence of SHR0302 for 14 days, the AUC0‐t, AUC0‐inf, and Cmax of omeprazole were marginally reduced by 3.0%, 16.4% and 8.3%, respectively. According to the induction mechanism of the CYP enzyme, for the investigation of the induction effect, the results of multiple administrations of the perpetrator were more reliable than those of the single dose.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that co‐administration of SHR0302 8 mg once daily is unlikely to have a clinically meaningful effect on the exposure of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 in healthy subjects.
How can aid be decolonized and localized in the Pacific? Yielding and wielding power
Authors: Meki Theresa , Tarai Jope
Published: July 2023

Motivation

The colonial legacies of aid and development in the Pacific continue to be at the centre of policy debate. The ideal is to decolonize and localize the practice of aid and development. However, decolonization and localization have become highly contested in their definition and proposed practical approaches. We call decolonization and localization “decolocalization.”

Purpose

This article aims to explore perspectives and proposals for decolocalization in the Pacific Islands.

Methods and approach

We talked to five key informants, all local to their islands, all with considerable development experience; we held a focus group; and we combined these insights and learnings with our own experience as Pacific Islanders engaged with development. Our analysis is reflexive.

Findings

Development practice in the Pacific Islands typically overvalues external Euro‐centric knowledge and undervalues local knowledge. Most aid and development discourse has stressed financial figures, charts, and statistical assertions overwhelmingly from a donor perspective; Pacific non‐statistical, human, and embodied contextual realities are overlooked or discounted. Hierarchies are created that privilege outsiders and discriminate against islanders.

A practical operationalization of decolocalization can begin with the recognition and practice of outsiders yielding and insiders wielding power.

Policy implications

We recommend decolocalization as a framework for studying and analysing colonial vestiges in Pacific aid and development. Decolocalization can be practised by outsiders yielding and insiders wielding power in aid and development.

Decolocalization is not an ultimate solution to a highly complex issue, but it offers a conceptual position; one that allows Pacific Islander scholars, thought leaders, and aid and development practitioners to further unpack the nuances and issues around aid and development from a Pacific Islander perspective.
Institutional investors and corporate environmental costs: The roles of investment horizon and investor origin
Authors: Drobetz Wolfgang , El Ghoul Sadok , Fu Zhengwei , Guedhami Omrane
Published: July 2023

Using an international data set that quantifies corporate environmental costs, we analyze the influence of institutional investor ownership, particularly investment horizon and investor origin, on the monetized environmental impact generated by their investee firms. Institutional investor ownership is negatively related to corporate environmental costs. This effect is driven by long‐term foreign institutional investors, especially investors from advanced economies. Corporate environmental costs are negatively correlated with firm valuation and positively correlated with the cost of equity. Since corporate environmental costs are not reflected in environmental, social and governance ratings, our results shed new light on the role of institutional investors in shaping corporate environmental impact.
The effect of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Banakar Morteza , Lankarani K. B. , Vali Mohebat , Tabrizi Reza , Taherifard Erfan , Akbari Maryam
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Knowledge and awareness gained from mass media can prepare people for lifestyle changes and impact their health and well‐being. Considering the differences in the results of primary studies, we decided to conduct this study to evaluate the effect of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge as a systematic meta‐analysis and review.

Method

The databases such as the Web of Sciences (ISI), Scopus, PubMed/Medline, and the Cochrane Library were searched systematically until February 2022. Data pooling was performed using a random effects model. The effect sizes were estimated as odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additional analyses, including sensitivity, subgroup, and publication bias analyses, were also conducted.

Results

Our meta‐analysis comprised a total number of seven articles. The pooled results indicated significant increases in oral health knowledge among included studies (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20–2.24, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses, the effects of mass media campaigns on oral health knowledge remained significant for the studies with follow‐up of less than 150 weeks (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.49–1.91) and working‐age populations (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.40–2.32) compared to other categories.

Conclusion

In general, this study showed that mass media campaigns may have positive effects on oral health knowledge, especially in the working‐age population; it seems that for improving health knowledge among children, more initiatives are needed. Besides, the effects of these campaigns seem to be time‐dependent and higher in shorter follow‐up periods.
Periradicular tissue fluid‐derived biomarkers for apical periodontitis: An in vitro methodological and in vivo cross‐sectional study
Authors: Virdee Satnam S. , Bashir Nasir Z. , Krstic Milan , Camilleri Josette , Grant Melissa M. , Cooper Paul R. , Tomson Phillip L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Periradicular tissue fluid (PTF) offers a source of diagnostic, prognostic and predictive biomarkers for endodontic disease.

Aims

(1) To optimize basic parameters for PTF paper point sampling in vitro for subsequent in vivo application. (2) To compare proteomes of PTF from teeth with normal apical tissues (NAT) and asymptomatic apical periodontitis (AAP) using high‐throughput panels.

Methodology

(1) To assess volume absorbance, paper points (n = 20) of multiple brands, sizes and sampling durations were inserted into PBS/1%BSA at several depths. Wetted lengths (mm) were measured against standard curves to determine volume absorbance (μL). To assess analyte recovery, paper points (n = 6) loaded with 2 μL recombinant IL‐1β (15.6 ng/mL) were eluted into 250 μL: (i) PBS; (ii) PBS/1% BSA; (iii) PBS/0.1% Tween20; (iv) PBS/0.25 M NaCl. These then underwent: (i) vortexing; (ii) vortexing/centrifugation; (iii) centrifugation; (iv) incubation/vortexing/centrifugation. Sandwich‐ELISAs determined analyte recovery (%) against positive controls.

(2) Using optimized protocols, PTF was retrieved from permanent teeth with NAT or AAP after accessing root canals. Samples, normalized to total fluid volume (TFV), were analysed to determine proteomic profiles (pg/TFV) of NAT and AAP via O‐link Target‐48 panel. Correlations between AAP and diagnostic accuracy were explored using principal‐component analysis (PCA) and area under receive‐operating‐characteristic curves (AUC [95% CI]), respectively. Statistical comparisons were made using Mann–Whitney U, anova and post hoc Bonferonni tests (α < .01).

Results

(1) UnoDent's ‘Classic’ points facilitated maximum volume absorbance (p < .05), with no significant differences after 60 s (1.6 μL [1.30–1.73]), 1 mm depth and up to 40/0.02 (2.2 μL [1.98–2.20]). For elution, vortexing (89.3%) and PBS/1% BSA (86.9%) yielded the largest IL‐1β recovery (p < .05).

(2) 41 (NAT: 13; AAP: 31) PTF samples proceeded to analysis. The panel detected 18 analytes (CCL‐2, ‐3, ‐4; CSF‐1; CXCL‐8, ‐9; HGF; IL‐1β, ‐6, ‐17A, ‐18; MMP‐1, ‐12; OLR‐1; OSM; TNFSF‐10, ‐12; VEGF‐A) in ≥75% of AAP samples at statistically higher concentrations (p < .01). CXCL‐8, IL‐1β, OLR‐1, OSM and TNFSF‐12 were strongly correlated to AAP. ‘Excellent’ diagnostic performance was observed for TNFSF‐12 (AUC: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.86–1.00]) and the PCA‐derived cluster (AUC: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.89–1.00]).

Conclusions

Optimized PTF sampling parameters were identified in this study. When applied clinically, high‐throughput proteomic analyses revealed complex interconnected networks of potential biomarkers. TNFSF‐12 discriminated periradicular disease from health the greatest; however, clustering analytes further improved diagnostic accuracy. Additional independent investigations are required to validate these findings.
Platelet genetic testing by next‐generation sequencing: A practical update
Authors: Chen Dong , Pruthi Rajiv K.
Published: July 2023

Inherited platelet disorders (IPDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by normal or reduced platelet counts, bleeding diatheses of varying severities, and the presence (syndromic) or absence (non‐syndromic) of involvement of other organs. Due to the lack of highly specific platelet function tests and overlapping clinical and laboratory features, diagnosing the underlying cause of IPDs remains challenging. In recent years, genetic testing via next‐generation sequencing (NGS) technologies to rapidly analyze multiple genes has gradually emerged as an important part of the laboratory investigation of patients with IPDs. A systemic clinical and laboratory testing approach and thorough phenotype and genotype correlation studies of both patients and their family members are crucial for accurate diagnoses of IPDs.
Collection responsibility and freight insurance strategies for an e‐tailing supply chain in the presence of managerial optimism
Authors: Yu Lingfei , Xiao Tiaojun , Xu Peng
Published: July 2023

Entrepreneurs are usually optimistic when they offer return policies. We investigate the strategic interaction between the manufacturer's collection responsibility strategy (returns handled by the manufacturer or the e‐tailer) and the e‐tailer's complimentary return‐freight insurance strategy (whether to offer this insurance or not) in the presence of managerial optimism. It is found that the manufacturer's collection responsibility strategy creates the (implicit) incentive for the e‐tailer to offer complimentary return‐freight insurance. A high level of optimism and return handling costs expand the equilibrium range over which the manufacturer collects returns, and the e‐tailer offers complimentary return‐freight insurance. Contrary to conventional wisdom, we find that unilateral optimism does not always lead to a win‐win situation, but it can still result in suboptimal results on the other side. Finally, despite possibly high shipping costs, the e‐tailer's refusal to offer complimentary return‐freight insurance still benefits consumers, implying that managers with high optimism level benefit consumers.
The channel selection and coordination considering platform private‐label products
Authors: Chen Yujing , Xu Xiaoping , Zhong Yuanguang
Published: July 2023

This paper studies online channel selection problems related to introducing a platform's private‐label products to the manufacturer's own product. We examine the decision between two prevalent online sales modes: reselling mode and marketplace mode. Our results demonstrate that when the own‐label products are sold in the marketplace mode, both the manufacturer and platform prefer to sell platform's private‐label products in the marketplace mode, but the former prefers a low commission rate and the latter a high rate. However, a “win‐win” zone exists in the marketplace mode for the manufacturer and platform under a moderate commission rate. When the own‐label products are sold in the reselling mode, with the increase in the commission rate, the platform first prefers the reselling mode, then the marketplace mode, and finally the reselling mode. When the own‐label products are sold in the reselling mode, the environmental impact depends on the commission rate and the environmental advantages of the private‐label products. For quantity coordination, when the two products are sold in different modes, the manufacturer and platform can be coordinated under appropriate conditions. For social welfare coordination, even if both products are sold in the reselling mode, the two firms are coordinated under a low carbon emission.
Epigenome‐wide association study using peripheral blood leukocytes identifies genomic regions associated with periodontal disease and edentulism in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study
Authors: Zhao Naisi , Teles Flavia , Lu Jiayun , Koestler Devin C. , Beck James , Boerwinkle Eric , Bressler Jan , Kelsey Karl T. , Platz Elizabeth A. , Michaud Dominique S.
Published: July 2023

Aim

To investigate individual susceptibility to periodontitis by conducting an epigenome‐wide association study using peripheral blood.

Materials and Methods

We included 1077 African American and 457 European American participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who had completed a dental examination or reported being edentulous at Visit 4 and had available data on DNA methylation from Visit 2 or 3. DNA methylation levels were compared by periodontal disease severity and edentulism through discovery analyses and subsequent testing of individual CpGs.

Results

Our discovery analysis replicated findings from a previous study reporting a region in gene ZFP57 (6p22.1) that was significantly hypomethylated in severe periodontal disease compared with no/mild periodontal disease in European American participants. Higher methylation levels in a separate region in an unknown gene (located in Chr10: 743,992‐744,958) was associated with significantly higher odds of edentulism compared with no/mild periodontal disease in African American participants. In subsequent CpG testing, four CpGs in a region previously associated with periodontitis located within HOXA4 were significantly hypermethylated in severe periodontal disease compared with no/mild periodontal disease in African American participants (odds ratio per 1 SD increase in methylation level: cg11015251: 1.28 (1.02, 1.61); cg14359292: 1.24 (1.01, 1.54); cg07317062: 1.30 (1.05, 1.61); cg08657492: 1.25 (1.01, 1.55)).

Conclusions

Our study highlights epigenetic variations in ZPF57 and HOXA4 that are significantly and reproducibly associated with periodontitis. Future studies should evaluate gene regulatory mechanisms in the candidate regions of these loci.
Evaluating the spatial application of multivariable flood damage models
Authors: Paulik Ryan , Zorn Conrad , Wotherspoon Liam
Published: July 2023

Flood damage arises from complex interactions between flooding processes and socio‐economic elements. Damage assessments for elements such as residential buildings rely on a modelled representation of local damage factors. Multivariable model approaches are well suited for damage prediction using detailed information on flood hazard and building characteristics. While broad explanatory variable ranges can improve model prediction performance, model transfer across geographical contexts often causes performance loss. This study aims to determine if increasing explanatory damage variables in a multivariable model improves residential building damage prediction and whether models based on local variables transfer between locations. We used empirical damage observations from six flood events to train and evaluate random forest regression model prediction performance. Spatial transfer is tested by splitting event datasets with trained models applied to original and external events. Variable analysis demonstrates model performance improvement with up to seven flood hazard and building characteristics, decreasing thereafter. Event models showed highest prediction precision for the original event, while models trained on all events transfer with comparable predictions for urban stormwater flooding. Prediction precision reduces when models transfer between locations affected by different flood types. This indicates flood damage models must replicate variability in local damage factors for reliable spatial transfer.
The third generation barbed lifting threads: Added value of hyaluronic acid
Authors: Ziade Georges , Daou Dayane , Karam Desiree , Tsintsadze Murat
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Facial thread lifting is a highly demanded procedure in esthetic clinics worldwide. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and overall patients’ satisfaction of a new generation of barbed threads, in which a hyaluronic acid (HA) coat was added to the PLLA/PCL threads and compare the results with PLLA/PCL threads without HA.

Materials and methods

Twenty patients treated with the PLLA/PCL threads with or without hyaluronic acid (HA) were compared for FaceQ scales: Age appraisal, psychological function, skin satisfaction, satisfaction with facial appearance, appraisal lines of nasolabial folds, satisfaction of lower face, and jaw were compared at baseline, 4 and 12 months post‐treatment. Early impact on life and the skin adverse effects were assessed 1 week post‐treatment. Finally, patients and two physicians provided the GAIS score at 4 and 12 months and a comparison was made between the two groups.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in all scales of FaceQ for all included patients at baseline and at 4 and 12 months post‐treatment. Importantly, there were less skin‐related adverse effects such as skin redness, uneven tone, irregular surface, burning, and itching sensation at a recovery period (1 week post‐treatment) in the group receiving HA‐containing threads.

Conclusion

A notably higher long‐term improvement in aging appearance, satisfaction with face appearance, lower jaw and face as well as GAIS was seen in the group treated with HA‐containing threads compared to the other treatment arm.
Using 3% retinol peeling and cosmeceuticals for the aesthetic wellness of the oncological patient after precautionary endocrine treatment: A case series
Authors: Belmontesi M. , Noberasco C.
Published: July 2023

Background

Roughness, sagging, and skin rash are common in patients with breast cancer treated with LH‐RH analog plus tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors as adjuvant postsurgical endocrine therapy. The use of topical retinol (vitamin A) has shown to be an efficacious cosmetic treatment.

Aims

Peeling with an advanced retinol peel formulation based on 3% retinol, 4% triethyl citrate, 0.1% aminophil, bisabolol, and 1% vitamin E acetate, in a vehicle in an alcoholic solution has been successfully used to ameliorate skin appearance on subjects with photodamage and in the aged population. We aimed to verify its use during adjuvant chemotherapy.

Patients

Four subjects experiencing skin issues during postsurgical adjuvant therapy for their breast cancer received retinol peel at least 6 weeks after stopping their postsurgery therapy as a low invasive aesthetic medical treatment to be used both at the dermatology desk and at home.

Results

Retinol peel was effective, safe, and well‐tolerated, improving skin brightness and firmness in all the patients, since 4 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. Patients declared to be satisfied with the treatment and their skin appearance letting them feel better for cancer recovery, too.

Conclusion

These preliminary observations suggest that the use of an advanced retinol peel formulation might improve skin appearance in women experiencing skin damages caused by adjuvant therapy after breast cancer surgery.
Experimental study on the effect and mechanism of adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes combined with botulinum toxin A on skin trauma in rats
Authors: Zheng Hui‐Hui , Ben Xin‐Yu , Wang Ya‐Ru , Tian Meng‐Si , Meng Qing‐wen , Li De‐Xian , Wen Shi‐Lei , Ni Pan‐Li , Hao Jing‐Wen , Zhang Quan‐Peng , Yang Juan , Liu Qi‐Bing , Li Qi‐Fu , Yi Xi‐Nan
Published: July 2023

Background

Adipose stem cell‐derived exosomes (ADSC‐EXO) and botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) individually showed a therapeutic effect on skin wound repair.

Aims

This study investigated their synergistic effect on promoting skin wound healing in vitro and in vivo and the underlying molecular events.

Methods

ADSCs were isolated from Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats to obtain ADSC‐EXO by ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation and were confirmed using nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Human skin fibroblasts (HSF) were cultured and treated with or without ADSC‐EXO, BTX‐A, or their combination. Changes in cell phenotypes and protein expression were analyzed using different in vitro assays, and a rat skin wound model was used to assess their in vivo effects.

Results

The isolated ADSC‐EXO from primarily cultured ADSCs had a circular vesicle shape with a 30–180 nm diameter. Treatment of HSF with ADSC‐EXO and/or BTX‐A significantly accelerated HSF migration in vitro and skin wound healing in a rat model. Moreover, ADSC‐EXO plus BTX‐A treatment dramatically induced VEGFA expression but reduced COL III and COL I levels in vivo. ADSC‐EXO and/or BTX‐A treatment significantly upregulated TGF‐β3 expression on Day 16 after surgery but downregulated TGF‐β1 expression, suggesting that ADSC‐EXO plus BTX‐A promoted skin wound healing and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.

Conclusions

The ADSC‐EXO plus BTX‐A treatment demonstrated a synergistic effect on skin wound healing through upregulation of VEGF expression and the TGF‐β3/TGF‐β1 and COL III/COL I ratio.
Rural/urban differences in health care utilization and costs by perinatal depression status among commercial enrollees
Authors: Pollack Lisa M. , Chen Jiajia , Cox Shanna , Luo Feijun , Robbins Cheryl L. , Tevendale Heather , Li Rui , Ko Jean Y.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To understand differences in health care utilization and medical expenditures by perinatal depression (PND) status during pregnancy and 1‐year postpartum overall and by rural/urban status.

Methods

We estimated differences in health care utilization and medical expenditures by PND status for individuals with an inpatient live‐birth delivery in 2017, continuously enrolled in commercial insurance from 3 months before pregnancy through 1‐year postpartum (study period), using MarketScan Commercial Claims data. Multivariable regression was used to examine differences by rurality.

Findings

Ten percent of commercially insured individuals had claims with PND. A smaller proportion of rural (8.7%) versus urban residents (10.0%) had a depression diagnosis (p < 0.0001). Of those with PND, a smaller proportion of rural (5.5%) versus urban residents (9.6%) had a depression claim 3 months before pregnancy (p < 0.0001). Compared with urban residents, rural residents had greater differences by PND status in total inpatient days (rural: 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6–0.9 vs. urban: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.5–0.6) and emergency department (ED) visits (rural: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6–0.9 vs. urban: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.5), but a smaller difference by PND status in the number of outpatient visits (rural: 9.2, 95% CI: 8.2–10.2 vs. urban: 13.1, 95% CI: 12.7–13.5). Differences in expenditures for inpatient services by PND status differed by rural/urban status (rural: $2654; 95% CI: $1823–$3485 vs. urban: $1786; 95% CI: $1445–$2127).

Conclusions

Commercially insured rural residents had more utilization for inpatient and ED services and less utilization for outpatient services. Rural locations can present barriers to evidence‐based care to address PND.
Effects of past and present microclimates on northern and southern plant species in a managed forest landscape
Authors: Christiansen Ditte Marie , Strydom Tanya , Greiser Caroline , McClory Ryan , Ehrlén Johan , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: July 2023

Questions

Near‐ground temperatures can vary substantially over relatively short distances, enabling species with different temperature preferences and geographical distributions to co‐exist within a small area. In a forest landscape, the near‐ground temperatures may change due to management activities that alter forest density. As a result of such management activities, current species distributions and performances might not only be affected by current microclimates, but also by past conditions due to time‐lagged responses.

Location

Sweden.

Methods

We examined the effects of past and current microclimates on the distributions and performances of two northern, cold‐favoured, and two southern, warm‐favoured, plant species in 53 managed forest sites. Each pair was represented by one vascular plant and one bryophyte species. We used temperature logger data and predictions from microclimate models based on changes in basal area to relate patterns of occurrence, abundance, and reproduction to current and past microclimate.

Results

The two northern species were generally favoured by microclimates that were currently cold, characterised by later snowmelt and low accumulated heat over the growing season. In contrast, the two southern species were generally favoured by currently warm microclimates, characterised by high accumulated heat over the growing season. Species generally had higher abundance in sites with a preferred microclimate both in the past and present, and lower abundance than expected from current conditions, if the past microclimate had changed from warm to cold or vice versa, indicating time‐lags in abundance patterns of the species.

Conclusions

Our results show a potential importance of past and present microclimate heterogeneity for the co‐existence of species with different temperature preferences in the same landscape and highlight the possibility to manage microclimates to mitigate climate change impacts on forest biodiversity.
A survey on oral health‐related standard of care for head and neck cancer patients in the EU
Authors: Bertl Kristina , Kogelnik Sophie Livia , Kukla Edmund , Herrmann Harald , Schneider Steffen , Altorjai Gabriela , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: July 2023

Objective

To map oral health‐related standard of care in the context of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment across the European Union (EU).

Materials and Methods

Six hundred and ninety centers across the European Union were contacted. The questionnaire contained questions focusing on the team/department structure, HNC treatment planning routines, and assessment and handling of dental treatment needs prior to cancer treatment.

Results

Eighty‐seven centers across the EU responded. Department structure and number of HNC patients treated per year varied widely and dental professionals are included as part of the team in about 25% of the centers. Standard of care, in terms of dental assessment and preventive dentistry routines, such as recording an orthopantomogram, offering dental treatment, and providing a radiation protection splint and splint for fluoride application, differed significantly among the European regions. Independent of the region, these aspects are positively affected if dental professionals are part of the interdisciplinary treatment team and if dental treatment is offered within the center.

Conclusion

Dental professionals are still only to a very limited extent included in interdisciplinary treatment planning teams of HNC patients. However, their inclusion and/or offering dental treatment within the same hospital/center appears to improve oral health‐related standard of care.

Clinical Relevance

Inclusion of dental professionals in treatment planning teams of HNC patients appears to improve oral health‐related standard of care within HNC treatment.
Contemporary concepts on periodontal complications from prosthetic and restorative therapies
Authors: Gracis Stefano , Llobell Arturo , Chu Stephen J.
Published: July 2023

The clinical outcome of every prosthetic and restorative procedure depends on the maintenance of a healthy periodontium. It is, therefore, important that the prosthodontist and restorative dentist cause no harm or permanent damage to the underlying hard and soft tissues when performing clinical procedures necessary to carry out the planned treatment. Several factors involved in these procedures have been described to have an impact on gingival health. For the present article, a selection of four of these factors are presented with the goal of evaluating the current trends and their influence on periodontal structures: (1) tooth preparation configuration and apical extension, (2) gingival tissue sulcular expansion/retraction, (3) prosthetic contours, and (4) prosthesis marginal adaptation and the consequences of excess cement remnants. Based on the available scientific evidence and clinical experience, recommendations for the practitioner are given.
Feasibility and Acceptability of LNG 1.5 mg as an On‐Demand Pericoital Contraceptive in Ghana
Authors: McCann Brent , Liang Tina , Ramarao Saumya , Kuffour Emmanuel , Ankomah Augustine , Vandermark Moore Jessica , Bruce Henry , Essandoh Pius , Boateng Angela
Published: July 2023

Globally, there is a need for more family planning method options as currently, available options do not adequately meet the needs of women, specifically those who have infrequent sex. Levonorgestrel (LNG) 1.5 mg is widely available as emergency contraception pills (ECP), and recent research has shown that certain women take it as their main form of contraception. Furthermore, limited studies have found repeat, on‐demand use safe and efficacious.

This 12‐month prospective, single‐arm, interventional study in Ghana tested whether a single LNG 1.5 mg on‐demand or pericoital (“around the time of sex”) dose contraceptive was acceptable to women who have infrequent sex and if pharmacy provision was feasible. The study sample (1,890) comprised women of reproductive age recruited from urban areas, having infrequent sex (i.e., coital frequency ≤ 6× per month), and not using any other modern methods except condoms or ECP at the time of study inclusion.

Results indicated that there is demand and acceptability for a pericoital pill and that pharmacy provision is feasible. Furthermore, precoital use of the pill had high levels of satisfaction and was popular with new users. Adding LNG 1.5 mg for pericoital use to the family planning method mix has the potential to address an important segment of the population currently underserved, decrease unwanted pregnancies, and increase modern contraceptive prevalence rates.
The science…or not behind deferrals of blood donors with a history of cancer
Authors: Gammon Richard R. , Hopkins Courtney , Mathur Gagan , Rossmann Susan N. , Sayers Merlyn , Straus Todd
Published: July 2023

Background

In the United States (US), each blood center's medical director sets policy for donors with a cancer history.

Study Design and Methods

A subgroup of America's Blood Centers' (ABC) Scientific, Medical, and Technical Committee developed a survey to measure the determination of eligibility, policies for deferral and/or lookback when a donor reports a current diagnosis or history of cancer. A 31‐question survey was sent to 47 ABC blood centers in North America via email. Survey results were compiled and literature evaluating the risk of cancer transmission by transfusion was reviewed.

Results

Responses were received from 37 centers (79%). Donors with a history of carcinoma or sarcoma who had completed treatment were accepted at 73% of centers with no further deferral. Donors with a history of leukemia or lymphoma were permanently deferred at 76% of centers. Donors with a myelodysplastic or myeloproliferative syndrome were deferred permanently at 86% of centers. Handling of donors with high white cell counts varied. Donors with cancer not in active treatment (i.e., prostate cancer) were subject to various deferrals. Center response to post‐donation reports of cancer vary widely. Literature review yielded no evidence of transfusion‐transmitted cancer.

Conclusion

Cancer deferral policies vary widely among blood centers, and are not generally based on evidence, but on some aspect of the precautionary principle. As the donor population ages and so becomes more at risk of cancer, this approach may further reduce the available donor pool.